
<p>Authoritarian governments have the ability to shut down protests with brutal violence. ; We have seen that in Russia … in Hong Kong … and in Iran. ; But occasionally, the frustration, anger, and determination of the people is too strong … too widespread. ; Sometimes protests turn into uprisings … revolutions … and the overthrow of the totalitarian regimes.</p>



<p>It all depends on how much energy a protest movement can generate … how much of the population is engaged … if social and cultural institutions become supportive.</p>



<p>We have long known that the good people of Iran have been unhappy – dissatisfied with their oppressive leadership. ; We have seen that frustration led to periodic protests – protests that were easily suppressed by the Supreme Leader in Tehran.</p>



<p>What we see in the streets of Iran today is different, for sure. ; Whether it is enough to topple the regime is still an answered question. ; That prospect, however, is now in the reasonable realm of possibility.</p>



<p>By all measures, the death of Mahsa Amini for not wearing the burqa properly is a very small matter. ; Something an authoritarian regime can dismiss. ; It was not that incident itself that led to the massive ongoing protest. ; There have been other similar atrocities in Iran on a regular basis. ; ;</p>



<p>What made this different was the intense level of pent-up frustration. ; It was that final small straw on the back of the donkey &#8212; or camel, in this case. ; Like an exploding pressure cooker, the entire population – from Tehran to the smallest communities – instantly exploded in organic street protests.</p>



<p>Millions of people across the country participated – risking their lives. ; Hundreds – and perhaps thousands &#8212; losing them. ; Just a few pictured above.</p>



<p>Every death was like gasoline on the fire. ; It outraged family, friend, and community – turning them into activists.</p>



<p>Among the dead, there arose exceptional heroes – giving the protest movement a human face … a beloved personality … a hero. ; Certainly, there is the original victim of the regime – Mahsa Amini. ; Since then, there is 16-year-old Nika Shahkarami &#8212; a beautiful young lady who was murdered by the regime. ; Then 19-year- old celebrity chef Jamie Oliver &#8212; also murdered by the regime. ; Their faces are seen on placards and posters throughout Iran – and on television screens throughout the world.</p>



<p>What is also exceptional about this uprising is the size of the crowds. ; Many demonstrations feature thousands of citizens – and there are hundreds of such demonstrations. ; There are too many protestors for the regime to kill or even jail – although they will continue to kill and jail.</p>



<p>Unlike many protests in Iran, this one had gone international. ; The Iranian community throughout the world are not only raising their voices but are supporting the protestors with money. ; They are calling on the leaders of the free world to take action against the Tehran regime. ; ;</p>



<p>Hopefully, those requests are being heard. ; In terms of the United States, we can only hope that the Biden administration will support what could be the overthrow of the regime in Tehran – that our own CIA is doing the things they can do in such situations. ; More sanctions on Iran. ; Disrupting the supply of military drones to Russia. ; And above all, ending the negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program – at least until there is a new regime.</p>



<p>The overthrow of the Irani regime would have unfathomable benefits for the United States and the world. ; It would put an end to Iran sponsoring world terrorism. ; It would end Iran’s malignant power and influence in the Middle east. ; It would pave the way for more “Abraham Accords.” ; It would end the support for Putin’s dirty little war in Ukraine.</p>



<p>It is disturbing, however, that as we reach the end of the 2022 ; campaign season, very little has been said – on either side – as to what to do about Tehran and the opportunity presented by the brave people of Iran.</p>



<p>So, there ‘tis.</p>

Are we seeing the end of the Irani regime?
