Region in Much Worse Situation without Iran’s Islamic Revolution: US Analyst

“Had there not been an Islamic Revolution, regional conditions would be much worse than today, and they’re already pretty dismal because of US and Israeli policies,” Chicago-based Stephen Lendman said in an interview with the Tasnim News Agency.

Stephen Lendman is a writer, syndicated columnist, activist, News TV personality, and radio show host. He currently writes for MoneyNewsNow.com and VeteransToday.com and hosts, since 2007, a progressive radio show at The Progressive Radio News Hour on The Progressive Radio Network.

The following is the full text of the interview:

Tasnim: As you know, the Iranian nation toppled the US-backed Pahlavi regime 38 years ago, ending the 2,500 years of monarchic rule in the country. Since then, on February 11 each year, Iranian people pour into the streets in their millions to commemorate the great victory of the Islamic Revolution and voice their support for the country’s establishment. The rallies held across Iran on the anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution have remained in place despite some ups and downs, including difficulties created for the people by the economic sanctions. In your opinion, what are the factors behind the people’s massive presence in the rallies and how can the unity of the Iranian people and government foil plots hatched against the country by its enemies, like the US?

Lendman: Iranians know Washington installed the Pahlavi regime. They suffered for a generation under its rule.

They have no love for Washington’s imperial agenda, including punishing sanctions imposed. They don’t want another US-puppet regime installed, repeating the earlier horrors or worse if unthinkable war occurs.

I’ve said many times that ordinary people have power if they’ll use it. The power of Iranian unity against US imperialism is an important deterrent, maybe giving pause to Washington about wanting to topple its government.

It’s no guarantee against a regime change attempt. I’m very worried about Zionists making policy on US/Israeli relations, Trump’s one-sided support for the Jewish state, and deep hostility toward Iran. It’s a very unsettling combination.

Tasnim: After the Islamic Revolution in 1979, Iran has been the only nation in the Middle East that continued to stand up against the US hostility and presence in the region and insisted on its independence. What do you think about Iran’s model of countering the US hegemony? Has Iran been able to spread the model and inform the international community of the meddlesome and hypocritical policies of Washington toward the region?

Lendman: US hostility toward Iran is because of its sovereign independence. It’s also because it stands in the way of US/Israeli regional hegemony - besides Washington wanting control over Iranian oil, the world’s fourth-largest reserves.

Iran managed to stay independent for nearly 38 years. It’s stronger militarily now than earlier. A US and/or Israeli attack would be madness. I can’t read Trump’s mind, but don’t think it’s what he wants to do.

He’s been very outspoken about America making a mess of the region. I hope he backs it up with nonbelligerent policy.

Unfortunately, Iran does not have international influence as much as the US and NATO - no matter how sound its policies, polar opposite what comes out of Washington and its rogue allies. Iran has good relations with a few countries like Russia, just the opposite with US-led Western ones.

Tasnim: In your opinion, what are the methods used by hegemonic powers to prevent Iran’s anti-imperialist model from spreading in the region and what are their executive factors?

Lendman: Hegemonic powers want Iran kept isolated. Sanctions imposed mostly harm ordinary Iranians. They’re illegal unless imposed by the Security Council.

Tasnim: If the Islamic Revolution had not occurred in Iran and the anti-imperialistic thinking had not spread, what would have happened then and what situation would have been created in Iran and the region?

Lendman: Had there not been an Islamic Revolution, regional conditions would be much worse than today, and they’re already pretty dismal because of US and Israeli policies.