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The Forgotten Independents in the Iranian Politics
02-Jan-2012
It is hard not to notice the constant quarrels amongst different political individuals on IC. Indeed, this is a true reflection of the divisions and animosities of different parties and political factions of the Iranian diaspora. Groups such as Royalists, Islamists, Communists and Melliun consider themselves the natural heir of Iran's political future because of their "political sacrifice in the past". They use emotional stories of their political prisoners to create a charged and emotional atmosphere, instead of discussing the merits of their political ideologies. Each believes to have a monopoly of the "right political ideas". They refuse to form a collation and vow to never cooperate in a future democratic Iran. They believe they have the right to exclude each other from a future free and democratic Iran. They all forget that each is actually a minority. The independents have always been and are the majority in Iran. Because of a lack of political freedoms in Iran, the Independents have never been heard and never had a voice.
I contend that without a voice for the Independents, it is impossible to have a democratic and free political system. The independents are those who keep the political parties and their fridge lunatics and antidemocratic factions in check. The independents create the political atmosphere of tolerance and inclusion. Without a voice for the independents, each political party and groups will pursue its inherent exclusionary policy that we are witnessing today. The independents provide a democratic system the checks and balances that become an obstacle to the inherent un-democratic tendencies of all political parties. All Iranian political parties and movement have an undemocratic past.
Our history of the last century is a perfect explanation of the reasons behind the widespread political discord and hostility in Iranian political landscape. Historically, we had 4 political movements in Iran, the Islamists, the Monarchists, the Communists and the Mellis. All of the current political parties and groups have one way or another originated from these original "big 4". In the absence of a voice for the independence majority, the first three have clearly been undemocratic and the fourth has have undemocratic elements and movements within it.
1) THE ISLAMISTS ….. well, need I say more?
2) THE MONARCHISTS. Those monarchists who advocated a ruling monarch supported the tyrannical and undemocratic regime of the Pahlvi era and created the perfect environment for the Mullas to take over. Here, I am not arguing the social freedoms and infrastructure progress of the Pahlavis.
3) THE COMMUNISTS. Their history is that of the Tudeh party. Their treasonous past is one of support from the USSR and its policies in Iran including cessation of Azarbaijan, , opposing Mossadegh and supporting the Islamic Revolution and Khomeini. Yes, I know you communists on IC "are different" but we also have the history of many other countries who tried the one party system, abolishing private enterprise who created a different form of tyranny and dictatorship. The undemocratic nature of the Iranian communist parties is evident to all.
All the above 3 have been EXCLUSIONARY in all their political past. They have tried to seize power by excluding the rest.
4) MELLIUN. At the time of Mossadegh, he truly was an INCLUSIONARY force. However, the lack of a voice for the independents and many other factors brought his demise. However, let's not forget that the Jebhe Melli of his time also included religious elements which later formed Nehzate Azadi. These elements were critical in bringing Khomeini to power. For 15 years Bazargan, Yazdi Ghotbzadeh et al. acted as the political wing of the mullas. In addition, JB itself and Mr Sanjabi and Forouhar supported Khomeini at the time of revolution. The JB of today believes they have some inherent right to Iran's political future because they own Mossadegh's legacy. In fact, according to Bakhtiar (in his interview with Harvard Iran History) Mossadegh never considered himself a member of any political party including JB. He used to get furious when they referred to him as a member of JM!! Is it possible that he wanted to be an INDEPENDENT???
I believe, despite all their undemocratic pasts, all parties should be included in a democratic system. A strong voice of the independents, equipped with the power of their votes, will strip all parties of their undemocratic tendencies and will keep their lunatics at the very far fringes of the right or left. The monarchists who want dictatorship, the Islamist who want to mix religion with politics, the Communists who want to ban entrepreneurship and create a one party Utopia, and the "JM"s with their elitist attitudes, will all be included in a DEMOCRATIC and INCLUSIONARY system but will never have the absolute power to rule and exclude each other.
Who are the Independents? They are the ordinary Iranians who want a free and civil society. They want free votes. They want social freedoms and better life for their children. They want freedom of speech. They want no political prisoners and freedom of the press. They want accountability of their politicians. They may like a monarch but will never support a ruling one. They may consider themselves "leftist" and fight for the rights of the workers, but do not want to give up a multiparty democratic system. They are Muslims who want to practice ether religion at home not at schools and government buildings. They are Mellis who no longer worship Mossadegh and admit to his shortcomings and also agree that all others have the right to be politically active.
