>>> As someone who closely follows Iranian political affairs, I would say that at least 60 percent of Iranians are very much against the regime. (Others say the figure is 70-80 percent.) Two groups still support the regime: deeply religious people in poor, rural areas, and those who depend on the salary, pension, and other economic advantages the regime affords them. The big question is whether the regime will succeed in stifling the protest movement through suppression and arrests.
At least, 60% of Iranians may be very much against the regime (out of a population of approx. 75 million).
BUT, so far not even 20% of those against the Regime, have shown any visible protests against the Regime, particularly inside & throughout Iran.
Why? Maybe one or more of the following, to name a few:
- Extreme force used by the Regime
- Intense propaganda by IRI to instill fear in the populace (Rigis recent “capture” & his forced confession on TV is just one example)
- Lack of overall planning & organization
- Lack of Leadership (outside IRIs reformists such as Karroubi/Moussavi, who arent interested in seeing IRI lose power)
- Lack of an alternative ideology and/or government, to which most of those against IRI would agree
- A distinct lack of *practical* and meaningful support from the international community & especially governments (in contrast to amount of support Palestinians receive from even ordinary people outside Iran). We can say this really amounts to appeasement of IRI.
So far, it seems Western govts have not had the will, nor the knowhow to stop IRI even in matters (nuclear weapons) that may, in the future, threaten the security of their own citizens & the international community.
So, I do wonder if these govts really care about human rights, democracy or freedom of Iranians!
Ping for main article.
Link in #9 for IRGC regarding previous thread:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2458169/posts