Act 3: Iranian Democracy

“It is your right to be free.  It is your right to exercise your will and sovereignty…and choose the type of government and rulers.”

You’d be surprised that Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said that right before former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak resigned.  He was speaking at a celebration for the Iranian Revolution, which coincidentally happened exactly 32 years before those in Tahrir Square were successful in overthrowing Mubarak. 

I guess he thinks Iranians love him.  

But, his show of solidarity with Egypt opened space for Iranians to organize anti-government protests thinly veiled as marches showing solidarity with Egypt--a fundamental miscalculation on his part. 

And in hypocrisy in its truest form, Iranian government authorities denied organizers permits for the protests. 

So, is he with democracy or not?  His actions show that he’s okay with democracy elsewhere, but not at home. 

What’s the deal Moody?  Are you afraid of people power?  Are you afraid that you’ll be held accountable for the massive human rights violations during your presidency? 

Mr. President, I don’t think you have been a student of history.  Something of which you should be ashamed, as you are Iranian and experienced the unrest of the 1979 Iranian Revolution--one which sprang up because of the Shah’s decadence, human right violations, and lack of reform.  You should know history does not favor those who choose not to reform. 

Remain steadfast Mr. President, for all of our sake; we’re tired of hearing your belligerently bellicose rhetoric.  We’re tired of you and your friends taking Iran’s image even further into the gutter.  Soon you will be gone the way of Mubarak (take your cronies with you), and hopefully Iran can regain its rightful place in society--leading the way for democracy in the Middle East, choosing its leaders, and national sovereignty.  Tunisia was Act 1, Egypt was Act 2, and we are now witnessing the beginning of Act 3 in your country. 

Nothing Except Democracy will be Acceptable!