Iran Focus
London, 3 Jan – Anti-regime protests are going strong across Iran; from the big cities to rural areas, the Iranians want an end to the theocratic Regime that has held them hostage for almost 40 years.
The protests began over the failing economy (high unemployment, rising cost of living) but grew into a rally against the violent Regime and all of its major problems.
Now, the protesters are crying out for political freedom, the removal of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and an end to Iranian imperialism in the Middle East.
The only response that the mullahs have to any sort of dissent is to crack down on it immediately- through any means necessary.
At least 21 people have been killed so far and 450 arrested, but it is likely that the Regime is hiding the real statistics.
What should the US do?
Simply, the US government should support the protesters in their quest for a free Iran.
Donald Trump and other members of the administration have made a good first move, by tweeting their support but it needs to go further.
Some argue that this may undermine the protesters by looking as if the US started the protesters but in reality, the Regime will blame the US no matter what, so the White House may as well act.
Khamenei has already tweeted thinly-veiled references to the US as the “enemies of Iran” who are attempting to infiltrate Iran; he’s not going to change his mind.
Many Iranians who oppose the Regime often wind up in cells or at the end of a rope; many more still are never heard from again.
That is why the US needs to act fast by taking diplomatic actions, i.e. re-imposing sanctions, raising attention at the UN, withdrawing from the nuclear deal, speaking to its allies in Europe and the Middle East, re-establishing the internet in Iran, and covert ones, i.e. support viable factions like the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK).
