MONARCHY

VPK

You are correct, either way the country could have gone to wolves. I wonder about that Mr. Arezooman and who did he report to.

Dear Aynak

I think either you might have difficulty understanding my English or I might not be good enough in expressing my self.

In the sentence that you quoted from my previous comment, I was just pointing to a reality as it is. I never tried to threaten any one. Furthermore I am way passed caring about RP being sad, angry or happy.

As I told before the First and Foremost priority for me is our National interest.  But it seems that how ever I try to put this across you will always translate my comments to the worst possible intentions.

The fact that “the door to negotiation is only open while RP is not strong enough to run a one man show” is a reality of life and this is not just limited to him. Any of the current opposition groups would not even think of negotiation if they knew they could do it alone. Hell, even now although they know that they have no support base inside or out of Iran they still prefer to live in their own fantasy world rather than collaborating and negotiating or god forbid uniting with others. At least RP is trying, and that is more democratic than the rest of them put together

Even it the Western democracies the strong parties with enough votes will not go into a coalition, but smaller weaker ones do and that is how a healthy democracy works.

That is why what I told you here was more about pointing to an opportunity rather than a threat.

On the other hand asking RP to deny his hereditary duty and his obligation to his supporters is not only unrealistic but it is undemocratic and unfair to the supporters of parliamentary monarchy.

With regards to referendum it seems after all that you did not read my previous article (//iranian.com/main/2012/jan/whose-closet-are-you-hiding). As I stated there the so called “referendum” in 1979 was more a farcical show than it ever was a “referendum”.

That was exactly because it was run by a man strong enough to run a one man show without any credible opposition. That was why instead of a having a choice between a Democratic Republic, a Social Republic, a Constitutional Monarchy and an Islamic Republic or any other type of government system, it became a farcical yes/ no vote to Islamic Republic.

In reality however the decision on type of government is not something that a nation needs to make in regular basis and every 5 years.

As long as that decision is taken correctly and in an informed manner, the result can last for generations. In the same way as people in US, France or UK have voted on their type of system only once and because the decision was informed and correct the result lasted for so long and is still going strong.

If you and I do not want monarchy we have the right to do so. But we have no right to deny or even limit the choice of others to choose the type of system they want.

As long as the correct safeguards are in place RP could also campaign for Monarchy.

 I still fail to see the problem with that.

If you and I really believe in what we are advocating and hence are able to get enough vote then who cares what RP or his followers call him. Also if we realty believe in what we preach and we are true advocates of democracy we could not and should not try to force another group out of the race just because they have more votes and followers and we would not be able to compete. Wasn’t that what IRI did only two years ago?

Instead we need to have look at ourselves and find out why a person like RP or a party like monarchists are more appealing to the ordinary man and woman in the streets of Iran than you or I and our political, leader party or ideological orientation.

If we do not like what we see in the mirror then we need to change ourselves as breaking the mirror is foolish.

Furthermore because of the legacy of IRI who have thrived on negative campaign, scaremongering and conspiracy theories, I am afraid such tactics no longer works on our people.

They are more interested to know what you, I or any one else can offer them that RP can’t and why we think the system, party or leader that we are advocating could do a better job than RP. But what they do not want to hear is how many negative campaign points we can score over him or any other political rival and how many insults and baseless accusations we can direct at him.

The IRI is already doing that job to best of its ability and we all know where is that getting them into

Dear Mehrdad

I agree with you and that is just what I have been saying. But due to some reason people assume otherwise. You say pretty much what I am thinking; do you realize we are on the same page?

Why is it that people assume Reza Pahlavi supporters differ from you. Maybe some do but how do you know there are not people like you. You and others should give us benefit of doubt. My position for one is not all that different from your.

Dear Tehran e Azad

How do you know what majority of Iranian are? This kind of attack on people is unjustified. Remember the people who brought Khomeini were not the 80 %. They were the "an-tellectuals".

