The End of Illusions in Iran

Arab News ^ | feb.17, 2004 | Amir Taheri

[Prince Charles]

Kudos to you for posting your touching account of the situation in Iran. I have no doubt that there is a vast reservoir of goodwill towards the U.S. among the younger generation of Iranians.

The collapse of communism is the most cogent example of how a radical change in Iran can be accomplished: once the despots who hide behind their religious garb are shown to be cowards, the average citizen will feel the urge to stop and shout "No more!" And then the end will swiftly come.

Although regrettable, it's likely that innocents will be killed in such an uprising; but as I say, if the people find that sacrifice to be worth it, then the battle for freedom will be on.

As far as U.S. involvement, don't count on it. There's no stomach among the sheeple here for an expanded war, and frankly we don't have the manpower to mount an invasion of Iran.

Thanks again for your comments.

Cheers.

[KantianBurke]

"The whole campaign lasts only one week and candidates are not allowed access to the heavy mass media such as radio and television. All material put out by the candidate must be approved by the authorities; and no one is allowed to spend more than $10,000 on a campaign."

Sounds like John McCain's wet dream.

[SusanTK]

Thank you for your kind words. Iran is nearing a tipping point and the mad actions of the mullahs in this election show me that they are scared- real scared. Iraq becoming a democracy is making them wet their dresses. No, war with Iran isn't feasible- but, there's no reason that we can't help the Iranians with that tipping point at least with moral support.

[nuconvert]

Thanks for all your input and welcome.

I believe the Iranian people will need some direct help from the U.S. (more than just moral support) at some point.
We have a vested interest in the demolition of the regime and building of a democracy. We can't move forward in the war on terrorism until we get rid of the biggest supporters of terrorism. When Hamas and Hezbollah and others, lose all their funding from Iran, they will crumble.
The world media is currently in Iran, but we hear next to nothing being reported. All the world should be watching Iran now and supporting the Iranian people. Major progress toward peace in the Middle East will begin with the fall of the regime.