Urgent Request for American Support of The Iranian Protest Movment. Major confrontation hours away.

Personal Post | 7.7.2003 | DoctorZin

[DoctorZIn]

Urgent request for help.

The Student Movement Coordinating Committee for Democracy in Iran (SMCCDI) has just posted a press release in response to the recent statements made by our Secretary of State Colin Powell. In these statements, Secretary Powell called the crisis in Iran a “family” feud and called Iran “a democracy.” Below you will find a letter detailing the statements and a response. His statements have had a demoralizing effect among the Iranian people seeking to overturn the present regime.

They asked me to encourage all Americans to read their statement and if they agree with them to then write Secretary Powell and the media asking for an immediate clarification of his position. Our concerted efforts can make a difference.

Within the next 24 hours the people of Iran are entering a major confrontation with their regime. They want a vote on the legitimacy of the present regime. They are seeking a true, secular democratic republic to replace the Islamic regime. The people of Iran have become increasingly bold and courageous in confronting this regime. But the words of Secretary Powell hit the Iranian people like a sucker punch, knocking the win out of many of them. For instance, some fear the US have made a secret deal with the regime. It is critical that we clarify our position, before it is too late.

The US media has ignored this story. Therefore, it is vital that we do two things.

First, write Secretary Powell and ask that he clarify his position on the protest movement.

Here is a list of media contacts that we need to contact: E-mail major media:

info@ap.org feedback@ap.org editor@reuters.com newsonline@bbc.co.uk SkyNews NY Times Washington Post Washington Times ABC News ABC World News Tonight C-SPAN (link) viewer@c-span.org CNN Fox News MSNBC NBC's Nightly News Today Show

Second, we need to join the many demonstrations around the country scheduled for the next few days. These demonstrations of support will be beamed into Iran. I cannot begin to tell you the effect of non-Iranians joining these demonstrations in the US. It is comparable to the effect of the Iranians who went to the streets in candlelight vigils to mourn our loss in 911. Please make every attempt to join these demonstrations of support. You will be glad you did and bring a US flag.

Here is a link to the demonstrations:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/940630/posts

Below you will find a copy of a letter you can send to Secretary Powell and the media….

The Honorable Colin Powell Secretary of State U.S. Department of State Washington, D.C. 20520

Fax: 202-261-8577 Email: http://contact-us.state.gov/ask_form_cat/ask_form_secretary.html

To the Secretary of State Colin Powell,

The coming week is the most important in the last 25 years, for the Iranian people and perhaps the world. The next few days will determine their future. It will determine whether Iran will join the world community or not. Whether it will join in the fight against international terrorism or continue to be it’s biggest supporter.

As you must be aware, July 9th is destined to be the confrontation between the regime and the lovers of freedom. The level of support by the people of Iran will determine its outcome.

The recent statements of support by our president in their quest for freedom were of great encouragement to them. His statements were clear and unmistakable.

In contrast, your words have caused more damage than anything the regime could do or say. The Iranian people expected the regime to doing everything possible to discourage the people from any protest on this date. What they did not expect is for our nation, their moral ally in this struggle, to agree with the regime in its analysis of the conflict.

At this most critical moment in Iran’s history, your statements have caused widespread confusion, shock, despair and anger within Iran.

You are an intelligent man with great accomplishments in this administration. That is why it is so difficult for the people of Iran to understand your greatly flawed understanding of their struggle against the tyranny of the present regime. Your statements are not consistent with the facts, as they exist in Iran today.

In your statement this weekend, it is reported that, that you said the United States should stay out this Iranian "family fight" and that it is your hope that "the United States had learned its lesson not to interfere in Iran's affairs." It sounded like a press statement from the regime, not the US Secretary of state. This is not a family fight. The regime does not reflect the will of the people of Iran. It is not an Iranian regime but a radical Islamic regime. This regime hates Iran, their love for their culture, their history. It has taken hostage their entire country. They are not part of the Iranian family.

