Latest news with #non-Persian
Memri
a day ago
- Politics
- Memri
Want Real Regime Change In Iran? Support The Minorities First
By Pel Berwari* If the world, especially the U.S. and Israel, wants real change in Iran, they need to stop relying on old exiled politicians and start supporting the people who are already resisting the regime on the ground: Iran's ethnic minorities or, better yet, the non-Persian ethnic groups. (Source: CIA) Who Are These Minorities/Non-Persian Ethnic Groups? Iran is not just Persians. It is made up of many other peoples, including Kurds in the west, Baloch in the southeast, Ahwazi Arabs in the south, Azeris in the northwest, and Turkmen in the northeast. These groups make up 50 percent of Iran's population and have been oppressed for decades, having no rights to speak their language, no political power, and often being targeted with violence by the regime. Why They Matter They have suffered the most under the regime, so they are the most motivated to fight back. They live in the border regions, which makes it easier for them to connect with neighboring countries and resist Tehran's control. They trust neither the Shah nor the Islamic Republic – they have been betrayed by both in the past. What Is Not Working The West keeps listening to Persian elites in exile – especially monarchists like Reza Pahlavi, the Shah's son. But these people have zero power inside Iran and no support from minorities, who remember how badly the Shah treated them. Whenever movements like Jin, Jiyan, Azadî ("Woman, Life, Freedom"), which started from the Kurdish community, rise up, the moment someone tries to turn it into a pro-Shah campaign, people leave the streets. They have seen this trick before. What Should Be Done? Support real grassroots movements especially those led by Kurds, Baloch, Arabs, and others. Give them security guarantees – because last time they trusted outside powers or the Shah, they were betrayed and slaughtered. Push for federalism or local autonomy, not another centralized Persian dictatorship. The Bottom Line If you want real regime change in Iran, stop pretending the exiled elite will save the country. The real opposition is already inside Iran and it is the minorities. Support them, and you support freedom. Ignore them, and you are just repeating history. They should suffocate the regime, not support it by the controlled opposition of the shah. *Pel Berwari is a Kurdish activist based in Kurdistan.
Memri
4 days ago
- Politics
- Memri
Free Balochistan Movement: The Way Israel Is Resisting The Iranian State's Expansionism And Terrorism Is Commendable; Extremist And Fundamentalist States Like Iran And Pakistan Are Common Enemies Of B
The following is a statement on Israel's preemptive strike against Iran by the secular Free Balochistan Movement, headed by the renowned Baloch leader Hyrbyair Marri. After Israel's June 12 strike on Iran, the need to support the non-Persian ethnic groups in the country to bring about the collapse of the Ayatollahs' regime has become clearer. A coalition of non-Persian ethnic groups could topple the regime in a few months. It is worth noting that, unlike the Persian anti-regime population, the non-Persian anti-regime population is militarily organized. Concerning the Kurds, the following are their armed groups present on the ground ready to fight the Iranian regime: the Free Life Party of Kurdistan (PJAK), the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (KDPI), the Komala Party of Iranian Kurdistan (Komala), and the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK). These are well-known political parties and armed groups: KDPI has been around since the 1940s and Komala since the 1960s. They can gather thousands of people. The Balochs have the Baloch Army, which is an umbrella organization that covers the whole of Balochistan and is led by the secular and committed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). The Ahwazi National Resistance is the secret armed group of Ahwaz. There are no Persian organized militarized anti-regime groups on the ground in Iran. Following is a statement of the Free Balochistan Movement:[1] "Israel's Decisive Military Actions Against The Iranian regime Are Not Only Encouraging But Also Represent A Positive Sign For The Baloch People, Who Have Long Suffered Under Iranian Colonialism" "The spokesperson of the Free Balochistan Movement said in a statement that the situation in the region is changing rapidly and this transformation could become a rare and significant opportunity for Baloch national independence – provided that those responsible for the Baloch national independence struggle, along with the Baloch people, who are the true source of this movement, establish mutual unity and consensus, consolidate their dispersed national strength into a single front, and maintain unwavering faith in their national power and cause. "The statement noted that nations always make difficult decisions based on their interests. To benefit from the current developments in the region, it is imperative that we set aside all partisan, group-based, and