Monday
Oct192009
Iran Snap Analysis: Mousavi's Webcast Takes "National Unity" Beyond Politics
Monday, October 19, 2009 at 16:02
Latest Iran Video and Full English Text: Mousavi’s First Post-Election Webcast (18 October)
The Latest from Iran (19 October): Beyond Bombings, The Pressure on the Government
The Latest from Iran (18 October): Today’s Bombings
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Beyond Establishment Politics to "Unity"? Thanks to EA reader Megan and the Facebook site linked to Mir Hossein Mousavi, we now have a full translation of Mousavi's remarks in his first Webcast.
It is a significant move. How significant I can't tell yet, not because Mousavi was vague --- to the contrary, his position is now clear -- but because he is trying to move beyond the framework of "standard" politics within the Iranian system.
First, the specifics. In the alleged (and now largely discredited) draft of the National Unity Plan published in late September by Fars News, the central committee including a Mousavi representative. No way, said Mousavi in the interview. He had never been in discussions about a National Unity Plan, although he knew about the initiative of former President Hashemi Rafsanjani, the ideas of Ayatollah Mahdavi-Kani, and the interest of other well-meaning individuals.
Indeed, Mousavi does not see the primary role for himself (and presumably the Green movement) as part of the Plan. Instead, "National Unity" for him has a second meaning --- it is a social movement, beyond political parties, encompassing and furthering the ideals of the Iranian nation and the Islamic Revolution. This "expression of national will", despite all the obstacles put up by the Government, will be triumphant.
All well and good, but that leaves a pretty big immediate question. Given that the Plan has now been submitted to the Supreme Leader for consideration and thus approval, does Mousavi accept it if all parties involved decide to proceed? Does he dare reject it? Or does he, as I suspect he will, stand aside from it with the declaration that "National Unity" transcends any political arrangements?
The Latest from Iran (19 October): Beyond Bombings, The Pressure on the Government
The Latest from Iran (18 October): Today’s Bombings
Receive our latest updates by email or RSS SUBSCRIBE TO OUR FEED
Buy Us A Cup of Coffee? Help Enduring America Expand Its Coverage and Analysis
Beyond Establishment Politics to "Unity"? Thanks to EA reader Megan and the Facebook site linked to Mir Hossein Mousavi, we now have a full translation of Mousavi's remarks in his first Webcast.It is a significant move. How significant I can't tell yet, not because Mousavi was vague --- to the contrary, his position is now clear -- but because he is trying to move beyond the framework of "standard" politics within the Iranian system.
First, the specifics. In the alleged (and now largely discredited) draft of the National Unity Plan published in late September by Fars News, the central committee including a Mousavi representative. No way, said Mousavi in the interview. He had never been in discussions about a National Unity Plan, although he knew about the initiative of former President Hashemi Rafsanjani, the ideas of Ayatollah Mahdavi-Kani, and the interest of other well-meaning individuals.
Indeed, Mousavi does not see the primary role for himself (and presumably the Green movement) as part of the Plan. Instead, "National Unity" for him has a second meaning --- it is a social movement, beyond political parties, encompassing and furthering the ideals of the Iranian nation and the Islamic Revolution. This "expression of national will", despite all the obstacles put up by the Government, will be triumphant.
All well and good, but that leaves a pretty big immediate question. Given that the Plan has now been submitted to the Supreme Leader for consideration and thus approval, does Mousavi accept it if all parties involved decide to proceed? Does he dare reject it? Or does he, as I suspect he will, stand aside from it with the declaration that "National Unity" transcends any political arrangements?