If your statement was designed to make clear that the United States was not prepared to back up their efforts militarily, I understand that. The Iranian student movement has consistently and repeatedly declared that they do not need our military support. But they do need our encouragement. The people of Iran need to know that the United States supports the morally correctness of opposing this regime. Ours is one of the few nations to speak with moral clarity in our world today, which is why your statements are so discouraging to millions of Iranians.

You spoke of Iran as a democracy. But it is not a true democracy. As you must know the regime only permits people who support the regime to be placed on the ballot. Their true leaders are not in the regime or its parliament. They are either in prison or in hiding. They do not support the so-called reform movement. In their last election, the student movement asked the people of Iran not to participate any longer in the illegitimate elections of this illegitimate regime. As a result, fewer than 12% of the public voted and this in a nation where voting is mandatory. The people of Iran no longer support either the so-called reformist or conservative elements of the regime. Please do not support them either.

This is not a conflict between the reformers and the hardliners, as you appear to assume. The protests in their country are lead by a third force that supports a true secular democratic republic. It is no longer a student movement alone; it is broad based with supporters every aspect of our society.

They are calling for a national referendum where the people of Iran can judge the legitimacy of this regime. They believe a separation of religion and state are necessary and therefore seek the establishment of a secular government. But, they will respect the will of the Iranian people whatever their choice may be. Only the Iranian people can determine their own future. I simply ask for your moral support for their efforts.

The hours are ticking by before the July 9th demonstrations and strikes are to begin.

I ask you to make a clear statement of your support for their efforts.

I beseech you to clarify your position for the entire world to hear, before it is too late.

I am standing shoulder to shoulder with the Iranian people at this critical time in history. I believe they are prepared to be the friends of the United States that I have longed for. Secretary Powell: give them a chance, give them your support, do it now, before it’s too late!

Signed

………………….

Thanks for your support,

DoctorZin

[DoctorZIn]

To catch up on all the latest developments of the Iranian protest movement go to:

[adam_az]

The "Colon Bowell for Presidente" camp makes me hurl.

Bump!

[isthisnickcool]

Bump. If you have a ping list add me....

[DoctorZIn]

Here is a copy of the letter I am sending Secretary Powell that I promised.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/941493/posts

Please send it to him and the media, immediately.

Also, please attend the demonstrations of support being hosted around the country. Your presence will make a difference.

DoctorZin

"If you want on or off this Iran ping list, Freepmail me”

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Thanks for the ping!

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[Dog Gone]

As you must be aware, July 9th is destined to be the confrontation between the regime and the lovers of freedom.

Let's get ready to rumble.

[firewalk]

bttt

[Thane_Banquo]

I'd like to read the exact quote from Powell. That said, he has rarely missed an opportunity to suck up to violent fundamentalist Islamists.

[netmilsmom]

I sent him a message asking for Iranian support.

[Texas_Dawg]

I sent him a message asking for Iranian support.

"Free Iran!" Mega-Dittos.

[Travis McGee]

bttt!

[DoctorZIn]

Thanks for joining us...

[DoctorZIn]

...I'd like to read the exact quote from Powell...

Here is a link to Powell's statement...

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=574&ncid=721&e=5&u=/nm/20030703/wl_nm/iran_usa_dc

[js1138]

I do not believe the U.S. is going to send military aid. Iran will have to decide it's own fate. That said, I hope that the U.S. is prepared to recognize a regime change on short notice and prevent a civil war.

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[JustAnAmerican]

Typical Pro-Islam BS from the state department. What I find very troublesome is Powel and Richard Armitage coming out and saying Iran was a Democracy. What planet are these idiots from? Last I checked Iran was run by the ruling clerics, not the people. Having said that, I don't believe we should do anything, military wise, to help Iran. 1979 is still a bitter memory for me.

