The Green movement and responsibilities that Lies Ahead

Following the November 4th demonstrations —particularly the protests on the Day of Ashura by the Green Movement in Tehran— it has become clear that the bulk of this opposition are ardent opponents of the theocratic rule.

By Mostafa Hejri

The slogans heard that day were echoes of slogans against the Velayet-e-Faghih and the dictatorship. Louder and clearer than any others were those slogans that targeted the foundation of this clerical regime of Velayet-e-Faghih.

Those voices forged the beginning of a daunting path for this regime and its leaders who have drenched their hands in the blood of Iranian activists. Theirs are the primary voices targeting this medieval regime which in the past has pretended to perpetuate its indefinite and totalitarian rule, by using its force, power and various ideological theories.

Now that the dictatorship has heard those voices, it cannot sleep. Killing innocent people during demonstrations, making baseless accusations and issuing “Fatwas” that punish justice-seeking freedom activists by shedding their blood are all indicators of this government’s bewilderment.

However, the story does not end there. Among those with resolute determination to preserve the “holiness” of this regime are those who firmly believe in the cronyism and excessive barbarism of its rulers. This has led to a weakening of the ideal regime. Many are now terrified and have started to criticize the regime in an attempt to strengthen and “return the train of the regime back to its tracks”.

They are aware that not only does their criticism have no affect on reforming the regime; they have also completely lost control of its course. The force of this movement towards regime change has pushed the reformers completely aside. As a result, they have retaliated by attempting to cut a deal with the regime. At the very least, they are abandoning the battlefield so the flames that are raging do not burn the regime’s foundation to ashes.

Mr. Mousavi’s remarks in his 17th statement and Mr. Khatami’s speech in his meeting with the Central Committee of the Council of Deputies of Majlis on Tuesday, January 9th are examples of such reconciliatory gestures, indicators that we anticipated from the outset.

When their hopes to reform the system further deteriorate, in the opinion of these reformers, they hope to show that the Islamic Republic is a much better system than a secular, non-religious form of government.

Khatami says, “We should all defend the Islamic Republic.” It is quite simple. The regime of the Islamic Republic including the clerical and religious establishment, have from the beginning to the present day committed themselves to this regime through their continuous service. They have also reached the apex of their dream in this world as regards their personal and material wealth.

They believe that through their devotion to the regime of the Islamic Republic and carrying out of their religious duties, they have harnessed happiness and fulfilled their dreams in the other world. They consider the preservation of the regime in its worst form to be a responsibility both in this world and the next. They will not go along with any discordant melody that disturbs their paradise or stands against it. The small group of people exempt from this equation or who do not fit this general rule will not undermine this reality.

Therefore, now more than ever before, it is necessary that we propose leaders for this movement who will not only shape it rightly until the toppling of the regime, but who will also contribute to spreading it. Expanding the Green Movement means attracting larger segments of people to its ranks. This is without a doubt one of the most pressing tasks before us.

Consider the fact that thus far the Islamic Republic has no regard for or faith in accommodating the demands of this movement; the regime has turned to violence. It is obvious they will continue to use violence. Why? Because according to the regime’s methodology, coercion is the only way to resolve these issues.

The regime might be thinking that the dissidents are small groups supported by the Americans and Israelis. They may believe such dissidents are only in Tehran and that people from other parts of the country and other stratums of the society such as the bazaris, workers, etc…have not participated and thus can be silenced by force, instead of being heard.

Therefore, the way forward at this point is twofold: (1) to combine the forces and massive waves of support behind this movement across the country and (2) to garner the support of those segments of society that have thus far remained on the sideline.

The latter must now actively support this movement. Even in such circumstances, the regime— according to a group who still believe in reform within this regime—will be willing to engage in dialogue with the freedom movement and offer concessions. To accomplish this objective and build a powerful alliance, the movement cannot afford to overlook the need for a platform and a leadership council. In the past, the Green Movement has endured heavy losses due to the lack of these two important factors.

To assemble these forces, this is what must happen. The platform, as well as acknowledging the injustice that has been inflicted upon the various stratums of society—in particular the non-Persian nationalities of Iran— must outline clear solutions to these deficiencies. People will only join this movement if there is a concrete plan for the realization of their violated rights and demands following the victory of this movement.

In addition, attracting the trust of the Iranian nationalities and establishing a decentralized and federal structure will play a persuasive role in resolving this dilemma. This could be the solution that answers all the criteria of democracy and recognized international principles.

Obviously, that is why deciding on a leadership council has become so vital. So many people have been proposed as leaders who differ in their perspectives; some personalities outside of Iran —though less explicitly— have expressed differences of opinion. These people would also like to throw their hats into the leadership circles of the Green Movement.

It has become essential that we do away with all this complexity and eliminate the various centers of guidance and leadership. In conclusion, it is of paramount importance that we choose and announce the members of this leadership council who will assume this much-needed responsibility.