Islamic Revolution Celebration, Protest and the Future of Iran

Iran has been known as the Islamic Republic of Iran since the Islamic Revolution in 1979. This country located in Western Asia has large reserves of crude oil and natural gas. These energy resources, in addition to its nuclear program, make it a powerful country to contend with. The 31st anniversary of the Revolution against the Shah is February 11, 2010. Opposition activists in Iran have been warned that brute force will be used against anti-government protesters and several have already been arrested.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is as steadfast about his nuclear program as American President Barack Obama is about health care reform.President Ahmadinejad is threatening a "harsh blow to the global arrogance", according to a source from Hot Air. What could this mean? To me, it refers to the announcement that Iran will not yield to pressures and demands from Western nations to stop nuclear production and will move forward with the program and uranium enrichment.

Islamic Revolution in 1979

Ayatollah Khomeini led the revolution 31 years ago against Iran's leader Shah Pahlavi that replaced Iran's empire with the Islamic Republic. Khomeini supporters expected more democracy but instead were faced with an increase in Islamic rule and security forces. He is still active in criticizing shah (Iranian kings) with campaigns similar to those used during the 1979 Revolution. Khomeini supporters distributed audiotapes of his anti-government speeches but social media is their delivery of choice. Getting his message out could be thwarted since Iran is obstructing internet media.

Iran Protestors to Fill the Streets of Tehran During Revolution Celebration

President Ahmadinejad has promised to use force against protesters during the Revolution anniversary celebration. Today's protesters are made up of women, students, reformists, youth and teachers fighting for social justice, democracy and more freedom. Rallying in the streets has been a common revolt in Iran's history but it won't be tolerated under this regime. Iran's security forces will use brute force to thwart Iran protestors during the Islamic Revolution Celebration. This force is evidenced by thousands of arrests and at least 11 protestors that have been sentenced to death or have already been executed after the election of their President last summer, according to CNN.

Ahmadinejad's Presidential victory last year is purported by many to be fraudulent and the opposition is fighting for the democracy that was promised under Khomeini. Historically, labor workers helped bring down the old regime, utilizing labor strikes. Without business and industry workers opposition the protests will be in vain.

The Future of Iran

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad could care less what his people want and has proclaimed that he will defy pleas from Western nations to stop Iran's nuclear program. President Obama said new sanctions would be brought against Iran if they don't cease development of a nuclear weapon.

Iran is in a serious position of world power because of its rich resources in natural gas, petroleum and nuclear technology and their government knows it. President Ahmadinejad will continue producing uranium just as they have invested in their security for the past 30 years. The people of Iran will continue to be repressed, arrested and executed by their totalitarian government.

Sources:

Islamic Republic of Iran, Britannica Online Encyclopedia

Ahmadinejad: Iran will deliver a telling blow on February 11, Cassy Fiano, Hot Air, February 1, 2010

Anti-Missile Systems Deployed to Middle East Against Iranian Threats, Mark Whittington, Associated Content, February 1, 2010

Iran arrests opposition figures, ABC News, February 10, 2010

Islamic Revolution, Wikipedia

Why Iran unrest is not revolution re-run, Samira J. Simone, CNN, February 10, 2010

Iran arrests revolution day 'plotters', BBC News, February 10, 2010