Might we see another Iranian revolution in 2010?

[egb_hibs]

While the situation undoubtedly doesn't break down along as straightforward lines as we in the west would like, it's still heartening and inspiring to see so many people prepared to put themselves on the line to achieve a more progressive society (however relative that might be).

It may also ultimately help to prevent further war in the region.

So let's hope these brave people get suitable support from western activists, trade unionists and peace campaigners, and aren't ignored as their forebears behind the iron curtain were, and as campaigners for democracy rather than despotism, so often are.

 

[O'Driscoll]

Yes! I think there will be a revolution, what's more it might be the first ever revolution whose aim is moderation. The next Iranian government cannot be a puppet of the West like the Shah was but clerical fascism is definately on the way out.

 

[El Bastardo]

While the situation undoubtedly doesn't break down along as straightforward lines as we in the west would like, it's still heartening and inspiring to see so many people prepared to put themselves on the line to achieve a more progressive society (however relative that might be).

It may also ultimately help to prevent further war in the region.

So let's hope these brave people get suitable support from western activists, trade unionists and peace campaigners, and aren't ignored as their forebears behind the iron curtain were, and as campaigners for democracy rather than despotism, so often are.

come the revolution you will be first against the wall. All sufferers of logorrhea will be standing right there alongside you

 

[Beagle]

Don't see any relelution coming in Iran, more likely the state will resort to mass execution and genocide a la Saddam on the Kurds. Dictatorships don't go peacefully into the night and allow common sense to take control........

 

[wee 162]

Don't see any relelution coming in Iran, more likely the state will resort to mass execution and genocide a la Saddam on the Kurds. Dictatorships don't go peacefully into the night and allow common sense to take control........

How exactly is Iran a dictatorship? Authoritarian? Undoubtedly. But a dictatorship how?

And I hope that the Iranian people do get a change in government, and I agree that they should be supported.

 

[egb_hibs]

How exactly is Iran a dictatorship? Authoritarian? Undoubtedly. But a dictatorship how?

And I hope that the Iranian people do get a change in government, and I agree that they should be supported.

It's not exactly a full democracy, and under dinnerjacket it's being tilting towards worse. But I agree, not a full blown dictatorship...yet.

 

[Burbank Lilywhite]

I do, the similarities between what is happening now and 1979 have to be causing great concern in the halls of power in Tehran.

 

[Kurt]

While the situation undoubtedly doesn't break down along as straightforward lines as we in the west would like, it's still heartening and inspiring to see so many people prepared to put themselves on the line to achieve a more progressive society (however relative that might be).

It may also ultimately help to prevent further war in the region.

So let's hope these brave people get suitable support from western activists, trade unionists and peace campaigners, and aren't ignored as their forebears behind the iron curtain were, and as campaigners for democracy rather than despotism, so often are.

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I'd prefer trade unionists to spend their time representing their members in the workplace than playing at international politics with the subscriptions.

 

[egb_hibs]

#
I'd prefer trade unionists to spend their time representing their members in the workplace than playing at international politics with the subscriptions.

an excellent point; but if they must; supporting fellow TUs fighting clerical-fascism strikes me as more worthwhile than bashing the yids or propping up the Castro bros nasty little fiefdom.

 

[Burbank Lilywhite]

an excellent point; but if they must; supporting fellow TUs fighting clerical-fascism strikes me as more worthwhile than bashing the yids or propping up the Castro bros nasty little fiefdom.

And it is, but it doesn't make for as good press or soundbites. Perhaps if the mother of all Satan's supported the Iranian government rather than the protesters there might be a greater outcry.

Joking aside the parallels between 1979 and 2009 are strikingly similar. This revolt i s being driven by an educated young middle class (for lack of a better word) segment of society in response to the totalitarianism of the current regime which feels the government has betrayed its principles and has become opulent corrupted. Which is what fueled the 1979 Islamic revolution.

Just substitute Ahmadinejad for the Shah and it's almost identical. Instead of the government being a puppet of the US, it's the religious elite this time. I do think if this revolution is successful the Iran that will emerge will be more Persian in nature and less Islamic. The initial goal of the revolution was a very middle of the road Islamic republic with tolerance for all. However once the Revolutionary Guard became the new secret police it all changed.

It will be interesting to see how the rest of the Arab world decides to play this out. Several nations have a axe to grind with Iran and could seize the opportunity to put a more Sunni friendly regime in place.

 

[Kurt]

And it is, but it doesn't make for as good press or soundbites. Perhaps if the mother of all Satan's supported the Iranian government rather than the protesters there might be a greater outcry.

Joking aside the parallels between 1979 and 2009 are strikingly similar. This revolt i s being driven by an educated young middle class (for lack of a better word) segment of society in response to the totalitarianism of the current regime which feels the government has betrayed its principles and has become opulent corrupted. Which is what fueled the 1979 Islamic revolution.

Just substitute Ahmadinejad for the Shah and it's almost identical. Instead of the government being a puppet of the US, it's the religious elite this time. I do think if this revolution is successful the Iran that will emerge will be more Persian in nature and less Islamic. The initial goal of the revolution was a very middle of the road Islamic republic with tolerance for all. However once the Revolutionary Guard became the new secret police it all changed.

It will be interesting to see how the rest of the Arab world decides to play this out. Several nations have a axe to grind with Iran and could seize the opportunity to put a more Sunni friendly regime in place.

Support for any cause from the British could be counterproductive - even seen Uncle Nepolian, their top show?

They love to blame us for the everything.

 

[Green Sleeves]

It's not exactly a full democracy, and under dinnerjacket it's being tilting towards worse. But I agree, not a full blown dictatorship...yet.

True, its not a full democracy like ours. But once they get a hereditary monarchy and an unelected second House they'll be well on their way...

 

[Kurt]

The rebelion seems to be coming from the aspirational middle classes. They have a reasonabkle track record but don't stand up to extreme violence.

 

[EasterToad]

Would love to see it, but the evil ragheads running Iran won't go without a bloodbath.