| Back to... |
Share Our Stories! - Click Here |
 |
Iranians Commemorate |
By
Stephen Lendman |
| On February 10, millions of Iranians commemorated the 38th anniversary
of their historic 1979 revolution - ending a generation of US-installed
despotic rule. In late 1977, Jimmy Carter declared Iran an “oasis of stability,” ignoring years of ruthless Reza Shah Pahlavi rule. In 1978, protests began. State-sponsored repression followed. Dozens were killed. In mid-August, martial law was declared. Days later, hundreds died in an Abadan cinema fire. Regime and opposition elements blamed each other. In early September, hundreds of thousands of Ayatollah Khomeini supporters rallied in Tehran. Crackdowns on resistance were fierce. Protests continued. More deaths followed. Strikes shut down shops, universities, schools, oil installations, banks, government ministries, post offices, railways, newspapers, and other operations. Government efforts to resolve things failed. In early December, millions of Iranians rallied for Imam Khomeini's return. They demanded Reza Shah's removal. A 17-point resolution was prepared. It declared him to be the leader of the Iranian people. It called for Reza Shah’s ouster. In mid-January 1979, he left Iran. On February 1, Imam Khomeini returned after 14 years in exile. Millions greeted his arrival. Days later, Rahlavi rule ended. In April, the Islamic Republic of Iran replaced it, a new constitution approved by national referendum in December. On the 38th anniversary of their historic revolution, President Hassan Rouhani addressed a huge crowd in Tehran’s Azadi Square, saying: “This turnout is a response to false remarks of the new White House rulers and the people are telling the world through their presence that the Iranian people must be spoken to with respect and dignity.” “The Iranian nation has shown during the past 38 years that it will make anyone who speaks to Iranians with the language of threats regret it.” He referred to Trump’s National Security Advisor Michael Flynn putting Iran “on notice,” following its legitimate ballistic missile test, along with Defense Secretary James (“mad dog”) Mattis, disgracefully calling the Islamic Republic the “world’s biggest state sponsor of terrorism” - Trump using similar language. Rouhani warned “all should know now they have to speak with the language of respect and praise in front of the Iranian nation.” “The nation will respond incisively in the face of threats…The one who proceeds to threaten our nation and Armed Forces should know that our nation is united and vigilant, and will stand up to ill-wishers.” The Islamic Revolution regained Iran’s sovereign independence. It won’t surrender it to America or anyone else. Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago. He can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net. His new book as editor and contributor is titled "Flashpoint in Ukraine: How the US Drive for Hegemony Risks WW III." http://www.claritypress.com/LendmanIII.html Visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com. Listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network. |
| Donate to Rense.com Support Free & Honest Journalism At Rense.com | Subscribe To RenseRadio! Enormous Online Archives, MP3s, Streaming Audio Files, Highest Quality Live Programs |