Phase I -- Part H [Revolution Winds]

Blog author, M.J. McCoy, in support of Iranian Freedom Patriots

I held off writing this current entry, until results of recent events became more clear, and possible trends identified. In addition, I wanted to verify information as to which way the wind is blowing for the Resistance Patriots in Iran. Here it is, so let's continue together.

The wind blowing across Iran is called "revolution," and I certainly did not anticipate your arriving at that point so quickly --although I did think you would eventually. What I am hearing from you, as is obvious to many analysts (of which those living it live are the most qualified) is that thirty years of repression is enough; thirty years of religious dogmatism is enough; thirty years of mass executions is enough; thirty years of torturing is enough; thirty years of being lied to by those in authority is enough; thirty years living in fear is enough; thirty years of systematic rape is enough; thirty years of betrayals and broken promises is enough; thirty years of being owned by a government that is nothing but a gang of self-serving cronies is enough; thirty years of suppression of free speech, journalists and brilliant intellectuals is enough; thirty years of a court system that cannot be trusted to render justice is enough; thirty years of being beaten up, kicked, knifed, shot-down and brutalized by a fanatic cult of basij is enough! "Enough" IS enough, already, and we've had it ...so resign, or prepare to be destroyed. We WILL have our dream of a hundred years for democracy, or die fighting for it.

Am I hearing you correctly?

There is, my friends, a time to make peace, and there is a time to make love --and I'm sorry to say it, but now is the time to fight. Certainly, for the greens, it has been a rightful badge of honor to be credited worldwide as non-violent. Nevertheless, that can no longer be strictly said, can it? This time, at least some of you fought back in self-defense, physically attacking security forces, and doing a good job of it, I might add. Even yet, many are holding to Gandhi's path and what Dr. Gene Sharp teaches. I admire all of you, those who fought back and those who didn't ...and so did the rest of the world admire the great courage demonstrated by you all. You must choose your own way to "fight" in this struggle, but fight, we all must.

It seems to me, neither Gandhi's method, nor Dr. Sharp's type of velvet revolution, could anticipate the brand of a regime you now face. In Gandhi's case, while the British at times acted brutally, they were already overextended, and lacked the stomach ("it wouldn't be civilized") for continued wholesale slaughter, so he won. Dr. Sharp's scenarios seem valid to me only if the regime in question responds to worldwide pressures, and also has no stomach for endless carnage.

The Islamic Republic of Iran has already slaughtered literally thousands of its citizens, thinks nothing of torture, rape, murder, unspeakable cruelties, and fanaticism to continue mayhem, for however long it takes to destroy the opposition. No need to mention its view of world opinion. Consequently, what I'm saying here is that you've got an unprecedented situation to tackle, one with only some similarities to other models. Maybe you will do well to consider an approach utilizing both non-violent and combative at the same time, as well as other resistance techniques such as work stoppages, civil disobedience, and others, etc. There are many ways to fight in both models, but these are the hard decisions that are yours alone to make. You will need to press on with your own strategic planning, and the decisions are not easy ones.

This is an extremely dangerous phase, so we must move quickly, and yet with all the skill possible. There are many scenarios posing very real perils, not the least of which would be a sudden (sooner or later) collapse of the current regime. If this were to happen right now, the very possible likelihood would be total chaos for months, if not years, as various factions will be battling to fill the power vacuum. The resistance patriots need a plan for an interim government ASAP! (Possible ways to accomplish this will be discussed later.)

Here are some thoughts on how I see the regime plans (needing to be addressed in your planning also) to "deal" with the resistance patriots, non-violent and/or combative:

• Kill as many participants as necessary, with a lot more "disappearances," and mass public executions.
• Marginalize student leadership by intimidation, blackballing from university and various professions.
• Continued use of basij to terrorize the general population into inaction.
• Continued prosecutions in kangaroo courts, complete with more fake confessions.
• Allow only hard line mullahs into public positions, and religious instruction of the people.
• Use of Revolutionary Guards to enforce the SL's pronouncements, even if that means using heavy weapons (such as tanks) against so-called "rioters."
• Increased 'management' of communication media.

