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Qahraman Ghanbari

Nearly forty years have passed since the fall of the Mohammad Reza Pahlavi monarchy, and we still have not reached a unified narrative of why the anti-monarchy protests led to the downfall of the monarchy. Not that there hasn’t been enough research and analysis in this area, but we have seen hundreds of books and articles that have analyzed the events from their own perspectives. While this text does not attempt to examine the reasons for the fall of the Pahlavi monarchy and the rise of the rule of the Supreme Leader, it serves as a reminder that reaching a unified narrative in analyzing the protests of December 1978 is impossible. Each of us – whether we are in favor or against it – analyzes and dissects the events from our own perspective, and we will likely reach different conclusions about the reasons behind it. Of course, reaching a unified narrative in understanding the December 1978 protests is not necessarily necessary, and we may need multiple perspectives to reach a desired understanding. Another important point

But why does a person raise their hand in protest? Or even more, in a system like the Islamic Republic of Iran, where protesters are likely to face the danger of arrest, torture, imprisonment, and even death, why would a person, knowing all the potential harm and losses that may come from participating in an anti-government gathering, decide to join? If we reflect on this issue further, the desire to live and enjoy life is an instinct in humans. Humans are always afraid for their well-being and try to avoid any danger that may threaten their life, in order to live a few more days. But unexpectedly, in a kingdom ruled by a totalitarian system, thousands of people risk their lives and openly protest, breaking the taboo of criticizing the system and its sanctified figures. The protester knows that this action may cost them their life, but they have come to the conclusion that the pain and suffering of torture, imprisonment, and death is less than the pain and suffering of continuing to live in

“We, as ordinary humans in Iran, are daily exposed to issues that we perceive as unjust and systematically unfair, and unfortunately, no way has been left for us to correct these injustices. Isolated individuals, who for years have been terrified of gathering and shouting, suddenly, without any planning, are moved by the sight of a protesting crowd and release years of suppressed anger and tolerance of injustice in unity with others like themselves. Reformists, who themselves benefit from the government’s corruption, have held the people of Iran hostage for years with the illusion of choosing between bad and worse, and as a result, for years, they have forced the people to make a false choice through media manipulation, hoping to either be eaten by a crocodile or a wolf. But the people live in this society and with their own flesh and blood, they understand that despite the loud propaganda they hear about improving their situation, not only has there been no tangible change in their situation, but it has also worsened day

This unjust situation has burdened the souls and minds of Iranian citizens, as stated by Hojjatollah Rahmaniyan, the representative of the time of Elgudarz, in protest against the transfer of water from Elgudarz to Qom in the Qamarud project in 1390, which led to local protests. He clearly explained: “Fulfill the promises you made in exchange for the transfer of water; because you are obligated to give the rights of the people according to the duty that has been placed on you to distribute water fairly. Know that your current actions, which have caused some to smile and others to suffer, not only do not align with any of the just ideals that you claim to support, but also give off the scent of disaster, which will be like a fire under the ashes for our people and will one day erupt with the revolutionary anger of its youth. So, do not delay any longer and respect the rights and privileges of the people

The deep-seated resentment caused by injustice and humiliation is like a fire under the ashes that never goes out. This fire under the ashes only seeks a suitable wind at the right time to gently blow away the ashes and reignite it with its gentle touch. The people of Iran are exactly in this situation. For example, take a look at the situation of the provinces of Khuzestan and Lorestan over the past ten years, or the province of Isfahan, where the highest levels of protests and demonstrations have taken place: the transfer of water from these regions to central areas, which mostly suffer from drought, unemployment, and dust storms, and the people’s protests against their own situation, which are either not heard or ultimately suppressed. While the people need to be heard and seen, more importantly, the damages caused by this transfer must be compensated in some way. But the new rulers consider themselves above being accountable to the general public and ultimately suppress and sideline them. These protests not only

Drought and water scarcity threaten more than seventy percent of Iran and this great problem will be a major issue for the future and existence of Iran, not just for the areas that have been affected. Iran has hundreds of problems, and water scarcity and water wars are just one of the many issues that are becoming increasingly severe. Of course, the reader may object that the government has no role in creating this drought. Without going into the details of the government’s role in this matter, it must be said that in a democracy and a rule of law, when drought and water scarcity occur, such a crisis is managed with the cooperation of the government and the people, with the least possible losses. In other words, the people and civil institutions, as those who are at risk, raise the alarm and the government welcomes this protest and participation, and with the people’s involvement, takes necessary measures to address the impending danger; because ultimately, it is the people who choose their government through their votes. One

During the nationwide protests of Dey month in 1396 (December 2017), the protesters, who were burdened with unemployment, drought, and numerous injustices in their living conditions, did not choose a peaceful solution. They deliberately pointed fingers at the root cause of all their misfortunes and demanded a change in the system and the establishment of a democratic government for their own happiness and the future of their children. Without any hesitation, they rejected the current appointive system. They realized that besides this final solution, all other paths lead to a mirage for their own happiness and that of their children.

Note:

1. “The performance of the officials of the Ministry of Energy does not align with their call for justice”, House of Nation News Agency, 5 July 2011.