A Plea to the Iranian Opposition Abroad

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divaneh
by divaneh
08-Jul-2011
 

The cruelty and lack of human rights in Iran has brought me to the point of explosion and I know well that I am not the only one. Unfortunately none of our opposition parties seems to be able to handle explosives.

We get angry and we get upset and we just watch and wait. From time to time someone writes a blog and accuse the rest of the keyboard warriors of being inactive chelo kabab lovers who do nothing for their homeland. I don’t think that I am the only one who finds those bloggers immature and unrealistic. Nevertheless to ignore our responsibilities as more fortunate members of a society that suffers the brutalities of an inhumane regime is nothing but selfishness.

No need to say that power is in numbers and none of us can do anything of real value single handedly. This is a task for an organisation and that is in my view where we have our weakest link. We seem to lack an organisation who can tap, lead and manage all the potential energy.

In a recent exchange with Masoud Kazemzadeh I asked him if Jebhe Melli and INF-Abroad did anything more than releasing statements and was informed of a few actions in the last few years. Now I like to know if any other group or party had a practical plan to help leading Iran out of this quagmire.

At the time that we need the unity more than ever before to help pave the way for democratic changes in Iran, there are undemocratic groups such as Monarchists, MEK and Democratic Islamists (whatever it is or whatever they call themselves) who do not appreciate that appointing people to the future positions or devising exclusive policies will only help to divide and disincentivize the opposition and ultimately help the ruling Mafia. All we see from these groups are constant bickering of each other that has left us bereft of a single valuable political entity to assume the vacant post of the leader of the opposition.

In absence of a real opposition who cares for the future of Iran, we witness conferences such as the one that was recently organised in London by Alireza Nourizadeh and was supported by Saudi Arabia where disintegration of Iran was discussed under the guise of plans for a federal Iran. Where are the papers of a conference that is discussing the future of our country by self-appointed few behind closed doors?

Recently China and Russia voted against appointing a Human Rights Special Rapporteur for Iran in direct contradiction to Iranian people’s human rights. Which of the opposition political groups took or planned actions against these enemies of the Iranian people?

My plea to the Iranian opposition groups is to play their historical roles, to unite and to reach Iranian diaspora for help. Statements, silent demonstrations and videos will not do the job. That is just preaching to the converted. Enough have been said, we now need a plan of action. We must challenge the supporters of the ruling Mafia, most notably Russia and China to change their policies. We must support oppositions in China, Russia, Venezuela, Syria and any other country who is the partner in the crimes against the Iranian people.  We must reach those countries who class themselves as friends of Iran such as Turkey and India to be the true friends of the Iranian people (and not just friends of its government) in this moment of need, review their policies and push for democratic reforms in Iran.  This is in my view where we can most effectively help the change in Iran. This is one duty that we are better placed to fulfil than our people inside the country. That is where you can take advantage of our untapped energies.  Lead the way with a clear vision and a good plan and we support you.

Now, do we today have the right organisation to lead us or do we have to create it?

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more from divaneh
 
divaneh

Yes it was Oktaby

by divaneh on

I loved your ideas and I can contribute by matching your donation as well as helping with creation of the website.

In addition to what you proposed I think we need to reach the opposition groups for engagement and assistance. Some of those we can contact right here in IC as some of their members are amongst the contributors to this site.

We certainly need to talk to different groups to identify the common values in concord. Do we need a list of people and organisations to contact? Do we set up the foundation and publicize it in different forums? How do we go about setting up that foundation? You seem to be the man with the right answers.

 


vildemose

oktaby:I'm not sure what

by vildemose on

oktaby:I'm not sure what you  have in mind??


vildemose

What are the things we

by vildemose on

What are the things we agree on??

Why do we need to creat this organization? This needs to be spelled out clearly.

Why is this opposition group different than others?

What are the threats facing Iran long-term, externally? The internal threats should be taken care of by the people inisde...

Identify those who do not want a prosperous and democratic Iran for their own self-interest? They are American organization (AIPAC , messianic evangelists)  Iranian (CASMII and others) and , Iranian-American organization (NIAC MKO, todehi, Islamists democrats...etc.), and Europeans, Chinese, Russians..etc.

