This is a very helpful article for those of us who are trying to understand Iran and its relationship to the IRGC. It is much clearer now (to me at least) than what I've been reading, which is not extensive.
But I have one question that has been on my mind from the start of this war. The authors say that, among the things the IRGC is devoted to is "blind loyalty to the Supreme Leader." That seems to be an entirely logical consequence of their founding and growing influence. But what does that mean right now, exactly?
We know the former Supreme Leader has been killed. Apparently there is a new Supreme Leader, though no one has seen or heard from him directly. Is it an actual fact that he is alive and/or conscious? While that doesn't seem to be verifiable, I'm sure it's possible. But like God, himself, we only know about him because of hearsay by certain self-appointed spokespeople.
If he's not alive or able to lead, though -- which I continue to think is also quite possible -- doesn't that leave the IRGC leadership (what's left of it) in a very convenient situation with respect to one of its guiding precepts? Don't they have the ability to make things up? Aren't they, in fact, kind of supreme by default?
I don't know what to think about that, and the mystery of their leader's existence is a constant irritant to me as far as understanding this story. That's also been a problem for me with my own Catholic religion, of course. But at least what we have for a Supreme Leader on earth is an identifiable human with a voice, however much we may sometimes question it. And he has no military forces at his disposal, which is a comfort to me. Religions with organized and funded armies are a scary thing to contemplate. Particularly if they don't have anyone to answer to.
Ah! How about the Gestapo- genocidal zionists funded in billions with WMDs. engaged in assassinations, illegal wars including coercing their clients in the US? AND xristain- zionist
Ultra nationalists across the US well funded by religious terrorists?
Finally: pl write for us here the history of western invasions spanning a century to destroy Iran. Loot it's resources- would you? What should they have done if they did not want to be annihilated like First Nations by the marauding Xristian zealots under various Popes?
You cannot go super outraged innocent suddenly with your indignation!
Funny understanding and explanations.. Could you extend exact logic to the delapidsted US political quagmire or of tgs sell armed zionistas?
Check my response to some outraged catholic here for further POVs on this.
Let us know why the 90% of the population will not spontaneously declare they are
not going be subdued by the religion of only thousand years old while Persia existed for 5 000 yrs!!!!
What then?
If not, issue then is meek acceptance of an invading religious order much like taliban…That region was of extraordinary civilization also 5000 yrs before them & of the Cechnias Who send miscreants under a fatwa!!!!
Realistically, poor Persians! They are stuck.. Guns won't get you anywhere.
Defeatist rhetoric is realistic and the war needs to end IMMEDIATELY. We are putting the hurt on Iran and they will fold. The army is not the people and is already groping towards peace ✌️
Kill the civilian leadership, and the IRGC becomes more powerful. Gee, who could have predicted that?
This is a very helpful article for those of us who are trying to understand Iran and its relationship to the IRGC. It is much clearer now (to me at least) than what I've been reading, which is not extensive.
But I have one question that has been on my mind from the start of this war. The authors say that, among the things the IRGC is devoted to is "blind loyalty to the Supreme Leader." That seems to be an entirely logical consequence of their founding and growing influence. But what does that mean right now, exactly?
We know the former Supreme Leader has been killed. Apparently there is a new Supreme Leader, though no one has seen or heard from him directly. Is it an actual fact that he is alive and/or conscious? While that doesn't seem to be verifiable, I'm sure it's possible. But like God, himself, we only know about him because of hearsay by certain self-appointed spokespeople.
If he's not alive or able to lead, though -- which I continue to think is also quite possible -- doesn't that leave the IRGC leadership (what's left of it) in a very convenient situation with respect to one of its guiding precepts? Don't they have the ability to make things up? Aren't they, in fact, kind of supreme by default?
I don't know what to think about that, and the mystery of their leader's existence is a constant irritant to me as far as understanding this story. That's also been a problem for me with my own Catholic religion, of course. But at least what we have for a Supreme Leader on earth is an identifiable human with a voice, however much we may sometimes question it. And he has no military forces at his disposal, which is a comfort to me. Religions with organized and funded armies are a scary thing to contemplate. Particularly if they don't have anyone to answer to.
Ah! How about the Gestapo- genocidal zionists funded in billions with WMDs. engaged in assassinations, illegal wars including coercing their clients in the US? AND xristain- zionist
Ultra nationalists across the US well funded by religious terrorists?
Finally: pl write for us here the history of western invasions spanning a century to destroy Iran. Loot it's resources- would you? What should they have done if they did not want to be annihilated like First Nations by the marauding Xristian zealots under various Popes?
You cannot go super outraged innocent suddenly with your indignation!
Isn’t it nice when your supreme leader has no military power??? The papacy sucked when popes had military power 😎
Frankly, I like my leaders a bit less than supreme.
Can we bring back Obama and HIS deal ???? 😏😡😂😩😁😭🤔👎
Funny understanding and explanations.. Could you extend exact logic to the delapidsted US political quagmire or of tgs sell armed zionistas?
Check my response to some outraged catholic here for further POVs on this.
Let us know why the 90% of the population will not spontaneously declare they are
not going be subdued by the religion of only thousand years old while Persia existed for 5 000 yrs!!!!
What then?
If not, issue then is meek acceptance of an invading religious order much like taliban…That region was of extraordinary civilization also 5000 yrs before them & of the Cechnias Who send miscreants under a fatwa!!!!
Realistically, poor Persians! They are stuck.. Guns won't get you anywhere.
Ideas will.
Defeatist rhetoric is realistic and the war needs to end IMMEDIATELY. We are putting the hurt on Iran and they will fold. The army is not the people and is already groping towards peace ✌️