Posted on 01/01/2010 5:53:41 AM PST by nuconvert
As for life being better under the Shah than under the mullahs — A couple of years ago I met a woman who lived through both regimes. Someone in our group asked her if she would have liked to see the mullahs deposed and the Shah's son in power. She said no, not really. While of course, the Shah[s regime was more secular, he was still a dictator. And yes, he did persecute and kill anyone he perceived as an enemy — not just the radicals.
And by the way, there are “experts” out there who say that even with a regime change, Iran will still pursue the development of nuclear weapons. I don't see the advantage of trading one authoritarian government for another.
Tell us what you would recommend.
As I said, ideally, I’d like to see a free, representative and democratic government in place, not like Afghanistan which has a corrupt government, but one that is truly and freely elected. What I don’t want is for the US to try to replace the mullahs with Pahlavi. Assist the rebels, sure, but don’t try to force another dictator onto the people of Iran.
Ultimtely, the Iranians have to decide what they want. It was largely our involvement with and support of the Shah that helped to bring the mullahs into power.
I gotta go. See you later. Thank you for the spirited debate.
Same here, back later. Enjoy your weekend and Happy New Year.
“I don’t support dictators in any form.”
This man is NOT the Shah.
This man has advocated secular democracy for Iran, for 30 years.
Many good Iranians live in exile, and support secular democracy as well. He is one.
I don’t think he has EVER said he should be placed on a throne.
He doesn’t need a throne...his father established the Pahvlavi Foundation in Switzerland which probably is one of the world’s richest private foundations. In order to do business in Iran under the Shah you had to contribute 15% of your revenue to the foundation.
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