Vinod's Blog
Random musings from a libertarian, tech geek...
Friday, March 21, 2003 - 01:10 PM Permanent link for The Persian Street
The Persian Street

(via Instapundit) Glenn quotes an article saying "the Arab (well Islamic) street speaks" talking about reaction in Iran to the Iraq situation.   Minor gotcha -- the Iranians are generally "Persian", not "Arab."  In any case, the article is EXCELLENT and is a good dose of the news you don't see given the media's infatuation with naked street protestors.

The "Great Satan" has invaded Iraq but students at Tehran University seem pleased at the prospect. ..."It will be a good thing to have American troops in Iraq. Perhaps that will bring change to Iran," said Namin, a lanky engineering student strolling to class.

..."I think only about the consequences of a war. If the war has good consequences, let it be," said another student, Mohammad. "We're not protesting like European students. We don't have a democratic government like they do. We're not acting like them because we're not in European shoes."

...Families who lost their sons and fathers will be looking forward to Baghdad's defeat, she said. "Saddam has killed more Muslims than any western or Christian country ever has. That's something we cannot forgive."

Iran is the next domino to fall.   But it won't be via war.   It will be via trade, media, liberalization, and gentle, moral & intellectual support of the individuals who support liberal democratic + capitalistic ideals:

Some analysts say that if Iraq emerges as a more open, democratic society than Iran, the conservatives will find it hard to suppress dissent or fend off calls for fundamental change to the theocratic system. The potential revival of Shia theological centres in Iraq could also provide an alternative platform for more moderate Islamic clergy in Iran who have called for limits on clerical political authority.


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