ID :
160589
Sun, 02/13/2011 - 10:45
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://www.oananews.org//node/160589
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Deja vu in Iranian and Egyptian revolutions
TEHRAN, Feb.13(MNA) -- There are different analyses about the process and nature of the Egyptian revolution, but undoubtedly there are undeniable similarities between the Egyptian uprising and Iran’s Islamic Revolution of 1979.
In 1979, the Iranian people protested against the Pahlavi dictatorship. This movement eventually led to the establishment of the Islamic Republic by the late Imam Khomeini. But now, after 32 years, a similar incident is occurring, albeit in another geographical location.
Since the beginning of the Egyptian people’s uprising, experts and observers have expressed their views about comparisons between these revolutions, with some saying there are no similarities and others saying the similarities are evident and undeniable.
Although the Egyptian revolution does not have solid leadership like the Iranian revolution of 1979, there are still undeniable similarities which must be analyzed carefully.
Imaginary islands of stability
U.S. President Barack Obama addressed the Islamic world in Cairo in 2009. Initially, there were rumors that this special speech was to be given in Turkey, but Obama chose Cairo to emphasize that Egypt is an unwavering ally of the United States and to present it as the island of stability in the Middle East.
A similar event also happened in Iran. Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter also called the country an island of stability, but a year later that island of stability experienced storms of rage as millions of Iranians poured into the streets to protest against a regime totally subservient to the United States.
The military sides with the people
Another similarity between the two revolutions is the role played by the military in the massive demonstrations. The Egyptian army has repeatedly disobeyed orders to crack down on the protesters, which also occurred in Iran in 1979.
Squares of liberation
And then there is the coincidence of the names of the epicenters of the revolutions. Tahrir Square in Cairo is undoubtedly the epicenter of the Egyptian revolution. Tahrir Square means Liberation Square in Arabic. In 1979, the Tehran square that was the site of the biggest demonstrations was later named Azadi Square, which means Freedom Square in Persian.
Western support evaporates
Another similarity is the fact that the Egyptian government lost the support of its Western patrons, just as the Iranian government lost the support of its patrons in the West. During the Islamic Revolution, officials of the sinking regime strongly criticized the West for not supporting the shah. And it’s déjà vu in Egypt, where Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit criticized the U.S. for interfering in the internal affairs of the country on Thursday.
Last ditch efforts to survive
Both dictators made last ditch efforts to survive. In his last speech on Thursday night, Mubarak begged the people to allow him to stay in office. The shah of Iran made similar remarks during his last speech, but the Iranian people totally rejected the plea, just like the Egyptians rejected Mubarak’s plea.
People’s anger over dictators’ subservience to Israel
Another similarity between the two regimes was their affiliation and devotion to Israel. As we know, most Egyptian people regard Israel as their number one enemy and the number one friend of Mubarak.
The shah was also a devoted friend of Israel, and the Iranian people also accused him of supporting Israel’s occupation of the Palestinians’ homeland.
Bahman, the spring of both revolutions
In Iran, the Iranian calendar month of Bahman (January 21-February 19) is regarded as the most important period in the history of the revolution, and during this month, Iranians celebrate the victory of the Islamic Revolution.
The Egyptian revolution also began during this month, and the Mubarak regime had to respond to the will of the Egyptian people and stepped down in Bahman.
So Bahman is actually the Arab spring in the region.
In 1979, the Iranian people protested against the Pahlavi dictatorship. This movement eventually led to the establishment of the Islamic Republic by the late Imam Khomeini. But now, after 32 years, a similar incident is occurring, albeit in another geographical location.
Since the beginning of the Egyptian people’s uprising, experts and observers have expressed their views about comparisons between these revolutions, with some saying there are no similarities and others saying the similarities are evident and undeniable.
Although the Egyptian revolution does not have solid leadership like the Iranian revolution of 1979, there are still undeniable similarities which must be analyzed carefully.
Imaginary islands of stability
U.S. President Barack Obama addressed the Islamic world in Cairo in 2009. Initially, there were rumors that this special speech was to be given in Turkey, but Obama chose Cairo to emphasize that Egypt is an unwavering ally of the United States and to present it as the island of stability in the Middle East.
A similar event also happened in Iran. Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter also called the country an island of stability, but a year later that island of stability experienced storms of rage as millions of Iranians poured into the streets to protest against a regime totally subservient to the United States.
The military sides with the people
Another similarity between the two revolutions is the role played by the military in the massive demonstrations. The Egyptian army has repeatedly disobeyed orders to crack down on the protesters, which also occurred in Iran in 1979.
Squares of liberation
And then there is the coincidence of the names of the epicenters of the revolutions. Tahrir Square in Cairo is undoubtedly the epicenter of the Egyptian revolution. Tahrir Square means Liberation Square in Arabic. In 1979, the Tehran square that was the site of the biggest demonstrations was later named Azadi Square, which means Freedom Square in Persian.
Western support evaporates
Another similarity is the fact that the Egyptian government lost the support of its Western patrons, just as the Iranian government lost the support of its patrons in the West. During the Islamic Revolution, officials of the sinking regime strongly criticized the West for not supporting the shah. And it’s déjà vu in Egypt, where Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit criticized the U.S. for interfering in the internal affairs of the country on Thursday.
Last ditch efforts to survive
Both dictators made last ditch efforts to survive. In his last speech on Thursday night, Mubarak begged the people to allow him to stay in office. The shah of Iran made similar remarks during his last speech, but the Iranian people totally rejected the plea, just like the Egyptians rejected Mubarak’s plea.
People’s anger over dictators’ subservience to Israel
Another similarity between the two regimes was their affiliation and devotion to Israel. As we know, most Egyptian people regard Israel as their number one enemy and the number one friend of Mubarak.
The shah was also a devoted friend of Israel, and the Iranian people also accused him of supporting Israel’s occupation of the Palestinians’ homeland.
Bahman, the spring of both revolutions
In Iran, the Iranian calendar month of Bahman (January 21-February 19) is regarded as the most important period in the history of the revolution, and during this month, Iranians celebrate the victory of the Islamic Revolution.
The Egyptian revolution also began during this month, and the Mubarak regime had to respond to the will of the Egyptian people and stepped down in Bahman.
So Bahman is actually the Arab spring in the region.