individual interests and preferences, and adhere to the core principles and regulations of the Baloch independence movement and collective national interests. "The current regional situation represents a decisive phase for the Baloch nation. Our national identity is facing severe threats under the occupation of Pakistan and Iran and if the Baloch people do not unite at this critical juncture to protect their interests, history will never forgive us for this failure. "The spokesperson further stated that whether it is the Sunni-majority state of Pakistan or the Shia-led state of Iran, both have spared no effort in committing genocide against the Baloch. However, the way in which Israel is resisting the Iranian state's expansionism and terrorism is commendable. It is a clear fact that Israel is not an enemy of the Baloch nation. On the contrary, extremist and fundamentalist states like Iran and Pakistan are common enemies of both Israel and the Baloch people. "The Baloch nation is fighting a battle for survival against these very states, and Israel's decisive military actions against the Iranian regime are not only encouraging but also represent a positive sign for the Baloch people, who have long suffered under Iranian colonialism." (Source: CIA) "The Baloch Nation Has Always Been A Victim Of Iranian Occupation, Which Continues Today In The Form Of Systematic Genocide" "However, we must also accept the harsh reality that sitting idly by, hoping that some global power will intervene to liberate the Baloch nation, is both illogical and naive. The evolving situation in the region involves multiple parties with their own agendas and interests, which may not necessarily align with the goals of the Baloch national struggle. Therefore, to achieve the restoration of Baloch national freedom and territorial sovereignty, it is vital that all Baloch people involved in the movement prioritize collective national interests, the requirements of the freedom struggle, and the independence of a united Balochistan. "The spokesperson added that the Iranian state has long pursued expansionist policies in the Middle East, resulting in ongoing instability and uncertainty across the region. Iran is not only occupying Baloch territory, but its expansionism has also affected the Arabs of Al-Ahwaz, Kurds, Turkmen, Lurs, and the Turks of South Azerbaijan. Therefore, in this critical period – when political and social conditions in the region are changing rapidly and the likelihood of border changes has increased – the Baloch nation should build relations with other oppressed nations resisting Iranian occupation and repression, and establish the principles and framework of effective partnerships, to maximize gains from this volatile situation. "The statement went on to say that the Baloch nation has always been a victim of Iranian occupation, which continues today in the form of systematic genocide. In the current scenario, where the Iranian regime is militarily weakened and isolated on the global stage, this moment represents an opportunity for the Baloch national struggle. Any military action against Iran should be viewed, albeit indirectly, as a development in favour of the Baloch cause. However, it is equally important to remember that in order to capitalize on such opportunities, unity and confidence in collective national strength are essential within the Baloch nation – so that it may effectively communicate its voice to the world." Balochis flying the flag of Balochistan. "Such Historic Moments Do Not Recur Frequently In the Region" "In this context, the Free Balochistan Movement has prepared a comprehensive document titled 'Democratic Transition Plan for Iran,' which outlines a phased strategy for liberation, developed in collaboration with occupied Balochistan and other subjugated nations, in view of possible regional transformations. Furthermore, a detailed document titled 'Balochistan Liberation Charter'[2] has already been compiled, outlining the administrative roadmap of an independent Balochistan and shedding full light on its post-independence political and social governance. "The spokesperson concluded the statement by adding that the Baloch issue within Pakistan and Iran is not a matter of fair resource distribution or power-sharing, to be resolved through so-called 'regime change' or internal reforms. Rather, the real issue is the Baloch nation's right to govern its own land with complete autonomy and freedom, and to present itself to the world as a distinct and independent national entity. The aims of the Baloch national liberation struggle are fundamentally different from the interests of external powers. "Such historic moments do not recur frequently in the region. This is a rare opportunity that the Baloch nation must seize by uniting its collective strength and demonstrating to the world that the Baloch, as a responsible nation, can contribute to peace, development, and stability in the region – and is fully capable of establishing an independent and sovereign state that meets all political, social, economic, and geographical criteria."
