Practical path towards democracy

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Practical path towards democracy
by MM
12-Apr-2010
 

I see a lot of independent actions and lines of thought as what to do to reach one faction's goal of whatever they are preaching.  Others are screaming for a referendum, but as long as IRI is in charge/power, they will never accept to put a referendum of yes/no to the Islamic Republic.  Here is a practical path towards democracy in Iran, the way I see it, of course.  I appreciate feedback and any other practical suggestions that do not ask for physical foreign interventions in order to make this "Made in Iran by Iranians". 

1. Unification of Opposition: The first step in a practical path towards democratization of Iran is the unification of the opposition democratic forces in Diaspora followed by a bridge of dialogue with the Iranian voices.  David/RP/Shirin Ebadi & others (?) need to put differences aside and have a "bring democracy to Iran" meeting to coordinate efforts.

2. Pressure on IRI via ......: The Second step in the path is to put pressure on IRI via demonstrations/strikes (oil strikes in particular).  See Prof Sharp's "198 tactics for civil disobedience" article in Farsi.  International pressure thru the UN, the EU, the Amnesty International and other democratic voices are included here.  Boycotts as well as sanctions on Sepah/IRI leaders/Ghods/Basij arms abroad as well as freezing the accounts of stolen Iranian money by IRI leaders abroad are also included here.  See, e.g., reports in Iran Proud and also ireport in CNN on the stolen money in bank accounts abroad.  The unified forces in #1 can play a major role in coordinating efforts here as well as #3.

3. Increase in violence: I am sorry to say that I do not see IRI just going away peacefully, since they do not have any place to go and hide except in Gaza and Lebanon.  We just saw this escalation of violence leading to victory in Kyrgyzstan too.  As the only legitimate armed entity in Iran, we need to pay attention to the real armed forces of Iran to back the opposition. 

4. Referendum: Discussion of various democratic constitutions followed by a referendum.

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Mehrban

Thanks MM

by Mehrban on

Thank you MM for this blog.


MM

Capt - we need a neutral corner for introduction&moderation

by MM on

You see it here at IC that if we try to talk from within the bubbles we have created, soon it turns into a spitting contest (keeping it clean here).  If we are guests at a neutral corner, and moderated by a respected person like Shirin Ebadi, Ladan or Roya Boroumand or Shadi Sadr under an umbrella that everyone respects, I think it will be an excellent start.  I think Shirin Ebadi is hesitant because her relatives/sister are harrassed by IRI every time Shirin make news.  But, there are others:

My second choice is Shadi Sadr who is a lawyer, human rights advocate, has been to Evin, defended many in Iran and has won two major awards in the west (2009 Lech Walesa award and 2010 International Women of Courage Award).

My third choice are the Boroumand sisters who along Shadi Sadr won the 2009 Lech Walesa award.


David ET

Capt

by David ET on

 Thank you Sir.

Dr. Ebadi ever since winning the Nobel has been well aware of her potential to unite and becoming a unifying force and in fact had been asked by many to assume the historical role that has been upon her and post election more than ever she can assume such role; but to date she has not stepped up to the task.

We have many people with names, background, knowledge and history but due to lack of democratic channels and other historical factors lack those with "leadership" capacity but that can change at any time.. 

"When the student is ready, the teacher will appear"

 


MM

David - OK for Ebadi (others?) to start as human rights platform

by MM on

We are like a car that needs that initial push to start the engine.  It would be OK to start a meeting under a human rights platform to introduce everyone and take the air out of various bubbles that different factions are breathing under.

But, as I said, someone like Shirin Ebadi!  There are others like the Boroumand sisters (Ladan and Roya) as well as Shadi Sadr who have won human rights awards, not as prestigious as Nobel, but still impressive and respected by most factions.


capt_ayhab

Dr. Ebadi

by capt_ayhab on

MM:

I find Dr. Ebadi the BEST person for moderation, IF that can ever take place.

She has years of on hand human rights activity under her belt. She is well respected by ALL factions. She has been INSIDE the oppression two fold, 1) being in Iran and 2) being a woman, not to mention the FIRST ever Nobel prize winner woman in Iran.

David ET:

Signed and will spread. Thank you sir.

-YT 


David ET

MM

by David ET on

Ebadi has often stated that she only wish to focus on human rights and law.  Also so far she does not seem to have political capability but if she does she will be supported.

Sign and spread the Iranian Solidrity Declaration 


MM

David - we are saying the same, but how to get to that point?

by MM on

In order to reach the point that you and I are talking about, there needs to be cooperation of all factions for coordination, and emergence of leaders.  Again, there needs to be a meeting of all factions, and hopefully, Shirin Ebadi will call for it so that everyone goes to a neutral corner for talks.


MM

Thanks Capt. - need meeting of all factions, moderated by Ebadi

by MM on

In my opinion, the first step is a meeting of all factions in order to find common grounds on which everyone can work with.  Once cooperation begins, leaders will emerge.

