TEHRAN, IRAN – If you really don’t like the government you can register your displeasure in many ways – or blow yourself up.
Iran.
That name, that country, evokes a lot of feelings and views, few of which are positive I’d imagine. That nation’s complete title, the Islamic Republic of Iran, tells us what its rulers want us to know about it: it is both a republic AND Islamic.
Or is it?
Given the unfair elections held on June 18, 2021, in which many candidates for president were tossed aside by panels and agencies whose only job is to keep the current bunch in control, it is hard to argue that Iran is a true republic. Islamic? Sure, albeit a Shia polity.
Iran is also known as a state sponsor of terrorism (Hizballah, Hamas, etc.) and for mucking about in places it shouldn’t be. But it is also a VICTIM of terrorism. Hear me out.
On this day in 2004
A suicide bomber exploded his device at the mausoleum to the country’s ‘founder’, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, killing two and wounding eight. No perpetrator was identified.
Interestingly, Iranian riot police used teargas on the same day to disperse demonstrators protesting against a disputed presidential election.
Plus ca change.
The men running Iran have a lot to answer for, of that there is no question. Blowing yourself up and killing/wounding innocent civilians, should still be rejected, no matter what the target of your anger is.
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