Iranian Revolution? Aslan Says Don't Hold Your Breath

[brandonlamchops]

Aslan is the King of Narnia! SHOW SOME RESPECT!

[cbluver22]

@eyesofjustice

What are you talking about? He is a Muslim.

[Meeeeeeb]

This is actually true to an extent. However Iran also has a very large resource in its nationalism. It was a resource tapped by both Mossadegh and the Islamic Republic. Look at Iranians in the USA- most of them pick and choose what part of American culture and thinking they mix in. Most of them remain highly conservative and think like they did in Iran, and take things like fashion and technology from the West. It is harder to influence a people who think their way is better than everyone's..

[xerojreffaj]

I think it's a fallacy to assume that the Iranians want to overthrow their government. Sure many of them are unhappy with the current system (especially those in big cities), but not all of them want wholesale change. The problem is that we in the West only have one side of the story; either Iranian expats who are completely against the Islamic Republic, or people who have an interest in seeing the IR fall. (I should clarify I don't agree with the current rule in Iran either)

[mjzzzd]

Great speech Dr. Aslan, keep it up. Iran and Iranians need your support.

paydar bashi,

[TheSasss1]

Reza Aslan is a dolt and a shame to all Iranians. Reza Aslan is someone who thinks he is intellectually superior and that he knows so much when in reality he ignores the truth and evils of Islam and how it has destroyed Iran. He truly is a dolt and justifies too much of the Islamic Republic of terror rather than supporting the freedom loving Iranian people. It is equally disgusting the media refers to him as intelligent; and it is a shame he fails to discuss Iranians quest for freedom.

[TheSasss1]

Reza Aslan is an Islamic Republic paid spy. He is a despicable human being and media organizations need to stop referring to him in response to international affairs

[koreindian1]

@TheSasss1 That's a completely obscene thing to say. Do you have any evidence for that?

[PersoAryanism]

Fuck Reza Aslan.

Traitor scum.

[koreindian1]

@PersoAryanism So what, you are just using racism to dismiss his arguments?

[bhigr]

Reza is against overthrowing the hardliners. So now we are supposed to help the Iranian regime. The country must open up by itself.

[mosti1987]

.....and so what does he mean to 'force' it open? lol imperi...

[JakeFuyou]

'force that country to open up, whether they like it or not'

That pretty much sums up American mindset, if you refuse to get exploited by American capitalism, you must be forced (economic sabotage, sanctions, even war) to enter the exploitative system of capitalism.

There was no 'revolution' in Iran, there was just a bunch of Westernized students who want to turn the country over to the Americans and the Israelis, and took to the street. They are traitors.

[HailRasec]

WAR: The only way americans learn geography.

[koreindian1]

@HailRasec Unless if you're an American like me, who reads books. I recommend that you stop being such a blowhard.

[Andrameda666]

This guy is a hypocrate! He wears suit and tie and then talks about Islam which is against all kinds of modernization.

[MrMP81]

wtf did you get that from Andrameda?

[Andrameda666]

I got it from where I lived for more than 20 years; however, it's more like that you don't know anything about Islam!!!

[MrMP81]

lol why are you assuming to know me? I asked you where did you get that from.

I don't know anything about Islam? I know enough not to base my knowledge of a religion on where I live and say it's at fault of a religion lol

That is like me being in Italy and blaming Roman Catholics for shitty toilets lol

[Andrameda666]

So you know enough about Islam, huh?! Do know what is the penalty for apostasy in Islam?! Do you know that the penalty should be carried on regardless of the place in which you live?!

I saw on your wall that you study theology. Do you know that religion is ruling in Mid-East including the origin country of Mr. Aslan? Do you know that the clergies ruling there get "all" of the knowledge from G.O.D and the holy Quran?

Go get some education baby!!!

[MrMP81]

You're referring to what is mentioned in the Hadiths, not in the Qur'an.

Are these actions carried out, by places like Saudi Arabia, and others, sure, but alot more is done and twisted in the name of religion that contradict the book.

It's important to decipher what is from the Hadiths ( Traditions ) and the Qur'an ( Word of God )

Reza is from Iran & they are Shi'a. They have a little bit of a twist to things so in order for me to answer things on that end, you'd have to be specific.

