Even though it may be summer, where are the demonstrations in support of democracy in Iran? How come professors who purport to favor human rights and civil liberties not taking out advertisements on a regular basis in the world’s most prominent newspapers criticizing what is taking place in Iran.
To a large share of the population the term “academic” means irrelevant — perhaps such individuals are right. This is indeed a shame since within universities throughout the world are numerous respected Iranian studies specialists who could influence policy makers, the mass media and private citizens to take appropriate (as opposed to symbolic) action in response on the recent events in Iran.
Many of the many faculty members should be ashamed of themselves for not calling on persons (other than the athletes) not to attend the Beijing Olympics), and not raise questions about the wisdom and ethics of holding the 2016 Olympics in Sochi (but perhaps the rule of law may exist in Russia by that time as economic and human rights conditions in Russia worsen).
In any case, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is not the legitimate President of Iran and for governments and private persons to treat him and those in his administration as such represents an ethical failing of mammoth proportions. Many prominent Iranian leaders have shown the world great courage in expressing their views. Some are even defendants in contemporary show trials not seen since Stalin’s purges or Mao’s cultural revolution.
We should not lose interest in the Iranian people who have demonstrated in the streets thoughout the country despite the risks of violence at the hands of the regime’s supporters. We should applaud the courage of those Iranian officials and academics who have resigned their positions to support the establishment of democracy in the country. Yet it seems that they are being betrayed by the silence of a large part of the international community.
It would be funny, if it were not so shameful that some British academia and certain trade unions participate in a boycott of Israeli academics — many of whom are prominent supporters of peace based on a 2-state solution. There are few Arab countries where people could demonstrate against their governments’ policies or publish articles and books in support of their position.
There anti-apartheid movement was an important factor in bringing majority rule to South Africa. Where are the voices condemning Zimbabwe? The situation in Darfur has not abated. Do we need another Rwanda to galvanize the international community to take action?
What is to be Done?
The international community should also be ready to act against such regimes. At the very least, Iranian representatives should not enjoy diplomatic privileges. Other nations should deny Iranian citizens who work for the Iranian government visas to travel abroad and prohibit the export of goods to Iran other than food, medicine and consumer items. Iranian officials should not be allowed to open bank accounts or purchase real estate or luxury items abroad.
The ability of an illegitimate government to continue in power undermines international law. Allowing a government to defy the law without consequences is analogous to enacting criminal laws and holding trials but never punishing the guilty.
