Struggle within Iranian elite Pt.2

[diznab900]

he is wearing a basiji scarf, he is a islamic agent

[firefox8192]

ZIONIST PROPAGANDA, M16, CIA.

[silverskid]

BTW I am certainly NOT defending the policies of any of these inhumane characters, just saying that it was not necessarily a fraud. They were all (and as far as I know still are) utterly oppressive politicians hiding behind the veils of religious and national piety.

[silverskid]

(cont'd) As I said in previous comment, Khamenei was seen as the wrong guy for the job by many clerics because he was not even an Ayatollah, never mind a Grand Ayatollah or supreme exemplar at the time. His pick, it is said, had to do with the belief by some, that he had managerial skills not religious clout. It's a long story. I think there was a constitutional amendment somewhere along the way. Thanks again for the reference. Looks like a good documentary with rare archival footage.

[silverskid]

Alixi, thanks for the reference. The footage in that video shows a vote, not a fraudulent vote. From what I know, Khomeini had a lot of trouble finding a satisfactory successor who fulfilled both clerical and political criteria he had in mind. Rafsanjani and Khamenei were both close to him. It makes sense that one became supreme leader, the other president. Obviously, tensions emerged subsequently. But none of this establishes "fraud." I've never heard the allegation, and have no evidence.

[alixixi]

search for this video: Rafsanjani chose supreme leader in 1989 - it is based on a i think swidish documentary - that is why his selection for leadership was fraud

[NateRiley3000]

Yes Condi Rice said before the 2005 elections said that they should vote with the fact that america will attack if they do not vote for the right one and we know what happened

[silverskid]

Behnoud,

I have not heard about Khamenei's position being the result of fraud. I did a cursory search, but nothing. I wouldn't be surprised if it turned out to be true--but I have not seen the allegation. I know that many clerics and members of the elite did not think he was the man for the job, that there were controversies. As for Escobar, he seems (usually) well informed, I agree. Still, if you have any reliable sources you can cite re: the fraud charge, would you be kind enough to post it?

[arigreenblatt]

The strong bonds of Islamic faith are being pulled in different directions by Rafsanjani vs.Ahmedinjhad. The enlightened public have deep faith but are aware how it now being manipulated to lead them to their own destruction. They are fighting back now because its now or never.

[Behnoud236]

I don't know why people keep criticizing him on his facts. Everything I've heard him talk about has been true from what I've heard myself. ....and yes, Khamenei bought his way into being the Supreme Leader. People should research stuff before just opening their mouths and blabbing.

[1umma4peac]

This man has no facts to support this or evidence. This is western opinion! And he also had no evidence of Khomeini becoming supreme leader under fraud. SO WRONG!

[USAWorseThanHitler]

Do you have evidence against him? I'd love to hear both sides.

[jozefom]

Hey Peepee,

The Orange Revolution was in Ukraine, not Georgia. The Georgians had the Rose Revolution. PeePee needs to get his facts strait.

[amanzour]

Coup in Iran backed by Russia.

Analysts say. Analysts like Mr. Sazgara.

Few revolutionary guards were arrested yesterday

[matlm]

Pepe said Khameni became Supreme Leader via fraud. What is the story behind that? Where can I learn more?

[asjounior]

basically, after khomeini died, they didnt have a qualified person to fill that position n so the elites ended up settling on khamenai till they find someone qualified but he ended up stayin in that post till today.

[AndrewMann552]

Read Pepe's latest articles at Asia Times, I believe he explores the topic there. The New York Times just had a piece on Khameini as well. Apparently his religious credentials as a full Ayatollah were granted to him in a flash (you have to study for years to become an Ayatollah) in order to ascend him.

[TwoEyesX]

Hey Escobar people are not so stupid - we are also watching to see what happens in Iran

The war on a platter talk is just nonsense - who are we going to attack - the same people we are helping to get through to Twitter!

