The Iran Industrial Complex: an obstacle to change

How a lucrative industry has hindered - not helped - the Iranian people's struggles

With HIM Reza Pahlavi as the undisputed leader of the Iranian people, a common thread has developed among his critics and opponents which reveals the depth of their political bankruptcy.

But why is it that an entire spectrum of political currents, ranging from the regime lobby (NIAC) to “progressive” opposition groups and individuals, share the same view on the monarchy and national identity? Could it be because they all share the same basic root as “57ers” (“79ers”)? Leftists, republicans, Islamists and ethnic activists might have differences but what binds them together is a loathing of the Pahlavi Dynasty and everything it represents.

Moreover, it’s because they derive an extremely lucrative business from the continuation of the Islamic Republic regime, which many of them claim to be opposed to. The regime’s continued existence has long been a source of profit for the widest spectrum of people, Iranian and non-Iranian alike, whether progressives, liberals or neocons. This in essence is the Iran Industrial Complex, part of the bigger Middle East Industrial Complex.

The obnoxious behaviour of “democracy” and “human rights” activists who belittle and berate patriots and monarchists is very much consistent with the fact that they have long derived benefit from talking about Iran. They have sought funds for doing so, in some cases literally building up their own personal fortunes out of it. It’s this which disgusts many ordinary Iranians who have been fighting the regime without being part of this privileged group of “activists”.

We know that the success of the revolution, and confirming Reza Pahlavi in his rightful position as Iran’s head of state, would mean the end of this industry. And they know it too, which is why they’re so furious. The collapse of the coalition means that they are not able to take advantage of the popularity of the Pahlavis to claim credit. So they resort to increasingly vicious attacks.

Moreover it demonstrates their lack of political sense and realism. If they had shown humility and realism, they would have acknowledged the leadership of Reza Pahlavi and worked within that framework. But they chose not to.