Sometimes you just have to wonder how much the Bush government really wants political reform in Iran. Judging by the actions of the US and their very predictible responses by the Iranian establishment, it would be hard to argue that the US wants anything but the status quo. When reform-minded President Mohammed Khatami took a risk and called for improved relations with the United States, Bush hit back with the infamous “axis of evil” speech, sending the patriotic Iranian opposition squarely into the camp of the more suspicious Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and weakening Khatami’s position. Also, the on-and-off working relationship between the US and Iran on all matters al-Qaida have been punctuated by accusations of knowingly sheltering al-Qaida operatives. Now, with several days of student protests against the hardline clerics are hinting at a revolution (or counter-revolution, depending on whose side you’re on), George Bush has stepped into the fray with praise for student protesters that could prove counterproductive. Already, Khamenei has tied protestors to Bush’s comments and warned of a crackdown that could turn violent. “If [the United States] sees that disgruntled people and adventurers want to cause trouble, and if it can turn them into mercenaries,” said Khamenei, “it will not hesitate in giving them its support.” Vigilantes allied with the government have responded a call by Khamenei by bringing their Kalashnikovs to protests and beating dorm residents at Tehran University. Unconvinced by the use of his previous statements to label protestors as American agents, Bush has continued to try to hijack the movement. “I think freedom is a powerful incentive,” Bush said. “I believe that some day, freedom will prevail everywhere, because freedom is a powerful drive.” That freedom includes, one hopes, the freedom to bring change to your country without “help” from abroad.
Shahed Amanullah is editor-in-chief of altmuslim.com.
Recent Comments