Generational Dynamics Forum - New Site

Guest wrote:Iran's natural state is being an empire ruled by a shah. I do not think it is possible for Persians to ever live in a democracy. It's unnatural. Persians need a strong hand to keep them inline.

I believe nostalgia for the Shah will propel his son into power. The Qajars were corrupt and weak. Persia was in ruins when they ruled. The Iranians haven't forgotten that. The Pahlavi represent progress and modernity. They will be welcomed back. Soon.

Guest wrote: > If the Shah had had backbone, he could have stopped the revolution
> in 1979. He could have done it. The Imperial Army begged him to
> allow them to crush the uprising, but the Shah was weak. He lacked
> courage. He ran away and left his loyal followers to die at the
> hands of the mob.

> The Islamic government has never shied away from brutality. They
> were cut from a different cloth than the Shah.

> I hope John is right. I hope they will lose their nerve. I hope
> they are toppled. Then I could go home.

Trevor wrote: > Why are you so confident that the younger generation is going to
> win this struggle? The Mullahs could easily decide to simply
> slaughter hundreds of thousands of protestors the way China did,
> having the climax end in an older generation victory. Considering
> the brutality they've been willing to launch against
> demonstrators, I don't see that as implausible.

Trevor wrote:Why are you so confident that the younger generation is going to win this struggle? The Mullahs could easily decide to simply slaughter hundreds of thousands of protestors the way China did, having the climax end in an older generation victory. Considering the brutality they've been willing to launch against demonstrators, I don't see that as implausible.