Iranian Clerical Opposition Forming

The Washington Times ^ | June 16, 2009 | Jim Robbins

[Abakumov]

The uprising in Iran can only succeed if there are fundamental shifts within the clerical power structure that runs the country. There are now signs that an opposition group is crystallizing within the religious leadership.

[ZX12R]

Russia and China are standing close to help the people exchange their shackles.

That is an amusingly excellent way of looking at it. I wonder if the Iranians are capable of anything better than a mere exchange of shackles? I doubt it.

[1010RD]

Not all of Europe:

France's Sarkozy says Iran gov't reaction 'brutal'

Merkel says signs of irregularities in Iran vote

I disagree with Obama's comments about meddling. Standing up for basic human liberty (like ours, God-given) is never meddling, just a statement of truth and what used to pass for basic American values.

We beat the Iron Curtain by confronting it as the evil it is. The same needs to be applied to the Islamist Curtain, but our Left can only see America's evils.

[popdonnelly]

“a very laissez-faire foreign policy president.”

That’s being very kind to him. I think he likes every third-World dictator - except, perhaps, those that take issue with him.

[Allegra]

Post #24. Well stated.

[pgkdan]

These are polls conducted by international polling companies and if ytou don’t believe the results that’s your perogative. I do agree, however, that you’re overly optimistic.

[reagan_fanatic]

Good. Without a viable focal point for the opposition, the uprising is doomed to failure.

I wish all the luck in the world to those brave Iranian patriots who want their country back. They have my respect and admiration.

[kabar]

Intersting that the fertility rate is 1.71 children born/woman (2009 est.), which is well below the replacement level of 2.1.

Iranian youth are disaffected, which has resulted in a massive brain drain from the country. Iran: Coping With The World's Highest Rate Of Brain Drain

[ravingnutter]

From Flopping Aces:

What a shame someone can’t hack his teleprompter and get these unambiguous words President Bush spoke in February 2006 inserted into Obama’s teleprompter:

PRESIDENT BUSH: Iran is a nation held hostage by a small clerical elite that is isolating and repressing its people, and denying them basic liberties and human rights. The Iranian regime sponsors terrorists and is actively working to expand its influence in the region. (…) as we confront Iran’s nuclear weapons ambitions, we’re also reaching out to the Iranian people to support their desire to be free; to build a free, democratic, and transparent society.

To support the Iranian people’s efforts to win their own freedom, my administration is requesting $75 million in emergency funds to support democracy in Iran. This is more than a fourfold increase over current levels of funding. These new funds will allow us to expand radio and television broadcasts into Iran (…) so Iranians can organize and challenge the repressive policies of the clerical regime(…) By supporting democratic change in Iran, we will hasten the day when the people of Iran can determine their own future and be free to choose their own leaders. Freedom in the Middle East requires freedom for the Iranian people, and America looks forward to the day when our nation can be the closest of friends with a free and democratic Iran.

Bush’s speech is a reminder that a real leader speaks the truth without apology!

[Valentine_W]

One small step at a time.

[monday]

“I wonder how much the youth of Iran, the Mossad, and the CIA is taking part in here? Look at the big picture...”

Youth of Iran, a lot. Mossad and CIA none. There would be no opposition movement if Israel or the US were involved in any way. Just because the opposition is against the Mullahs doesn't mean they are pro US or Israel. If the opposition does manage to gain power, don't expect much difference in their attitudes towards the west. Co-operation with the west is political suicide in Iran and indeed most of the Muslim world.

The best we can hope for is a leadership that doesn't want to nuke us like the current leadership does.

[monday]

“Or it could be very bad. There is no way things change without a lot of bloodshed. See average religious fanatic Islamic behavior.”

There was very little blood shed during the Islamic revolution that over through the Shaw. Not saying that there won’t be much this time, but it isn’t inevitable.

[Scotswife]

Better not to meddle here and get back to ordering the jews quit increasing their population and no more additions to their houses.

[ZX12R]

There was very little blood shed during the Islamic revolution that over through the Shaw. Not saying that there won’t be much this time, but it isn’t inevitable.

You could be right, but this time it's religious fanatics that get their authority straight from Allah, and in that circumstance, anything they do is okay. I just hope the military won't do their bidding.

[monday]

“I sure hope some other countries are ready to help these people throw off the tyrannical shackles, because Obama isn’t going to do squat to help.”

No one can help in any direct way. If any western country stepped in and gave weapons to the opposition, the opposition would lose all popular support. Iranians may hate the mullahs, but they will defend them if they are perceived as being attacked by outside forces.

The best anyone can do is offer moral support and keep the spotlight on developments in Iran. Obama could be more direct in his verbal support of the opposition, but just like any other leader, more direct support would be counter productive.

[TomasUSMC]

Hey obambi, kill another fly, and the mullahs will give up.

Actually I’d like to see.....

This start

THE BURNING
OF THE
BURKAS
WORLDWIDE

and upload

Burn ‘em in the streets, on the rooftops, let it spread

let Women EVERYWHERE ;Burn ‘em in a sisterhood of defiance and freedom

Colleges should be burning Berkas by the thousands