We too wish for substantial change in Iran, yet we do not suggest strategies based on our wishes but our own real understanding of developments in Iran and how Iranians react.
“In order to better grasp the complexity of contemporary politics it is vital to understand the dynamics behind political decisions and look at current affairs from a global, historical and strategic point of view.”
A good strategist must see and grasp the greater picture, foretell which actions will bring about the needed result and have the courage to share their assessments even if everyone else insists on the success of a different scenario. And good strategists learn from their mistakes and have the strength to review and discuss these.
Somewhat less than three years ago when many were busy selling the new administration in Washington D.C. the way to achieve regime change in Tehran, we stated over and over in internal discussions that these steps would backfire and eventually strengthen the hand of Russia and China in Iran, while discouraging the people from protesting in the streets. Through these years, even as voices from Washington and elsewhere have told us about their scary and elaborate plans to isolate, attack and disintegrate Iran, we have argued that these scare tactics are not a real plan.
We too wish for substantial change in Iran, yet we do not suggest strategies based on our wishes but our own real understanding of developments in Iran and how Iranians react.
As Berlin failed to understand the need to distance itself more from these dangerous policies and seek the initiative, we hoped that Paris would fill the void.
Even if we ourselves never return to Iran or work with it again and despite the rise in arrests and long sentences being handed down to active members of the civil society in the Islamic Republic, we believe it is better for the European Union to remain engaged with and in Iran.
Green Activists for a Democratic Iran
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Team Think Peace