[Eala]

(Forgive my re-post here, but here's hoping the relevant FReeper chapters will take note and turn out...) Date: Wed. July 9, 2003 Time: 10:00 Location: US Capital Square, In front of Capital Building, West Front area Source: contact: 800-662-8196 or www.tazahorat.org In Attendence: Senator Sam Brownback, Senator Brad Sherman and others.

Support Iranian Students In Their Quest For Freedom & Democracy

The young people are investing their lives for freedom in Iran. All they are asking from you is to invest only a few hours of your time.

On July 9th, 2003, the fourth anniversary of the Islamic Regime's savage massacre of the university Students in Iran, the Coalition for the Pro-democracy Iranian groups in cooperation with International Harmony are organizing a demonstration in solidarity with Iranian student's Struggle for freedom. the demonstration of July 9, 2003 will focus on the Islamic Regime's denial of unalienable rights of Iranian people to liberty, justice and the pursuit of happiness. The demonstration of July 9, 2003 in Washington D.C. will also place emphasis on condemning the Iranian Regime's cardinal standing in sponsoring radical Islamic Ideology and International acts of Terroism.

Place: The United States Capitol Square, Capitol Building, West Front Area. Washington D.C. TIME: 10:00 AM, Wednesday July 9, 2003

Senators Sherman, and Brownback said they will be in attendence to speak to a very large mix of Iranian-Americans and other supporters of Democracy in Iran.

Satellite Television has reported other Demonstrations initiated by Iranian-Americans in Houston, Dallas, San Diego, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Florida, New York, New Jersey, Seattle, Chicago, most countries in Europe, and Australia. All groups of people will be in attendence to show their vocal support.

Here a couple they announced today:

Los Angeles July 8th 6pm front of Federal Building in Westwood for more information 818-355-3747

Atlanta Tuesday July 8th CNN Center From 5-9 with live Music

Charlotte July 8th 4pm in front of the Federal Court House

Chicago Wednesday July 9th 6-9pm Michigan Street

Seattle Tuesday July 8th 6-8pm 15 & 45th street - Univ of Washington.

Houston Tuesday July 8th 6-8pm 2300 Between St. Phillip and Westernet

Texas July 8th at 630pm in front of the Capital Building

New York July 9th 11-2pm 1st and 47th for more information 718-445-9761

Miami July 9th 12-5pm Aside British Embassy at Bayside Park

Austin, TX July 8th at 630pm J8 in front of the Capital Building for more information 512-789-7076

San Diego Sunday July 6th Federal Building Front Street & Broadway from 5-9pm

Houston Sunday July 6th Muslim Community Center (Guy said symbolic gesture to the Mullahs) from 6-8pm

Germany Berlin Date: Sat. July 5, 2003 Time: 12:00-15:30 Location: Podbielskiallee 65 (U1, metro line 1) Source: contact: various

Frankfort Date: Sat. July 5, 2003 Time: 11:00 Location: Bocken heimer warte (in front of Frankfort University) Source: contact: www.Ebram@T-online.de

Sweden Stockholm Date: Wednesday. July 9, 2003 Time: 17.00 (swedish time) Location: Sergelstorg, Stockholm City Source: various

Denmark Copenhagen Date: Wed. July 9, 2003 Time: 16:00 Location: In front of In front of Iran Embassy Source: contact: +45-5160-3121

Spain Barcelona Date: Wed. July 9, 2003 Time: 10:00-12:00 Location: Plaza Sant Jaume Source: SMCCDI

United Kingdom London Date: Wed. July 9, 2003 Time: 2pm to 4pm Location: No 10 Downing Street, London (near Westminster station) Source: contact:07957 212 890 - 07958 313 397

Belgium Brussel Date: Mon 23 June, 2003 Time: 14:00-16:00 Location: In Iran Embassy, Av tervuren 415 , 1150 Bruxelles Source: contact: dfrdi@hotmail.com

Date: Tue. July 8, 2003 Time: 14:00-18:00 Location: In front of European Union Building Source: contact: dfrdi@hotmail.com

France Paris Date: Wed. July 9, 2003 Time: 19:00-23:00 Location: Place Iena, Main Square of the City Source: SMCCDI

Paris Date: Sat. July 12, 2003 Time: 15:00-19:00 Location: Place Odeon Source: SMCCDI

[VetoBill]

bttt

[DoctorZIn]

Saving Iran From Itself

James Jay Carafano

According to "realist" international-relations theory, nations will act in their own self-interest. Iranian leaders who are pushing to provide their country with the option to "go nuclear" don't seem to get the idea.

