Some analysts and commentators claim the latest series of events to be the end of the Islamic Republic. But while the regime has been greatly weakened by dissent, war, and sanctions, it has nevertheless proved resilient and ruthless. The Iranian opposition is divided, and foreign intervention is not a panacea.
In the last week, the Islamic Republic perpetrated the greatest massacre in modern Iranian history. In response to massive popular protests against its rule, the regime has killed thousands of unarmed protesters. Just how many remains unclear, but plausible estimates put it in the range of 12,000 to 20,000 dead. Many others were also caught in the crossfire .
In the last week, the Islamic Republic perpetrated the greatest massacre in modern Iranian history. In response to massive popular protests against its rule, the regime has killed thousands of unarmed protesters. Just how many remains unclear, but plausible estimates put it in the range of 12,000 to 20,000 dead. Many others were also caught in the crossfire.
Some analysts and commentators claim the latest series of events to be the end of the Islamic Republic. But while the regime has been greatly weakened by dissent, war, and sanctions, it has nevertheless proved resilient and ruthless. The Iranian opposition is divided, and foreign intervention is not a panacea.
However, the regime can still be overthrown if cracks within the ruling elite widen dramatically and if security forces start to defect in great numbers. The United States can also play an important role in disrupting the regime’s ability to shut off the internet a
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