I also submit to you that without an independent force there will be no coalition of the Iranian opposition. The independents will be able to bring these fighting factions together. The realization that none of these groups will ever have a monopoly on power, and that their numbers are minuscule compared to the independents majority will force them to submit to the will of the rest of us.
So I say, INDEPENDENTS, lets rise and be heard. This is the way to freedom and democracy in our country.
| Recently by religionoutofgovernment | Comments | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Mosaddegh, Bazargan, Bakhtiar and Fred! | 11 | Aug 05, 2012 |
| Anglophile, Are We Better Without Him? | 15 | Jun 17, 2012 |
| The political spectrum in the future democratic Iran | 2 | Jan 11, 2012 |
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Don't believe anyone that says you don't matter!
by Mehrban on Wed Jan 04, 2012 05:40 AM PSTAs long as we care about Iran we matter. Anyone that tells you differently is trying to silence you. Supporters of IR used to say this before, now others are. No one is a waste of time as long as they speak, write and work toward a free Iran.
Thank you ROOG for civility in discussions.
Re coalition!
by Arj on Tue Jan 03, 2012 06:51 PM PSTThe main problem with forming that coalition is that the suppressive atmosphere in Iran of today does not allow any room for an up-to-date alignment of mdern Iranian political currents! Yet, unfortunately, nearly all assessments of such political outlines depicted by Iranian diaspora are oudated and relics of the Cold War at best!
A vivid example of such depictions is manifested in the above blog, which lumps up the activities of the 70 year old 'Azarbyjan Democrat Party' with those of 'Tudeh' party -- though still existing (under whatever name!), it has not had any significat role in Iranian politics for the past three decades -- and present them as representatives of not only today's Iranian communist body, but the entire leftist movement (which includes socialists and social democrats)! While the author is willing to go back 70 years to "secession of Azarbaygan," it conveniently refrains from going farther a decade or two back to allude to sacrifices made and the significant role played by Iranian socialists (Ejtemaiyoon), led by the likes of Haydar Amoghli, in the Iranian constitutional revolution! Yet, the author (much like other bloggers here on IC) opts to smear the whole current of Iranian political left as "undemocratic" and "treacherous."
Meanwhile, in real life, actual dynamics of Iranian polotical climate has gone through drastic changes, leaving such classifications in dust! Socialism, nationalism and religiousity are not dividing factors among the young Iranains of today who, while supporting one (or more at the same time), do not dismiss others as invalid!
Hooshang
by Veiled Prophet of Khorasan on Tue Jan 03, 2012 09:32 AM PSTI agree with most of what you say other than:
Iran is on the verge of disintegration and worse.
But might as well play it safe.
Long term, large social welfare
If we have democracy then people need to vote for this. I will definitely vote for it. But it is not something you impose. It must be wanted by the population.
Old style communism
by Veiled Prophet of Khorasan on Tue Jan 03, 2012 09:22 AM PSTis dead and went out with the Soviet Union. The hold outs are in denial. They need to wake up and realize the futility of it. Kim Jong Il: are they nuts! Well at least this way they hasten their own demise.
I wonder if there guys talk to people who lived under the systems the propose. They should talk to Rea and others who have first hand taste of it. Then wonder if they really want it.
By the way naming yourself "aksariyat" means nothing. It scares me to think people assume majority are with them. How will they react when they get "Democracy" and majority vote the other way? Are they going to accept or become violent.
A true waste of time.
by Hooshang Tarreh-Gol on Tue Jan 03, 2012 08:48 AM PSTPaying attention and focusing on these exiled "have beens" is a true waste of time.
We really don't have too much time to waste with all these politicos outside of Iran, who represent NOTHING inside the country.
P.S. I'm really outta here, gotta go, by by.
coalition
by religionoutofgovernment on Tue Jan 03, 2012 08:42 AM PSTThis is a good start:
//www.bamazadi.net/2012/01/blog-post.html
A national alliance between working and middle class is the
by Hooshang Tarreh-Gol on Tue Jan 03, 2012 08:42 AM PSTonly force capable of over throwing IR and establishing people's rule, democracy, Mardom Salary in Iran.
Tha basic political content of this alliance would be:
- Unrestricted political freedoms (as it is done in Canada, US, Australia,..) which means any group or individuale has the right to express and organize whatever they please, as long as they don't resort to violence, or hate speech.
