Current Events

Egypt in 2011 is similar to Iran 2009

Mr. Nasr's analysis is flawed. He compares Iran in 1979 to Egypt in 2011. The Egyptians are poor - more than 80% of Egyptians are impoverished in 2011. In 1979, 90% of Iranian population was wealthy - so economics was a non-issue. The social-political issues in 1979 were exaggerated to nth degree. Iranians had the same kind of freedom in 1979 as Americans in 1979. Iran in 1979 mirrored America. Mr. Khomeini and his successors continue to spew lies about the socio-political-economic atmosphere in Iran during the Pahlavi Monarchy. Only about 0.5% of the population poured into the streets of Iran mostly these were Pakistanis and Indian mercenaries.

Fast forward to 2009 --  80% of Iranians are unemployed, living in poverty, without any personal, economic, or political freedom. The 3 to 5 million Iranians who poured into the streets did so at great risk to themselves. Since 1979, Every 5 years, there have been uprisings by Iranians to overthrow the Islamic regime without success because the Islamic regime kills and murders its dissidents in thousands. In 2009 -- another massive uprising - yet once again the uprising was quashed by the Islamic Regime with the help of International media who watched silently. 

So, please compare Egypt in 2011 to Iran in 2009 or 1999. 

Enough lies and fairy tales... from these anti-Iranian mercenaries who repeat Mr. Khoemini's lies to support British Imperialism and hegemon in the Middle East, particularly Iran. 

Spread the truth. The Islamic Regime can be overthrown with the help of Europeans. However, these bastards are supporting Islamic genocide in Iran. Shame on these Europeans who lack conscience.

Iranians have to free themselves from this European supported Islamic genocide in Iran. 

Good News, RG

The regime must go! The Iranians are fed up with the murderer running their country. Enough is enough. Although I doubt it will, but let's hope the regime goes peacefully.

Veiled Prophet of Khorasan, yes I agree and

I am entitled to my opinion :)

Cheers! 

Responses

• Mr. Nasr actually makes some very good points. His analysis is pretty good.
• Khebedin: Iran has been on the path to devolution for 32 years. Your "numbers" are totally made up. The only people who support this regime are traitors and those who are brainwashed by them. You sound a lot like SP. Please tell me: are you SP?

Me Nasr

Why do you want to compare Iran's circumstances to that of Egypt?. Iran has been on the path of revelution for the last 35 yeas, where Egypt is at the begining. Iran is 35 years ahead, why compare the two?. Iran has 75% of her people supporting her government, 15% indifference and 10% opposition, who follow the western media or live in the West. Egypt's population was the oposit, 85% wanted change. You seem to be missing the point

Anti regime protest (Ottawa) tonight 30 Bahman 1389

//iranian.com/main/blog/mardom-mazloom/anti-regime-protest-ottawa-tonight-30-bahman-1389

گزارش ها از تهران حاکی از آنست

18:54گزارش ها از تهران حاکی از آنست که هم اکنون در بعضی از محله های تهران از جمله شهرک اکباتان، کوی فراز، سعادت آباد، پونک، توانیر، یوسف آباد و نیاوران، صدای "الله اکبر" شنیده می شود. در طول یک سال و نیم گذشته، سر دادن شعارهای شبانه، یکی از راههای مخالفان دولت ایران برای بیان اعتراض هایشان بوده است.

Dear Sheila

It is in the nature of open debate to disagree;e; even disrespect other opinions. The main thing is to remain peaceful and open. If you read opinions on various American sites you will see it. For example see Huffington Post.

Or listen to many of various radio and TV call in shows. People get emotional and sometimes verbally bash one another. It is normal. We are not any different than others. In fact democracy requires lively debate. What you may refer to as disrespectful.

People are bashing Mr. Nasr because they do not like what he says. Many like me question his motives and agenda. The problem with many people new to democracy is that they do not understand it. They think democracy means agreement; it does not.

3.5 million people in Tehran alone

The scale of participation of Iranians in the 2009 uprisings--3.5 million people in Tehran alone--took the whole world by surprise. Even what has become known as the leadership of the Green Movement was surprised by such huge crowds and the spontaneity of the uprisings. He says, though, only one million took to the streets in Tehran.

we don't praise each other but do too sari --another difference

One of the differences he forgot to mention is that we are NOT capable of being respectful and greatful of each other's point of view!

Why is everyone bashing Mr. Nasr? 

Mr.Nasr

 Well ,actually it was similar to Iran but soon    Operating Experience or lesson learned  from Iran and Iraq  was used to difuse it. 

