The International Affairs Society hosted Reza Pahlavi, former crown prince of Iran, in the Elliot School of International Affairs building Tuesday night for a discussion on the current tumultuous state of his home country and the need for reform. While living in exile, Pahlavi has devoted his life to speaking out against the tyrannical regime currently in power in Iran.
Pahlavi emphasized the importance of regime change led by the Iranian people without foreign military assistance. He compared the situation to apartheid in South Africa and the solidarity movement in Poland.
Pahlavi claimed to notice a change in the tone of the Iranian public following the recent election fraud. He said the event showed the true colors of both the corrupt regime and the fed up people who took to the streets in protest. He also noted the importance of Obama as a figure of influence in the youth-driven movement for change in Iran. Whereas past failure to mobilize against the current radical government stemmed from a lack of organization, Pahlavi sees public resistance moving in a new direction.
"Our unity will expediate our salvation," he said."
Pahlavi mentioned his own personal connection to the GW community; his wife attended the university for both undergraduate and law school.
He finished his comments with an appeal for a peaceful transfer of power in Iran achieved by a popular movement, receiving a standing ovation from the packed room.
-Joseph Rabinowitz
-Joseph Rabinowitz
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