Memri
7 days ago
- Politics
- Memri
A Coalition Of Non-Persian Ethnic Groups In Iran Could Topple The Ayatollahs' Regime In A Few Months
After Israel's June 12 strike on Iran, the need to support the non-Persian ethnic groups in the country to bring about the collapse of the Ayatollahs' regime has become clearer. A coalition of non-Persian ethnic groups could topple the regime in a few months. It is worth noting that, unlike the Persian anti-regime population, the non-Persian anti-regime population is militarily organized. Concerning the Kurds, the following are their armed groups present on the ground ready to fight the Iranian regime: the Free Life Party of Kurdistan (PJAK), the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (KDPI), the Komala Party of Iranian Kurdistan (Komala), and the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK). These are well known political parties and armed groups: KDPI has been around since the 1940s and Komala since the 1960s. They can gather thousands of people. The Balochs have the Baloch Army, which is an umbrella organization that covers the whole of Balochistan and is led by the secular and committed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). The Ahwazi National Resistance is the secret armed group of Ahwaz. There are no Persian organized militarized anti-regime groups on the ground in Iran.[1] President of the Executive Committee of Ahwaz Receives Secretary-General of the Komala Kurdistan Party[2] President Of The Executive Committee Of Ahwaz Receives Secretary-General Of The Komala Kurdistan Party To Discuss Iran's Future Amid escalating regional tensions, a delegation from the Komala Kurdistan Party, headed by Secretary-General Mr. Reza Kaabi, conducted an official visit to the headquarters of the Executive Committee of the State of Ahwaz.[3] The delegation was received by Dr. Aref Al-Kaabi, President of the Executive Committee of the State of Ahwaz. The two sides held an extensive meeting during which they discussed the latest political and security developments in the region, with a particular focus on the rapidly evolving situation inside Iran. The meeting addressed the shared challenges facing the non-Persian peoples of the region, chief among them the Kurdish and Ahwazi Arab peoples under Tehran's repressive policies toward ethnic minorities. They also discussed the Iranian regime's ongoing attempts to export its internal crises through nuclear brinkmanship and regional military escalation. Both parties emphasized the importance of strengthening political and media cooperation among liberation movements within Iran in order to support the right of peoples to self-determination and to work toward building strategic alliances that can realize their aspirations for freedom and independence. The two delegations also stressed the need to capitalize on the current international climate to raise the voices of oppressed peoples on the global stage and to push for recognition of their legitimate rights in accordance with international conventions. At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides affirmed their commitment to continued communication and coordination, and reiterated their unified stance on the future of Iran and its peoples based on a shared vision aimed at establishing democratic systems that guarantee justice and freedom for all components of the region.
Euronews
13-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Euronews
In Iran, even President Masoud Pezeshkian is being culturally oppressed
By Mordechai Kedar, Middle East scholar Azerbaijanis in Iran, like many other non-Persian ethnic minority groups living under the Islamic Republic, face repression and are denied the right to speak in their mother tongue at official gatherings, even if they are the president of Iran. Don't they deserve better, Mordechai Kedar writes. ADVERTISEMENT A traditional cultural week was recently celebrated in the northern Iranian city of Tabriz. The event aimed to showcase the rich and diverse culture of the city, featuring traditional music and dance performances, art exhibitions, theatre, screenings of films about Tabrizian culture, lectures, and workshops. In addition to celebrating Tabriz's culture, the week also strengthened the bonds between the generations and promoted tourism to the city. For centuries, Tabriz was the capital city of the Azerbaijani people. Today, it is the cultural capital of the region of South Azerbaijan, with a predominantly Azerbaijani Turkic-speaking population. Although the territory is technically under Iranian sovereignty and Persian is widely understood, the culture remains Azerbaijani Turkic, and most of the population in fact speaks Azerbaijani, a Turkic dialect, as their mother tongue. The cultural week is an excellent opportunity to learn about the local culture, which harmoniously blends Azerbaijani and Persian traditions, offering a memorable experience. The week concluded with a ceremony attended by Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian. While official ceremonies such as these usually don't spark any significant political events, this time, a dramatic moment occurred during the president's speech. Pezeshkian decided to honour a famous poet from Tabriz, Mohammad Hossein Behjat Tabrizi, known as Shahriyar, by reading a few lines from his poem 'Heydar Baba Salam.' The poem was written in Azerbaijani, not Persian, since many people in northwestern Iran and Tabriz specifically are Azerbaijani — or Azeris, as they are called in Iran — and don't speak Persian. This division between Azerbaijanis in Azerbaijan and those in Iran serves as a reminder that Iran came out of the Persian Empire, which conquered various peoples, many of whom still live under Persian rule, such as the Azerbaijanis, Baluchis, Kurds and Arabs. Azerbaijanis are considered an integral part of Iranian society and were historically regarded as one of the highest classes. Even Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is half Azerbaijani. The difference between Azerbaijanis in Azerbaijan and those in Iran is that the former were conquered by the Russian Empire, while the Persian Empire conquered the latter. Iran honours locals and their culture It makes sense that the Iranian president would honour the locals and their culture, especially at an event that aims to celebrate Tabriz's diverse culture. After all, if we were to celebrate Persian culture in Iraq, it would be natural to read poems in Persian rather than Arabic, which is likely what the Iranian president was thinking. However, before taking the stage, the event organisers advised Pezeshkian not to read poetry in Azerbaijani. ADVERTISEMENT Pezeshkian shared this with the audience and stated that he would read two lines from Shahriyar's poem. He began with these lines: 'Heydar Baba, igit emek itirmez/Omur gecer efsus bere bitirmez/Namerd olan omru basa yetirmez/Biz de vallah unutmarık sizleri/Gorenmesek helal edin bizleri.' Since I believe that the readers of this passage, like some of the attendees at the ceremony, may not speak Azerbaijani, I will do what Pezeshkian did not do and provide the translation: 'Heyder Baba, a brave man does not tire/Life passes, but the legend does not end/A coward does not live to see the end of life/We swear we will not forget you/If we do not see you, forgive us.' Those are beautiful words that warm the heart. ADVERTISEMENT Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian just outside Tehran, July 2024 AP Photo/Vahid Salemi Pezeshkian was stopped by one of the officials organising the ceremony, and it appears that he was warned not to continue reading in Azerbaijani. In response, Pezeshkian laughingly made light of the interruption in front of the Turkic-Azerbaijani-Persian audience and said, 'No problem. No problem reading two Turkic poems,' with a smile. His lighthearted response made the audience laugh and cheer in applause. You might be wondering where his love for Turkic poetry came from. Like Khamenei, Pezeshkian is also half Azerbaijani on his father's side. Although not from Tabriz, Pezeshkian was born not far from there, in Mahabad, the capital of West Azerbaijan Province in Iran. ADVERTISEMENT Pezeshkian represented the Tabriz region in Iran's parliament for several years. Thus. his ability to read Azerbaijani and his love for Azerbaijani Turkic poetry. Reminiscent of the past This event is reminiscent of a visit by former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who also visited Tabriz and read Azerbaijani Turkic poetry. During that event, the audience joined Ahmadinejad in singing Turkic poems. It turns out that an event honouring Azerbaijani culture in Iran could have gone unnoticed if they hadn't stopped the president in the middle of reading a poem and paying tribute to an important poet. Was Pezeshkian stopped because he is Azerbaijani? It's hard to say for sure, but what is surprising is that the Iranian president was not allowed to finish reading the Turkic poem. ADVERTISEMENT Many Azerbaijanis live in Iran; 40% of Iran is Azerbaijani, and they are considered one of the largest minorities in the country. Azerbaijani Turkic is spoken by millions and holds cultural significance for them, despite not being considered an official language in Iran. Seemingly, it was important for Pezeshkian to continue reading in his father's language because Turkic speakers in the audience would have enjoyed the poem. But mainly because this was part of a ceremony celebrating the culture of Tabriz, a Persian-Azerbaijani city that embraces both cultures and languages. Azerbaijanis in Iran, like many other non-Persian ethnic minority groups living under the Islamic Republic, face repression and are denied the right to speak in their mother tongue at official gatherings, even if they are the president of Iran. ADVERTISEMENT Don't they deserve better? Mordechai Kedar is a Middle East scholar and commentator on the region.
