What can be done for Iran?
Many European countries have lodged protests with Iran over the violence used against supporters of opposition candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi in the past week. Only Italy has ordered its embassy to give humanitarian aid to wounded protesters, while most other countries have said they will not open the doors of their embassies to the protesters.
The international community is helplessly watching the developments in Iran from the sidelines. But is it even possible for the outside world to have an influence on what’s happening in Iran? The Ahmadinejad regime has been telling the Iranians that foreign forces, most notably the US and the UK, are behind the protests.
Will a stronger response from the international community be helpful or harmful to those who are calling for more democracy and transparency in Iran? And what form could such a response take?
Monday 22 June 2009, 15:21
I am sure Western countries are helping the protestores “under the table”.
I suppose we will have to wait and see.
To have a democratic Iran would be incredible for World peace and democracy, but would the Gulf States be keen on having a big Muslim country go democratic?????
Monday 22 June 2009, 18:35
What ever the results were in Iran,the most important step for the International Community to take is to struggle for the “TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION”. A commission arranged and agreed both by Iran and IC.
The people of Iran have full right to decide what sort of system and leadership the would like to be in their country.
Any attempt by the out side world to go against the wish and will of the Iranian Masses would be counter productive. And would strengthen the Status Quo.
The European Union,The USA,Russia and the rest of the world leadership needs to take appropriate measures which should not be directly intimidating the present rulers of Iran.
It has to be through dialogue and honesty and without any other motive,otherwise Iran would speed up her Nuclear Program and the region which is already at boiling stage (Afghanistan/Pakistan Issue)and would create a Worst Case Scenario not only for the region but for the whole world!!
Peaceful Diplomacy and Transparent Negotiations are the safest Tool!!1
Monday 22 June 2009, 21:05
Are we sure that the other fellows are better? I am definitely not, have seen too many democratic movements and anything related to interpretations of islam is suspect.
Tuesday 23 June 2009, 22:27
All people of good conscience must give at least moral support to the brave young Persians who seek only to have their voices heard and to have a say in their own lives and futures. If not governments, the people must continue to speak out in condemnation of the suppression of these people.
Friday 26 June 2009, 10:52
Iran has been the closest nation to a democratic concept in the Mideast, much further than any Arab nation. As fulkrum of the region is not enough for Iranians, with its sophisticated class, to be ruled by a turban wearing militant. It is the duty of the west to cherish the values of Iranians, same values that Europeans fought for, some still do, in Belarus for example.
Unfortunatey Dutch media reflects an ‘us versus them’ attitude toward any people of color, so I doubt any assistance to Iranian by the Dutch will be genuine.
Monday 29 June 2009, 16:14
I think president Obama has found the right tone. Support protesters but no prejudice as to the outcome of the democratic process. The foreign element is already being blamed for the unrest. Lets condemn Iran for the recent human rights violations ensueing the protests & advocate the liberty to protest.
Wednesday 1 July 2009, 0:32
Eropean governments decisions on contries like Iran are mostely based on their financial benefits and not human rights. They take serious action only if their intrests are endangered. They should now that ( and I think they already know) their intrests are now already at risk in Iran as Russians are swallowing every thing and they want it all. Europe should realise that Iran will not be able to produce nuclear weapon without Russians aid. I belive they should try to control it from top and make Russia to forget about Iran. Then the Iranians will be more comfortable to fight for their democracy.
Thursday 2 July 2009, 7:54
People, claim your freedom. Now is the time for democracy to grow past childhood, in Iran and in the West. Votes are no longer to be placed in the hands of politicians but given directly to the people. The technology to enable each person to vote on a law is present. The people can formulate laws and decide upon them without interference. Why is such a more representative democratic system absent today?
Thursday 2 July 2009, 17:05
This message has been censored the world over by democratic nations. Why? What can be done for the world? People claim your freedom. Now is the time for democracy to grow past childhood, in Iran and in the West. Votes are no longer to be placed in the hands of politicians but given directly to the people. The technology to enable each person to vote on a law is present. The people can formulate laws and decide upon them without interference. Why is such a more representative democratic system absent today?
Sunday 5 July 2009, 10:20
This military coup in Iran, is a Chinese puzzle box for us. These left-over Revolutionary Guard thugs will, most certainly, not respond to anything like a “Truth Commission” until their jack-boots are in shackles. For all of our good wishes, from the safety of Europe and America, this is not our struggle. Given the magnitude of our ignorance of the competing power-spheres within Iran, anything we do would be crude and useless, or worse. For better or worse, Iran’s future must be purchased with Iranian brains and Iranian blood. Freedom is not given; freedom is taken. Allah u Akbar.
Monday 6 July 2009, 17:36
A simple way to help Iranians without meddling would be to lobby UN to launch a committee to investigate human rights in Iran.
Wednesday 11 November 2009, 4:26
What is being done about the womens rights in Iran?