Now that I have your attention. This is my interpretation of what the Iranian Government has done to one of its' own, not to mention its' people. I have generally tried to lay back since last night and try to make sense of what happened yesterday. I do not like to make snap judgments, and I like to see things develop before I commit. The only hedge I put into my statement here, is that if the Mousavi letter is not legitimate, then I will once again reserve judgment. So why do I equate Mir Hossein Mousavi with John Adams?
I am sure that most of you have seen the news and the diaries today that have reported on events. I am sure that most of you have seen the Mousavi letter. In case you have not here is a link: Mousavi's Letter. At this point my doubts about the illegitimacy of the election are pretty much gone. The election was a fraud. I have had too many conversations and the protests are everywhere: Tehran, Rasht, Isfahan, Shiraz, Mashad...This, however, is not what this diary is about. What I'm trying to show here is that the actions of this election are the equivalent of us rejecting, in a most shameless and despicable way, a man like John Adams. I realize that there might be some conflicting feelings about the Islamic Revolution, but that does not change that fact that what we are seeing here is nothing less than the betrayal of a man who is one of Iran's great patriots. This is who Mir Hossein Mousavi is.
Mir Hossein Mousavi was part of the original Revolution in 1979. He became Prime Minister in 1981 and served during some of Iran's Darkest Days. Iraq attacked Iran with the help and support of the United States. In the early days of the war, many thought the much better equipped Iraqi Army would prevail. They did not. By the time it ended Iran had lost at least 300,000 men and over half a million wounded. Other estimates put the figures higher, but there is no dispute for this level at least. Mir Hossein Mousavi served as Prime Minister for the duration of the war. His reputation earned from that service was sterling and unquestioned. He is largely credited with keeping Iran financially viable and managing the home front spectacularly. He was serious and humble, and Iran was lucky to have him play such a vital role.
He is a gentle man with serious credentials. After the war, he retired from politics and pursued a quiet life and art. Numerous times throughout the 90s, he was approached to re-enter politics, to run for office. FOR TWENTY YEARS, he refused. This is not a man desirous of power on his own. This is not a man who desires to enrich himself at public expense. He had nothing to prove to anyone, and yet he chose to enter this election because he thought he could help again. He thought he could help Iran in another period of great challenge. Well now, it has become a period of great danger too.
Until I see him concede on the screen with no duress, until I see him renounce the contents of his public letter; I believe this election was a fraud. I have spoken with too many people and there are too many inconsistencies out there. Until this man says to quit, they should fight on. I am sad for the people of Iran, but the Established Powers have chosen this fight. They have mocked the law, and they have disgraced a man above reproach. It is difficult to see a peaceful way for this to end.
I pray for Iran and their people--all of them. May they find the wisdom to resolve this and restore justice.