“The son of the late Shah turns to France”

We participated today in the run-off of the Iranian presidential election. The Iranians knew very well that, whatever the result might be, it was unlikely that their votes would be properly counted. That was what the Minister of Interior has stated. Anyhow, whoever gets “elected”, the theocratic power will decide. The Supreme Guide will continue incarnated in sovereignty. The predecessor of the next president did not make any reform despite his promises and we wonder why he had to change the theocracy. What is the point in voting under these conditions?
The supporters of Rafsandyani ascertain that if the turnout is poor, the country will be dealing with a fascist religious that would ride roughshod over the liberties and increase the international tensions through a more active support to terrorism. The sensitive point is when Rafsanyani is the last resort. It is true that Rafsanyani has to convince the Supreme Guide that he is the man of the situation, that he would be able to contain the growing cholera in the West. Why? Was he not who recommended the use of a nuclear weapon against Israel? Who was sentenced for that in a German court? What makes him a moderate?
Today, Iran is ready for the change. A new generation of Iranians is emerging and will contribute to the greatness of their country. I hope this new generation of Iranians considers France as a credible and reliable friend. But France needs to introduce in the center of negotiations with the Islamic regime the question of human rights. France, after spending more than a year and a half in unsuccessful negotiations with a corrupted regime, should be able to understand that the perspective of a new accession to the WTO will not make those who get rich through dark exchanges to give up. Neither the threats of the Security Council could make it difficult for the Iranian system due to its ties with China and Russia. In this context, only a strong pressure in terms of human rights and democracy in Iran could yield to the authorities that support the Islamic regime. This is its Achilles’ heel.