To be successful, we need everyone to be going in the same direction, but right now, with different factions in their own bubbles, nothing will happen.  However, a rather semi-neutral person like Shirin Ebadi, can call for a meeting, and I believe with her earned respect, most factions will gather for a democracy pow-wow.


David ET

Capt

by David ET on

Well put: "Uniting the opposition, being the most important step, lacks the strong and effective leadership at this point. However, if the movement reignites, a strong and courageous leader might and will emerge ..."

                       Sign and spread the Iranian Solidarity Declaration 


capt_ayhab

Problem as I see

by capt_ayhab on

Point is well taken particularly when we are talking about unification of the opposition being the first and most fundamental step toward the chance.

For a brief period after the election, there seemed that all the forces of oppositions had come together under one banner with Mousavi who was, in appearance at least, the unifying figure. However he proved to be  unable to truly lead the movement by calling on general strikes.

At the juncture that we are now, there is not one unifying strong figure/group who  can consolidate the opposition in one single direction with means of achieving the goal, which is complete change over and elimination of Islamic from Republic of Iran.

I do not see any popularity for Reza Pahlavi except a very marginal one. In addition, Reza Pahlavi by nature of his blood line, already represents a oppressive regime. This is not to implicate him with the crimes of his father of course.

Reza Pahlavi also lacks the leadership qualities and charisma to the point of being useless. Another damaging reputation that he has managed to amass is his association with foreign agent organizations such as AIPAC and Likud Party in Israel.

Shirin Ebadi although the most courageous with the best of the platforms and track record, particularly when we look at her solid back ground on Human Rights issues from within the boarders, lacks the experience of energizing a movement of this magnitude. Shirin Ebadi, unlike Reza Pahlavi who only talks the talk when it comes to human rights, she also walks the walk at least.

Uniting the opposition, being the most important step, lacks the strong and effective leadership at this point. However, if the movement reignites, a strong and courageous leader might and will emerge from within Iran.

 

Thanks MM, this blog is rather nice change of pace.

-YT 


David ET

راه سقوط رژیم

David ET


The article can also be found here

//iransecular.blog.com/2010/03/03/collapse/

 //iranian.com/main/blog/david-et-26

 لپ کلام این است

حاکمان کنونی حرف پذیر نیستند و این را در عمل نشان داده اند
ایران در سلطه یک حکومت دیکتاتوری نظامی مذهبی است
تا وقتی که این رژیم به هر صورتی ارتش, سپاه و بسیج را در کنترل خود دارد حکومت را هم در قبضه خود خواهد داشت
تنها راه سقوط یک دیکتاتوری نظامی، شکستن اقتصادی و یا نظامی آن از درون آن است

هر چه زود تر مخالفین رژیم این واقیعت ها را درک کنند، زودتر راه سقوط این رژیم را هم پیدا خواهند کرد

                     Sign and spread the Iranian Solidarity Declaration 


MM

David - the second link does not work for me - pls summarize

by MM on

   //iransecular.org/Raah.aspx راه رسیدن به آزادی

راه سقوط رژیم //iransecular.org/Documents/راه%20سقوط%20رژیم.pdf 


Bavafa

MM - I am really hoping that I am right too about he violence

by Bavafa on

However, here my disclaimer: the path of non-violent resistance is very hard and it take tremendous amount of courage. I do not see it in myself to have the courage that it would take to walk this path. But I hope and wish for the strength to do so if it ever came to it.

Mehrdad


David ET

Dear MM

by David ET on

 As you know I do not condone violence.

Indeed Iranians continue to lack effective leadership, organization and unified front.

I have already summarized my views in more detail about how to defeat the regime in two articles: //iransecular.org/writesP.aspx

 


MM

Mehrdad - I really hope you are right about the violence.

by MM on

However, the alternative for IRI leaders, their thugs and sympathizer does not look promising; face trials or exile to Gaza / Lebanon.  Violence is a matter of self-preseravtion for IRI, and it may need to be reciprocated at some point.


Bavafa

MM: this is a great start

by Bavafa on

I am sure there are many other approaches that can be amended to this but I whole heartedly agree with the things you have listed here and would say it is a great start. Since I don't have really much other ideas to add at this point, I would just say the level of importance and priority for this list would be:


- Unification of all factions and their agreement on a set of principals that is acceptable to all, that could include but not limited to (democracy, independence, freedom, for all Iranians)

- Wide spread strikes and boycott in Iran and by Iranians

- Unified message to the outside forces to butt out and stay out

- Political pressure from the world community to demand respect for human rights in Iran

 

I don't think increase in violence would serve Iranians any good at least till it has clearly been established that these approaches does not yield any result. Violence would be just to give the IRI that little excuse to subject Iranians to even harsher and more brutal treatment.

Mehrdad


MM

Your feedback/suggestions are appreciated. Thanks.

by MM on

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