- Long term, large social welfare (this should be pretty self explanatory).
In Iran we still have a very sizeable middle class, professionals,...(most of those people that came out for the Greens into the street would sociologically qualify in such a catagory).
Aksariet and basically all those groups that signed that statement in support of political prisoners, are basically a bunch of political have beens, in exile, with a base of less than a few hundred (maximum), and an even lesser base inside Iran. Paying attention and focusing on these exiled have beens is a true waste of time.
What matters is to focus on the working class and the middle class inside the country, and the various numerous civic, political, professional organizations,.. that hey have built inside the country, as a base for popular mass mobilization against the regime.
Iran is on the verge of disintegration and worse. We really don't have too much time to waste with all these politicos outside of Iran, who represent NOTHING inside the country.
P.S. This happens to be also a very busy day for me, your humble servant, Leaving the house now, won't be able to respond till another 12 hours perhaps. Have a great day you all, cheers
ROOG & Hirre
by Veiled Prophet of Khorasan on Tue Jan 03, 2012 08:36 AM PSTYou are both right and I agree. It makes me sad to watch all the insults back and forth. Being poor does not mean following an ideology. If anyone thinks majority poor means majority "my ideology" they are in for a surprise.
No one-party systems and don't assume "you" are the majority. There is no permanent majority as people change positions: that is normal. Those in power must step down periodically be replaced by others.
By the way I workd for a living so am I a "working class"? I work around 10 hours a day often 6 days a week. But I am an engineer not a factory worker. And I am one of those non existing middle of the road people.
Simple Question
by religionoutofgovernment on Tue Jan 03, 2012 08:20 AM PSTLets try this again, a simple question and hopefully getting a simple answer rather than profanity and insult.
Here is a group of mostly communist parties issuing a joint statement on Iranian political prisoner and human rights, dated 10/13/11. The names of the groups are at the buttom of the letter. They include Komala Party of Kurdestan and Fadaian Aksariat.
//jomhouri.com/a/01ann/007646.php
It is reasonable to assume that the undersigned groups have some degree of co-operation and have formed a coalition to some degree, in order to issue a joint statement.
Here is a statement on 12/20/2011, less than 6 weeks later, issues by Fadaian Aksariat, of the undersigned in the first letter, praising Kim Jung Ill of North Korea as a national hero.
//yaranema.eu/didgah_detail.php?aid=410
Question: Please explain how you can form an alliance with a group praising Kim Jung Ill and at the same time call all other Iranian opposition groups Shahollahi and Hezbollahi? Only civilized answers please!
Hirre
by religionoutofgovernment on Tue Jan 03, 2012 08:08 AM PSTThank you for your comments and I agree with them. There is no question that the middle class has disappeared in Iran and we have a very large poor and economically disadvantaged population. You can call these the "working class" or whatever class you want. They include my relatives as well. However, just because people are suffering economically, it does not mean they subscribe to a particular political group or ideology. I believe most of them want a better life, hope and happiness and do not care much about any particular political group. They are independent, politically. The notion that anything that moves and works is a communist is false.
I would pretty much bet
by hirre on Tue Jan 03, 2012 04:20 AM PSTI would pretty much bet that the working class will be the majority that brings momentum to bringing the IR down, however actual power will be managed by the middle and upper class as unfortunately history always been...
Right now there are thousands of workers who haven't received months of salaries in Iran and they have not the same "social security" as the upper classes. This has led to the fact that large demonstrations have occured all of Iran, especially in 2011 which also have been suppressed by the regime, where was the middle class (jombeshe sabz) 2011!!!??? All of the protests you saw 2011 in the middle east started from members from lower classes! A revolution is created by the masses and the masses always consist of common people, or else there wouldn't be any revolution...
Those who advocate for a non-military alternative for regime change must support the iranian working class and learn to see their problems. If the middle class wants social freedoms, then they have to support the working class and their struggle for economical prosperity...
Diversity is good
by hirre on Tue Jan 03, 2012 03:58 AM PSTIt is important that in a democratic countries that all parties are represented, no matter opinion...
What happens is, when parties enter the democratic system they will automatically reform in the long term in order to stay alive. No party in a democratic system has managed to stay alive with obsolote politics. The important thing is to keep all other government organisations independent. If one party wins, that party can't use e.g. the military to oppress the other parties or through other means, this is a crucial requirement because less developed countries tend to manipulate the democratic process through different means, see Russia, Egypt etc...