What are our advantages and strength? Do we have any?

what are our weaknesses?


oktaby

Hmmm

by oktaby on

vilde jaan, keep eyes on the prize. I was not aiming for AIPAC but was referring in general sense. There should be no assumption of hostility even when we have that kind of strength (we are not playing rapist republic). However, how we speak to anyone, about what and with what tone is an assessment we can make then. Power is something you take. Lets walk first.

RG, I have long since passed isms and 20th century pedestrian concepts to want to hold grudges against those who still believe them. Even capitalism is on its last leg… You are more than welcome to join. Lets see if we pass the test of getting out of cyberblog first. Strength is in numbers and effort. We need not reinvent the wheel but be disciplined in using proven methodologies and be creative here and there. Achilles' heel for Iranian culture except with money, finding loopholes (jer zani) and studying. 

Oktaby


Roozbeh_Gilani

Oktaby, you are being generous with your 80%-20% rule...

by Roozbeh_Gilani on

in IMHO. But I do like your plan of action. My tax refunds were spent months ago, but I still got a couple of credit cards left!

And before I get too excited, are commie's also allowed to participate?

"Personal business must yield to collective interest."


vildemose

The solution is to develop

by vildemose on

The solution is to develop the strength so they have to listen.

Oktaby: That is what I had in mind, never groveling. We need to have enough clout so they are forced to listen..We also need to prsent a logical and coherent argument to address their concerns and our concerns at the negotiation table so to speak. The approach should be conciliatory not hostile...


oktaby

It has started

by oktaby on

but is growing slowly. Painfully slowly.

vildemose's point on AIPAC… is also well taken. The solution is not talking and begging them. The solution is to develop the strength so they have to listen. Iranians have yet to develop political muscle. That has been suppressed politically (Shah paid the price, Iran still is) and culturally (Iranian parent advice: put your head down, study, mind your own business and become a doctor). Most Iranians still proudly say 'I do not belong to any group or political party'. Translation: I do not want to spend time and energy, and definitely not money, to push, support and advance whatever it is I want to happen. That has to change. This is true in a community that is pretty well educated. So it is not a matter of classic education but training and education in political/cultural sense.

Ari mentioned mole hills (don't agree with example as IC never took on the mantle and more or less behaved like the opposition in LA but different discussion). The organization of Iranians (inside and out) during the peak periods of post 2009 was nothing less than magnificent. So we can take more than mole hills, but it did not have the foundation to sustain. I may not see Iran again but I rather see it built right again that morph into something I recognize even less than now given the current choices (with one or two exceptions). Keep in mind that anything resembling opposition has been systematically murdered, corrupted or character assassinated and still being done.

80/20 rule applies here. 20% of us  will end up saving Iran (rapist republic was/is less than that). The other 80% will do what they have always done. Bitch, moan, whine, be a hypocrite, play intellectual aerobics and travel back and forth for their annual yeylaagh/gheshlaagh.

Where to start: 

The start may well be a collaboration of individuals who put together:

-that foundation at intellectual and tactical level (can be done in a matter of days)

-Put together an interactive website that engages people (work on demographics and the rest will fall into place). Can be done in 2-3 weeks.

-Get initial funding for 1 full time wo/man hours for minimum of 1 year  (shotor savari dola dola nemisheh) to be expanded with growth.

-start cosial networks, org linking, event management

Now who can put their money where their mouth is?

If we get a group willing I'll put in the first $1000 and fund a 2.0 website with all the bells and whistles. 

Is this something you were 'hope"ing for?

Oktaby


vildemose

Yes, Divaneh jan. We need to

by vildemose on

Yes, Divaneh jan. We need to directly talk to those who are hell bent on destroying the ME that includes AIPAC et al...Confront the enemy head on...


divaneh

Could not agree more Vildemose

by divaneh on

AIPAC and Zionists are some of the powers that currently have negative rules when it comes to Iran. I doubt that they have the real interest of Israelis in hearth and not just embezzling financial aids and getting reach from arms contracts that can only thrive in such environment of animosity. If they care for Israelis then we must show them that the real peace and stability in ME can only be achieved by supporting real democracy. Perhaps we should reach the Israeli people themselves.


vildemose

Excellent responses Divaneh

by vildemose on

Excellent responses Divaneh jan.

