In the face of protests, Iran's leaders are at an impasse

The Washington Post ^ | December 31, 2009 | Ray Takeyh

[Texas Fossil]

The mayhem that has swept over Iran in the past few days is once more calling into question the Islamic Republic's longevity. Recent events are eerily reminiscent of the revolution that displaced the monarchy in 1979...

In the aftermath of recent disturbances, however, it is obvious that the lifespan of the Islamic Republic has been considerably shortened.

[Texas Fossil]

Even the Washington Post writers understand the the Iranian Mullahs power is seriously threatened.

The author is not truthful or is uninformed about a lot>

"Like the shah, Khamenei seems reluctant to order a massive crackdown that would involve summary executions and random shootings of the thousands of protesters."

Khamenei's actions seem pretty brutal to me. 80 were reported to have been killed during the last demonstrations. And more than 2,000 arrested.

Note- authors bio line>

Ray Takeyh is a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and the author of "The Guardians of the Revolution: Iran and the World in the Age of the Ayatollahs."

[appeal2]

Remember, dictators are always at their weakest when they attempt to reform—the Shah. I don’t see any attempt by these Mullah thugs at reform, so this thing will go on for a while longer. Its just a question of how far down the country must go before they throw them off and move forward.

[Texas Fossil]

If the citizens in Iran were armed, it would already be over.

The oppressors are few in number, but they have control of the weapons.

It may not always be that way.

All it would take is for the defection of a few top level Mil Officers, and the game would change.

[himno hero]

If they really wanted, they could take the arms needed. Just takes some planning, couple of traps. Once you have one gun, you have two, then four, eight etc etc The necessary weapons are already there.

[Former Fetus]

Because political power in Iran is held by Islamic religious leaders, disaffection with the government translates into disaffection with Islam. Where the world sees thousands of angry protesters, Iranian christians see fields ripe for harvest, muslims ready to hear the truth of Jesus. So, they’ve been out in the streets, offering food and water to the protesters, and sharing the love of Christ!

[Tallguy]

Once you have the guns you need someone to plan & organize. This is where the middle-of-the-night raids come in. Anybody with leadership potential is being grabbed. Even this will eventually fail.

[Texas Fossil]

Thanks for that insight about the conditions on the ground in Iran.

Christians in an Islamic nation have to be careful.

Such a contrast between the “repression” of islam and the “free will” of Christianity. Night & Day.

Subjection is the only way they or the Commies can stay in power. No informed people want to live under such tyranny.

[himno hero]

Thats why illiteracy is a breeding ground for islam,,, even here in America.

[Texas Fossil]

Not sure this is real, but if it is that has already started.

Heard first reports of this 2 days ago. This is not the source, but same info.

—

Coordination Center for National Iranian Armed Resistance Forces declares its existence.

http://mikverbrugge.tumblr.com/post/301929653/coordination-center-for-national-iranian-armed

“The coordination center for National Iranian Armed Resistance Forces (NIRU) hereby declares its existence & accuses the current government and the leader of the Islamic Revolution, Mr. Sayyed Ali Khamenei of legal transgressions and high treason of nation and homeland.”

“We, a number of Officers, Soldiers and personnel of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, hereby declare our readiness for rise to the armed defense of our nation against the forces of the criminal, illegitimate, transgressing and occupying current Government of Iran, and hereby inform our brothers and sisters serving with the armed security forces of Iran, invite them to join us, request their support and ask them to provide cover for us in this moral & national act. A special request for support & cooperation goes to our brothers of the Military Police.”