The 31st anniversary of the Islamic revolution in Iran led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini will be commemorated in two days time. It might have stronger reverberations coming, as it does, at a critical juncture for the country.
The revolution that toppled the shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and his entire dynasty in 1979 had strong grassroots support that withstood the military might of the old regime and made it possible to change the course of the country.
Now the people in the country are restive again; they seem not to care as much about their dire economic situation but thirsting for freedom and democracy.
The Islamic revolution surprised because it lacked many habitual causes and because it brought about rapid, profound changes in the society.
One thing that did push the people to revolt was tyranny and oppression. Now, over three decades later, the Iranians appear bent on continuing the struggle against the same.
For the time being, the Iranians seem divided over the future course of their country. Given the fact that the result of the presidential election of last June was highly contested and disputed, there is only one way for things to be put right, and that is through holding new elections that are transparent, legitimate and fair.
What better way to commemorate the Islamic revolution than allowing the people to decide the fate of their country.
Short of that, the country will continue to remain divided and vulnerable, at a time it is already threatened because of its nuclear plans.
Iran has a lot to offer to this region of the world, and should play a constructive role in shaping the kind of Middle East that all the countries of the area can share in peace. Only when its people are allowed to freely determine their future will there be peace in the country and with the world.
The 31st anniversary of the Islamic revolution in Iran led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini will be commemorated in two days time. It might have stronger reverberations coming, as it does, at a critical juncture for the country.
The revolution that toppled the shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and his entire dynasty in 1979 had strong grassroots support that withstood the military might of the old regime and made it possible to change the course of the country.
Now the people in the country are restive again; they seem not to care as much about their dire economic situation but thirsting for freedom and democracy.
The Islamic revolution surprised because it lacked many habitual causes and because it brought about rapid, profound changes in the society.
One thing that did push the people to revolt was tyranny and oppression. Now, over three decades later, the Iranians appear bent on continuing the struggle against the same.
For the time being, the Iranians seem divided over the future course of their country. Given the fact that the result of the presidential election of last June was highly contested and disputed, there is only one way for things to be put right, and that is through holding new elections that are transparent, legitimate and fair.
What better way to commemorate the Islamic revolution than allowing the people to decide the fate of their country.
Short of that, the country will continue to remain divided and vulnerable, at a time it is already threatened because of its nuclear plans.
Iran has a lot to offer to this region of the world, and should play a constructive role in shaping the kind of Middle East that all the countries of the area can share in peace. Only when its people are allowed to freely determine their future will there be peace in the country and with the world.
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