Let me tell you why I am hesitant to put my neck out there. I genuinely believe that the zionist et al  and some American higher ups don't want  a democratic Iran as well. They need the radical Islamists to get even more radical so the Western world can justify nuking the whole area. This will once an for all decapitate Israels enemies from all sides and it's also profit for the MIC (Military Industrial Complex).

We need to convince AIPAC and the zionists and some in the US, that is not the only solution to guarantee the existence of state of Israel. How do we do that? I have no idea...


divaneh

Dear Rea

by divaneh on

Thanks for your suggestions. I think we need to challenge China and Russia in some way but perhaps supporting their opposition is not a good idea. I don't know the answer, but know that these two are the main sponsors of the regime and have big rules in the suppression of human rights in Iran. We need to let them know that we can see what they are doing and they have to pay for this in the future. Also they are much more careful about their reputation and showing their links to crimes in Iran may force them to review their policies.

I could not find an English link to the London Conference. There are some brief explanations in Persian in the Nourizadeh website here.

//www.nourizadeh.com/archives/005950.php

and here is the website of his organisation that organised the conference. Unfortunately it is currently unavailable.

//www.caisuk.com/

It was a closed conference and the only invited media was Al Arabiya of the Saudi Arabia which happens to be the channel that keeps inviting Nourizadeh to its programmes as an analyst in exchange for good pay rates. That is why you never hear Nourizadeh condemning Saudi Arabia for its dictatorial methods even when they crush the Bahrain protest. Given his link to the Saudi Arabia, I could not think of anyone less suitable than him to organise a closed door conference about the future of Iran.

They have promised to release the conference papers (we wait and see) but for now all we know is that there was a focus on a federal Iran. Amongst other invitees a gentleman called Abdian has been introduced as the representative of Arabs in Ahwaz. I don't know when the Arabs in Ahwaz voted for a representative but can guess which country is behind this. This self appointed representative has used the name Arabistan instead of Khuzistan in his speeches. To Khuzistanis like me who are familiar with the multi-ethnic poulation of the khuzistan, this is nothing short of insult. An effort to stir sectarianism.


divaneh

Dear Roozbeh

by divaneh on

I agree that the leadership of this movement has to be within Iran, but I think the opposition abroad also needs leading and that leadership cannot be provided from within Iran. The opposition includes many groups such as Monarchists, MEK and Communists who cannot have a public presentation in Iran. Also the opposition abroad is much better placed to influence the policies of Iran's foes and friends. It has more financial resources and access to the free press and a large army of educated professionals. Their task is to make the job of those inside Iran easier in turning Iran into a viable democracy.


divaneh

That's what I feared Oktaby

by divaneh on

That we have to create it. Perhaps it needs to be a coordinator rather than leader. A mortar organisation that includes in its stated goals the legal desires of all opposition groups that are not in conflict with each other. A glue that links these groups together and provides a valid framework for the united opposition.

I agree with you that disappointment and negativity can kick in when people lose hope. A reminder that the failed efforts of a fragmented opposition is not without a price.

Now, where to start?


divaneh

Mehrdad Jaan

by divaneh on

Thanks for your encouraging words and your support.


divaneh

Dear Vildemose

by divaneh on

You have asked the most fundamental questions that finding an answer to them is one of the greatest tasks of the opposition. In my view people inside and outside Iran have not been inspired by a clear vision from any side of the opposition. The bitter experience of the 32 years ago makes them hesitant to endanger their lives for what may just be another cheat.

Khomeini managed to build a united opposition front and created a vision for people that included the desires of every layer of the society, although it turned up to be nothing but lies. That was the key to his success, and something that we lack today. It also needs to be said that Shah regime was not as brutal as the existing regime who seem to unleash an unprecedented level of violence and publicize it to instil fear in the hearths of people. Fear can be overcome when people have the vision and the will.


divaneh

Dear Amir Parviz

by divaneh on

Why do you think two educated members of our society prescribe dictatorship to end the suffering that is caused by the existing dictatorship? Why a population of 1 milliard in a country with great variations in ethnicity and culture called India, can establish a democracy and our people are only good for toeing the line?

