Posted on 01/08/2020 5:21:42 AM PST by Oldeconomybuyer
Some of the biggest crowds ever seen for a funeral in Iran turned out for that of Qasem Soleimani, the top commander killed in a US air strike last week. In scale, it was second only to the funeral in 1989 of Ayatollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic revolution.
So why have so many people come out to pay homage to Soleimani?
It is clear that the government launched a massive effort to mobilise as many people as possible. The huge turnout sent a strong signal to President Trump that the government enjoys widespread support.
For years, whenever they were short of answers to big problems facing the country, Iranian leaders have relied on mass shows of popular support. Historically, rallies have been to intimidate and silence opposition.
The organisers are now expert in their work. From declaring national holidays to rallying university students or demanding that military personnel and government employees come out with their families, every method of gathering crowds has been used.
Buses, trains and trucks are provided to transport people from villages and towns across Iran to rallies that are relentless advertised by state TV.
People turn up in large numbers because they feel required to do so.
Hardline organisers have powerful supporters, including in the Basij paramilitary force and in the Revolutionary Guards, who can always be relied on to do their duty.
(Excerpt) Read more at bbc.com ...
Because all the Basiji did and then threatened everyone they knew as well.
Iran has its own internal problems, and has been suffering under sanctions.
The idea the Iran has been united by this, and that Iran is willing to go to eat over this are stupid MSM fantasies.
If you do not comply, you lose your head.
Go to war, not “go to eat.”
Watch this short video clip. This guy is great at explaining the turnout to a reporter.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1214641652498866176
Well, I assume it is because a good number of Iranians support terrorists. Also, they were threatened.
“Go to war, not “go to eat.””
Hungry?
‘The huge turnout sent a strokng signal to President Trump that the government enjoys widespread support.’
....a few paragraphs later...
‘People turn up in large numbers because they feel required to do so.’
Not exactly consistent reasoning.
If there was a great deal of support there would be no need to force people to turn out. The BBC piece here is an abysmally bad and obvious attempt at propaganda.
As I have posted before, Iranians can only purchase food with coupons, which are doled out by the government. To be eligible for coupons, they must sign in and participate in protests when told.
Each person is watched and graded on the enthusiasm with which they protest by their peers.
If they do not show enough vigor or don’t show up at all, they do not get coupons and therefore they and their families don’t eat.
Food sharing and black marketing is outlawed and punished with death.
Starvation sets a good example for people to protest with gusto.
It is difficult to underestimate just how severe a the mullah regime suffered with the death of Soleimani. Historically Islam is at its peak when it has a charismatic, successful, respected military leader at its point. Persia itself was once conquered and converted by such Islamic leaders. The mullahs had their point man with Soleimani who gave critical pride and legitimacy to their rule. He will not be easily replaced. His assassination and loss weakens them. Iranians who yearn for an end to the theocracy see a silver lining in his death.
Yet it would have been interesting if he had lived and his career continued. Was he really the loyal servant of the medieval mullahs or was he an Iranian patriot strongman who eventually saw himself as a revolutionary that would depose the mullahs and reintroduce Iran into the modern world? Might he have become a Pinochet like leader?
Whatever the scenario, it is not in America’s interest to remain entangled in this foreign quagmire. Change and peace in the region must come from within. The Muslims will not embrace Western institutions, practices and values by force of arms. Change will come by exposure to the internet and social media. Through modern communications their people will learn there is a better way to live and will eventually demand it. Also they will sell their oil ( or whatever they have) to anyone with hard cash or they will starve.
Right out of Dimms busing voters to the polls.
Why did people clap so long for Stalin’s speeches? Both questions have the same answer.
Why does anyone turn out for a Democrat presidential candidate’ s rally? Because every society has fools. The Iranians are no exception, but in the marjority of the cases the Iranians are intimidated. Americans who identify with the Democrats are fools of their own free will.
I heard that the Iranian government was providing free meals to the masses.
Odd...BBC failed to mention that the military opened fire on Iranian citizens in an effort to force them into the mourning “sea of humanity”.
I call BS on this. They crammed these people into a very small street, making the crowds semm bigger than what they were.
Bkmrk.
And, as usual, our readers say all the BBC has chosen to not say.
Methinks BBC is Brit for CNN.
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