By Shamsi Saadati
What happened in the first and second rounds of Iranian regime’s sham presidential election in July 2024 was a nationwide referendum that called for the overthrow of the regime. Once again, it was clear that the main divide in Iran is not between the various factions of this regime, but between the people and the tyrants ruling the country. The slogan “My vote is regime change” was the main message of the people. The remnants of the so-called reformist movement tried to distort this main divide and reduce it to a power struggle between different regime factions. But the display of election boycott and overthrow was so strong that it forced regime supreme leader Ali Khamenei to accept the presidency of Massoud Pezeshkian, a so-called reformist who has expressed his full allegiance to the criminal supreme leader. This brings no benefit to the Supreme Leader, nor does it count as a revival of the so-called reforms.
Correcting a misnomer
The use of the term “reform” or “reformist” for the remnants of a historically obsolete movement rejected by the Iranian people is fundamentally incorrect. It is better to define it using terms like “embellishers,” “decorators,” and “beautifiers” of this regime.
They are factions within regime that seek to present the medieval face of this regime as sophisticated and modern to Western counterparts or the disillusioned and discontented society.
Why does this regime need to embellish its external appearance? Because it is not compatible with the preferences and beliefs of the nascent and youthful society of Iran. It does not want to and cannot meet the needs of a modern Iran—with a history of over a century of struggle for freedom and democracy. In a word, it has been rejected and negated by generations of Iranians. Its overthrow is the wish of every honorable Iranian.
“Vipers do not give birth to doves”
Why is reform within this regime impossible? Because the nature and essence of this regime do not allow for reform. As Resistance Unites say, “A viper never gives birth to a dove.” This theory was tested repeatedly in the colorful and deceptive games of former regime president Mohammad Khatami and his subsequent followers, proving time and again that a force called reformist—with its real definition and role—has no place in the mullahs’ regime.
All those within the clerical regime who deceitfully call themselves “reformists” have a heartfelt and practical commitment to the supreme leader. They are the full siblings of the principlists faction and are among the security figures of this regime. The power struggle and desire for greater share of power have compelled them to change their colors and appearances.
Considering the point, change within the regime is an illusion, and the Iranian people proclaimed its invalidity in the December 2017 uprising with the historic slogan, “Reformist, Principlist—the game is over.” Therefore, the discussion not about exhuming an expired movement. The audience is not them but the public opinion.
Distinguishing frauds from true reformists
In the hypothetical world where someone calls themselves a “reformist,” the first demand of any supposed true reformist must be “freedom.” To achieve freedom, the first obstacle encountered is the inhumane principle of the Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist. One cannot be a reformist and at the same time endorse the religious fascism under the title of absolute guardianship of the Islamic jurist, and tolerate the regime’s imprisonment, torture, gallows, and lashes. One cannot remain silent about its warmongering and export of terrorism.
One cannot call themselves a reformist while being devoted fully to the supreme leaderand consider deviation from Khamenei’s program and policies a red line.
Even today, there are specific benchmarks to distinguish real reformists from fake ones. Are the self-proclaimed reformists ready to abolish the mandatory hijab and not only curb the repressive hijab patrols but also dismantle them?
Are they ready to release all political prisoners and allow international fact-finding missions to investigate crimes committed in Iranian prisons?
Are they ready to lift internet restrictions and stop blocking online platforms?
Are they ready to abolish the death penalty and prohibit inhumane tortures of this regime such as flogging, stoning, eye gouging, and limb amputation?
Are they ready to expel the representatives of the Supreme Leader, Basij mercenaries, Revolutionary Guards, intelligence agents, and university security from the campuses?
Are they ready to dissolve the Revolutionary Courts?
Are they ready to determine the rights of workers, laborers, employees, teachers, nurses, and retirees according to their own views?
Are they ready to reduce the prices of essential goods and public services, such as bread, water, electricity, gas, gasoline, medicine, and housing?
Are they ready to dissolve the reactionary Guardian Council?
Are they ready to hold free elections to determine the real representatives of the people, emphasizing freedom of expression and assembly?
Are they ready to abolish the constitution based on the anti-Iranian principle of the Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist and organize a free election based on the principle of people’s sovereignty to form a constituent assembly for drafting a new constitution?
Are they ready to accept a democratic republic based on the separation of religion from the state?
This article was first published by english.mojahedin
Join us on YouTube:
IRAN UPRISING
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY8rfxSSmFhtaVrzFTaRD4g
Comments
Post a Comment