The 80% simply trusted the "Roshan Fekr" to guide them. A big mistake but not sign of barbarism; very much opposite. It showed a respect for education. Sadly it was a trust that was misplaced. Who took hostages: the university students. Not the 80 %.

Please blame those who deserve blame. People such as Bazargan; Sanjabi and so on. Not the poor guy in the village or the Kurds in their region. This is both wrong and unfair. 

Next time I hope people do not put so much trust in a person because he has a Ph. D. 

Nor because he or she has a Noble prize or a title of "Ayatollah".

PS: light year is a measure of distance not time.

Dear Jeesh Daram

ترس ما کم که نشد هیچ- دو صد چندان شد

آریو برزن:  Thatwas why I told you the only way to control RP would be to sit around the same table and negotiate with him as equals. But I should warn you that is not a open ended invitation. If we got in on time and secured our place around that negotiation table while RP is not strong enough torun a one man show then we are in with a chance. Otherwise we will be left out for ever and as a result another dictatorship will be born.

دقیقا به همین دلیل دوست محترم، --حیطه قدرت و مسولیت رضا پهلوی می بایست --پیش از- و نه --پس از- هرگونه توافقی مشخص شود.
   البته اگر این کافی نبود،  شوشتری: "آنان که با جمهوری اسلامی به قدرت رسیدند، بر اساس یک شناخت واقعی، در رژیم گذشته به درستی جایشان در زندان بود! "

ای بابا، پس انگار علم غیب بوده؟   پس با همان درایت، همه کسانی که میدانیددر آینده خطا کار خواهند شد را از روز بعد از رسیدن به قدرت باید محاکمه ومحکوم کرد؟

شراب سرخ عزیز می گوید:

دوستان یا فارسی من را متوجه نمیشوند یا به خود زحمت خواندن نمیدهند.  من کجا  چنین جسارتی را کردم که بگویم آقای رضا پهلوی حضور داشته یا نداشته باشد؟   ولی آیا حق دارم که بپرسم-  همین الان و قبل از به قدرت رسیدن نقش خود را مشخص کنید؟   راستی دوست محترم، برای شما نفس یک رفراندم که یک بار -- و برای همیشه ملتی را محکوم به قبول یک سیستم می نماید کما اینکه حکومت اسلامی چنین کرد، سوال بر انگیز نیست؟  برای ما که می بینیم قدرت متمرکز شده در دست یک شخص چگونه میتواند ریشه کامل فساد و ترویج آن باشد، چگونه میتوانیم به این راحتی یک بار دیگر کلیت آن را به یک رفراندم واگذار کنیم؟  راستی اگر رضا پهلوی دلش برای ایران-- و نه قردت برای خود سوخته چرا برای ایران نمی گوید، من حاضرم هر خدمتی در راه جنبش دمکراسی خواهی بنمایم، ولی تست سلطنت امتحان داده و از من نخواهید پادشاه باشم.  از نظر شما این از محبوبیت او خواهد کاست؟  سوال اساسی من که دوستان نمی خواهند بدان پاسخ دهند، و به گمان من نمی توانند این است:

For me and you it's over! maybe next generations!!!

Unforetunately 70-80 percent of Iranians are nothing but a whole bunch of barberic animals stuck in the middle ages, that deserve nothing better than Khamenei, Basij and sepah. The idea and understanding of democracy and a democratic regime is light years beyond majority of Iranians.  Agha boro haleto bokon, vagar na ta cheshmeto baz koni akhare khat khahi resid!

This is how I see it when it comes to RP and monarchist…

I believe the best thing RP can do for Iran and Iranians is to try to unit all opposition groups that share the same strategic goal, namely a secular democracy, as this fraction in opposition has been the weakest link in confronting IRI.  Sadly, I believe, RP supporters have done and continue to do more damage in that arena then RP has helped unifying Iranians.

As  a staunch non-monarchist, which I believe every person must stand on his/her own merits as oppose to inherited one, RP has been capturing my attention more and more in the recent years and all in a positive way and I attribute a lot of that by him trying to stand on his own merit and independence especially from the “special interest” in US.