 I doubt  United States had any clue of Egyptian uprising, Mr.Obama's

statements during  the first two weeks was indicative of  USA buying time

to prevent another Iran  style disaster. There will be not much of change in Egypt , these are all temporary fixes. Egypt soon or late will go back to Mubarak or earlier time and may even get worse .

( not my  personal wish)

The demonstration across the Middle East either by design or spontaneous  is not intended for democratic change, it is a tsunami prevention. For too long these people  have been stripped from their dignities and their  basic rights as a human and only Khomeini and Mubaraks can serve the one -sided policy of the Middle East. There have been ample opportunities for change but does anyone really cares?

neither is spewing random data

The numbers for a rigged election in a military dictatorship are worthless. Who counted them and whose "general consensus" is it. Anyway *even* if someone votes for a person it does not mean they support the system. They may be voting for many reasons.

In short the 30 % figure it totally unsubstantiated. 

Regarding debate: it is perfectly reasonable to question motives. Many people both in Iran and in democracies have hidden agenda. For example an industry lobbyist will generally argue for deregulation. Just as an IR supporter will argue why the system should remain. It is very important for people to know any agenda people have. Democracy requires open debate; and one issue is motive. There is nothing in democracy that disallows me questioning your or Nasr's data or motives. 

Yet another Islamic Apologist

How much longer this father and son would attempt to sell us on the viability of the cult of Islam.  This man and his father should have no place in Iran's future.  They had their chance and blew it.  Unless you renounce Islam, or at least talk about its shortcomings and how it has failed us, all else you say is like the organization (NIAC) you support.

Iran & Egypt: Differences

There are a lot of defferences that he doesn't mention.

1- basiji and pasdars are not in Eygpt to shoot people and go after family of  those been arrested.

2- in Iran every day there is execution, is there any in Eygpt.

Over 80 percent of Iranian hate Regime but only behind the doors and in the street corners, only Brave man and women in Iran are young people

2 Eygpt: I wouldn't call it people changed the regime, I would called it silent coup by American and Eygpt Military.

MOST OF ALL MOUSAVI IS FIREWALL FOR THE REGIME, DOESN'T MATTER WHAT HE SAYS OR HE HAS BEEN THREATEND, ALL CLERICS MASTER PLAN.

spewing random accusations: not very constructive

Actually the 30% I quote is the general consensus of the Moussavi-Ahmadinejad proportion of votes - 30% to 65% appx. The Islamic Republic announced it to be the opposite  - ie. 65% to 30% Ahmadinejad-Moussavi, and won the election. Dishing out random accusations isn't very mature, (one of the commentators below.) 

My piece below explains my opinions on the  shortcomings of "Regime Change" vs. "Regime Reform" in Mr. Nasr's arguments. Notice - I can disagree with him, without spewing accusations. It's called debating in a democracy.

Afsaneh

Yet another

pathetic attempt by IRR to justify it existance; rape and murders. Sure "afsaneh" whatever you say. Fully 30% of Iranians love being raped; their oil revenue stolen and their mothers and sister stoned.

You are right. I guess being in America has made me too biased. I just don't like being raped and murdered and ripped off. Now where did you get your numbers? From IRR I have not doubt right.

One more factor in common ....

neither could have happened without US's blessing

70% isn't enough for "Regime Change"

"Regime Reform" vs. "Regime Change":

Vali Nasr's contrasting of these two terms is very helpful. However, he randomly mentions that Egypt and Iran 1979 were about Regime change and succeeded - Iran 2009 was about Regime reform and it didn't - without looking at some basic tenets. 

Iran 2009 only had 70% of its population being anti-regime; with The Shah and Mubarak, you had that critical %age necessary for "Regime change" - upwards of 95%. 

If the Green Movement didn't call for "Regime Change" and only "Regime Reform" - it's because they've taken this very critical fact into consideration. 30% of Iran's population vehemently supports the system, votes for hardliners, etc. Just because someone doesn't like it, it's not very scholarly to just ignore the reality of the complication that is Iran. I was in Tehran during the 2009 elections. The nights before the election - masses would peacefully rally. Moussavi's crowd may have been more substantial, but Ahmadinejad's supporters were a sizeable crowd, too. 

Egypt's Mubarak, and Iran under the Shah, did not have 30% support - we saw how Mubarak could just muster a few thugs as his supporters. Iran's situation is more complex - and the choice for "Regime Reform" isn't because Moussavi and Khatami are wimps, but perhaps because they are realists and are working within this parameter. 

Mr. Nasr has other insightful points he brings up - but seems to have missed out on the most basic tenet regarding the difference between Iran 2009 and Egypt 2011. 

Afsaneh