If you happen to see these two doctors again please ask them this question: Let's assume that everything that Shah did was good. Let's say that people were unappreciative fools. Do we not have enough evidence that as good as a dictator may be, because he does not follow the will of people ultimately he is brought down and all his good work undone?

I support Reza Pahlavi as one of the brightest politicians who sets a very clear vision and wishes for a constitutional monarchy in Iran which will be far from a dictatorial regime. Unfortunately some of his supporters seem to ignore his will and keep undermining the people as fools who deserve nothing better than a dictator.

I wish Reza Pahlavi would initiate some actions against policies of countries such as China and Russia who are plundering Iran resources and help to maintain the regime. He would see a wider support and admiration from Iranians if he did so.


Rea

Interesting reading, both blog n comments

by Rea on

Two things.

1. Unless it is genuine, out of conviction, do not support opposition in China, Russia, etc. just for the sake of politics. Their opposition is their business. Concentrate instead on those governments you regard as friendly to Iranians.

2.  Can I have a link for that conference in London? Have been busy recently, haven't had time to follow IC in case it had already been discussed here.


Simorgh5555

Iran Paidar 1st

by Simorgh5555 on

It is surprising to me that some people on IC who previously pretended to be anti IRI have changed color like a camillian 

 LoL. It reminds me of someone I know. 

Yes, indeed. There is no way out. These people have learnt their lesson from the Shah and they are not going to sit down and be walked over. As I am living in exile, I can no longer ask the Iranian people to get up and fight. They will shell demonstrators with bullets and take pleasure in killing them. I have learned to ask Iranians to put themselves up as sacrificial lambs to the sluaghter of the Islamist Rapist Republic will fail  because they will be killed wholesale. It is also immoral. 

A mass movement unfortunately  will not succeed without outside help or a a fully trained army ready to take them on. The job needs to be done properly. 

These people are not like Mubarak, the Shah of Iran, or Ben Ali of Tunisia.  


Iran Paidar 1st

Dear Vildemose ... Could it be

by Iran Paidar 1st on

Could it be that Shah had at best a few thousands of savakies and mozdoors and IRI has created hundereds of thousands if not a couple of millions of them?

 


Roozbeh_Gilani

For a moment I thought I was visiting a "Fred Blog"

by Roozbeh_Gilani on

Well divaneh, the scale of frustrated and angry yap yaps by the usual multi user ID cyber poodles, wanabe shaban-bi-mokhs at you and your blog,  indicates one thing, and one thing only: You touched a very raw nerve here. You went beyond simply whining and complaining about this mulla and that mulla.

you crossed the red line! If you were in Iran you'd be in Evin or worse.

 You are raising valid questions on how unity can be achieved amongst the opposition organisations abroad against this evil of islamist fascism. Your reference to the conference in London was absolutely on the spot, so was the reference to undemocratic forces which might take advantage of any vaccume. 

First thing, as you know the young people inside Iran fighting for their democratic rights and against the islamist regime are far from stupid. They are not only brave but extremely intelligent. They are not the naive 1979 revolutionaries, ready to do the leg work for a Rajavi or another wanabe fascist only to become his victims later. the apparent slowness of our people's democratic movement is more to do with pragmatism of not going to war against the enemy whilst the balance of power is not in our favour...

Having said that, I have firmly reached this conclusion that the leadership of our next revolution, -yes, revolution- will be in Iran, amongst students, labour union leaders, academics, womem, etc. we outside Iran could join any organisation within the political spectrum who'd agree with the simple principal of an absolutely  free referendum for future of Iran after the islamist regime is overthrown. We have a simple task of publicizing, demonstrating, lobbying our representatives on behalf of our people suffering at the hands of islamist regime. Beyond that, of course we can always have a laugh at iranian.com courtesy of islamist cyber poodles angry yaps :)     

And thank you very much for an excellent, well written blog. 

"Personal business must yield to collective interest."


oktaby

have to create it

by oktaby on

the responses indicate the attitudes, and inability to comprehend either your question, or distinguish between expectation of the outcome, its immediacy, and effort it takes to get there. Many actually believe that having marched in a protest or two, or feeling bad about Iranicide, has proven their commitment and sacrifice. Others are above it. Yet others think, the English will decide the outcome anyway so why stress.

