Common Threads:

The whole world has had its eyes focused on Iran this past week. Here the disputed election has led to some demonstrations in the streets but perhaps more importantly there have been arrests of family members of some important men in the ruling Islamic party. It is too early to say if these arrests will quell the voices speaking out against the election results or not. It is however obvious that deviance from the Party line is not tolerated in either China or in Iran.

Now before we Americans get all upset and feeling righteous about how such a thing could never happen here I refer you to the House Un-American Activities hearings of the 1950s. The period immediately following the attack on the World Trade Center could hardly be described as America’s finest hour, freedom wise. Whenever fear becomes rampant people start to do funny things. That is why the phrase “We have nothing to fear but fear itself” still rings true today. Like a swimmer in a strong current panic is the worst possible response.

It will be interesting to see if Iran is willing to use the level of force against the citizens that China was willing to use. Either way I do not think the time is right for a social uprising in Iran. Were Iran to fall into the chaos of a civil war then much would change in the Middle East. I think such a thing is not going to happen. Rather I think the government will quell this uprising with all the brutality needed to accomplish the task. Absolute power simply cannot stand even a hint of disagreement. If the Fundamentalists know nothing else they know this. Disagreement is treason. And treason is punishable by death. And so it goes …