For days now, protesters across Tehran have taken to the city’s streets to denounce the regime. Thousands are demonstrating in what has become the biggest anti-government protest movement since the so-called “Green” movement of 2009 that reacted to the re-election then of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as the country’s president. So far, more than 12 people have been killed as the regime’s police and security forces try to quell the wave of demonstrations.
The protesters have taken to the streets to vent their anger at Iran’s dire economic crisis, one that has seen the prices of basic foodstuffs spiral to abnormal levels. Protest in any form in Iran is rare, and rarer still when it continues to focus on a political and religious leadership that is out of touch with the everyday reality endured by millions of ordinary citizens who eke out an existence in an economy in both states of repression and depression. Given these circumstances, it’s small wonder that these protests are taking place.
While on the surface it may seem as if economic issues are solely responsible for this widespread wave of anger, there is a reality too that the leadership and apparatus of the sectarian nation is otherwise engaged in issues it deems as far more action-worthy than the prices of basic food staples and common commodities. For too long and in too many places, the tentacles of the regime have been too preoccupied in spreading unrest, sedition and violence.
Why worry about inflation when the regime spends its strained and precious resources instead providing men and material to Al Houthi rebels in Yemen? Who cares if shelves across Iran are poorly stocked as long as it can provide sea mines to the Yemeni insurgents to block international sea lines and indiscriminately target maritime traffic? And why bother dealing with concerns of Iranians while the Revolutionary Guards are providing ballistic missiles, technical, logistical support and training to Al Houthis to continue their illegal and illegitimate campaign after toppling the rightful and internationally recognised government of President Abd Rabbo Mansour Hadi?
From the Arabian Sea to the Mediterranean, the regime of Iran has been spreading its influence and manipulating militias to do its sectarian and political bidding. Hezbollah and Tehran’s other militias have brought ruin to Lebanon, ensured President Bashar Al Assad remains in power in Syria, and prop up the government in Iraq. Across the Gulf too, Iranian agents are at work. Small wonder then that ordinary Iranians are angry with the state machinery.
