Despotism

at around evening time on Wednesday, the 9th of July 2003 by Chad

This may be the worst of the possible outcomes.
The Iranian students and others, who have been campaigning for liberty in that repressive government, lost the momentum of their cause today. In order to avoid violence, they called off the general strike for today. However, this has led to several of them being “taken away.” Unorganized resistance has lead to sporadic fighting throughout Tehran between police and protesters..
We’ll never know for sure what might have happened had they stood their ground. It may have been another Tiananmen Square. This may have been only a fitful start. Over 4000 people have been arrested in the past 10 days.
I admit that I’m conflicted. On the one hand, I realize just how hard it can be to do what needs to be done. I also know that what they want has costs. Real costs. I’m sure many lives would be lost. I’m also sure that it would have been worth it. Even if in the end they may have lost this battle, it still would be one step closer.
I’m not writing them off yet or anything like that. I’m just concerned that by letting things happen the way it did, the stage is set for more repression.

I wish the Iranian people the best.