Iran’s ruling theocracy is facing growing opposition and unrest as it tightens its grip on power, with warnings from state-run media and officials that the regime’s “plans” could backfire and lead to its downfall.
A recent article in the state-run Sharq newspaper titled “The Dynamic Nature of Iran’s Society” highlights Iran’s history of social movements and warns that the society “maintains its dynamism, and it has intensified in recent years due to major social movements.
Authorities should pay attention to society’s demands and its power. Otherwise, they will have the same fate as previous fallen systems.” The article refers to Iran’s Constitutional Revolution, Reza Khan’s coup, the establishment of another tyranny, the rise and fall of Dr. Mohammad Mosaddeq’s national government, and the anti-monarchic revolution that was hijacked by the ruling theocracy, as examples of the power transitions that have taken place in Iran due to social movements.
The state-run newspapers do not mention the Iranian people’s struggle for freedom or the role of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), which creates and maintains this dynamism. This is a reality acknowledged by the regime’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, in every major speech since the beginning of the uprisings.
Increasing voices from within the ruling system warn Ali Khamenei that if the authorities do not pay attention to the dimensions and consequences of the social crisis, they will face suffering, confusion, frustration, anger, and rebellion. Another state-run daily, Setar-e Sobh also warned officials about increasing oppression, asking why they want to increase crackdowns to control society, and pointing out that society will not return to the state it was six months ago.
The Iranian society’s history of social movements has caused power to transition at least five times in the last 150 years. The major uprisings in Iran in recent years have laid bare the regime’s weakness and the people’s determination to achieve freedom at all costs.
The ruling clerics have no solution but increasing oppression, and they know that the people will opt for a mile once given an inch of freedom. On the other hand, regime-imposed pressure adds to the society’s restiveness and people’s hatred toward a system that uses violence to suppress their righteous demands.
Iran’s “dynamic society” yearns for freedom and democracy while rejecting any form of dictatorship. And it is willing to pay the highest price for it. The international community should embrace the Iranian people’s call for freedom and democracy and go beyond vocal support or condemnations. The world community should recognize Iranians’ right to self-determination and self-defense.
MEK Iran (follow us on Twitter and Facebook), Maryam Rajavi’s on her site, Twitter & Facebook, NCRI (Twitter & Facebook), and People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran – MEK IRAN – YouTu