But one thing we all need to realize and come to term with is that without getting rid of IRI first, no one will have a place in Iran and the future system of Iran need and should be decided by Iranians particularly those living in Iran.

'Hambastegi' is the main key to victory 

Mehrdad

شاه چه تصمیمی گرفت

این مقاله در مورد مقایسه دو رژیم و تشریح عواملی که باعث تغییر رژیم گردید بنده را بیاد خاطره ای انداخت.   تقریبا ده روز بعد از دستگیری خمینی در پانزده خرداد بود و روز بعد از اعدام طیب حاج رضایی که شخص شاه امام جمعه را بخانه ما فرستاد و تیمسار نادرخانی هم بهمراه او بود و همینطورتیمسار نصیری رئیس ساواک و آقای آرزومان صاحب کالباس آرزومان.  گفتند عجله کنید و کفشتان را بپوشید اعلیحضرت شما را به صاحبقرانیه احضار کرده است.  گفتم بابا اجازه بدهید لباسم را بپوشم و از ما اصرار و از ایشان انکار که خیر با همین پیژامه و زیر پیراهن سفید که به تن دارید بیائید.  خلاصه ما با همان وضع و لباس مسخره و یک دمپایی با حضرات به کاخ رفتیم و شاه در سالن بود و اشاره کرد بما که وارد شویم. ما هم باتفاق تیمسار و امام جمعه و نصیری وارد شدیم وخوشبخنانه اکثر آقایان هم با لباسهای خانه حضور یافته بودند و شخص شاه نیز یک روب دو شامبر حمام بتن داشت و موهایش را نیز با یک حوله سفید بمانند مارلین دیتریش بسته بود و یک چوب سیگار بلند در دست داشت و مشغول کشیدن سیگار.  ولی خانمها همه سر و ضعشان خوب بود. باری، بما چای تعارف کردند و روی میزها مقدار زیاد آجیل و انواع شیرینی جات نیز بود و جای دوستان خالی مقدار زیادی باقلوا و مسقطی با چای صرف شد.پس از نطق کوتاهی شاه از همه حاضرین که شامل تمام وزرا و افسران ارشد نیروهای سه گانه و برخی از سفرای ایران در کشورهای خارجی، نخست وزیر و تعداد زیادی خانمهای شیک پوش بود، این سئوال را مطرح نمود:  "بعقیده شما من با خمینی چه کنم و شما مجازات او را چه میدانید؟" پس از قدری تامل چنین ادامه داد:  "این مرد به ایران و ایرانی خیانت کرده است و با توطئه و تبانی با طبقه بازاری و آخوند ایجاد ارتجاع سیاه نموده است و مملکت را بسوی هرج و مرج سوق داده است."............پس از بیش از سی دقیقه شور و تفکر و اندیشه و صرف شیرینی جات، اکثر حاضرین رای بر آن دادند که او را تبعید نکند و اجازه بدهد که نه تنها در ایران بماند بلکه او را دعوت کنند که در تلویزیون و رادیو در بحث و گفتگو شرکت کند و باین طریق خود مردم به بیسوادی او پی خواهند برد و مسئله خود بخود حل خواهد شد.  شاه بفکر فرو رفت و گفت "تا فردا نتیجه تصمیمات خود را اعلام خواهم کرد".  با این سخن جلسه تعطیل شد و همگی بخانه هایشان باز گشتند.  فردای آنروز نصیری و سپهبد ایادی بدفتر من آمدند و بعد از نوشیدن یک گیلاس کنیاک اظهار داشتند که شاه پس از مشورت با سفیر انگلیس قانع شد که باید خمینی را تبعید کند و دلیلی که سفیر ارائه داده بوده است چنین بوده که اگر خدای نکرده برای اعلیحضرت اتفاق سوئی بیافتد، هواداران کمونیسم به آسانی قدرت را در دست خواهند گرفت، و چه بهتر آنکه اعلیحضرت با صلاحدید خودشان یک ابله را در آب نمک بخوابانند برای روز مبادا، که اگر هم اتفاقی افتاد آن ابله را موقتا سر کار بگذارند تا آنکه ولیعهد بسن بلوغ برسد، شاشش کف کند و بتواند آن ابله را کنار بگذارد و خود زمام امور را بدست بگیرد.  این تصمیم شاه بر اساس پیشنهاد سفیر انگلستان سرنوشت تاریخ ایران را عوض نمود و باقی ماجرا را هر کدام شما بهتر میدانید.  حالا باید دید آن ابلهانی که اکنون انگلیس در آب نمک خوابانده است کدامین هستند و چه موقع نوبت خیمه شب بازی آنان خواهد رسید.  نقل از کتاب تاریخ معاصر ایران با پاورقی و انعکاس برگرفته شده از کتاب  راز کامیابی مهوش بقلم خود آن مرحومه.  حق چاپ و انتشار محفوظ است 