[Khaayam]

@MrMP81

Have you read the book of qur'an yourself?Or have you sung it like parrot not having a clue what you were singing? That book is full of fascism, contradiction, racism and encouraging violence in the name of "god. I agree that Hadith is worse, because very asshole who came put something in it. But I propose to you all young muslims(whatever that might be), to read quran and hadith in a language that you truely understand.

[koreindian1]

@Khaayam Come now, the book does not encourage random violence. It addresses violence just as all books that try to address the human condition must address violence, because violence is consummately a part of our history and politics. Hell, Max Weber even states that violence is the essence that gives powers legitimacy. The Quran is a great book of war just as the Iliad. Now how can it be full of fascism? You are inserting a 20th century political ideology into a 7th century text? Sounds wrong.

[OhMaDayzz]

@koreindian1 Islam is inherently evil, violent and backwards. Hopefully it will be eradicated from Iran soon.

[neocons1345]

I like to know who has made this stupid jerk an expert on Iran? Reza Aslan is a filthy PR agent for Islam and he is paid by murderous Mullahs to do give them a legitimate face...I like to see him live in Iran...

[LostInWotsoever]

I'd like to see him live in Iran too. But the important thing that he misses is that even the protestors of the green movement are against relations between the US and the Islamic Republic. I was not surprised to hear the chants of 4. Nov. when the protestors shouted "Obama, either with US or with THEM". While the protestors do want support by Obama, for instance through words and moral support, they do not seem to want connections between IRI and US. Why does our faith always depend on the US?

[THESHIRZADEGAN]

mr, aslan. ba dorud ! i hope you did mot fergot,now is computer centure and iranian people sre clever....hamid.

[77Merav]

Aslan forget a lil, lil thing- The, radical Islamic ideology + Nuke!

not the west isolated Iran, the extremist islamic government enforced it as an obligating religion duty!

[TheAzadikhah]

I do not think use of force is going to be successful; we are waiting for the fruit,

however soon many in high level are going to resign and joint people ,government will crash ,president will leave and, things is going to get better. Its meant to be.

[xburningheavensx]

Aslan is a notorious apologist for Shiism, and he would divide us with the aid of his Ivy League visage. Any alteration or augmentation to the current Iranian constitution would be solemnised in law and result in Iranians demanding further rights which are their due. If the current regime makes even one concession to the protestors then ultimately their strangle hold on power will end, the Islamic revolution cannot improve because to the clerics it is the immutable word of God.

[xburningheavensx]

What he is conveniently ignoring, is that with the greater 'openness' that he mentions, will inevitably come more information, more awareness, and this is what has caused the outrage of these demonstrators. Unless the regime stays the course, and harshly imposes its supposedly 'divine' agenda it is doomed to ultimate failure. The theocracy knows that it is in its interest to harshly impose Khamenei's vision, it knows that if it doen not, the revolution of the clerics will be undone.

[cheapnonsmoker]

Yeah but the question is when will this finally happen. I thought after the post election riots the IRI will - heureka - finally get some sense. Just on the last Friday prayer Khameinei was showing himself as the "father of the nation" - I think the chances that his powers will be curbed in the near future - without supernatural involvement - is sooooo beyond reality. Then again I am probably just extremely fed up and misantrophic with the "situation" that lasted for 30 years now.

[xburningheavensx]

The original revolution was as improbable, yet the masses succeeded in overthrowing a corrupt usurping bastard monarch who was backed by America. If the rage of the Iranian people is pacified by the passage of time, then an upheaval will not occur, and this would be unfortunate.

[franksaremi1]

it will happen soon free iran

[babeau]

Did you compare Nazi Germany and Israel?

[babeau]

civil rights that will grant you physical integrity whether you are a man or a woman?

[babeau]

What would you describe the circumstances any individual is forced to live under in the Islamic Republic of Iran? When you are born into a society in a country where the state determines your privacy based on your gender so that the boundaries between private and public life are forcefully and to a large extent violently blurred, then how can life be considered civilized without having the basic protection of constitutionalized civil rights,

[muziquelle]

On the books, yes it does very much so seem that way. The everyday life has a wider range of experiences that extend beyond the law on the books.

