Tehran gripped by worst rioting since revolution

Independent/UK ^ | 10/27/01 | Nick Pelham in Tehran

[Sabertooth]

Hah!

Caught the typo too late, but didn't get the entendre.

Nice call.

[Rebelbase]

The U.S. need to Bomb Tehran now. Bomb them with Levis, western pop music CDs, Pepsi and Coke.

[B4Ranch]

It cetainly is refreshing to see a discussion amongst two people with differing views. I was shocked not to see any name calling from either of you. AttaBoys, from me.

[uglybiker]

"...Girls blew hooters at Islamic vigilantes ..."

I want to know more details about this...

Details? Hell! I want pictures!

[B4Ranch]

People may want freedom but those who have it won't fight to keep it. Lost Freedom

[Bonaparte]

They want the freedoms, but do they want the responsibilities? Do they understand the underlying basis of freedom and its cost? If not, they will only replace one tyranny with another and then wonder what went wrong.

[Nogbad]

"We certainly didn't see that many Iranians demonstrating against the regime during the 80s and 90s -- inside or outside Iran.

Have you ever talked to a Persian? I have met dozens. I never met one who didn't hate the regime.

[Bonaparte]

"Bomb them with Levis, western pop music CDs, Pepsi and Coke."

Nobody can build a just and free society with these. Better to bomb them with Robert Conquest, Ludwig von Mises, Thomas Sowell and the Federalist Papers.

[ohioWfan]

Thanks for the ping, carpio! This is good news, indeed! I hope it is true.

The yearning of the human spirit for freedom is irrepressible, even if it takes the form of teenagers desiring American pop culture. As artificial, and superficial as it is, Americans are free to indulge in it, or leave it alone. I wish these young people well!

[ohioWfan]

The split is not unlike the split in Christianity (Catholic vs. Protestant) but far more extreme.

I'm sure glad you add that 'far more extreme' part!
The two situations are not really comparable, IMO.

[hinckley buzzard]

The Shah was often criticized for his autocratic rule, although it must be said that if one accepted his rule without question, he could live the rest of his life more or less freely.

That may not impress us in the U.S. but compare it to the Talibastards or the Khomeini regime.

During an interview, I think in Europe, the Shah responded to this criticism by saying "When my people begin to act like Swedes, I will act like the King of Sweden.

[Rebelbase]

"Nobody can build a just and free society with these"

These are youth. First you have to capture their attention.

[hinckley buzzard]

You are right, Mr. Smorch. I beleive the Carter policy was to "destabilize" this reliable, strategic and oil-rich Western ally, apparently because the Shah's method of keeping the mullahs in line was a bit much for the squeamish little Jimmuh.

As a result, the ayatolloh followed, and opened Pandora's Box.

[Landru]

Good news, huh?
Maybe.
I don't see this as much more than the political pendulum swinging in the other direction which assumes there's a shred of truth to it to start.
Of what significance this would have to the price of tea in China?
No one knows; nor, could they say for sure.
After all, absolute power corrupts absolutely, eh.

On the same topic of, "Who's On First?"
This morning on FNC they ran a *news* ribbon at the bottom of the screen essentially claiming something like, "Libya's Col. Mohamar Khadafi Pledges To Help US Locate Islamic Terrorists."
...and I thought, "Oh God, no. Not that."

I mean, those culturesin the mideast?
They're a virtual laugh a minute.

[AdvisorB]

I have to tell you an interesting comment made to me by an Iranian lady after Reagan was elected, but before his inauguration. She said: "When Reagan becomes President Reagan, the hostages will be released." I said to her: "why do you think that?" and she replied: "I know my people, and they respect strength. The ayatollahs are afraid of Reagan. They will release the hostages, and release them soon." Isn't it interesting that the hostages were released as the gipper was being sworn in. The liberal media, in their usual delusional fog, portrayed it as a final slap at the hapless jimmuh, which in some respects, was problaby partialy true. However, the greater motivational factor was fear, fear of the gipper, fear of what Reagan might do to their shiite terrorist state.

[A.J.Armitage]

This is good news.

[A.J.Armitage]

Second, if the locals want freedom they may just have to go earn it themselves instead of depending on others to do it for them.

Good thing Lafayette didn't think that way.

[habs4ever]

Thanks for the ping...what could save that nation is it's middle class, and it could follow the route of Turkey.Note the Iranians have seized the opportunity to make amends with the US, and are attempting a serious rapproachment.Wait and see over the next 3 months, as if they loosen the screws, I wonder if its all over for them, much as it was for Gorby in Soviet Union.

[CROSSHIGHWAYMAN]

I wish the US government would support peoples who yearn for freedom under repressive governments.... yet they seem to be back tracking even from Israel.

Looks like our second target should be Iran. The time is ripe for pro-Western government revolution.

Iran as an ally in the region could nullify negative affects of Saudi and Iraqi oil interuptions.

I hope the president's experts are cultivating the right fields now. What a coup if it could be pulled-off!!!!!!!!

[Wrigley]

I just hope when and if their revolution happens, we are like the French in our Rev. war and pick the right side.