Meet the new Conservative Party of Iran
The launch of the CPI brings to the fore something often forgotten when discussing Iran: the Islamic Republic has suppressed political parties so completely that an entire generation of Iranians has never experienced genuine political pluralism.
If the regime collapses, the absence of organized political institutions could leave a vacuum. Groups like CPI are attempting to prepare for that possibility. …
“The Conservative Party of Iran stands firmly upon the enduring pillars of Iran’s historical and political truth,” the declaration states. “Its national identity, its sovereignty, and the continuity of Iran’s native polity – the monarchical institution.” …
Amiri argues that the resurgence of monarchist sentiment in recent years has been visible across Iranian society. …
Still, Amiri emphasized that the ultimate decision must come from the Iranian people.
“The legitimate determination of Iran’s political system must come through a free national referendum held under democratic conditions,” he said. “We do not prejudge the sovereign will of the people.”
Even if the outcome were to differ from current expectations, he added, the party would adapt. …
[The CPI’s] draft constitution outlines a political organization that resembles parties operating in established democracies. …
“To restore Iran’s economy we would begin with disciplined monetary policy aimed at stabilizing the rial,” he said.
Much more at the link.
They’ve certainly had a while to think about all of this.
Good luck to them.
Many of us are old enough to remember pre-ayatollahs Iran — I know I do. I was friendly with a few Iranians back in those days, and one thing that was impessed upon me was the savagery of SAVAK, the Shah’s secret police. Iran was no picnic back then.
I don’t know enough of the history to expound on whether SAVAK was better or worse than the Gestapo, but I do believe they were comparable. [Hey, anyone here who’s knowledgeable, do help me out. Please.] I do recall that SAVAK was awfully *evil*.
So the Shah was deposed, and Iran got the ayatollahs. We (most of us, anyway) revile the ayatollahs, their hatred and their fanatical religion. Frying-pan-to-fire, anyone?
My point, which is more a hope than a salient point, is that Iran can emerge from this ungodly mess better off, first for its sake, and then secondarily, for USA’s sake.