Virtually every nation that has fielded a nuclear weapon has done so to counter a perceived threat. Iran seems to want to be the exception. And arming itself with nukes isn't merely unnecessary; it could do irreparable harm to its international standing and strategic security.

Inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) show that Iran has pushed the legal limit and gone a bit beyond what's permissible for a peaceful nuclear research effort. It seems pretty clear that the Iranians are trying to develop enough expertise and capacity to switch from a legitimate program to producing fissile material for nuclear weapons in very short order.

Tehran's nuclear research program makes absolutely no sense from an economic or environmental standpoint. Iran has more than enough petroleum to meet its domestic and export needs, and plenty of natural gas is available if anyone's worried about air pollution.

Nuclear weapons make even less sense from a strategic point of view. Iran is arguably much safer than it was a decade ago. The Soviet bear has been declawed. Russia's military poses no threat. The Taliban is gone, and a friendly warlord sits on the Afghan-Iranian border. Saddam Hussein (search), who once led an invasion of Iran, has been deposed. Turkey certainly isn't interested in attacking Iran. Even Israel may make peace with the Palestinian Authority (search), leaving Iran scant justification for portraying that conflict as a causus belli.

Ironically, all these developments can in great part be attributed to the policies of the United States -- which, it can be argued, has done more to make the world safe for Iran than all the mullahs in Tehran.

Iranians might argue that they have to defend themselves against the United States. After all, the president did list their country as part of an axis of evil. But Iran is on the list only because it has backed terrorists and pursued weapons of mass destruction (search). With the Baathist Party out of power in Iraq and peace close to breaking out in Palestine, support for terrorism as a means to advance Iranian interest makes little sense. And a nuclear weapons program, which is more likely to gain Washington's ire than its indifference, doesn't seem like a good idea for a country that wants to enhance its security.

A nuclear program would be logical only if Iran wants a stick that it can use to bully neighbors and raise its standing in the Islamic world. But wait, Pakistan tried that route. All it managed to achieve was a nuclear standoff that threatens to kill millions of people if somebody makes a mistake or gets an itchy trigger finger.

Even if Iran builds a nuclear capability, it can rest assured that, like North Korea (search), it will get more attention from the United States than it wants. It also will risk isolating itself diplomatically and economically from the nations that can help meet the aspirations of young Iranians who wish to see their country grow and prosper.

That said, Iran's leaders have time to come to their senses. If they decided to build a bomb tomorrow, it would take time to produce the fissile material (search), assemble a workable weapon, and marry it to a reliable delivery system. By that time, there may be enough missile-defense systems to make their nuclear threat seem fairly timid.

In the meantime, an Iranian regime may emerge that recognizes that expensive nuclear programs that waste national treasure and provide no added security are a poor bargain. Other nations, including Brazil, South Africa and South Korea managed to do the math right and scrap their nuclear ambitions. Perhaps Iran will as well.

The United States has made the Middle East safe for Iran. It also has the power to make the regime in Tehran feel a lot less secure if it pushes for the nuclear option. Now is the time for a little realistic thinking. Iran should immediately adopt the IAEA protocols and follow the spirit as well as the letter of these prohibitions against developing nuclear arms. Better yet, Tehran would be wise to abolish its nuclear program altogether -- and make Iran safe from itself.

James Jay Carafano is a senior research fellow for defense and homeland security at The Heritage Foundation.

http://www.iran-daneshjoo.org/cgi-bin/smccdinews/viewnews.cgi?category=5&id=1057600210

[Peach]

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