Iran: It’s Over, But Is It?

In Iran, the authorities control the streets. Is it really over?

I’m dismayed at the effectiveness of the state to quash the demonstrators, but quash them they have done. Gatherings are more or less impossible, and Mousavi has been effectively silenced. As much as I will regret the end of this ill-starred Green Revolution, I think it speaks wonders for the people of Iran: there is a limit to what they will put up with, but they are at this point not yet angry enough to engage in a violent uprising. And so, having made themselves known, they’re going to sit back and let this farce run its course. They have few options; while they could continue to demonstrate, they risk further destructive violence at the hands of the state, and nobody has a moral obligation to risk their lives.  But they’ve shown their teeth, even if they haven’t lashed out, and the Islamic Republic needs to be very much aware now that they’ve got a viper in that basket of theirs.

Let’s take some time to remember them in prayer.

Lord, be merciful to Iran. Let them know that man was made to be free, and that tyranny is the enemy of public good. Teach the, Holy One, your mysteries, the worth and dignity of human life, through which oppression is impossible, for it is impossible to keep man from being free. Lord, enliven their consciences with hope and charity, and move in their hearts that they may have the courage to do as they should.

Kyrie eleison. Christe eleison. Kyrie eleison.