Memri
27-02-2025
- Politics
- Memri
Ahwaz Leader Dr. Aref Al Kaabi: The Regime In Tehran Has No Moral Authority
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ahwaz, Dr. Aref Al Kaabi, [1] gave an interview to the media outlet The Baghdad Tribune. In the interview, Dr. Aref Al Kaabi talked about the challenges in freeing Al-Ahwaz from the Islamic Republic of Iran. Today, the Arab region of Al-Ahwaz is under the dictatorship of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which, like the previous Pahlavi regime, is repressing, marginalizing, and discriminating against non-Persian ethnic groups. Contemporary Iran, like medieval Iran, is not a country but a heterogeneous, multinational, and multilingual empire. In Iran, Persians make up half of the country's population, while the other half comprises non-Persian ethnic groups (Kurds, Balochs, Azeris, Arabs, Turkmen, Lurs, and Caspian ethnic groups), which maintain a strong ethnic identity that distinguishes them from Persians. The key to the fall of the ayatollah's regime in Iran, without having the American military on the ground, lies with the non-Persian ethnic groups that have been marginalized and violently repressed over the years. In the past, the U.S. administrations feared that helping the non-Persians groups would result in splitting Iran into several Islamic states. However, this will not be the case. There is a golden opportunity that the West can seize. Secular non-Persian groups are ready to join the West and lead the fight without the U.S. sending its troops. In particular, the Ahwazis, under the leadership of Dr. Aref Kaabi, are secular and would follow the tolerant path paved in the Gulf by the UAE, which embraces an Abrahamic alliance. Chief Executive Officer of The Ahwaz Dr. Aref Al Kaabi Below is the interview with Dr. Aref Al-Kaabi: [2] Iran's "Systematic Efforts To Suppress And Weaken" The Ahwazi People Q: "What are the challenges facing the Executive Body of the State of Ahwaz, and do you believe that regional and international conditions have become more favorable for achieving your demands?" Dr. Aref Al-Kaabi: "The main challenge currently facing the Executive Body of the State of Ahwaz is gaining Arab and international recognition of the just struggle of the Arab Ahwazi people against the oppression, repression, and tyranny imposed on our people since 1925 [the Majlis declared Reza Pahlavi the shah of Iran on December 12, 1925] almost a hundred years. The Ahwazi people suffer from ethnic, religious, and cultural persecution, as well as discrimination and marginalization in employment within Ahwaz's institutions. This reflects the Iranian occupation's systematic efforts to suppress and weaken our people. "The greatest challenge for the Executive Body of the State of Ahwaz is securing Arab and international recognition of the Ahwazi struggle. If the Ahwazi people's fight against the Iranian presence in Ahwaz is acknowledged, it will provide international support, protection, and legitimacy for their efforts to reclaim the rights that were taken away in 1925. "Today, regional and international conditions are more favorable than ever for the Ahwazis to reclaim the rights seized in 1925. However, these conditions also require political and media support from the Arab world to strengthen the Executive Body of the State of Ahwaz. Such backing would enable us to continue leading the Ahwazi people's struggle during this critical period of regional unrest. This not only benefits the Ahwazi cause but also provides an opportunity for Arab nations to counter the Persian threat to Arab national security, particularly the security of the Gulf region." (Source: Ahwaz Executive Headquarters in Brussels. (Source: "The Iranian Regime Has A Long History Of Labeling Those Who Resist Its Oppression As Terrorists" Q: "How do you respond to Iran's accusations of 'terrorism' and claims that certain countries support you? What is your stance on armed struggle versus political solutions?" Dr. Aref Al-Kaabi: "The clerical regime in Tehran has no moral authority to speak about honor or combating terrorism. Iran is a state founded on terrorism, killing, and destruction. We see the evidence of this in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and Ahwaz regions that have suffered devastation for over 100 years, from the Shah's regime to Khomeini's rule. "Hence, a state that sponsors terrorism recognized as such by several countries cannot label the Executive Body of the State of Ahwaz as a terrorist organization unless Tehran has its own unique definition of terrorism in its 'Iranian dictionary.' "We are a liberation movement based in Brussels, and the Ahwazi people have been struggling for 100 years to reclaim their rights. The true terrorist entity is the Iranian state, whose military wings, such as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its Quds Force, are officially designated as terrorist organizations on global lists. These are the groups responsible for killing and displacing millions of people – not the Executive Body of the State of Ahwaz, which is a liberation movement striving to restore the rights of the Arab Ahwazi people. "Moreover, the Iranian regime has a long history of labeling those who resist its oppression as terrorists. It called the Syrian people 'terrorists' when they revolted against Bashar Al-Assad's regime and described the Lebanese people as 'terrorists' when they opposed Hezbollah's militias. "The same tactic is used against the people of Iraq and Yemen. By labeling the Executive Body of the State of Ahwaz a terrorist group, Tehran seeks to justify the repression and killing of the Arab Ahwazi people, who have been struggling to regain their stolen rights and to end the Iranian occupation of Ahwazi lands since 1925. "These accusations from Iran hold no weight because Arab and Western nations and governments around the world are well aware that Iran is the primary sponsor of terrorism in the region and beyond. Iran is the last country that should speak about combating terrorism. "As for our stance on armed