Iran's significance

Chaplin's "The Dictator" has become quite poular in Iran

In the past decade, Iran has made headlines often because of its nuclear research and hostile stance in the world stage. Unfortunately it is easy for people reading headlines to think that most of Iran is composed of zealots, especially during a time when the Bush administration made Iran a part of “the axis of evil”.

However, the events of recent weeks in which the people have massively protested the election fraud, have helped the world see that in spite of its alleged democracy, Iran’s regime has no mandate from its people. In other words, the people in Iran massively oppose their government:

-They do not want to pursue the development of nuclear weapons.
-They do not wish the destruction of Israel.
-They do not hate the West, Israel, or care to be seen as a destabilizing force.
-They are very unhappy with the way the regime has managed the country, in particular the economy, and want to have a say on how it is conducted.
-They want the clergy to have a respected but advisory role in government, similar to how some European monarchies have an influential voice at certain times, but no real power in state affairs.
-They want a more liberal society, with less state/religious control.

This is why reform in Iran is so important, much more so than in other countries. A truly democratic government in Iran would:

- Cease funding of Hezbollah, Hamas, and Shiite extremists, which would go a long way to bring peace and stability to Iraq, Palestine, Lebanon, and the region at large.
- Show the world that Islam and Democracy can easily coexist, and make Iran a catalyst for reform in the region.
- Allow a population that is among the most educated in the region to bring about economic and social progress, serving as an example of the benefits of Democracy to its neighbors.

This is why we must let the people of Iran know that there are hundreds of millions of people all over the world that admire and support their valiant efforts and the sacrifice of their martyrs’ to take control of their destiny and claim their place among the free peoples of the world. We are paying close attention and are waiting to welcome them to the fraternity of nations who seek peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and global cooperation to the betterment of all. Because all of our lives are intertwined, their fight is also ours. To intervene would only make things worse, but to show our solidarity, is our duty.

Other posts about Iran:

Qom challenges regime
Rift at the top
Marg barg dictator
Iran wants change
A note to tomorrow's children
Iran's ticking clock