Obviously, the goal behind support for this organization is to destabilize the conservative religious leadership of Iran. But since the MKO is a well-known terrorist organization, then at some point, it will (as it already has) involve killing civilians. By backing the MKO, we are very likely making ourselves enemies of the very people we are counting on to build a democratic society. Democracy in Iran cannot be brought through terrorist means.
We cannot continue to support non-democratic groups under the guise of bringing about democratic change. It fools no one on the ground, and makes us the enemies of democracy in far too many places. Building a democratic society is hard, time-consuming work. Trying to shortcut it with groups like these is simply making the process harder. Instead of trying to "magic bullet" our way to a democratic Iran, we need to build a solid, constant, patient and engaging policy that helps the people of Iran build their own democracy. It won't be easy, and it won't be quick, but that is the only way we can succeed in the long run.
Nima Kasraie
YellowTimes.org Guest Columnist (United States) (YellowTimes.org)
Nima Kasraie is the president of the Persian Club at the University of Tennessee and is also a former editor of The English Service of Radio Tehran (I.R.I.B., Voice of The Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting Service).
Nima Kasraie encourages your comments: nima53@yahoo.com
YellowTimes.org is an international news and opinion publication. YellowTimes.org encourages its material to be reproduced, reprinted, or broadcast provided that any such reproduction identifies the original source, http://www.YellowTimes.org
Internet web links to: http://www.YellowTimes.org are appreciated.
We cannot continue to support non-democratic groups under the guise of bringing about democratic change. It fools no one on the ground, and makes us the enemies of democracy in far too many places. Building a democratic society is hard, time-consuming work. Trying to shortcut it with groups like these is simply making the process harder. Instead of trying to "magic bullet" our way to a democratic Iran, we need to build a solid, constant, patient and engaging policy that helps the people of Iran build their own democracy. It won't be easy, and it won't be quick, but that is the only way we can succeed in the long run.
Nima Kasraie
YellowTimes.org Guest Columnist (United States) (YellowTimes.org)
Nima Kasraie is the president of the Persian Club at the University of Tennessee and is also a former editor of The English Service of Radio Tehran (I.R.I.B., Voice of The Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting Service).
Nima Kasraie encourages your comments: nima53@yahoo.com
YellowTimes.org is an international news and opinion publication. YellowTimes.org encourages its material to be reproduced, reprinted, or broadcast provided that any such reproduction identifies the original source, http://www.YellowTimes.org
Internet web links to: http://www.YellowTimes.org are appreciated.