Alireza Rajayi: Suggested Course for Continuity of Reform Movement

Source: Etemaad
Date : Thursday, February 18, 2010

Dr. Alireza Rajayi is a well-known political analyst in Iran. He is a member of The Nationalist-Religious Movement of Iran

The reform movement is currently in such a position that adopting [new] strategies and guidelines is essential for its political continuity. The first point to mention is that after the events of recent months, one cannot talk of a rapid solution. By examining the political atmosphere in the country, [one] can conclude that restrictions imposed on various reformist parties and figures inhibit the attainment of a quick solution. Presently, the reform movement has lost the ability to participate in the power arena within the the current political environment. … Continue Reading

I Am the Common Green Element, Cry My Name.

Source: Malakut
Date: Friday, February 12, 2010

Daryoush Mohammad Poor is a well know Iranian blogger based in London.

One of the most important aptitudes of the Green Movement is its freedom from structure of power and its ability to internally criticize itself and evolve accordingly. Aside from observing techniques used by the current political power to silence and hijack the voice of the “others”, one of the most important lessons that can be learned from 22nd of Bahman is the fact that both the Green Movement supporters and detractors have wide support. … Continue Reading

Ali Shakoori-Raad: Evaluating the Events of 22 Bahman

Source: Norooznews
Date: Saturday, February 13, 2010

Ali Shakoori-Raad is a well known figure within Iran’s reform movement. He is a member of the central committee of the reformist party The Islamic Iran Participation Front, as well as a former MP.

In its political trial against government supporters during the annual 22 Bahman celebrations [commemorating the victory of the Islamic Revolution on 11 February 1979], the Green Movement proved unable to prevail. The greens had announced beforehand that they would participate in the parade while displaying green symbols, but despite being present in large numbers they were unable to show green in public.
… Continue Reading

Hardliner of Parliament Open Letter to Mousavi

Source: Jaras
Date: Saturday, February 6, 2010

Dear Mr. Mir Hossein Mousavi

Please accept my greetings. I have read your interview with the Kalemeh news agency, an interview which rather resembled a statement. Considering that you have issued this interview in the days leading to the anniversary of the revolution, I am assuming that this was an action with an intended purpose and would have practical positive and negative consequences. As a result I thought I would send you this open letter. … Continue Reading

Interview with Alireza Namvar Haghighi: A Mediating Group Must be Created

Alireza Namvar Haghighi, political analyst, talks to Radio Zamaneh  about Mousavi’s  recommendations.

by Hassan Alavi

Source: Radio Zamaneh
Date: Monday, January 4, 2010

Radio Zamaneh: There are different assessments about Mir Hossein Mousavi’s seventeenth statement regarding where the focus of his declaration lies; a five-step proposal has been put forth in order to escape the current crisis. If the statement is considered a consensus for all factions within the government as well as a way out of the crisis, is there any possibility of it succeeding and, , if so , what are the mechanisms? Dr. Alireza Namvar Haghighi, a political analyst living in Canada, speaks to Radio Zamaneh:

Alireza Namvar Haghighi: Mr. Mousavi has attempted to offer solutions and propose a compromise to overcome the violence while considering the existing realities among political parties in power as well as the goals of the social movement created following the [June 2009] election. Mr. Mousavi has based his work in the fact that his demands are in accordance with the constitution and aim to restore its forgotten principals; that in the current situation, employing violence is worthless; that arresting the leaders [of the green movement] –  Messrs Khatami, Karoubi and Mousavi – will not impede the progress of the movement. Therefore, he has raised suggestions [that are in their best interests] to accept.
… Continue Reading

50 Prominent Iranian Academic Figures in Support of Mousavi’s 17th Statement

Source: BahmanAgha
Date: January 13, 2010

Mir Hossein Mousavi’s 17th statement can be considered his most influential during the seven months since the green movement was born. After its release, prominent figures, groups and political factions reviewed and evaluated its contents from different angles and highlighted various aspects of the text.

The signatories of this statement – those who desire structural, democratic change; who support the rights of all citizens regardless of faith, ideals, ideologies, ethnicity, or gender; who also promote the separation of church and state – believe that [Mousavi’s 17th] declaration provides notable suggestions. A broad consensus regarding these recommendations can facilitate unity and coordination within the non-violent movement of the Iranian people and, like never before, isolate the authoritarian and aggressive regime. We believe that: … Continue Reading

Farrokh Negahdar on Mousavi’s 17th Statement: Let’s Believe the Spring

Source: Roozonline
Date: Saturday, January 9, 2010

Now, a week after Mousavi’s 17th statement was issued, I can say with greater certainty that it has changed the tumultuous [atmosphere], which has been redirected toward finding a political solution to the crisis at hand. [I say this in light of] the horrific Ashura protests and the subsequent, less-than-enthusiastic pro-government rallies. Mousavi’s statement has helped to calm the apprehension of our activists and bolster their hope while marking the “overthrow of the establishment” or an “inevitable blood-bath” as increasingly unlikely options. Moreover, he has neutralized the tactics of terror and intimidation [utilized by the establishment]. Mousavi’s innovation was very timely and paved a path of rational decision-making to move the country farther away from falling into a whirlpool.
… Continue Reading

Mehdi Jami on Mousavi’s 17th Statement: Mousavi’s Statement on the Day of Ashura – The Last Option Before Collapse

by Mehdi Jami
Source: Sibestan
Source: Jaras
Date: January 13, 2010

Without doubt Mousavi’s statement on the Day of Ashura was voice of reason in [this] chaos of irrationality and ignorance. The chaos that is instigated by domestic Taliban and their disciples and supporters. The domestic Taliban is tempted to continue until the last one in opposition is eliminated and feels the lust of having the power of destruction. It knows that at the end of the road there could only be complete annihilation and defeat but it desires to destroy you even at the cost of destroying itself. … Continue Reading

Farrokh Negahdar on Mousavi’s 17th Statement: Relevance

About the Author: Farrokh Negahdar (1946) was born into a middle-class family of civil servants. He was an activist and, thereafter, a leader of the Iranian student movement during the 60s. He was imprisoned for about 10 years (1968-1978) and was a member of the founding group of the Fadaian Organisation. From 1978 and onwards, he was a member of its leadership.

Farrokh Negahdar was elected as leader of the Organisation of Iranian People’s Fadaian (Majority) (OIPFM, www.fadai.org), in May 1982 and held the position until August 1990. He has been living abroad, in exile, since May 1983. He is married and has one son, 28. … Continue Reading

Abbas Abdi on Mousavi’s 17th Statement: Opportunities are Vanishing like Clouds

by Abbas Abdi
source: ayande
Date: Thursday, January 7, 2010

Mr. Mousavi’s last statement will be a memorable statement in Iranian politics. In my opinion it provides the authorities with a good opportunity to change their policy of elimination and extremism. The extremist authorities should take note that the status quo within Iranian society today requires rebuilding trust towards government. They shouldn’t be fooled with the demonstrations after Ashura. The organizers of that event know better than anyone how much effort and resources they had to put into this event in order to gather those people and yet not all the participants were there willingly and voluntarily and not all of them were in agreement with government actions. Sooner or later the Iranian government will have to face some serious challenges. Whether it be inforeign policy or the nuclear issue or economics , disagreement between people in the powers that be, is the challenge that government will have to face sooner or later. … Continue Reading