Posted on 12/28/2003 10:57:50 PM PST by Khashayar
philosofy123, Iran is a very different country today from what it was in 1979. The majority of the population does not even remember the revolution, nor the repression that resulted from a very long period of instigation by those who sought the Shah's fall (and I will note that there were several factions who collaborated in that effort, but it was the mullahs who won out over the others).
Yoday, America (under Bush's leadership) is strong, unlike 1979 (Carter). Today, the mullahs do not enjoy enything like popular support. Such a move would not only alienate them from their subject peoples, but risk retaliation from the US.
...I have a question that many here sometimes say, but daily think about:
...1.) How is it, if there is a majority of Iranians that want the Mullahs gone, Why has there not been an uprising in the streets the size of the protests against the Shah? We know that there were demonstrations last spring and summer, but none were as large as in the 1970's against the Shah. Why? ....
First, under the Shah the people were not threatened in the same way they are today in Iran. In that time, the Shah tried to intimidate the demonstrators but was unwilling to use massive force against them.
This is not true of the Islamic Republic. The regime has had a history of brutally putting down protests in recent years resulting in the imprisonment of thousands and the murder or disappearance of protest leaders.
Last Summer, the regime imported Arab security forces from Syria, Lebanon, Afghanistan, etc. They did this out of fear that the police or military might switch sides and join the protests. These Arab forces are hated by the Iranian people.
Iranians are a proud people, proud of their history, culture and historic accomplishments. They fought the Arabs for centuries. There is no love between the Arabs and the Iranian people as a whole.
These Arab security forces were stationed at nearly every intersection in all the major cities in Iran. It was a huge accomplishment. People were not allowed to gather in groups without being chased or arrested by the security forces. Therefore most people went out in cars (which they did in huge numbers), but then again they were being inspected at the intersections and if they appeared to be protesters, their cars were marked with spray paint so they could be tracked and later interrogated or arrested.
In addition, the regime shutdown cell phones, the world media was banned from any protest sites (virtually any intersection)and they used sophisticated equipment from France (and other European countries) to jam satellites news broadcasts. The protesters were effectively deaf, dumb and blind.
Finally, the protests last summer were supposed to take place on July 9, 2003. But the protests started a month earlier. Many now believe that the regime encouraged protests to begin early so they could arrest the protest leaders ahead of the actual planned protest date.
On July 9th most of the leadership was under arrest (many thousands). The protests that the people had longed for fizzed out without leadership, communication and coordination.
...2.) Why has there not been an organized military-like resistance against the Mullahs?
There is the MEK but they are disliked by the people as much as the Mullahs.
...3.) Can private citizens own personal firearms? Pistols or rifles?
I am told that private ownership of firearms is illegal.
...4.) Can Iranians leave the country voluntarily without persecution from the Government?
It is my understanding that you need government permission to leave. Men have it easier. People often have to bribe officials to get permission for this and nearly anything in Iran.
...5.) Are there many Iranians leaving the country to flee to Iraq to ask the Americans for asylum?
I honestly haven't heard anything about this. Many Iranians have gone to Iraq but I don't know if they claim to be Iraqi or seeking refuge. I would not expect many to seek refuge until things settle down in Iraq.
If Iraq succeeds to become a stable prosperous democracy this will be the Iranian regime's worst nightmare.
...Thank you for any answers you can give! :)
I hope this is helpful.
we don't believe ours either.....lol
the mullahs remind me of the Pharisees and Scribes of ancient times....supposed to be practicing the Word of God but more likely lining their own pockets....
but the people no matter what country or religion or culture can see through falsehood eventually, thankfully...
Best wishes to your country.....hope international aid does some good....I worry about the cold temperatures, and I hope tents will be sent for temporary housing....
Hope you and your family stay safe.....
Answer: The majority of modern Iranians don't want the Mullahs any more and they are willing to have freedom and a true democracy, Yes it is true but who should lead them to victory? We have never seen a leader to lead their will, we can't find an outspoken person who unite all opposition groups against the Mullahs. And students' movement in Iran is alone at the moment, They need to be joined by labors, teachers, Army Personnel and other freedom fighter persons, then they can go full power ahead for freedom and making a free Iran.
Why has there not been an organized military-like resistance against the Mullahs?
Answer: I believe that we will see more of this soon because many many weapons are coming from Iraq into Iran, according to governments' reports I saw on the papers recently.
Can private citizens own personal firearms? Pistols or rifles?
Answer: No, it is forbidden to carry all types of weapons and Arms.
Can Iranians leave the country voluntarily without persecution from the Government?
Answer: Yes...! I didn't get what you mean but yes they can.
Are there many Iranians leaving the country to flee to Iraq to ask the Americans for asylum?
Answer: No, I didn't hear that but those pilgrims coming back from Iraqi holy shrines saying that American soldiers are so kind to Iranians.
* Hope you get your answers!
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