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Promoting Democracy and Human Rights

After being convicted of “waging war against God” Mohammad Reza Ali Zamini and Arash Rahmanipour were hanged last week in Iran.[1] Members of a monarchist group, these men are the latest victims of Iran’s crackdown on domestic dissent following the disputed presidential elections last June, and Tehran is vowing to proceed quickly with executing nine more dissidents.[2]

While the Islamic Republic’s record on human rights has always been poor, post-election unrest has created a crisis for the regime and prompted a brutal and wide-ranging crackdown on dissent. Protesters have been arrested en masse, subjected to farcical show trials, and tortured, raped and killed in prison.[3] Meanwhile, members of the Baha’i faith continue to face state repression and risk being summarily jailed.[4] Ethnic minorities face discrimination and Iranian-American journalists and scholars have been arbitrarily detained.[5]

Murder, torture, arbitrary detention and state repression are inexcusable and abhorrent, regardless of circumstances, and America has a manifest moral interest in promoting human rights in Iran. Here are three guidelines for America as it seeks to advance the cause:

Support human rights around the world: A consistent, long-term dedication to improving human rights around the world, including Iran, as well as here at home is the best way to bolster rights in Iran. Like any country, Iran’s abuses should be catalogued and condemned – but using human rights as a political weapon against our enemies cheapens the concept and weakens the cause. Improving human rights in Iran will be a generational task and can best be accomplished in the context of an easing of tensions with the West.

Renounce regime change: As it denounces human rights violations, America should also make clear that it will negotiate with any government in power in Tehran, and its policy is not “regime change.” Many Iranian leaders have long suspected – with some justification – that America seeks to overthrow the Islamic Republic.[6] Human rights abuses in Iran tend to occur more frequently in times of greater perceived threat to regime survival: the early post-Revolution period, the politically painful ending of the Iran-Iraq war, and most recently, the June election fiasco.

Don’t overtly support the Green Movement: The Green Movement should not be underestimated as a force in Iranian politics, and it might, if successful, be more amenable to negotiations with Washington. Yet overt American support would likely backfire, worsening both the human rights situation and the Greens’ political fortunes.

Background

Americans vividly remember Iranian offenses against them and the international community. Few can forget the 444 days of the hostage crisis, or the allegations of Iranian complicity in the Khobar Towers or Beirut barracks bombing.

We are less frequently reminded, however, of the historical grievances – many of which involve human rights violations – that Iranians hold against the United States. These include the 1953 CIA-sponsored coup which overthrew the democratically elected government of Mohammed Mosaddegh, backing of the torturous regime of Mohammed Reza Pahlavi, support for Iraq during its eight-year war with Iran, downing an Iranian airliner in 1988, and alleged American backing for terrorist groups that attack the Iranian regime.

Human rights violations are never justified and have occurred on both sides over thirty years of hostility between Iran and the United States. As we forge a more productive policy towards Iran, America must acknowledge and bear witness to the wounds of the past while at the same time articulating a vision of a shared future.

Counter Arguments

The Iran debate is rich in misconceptions. Following are a few succinct responses to some of the most prominent ones.

Disclaimer

This site reflects the input of a large group of experts with diverse knowledge, experience and affiliations. The views expressed on this site do not reflect the position of any organization with which these experts may be affiliated. Nor do they necessarily reflect the position of all group members. While all members strongly support the general policy thrust and judgments reflected on this site, they may not necessarily all concur with every specific assertion or recommendation contained therein.

Background

Further Reading

Counter Arguments

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