Democracy is also the ultimate weapon against the mullahs because they know they won't survive a real democratic process, they know their politics will either not be represented or indirectly forced by the majority to be reformed in order to gain votes...
roogy, you are so challenged , one doubts you even finished
by Hooshang Tarreh-Gol on Tue Jan 03, 2012 05:26 AM PSThighschool with this low level of cognition and understanding you display.
WTF is this suppose to mean? "How Komala and JM-Europe are finding common ground with the writers of
the letter in my first link, praising Kim Jung Ill as a popular hero..." Are you on drugs? JM prasing Kim Jung Ill!!!!!!
Where did you find Komala praising N. Korea other than you demented mind, in need of distorting everything to fit your mini-sized brain. Just open that mouth (in this case the keyborad) and let anything come out. Malliat Keh Nadareh!
First you reduce entire Iranian political spectrum to some stupid generalities, and if anyone points out how distortive and stupid your "analysis" is, they're pushed into a corner as N.Korean defenders. Your logic is just brilliant. I sthis how you deal with people in your everyday life too. Soon as they point out to your mistakes they become N.Korean defenders?
Obtusness on this site has no limits!
Rouzbeh Jaan
by religionoutofgovernment on Mon Jan 02, 2012 10:01 PM PSTLet me assure you, I have no hidden agenda, but only a free spirit. I have never had a need to restrict myself to a particular group or ideology and actually found it quite liberating to rebel and question. I am also very direct which is at times intimidating, but the truth is I am also very tolerant of other ideas. Have a good night.
Who should be excluded
by religionoutofgovernment on Mon Jan 02, 2012 09:55 PM PSTJust so everyone know what I mean by those believing in a one party system, here is an example of a group who should be excluded:
//yaranema.eu/didgah_detail.php?aid=410
Otherwise, I think everyone should be included. BTW this begs the question that in the following letter
//jomhouri.com/a/01ann/007646.php
How Komala and JM-Europe are finding common ground with the writers of the letter in my first link, praising Kim Jung Ill as a popular hero, while calling other opposition group THISollahi and THATollahi. Go figure!!!!
ROOG: I've Never felt any better :)
by Roozbeh_Gilani on Mon Jan 02, 2012 09:51 PM PSTFriend, believe me, that the future belongs to us, to the ordinary Iranians, who all of the sudden, when the time is right, become heroes, take great risks and achieve great objective. And the future is unfolding right in front of our eyes.......
Think about this: Be as independent as you want, but to win, you need to include, not exclude as you seem to be doing now. Find a common denominator and work on it, unite people around it, dont divide them, Got the idea??
Good night..
"Personal business must yield to collective interest."
Rouzbeh
by religionoutofgovernment on Mon Jan 02, 2012 07:56 PM PSTI hope you feel better. Please read my post again. I did not say whether or not you believe in a one party system. I said if you do then this blog is not for you. But if you belive in a mulitiparty democratic system, then why wouldn't you participate in a coalition? In addition, I was using you in a general term referring to anyone. I have never personally attacked you or anyone. My political and economic views are not compatible with communism and i do express those, but I also believe in your right to express your communists ideas. in the end, it will not up to your or me, it will be for the people to decide with their votes. Please do not take my opposition to your political and economic views personally!
re: "I am not surprised"
by Roozbeh_Gilani on Mon Jan 02, 2012 07:31 PM PSTROOG: Neither am I surprised by your standard usage of demagogy to dismiss those challenging your fallacious arguments. You are either completely ignorant, someone whose reading is limited to the blogs on iranian.com and such or are deliberately trying to label people you do not agree with, under the cloack of "independent thinking". A very common trick used round this blog these days
When did I claim to advocate "one party system"? Prove it.
"Personal business must yield to collective interest."
Big distortion
by Hooshang Tarreh-Gol on Mon Jan 02, 2012 07:29 PM PSTYou think anyone who's concerned about social issues or identifies herself/himself as Left is a "communist."
A: You simply fail to acknowledge and appreciate all the differentiations and shades existing within each political discouse, be it "Islamic," "Libral," or "Left."
B: Your catagorizations are incredibly shallow, journalistics (at best) with total disregard for class and social standing of each politcal trend.
If the shoe fits
by Hooshang Tarreh-Gol on Mon Jan 02, 2012 07:21 PM PSTwear it.
This Statement:
by G. Rahmanian on Mon Jan 02, 2012 07:15 PM PST"Too bad you people are allergic to working class, ... ." This is like the Islamists' calling those who oppose them: "Moharebeh ba mbira!"
