“The Challenge Of Implementing Democracy And Human Rights In Iran”

My first and fundamental observation has been and continues to be this: the relentless pursuit of human rights is the essence of democracy. And, without democracy, human rights cannot, by definition, prevail.

Since the establishment of the clerical regime in Iran, both democracy and human rights have been grossly compromised. Not only did the people not gain the political freedom, which some may have thought would be attained as a result of the “Islamic Revolution”, but sadly they ended up losing practically all of the social freedoms which had been attained and enjoyed for a long time, particularly since the advent of the Constitutional Revolution at the turn of the 20th century.

One of the immediate questions most people – Iranians and foreigners alike – have pondered upon and asked throughout the years is: Does the factor of religion play a crucial part in Iran’s current state of human rights abuses and lack of transparent democracy? The simple truth and ultimate answer is: Yes. However, the explanation is not so simple. In fact, it is one of the most complex issues faced by a Middle-Eastern, predominantly Moslem society, which aspires to the aforementioned goals of democracy and human dignity while suffocating under an obscurantist and totalitarian, clerical dictatorship.

Even in the most liberal and democratic societies – East and West – religion plays a role and has a place. The problem starts, however, when religion is politicized into a radical ideology, one which allows the “church” or “clergymen” to interfere in the affairs of the state, and ultimately becomes a theocracy, and actually assumes governance, in the name of such ideology and the self-serving interpretation of God’s law and rule on earth.

As much as I respect RP, this sort of talk won’t get Iran under IRI’s rule anywhere; it’s already been proven over & over again.

Instead, people need proper Leadership not those who have sung the praises of regime insiders & appealed to their so-called sense of justice or “bravery”. This on occasions included RP. What did Moussavi and Karroubi achieve? Except for facilitating the killing of “peaceful protesters”.. Where are these intrepid “leaders” of the Green Movement?

Iranians inside Iran can learn from recent tactics used by the opposition in Kyrgyzstan. Instead of being joined at the hip to Regime (Islamic) reformists & supposedly “good & pious” mullahs, hoping they would bring “freedom & democracy” to Iran, they should plan, organize and learn how to fight fire with fire, and take control. I know the situation in Iran is not exactly the same, but Kyrgyzstan is also predominantly a Muslim country.

Foreign gov’ts will not change the status quo in Iran. Only Iranians & outside IRI Iranian leadership will.

This is a speech at the International Society of Human Rights, so I think it’s important to take that into consideration and the Liberal leanings of its members who may or may not be in full appreciation of the benefits of democracy. I think it’s good that he stressed the importance of democracy in acheiving human rights.

He also said, “Few would argue today that the thought of reforming this regime, whether it be a domestic attempt or a foreign expectation, has proven to be unrealistic and unattainable.” So, obviously, he isn’t promoting reform.

The situation in Kyrgystan is very different from Iran, as you well know, so I’m not quite sure what more Iranians can learn from it that they don’t already know., except that seeing/hearing about it happen in other countries may give them the impetus to continue fighting for freedom in Iran.

Some outside help and support could go a long way in helping to hasten the downfall of the regime.

I realize where the useless speech was made. Do you think the audience wasn’t aware what RP & many others have kept repeating for at least 2 decades? What have been the results?

Do you think RP’s speeches have achieved anything of any difference after at least 20 years? If so, what are they?

RP is on record supporting Regime insider Moussavi too. Isn’t Moussavi a regime reformist, harping on about compliance with Islamic Constitution of Iran? RP seems to be promoting whatever is in the vogue & PC.

No Change has ever been made in history w/out solid & Strong frontline leadership. That leadership will not come from Regime insiders, nor those who simply make speeches (to liberals or others). Speeches can be AN aid to change, not the essence of it.

Also, the reality is that RP has very little credibility, especially in the “liberal world”. I haven’t seen any proof to the contrary. Can you show me evidence particularly outside Iran, even from U.S. conservative politicians? They (liberal or conservative), mostly, perceive him as the son of a dictatorial Shah who was ousted by the legitimate revolt of Iranian people 31 years ago.

What I think Iranians can learn & Action from opposition in Kyrgyztan is already mentioned in my previous post. Throwing stones, burning banners, sporadic protests, shouting Allah u Akbar alone will not make any difference in Iran. We already have the proof.

Whether people like to admit or not, the Green Movement, Karroubi, Moussavi, RP, and their supporters have failed so far. We can dispute this ‘til the cows come home. But, the proof of failings is out there.

At the very least, Iranians should re-examine why the Green Movement has so far failed, instead of, as usual, trying to rationalize or justify their failures. They can then come up with something more substantial than speeches for “International Society”.

If Iranians are more interested in theory, speeches, killing themselves for the sake of martyrdom, feeling good & brave about it, w/out accomplishing anything, then so be it. The outcome will be just as good as U.S. sanctions on Iran.

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