From Theocracy to Democracy

Balatarin
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Bijan A M
by Bijan A M
28-Jun-2008
 

This is my first ever initiation of a blog and is inspired by a debate that has been brewing in Mr. Trita Parsi’s Blog called “Nee for your voice”.

This post is purely an expression of my opinion and by no means claims presentation of absolute facts. My intent and objective is to stimulate a constructive debate on a subject that has been very passionately argued on this site. It has been my observation that there is a general consensus that the ruling of IRI is not conducive to a free and democratic society. There is also a general consensus that any change in Iran should be inspired and carried by the people inside Iran who have suffered from lack of freedom and prosperity.

This is where the general consensus ends and people, basically follow two different schools of thought:

1- those who believe that democracy will gradually develop and emerge under the ruling of the IRI through weakening of the hardliner factions in the system and strengthening of the moderate voices.

2- Those who believe that there is no such a thing as peaceful transformation of theocracy to democracy. Therefore, the Iranian people’s struggle for freedom should be supported by both strengthening the masses and/or weakening the grip of IRI by any means that would have least negative effect on people’s welfare (recognizing that even the least impact could mean loss of many lives).

I happen to subscribe to the second school of thought. I believe IRI is at best a theocracy and there is no link between it and democracy. I am also of the opinion that theocracy and democracy contradict in terms. One of the foundations of democracy is separation of church and state and respect for human (individual) rights.

Therefore, democracy can come to life in Iran only when theocracy is dead. The question then becomes how to hasten the death of IRI.

I have not seen a single post on this site that openly supports US/Israel’s attack on Iran to remove IRI from power. Many have rationalized such an action in response to IRI’s hard line with regard to existence of Israel, but not to remove IRI. Any foreign war with Iran would be contrary to shortening the life of IRI. But, eventually (and to the liking of IRI) such war may be unavoidable.

Therefore, with or without war, it is my humble opinion that to accelerate the death of theocracy in Iran, the best tool is to empower people in iran through exposing the atrocities of the government, educating the masses about alternative forms of non-religious government (I believe there are many young, brave, enthusiastic and dedicated souls who would volunteer as foot soldiers to carry this message). There should be an orchestrated and relentless effort to put international pressure on IRI with regard to human rights and isolation of IRI’s dictatorship.

I know it is easy for me to sit in the comfort of my home in US and blab these stuff, but, it is sincerely how I feel and believe. I have never been active in politics, but am very eager to learn.

My apologies for sub-standard mastery of English language.

Regards,

Bijan

Balatarin
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Azarin Sadegh

Congratulations on your first blog!

by Azarin Sadegh on Sun Jun 29, 2008 04:24 PM PDT

Dear Bijan,

I have always avoided commenting on political blogs, but I have followed your comments on other blogs and articles and I have enjoyed your great ability of debating logically with so much calm in a harsh and crazy forum :-) 

I really think that you're a fine writer. Believe in yourself!

Cheers,

Azarin


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default

Fantastic summation! I just

by abc (not verified) on Sun Jun 29, 2008 09:49 AM PDT

Fantastic summation! I just wish you had elaborated more on why you think Islamic democracy is an oxymoron; especially when 15% of the population is armed to the teeth (refer to Mammad's post on a previous thread) to protect the mullahs and their very livlihood (bread and butter).

Some "scholars" on this site suggest, we ought to wait and hope that this 15% Islamists gang members will eventually come to their senses miraculously; and they will voluntarily relinquish power...the said scholars however, never propose any historical evidence of such Reformation taking place among a bunch of bloodthristy, uneducated, and fanatic group of religious zealots. The said scholar's solution are merely wishful thinking and it's not grounded in reality.

P.S. Military intervention by the US, Israel, UN, is unacceptable and will only add life to the mullahs 'reign of terror'; and perhaps that is exactly what the West and Israeli envision for Iran and Iranians.


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Bijan A M

amirkabear4u

by Bijan A M on Sun Jun 29, 2008 06:58 AM PDT

Thanks for your comments and I certainly appreciate your suggestion as a starting point (as minimal as it may be) to confront the mullahs. But, as I said I have never organized a political activity and don't know how. But, am willing to participate and contribute in any form I can. If you know of any organization that works towards that end please let me know.

Thanks again to everyone for their encouraging posts.

 


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Fred

Hallelujah

by Fred on Sun Jun 29, 2008 03:49 AM PDT

You’ve nailed it so perfectly both in content and diction. Amen!


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Maryam Hojjat

Well Said!

by Maryam Hojjat on Sun Jun 29, 2008 03:45 AM PDT

Bijan,

you are not alone.  I Think most Iranians want IRI removal from power.  Theocracy has never bridged with democracy.

May Iranians bring FREEDOM to IRAN as soon as possible.


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amirkabear4u

Fair Comments

by amirkabear4u on Sun Jun 29, 2008 03:12 AM PDT

Every government has its effect on society. Iran always been a muti cultural and multi potlitical environment. One of the important lessons all of us, in particular muslems, learned with IRI, is that religion and politics do not mix. Perhaps for about 100 years or so mullahs and their activist friends were struggling to take Iran under their control. And when they made it what did they do? NOTHING. Now is democracy's turn and they only need to watch because they had their turn. In other words when democracy takes over Iran they can only watch and not interfere.

In my opinion there would not be a peaceful transformation of theocracy to democracy. But not to worry because once democracy won if it was not cheap to achieve, it is less likely to let it go too. Besides some of IRI supporters will not sit and watch anyway.

Just a matter of interest Mr Bijan since you said " know it is easy for me to sit in the comfort of my home in US and blab these stuff, but, it is sincerely how I feel and believe.", you and your like minded friends can do something. I heard some of mullahs sons and family members are freely doing investment in US. I am sure you heard free speach and expression but how many of you Iranian opposition in US showed your disgust in regard to a government who broadcasts anti american slogans but doing investment in the land of their enemies. There are a lot of peacefull demonstrations you can do if you really wanted to, in particular since amreicans are very keen about their so called home land security.

may God save Iran


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Zion

Can't agree more

by Zion on Sat Jun 28, 2008 08:50 PM PDT

Thanks Bijan and will be looking forward to reading more from you.


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