Big presumption
by religionoutofgovernment on Mon Jan 02, 2012 07:08 PM PSTThe big presumption in your logic is the following:
Anyone who works is a communist!
WRONG
If you weren't so ignorant of Iranian history, you might have
by Hooshang Tarreh-Gol on Mon Jan 02, 2012 07:38 PM PSTOverstaement, understatement, what ever kind of statement
by Hooshang Tarreh-Gol on Mon Jan 02, 2012 07:01 PM PSTyou like to call it; the matter of the fact remains that working class in Iran is (quantitavely speaking) the majority of the society, and the only social class with interest in improving the standards of living for the majority in the country.
Soviet model didn't work for obvious reasons, and is gone; good riddance.
Crisis of capitalsim, from financial to envioronmental seems to be getting more and more out of control.
Time for new ideas and approaches based on the interests and benefits of the majority of population in the world; poor and the working classes.
Houshang
by religionoutofgovernment on Mon Jan 02, 2012 06:56 PM PSTEven so, at this point in time, why wouldn't you want to join others in opposing the regime? If indeed your ideas are best for the country, you will be able to present them to the people and get their votes! May be you are right and I am wrong. If so, you will have the votes that you need and will form a government. If people agree with you, you may even be able to have enough input in a new constitution that will guarantee the worker's rights, the way you want. Why wouldn't you form a coalition with others who will also commit to a democratic system? What really is the point of going around IC and constantly calling people Shahollahi and Hezbollahi? I do critisize communism at times to express my views and you also have the right to critisize whatever point of view you do not agree with. However, we should all be able to join forces when it comes to fighting for a free and democratic Iran.
Floating voters
by divaneh on Mon Jan 02, 2012 06:59 PM PSTThanks for this valuable and timely blog ROOG. I agree 100% that we need a coalition of all groups and ideologies. What can bind these groups are shared values such as democracy and human rights. Anyone not accepting these basic principles needs to be excluded from such coalition, be it sheikh-is-god or king-is-god.
I have to admit that I have been very disappointed with the JM who have missed a golden opportunity such as the present void of an active nationalist party. They seem to be more interested in the Mosadegh and simply be historians instead of politicians. Given Iran's low skill levels (hopefully I am wrong) the welfare of people and social services must be fundamental policy of any such coalition. That I think will be acceptable to the socialists who I believe care about the well being of masses and not a particular ideology.
Hooshang Jaan:
by G. Rahmanian on Mon Jan 02, 2012 06:49 PM PST1. That's an overstatement at best! 2. Many people our age are coming from working class families!! 3. Communism was about to take over the whole world, but the only sign of the working class was the hammer and sickle. The promise of working class enjoying power was only a bad promise, to say the least. The elites in the communist states turned out to be the "lying shepherds!"
Hooshang Jaan:
by G. Rahmanian on Mon Jan 02, 2012 06:55 PM PSTDuplicate!!!
You might not be surprised, yet still reamin ill informed
by Hooshang Tarreh-Gol on Mon Jan 02, 2012 06:46 PM PSTThere are many working class parties and organizations in Iran that you obviously don't even know their names, but you still claim sufficient knowledge to cover all political trends in Iran.
As far as class warfare; your beloved Capitalist system is the number one instrument of class warfare for ages. There has been an intense class warfare going on for a long while, and the working people have been on the losing side of it. Because of your allergic reactions to the thought of working class, you can't even fathome such a class warfare imposed on the majority of societies in the world.
Also, on your joke of "respect for private property" again; your beloved Capitalist state has been the most forceful agent denying people their right to private property throught the process of "Imminent Domain." Just check the legal cases of the state against people and you'll see how many times the capitalist state in western democracies has been able to take people's private property right out of their hands, in broad day light.
VPK, is it so ususal
by religionoutofgovernment on Mon Jan 02, 2012 06:39 PM PSTIs it so unusual to want a normal, quiet, peaceful serene life? To see your kids have a good education, send them to university, see them marry and have kids and be happy? to go to work and make a living without torture and fear of arrest? to have a vote and make it count? to not really want class warfare, revolutionary change and any promise of Utopia? To not want God's representive on earth? To pracitce your faith or no faith, whatever it may be without fear, but also not impose it on others? To see different parties come to power and kick them out because you did not like them? To enjoy making fun of politicians? To be pround of being independent??