That doesn't mean that the Mullahs would turn down Russian help. It just means that the protestors won't.
I agree with that.
Frankly, I think they’d rather be under Russia than under the Mullahs. But that scenario is not going to happen.
Russia does have an historical connection with Iran (as does France), so from the Iranian point of view this could be a link with the West, but I don’t think they want to be under Russia and I don’t think Russia particularly wants another front in the war against Islam. But I do hope the Russians - and the US - support the anti-mullah groups. Quickly and forcefully.
This is the moment.
“” “That doesn’t mean that the Mullahs would turn down Russian help. It just means that the protestors won’t.” “”
In no way Russia would back the Mullahs. It is contrary to her Geopolitical goals which is about long term alliances.
Backing a losing side which is not particularly friendly and cooperative is in no way a viable strategy.
Also, unlike the Arab Spring I believe Iranians might have some use of revolution.
They have a sort of civil society and middle class and rather advanced political system although suppressed by the clerics.
With new Constitution it might work out for them really well. The entire pattern of unrest shows that it is useful likely to bring some new Islamic rule because Sharia is that the protestors are against in the first place.
At worst the left might prevail but red Iran is still an improvement over that they have now.