The South Wing

Over the last two weeks, the demonstrations in Iran have evolved into a cause far beyond the presidential elections. The debate over whether Mahmoud Ahmadinejad or Mir Hussein Moussavi won is progressively losing relevance. The elections, and the government’s handling of them, have stirred an underlying public dissatisfaction with the corruption and ineptness that has crippled the Iranian leadership. The elections have become the tipping point of a broader political movement.

The protests in Iran began as public displays of discontent with election results that declared the sweeping victory of incumbent Ahmadinejad. Opposing candidates accused the government of fraud, and citizens took to the streets in agreement. The oppressive nature of police, Revolutionary Guard and Basij in reaction to the protests quickly redirected the demonstration sentiment. Peaceful protests soon turned into chants calling for “Death to the Dictator”. It is unclear what the final result of these events will be, but a sizable percentage of Iranians have made clear that they have had enough of the government imposing restrictions on everything from women’s rights, freedoms of speech and press, to what is considered acceptable clothing and physical contact and companionship in public.

Amid the violence, distrust, and political turmoil brought on by the elections, it is important to recognize that what is happening in Iran now is a watershed moment. Overnight, millions of Iranians gathered in the streets with a sense of unity that has touched the worldwide community. Unlike the 1979 revolution, the on-going protests in Iran intensified swiftly with the help of the Internet and cell phones.

For the Iranian people, the world’s attention on the post-election demonstrations has been an immeasurably powerful force. Knowing that their voices, suppressed for so long by their own government, are being heard by heads of state, international media, and people around the world, has sustained demonstrators. It has motivated them to not only openly confront their government, but also made them confident enough to withstand crackdowns and bloodshed sanctioned by their Supreme Leader.

In the United States, the demonstrations have triggered a shift in perceptions toward Iran. The post-election events have broken through simplistic perceptions of Iran as an anti-American government, fueled primarily by antagonism towards the ‘Great Satan’, and brought to light democratic values that are core to both Americans and Iranians. Those who continue to demonstrate in Iran are vying for personal rights and freedoms. Americans can now appreciate that even though the system of governance may be different in Iran, the people aspire to the same ideals.

The United Nations High Commissioner on Human Rights and Secretary General Ban Ki Moon have expressed concern over violent crackdowns on protesters, as has President Obama. This concern must now be translated into action. International human rights envoys should be deployed in Tehran to ensure the safety of Iranian citizens, particularly of those in prison. There are now over 400 journalists, political figures and activists being unjustly detained. Official government numbers indicate 27 people have died as a result of the crackdown on the demonstrations; the actual number is likely to be much higher. Through the UN framework and diplomatic channels, the international community must hold the Iranian government accountable to the international human rights laws that it is bound to.

In Iran, government should be doing everything in its power to protect its citizens from being brutally murdered on the street. All governments are responsible for safeguarding the lives of all their citizens, irrespective their ideologies or who is inciting them to violence. Given the deep-seated mistrust brewing between factions in Iran, moreover, what is desperately needed is an independent investigative and legal counsel. Such a body could examine the irregularities for those detained without warrants and to bring those who have killed fellow citizens to justice.

Regardless of who maintains the reins of power in Tehran, Iran and the international community now face an opportunity that neither can afford to squander. The post-election demonstrations have unleashed forces within Iran that can be cultivated to bring positive change in Iran’s governing system. This in turn could strengthen diplomatic and social ties between Iran and the international community – mutually beneficial conditions that have not existed since before the 1979 revolution. If leaders around the world can step up to the challenge, the people of Iran could be embarking upon a new chapter in its history.

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