Iranian Protests: From Democracy to Demands for Systemic Change" - Tracing the evolution of the Iranian protest movement and its current focus on broader demands for systemic change.

In the world of foreign policy, it has long been accepted that any significant military action against Iran would be counterproductive. The argument goes that such an action would activate Iranian nationalism, turning the opponents of the regime into angry patriots, while simultaneously causing hard-liners to become more recalcitrant and further foreclosing the possibility of reform.

However, 44 years after the Islamic revolution, this is no longer entirely true. Iranian nationalists are rejecting the status quo and are no longer as supportive of the regime. The ruling clergy has done much to anger the Iranian people since 1979, and little to win them over. The limited democracy that initially lent the government considerable domestic political legitimacy and popular support has been quashed by the ruling clergy.

As democracy died, protests grew in size and number, and the demands of the Iranian people have evolved from demands for democracy to demands for systemic change. The regime's systemic corruption, dismal economic record, extraordinary managerial incompetence during the Covid pandemic, and a foreign policy whose costs are more obvious than its benefits have alienated Iranians.

In light of these developments, the argument that foreign military action against Iran would be counterproductive must be reassessed. The changing attitudes of Iranian nationalists have made it more difficult for the regime to use nationalism as a rallying cry against foreign aggression. Additionally, given the growing opposition to the regime and the demand for systemic change, such military action may actually provide an opportunity for reform.

Overall, the passage of time has not been kind to Iran's theocracy, and the changing attitudes of Iranian nationalists must be taken into account when considering foreign policy towards the country. While military action must be approached with caution, it is no longer clear that such action would necessarily be counterproductive.A

Comments

Israeli settlers have once again attacked religious minorities in the region, this time targeting a church in East Jerusalem.

According to reports, the settlers assaulted clerics and worshippers at the Church of the Sepulchre of Saint Charbel, causing damage to the property and injuring several people. This kind of behavior is not only unacceptable but also undermines efforts to promote peace and stability in the region. Attacks on religious minorities are a direct attack on religious freedom and must be condemned by all. The Israeli authorities must take swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice and hold them accountable for their actions. It is also important to ensure the safety and protection of religious minorities and their places of worship, as guaranteed by international law. this incident is a sad reminder of the ongoing conflict in the region and the need for a comprehensive and just solution. It is up to all of us to work together to promote understanding, tolerance, and respect for different beliefs and cultures, and to build a brighter and more peaceful future for all.

Fights break out as Kurds protest the French government's denial of a terrorist attack

Following the murder of three Kurds in what is being considered to be a probable racist incident , there have been widespread protests in Paris. The fact that the authorities did not view the attack at a Kurdish centre as a terrorist act has enraged the Kurdish diaspora in Paris. A 69-year-old man opened fire on a crowd of individuals early on Friday morning at the Ahmet-Kaya centre on Rue d'Enghien in the 10th arrondissement. One of the three victims is badly injured. All of the dead were Kurdish community members who passed away both inside and outside the cultural centre. Agit Polat, a spokesman for the Kurdish centre, charged that French officials "yet again failed to safeguard us... This is a terrorist attack in our eyes, according to the AFP news agency. In the afternoon, a number of protestors, largely from the Kurdish diaspora, got into a fight with the police outside the centre and in the streets close by, throwing rocks and torching trash cans. Police use...

Verbal spat between Joe Biden and Benjamin Netanyahu over Israel judicial overhaul

The Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, turned down United States President Joe Biden’s suggestion that the Israeli government “walks away” from a plan to overhaul the country’s legal system. A verbal spat between the two close allies took place on Wednesday. The US President and Israeli Prime Minister exchanged a few words on judicial changes in Israel. On Tuesday, reporters asked Joe Biden about Israel’s judicial overhaul planned reforms. Biden reportedly said, “I hope he (Netanyahu) walks away from it.” He said that the Israeli government “cannot continue down this road” and urged compromise on this plan to overhaul the country’s legal system. Subsequently, the Israeli PM said that his country makes its own decisions. He reportedly said in a statement, “Israel is a sovereign country which makes its decisions by the will of its people and not based on pressures from abroad, including from the best of friends.” Netanyahu’s latest comments came a day after he de...

Newsaholic

Search This Blog