When considering how tyrants hijacked Iran’s constitutional revolution in 1905 and the anti-monarchy revolution of 1979, it becomes evident that they succeeded largely due to the lack of organized resistance, a popular army, and a democratic coalition as an alternative. Its absence had previously caused the failure of various national uprisings and movements, allowing the ruling tyrants to divert the path of the revolution.
During the anti-monarchical revolution, the leaders and members of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) and other organized forces were in Shah’s prison. They were not released until January 20, 1979, so Ruhollah Khomeini and the network of clerics took advantage of the situation and hijacked the revolution.
Despite Khomeini’s persistent efforts to limit political activities, the MEK attempted to take measures to protect the achievements of the revolution.
First, they launched a widespread political campaign across Iran, educating the Iranian youth about the true nature of the mullahs on the one hand and the MEK’s beliefs of democratic and true Islam on the other hand. Less than two years after the 1979 revolution, the circulation of their daily newspaper passed 700,000, and millions of young men and women joined their ranks. trained dedicated individuals who were committed to freedom and democracy and were willing to make sacrifices to achieve these goals. These cadres would help ensure that the revolution remains true to its values and objectives.
Second, they formed an organized network of activists loyal to the people and committed to protecting the people’s goals to be free and to prevent the emergence of any new dictatorship that might seek to hijack the movement.
After the Khomeini regime cracked down on all political groups and carried out mass executions of dissidents, the MEK took further measures to make sure the sacrifices the Iranian people had made were not in vain.
First, they formed a democratic alternative composed of groups that reject totalitarianism and adhere to the principle of rejecting any type of dictatorship with the motto of “Neither Shah nor the Mullah” to form a united front to restore freedom in Iran.
Second, they introduced a clear and comprehensive program for an interim government for the transfer of power to the people.
Finally, they mobilized international support for the democratic aspirations of the Iranian people.
Now with such a background which is the pillar of their diplomacy today, there are several reasons to believe that the current revolution of the Iranian people to seek freedom and democracy may not be stolen as easily as previous ones, whereas it is difficult to make definitive predictions about the outcome of any revolution, as many factors can come into play.
Since the regime relies on suppression and brutality and its suppressive forces, such as IRGC, to survive, it is impossible to overthrow the regime without an organized resistance on the ground.
This is why the Iranian Resistance formed the Resistance Units to organize and counter the suppressive measures of the IRGC and Basij paramilitary forces on the one hand and organize the uprising throughout the country on the other hand.
It is obvious, that the tragic experience of Khomeini, and his deceptive tactics are seared into memory, but the vigilance and awareness of the people and the revolutionary generations and the introduction of their comprehensive democratic platform is preventing the emergence of another leader like him, who relied on a deceptive slogan of “all together.” Without a concrete platform and program, and under the influence of a media empire, any attempt to ride the wave of the people’s revolution and replicate past events will not succeed.
The democratic movement and its leadership see active participation from various segments of Iranian society, emphasizing women and youth. The Resistance Units now draw inspiration from leaders who aspire for nothing personal and have consistently proven their integrity over the past four decades.
From the protests on June 20th, 1981, to the recent uprisings of 2017, 2019, and 2022, the uprisings have persisted uninterrupted and have grown stronger, leaving no space for the clerical regime to deceive the people and divert the path of revolution. Thus, the Iranian people are countering the deceptive measures of the regime by resounding the slogan of “Death to the tyrant, whether it be the Shah or the Supreme Leader.”