Dear VPK

Your answer was in your own comment. UK like every other true democracy has an INDEPENDENT JUSTICE SYSTEM. Their police force is there to serve the justice system and not the government. That is the secret and that is what we are missing in Iran. Believe me that even in these societies whenever there is a loophole in the law, personal gains come first.

We need to learn from these societies rather than carry with the methods that have failed so many times. If we are so bad and cannot respect the law (or learn to respect it) then what good can come out of 1 or a few good people? Off to bed, will be back tomorrow.

Shushtari

Agreed I have been saying the same thing for years. This regime needs to go because it promotes the worng values and wrong people. 

vpk...

we did have someone close- dr bakhtiar....

it was 1979 where we needed to reform the system- and not a revolution...

the opposite is true today- the akhoondak system has to be destroyed completely by a revolution- unlike what the paid lobbyists outside iran claim- that it is a reformable system 

Divaneh Jan

Dear VPK

The country that I live in (UK) and most other European democracies show that system can control the people and prevent and punish abuse of authority. Now you try to find one fair society that is based on the good will of people. I agree with you in the theory and share your ideals but I don't see the reliance on the goodness of people as a practical solution.

Divaneh Jan

I must disagree. A system is only as good as the people who run it. You may have a great constitution. Best laws that were written but bad people will ruin it. So it is important to have the right people.

Next is the constant accusation that Pahlavi supporters want a dictatorship. Who said the price is total power in hands of one person? If anything this has been refuted all the time. Yes it is possible that Pahlavi is making it all up.

With the right people around a dictatorship is impossible. You see people are the important part. The pre-IRI system was to be a parliamentary Monarchy. The people including Shah ruined it. This time better get the right people.

زنده باد دیوانه

دیوانه ی عزیز، گرچه دیوانه ای ولی از صد عاقل بهتر و رساتر حقّ مطلب را ادا کردی. مساله شخص نیست بلکه سیستم است 

عینک و امثالهم تقصیر ندارند

ترس اینان از سلطنت در حقیقت ترس از خود می‌‌باشد. به عبارت دیگر در خود و اصولاً در ملت ایران این کفایت و آمادگی را نمی‌‌بینند که همانند کشور‌های دمکراتیکی که نهاد سلطنت را نگاه داشته ولی اساس را بر دموکراسی قرار داده‌اند عمل کنند. از طرفی‌ حرف آنان چندان بی‌ پایه هم نیست. به زبان بی‌ زبانی‌ می‌گویند پس از سی‌ سال رحل اقامت در فرنگ انداختن هنوز همان گناهی را مرتکب شده‌اند که به خانم بقراط نسبت میدهند.

بقول شاعر 

شکایت از که برم خانگیست غمازم

آن چه اهمیت دارد سیستم است و نه شخص

عینک جان بسیار خوب جواب این مقالۀ ناپخته را دادید. به نظر می آید که خانم بقراط خود نیز چندان وقتی را به مطالعه تاریخ اختصاص نداده که اینچنین ناآگاه سخن می گوید. در خدمات خاندان پهلوی به ایران و مشکلاتی که با آن دست بگریبان بودند هیچ شکی نیست اما نادیده گرفتن بسیاری از روشنفکران که در هر کدام از دو دستگاه نقش اساسی در تحولات داشتند حق ناشناسی است. این هم که بگوییم پهلوی ها هیچ اشتباهی نکردند چیزی بجز جزمی گرایی نیست هر چند که می توان با اطمینان گفت که اندیشۀ آنها خدمت به ایران و فراهم آوردن زمینۀ پیشرفت آن بود.

