Violence not necessary for change in Iran
December 8, 2004

The Seatle Times reports that a new US campaign against Iran could bring together Iranian dissidents, human-rights advocates and nongovernmental organizations to put pressure on Iran. This approach would push aside the terrorist MEK and promote the genuine democratic opposition bodies which have been neglected in recent years by those who have advocated regime change by violent means.

Extracts from The Seatle Times article:
"...Officials in the White House and the Defense Department are developing plans to increase public criticism of Iran's human-rights record, offer stronger backing to exiles and other opponents of Iran's repressive theocratic government and collect better intelligence on Iran, according to U.S. officials, congressional aides and others."

"...However, with the U.S. military now stretched thin by the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the new campaign may be intended not to build support for military action against Iran, but to pressure Iran to change its behavior so military action isn't necessary."

"...The administration was never able to agree on an Iran policy during Bush's first term. The State Department favored engagement and international action, while officials in the Defense Department and Vice President Dick Cheney's office proposed backing the MEK and considering military action against Iran's nuclear facilities."

[the Iraq-based Mojahedin Khalq (MEK), remains on the State Department's list of foreign terrorist groups]

"...But while many Iranians, particularly the young, are fed up with their rulers and even pro-American, they're also deeply suspicious of foreign meddling in Iranian politics."
"...The spending bill passed by Congress last month includes a provision, sponsored by Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., for $3 million to promote democracy in Iran.

Some of the money could be used to stage a U.S. conference of Iranian dissidents, human-rights advocates and nongovernmental organizations."

Read the full article.