In law, unmarried men and women (who are not immediate family members) cannot go out together. In practice, I've seen people making out in the street in Tehran, young men in women out in cafes, etc. Of course, there MAY be consequences if one of those bastard moral police are in a bad mood.

I

[muziquelle]

I also had my wedding in Tehran this past summer (I was born in Germany and raised in Canada)... it was in the midst of protests going on and we had it in my husband's yard with live music until 2am and alcohol and in the middle of the city and men and women mixed. Nothing happened.

My husband went to a party once and the police came. There were men, women, alcohol. He got a small fine.

On the other hand, his cousin got 80 lashes once for having alcohol on him. He still does it.

[GOPsithlord]

I'm with Reza regarding Iran's economy, but confess I don't know what he's talking about when he says "force them to be open whether they like it or not". I think its safe to say the West's complaint against Iran is with the mullahs and I have never known them to be coerced in any fashion, either covertly or overtly.

They are as irrational now as hey were 30 years ago, regardless of whether they were isolated. If we are to engage them, then I have to keep asking how exactly?

[muziquelle]

The problem with sanctions and embargoes placed on Iran over the past 30 years is that it really only punishes the people of Iran. I think that the clergy don't give a shit whether the people are negatively affected because the clergy themselves are pretty comfortable and secure in their positions. How this related to the economy? Well, if Microsoft, IBM, Apple, etc. had branched in Iran there would be 1000s of jobs created. The revolution of 79 only happened because people's stomachs were full

[unityrover]

We're trying to start a war with trillions in debt... and THEY are the irrational ones.

[Efferts]

I only recognize Aslan from Real Time with Bill Maher. So I'll listen.

[babeau]

of Nazi Germany in their choice of executing physical as well as psychological intimidation against unarmed people, if this can occur without even the slightest hope of any intervention of a state institutionalized force ("regular" police) to ensure and enforce the civil rights and civil liberties of individuals exposed to such immediate and lethal public threats, yes then I can only hope that he will soon be laughing out on the other side of his face.

[muziquelle]

Sorry are we talking about Nazi Germany or Israel- a nation that is supported by most Western, 'democratic' nations?

[babeau]

He basically promotes laughingly the Islamic Republic of Iran. Any individual in Iran is exposed on a daily basis to mortal danger by dissenting. Or how and as what would Aslan describe the aftermath of the so called presidential election of 2009 in Iran? When protesting electoral fraud leads to life-threatening conditions such as being beaten up on the streets by club yielding motorcyclists and heavy armoured police forces, getting attacked by so called Basijis and who resemble the SA

[muziquelle]

I arrived in Iran on election day and spent about 10 weeks in Iran after that. I agree that its dangerous to protest... several of my family members went, some family friends were arrested.

I don't think Aslan is PROMOTING the ISLAMIC REPUBLIC just because he says that people are plugged in and technologically savvy etc. In fact most of the people in POWER don't even speak English lol. It's the PEOPLE of Iran who are educated, have illegal satellite dishes etc. in order to be 'plugged in'.

[babeau]

There simply was nothing and I mean absolutely nothing funny about what happen before, during and after the presidential "elections" in Iran. What is there to laugh about? How can Aslan still be so serene in his very first response to the question whether a system change is likely and thinkable when the severity of the suffering of the Iranian population is so bloody obvious? What's so funny about the fact that an entire population of up to 70 mio has been disabled to enjoy basic civil rights?

[muziquelle]

I think that if you appease the Iranian people (which is what the Iranian gov't does sometimes) you keep them satisfied and any resistance dormant. Talking about the regime in a positive light only legitimizes the regime but I have also seen the condition of people in Iran.

Reza hits the nail right on the head - economics. Let's not forget that the revolution was galvanized by people who were reasonably economically stable. A revolution can't happen now- people have too much to lose right now.

[Hochdorff]

This guy forgot to mention that Iran is the biggest antisemitic threat since Nazi Germany and Israel maybe don't have the time to wait for a "years-long process" of regime transformation. As well as the murdered women and queer don't have that are going to be killed during this process. Hence:

Down with the Mullahs. Free Iran know!

