A panel of North American politicians and experts discussed the situation in Iran, the prospects of change and the alternative to the clerical rule in that country on June 30. The panel discussion was part of a broader debate on Iran in a conference in Paris.
The central theme of the event revolved around the popular uprising in Iran and the need for an alternative and effective Western policy towards the regime. The panel focused on the core ideas and perspectives shared by the speakers, highlighting the importance of international solidarity, the right of Iranians to choose their own leaders, the accelerating pace of change in Iran, and the necessity of a decisive policy on Iran.
International Solidarity and the Role of Opposition
Former US Senator Robert Torricelli opened the discussion by highlighting effort to undermine the Iranian opposition led by Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI). He commended the attendees for being part of the opposition movement, working for change in Iran. Torricelli questioned the acceptance of the Iranian people’s dire circumstances by some quarters in the West, asserting that compromise with evil is unacceptable.
Right to Choose: Empowering the Iranian People
Linda Chavez, former White House Director for Public Liaison, stressed the Iranian people’s right to choose their own leaders without interference from foreign powers. She expressed her belief in the alternative offered by Mrs. Rajavi stating, “Madam Rajavi and the movement she leads offer an alternative I don’t see elsewhere.” Chavez criticized the attempts to reinstate the JCPOA (Iran nuclear deal) and emphasized the need for the people of Iran to have their freedom.
Accelerating Changes and Geopolitical Challenges
Former Canadian minister and MP Tony Clement highlighted the accelerating pace of changes within Iran and the challenges faced by the regime. He mentioned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the regime’s support for terrorism. Clement praised the NCRI and the MEK (Mujahedin-e Khalq) as a democratic, pluralistic alternative, stating, “They want a separation of faith from the state. And they want pluralistic, democratic values.”
The Need for an Alternative: Rejecting Totalitarianism
Former US Senator and Democratic nominee for vice president, Joseph Lieberman, drew historical parallels to emphasize the necessity of an alternative to the regime. He compared the regime’s message that there is no alternative to the compromise sought with Adolf Hitler’s propaganda before World War II. Lieberman emphasized the readiness of the NCRI and the MEK to lead the transition to a democratic republic, stating, “They have earned the right to lead this transition.”
Firm Policy and Support for the Iranian Opposition
Marc Short, Chief of Staff of US Vice President Mike Pence, highlighted the importance of a strong policy toward the Iranian regime. He expressed pride in the US administration’s decisions to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal and impose significant sanctions on Iran. Short underscored the need for a firm stance against the regime to support the Iranian people and organizations like the MEK.
Conclusion:
The panel discussion brought together prominent figures who emphasized the importance of international solidarity, the right of the Iranian people to choose their own leaders, the accelerating changes within Iran, and the necessity of a firm policy against the regime. The speakers all highlighted the significance of the Iranian opposition, led by Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, as a viable alternative to the despotic regime. The path to change in Iran lies in the empowerment of the Iranian people and their organized resistance for a democratic, secular, and non-nuclear republic government.