I have invited blogger Iran_ALLDAY, who goes by the same name in Twitter to write the opinion below. We are appreciative he was kind enough to share his thoughts with us here. For more detailed information, please visit his blog, http://iranallday.blogspot.com/ constantly updated with the latest on the Iranian movement.
Opinion By Iran_ALLDAY:
In the 30 years of the Islamic republic there have been those in the past that have stood up to the government’s harsh ways. These people stretch from journalists, politicians to young college students. The problem was that these people who spoke against the government never had a strong back up or support of the people, because in the past the majority was scared, so the potential for the uprising of a movement would be zero to none.
It is important to note that during the 80’s there were people who spoke against the government, but due to the 8-year war with Iraq much attention was placed on the war. Then during the aftermath people were just relieved the war was over and did not want to get in the way of the government. Those who were against the government did not have a strong backing to create a movement.
The Sea of Green
What is happening right now is the masses are supporting one another. For the first time in 30 years you have a majority who have broken their silence and finally stood up to this government, and are not afraid anymore.
What is ultimately being seen are two sides: one side is the youth who want to see change and have basic human rights that any other western country has, then the other side, which is more conservative and plan on continuing things the same as ever.
This is a battle of two different worlds with two different ideologies: one of looks to the present and the other looks at the past, as ways to run a government.
It is proven throughout history that when the masses join together, put fear aside and show bravery, they cannot be stopped. No matter how many of them the government kills and imprisons or tortures, it will only anger the people more, and most importantly motivate them to take down an oppressive regime.
The second most powerful man in Iran, Hashemi Rafsanjani, said it best “If we are not fair with the people, they will do to us exactly like they did to the Shah”.
Thank you for your info on here and in twitter.
I too am Iranian (born in America to two Iranian parents). Thanks for the blog entry. This dirty regime came to power based on lies and deceit, there is plenty of film footage of Khomenei sermonizing his false promises. In that 30 years many people died in the war with Iraq, many have left the country for better opportunities causing the world’s largest brain drain, and many people simply did not have kids they either could not afford or did not want to raise in that living hell. So, what happens is the population since The Revolution is now very young, urban, educated, and the majority. They’re itching for change and no matter how much The Islamic Republic tries to recreate the “ideal time” of the 7th century of their prophet, the population has access to modernity and tecnology and craves it along with democracy. The mullahs platform of murder and lies has failed miserably and belong to the same body pile of Nazism and Communism. Now’s the time! Hopefully Iranians won’t accept just any “Option B is better than Option A” attitude like in 1979 and make it right this time!
Hi Marianna, its an absolute delight coming accross your blog (I got the link from my friend Conrad’s blog). Outlook towards Iran has been an issue of disagreement between my country and the U.S. of A and to hear a voice from that part of the world is a welcome input. Thank you.