Forget about this dastardly Iranian revo. and its murky ins and outs - the Iranian people aged about 40 and over remember being FREE - is it understandable that maybe this is what they really want!!

Its a Tienanmen and in a few years we are going to see Iran's modernization

[AndrewMann552]

The students themselves don't want to overthrow the Islamic Republic. Mousavi isn't seeking to change the system. They just believe they have been robbed in an election.

Iranian people over 40 remember their country being looted by the Shah and his CIA-trained goons in Savak.

[TwoEyesX]

They remember being rich !!

When Iranians travelled to placed like Turkey they were respected. Not scorned and hounded for backhanders - by border guards.

The bathing in the milk thing - at least they had a countryside - unlike the crumbling mess that exists since the rise and rise of this crackpot revolution - with its power for the few Islamic laws.

[AndrewMann552]

Being rich? Most of the population lived in utter misery while the Shah and his buddies enjoyed the wealth. Read Robert Fisk's "The Great War For Civilisation," Stephen Kinzer's "All The Shah's Men," and Kapuscinski's "Shah Of Shahs." At least Iranians are protesting an ELECTION right now, when could you see that under a MONARCH? Yeah, Turkey, I'm sure their brutal regime from the 70s is a great reference.

[chan0chap]

i think the brazilian guy been smoking to much weed.

thers no way in hell israel will attack iran,

[Kite208]

Pepe is kinda cool guy.

[chan0chap]

the green revolution is 100% a creation of the west.

even if this gets out of hand iran will take help from venzuelan troops,russian troops and hezbollah,

thers no way in hell this green revolution will succeed.

[KrasnayaArmada]

the al gore comment was sad

[kwillyou22]

he has a point though Al gore literaly got more votes so more people wanted him as president but the bass akwards american electoral college screwed that

[geekeasy]

An excellent interview. But he missed on thing. The reports I saw didn't claim that the military had sided with Mousavi, but instead that the army was remaining neutral and not taking a side. _If_ that's true, it's HUGE.

[Northern5tar]

Thanks for the interview.

I dont agree with everything ;) but it was very informative.

[greedy001]

total BuLL Shittt!!!!!!! tht guy doesnt know nothing!!! khamanei became supreme leader by fraudd NOW wher does tht come frommm?? stupid man

[Kaszely]

Ha Ha, I love Pepe! "This is the meaning of this green revolution. It was not invented by people who traveled to Dubai, go on facebook and buy Louis Vuiton"

[ArashKamangar]

ما همه آگاهیم که اختلاف فعلی آقازادهای درون رژیم بر سرقدرت وچپاول مالی ومنافع نفتی است اما این فرصتی استسثنائی را برای مردم ایران پیش آورده است که با هوشیاری و ذکاوت و بکارگرفتن استراتِژی مرحله ای، ریشه حکومت استبدادی-مذهبی را برای همیشه از خاک پاک ایران بکنند

[hamletundone]

love the last comment about 2000, but it assumes that Gore isn't just another NWO frontman for the bankers...and i think that's quite a stretch.

[AndrewMann552]

What is needed is not just democracy but an Iranian Workers and Peasants Republic, which will set the whole Middle East ablaze.

- Alan Woods

[jellyblocked]

Young Versus Old that,s its ... Without all the Bullshit and hype from around the world !

[andystokie]

do people seriously believe there isn't some outside influence going on here ? the US didn't apportion 400 dollars to covert black ops inside Iran for nothing.

[andystokie]

thats 400 million dollars .

[Unity012]

Haha bro you know whats going on.

Check out my last response toe tintintabulations.

Check the video in the comment.

[danbagheri]

The Europeans and Americans often forget that Iran, unlike Iraq, Israel and Afghanistan, is still very much a revolutionary society. The flare and words of revolution are well heard in all aspect of the daily lives of Iranians. If the states or Israel thinks for a second that they can manipulate the people in the Iranian scene, they are completely wrong.