When in juxtaposition to a blood thirsty regime, individuals or groups (insertname here) still spit on and swear at everything that came before it, and proudly piss from left to right and North to South (from Pahlavi to Mossadegh to Ghajar), or proudly pronounce they donot belong to any group or political party, there is mindset that needs adjustment.

These needs to change first and that is job 1 for the 'organization' (There are seeds here and there).

Good blog even if it falls on mostly deaf IC ears. There is plenty of hope.

 

Oktaby


Bavafa

Excellent blog, worthy subject

by Bavafa on

 

'Vahdat' is the main key to victory 

Mehrdad


vildemose

Divaneh jan: Could it be

by vildemose on

Divaneh jan: Could it be that we are not inspired enough for whatever reason? Is it lack of convicion? Are we not angry enough? Why are we so lackadaisical? How did Khomeini/BBC stirred people up?? There has to be a solution to this apthetical states of affairs.

I think not only we don't know how to organize we are also reluctant to organize? We need to examine those factors that hold us back..Those are the real stumbliing blocks that need to be removed. That is my two cents...


divaneh

Ms Zahed Kindersley

by divaneh on

You can keep your interpretation for yourself and PN can explain and tafsir his own comments.

I know which contributors are fending for the IRI here and PN and Tavana are two of them. I leave that to the readers judgement.

And there is no such a thing as "Pendar Tahi", you should read it "Pendar Tohi" Ms Zahed Kindersley. Which school did you go to?

In this blog I advocate the unity between the opposition groups and not IRI and its supporters. If you, any supporter of IRI, or anyone else has something of value to add, whether for or against, then please do so. Otherwise if someone such as Pendar Tohi wants to challenge individuals to take guns, then I have already answered that in the blog itself. Please read paragraphs 2 and 3. If you have nothing of value to contribute then silence is not a bad thing.


amirparvizforsecularmonarchy

The time is perfect for Regime change.

by amirparvizforsecularmonarchy on

I was speaking with a couple of doctors that live and work in Iran and were on vacation, they told me that people at almost all levels are ready for regime change and are just waiting for the opportunity to do aything to get rid of the regime.

One said the only thing that will work is a strong male dictator, the other said a king would work but not like the late shah one that has no problem using the military.  They have lived in Irans culture and say a man versus a woman will be critical due to where iranians attitudes are at.

They say that life and people are nothing like they used to be before the revoluton, stealing and corruption occur at all levels and most people have lost all sense of tolerance for the regime.

So the first thing Iran needs is a leader that enough people will sacrifice for to serve the greater good. We don't have that and in that sense our inability to rally around a leader of dictator or strong king type... is a self imposed barrier to restoring freedom for Iran.

Democratic change will not succeed within iran based on the people and yet we need a mass movement of people united behind one leader.

We Need a Nader Shah and all we have are Rajavi's and Shirin Ebadi's.


Iran Paidar 1st

Dear Simorgh ...

by Iran Paidar 1st on

People need to fight to get their freedom and their rights. No dictator and dictatorship has ever given freedom to their people on their own.

Anyone who thinks the mollahs and pasdars are going to suddenly give the Iranians their rights and freedom is a fool. In fact, they are grooming their children to take on after them and murder and rape the next generations of Iranians as well as continue robbing the Iranian wealth.

It is surprising to me that some people on IC who previously pretended to be anti IRI have changed color like a camillian. I think they have been the first recipient of the 1000 meter land that was promised to all by AN.

 


Truthseeker9

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by Truthseeker9 on

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divaneh

Truthseeker

by divaneh on

He had posted this video with the comment that this is another comfy explosive or something like that.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=2J1WCe3HB7E

I thanked him for the video and reminded him that it was irrelevant and he was welcome to add a valuable contribution if he had one. Otherwise he could go play.


Truthseeker9

.

by Truthseeker9 on

.


divaneh

That WE is few millions Iranians abroad Tavana

by divaneh on

And once they are led properly they will help Iranians inside to bring down your paymasters.