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The Militia Turns and Runs
06/22/09
The crowds have subsided in Iran, slowing Sunday after the government's threat of force on Friday, but the protests are continuing and today could have been a turning point. This is no longer just a protest against a stolen election, it might be evolving into a full fledged revolution against the Iranian government's current theocracy.
Yesterday, a small and unarmed - but determined - crowd of Iranians put their foot down and stopped the government militia's attempts to crush the revolution. This was an incredible demonstration of resolute resistance against an armed military force by a generally peaceful group of people.
I've never seen such courage among common, ordinary citizens. Historically when an armed militia combats an unarmed group of protesters, the side with the most powerful weaponry wins. Especially against a traditionally peaceful people, compared with most of those other styles of protest employed around the world. But, this one was spectacular and could ignite a true revolution.
This has turned into a very physical confrontation that involves the risk of injury and even death in the support of a cause. Iranians are joining together to protest the lies, the corruption, the theft of political power and the suppression of the lower classes by the Iranian government. Sound familiar Americans?
The Iranian government's militia was hurling what looked like tear gas grenades and using other weapons to intimidate the crowd, without yet opening fire. But a few courageous individuals led the advance of the crowd, hurling stones and challenging the militia. They were soon joined by others and the swelling group accumulated such a powerful force that the militia turned coat and ran!
The triumphal crowd chased after them shouting “Hurrah! Hurrah!”
Actually, the forces the protesters are facing are not what most of us might expect. This is not a riot squad or militia. It is actually an almost voluntary force that the Iranian theocracy and government employ to intimidate the country's population.
Known as Basiji, these people are spies in the day and goon squads at night. They identify the homes of protesters and rebel or political leaders and mark them. Then go out at night and terrorize the people in order to create and maintain fear of the government. Sunday's turn-and-run episode may have eroded their reputation considerably. They certainly aren't as tough when faced with actual opposition.
The protesters are now organizing a contrary campaign employing the same tactic. They are identifying the homes of members of the Basiji and their friends and relatives. …. Who knows what will happen next?
A video shown on MSNBC's Rachel Maddow Show on June 22nd.shows this amazing protest:
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