[danbagheri]

I wonder if Rafsenjani has in mind to become the grand ayatollah?The consul of guardians I think are firmly against him.

[neil4real]

great commentary! very unbiased and relative!

definitely subscribe to this guys

[AmNotHere911]

I would say The Real News Network coverage of this revolt has to be one of the most perceptive analysis of this revolt. Better then the Beeb's/CNN's or any mainstream news broadcastors.

[audadvnc]

Good reporting. Keep it up!

[tintintabulations]

The green movement supports modernity and cosmopolitanism (with an Islamic revolutionary face) and rejects Ahmadinejad's populism and crude propaganda and conspiracy theories.

Lefties or progressives everywhere must support them and not allow the Neocons to claim them for themselves.

[Unity012]

You are a fool. Mousavi is not a liberal. Being a Conservative it always amazes me how stupid and gullible liberals are. Rafsanjani and Mousavi helped bring about the Islamic revolution idiot. Also Mousavi is responsible for the death of over 3000 political prisoners, you think this guy will bring about Democracy? You sir are a brain washed moron, I bet you Also think Obama and Bush don't work for the same people to lol. Hitler was a Liberal/Progressive and so was Moussoulini.

[tintintabulations]

Of course Mousavi is no liberal. His supporters, however, are seemingly the only organized, mass movement in Iran that supports modernity and cosmopolitanism.

I would be shocked if there ever were a sudden outbreak of secular democracy in Iran. It think it is more likely that it will come in stages, on their own terms, which for the moment are Islamic. You can thank the US for that.

[Unity012]

The USA gov is more corrupt that all the Mullahs in Iran. I'm sure whoever the US backs is a criminal. Mousavi is in the pocket of American big oil, there is documented fact that Mousavi sold out the Iranian people to American Oil barrens in the past while the people starved and he received large amounts of Cash. The thing with politicians is you don't listen to what the say, you watch what they do. Only way things change is if MA and Mousavi and the Mullah ALLLLLLLLLL go.

[tintintabulations]

Wait a minute. I thought you just said Mousavi was responsible for the Islamic Revolution and will never bring about change.

Are you saying that he is both with the US oil companies and the revolution?

[Unity012]

Yeah he was part of the group that help bring it about the revolution. He was with Big Oil, they aren't answerable to the US gov. this was years ago (private entity, although these days gov controls everything). The guy is a snake.

[tintintabulations]

Well, I don't know the first thing about that. It's good that you're skeptical, but it's also worth considering how movements like these, regardless of what you think about the leader, can give birth to all sorts of change.

Waiting around for an ideologically pure revolution in Iran (or anywhere else) may not be very realistic.

[Unity012]

Yeah I agree, but the premise of this bad because they think Mousavi is there to help them.

I agree with you though, I like how they are in the streets. I just wished they weren't being coaxed by foreign powers with ulterior motives. Remember Iran once had a democratically elected government, but guess who overthrew it? The good ole USA, yep.

[tintintabulations]

And when they see what Mosavi does while in office and get let down and disappointed, they'll move on to the next stage of change and unrest (one hopes).

I do not think they are being coaxed by foreign powers. I think this is mostly a fight within the Iranian establishment, like Pepe says.

[Unity012]

What I fear about this is Mousavi will put up more road blocks to stop that. He sees now what is happening so you know he will quell any rebellion with massive force. This guy killed over 3000 people, that right there is a maniac (This guy might be crazier the MA). CIA is in Iran coaxing them, Roxanna Zeberi (spy who got arrested) wasn't there just twiddling her thumbs. Check out this video watch?v=GRwUZ-u6KFo

Only way is for all of them to be overthrown but you are this is a start.

[tintintabulations]

There seems to be sufficient evidence that this is the result of infighting within the Iranian establishment. And, plus, there are millions of people in the streets. How did the CIA manage to orchestrate that?

