Report: Iranian reformers resign

CNN ^ | February 1, 2004 | Reuters

[yonif]

TEHRAN, Iran (Reuters) -- Reformist Iranian lawmakers on Sunday began submitting their resignations in protest over an unelected hardline body's move to bar hundreds of reformist candidates from standing in a February 20 parliamentary election.

Prominent reformist MP Mohsen Mirdamadi, in a speech to parliament broadcast live on state radio, read out a resignation statement which he said was on behalf of an unspecified number of fellow lawmakers who were resigning.

[yonif]

Ping.

[AmericanVictory]

Let us pray that George W. Bush does not go wobbly on us or the people of Iran.

[eccl1212]

"holy moses"... if you don't mind me saying it?

blood on the streets or return to blatant tyranny?

[DoctorZIn]

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[DoctorZIn]

My greatest concern is that the hardliners will compromise with the so-called reformers and the world media will champion it as a triumph of democracy.

The reformers are all supporters of the Islamic Republic of Iran and have not worked for genuine democracy in Iran. They seek cosmetic changes not substantive ones. The people are fed up with the regime and are pleading with us not to negotiate with their corrupt government.

They people of Iran hope that by their refusing to take part in this upcoming sham of an election the world will see that this is not a true democracy and cut off all financial support of the terror masters of Iran.

We need to stand with them in this time of crisis and NOT come to the aid of the reformers of Iran.

[ordinaryguy]

"Our response involves far more than instant retaliation and isolated strikes. Americans should not expect one battle, but a lengthy campaign unlike any other we have ever seen. It may include dramatic strikes visible on TV and covert operations secret even in success."

- President George W. Bush
20 September 2001

[Stultis]

This is great news. I hope (however dubiously) that they follow through, and that resignations spread throughout the legislature, regional governments and civil service.

I strongly suspect that the so-called "reformers" are, on balance, an impediment to change in Iran. They serve to insulate the mullahs from the direct anger of the people, and as a facade of democracy conferring international legitimacy. If the mullahs insist on maintaining power, then let them sweep the street and run the buses, let them write (and try to enforce) the building codes, let them negotiate foreign investment deals (or try to) and let them schmooze the State Department pin-strippers and Eurocrats. The fact is they can't keep their power without the "reformers" and other elites providing these services.

[Stultis]

My greatest concern is that the hardliners will compromise with the so-called reformers and the world media will champion it as a triumph of democracy.

The reformers are all supporters of the Islamic Republic of Iran and have not worked for genuine democracy in Iran. They seek cosmetic changes not substantive ones. The people are fed up with the regime and are pleading with us not to negotiate with their corrupt government.

They people of Iran hope that by their refusing to take part in this upcoming sham of an election the world will see that this is not a true democracy and cut off all financial support of the terror masters of Iran.

We need to stand with them in this time of crisis and NOT come to the aid of the reformers of Iran.

Amen. Worth quoting in full. I'm taking a tape of the recent PBS Frontline/World documentary to a superbowl party tomorrow, which I think the host will play.

[jimkress]

108 soon to be dead people

[rightwingextremist1776]

Message to Iran.... YOUR NEXT!

[thoughtomator]

Hopefully this won't be just another fake-out.

[the Real fifi]

Wish we could rope a dope the Mullahs--Like insisting they allow elections, knowing that would make it impossible for them to do so!! ;).