Iran’s social evolution has been an unsolved mystery. The beginning, the Islamic revolution in 1979, which overthrew the age old monarchy, has been many a times questioned upon. The reasons of tumbling the existing government then, were never really based on classical grounds, like financial crisis, defeat in war, or shackled military. And now, after the re-election of president Ahmadinejad, Iran is boiling again, demanding explanation of what happened back then. Is it about the conservative Islamic rule run by Ayatollahs burdening Iran’s pro-modernization population?
The 70′s Islamic revolution was not all about ruling pattern, it brought an entire country under the umbrella of non-secularism. The women, above all, were the ones who faced the most heat. In the pre-Islamic era, women did not really have equality of rights, but the segregation of sexes was much less than what it is now. Wearing of traditional Hijab, education, mixing with opposite sex are all differing aspects, that may be triggering a social debate, fructifying in a revolution. A friend of mine, hailing from Iran, once told me that Mir-Houssain Mousavi (the “libertarian” opposition leader) has a large number of youth fan-followers. That gives an idea of what people of Iran are hinting at. Well, certainly not eradicating Shi’a Islamic rule, but probably loosening some of the strings that are binding them.
That is why this revolution will be a significant turning point in Iran’s history! The demonstrations and marches consist a sizable amount youngsters. And surprisingly, they are resistant even after Ayatollah Khomeini’s public appeal of calming down. Despite of Khomeini’s confidence in Ahmadinejad, and partial vote recount, people of Iran are not sleeping over the current elections! They are standing out on streets, shouting slogans against an “oppressive” regime, and fighting bravely against police and military forces. The disgruntled government is not watching it helplessly either! The military personnel are on sweeping rampage of shooting down protesters, professors and other influential people are asked to quit, and what more, foreign media is being shunted out from reporting the current affairs.
It is telling a lot more than what the eyes and ears could meet. The current political and social unrest is not just about who gets to lead the country. It is about in which direction the people of Iran want to go. During the electoral process, Mousavi made it clear that he stands for social justice, gender equality and (more) freedom of expression. He promised privatization to bring in the long overdue economical reforms. His appeal to treat women equally, including the right for financial empowerment, has been hailed by the public. Even if the election results have failed to alert president Ahamdinejad and Iran’s supreme leader Khomeini, about the growing social concerns, the post-poll popular support for Mousavi and demonstrations against governments can not be unheard.
Image: http://cache.daylife.com
It is immaterial what the western countries are hoping for Iran (it is more likely for their own interests), but it is up to the people themselves, to carefully choose their future presidents and regimes that ensure a more liberal society encapsulating growth. With Neda standing as a symbol for the ongoing revolution, I believe that the people of Iran must carry on their protest. It will be long remembered and respected as much as Neda, herself!
My sympathy with Neda’s family and friends!
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Thank you, great analogy
Thank you Amol
Best wishes
I appreciate your sympathy for Neda’s family and Iranian people. It warms our hearts in carrying on our way. We are not alone. We have friends like you. I wish the peace for my people and all people of the world.
thank you so much!!!
thank you so much.
@Ali, @Adel, @ana, @persepolis, @elham thank you very much…and I hope that you all get what you deserve…”freedom”!
Is the new green background here in support of Mousavi ???
Yes my friend…..!! Green for Iran!!!