I would question the assumption that Zeberi was a spy--or that she played some important role in the events of the past four days. Where is the evidence for that, besides what the Iranian regime believes? (Have they even linked her to the past four days' events?)

[Unity012]

It always amazes me how stupid and gullible liberals are. Mousavi and Rafsanjani help bring about the Islamic revolution idiot. Mousavi will fail, and even if he were to win there will be no Democracy. This is a guy responsible for the death of over 3000 political prisoners, some fighter for human rights. Wipe that Obama batter off your mouth idiot, he isn't doing anything different on foreign policy than Bush. Hitler was a Progressive/Liberal. Sanity lies in the center, Obma=Bush idiot.

[tintintabulations]

It's true that progressive movement in the US in the early part of the 20th century propagated eugenics, but even still their politics were very different from Hitler's. Hitler would view them as decadent. He was a populist, not progressive.

Besides which, it's disingenuous to conflate these time periods. Libs/progressives today do not believe in eugenics. They're perhaps too skeptical of science these days--precisely because of the history of science being used to justify racism.

[Unity012]

Actually one of Obama appointments do. I forgot her name, but it was the woman who as photographed at a KKK rally giving a speech.

And no, I'm not bullshitting you. There is a picture of this woman AT the rally!

These people who control us and manipulate us are all criminals.

The left still believe in eugenics, why do you think there is such a strong push for health care? They want to inject stuff into us,I wouldn't take that Swine flu vaccine they got coming if I were on my death bed.

[tintintabulations]

The left believes that healthcare should be a public good, like army, the post office or roads. I think you're a wee bit irrational here in associating it with eugenics...

[Unity012]

You see me and you are different. You actually believe the propaganda the government tells you.

I know the government is corrupt.

You believe the government isn't.

[tintintabulations]

Of course government is corrupt. What do you propose be done about it? I say we make it more humane.

[Unity012]

Revolution, a peaceful revolution Throw out the dem/reps and corrupt CIA. But I guarantee you they will be trying to shoot us down in the streets like they are doing now in Iran. Although it was most likely a stolen election, you won't find this in Corporate media, but polls showed MA ahead in the last couple of days. The loser screwed himself however, because its obvious he still cheated.

Thing is this probably wasn't about an election but a coup anyway.

[tintintabulations]

The problem, as I see it, is that you seem to advocate only ideologically-pure revolution. (And you're calling us progressives the crazy, radical Hitlerites!) What we're seeing right now is a peaceful revolution. It may not succeed directly, but indirectly it will have an effect in the long term.

And I agree that in the US, if this was attempted, say, in 2000, the results would probably be even bloodier.

[Unity012]

See the problem is you think Obama is a good guy (The liberals like this are subscribing to Fascism). He and Bush are criminals, the president is a puppet (the people around him control the country) there is no true liberal or conservative divide. Even though I consider myself to be conservative on most issues, I've been called a liberal on some others. I doubt that everyone is liberal or conservative on all issues, if they are they are probably a kook. in reality most people are centrist.

[tintintabulations]

You don't seem very conservative to me. Unless you're not serious about advocating revolution.

I'm aware of the way US politics works. I'm simply more amenable to the idea of gradual change than you are.

[Unity012]

Will I guess a better term would be libertarian. But I don't like to associate myself with kooks like Beck and Bob Bar who have hijacked the libertarian movement (Beck is not a real libertarian). I'm more like a Ron Paul Conservative.

[meeputube]

You're right. I support gun rights, gay rights, demilitarization, I'm pro choice, small government, socialized heath care, and I'm a strict constitutionalists.

[IC1101]

Thank you Pepe...

You're doing great job.

[toadster464]

Wow, it does look and sound like Pepe has been up all night. I love his reporting though.

[Parsa1859]

first post.

The situtation in iran is escalating.

Can i be your iranian correspondant, i can speak and write iranian fluently and have lots of iranian family in iran.

I want to support this awesome news channel