Because all the Basiji did and then threatened everyone they knew as well.
Iran has its own internal problems, and has been suffering under sanctions.
The idea the Iran has been united by this, and that Iran is willing to go to eat over this are stupid MSM fantasies.
If you do not comply, you lose your head.
Watch this short video clip. This guy is great at explaining the turnout to a reporter.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1214641652498866176
Well, I assume it is because a good number of Iranians support terrorists. Also, they were threatened.
‘The huge turnout sent a strokng signal to President Trump that the government enjoys widespread support.’
....a few paragraphs later...
‘People turn up in large numbers because they feel required to do so.’
Not exactly consistent reasoning.
As I have posted before, Iranians can only purchase food with coupons, which are doled out by the government. To be eligible for coupons, they must sign in and participate in protests when told.
Each person is watched and graded on the enthusiasm with which they protest by their peers.
If they do not show enough vigor or don’t show up at all, they do not get coupons and therefore they and their families don’t eat.
Food sharing and black marketing is outlawed and punished with death.
Starvation sets a good example for people to protest with gusto.
It is difficult to underestimate just how severe a the mullah regime suffered with the death of Soleimani. Historically Islam is at its peak when it has a charismatic, successful, respected military leader at its point. Persia itself was once conquered and converted by such Islamic leaders. The mullahs had their point man with Soleimani who gave critical pride and legitimacy to their rule. He will not be easily replaced. His assassination and loss weakens them. Iranians who yearn for an end to the theocracy see a silver lining in his death.
Yet it would have been interesting if he had lived and his career continued. Was he really the loyal servant of the medieval mullahs or was he an Iranian patriot strongman who eventually saw himself as a revolutionary that would depose the mullahs and reintroduce Iran into the modern world? Might he have become a Pinochet like leader?
Whatever the scenario, it is not in America’s interest to remain entangled in this foreign quagmire. Change and peace in the region must come from within. The Muslims will not embrace Western institutions, practices and values by force of arms. Change will come by exposure to the internet and social media. Through modern communications their people will learn there is a better way to live and will eventually demand it. Also they will sell their oil ( or whatever they have) to anyone with hard cash or they will starve.
Right out of Dimms busing voters to the polls.
Why did people clap so long for Stalin’s speeches? Both questions have the same answer.
Why does anyone turn out for a Democrat presidential candidate’ s rally? Because every society has fools. The Iranians are no exception, but in the marjority of the cases the Iranians are intimidated. Americans who identify with the Democrats are fools of their own free will.
Odd...BBC failed to mention that the military opened fire on Iranian citizens in an effort to force them into the mourning “sea of humanity”.
And, as usual, our readers say all the BBC has chosen to not say.
Methinks BBC is Brit for CNN.
Idiot BBC News. Do they even know how the”islamic revolution” came about? Short answer: at gunpoint.
Iranian-Backed Militias Open Fire On Civilians Refusing To Attend A Ceremony For The Now Dead General Qasem Soleimani..
https://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/3806025/posts
A couple of days ago a Freeper posted that he had a relative who recently spent quite a time in Iran. The relative said that food is being rationed due to the impact of sanctions. The relative further said that Iranians are told that if they and their families don’t show up to these kinds of events and show enthusiastic support they will not get their food rations.
Soleimani was a beloved individual in Iran. He was seen as a warrior who brought the fight to ISIS abroad which meant they wouldn’t have to fight ISIS at home. ISIS had attacked Iran as well.
He didn’t enjoy widespread support.
When you threaten people with their lives for not showing up, yeah, they’ll show up but it doesn’t mean support, it means intimidation.
I haven’t heard anyone point out the facts:
There are about 200,000 active personnel between IRGC & Basij. It doesn’t seem unusual to me that huge crowds would show up. All of their families would be required to show up, as well as past IRGC members
Iran’s a totalitarian state... the only people stupid enough to ‘not know’ how totalitarian states operate are members of the American press.
(The American press also falls for George Soros ‘bought and paid for’ protests too.)