Iranian revolution needs our solidarity!

I'm not really all that concerned with evidence for electoral fraud in the Iranian presidential election.

As far as concrete (as opposed to abstract) democracy goes, elections are only important to the extent they further struggles for positive change in society - whether that be reforms or the complete overthrow of capitalism and the establishment of socialism.

Of course, progressives should expose fraud and uphold principles of democracy. We know that workers' states are not immune to degeneration; and that has deadly consequences for the very people such societies are supposed to benefit. So fairness in elections is a key issue. (That's one reason we should call for proportional representation and recall as part of electoral reform in the UK.)

False claims of fraud to undermine a regime that imperialism doesn't like is a real possibility, and may even be the case in Iran. We should not be taken in by that. We certainly shouldn't be fooled by, or side with, 'champions of democracy' who simply want to discredit or destabilize the Iranian regime, either to neutralize it as a rival to US dominance in the Middle East, or even justify a 'preemptive' attack.

But what has happened in Iran? Whether justified or not, the main opposition candidate Mousavi (no friend of workers!) cried foul. His supporters came out in thousands, the first open mass demonstrations in Iran for years.

Many, many others have joined the protests. Why? Not because they necessarily support Mousavi, or even believe there was fraud. But because, after decades of suppession, there is a chance to come out in open opposition to the mullahs' dictatorship.

Now, after almost a week of mass protests, brutal beatings and killings of students, plus transparent attempts by the regime to prevent news getting out, it should be clear to anyone that a popular revolution is under way in Iran.

For internationalists, what other response is there but unconditional support for this revolution? And what form should our support take?

The last thing the Iranians want is US or international imperialist intervention. So we should be ready to protest and take action to prevent interference from our governments if the threat arises. To be effective, direct action and above all strikes would be necessary.

But workers, youth and oppressed people of all countries should directly support their Iranian counterparts and comrades. Meetings, protests, on the street and in workplaces and colleges, are a must. So is our political input. Left isolated from international contact, the prospects of victory for popular forces are greatly reduced.

Like all popular revolutions, the Iranian uprising is not homogeneous. Various sectors of society are involved. As yet, workers are underrepresented, a factor that would be fatal for the revolution if it were maintained.

Either, lacking the backbone that workers in struggle give it, the revolution would be crushed, with massive repression in its wake. Or it would 'succeed', in a superficial political sense, replacing one set of dictators with another, along with a few reforms that would slowly be whittled away.

While we should not be preaching to the Iranians, solidarity is a must, and it should be unconditional - which is not the same as uncritical. Criticism, such as pointing out problems in the struggle so far, along with constructive suggestions based on working class revolutionary experience, is a good thing. If we put ourselves in the Iranian position, wouldn't we want both solidarity and positive critical input to our struggle? I certainly would.

A look at some of the stuff on the net (see the Anonymous Iran site) shows the Iranian masses do not need practical lessons - they are learning very fast (as we would need to, and would do). One example is a Protest advice thread, which includes things like making smoke bombs to cover escape from police onslaughts, first aid for bullet wounds, and suggestions for an anthem.

But political input is essential. How else can people avoid repeating past mistakes? Sure, there are Iranian left revolutionaries, clued up on working class history. But without a mass revolutionary party, political ideas from international sources are vital. For that matter, as the experience of both national workers' parties and internationals shows, comradely discussion on an international scale is needed by strong, established parties, too.

So I hope supporters of the Iranian revolution will get involved in the internet sites, and I hope they will go beyond discussion to organize Iran solidarity events around the UK and worldwide!

Solidarity with the Iranian revolution!