Wisconsin Republican delegate dreams of free Iran

Persian Journal ^ | 8/30/04 | Persian Journal

[freedom44]

To some, President Reagan's call for the destruction of the Berlin Wall was a defining moment in the fall of communism.

For Saied Assef, President Bush's declaration that his native Iran was part of an axis of evil could be just as important in helping foster democracy in the Middle East.

Assef, a Wisconsin delegate to this week's Republican National Convention, said the president's support for democracy in the Middle East has pulled him into this fall's election like never before.

Having immigrated from Iran in the 1970s before the rise of the ayatollahs, Assef beliefs the president's Middle Eastern policy may be the only hope for those he left behind as they strive to be free. He sees the war in Iraq as a key to that struggle, believing the country could serve as an example that democracy can coexist peacefully with Islamic values.

"It's a government of the minority ruling over the unwilling majority," said Assef, who now lives in Green Bay.

Assef left Iran in 1974 to attend medical school at Stanford University. He decided to stay after the 1979 Islamic revolution that toppled the pro-U.S. shah. That also led to the imposition of restrictions on Iranians and created a clerical establishment that has used its control of government bodies to thwart reforms. Washington also has accused the Iranians of meddling in Iraq in hopes of turning the country into a theocracy like itself.

Assef, who was raised Muslim but converted to Lutheranism after his second marriage, said he still worries about those he left behind.

Assef brought to the convention with him T-shirts he had made that feature a picture of an Iranian college student during a 1999 protest holding aloft the shirt of a friend who had been shot by Iranian authorities. He said the student was later sent to prison and is feared dead.

The T-shirt has a drawing of the Iranian flag under the picture and a quote from a Bush State of the Union address superimposed over the picture that reads: "I believe that God has planted in every human heart the desire to live in freedom. And even when that desire is crushed by tyranny for decades, it will rise again."

Assef said he does not trust Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry's stance on democracy in the Middle East and does not feel he has clearly stated his intentions.

Jamie Rubin, a Kerry adviser, said the Massachusetts Democrat also believes democracy in Iraq could serve as an example to the rest of the Middle East. But he said the president's mishandling of the war in Iraq has undermined efforts to promote democracy in the region.

He said Kerry would build international support to put pressure on Iran to lift restrictions on its people, put an end to its nuclear weapons program and cease support for terrorists.

"The question is not who wants to promote democratic change in the Middle East," Rubin said. "The question is who is going to be in a better position to support American interests in the region."

Assef, the father of six, still has friends and relatives in Iran with whom he keeps in touch. His parents and brother immigrated to the United States not long after he did.

He has not been back since he left but would like to again some day - after democracy has returned.

"It is my dream to be able to take my family to a safe Iran to visit," Assef said.

[coconutt2000]

Every news agency in the country should be coving stories like this... I mean really cover it as more than just a footnote.

[freedom44]

ping

Assef, a Wisconsin delegate to this week's Republican National Convention, said the president's support for democracy in the Middle East has pulled him into this fall's election like never before.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

This doesn't fit the DNC-media wing model.

[sionnsar]

Assef brought to the convention with him T-shirts he had made that feature a picture of an Iranian college student during a 1999 protest holding aloft the shirt of a friend who had been shot by Iranian authorities. He said the student was later sent to prison and is feared dead.

I hear this student, Ahmed Batebi (sp?), is still quite alive though not well -- and now a Christian to boot. LibreOuMort...?

[sionnsar]

Every news agency in the country should be coving stories like this... I mean really cover it as more than just a footnote.

Agreed -- but the press has in general its own agenda (which it is increasingly keeping less under wraps), and somehow promoting freedom around the world (not to mention the U.S.) just somehow fails to be part of that agenda.

Maybe they're under the illusion that when push comes to shove they'll be on top. I remand them to another reading of "1984."

[PhilDragoo]

Just caught Rudy Giuliani's 40-minute speech at the Republican Convention.

He repeatedly cited George Bush's vision of accountable governments in the region.

Rudy strongly emphasized the power of freedom to end terrorism.

I mark that the president included Iran and North Korea in the axis of evil with the former Hussein Theme Park.

It is clear that after this election the carpet will be moving under Khatami and Khamenei.

They will run around with their hands over their ears crying, "La la la la la everything is fine! I decree it!"

"La la la la la!
Everything is fine!"
I decree it!"

[F14 Pilot]

BUMP!

[blackie]

Freedom now ~ Bump!

[DoctorZIn]