[Mrmoc7]

You want Isreal to engage in war with Iran to free Iran from the Mullahs?

Stay away from any foreign policy job.

[Hochdorff]

I didn't say this. I just said Israel do not have the time to wait. But I do think Israel could defeat Iran, but the price would be very high.

What I want is a big international coalition, that state first an ultimatum that Iran has to abolish his atomar program and to grant full democratic rights to everyone and when they're not doing it to draw the military consequences.

[Mrmoc7]

An international coalition consisting of who? Russia and China won't support this for obvious reasons, and Iran has close ties with many African nations, especially Nigeria, America's second highest oil exporter.

[Re5Publica]

Ahh, you could've ended that with a bit more class I think, instead of presenting me as paranoid, but I agree it's pointless to continue.

[truthadvocate]

Most of the work of isolating Iran was done by Iran's government when they seized control over the media. Many people in our U.S. government would love to do the same. They're just trying to figure out how to get away with it.

[Re5Publica]

"I just think all pro-lifers are stupid, or they don't understand embryology."

Although, abortion is off-topic, I have to say this is a common thing that pro-choicers do, they like to pretend they base their position on science, while pro-lifers base theirs merely on superstition.

I believe individual life begins upon conception (otherwise why call it conception? Conception of what?), and that affords an unborn child the right to life.

Do you know that I, personally, used to weigh an ounce?

[magog1138]

That is a very interesting perspective Aslan offers, and it sounds logical. However, knowing the policies the United States has taken over the course of 40 years- How would our best interests be served through his method if bombarding that nation with war, leaving it in turmoil to be better controlled offers a better alternative?

I am being facetious, and blatantly cynical obviously. However, when has Aslan's alternative ever positioned itself as something the USA wants in the middle east?

[Re5Publica]

Well, I've heard Aslan defend the Muslim Brotherhood more than once, and that makes me suspicious of him.

I'm pro-life, don't assume that all pro-lifers r religious, or especially religious fanatics.

& the most recent homegrown american terrorists have been converts 2 Islam.

There's no comparaison between conservative americans, and Muslims. They wnt to conserve entirely different things

America's first war after Independence was wth self-proclaimed jihadist pirates from North Africa.

[Re5Publica]

The Amish are nothing like Sufis. The Amish are pacifists, while the Sufis are not. The Amish hold forgiveness as an ultimate maxim, while Sufis have always believed in application of the Shari'a; stoning, amputation, flogging. A Sufi founded the Muslim Brotherhood, which is the foremost Islamist party in the Mid-East.

I wouldn't compare the few people who killed abortion doctors to salafis. For one, they don't compare in numbers, not even close, and two, they're not organized, or hold power.

[garvess]

I hate this guy so much, he is a religious freak that goes out of his way to not have to mention religion as a factor in Iran.

[adamthebaddun]

Religion is not the major contributing factor in Iran; yes, they are a theocratic nation, but by no means is this something that the entire population support, and also, the West has no problem doing buisness with far more oppressive theocratic regiemes around the world, the only reason Iran is singled out is that it won't hand over control of its natural resources to US private enterprise in the same way a country like Saudi Arabia (far more oppressive and religious) has done.

[garvess]

I didnt say that religion is the major contributing factor. I Just said that Reza Aslan always trys to avoid saying that religion is a problem. Hes like an arabic Dinesh D'Souza. They both rub me the wrong way.

[Mrmoc7]

Agreed!!!

[gimmejustice]

so true,garvess~

[kessmypersainass]

well said the thing is they are scared of the persian race...

[Finiras]

an iranian called Reza. what a surprise :P

note that opening up countries to the global market doesn't necessarily lead to more freedom for its inhabitants. look at china for example.

[CognosSquare]

China is an example of it working. Look at Shanghai or any other major city where they can enjoy a very free lifestyle (although with slight restrictions). Several million new citizens gain internet per year. The government cannot micromanage it all.

Recently they have been opening up the 1 child per couple policy.

[Mezm3r]

censored internet. I spoke to several chinese on the internet who believe that their government is democratic. most chinese barely speak any other language than chinese, which means they are restricted to their little regulated part of the internet anyway.

their school is a factory for indoctrinated worker drones. you'd be surprised about the power of indoctrination. when possible, chinese critics have a funny way of dissapearing.