All of which is designed to finally wear down resistance until the movement ceases to exist, and things go back to the way they were before the election protests.

There has been some discussion of the regular army coming to the defense of the people. In that scenario, I cannot see any way that the IRG will stand down, which would then likely devolve into civil war. Regions would then likely begin to struggle for their own autonomy, adding to the confusion and collective hardships. Who knows the outcome of this?

However, again, things are not hopeless, as the Iranian people have proven brilliant in reinventing themselves a number of times in their history. You can do it again, just keep going, talking, and brainstorming together within your groups. The next entry will make possible suggestions for tactics which you can consider ...but begin listing your own.

In the mean time, please examine two other blogs for ideas, and to which I also subscribe:

1. Help and Hope for the Green, by Blkpaw, for non-violent preparedness.
2. Guardians-of-Cyrus, combative considerations and ideas.

They are both listed in my profile to this blog, if you just want to click on them. Both contain some serious information. Lastly, for now, please consider the following reflection ...

"We are warriors for we fight to be the best we can be, not compared to any other, but within ourselves, the best for our own destiny.

We are warriors, for we contend in defense of the weak, the defenseless, the children and aged.

We are warriors, for we struggle to attain true wisdom, to follow excellent qualities of conduct, to be praiseworthy in truth of heart, exalted deeds and the path of spirit.

We are warriors, heroes together, for we stand courageous in loyalty to each other, to truth and responsibility for our own actions.

We are warriors, for we battle for the freedom of all people to determine their own destiny, and become the best they can be --without manipulation from anyone.

This is why we carry with pride the name warrior. We are Warriors in Both Worlds. Warriors of Truth.

We are Warrior Bands together."

***more to come***

Phase I - Part G [Afirmation of Repudiation]

When beginning this manifesto back in September, I described your movement as a civil rights movement in the making. Well, you have gone much beyond that now. 16 Azar galvanized into a true freedom and liberty movement, and demonstrated the resolve to do whatever it takes ...for however long it takes, but that there is no going back. Between now and the next public outpouring of green resistance, still there is much need for continued strategic planning.

The dictators with the smiling faces are yet waiting in the wings, in the forms of "national unity" proposals and a possible complete, blatant military takeover. If the regime collapsed today, what would take its place? There needs to be a planned transition to democracy, without a bloodbath if possible, and not enough alliances have been solidly made to accomplish that ...as yet. (We'll get back to that in the next section.) For now, please consider the following "Affirmation of Repudiation" as my attempt (from a distance) to verbalize what seemed to me was the thrust of your most recent protests. Whatever your new government will look like in the end (hopefully by your design) the movement needs a declaration of intent. If this one works, use it, if not ...rewrite it so that you "feel" yourself sucked into it. It is your future.

_____

AFFIRMATION OF REPUDIATION

WE THE FAMILIES
of the Nation of Iran, the rightful heirs of the land and culture of our ancestors, who are the inheritors of all our natural resources and other benefits of this great land, and who are by nature born free with the right to self-determination and governance, together with one voice in unison, hereby REPUDIATE the Illegitimate and Dictatorial so-called "Islamic Republic of Iran" together with its system and officials, from this day forward we disavow you altogether.

To the entire world, we proclaim our just reasons for spewing you out of our mouths, and for despicable crimes, we trample your names under our feet:

1. Through your deceit and treachery, you have denied justice and due recourse and safety to the people.
2. You have illegally arrested the innocent, and contrived false charges against them.
3. You have viciously tortured those taken as captives by your illegal bands of gangsters.
4. You have literally raped our young men and young women, and then tried to cover it up.
5. You have hanged to death our children without pity.
6. You have imprisoned anyone who dares to disagree with you, and extracted false confessions to justify your treacheries.
7. You have murdered yet untold numbers of our people, trying to make them disappear in hidden unmarked graves ...but we will find them all.
8. You have squandered the resources belonging to the people through adventurism abroad, while lining your pockets with wealth exploited from the people.
9. You have, by your parochial insistence, made us into a laughingstock among educated and civilized nations, where once we were respected as scholars and scientists.
10. You have claimed to lead us in the path of true religion, but instead by your actions have shown us the face of true evil.

