Iran needs another revolution

Ever since the overthrow of the democratically elected government of Mohammed Mossadegh in the 1950s (28 Mordad), Iran has never known democracy, let alone freedom of any kind. During the Shah's reign, his SAVAK accounted for

>"the torture and execution of thousands of political prisoners, suppression of dissent, and alienation of the religious masses. The United States reinforced its position as the Shah's protector and supporter, sowing the seeds of the anti-Americanism that later manifested itself in the revolution against the monarchy"

After the 1979 revolution, life didn't fare well still for many Iranians. (Read about the class analysis of the Iranian Revolution in 1979 HERE) Continued oppression and jailing of political opponents/critics; the closing down of publications and now the blocking of high speed internet in Iran will provide a greater noose for those Iranians, who want to have freedom of speech and freedom of organizing dissent.

Parastoo Dokoohaki:"If you want to announce a gathering in advance, you won't see it mentioned on official websites and newspapers would announce it too late. Therefore, you upload it anonymously and put the information out. Banning high-speed links would limit that facility. Despite having the telecoms facilities, fibre-optic technology and internet infrastructure, the authorities want us to be undeveloped."

As much as Bush and company would like to control Iran for their many reasons, the real interest and hope lies with the Iranians themselves. Not to have a regime change that enables US puppeteers, but an independent and viable democracy that can accommodate the diversity of religious and political voices in that country. It could even become a great democratic role model for the rest of the Middle East. If only outside forces/interests would not interfere.
Global Voices Online, Guardian