[CognosSquare]

I know there is struggle and that it is immense, because its an immens country. But there is no way the politicians can stand in the way of progress for progressive young people. That would be a 1 to 50 fight. Plus the 50 are smarter, progressive and more dynamic than the 1.

[gimmejustice]

Yes, Cognos, the 50 are smarter but the present regime holds the keys to the prison.They are nothing more than barbarian! It's going to take an old fashioned coup d'état to get reforms.

[Re5Publica]

I'll take the Amish over Salafis any time....

[EspahbodSurna]

عاقبت گرگ زاده گرگ شود  گر چه با ادمی بزرگ شود

رب مبادا که گدا معتبر شود

گر معتبر شود ز خدا بی خبر شود

[CognosSquare]

Sure thats easy for you to say.

[thegreatestbak]

As an iranian american, i just want to say that I do not trust Aslan because he is a religious scholar. I dont trust muslims. If you want to change iran start by throwing away your delusions

[FreeInquisition]

Excellent point.

[hearsayAgain]

The fact that he is a religious scholar has nothing to do with what he is saying. You as an Iranian American should realize that Aslan is elegantly articulating the most effective policy toward Iran.

[tommyk77]

Yes, but those with strong and irrational emotional biases may not be so trustworthy. They may not realise this, but it is likely.

If one's foundations are set in something that is false, then be wary of all that follows.

Personally, I like Reza Aslan, but I do not share his views

[Finiras]

america's christian theocracy hasn't stopped them from success, neither india or china.

also, so you refute his points solely by attacking the person huh?

[Aryanpars]

@thegreatestbak

As an Iranian, who is also an atheist, i disagree. You cannot get rid of religion just like flicking a switch. It takes education, open access to information and social activism for anti-censorship to do such.

Reza Aslan's analysis of religion's role in Iran are very well established and recognized in the academic world. So he as an EXPERT. You hear his EXPERT opinion on the issues and that is why his recognized among EXPERTS in the world of academics.

[easynowww]

@Aryanpars As a iranian and a Muslim i agree u cannot get rid of Religion because People CHOOSE to be religious .Islam is on the rise and people are Reverting to Islam all the time..Your simply a slave like this guy on the vid who has no respect for own culture/heritage/ancestors. Thats why u suck up to west and is weak gullable easily lead person.. Infact over 98% of Iranian Women said they will never ever leave Islam.. Am Iranian & Love Islam..The Arabs brought Islam & it was a Blessing.

[Aryanpars]

@easynowww

Sorry, but I believe you are a Pakistani judging by your passion for Islam.

Further, watch the video, and then re-read my respone and see how much off you are in your response.... You clearly didnt even watch this video and saw my comment starting with "as an Iranian who is also an atheist" and start assuming I am backing west against IRAN. ... You have clearly misunderstood the scenario, infact you just made a fool out of yourself.

[easynowww]

@Aryanpars Our country would have been non-existence if it wasn't for Muslims/Arabs helping us.. Am a Historian so i know..Stop playing slaves to the white west and be proud of ur heritage and people..Islam is a Beautiful Faith full of Wisdom & Beauty. Gives respect to Women more then anything..The Prophet Muhammed (Peace Be Upon Him) Liberated Women from slavery. Why don;t other Persian countries i.e Afghanistan be athiests? because they know Islam is a Blessing. Ur a disgrace to Iran/Iranians.

[JustaEropeanGuy]

The problem is that muslims are almost as batshit insane as Putin, only tyrannical and fundamentalist, racist so on.

[Atheistprimate]

Could not agree with him more, the USA's policy towards Iran and North Korea have been a failure up to this point.

[CognosSquare]

But hey it worked so well with Castro, Saddam and Khadaffi. Oh it didnt? nevermind.

[purplecharger88]

Since when did it work with Castro we've had the embargo on Cuba. For how long not to mention for a long time trying to fight a secret war with him?

[CognosSquare]

No you are right but I was being sarcastic.

[purplecharger88]

Sorry I didn't catch that then. Sometimes its hard to tell. :P