WE HEREBY SIGN THIS REPUDIATION by our own blood, declaring our just right to form ourselves into a SECULAR DEMOCRATIC NATION, and declare your names written into infamy, along with all other despicable tyrannical butchers of history. Here we stand, resolved!

***more to come***

Phas I - Part F [16 Azar Dangers]

In my judgment, the 16 Azar demonstration/resistance/outcry threatens to be the most potentially ominous of any to date. I hope the events as they transpire will prove me wrong, and that finally justice and freedom for Iranians will prevail. Nevertheless, it is always better to be prepared as best as possible, and at least to be aware of potential, if not probable dangers at hand. Drawing from sources in Iran, the Diaspora, published foreign intelligence commentaries, "trends" in online discussions, together with public statements and past actions by the illegitimate regime, the following seems quite likely:

• All communication, landline & mobile, will be suspended. (Take pictures anyway, if your device has sufficient internal memory, and broadcast to the world later.)
• Public transportation will likely be limited, and some lines suspended, to restrict protester movement. (Travel the afternoon/night before, get as close to assembly point as possible, and stay the night with family or friends, or sleep the night under cover of wherever you can, and huddle together. This latter option needs food and water to be brought with you, as well as toilet paper. Next day, walk TOGETHER to designated location.)
• The Chief of Police has promised to turn Tehran into a "police city," so the brutality of security forces and basij may be the most unrestrained that it has been so far. (See "Safety" below.)
• Even greater number of arrests may be attempted than in the past; once in regime custody, then once again all holds may be off on the treatment of prisoners ...as bad if not worse than before. (See "Self-defense" below.)

Safety Recommendations:

• Put flat newspapers inside your clothing for transport to assembly point...once there, then wad-up each sheet and stuff back into clothes as "padding." It will be bulky, but will not hinder movement, and it will offer limited protection against body blows. Don't forget inside trouser legs, and groin too. Lots of paper!
• Wear over-the-head and shoulders "water lifesaving jackets" as minimum body armor. Combine with above.
• "Safety in numbers" could not be a truer axiom for protesters and resistance patriots of all kinds, so group together and pull each other to safety, and/or out of the clutches of guards or basij. If all else fails, as a "crowd," held together arms-in-arm, charge (yelling a battle cry) the guards and basij to retrieve those captured.
• During our Irish revolution against the British, we used the round metal trash can lids found everywhere for three things: 1) scores of people (generally children, at the same time doing a kind of defiant street dance) would "crash" them about on the ground, sounding warning (primitive cell phone) that police and troops were coming, 2) "crashing" them loudly together (and yelling) as a warning that we were about to charge the "royal" police (psychological warfare), and 3) as minimal shields against first blows, and then to swing and smash them into the faces of the regime forces, ...or, once they were a bit battered, then to "sail" them through the air into their faces.

Self-defense:

This is the most problematic of all topics for resistance patriots, as it generates the most divergence of opinions and even technique. Years ago I told a friend of mine, a native military officer from India, that I'd decided to become a non-combatant and to refuse violence of all kinds ...just like Gandhi. His smile was kind enough, as he replied, "No you haven't. I know you; you are a warrior, and have only just exchanged the type of weapons with which you choose to fight for others. I am Indian, and we know that the methods Gandhi selected to fight the British were regarded by them to do violence to their empire. Even non-violence does violence to repression, my friend."

