At the beginning of 1900’s, only about one percent (1 percent) of Iranians were literate and the limited number of “schools” was run by mullahs. Most clerics were not educated in the Persian language and had questionable skills in Arabic. The subjects were basic and mainly religion-based. The main book taught was the Koran, or more specifically, “convenient interpretations” thereof.
Many of the mullah-teachers were infamous for emotional abuse and harsh physical punishments of children entrusted to them for education. Iran had no materials of the civilized world such as healthcare, railroads, telephone, and electricity. The central government had no control and the countryside was ruled by bandits. There was no national army or proper police force. Women were not educated and viewed as an invisible part of society. When Iranians revolted in 1906 in favor of a constitutional monarchy, their first step towards democracy, the majority of clerics fought against the national movement and any part of it once it became apparent the new constitution involved secular laws and rights for all citizens.
Ahmad Kasravi (1890-1946) was one of the first Iranians to warn against the clerics’ destructive meddling for which he was later assassinated at the hands of radical Islamists. The clerics continued their battle against Iran’s modernization through the 1970s. Some of the clerics thrown in jail at the time for domestic disturbances and promotion of violence include Khomeini, Khamenei, Montazeri, Rafsanjani, and Khatami. These names are now internationally recognized as they were the founders and architects of the current Islamofascist regime in Iran.
The clerics brought down a nation on its way to modernization and greatness by installing a violent, unpopular theocracy in 1979 that is out of touch with the 21st century modernism and basic principles of humanity. The current, phenomenal nationalist uprising which started in June 2009 has clearly brought the war of the classes in the forefront. In Iran there were and are two distinct parties in complete opposite spectrum that cannot co-exist. This class struggle has been present on and off for centuries. Today, thanks to modern technology, their distinct differences and struggle can be witnessed without a doubt.
The first class is the one created and maintained by the clerics. The members of this class have been in power since 1979. Their entire lifestyle and beliefs involve Islamofascism and all it encompasses. They lack comprehension of modernity, civility, and basic human rights. Their politico-religious fervor makes them a dangerous and violent group. They hate anything Iranian including its language, history, and culture.
The other class is simply Iranian. This group encompasses the majority which has been the heart of the uprisings against the mullahcracy in Tehran for its backwardness and social injustices. This group fears for its country’s future and cultural survival. Although they are the majority, they have been held hostage for three decades and are victims of an ethnic and cultural genocide at the hands of the minority anti-Iranian clerics and their followers. The Iranian majority wants a secular, nationalist government working for the people and the prosperity of their beloved, ancient land.
The current national uprising will not only result in Iran’s final achievement of modernity and advancement, but stability and prosperity in the region as a whole. A secular, democratic Iran will be a valuable ally to the western countries currently involved in “war on terror.”
The history lesson has been taught. With the fall of Iran, radical Islam rises and spreads across bordering states. In order to contain and defuse this abstract threat, Iran must first become free of mullahcracy.
The world is watching Iranians fight their own war on terror within their borders empty-handed. If anything, this should galvanize the western nations, who sent trained armies with military and intelligence support to Afghanistan and Iraq in fighting a common enemy. It will not be an easy task and it will take years to undo the damages caused by the Islamic Republic, but we are witnessing the dawn of a new era when the freedom-fighting and peace-loving majority will once and for all topple the weak and unfit minority.
Sheda Vasseghi is a member of the Board of Azadegan Foundation. She is a regular contributor to WorldTribune.com on Iran’s affairs.
