Tragic events in Iran

Iran I gather is one of the most tech savvy nations around, there is a substantial section of Iranian society that has access to latest technology. Iran also has significant expatriate population located around the world, particularly in rich countries (this blogger too had Iranians and Afghans as neighbors few years back but they weren’t rich, the girl I recall worked at the reception of a firm). This complicates the events that are unfolding in Iran. Don’t know whether to use the word complicated or that it adds strength to efforts for more open society. Iran seems to be a nation that is in cusp of things, either the events would unfold immense possibility of people of the nation or it would be chaotic and divisive eventually tragic. The assault on peaceful protesters is cause of grave concern. As Khatami points “The silent protests and civil behavior of the people in demonstrations is a sign of people’s vigilance and (sense of) responsibility”. The picture is that of Neda Agha Soltan young woman killed during the protest.

This blogger happen to listen to Ayothallah’s speech, he spoke with lots of passion. Clearly there is a huge following (I found the part of “extreme views leading to extreme reaction” interesting). The elite seem to have genuine concern for a just society as was envisaged by the revolution that uprooted the feudalism in 1979. There are few concerns though (this I express as a very concerned outsider). Although despite the best intentions of Ayothallah that “Islamic nation of Iran would never rig the elections” it is conceivable that things are murky at the lower level (quite possible with tacit understanding of power mongers in the elite). The latest report indicates establishment’s admission that there has been irregularities “that wouldn’t have affected the final result”. This fact that is emerging points to some serious problems in the system and a major source of disgruntlement as the channel for redressal is non functional. Also the fact that it took such coercion for this admission points to something wrong.

Religio-political elite in Iran are in a critical juncture and have a huge responsibility; one fervently hopes they don’t fail their people. It would do them well to make the system more transparent and participatory. Lots of changes have happened in the world from 1979 to 2009, aspirations and expectations have evolved, technology has led to access and new possibilities. Defects of western system is also understood, in the name of freedom they have led to space for “extreme views and reactions”, thus we have increasingly radicalized youth despite better choices or is it about self aggrandizement, blatant consumerism. Certain section get increasingly vulgar and crude not only in dealings with the surrounding but also worldview, this is being tried to be replicated as modern around the world. Freedom comes with responsibility some fail to understand, it must be arrogance. Religion and traditions can be a good reference point for being a responsible human being. Enlightened elite should be able to interpret religion for betterment of all with the changing realities.

Iran also has major existential threat, its oil reserve makes it a precious target. Further Iran has been a challenge to cozy worldview of western nations on nuclear bombs. Also Sunni hardliners in an increasingly volatile region wouldn’t let go the chance for disruption, sectarian violence have increased substantially in recent times. This makes the happenings in Iran very critical. The elite instead of adopting a hardline would do well to look for solution based on contemporary realities before things spin out of hand, oppressive and unilateral measures may not work and would lead further degradation of the situation. Iranians fighting with each other is the last thing that should happen. That would be immensely tragic. Iran is too important a nation to fail like this.

Post script: though we know there is something gone wrong in Iran, it is very difficult to get unbiased facts of the events. But yes some people can be reference points. This blogger was reading Shirin Ebadi (Iranian Nobel laureate), she is for opposition. Clearly the opposition movement in Iran has a section of popular and intellectual support. Mousavi (the opposition leader) has also taken extreme stand (in reaction to crackdown) that he wouldn’t mind being a martyr. Very precarious situation indeed. This blogger has great regard and respect for Mohammed Khatami. He has called for independent commission to verify allegations "before it is too late the officials must take the least costly approach, adding the opportunities are slipping quickly and fast turning into potential threats”. Khatami says, "Linking the healthy movements of the people with foreign interference is a flawed political practice, which leads to alienating the people from the government.” His understandings would immensely help. He could be the rallying point in the increasingly polarizing society.