'I am against the war just as much as I am against repression by the Islamic Republic': how Iranian academics view the conflict in the country
Iranian women's rights activist Mansoureh Shojaee criticizes external military intervention as a means to achieve democracy in Iran, emphasizing the country's long-standing fight against totalitarianism.
In a recent discussion with BBC News Mundo, Iranian women's rights activist Mansoureh Shojaee voiced her strong opposition to military interventions in Iran, particularly in light of comments made by U.S. President Donald Trump. She argued that the notion of bringing democracy through military means is misguided and harmful, asserting that true democracy cannot be delivered by bombs and missiles, especially from perceived adversaries. Shojaee highlighted the historical context of Iran's struggle against totalitarianism, particularly through the feminist movement, emphasizing the agency of the Iranian people in their pursuit of democratic ideals.
Shojaee's remarks come against the backdrop of escalated tensions between Iran and the United States, marked by military threats and interventions. The Iranian ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, added that over a thousand civilians have already fallen victim to the violence, underscoring the human cost of such conflicts. Shojaee's perspective encapsulates a broader sentiment among many Iranian activists who view external military involvement as a form of neocolonialism rather than a genuine support for democracy.
The implications of Shojaee's analysis shed light on the complexities of the Iranian struggle for rights and freedoms amidst ongoing geopolitical conflicts. Her position challenges the prevailing narratives that suggest military action could be a viable pathway to democracy, urging instead for solidarity and understanding that respects Iran's autonomy and historical context in its fight against oppressive regimes.