Via CNN: Clerics join Iran’s anti-government protests
In a blatant act of defiance, a group of Mullahs took to the streets of Tehran, to protest election results that returned incumbent President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to power.
This is interesting, because it is a clearly defiant move vis-à-vis proclamations by the Supreme Leader. Of course by the same token, I am not sure what specific obligations mullahs have to the statements of Khamenei in such a context.
Still. the symbolism of mullahs marching with the protesters is no small thing and adds to the statements that have already been made by clerics in support of the right of citizens to protest:
On his Web site, Grand Ayatollah Hussein Ali Montazeri described government efforts to crackdown on the protests as threatening the legitimacy of the Islamic Republic because it was no longer representing all the people.Sphere: Related ContentMoussavi ally and former president Mohammad Khatami also said in a statement that to “protest in a civil manner… is the definite right of the people and all must respect that.”
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June 24th, 2009 at 10:28 am
I know that the “real” power struggle among the elites might be somewhat more mundane, calculated & cynical than the drama and symbolism of a citizen / voter revolution on the streets. But it seems to me, now that mullahs (with some Ayatollah support) are joining protesters who are in large part women and western leaning youths in open defiance of brutal force and absolute authority, a reformation may not be unthinkable.
It could come to pass that it is not only Iran that is affected by the symbolism of Neda, the rising of women and the association of Islam with free expression.
The democratic West is keenly interested in the revolution but one would suppose there would be great interest in the Islamic world. A popular rejection of the authoritarian and anachronistic aspects of fundamentalist Islam would do more to win “the war on terror” than all the military budgets in the NATO allies.
June 24th, 2009 at 10:48 am
Don’t get me wrong: symbolism is important and the street protests are important. The only point I have tried to hammer home in other posts is that street protests alone won’t accomplish change.
Indeed, the statements noted in the post by Khatami and Montazeri plus the participating by mullahs int he marches underscores that the situation is well more than just street protests by the youth (who are traditionally the easiest segment of society for the state to dismiss).
June 24th, 2009 at 12:17 pm
I understand your analysis is realistic and well informed. I’m not disputing it. It will be rather astonishing if the “Supreme Leader” or President are forced out but I guess it’ll be a roller coaster ride under any scenario.
It is also a bit incredible that people are continuing to protest in the face of the near certain reprisals of beating, jail or death.
It’s a particularly dicey situation now if the Tweets on Sullivan’s site are accurate. The regime has apparently studied the public relations tactics of Stalin & Mao
However one still must consider the possibility-if we are to have hope for tomorrow-that the street protests and world wide attention have called out the hypocrisy and will embarrass the power brokers towards reform not only in Iran but across authoritarian Islamic regimes.
And I think from my West-centric bias, a more enlightened role for women and democratic expression in those cultures is critical for long term co-existence on our little planet. I think that is potential power of symbolism represented by Neda (and now maybe hundreds more).
June 24th, 2009 at 12:22 pm
I share your preference for liberalization.
And yes, the situation is quite likely to continue to deteriorate.