Iran Revolution? Contribution to a debate on facebook

I think we should be careful using the term “revolution” sweepingly in our analysis of mass protest in Iran. Yes, it is a mass based progressive movement against reactionary, authoritarian Ahmadinejad government, but uncritically calling it a revolution may create problem for us when we actually call for a genuine one. The movement the pro-capitalist commentators and their media are comfortable to describe in glowing superlatives cannot be a genuine revolution. We should remember what have become of the so-called orange revolution, rose revolution, etc of the eastern Europe. If we want to describe the development as a revolution because of the huge involvement of mass of working masses and youths, and other unfolding elements, we should strive to explain the characters and limitations of the movement like reformist character of its leadership and the absence of a working class revolutionary party. We should state measures that could ensure a permanent revolution.

I admit that facebook is too small a space to do a thorough analysis. This is why we should be careful for our view and position not to be misrepresented. If the movement unseats Ahmadinejad, could it tear asunder the very fabric of theocratic society? Could it finally end the influence of clergy, the supremacy of Ayatollah? Will there be enthronement of working class political and socio-economic alternative?

The movement is still in the process, of course with some elements of pre-revolutionary situation, we should be careful with a final word. May be this could lead to completion of bourgeois revolution in Iran (which itself is a fundamental development; as a socialist I support, though not limited to, struggle that aim at ensuring full democratic rights, rights to form trade union, political parties, equality for women, freedom of expression, etc), but looking from the present height and tendency of the movement, socialist revolution is not yet on the horizon.

It is an interesting historical coincidence that the election that triggered the current uprising in Iran was held on June 12.

Workers of the World Unite! Viva Social Revolution!!