Sometime ago, Bush named Iraq, Iran, and North Korea as part of the "Axis of Evil". Now currently, Iraq and North Korea are totalitarian societies ruled by ruthless despots who have caused great harm to their peoples and therefore their demonization might seem fair. However, I am not so sure about today's Iran. I am well aware that Iran under Ayahtollah Khomenei was in fact a radical, oppressive, theocratic regime which stormed the US Embassy and took all those US hostages. But since his death, Iran seems a more moderate and less despotic place so much so that while everyone can name the leaders of Iraq and N Korea, very very few people could name who is the leader of Iran. The best comparison might be to China. During Mao's rule, China too was a radical, totalitarian state. However, upon his death, the country started to become more moderate and progressive. If I was forced to choose a year ago (I say that to take the fact the Iraq is at war now as a factor out of the equation), I would infinitely prefer to be Iranian than Iraqi or N Korean. Is Iran really a "rogue state" and should be viewed in the same breath as Iraq and N Korea. Or is the portrayal (based on TODAY'S IRAN) largely anachronistic and unfair?
I could be way off base here... but as I understand it Iran is still an oppresive theocracy (just like under the Ayahtolla Khomenei). However, there is a strong (very strong) movement to "liberalize" the country. The general belief is that the current theocratic governemnt could (and probably) will fall sometime (hopefully) soon. The people are just tired of the oppression. Does the current regime in Iran support terrorism? I'm pretty sure they do. Do all of the people in Iran solidly support their government? I don't think so. I think they are probably all good Muslims, just not extremists.
I didn't think Iran was classified as a rogue state. Anyhow, Iran is fairly portrayed. They are still run by radical Islamists, however there is great potential for change within the next few years because of the youth. The American government understands that and that is why they will not attack Iran. At the same time it is not good that it seems like they are trying to become a state with nuclear weapons.
The regime has problems. However, I think being termed as part of the axis of evil is a bit overboard. They are not nearly as dangerous as Iraq or N. Korea. The citizens of Iran, in about 5 years time, will eventually be involved in a movement that will change the current regime. They are very well educated and know that there is a better life waiting for them. They aspire to live like americans. What worries me is that US involvement may hinder this process. It will happen on its own and any outside force could cause problems that the world could do away with.
I know the regular people did take offense to being called out for the Axis of Evil. That's the kind of thing that may have hindered progress.
Marge: Can we get rid of this Ayatollah T-shirt? Khomeini died years ago. Homer: But, Marge! It works on _any_ Ayatollah: Ayatollah Nakhbadeh, Ayatollah Zahedi...even as we speak, Ayatollah Razmada and his cadre of fanatics are consolidating their power.
