So this is in free thoughts because its not about politics, but about chances lost and hope that survives. I just came back from a peace referendum on Iran. There were Israeli, American and Iranian peace activists trying to generate awareness about stopping the war. The outlook looks grim; with all three of them presenting the views currently paramount in their respective governments, and all fingers pointing to war. This thread is dedicated to the Iranians and their courage in surviving the previous four chapters of Western intervention with their spirit of freedom intact. Here's to hoping they can avoid another. ----------- Chapter One (1906), The Constitutional Revolution: Iran is the first ME country to adopt a Constitution and embrace democracy over monarchy or clerics. It rapidly establishes itself as a power in the making in the region. Intervention one (1911): Britain and Imperial Russia crush the fledgling democracy ----------- Chapter Two (1951) : Mossadegh fights for democratic Iran on three fronts; against the autocratic Shah; against the British for nationalising Iran's oil and for secular reforms in the country; Iranians support him and he is elected by popular vote. Intervention two (1953) A Western organised coup, Iran is handed over to the Shah and his men. 25 years of torture and death for liberal dissidents ------------ Chapter Three (1979) The Islamic Revolution: The reformists in Iran gather power and overthrow the Shah, democrats and secularists who think the clerics that supported them will provide a strong Islamic society based on Islamic values. Intervention three (1980): The US arms Saddam and supports him in the invasion of Iran. Even though the Iraqis are ready to give up in two years, Khomeini seizes a chance to establish his fundamentalist base and prolongs the war; Iranians get the distinction of becoming the victims of chemical warfare from Iraq. Iran falls under the Islamist regime. ------------- Chapter Four (1988) A reformist is elected; Khameini and later Rafsanjani diminish the impact of the fundmentalists; they work to improve relations with the West. A comprehensive proposal for peace is offered and is accepted by several countries in the European Union. Intervention four, (1995) The Axis of Evil: The peace proposal is turned down by the US. Rafsanjani is elected President. The US suspends all trade with Iran. Instead the US puts Iran on the its Axis of Evil; the liberal faction is undermined and the hawks gain prominence. Conservatives once again gain power. 20 million Iranians don't vote because the choice is between a douche and a turd and Maddenedjedi is elected President. ---------- A New Chapter, 2007: Reformists are highly active. The Iranian Parliament is trying to impeach Ahmedinejad. Students are massing in rallies opposing nuclear programs and demonstrating against the President. Reformists have published articles on the Nuremberg prosecution and how the Holocaust was a time of moral collapse in the world (this is in response to Maddenedjedi's Holocaust conference). A popular television serial is based on an Iranian diplomat in Paris who rescued Jews during the Holocaust and helped them to escape to Palestine. There is an intense power struggle in the government that the reformists are trying to win. Women in Iran have launched a Million Signature campaign to fight for their rights in society and are going door to door, educating other women. Venezuela, as an ally, is being encouraged to defy the fascist treatment of workers in the country; bus drivers are attempting to break away and create a union, separate from the fascist Islamist Labour group of the clerics. Iranian students around the world are asking for peace and understanding. Will the Iranians make it this time?Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!