OK, perhaps we cannot settle all the implications of this right now, as the press of 16 Azar is propelling us forward. But certainly options need to be considered carefully, along with the possible consequences. All I can plead is please be careful, and stay as safe as you can. Some things to consider:

• I am convinced that any attempt to defend yourselves, even if non-violent in the sense of non-lethal, will be treated by this regime as an act of violence by an enemy of the revolution. It will escalate their retaliatory carnage against the people.
• If the people act to rescue each other from arrest (which I strongly recommend that you attempt to do, because of the treatment that awaits all captives), by breaking the windows and pulling them off buses, surrounding basij vans and pulling people out, pushing basij to the ground (as tenderly as possible) and disarming them, taking keys to handcuffs to free people, etc. It will all be regarded by this regime as violent rioting ...and will be met with greater violence in return.
• Some people, it seems, have already resolved to use non-lethal self-defense techniques and weapons. Home made pepper spray in squirt bottles, smoke "bombs," flash distractions like "tennis ball grenades," etc. are examples. It should, in all honesty, be pointed out that non-lethal weapons should actually read as "generally non-lethal," because in fluky situations they "can" be lethal, or at least physically damaging. Example: a tennis ball grenade accidentally striking someone's face, exploding and taking out an eye, etc. This is not to say don't use them, but rather to be aware of the risks. Tennis ball grenades can be great help as a distraction in mounting a full retreat.
• For those who are resolved to use whatever force and/or weapons necessary, I can only say that I understand the desperation ...even if I think the decision is not at all timely or perhaps practical right now. However, if you have chosen, then know that everything about you is a potential weapon, and I mean everything! Your thumb in someone's eye, your fountain pen is a dagger, your belt with a buckle a distracting whip, hubcaps with edges sharpened by filing are aerial, whirling knife blades (sail them through the air upside down, i.e. inside facing up), a tire iron is a bludgeon, pieces of pipe spears, [there is probably not enough time to get ready with this next one, but here it is for later if you have really abandoned non-violence]: a single lightweight curved, auto leaf spring from wrecking yards ...for leg-pulled bows (laying on your back like ancient Persian bowmen, look it up in your library for ideas), with arrows from rigid antennas or thin aluminum pipe with front smashed tight (practice with this one, because you can tear the skin right off your legs with the wire bow string if not careful), and rocks laying about, etc. If neighborhoods are attacked again by the basij in the middle of the night (or any time), weapons can be old TV's thrown off buildings or from windows on them below, or chairs or anything, a pole lamp as an underarm lance for frontal ground level attack, damaged (from first raids) satellite discs (file every 6" to make a razor sharp edge that is about 3" long, on around the whole thing, with occasional hacksaw points cut out of the edge as well) can be sailed off roofs into guards or basij [probably not enough time for that one either, this time], and bricks thrown off of buildings, etc. Please understand, such will likely bring out troop carriers and regular military into the streets against you, so you will need to follow through by capturing weapons wherever/from whomever you can, and don't forget to collect the ammunition as well. My heart is heavy for all of you, as I'm afraid it is far too early for such actions. But I'm getting indications that some of you are here already. Get lots of bandages.

In whatever way you have chosen to resist on 16 Azar, my heart and mind is with you. Please, please try hard to not become like them ...brutal, and without mercy. It is appropriate for opposing warriors of all types to do battle, but when the other is defeated, do not forget pity and forgiveness ...lest you become non-human, which would be to become non-Persian. Be strong; be brave!

______

POST SCRIPT: Non-violent resistance can, in fact, win out in the end. It will, however, likely prove to be a quite lengthy process, with very many casualties. The current situation seems to be walking on a razor's edge, without clear indication of whether non-violence or resorting to armed resistance will be the enduring standard. Should many resort to arms of any kind, it is more than likely peaceful demonstrators will be viewed as one and the same with the violent. Think about it. Please know that I'm walking this with you ...without any condemnation of whatever your decisions may be. May it be freedom for Iran's people, and peace, and safety.

***more to come***