فانتزی ساختن از پادشاهان فاسد و نالایق گذشته و آن را جزء جدایی ناپذیر فرهنگ ایرانی خواندن نیز چیزی نیست به جز مغلطه و سطحی گرایی. مثل اینکه شاه سلطان حسین ، فتحعلیشاه ، محمد خوارزمشاه و یا خسرو پرویز خیلی گلهای بزرگی به سر ما زدند که حالا ما باید در غیابشان آه افسوس بکشیم.

بنده فکر می کنم که ما به یک کنگره ملی برای رهبری مخالفین جمهوری اسلامی احتیاج داریم و شاهزاده رضا پهلوی بهترین و لایقترین فرد برای مدیریت چنین کنگره ای است. اما به چه قیمت؟ اگر قیمت آن سلطنت به معنای تمرکز اختیارات در دست یک نفر و بدون قدرت مردم در تعویض رییس مملکت باشد، باید گفت که این قیمت بسیار گرانی است. بنده هیچ شکی در درستی و پاک نهادی رضا پهلوی ندارم اما صحبت از شخص نیست بلکه از سیستم است. پس از رضا پهلوی قدرت در دست که خواهد بود؟ هرگونه دستگاهی اعم از پادشاهی و یا ولایت که به تمرکز قدرت و استقرار آن در یک فرد و یا گروهی معدود بیانجامد موجب فساد می شود. کدام خاندان پادشاهی را در تاریخ ایران می شناسید که کارش به فساد نیانجامید؟ چند بار باید آزموده را آزمود؟ گاه آن آمده که سرنوشت ایران به دست مردمش اراده شود و این اختیار را داشته باشند که قدرت را از حاکم نالایق بدون خونریزی پس بگیرند. 

در پایان باید خدمت خانم بقراط عرض کنم که شما با چنیین مقالات خام نه تنها هیچگونه کمکی به شاهزاده نمی کنید بلکه چون خاله خرسه به او ضربه می زنید.   

Responses

Dear Afshinazad: you are absolutely right. People keep yelling for democracy but have no understanding of it. Reza Shah had no choice and today I praise Reza Pahlavi. 

Dear MM: I am fine with Reza Pahlavi calling meetings and conference. But I worry it might become a fiasco with people arguing over power. That is one reason I want Reza Pahlavi to be the chair. That is it. No argument and we just move. If not then the whole thing becomes about who gets what position. I don't want that to happen. I absolutely do not want self declared "intellectuals" or "peace activists" to take over. They are full of themselves; already did massive harm and will do it again. 

The other problem is arguing forever and not acting. We are never going to have 100% agreement. Hence once there is sufficient agreement people might as well move. 

Why Reza Pahlavi ?

The fact is that the shah has always been symbol of unity, integrity and strenght of our nation throughout the history. From weak shah such as Soltan Hossaine arose strong man by the name of Nader who brought Iran prosperity and dignity. From wimpy Ahamad shah Qjar arose stong man by the name of Reza shah the Great who modernized Iran to the standard level of European countries. At this critical moments of our country and crisis in Persian Gulf , Iran needs shah more than any other time in it's history. Some one who can unit people under one flag which is a powerful flag of lion with sword in it's hand and crown on it's head. Some one who carries the wishes of our ancestors from many centuries and many generations. Some one who is open to all people's views from different angles. Some one who is the voice of our nation among international community. Some one by the name of Reza Pahlavi who had been trained to be a shah. Reza shah the Great sent his beloved son to Switzerland to be trained to be a Padeshah of Persia. The separation from his son was so painful for Reza khan, but he did it for the future of Iran. Our late shah divorced her beloved wife Soraya because she couldn't have a baby to carry the crown of padeshahi in Iran. It was very painful for our shah to divorce Soraya, but he did it for the future of Iran and our traditional political system which is monarchy.  Reza Pahlavi is well mannered, well educated and can truely represent Iranians among international community and defend Iranian's rights. Reza Pahlavi was raised by lovely mother who is kind hearted and talented lady. She is well known to all Iranian people. May God bless all the family. Payandeh Iran.

