Most of the “powerful” diaspora dissident groups, including the Pahlavi, Rajavi and Communists have not much appeal in Iran (each in the order of 1%). But unfortunately, they can distract people from fighting IRI; and even worse be used by IRI as the Boogeyman, to scare people from their struggle for democracy, and to label all the opposition under the unappealing titles of "Shahi, Monafegh and Commonist".
Those groups, however, have a democratic right to express their voices, and participate in the demonstrations and gatherings. But it would be better to see them carrying on more Action, and less Posturing. It will be better for them and for everyone, if they organize more and show-off less.
Have a look at how Khomeini organized his opposition and won Iran in 1979. He was very low-key, humble and even inclusive in his approach, not insisting on any point, except: "Shah Must Go"! He basically aimed for the narrow base of the Imperial Iran's inverted power pyramid, and very wisely, did not bother with much else.
Today, an equally simple approach can work too, but it must be inclusive. For example, "Death to IRI" will exclude all the reformists. Restoring monarchy, or bringing MEK to power or establishing Communism will be even less appealing.
In light of the biggest IRI weakness (Shiite ideology), I can think of the following three-prong approach:
1. Free all political prisoners;
2. Human rights for all Iranians;
3. Khamenei must go!
Those three, parallel the very successful slogans of the past revolution.
The human rights issue was first publicized by President Carter, and fully utilized by the opposition in the 1976-79 period. Women in Iran are systematically and institutionally abused, and have courageously given us the most prominent human rights fighters.
Release of all political prisoners, was a simple and strong demand, which once granted in the autumn of 1978, created a sense of strength and accomplishment. Mothers of political prisoners have been the most vocal group in fearlessly exposing the IRI abuses and brutalities in the prison system.
Very unwisely, Khamenei (like Shah) has now placed himself and his position of Velayat, right at the center of governance and oppression. Therefore, #3 can work against him too. Khamenei has become the symbol of ruthless Shiite dictatorship, and would be best replaced by a woman leader … symbol of the more tolerant and humane side of Iran.
Finally, the killing mentality and the death-worship among Iranian males, is too strong to prevent us from tearing ourselves and the whole country asunder. Hence there is a real need for a Lady Leader who can help us through the process of reform, reconciliation and renaissance.
Susan khanom and Ghamar khanom need not apply!
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Can I cordially invite.......
by First Amendment on Sat Jun 23, 2012 05:38 PM PDT........our learned friend "Anglophile", whose account seems to be reactivated, to make a comment here?..........
Shazdeh, some women have bigger
by fanoos on Sat Jun 23, 2012 05:20 PM PDT"balls" than men! Virtual ones that is. As a nut cracker woman myself, I still think Iran is not ready for a woman president, yet! A vice president though, maybe! I believe a combo of RP and this lady or some other lady would work!
Fanoos the nut cracker!
می سر درد کنه، می پا درد کنه، می روده - برای دختران حزب توده
Shazde Asdola MirzaSat Jun 23, 2012 05:19 PM PDT
Soosan khanom,
Well, I am sure that we can make an exception for the sexy Gilani femme fatales!
Vildemose dear,
Good news is that organization is already happening in Iran, by courageous women themselves. Our support can of course help.
Soosan Khanoom
by Faramarz on Sat Jun 23, 2012 05:11 PM PDTYou have a one track mind!
No wonder the Caspian Sea women have such a great reputation!
Just kidding, of course!
The only qualification should be "lack of balls" ... at birth!
by Shazde Asdola Mirza on Sat Jun 23, 2012 05:10 PM PDTDear Bavafa,
Thanks for your positive comment.
However, just to be sure that we don't end up with another Agha Mohammad Khan (one of the most ruthless leaders of Iran's history), I've had to propose the above addendum!
PS: delivery should suit both the arena and the audience. I learnt that the very hard way.
While I often agree with Shazdeh...
by Bavafa on Sat Jun 23, 2012 05:00 PM PDTAnd only disagree with his delivery, this blog is of a vast difference with much substance and well dignifying delivery. It is not the first time I read this suggestion/idea of Shazedeh and could not agree with it more. Though as part of “no specific qualification are required” I would not make any gender requirement either, only to have the long term interest of Iran and Iranians at heart and as a goal. I also believe if this change is not initiated and lead by Iranians, it would be deja-vu and doomed and Iranians are to revisit their struggle for freedom and democracy in years to come.
'Hambastegi' is the main key to victory
Mehrdad
رضا پهلوی فرشته هم باشه، سلطنت طلب ها کارش رو خراب میکنند
Shazde Asdola MirzaSat Jun 23, 2012 05:01 PM PDT
Faramarz jan,
As you surely know; politics is as much about substance as it is about appearances. People's perception is the politician's reality!
Most Iranians have nothing against Reza Pahlavi's good efforts in the direction of Human Rights, except for three issues:
1. The historical baggage behind his name is huge;
2. He is very disconnected from the realities of Iran;
3. His supporters can't hide their desire of restoring the Pahlavi dynasty.
susan khanom needs not to apply !
by Soosan Khanoom on Sat Jun 23, 2012 04:55 PM PDTI think this would be a
by vildemose on Sat Jun 23, 2012 04:50 PM PDTI think this would be a great community effort if we leave our egos and cultural claptrap aside. Can we get this up and running???
All Oppression Creates a State of War--Simone De Beauvoir
The Father and the Son, and the Holy Ghost!
by Faramarz on Sat Jun 23, 2012 04:47 PM PDTShazde Aziz,
I disagree with your categorization of Reza Pahlavi with MEK and the Marxists.
While MEK and the Marxists have a checkered past and should have no place in Iran's future, in my opinion they should focus their efforts in bringing the Regime to the International Court for all the people that were executed in the 80’s, Reza Pahlavi has every right to be involved in the future direction of Iran.
Reza Pahlavi hasn’t done anything to deserve the bad press that he receives from some Iranians. He has done his best to throw his support behind the Iranian causes and he has done his best to support a non-violent change in Iran. He should be applauded for that.
One thing that we Iranians should learn and preach is to distinguish between a father and his son and not blame the son for the sins of his father.
Let him come to the public square and be judged by the strength of his character and not by the DNA of his father!
Au contraire, c'est du sérieux.
by Shazde Asdola Mirza on Sat Jun 23, 2012 04:32 PM PDTDK dear: you should get your head out of the monarchist limited vision hole ... de temps en temps!
Dear IranLove: no specific qualifications are required ...
by Shazde Asdola Mirza on Sat Jun 23, 2012 04:28 PM PDTAny lady leader, in my humble opinion, will be better than any Iranian guy leader ... any day of the week.
Je rigole ...
by Darius Kadivar on Sat Jun 23, 2012 03:57 PM PDT"Finally, the killing mentality and the death-worship among Iranian males, is too strong to prevent us from tearing ourselves and the whole country asunder. Hence there is a real need for a Lady Leader who can help us through the process of reform, reconciliation and renaissance." ...
She made a career out of Deathvertizing ...
DEATH - VERTISING ? Mehrangiz Kar Claims Husband was No More a Monarchis
Shazdde Jaan, this lady looks very charismatic!
by IRANLOVESISRAEL on Sat Jun 23, 2012 03:54 PM PDTBut who is she and what are her qualifications?
Shlomo would jump on the bandwagon if she is capable.