Sunday, June 21, 2009

Mousavi's manifesto: "He accepts the principles & the institutions of the Islamic Republic, including the IRGC & the basij, but denounces "deviations"

Gary's Choice, here

" ... Although he denounces the “lies and fraud” of the leadership, particularly in the recent election, he views the fraudulent election as only as the symptom of something far more serious. He describes a revolution gone wrong, a revolution that was originally based on attention to the voice of the people but has resulted in “forcing an unwanted government on the nation.”

He acknowledges, interestingly, that his own voice at the beginning was less ‘eloquent’ than he would have wished and that the people were ahead of him in turning the movement green.

He denounces both extremes of the political spectrum: those on one hand who believe that “Islamic government is the same as Tyranny of the Rightful;” and on the other, those who “consider religion and Islam to be blockers for realization of republicanism,i.e. those who believe that Islam and democracy are incompatible.

That is truly a revolutionary statement. He says he will stand by the side of all those seeking “new solutions” in a non-violent way. He accepts the principles and the institutions of the Islamic Republic, including the Revolutionary Guard and the basij, but denounces “deviations and deceptions.” He demands reform “that returns us to the pure principles of the Islamic Revolution.”

Mousavi has in fact issued a manifesto for a new vision of the Islamic Republic. The repression and disdain of the government has brought the opposition to a place they probably never dreamed of going. And no one knows where any of the parties are likely to go next...."

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Brilliant manifesto, a strong Islamic Republic, with freedom for the people.

This would have massive consequences for the world. In addition to the affect a revolutionary Islamic state with free elections and personal freedom would have on the Arab dictatorships of Egypt, Saudi Arabia even Jordan, Kuwait and Syria. The worldwide impact would be huge.

I would expect the EU would support and probably grow closer to such a state (reminds me of a vision for a state similar to Turkey).

Also I imagine such a state would be able to help calm Iraq and Afghanistan while still offering support for Palestinians. It could be an important voice in the region with these protests bringing a lot of international goodwill and a certain democratic credibility to the regime.

Now all that is needed is for the protests to A) Suceed B) For Mousavi to be a visionary enough (and not let Rafsanjani interfere for his own aims).

Doc Gonzo.