                      GOAL : RESTORING MONARCHY 

IRAN FIRST

ایران مهمتر از شخص و یا ایدولوژی و یا مذهب و یا احزاب است.
شاهزاده پهلوی و یا هر کس دیگری که در راه نجات ایران تلاش میکنند قابل ستایش و احترام هستند و اختلافات بچه گانه ما ایرانیان غیر بخشش است. هر کسی که متقعد به دموکراسی و ازادی ملت ما از دژخیمان مذهبی هستند نباید نیروی خود را بر علیه همدیگر لکنلد ، بلکه بایستی متحد شد. رضا پهلوی یک شخصی است که شفاف تر از هر شخص دیگری عقیده و هدفش را برای نجات وطن توضیح داده است ، پس از ۳۳ سال حکومت اسلامی و مدارک روشن از گذشته خود امروز بایستی این فهم را داشته باشیم که چرا رضا شاه نمی توانست با دموکراسی ایران را بسوی پیشرفت ببرد و لازم است بفهمیم که رضا شاه کشور را از دوران طالبان افغاتستان وهم  شاید بدتر از ان بوده به دست گرفت و امروز چطور میشود مدعی ان شد ملتی که ۹۹% بیسواد است دموکراسی را بفهمد. درمورد محمد رضا شاه تمام ملت ایران یک طرف فهم و کمبود درک سیاسی روشنفکران و سیاستمداران و خیانت کارن ایران طرف دیگر. شاه, مشکل ملت و یا کشور نبود بلکه برعکس تمام شایعات, شاه کشور را به طرف دموکراسی میبرد و جنگ سرد غرب وشرق عامل کمبود ازادی سیاسی بود و امروز بعد از ۳۳ سال بعد از شاه دیکتاتوری واقعی را شناختیم و دموکراسی کشورهای غربی را نیز شناختیم و خیلی ازما امروز درک میکتند که ازادی اجتماعی و فرهنگی و اقتصادی و مذهب و دادگاهای مستقل زمان شاه بنای دموکراسی بود که همه ان ازدی های زمان شاه ۹۵ درصد از بنای دموکراسی امروز  را شامل می شود و فقط ۵ درصد متعلق به ازادی سیاسی است ، ملتی مثل ایران ۳۳ سال قبل میتوانست ازادی سیاسی را درک بکند اگر کسانی مانند سنجابی و یا بازرگان و یا چپی های اسلامی و کومنیستها و  یا اخوندها و بنی صدر ها دنبال قدرت نبودند و اگر هدف انان ایرانی بهتر بود. ولی جای تاسف است که همه انها دنبال خودخواهی و خود پادشاهی و چپاول و ویرانی ایران بودند نه چیزی به غیر از ان.