struggle, our movement is based on three pillars: international law, political advocacy, and media engagement. International law grants us the right to defend our land by all available means, and this principle is clearly recognized in international legal frameworks. "So far, the Executive Body of the State of Ahwaz has not adopted a sustained armed struggle. However, if we choose to engage in armed resistance a right recognized under international law for occupied peoples to liberate their lands it is fully within our legal and moral rights. Nevertheless, current regional and international conditions do not permit us to take up arms. The only Arab geographical connection to Ahwaz is Iraq, which is unfortunately under significant Iranian influence. For now, we reserve our right to pursue armed struggle to expel the Iranian occupiers, but we have not made the decision to do so at this time." "Many Arab Countries Are Victims Of Iranian Policies, Due To Tehran's Interference" Q: "What is your plan to gain the support of Arab countries and the international community for the Ahwazi cause? Are there active diplomatic efforts currently underway?" Dr. Aref Al-Kaabi: "We maintain ongoing communication with our Arab brothers in the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to keep them informed about the killings, displacement, destruction, and erasure of the Arab identity taking place in Ahwaz. Many Arab countries themselves are victims of Iranian policies due to Tehran's interference in the internal affairs of Arab nations, especially those in the region. We maintain consistent political coordination albeit to a modest extent with our Arab brothers regarding the future of Ahwaz and strategies for dealing with the Iranian regime. "We also have very good communication with the European Union and the United States, and we are monitoring future developments closely. For now, the Executive Body of the State of Ahwaz remains actively engaged on both the Arab and international fronts to push forward the recognition of the Ahwazi people's legitimate struggle. "While there is a 'reasonable' level of political support from both foreign allies and Arab brothers, it does not yet amount to formal recognition. We aspire for Arab countries to grant Ahwaz an observer status within the Arab League and the GCC, as well as to secure official representation in international organizations similar to our Executive Body's office in Brussels. "We continue to engage with all relevant institutions to achieve official representation and further advance the Ahwazi cause." "An Independent Ahwaz Would Safeguard Global Trade Interests In Key Waterways Such As The Strait of Hormuz" Q: "How do you envision the future of Ahwaz if autonomy or independence is achieved? What is your vision for the political and economic system in the region?" Dr. Aref Al-Kaabi: "Whether Ahwaz attains autonomy or full independence, it will serve as a safeguard for Arab national security in general and Gulf security in particular. "Ahwaz is strategically located along the eastern shore of the Arabian Gulf and controls access to the vital Strait of Hormuz a major global trade route. The region holds approximately 85% of the oil and gas exported by Iran, along with fertile agricultural lands, abundant water resources, rich mineral deposits, and a deep historical and cultural heritage. "If Ahwaz achieves independence, it will be of immense importance to Arab countries, especially Iraq and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, in terms of security, economic cooperation, development, and regional stability. "An independent Ahwaz would be a strong and prosperous state, playing a pivotal role in ensuring regional and international peace and security, as well as safeguarding global trade interests in key waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz. Ahwaz is part of the solution for regional challenges, making it a cornerstone for maintaining peace and stability. "The political system of Ahwaz will ultimately be decided by the Ahwazi Arab people. However, I envision it aligning closely with the political frameworks of Iraq and the GCC countries, as Ahwaz is historically and geographically part of the Arabian Peninsula and Iraq." An Independent Ahwaz "Would Mark The End Of A Painful Era Of Living Under The Shadow Of The Iranian State" Q: "With the escalation of Iranian repression, how do arrests and assassinations affect your movement, and what are your strategies to protect activists inside and outside Ahwaz?" Dr. Aref Al-Kaabi: "The repression, arrests, and brutalization of the Arab Ahwazi people as well as other oppressed groups like the Turks, Baloch, Azeris, and even dissident Persians are part of the Iranian regime's systematic policy of suppression. As repression and state terrorism intensify, we continuously adapt our strategies to protect our people and sustain the struggle. "If we had international, legal, political, and media support, it would curb Iran's reckless behavior and halt the machinery of murder, oppression, and mass arrests against the Arab Ahwazi people. The extent to which Iran can be restrained depends on the level of Arab and international backing for the Ahwazi cause. The stronger this support, the less Iran will be able to continue its brutal policies against our people. "Our people have been resisting and fighting for 100 years, and the Executive Body of the State of Ahwaz has made a final decision there will be no compromise with this regime. We are committed to continuing our struggle to protect our people's dignity and to preserve the Arab identity of Ahwaz. "Our fight is not only for the Arab Ahwazi people or the establishment of an independent Ahwazi state. We are fighting for the Arab world, Arab identity, and Arab national security especially the security of the Gulf region. An independent Ahwaz would create a natural barrier between the Arab world and Persia, with the towering Zagros Mountains serving as a geographic buffer. This would mark the end of a painful era of living under the shadow of the Iranian state."
