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I don't understand how you can say there is no difference between the reformers and the conservatives. If that were true, why did the Guardian Council prevent so many from standing in this month's elections? The fact is there is a fundamental difference.

My post was based on my experience of meeting Shirin Ebadi at the World Social Forum in Mumbai in January. Her translator was a young man studying in Mumbai who works for the Iranian consulate there. At first I couldn't understand why the Iranian government would allow one of its employees to act as guide and interpreter for an extremely troublesome dissident like Ebadi.

The answer is that elements of the government bureaucracy are dominated by reformers, especially the foreign service. It was obvious from speaking to them that while they are pressing for freedom of speech, human rights and an interpretation of Islam compatible with democracy in Iran, they remain highly critical of the policies and pronouncements of the Bush administration.

Does that make them anti- or pro-American? I guess it depends whether you conflate anti-Bushism with anti-Americanism. Personally, I don't.

First check this thread
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1087716/posts

Well, As far as I know, any one who wants to be an MP in Iranian Parliament must swear in the name of Supreme leader and Koran in order to be loyal to the regime and some thing they call it Velayate Faghigh which is like a mere dictatorship.

Where were these reformers you talked about when Authorities attacked Students' dorms in 1999 and 2000? For example, that set up show (Sit-in) was just about losing power. It was about power struggles inside the Iranian Regime.

Some had to leave the money, power, luxury cars and seats of Majlis and some had to arrive as new comers and gain these things.

The show wasnt about people's pain. I think or better to say, I believe it is impossible to be loyal to the supreme leader and then fight with him at once.

These reformers were the ones who took US Embassy staff as hostages in 1980 and they ran the government of Prime Minister Musavi in the 1980's, killed hundreds of dissident in 1987, torture people, continue war with Iraq, supported Hizbollahs bombings in Lebanon and attacked our allies in the Persian Gulf and did a lot of shameful things to the US interests in that era.

Please remember that we can not have a double standard stance toward this brutal regime. And remember that a stablized Iran will help the Middle East region stability as well and that is what we look for.

Ah, I forgot to add that the above link, I offered, is about an approval of a bill in the Iranian Parliament to fight the USA, and do you think that those so-called reformers vetted that bill? I think, None of dare to say NO to what the regime believe. Regime believes that the US and Israel should be wiped out of the Earth map.

So, I am going to repeat my words again:There is no difference between reformists and hardliners inside the regime of Iran.

So you have decided, upon meeting one individual, the entire agenda of the so called reformers? Don't you think the Iranian people, who have to live under the rule of these people, are the better judge? Or do you feel that you are morally superior and your judgement of the situation will result in what is best for the people?

You are basing your opinion on one person. I know many Iranians who vehemently disagree with every thing you wrote in your post. BTW, they love President Bush, and believe President Clinton did absolutely nothing for their cause.

I strongly suggest that, if you are truly interested, you read F14Pilot's post, and the link he provided. He is very well versed on Iran.

F14Pilot, this guy signed up Feb 28, 2004. After reading his post, I've come to the conclusion he is a troll.