IRAN FIRST

ایران مهمتر از شخص و یا ایدولوژی و یا مذهب و یا احزاب است.
شاهزاده پهلوی و یا هر کس دیگری که در راه نجات ایران تلاش میکنند قابل ستایش و احترام هستند و اختلافات بچه گانه ما ایرانیان غیر بخشش است. هر کسی که متقعد به دموکراسی و ازادی ملت ما از دژخیمان مذهبی هستند نباید نیروی خود را بر علیه همدیگر لکنلد ، بلکه بایستی متحد شد. رضا پهلوی یک شخصی است که شفاف تر از هر شخص دیگری عقیده و هدفش را برای نجات وطن توضیح داده است ، پس از ۳۳ سال حکومت اسلامی و مدارک روشن از گذشته خود امروز بایستی این فهم را داشته باشیم که چرا رضا شاه نمی توانست با دموکراسی ایران را بسوی پیشرفت ببرد و لازم است بفهمیم که رضا شاه کشور را از دوران طالبان افغاتستان وهم  شاید بدتر از ان بوده به دست گرفت و امروز چطور میشود مدعی ان شد ملتی که ۹۹% بیسواد است دموکراسی را بفهمد. درمورد محمد رضا شاه تمام ملت ایران یک طرف فهم و کمبود درک سیاسی روشنفکران و سیاستمداران و خیانت کارن ایران طرف دیگر. شاه, مشکل ملت و یا کشور نبود بلکه برعکس تمام شایعات, شاه کشور را به طرف دموکراسی میبرد و جنگ سرد غرب وشرق عامل کمبود ازادی سیاسی بود و امروز بعد از ۳۳ سال بعد از شاه دیکتاتوری واقعی را شناختیم و دموکراسی کشورهای غربی را نیز شناختیم و خیلی ازما امروز درک میکتند که ازادی اجتماعی و فرهنگی و اقتصادی و مذهب و دادگاهای مستقل زمان شاه بنای دموکراسی بود که همه ان ازدی های زمان شاه ۹۵ درصد از بنای دموکراسی امروز  را شامل می شود و فقط ۵ درصد متعلق به ازادی سیاسی است ، ملتی مثل ایران ۳۳ سال قبل میتوانست ازادی سیاسی را درک بکند اگر کسانی مانند سنجابی و یا بازرگان و یا چپی های اسلامی و کومنیستها و  یا اخوندها و بنی صدر ها دنبال قدرت نبودند و اگر هدف انان ایرانی بهتر بود. ولی جای تاسف است که همه انها دنبال خودخواهی و خود پادشاهی و چپاول و ویرانی ایران بودند نه چیزی به غیر از ان.

VPK

I would suggest that RP gets a conference of all the democratic opposition factions together to decide on a common denominator (set of forward-looking preamble / constitution) that binds all of us together.  Then, the conference can decide on a committee that has a chairperson, RP or not. 

We have to do this right this time around.  We cannot just gather around a person, an ideology or even a flag and scream hoora / marg-bar....

As Mehrdad says: "Hambastegi is the key"

MM

Before I go in more detail I want to get one thing right. I am talking about Reza Pahlavi as a leader for opposition. Not for post Islamic Republic Iran.

• I already said many Reza Pahlavi supporters are not Monarchists. I support him as the best option now. But I am not a Monarchist. Why the good people of IC not read things fully; please read what I have said.
• You do not have to trust anybody. Don't you people get it: nobody has to support any particular opposition. In fact you don't have to do anything. The problem is when people tell me I don't have a right to support Pahlavi.
• We are the people of Iran and I decide what I want. Or are you saying I do not have the right to choose for myself. If so then forget about "democracy". But if not then I am free do make my choice.

MM, Great Points

Clergys/ religion must not have any role in future constititution.

I bet in Free IRAN we don not have more than 1/3 of population as moslem.  Therefore, in FREE IRAN has multi religions /multi ethenics.

VPK

A few minor points first: 

1. The Monarchists' slogan is "Restoration".  If that is restoration to the 1906 constitution, with all its shortcomings as far as giving powers to the Shah and the clergy, then I have to say no.

2. The sign in our local grocery store says "In God we trust, but you pay cash". While I do not know RP personally, and like what I hear, I distinctly remember Khomeini sitting under the apple tree in France and promising the world to Iranians and then we got the current crappy constitution, and me saying "I cannot believe Iranians are buying this $hit".

3. It will be up to the people of Iran to decide the future of Iran. 

So, as far as I am concerned, while I know that RP has articulated his intentions regarding the next monarchy, I will be happy if RP changes the 1906 constitution or introduces amendments to the 1906 constitution or formally signs a declaration that takes away the powers of the Shah and the clergy while adding human rights, secular elections and neutrality on religion into the 1906 constitution. 

Or, better yet, start anew with his own declared constitution.

Dear Aynak

One thing that I would like to make clear here is that I have not particular view on RP or institution of monarchy one way or another. I am only interested in democracy and since as I explained several times before the problem lays somewhere else (in our attitude as a nation)

In order to have a democracy we need to act democratic and respect the rights of others including and especially the rights of those we are in utter disagreement with.

With regards to RP noting is certain. As you have put it yourself if we do not respond to him properly he could also become another dictator. As I have explained in one of my previous articles (//iranian.com/main/2010/jan/1979-all-over-again) we could end up in the same place in 33 years time.

However this is the fact of life that noting is certain and the out come at the end of the day depends on our way of dealing with these events and people.

If you an I truly believe in democracy then we need to accept that like anyone else the followers of RP or members of MKO have also the right to chose their leaders.

Furthermore we could never change their mind by dismissing or insulting them, their leader or their choice of governing system.

At the end of the day we are all in this together. If you and I do not like RP then so be it. But in order for us to get somewhere with out argument we need to stop the negative and start with  the positive one.

You and I can go on for ever talking about the perfect system and type of government that we want for Iran or why we think that RP or anyone else is not a suitable choice.

But unless we put our theory into action it will remain just that, a theory. Furthermore in order to get the wheels turning on that theory we need an organisation and more importantly a leader with a name and a face. Some one people could relate to trust to follow, or at least question

The fact of the matter is that today our people are not interested in us telling them how imperfect RP or his followers are or why he might become another dictator. They want to know if we have a better alternative and if we do not then RP will be their best choice. At the end of the day life is about compromise as most the times you get what is available and not what you want.

However wrong they may be in that choice if you and I were not able to change their mind in a logical manner then it will be their right to peruse it.

That was why I told you the only way to control RP would be to sit around the same table and negotiate with him as equals. But I should warn you that is not a open ended invitation. If we got in on time and secured our place around that negotiation table while RP is not strong enough to run a one man show then we are in with a chance. Otherwise we will be left out for ever and as a result another dictatorship will be born.

With regards to his position on Monarchy I see no problem with Reza Pahlavi’s argument. All he is asking for the moment is a free referendum for people to choose the system of government and if constitutional monarchy was chosen then we would take his other role and responsibility as a king. I the mean time his followers can call him prince or even god as long as he do not exceed his democratic right I do not have problem with a hereditary title. A title would never make one a dictator but lack of an effective constructive challenger does. That why it is vital today for all our opposition factions and group to put aside their historic quarrels and sit around a negotiation table. Furthermore if they are really democratic and patriot and not  just in it for their own pocket then they need put our national interest first and be willing to negotiate with every group and faction however small or unpopular. Otherwise talk of democracy is just hollow slogans

There is no problem with that fighting for a referendum. But we need to assure that he sticks to his promise and we can only do it from inside as an equally powerful partner around the negotiation table  an not as an outsider.

I have explained this choice in details in my previous article (//iranian.com/main/2012/jan/whose-closet-are-you-hiding) and I am vey keen to know your input

 آنان که با

 آنان که با جمهوری اسلامی به قدرت رسیدند،

That is a great point. Many who are anti-Pahlavi on this site had moved up the ladder of "success" through IRI. And most likely have been supporters of IRI before the 2009 election when the  reformers were thrown under the bus. The reformers viscerally cannot forget or bite the hands that has been feeding them until a few years ago.

A state of war only serves as an excuse for domestic tyranny.--Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn.

Basis of opposition to Reza Pahlavi

Much of the opposition is made up of people with personal hatred of Pahlavi. Some were invested in overthrowing his father. A number of them prefer this regime. But regardless of motive they do not want Pahlavi.

Instead of saying it outright they come up with "talking points". They ask these questions over and over. No matter how many times the are answered. No matter how well documented the reposes. They don't care but repeat them.

I am going to ask a question from Aynak and others who oppose RP. Are there any conditions under which you will support him? If not why should he waste his time responding to you? This is going to distract him from more important things.