Whose Revolution is it?

We are privileged to be living in a time where countries of the middle east are going through endless regime changes; The Tunisian had their revolution, The Egyptians had theirs, The Libyans had theirs.

The Iranians had theirs, a long time ago. In 1979. That's the year the Iranians overthrew their dictator (Shah).

Based on my observation, the overzealous supporters of Khomeini/Wilayah al-Faqih/Iranian Government don't seem to recognize nor appreciate people's effort in making this revolution a success. For them, everything is about Khomeini. Khomeini did this, Khomeini did that. And Khomeini did that too.

There appears to be a cult worshipping the personality of Khomeini. And the Iranian Government is the main backer of this cult. They are solidly behind all the efforts to make Khomeini appears larger than his life. And they have been very successful so far, except last year. That's the year, when they were using a cardboard-sized Khomeini.

Here's a picture of the cardboard cut-out of Khomeini walking down the staircase off a plane, mimicking his arrival in '79.


Here's cardboard cut-out of Khomeini sitting down and having tea with his supporters


These pictures are not photo shopped. The Iranian officials actually made the prop for a festival (commemorating the Iranian revolution).

Of all the stupidest gimmick, this one takes the cake.

I sense that the Iranian Government is getting a lot of mileage from playing with people's emotions and memories of the past events. The Iranians participate in a number of Government backed mini-events and celebrations, all having links to Khomeini's political ideology and philosophy

• The revolution day. One the most significant day in their political calendar. Khomeini's prominent chant “Death to the Great Satan” can still be heard and seen on streets.
• Khomeini Quds day: Iranians and their supporters participate in pointless rallies around the world. Marching down streets with colorful banners, feeling pretty good about themselves.
• Khomeini's Shia-Sunni Unity Week. This week coincide with the two dates generally accepted as the birth date of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). I personally don't think the Shia and Sunni should have a religious unity. People should be free to practice whatever brand of Islam they believe is correct no matter how crazy it appears to other Muslims. Muslims should learn to live together play nicely and co-exist peacefully. I personally finds the whole concept of Unity among Muslims a glaring hypocrisy considering how much the Muslim communities are impacted by the sectarian violences around the world (from the past, current and possibly in the future).
• Another ridiculous day in the Iranian political calendar it the yearly anniversary of the US Embassy Takeover by radical students. Why would anyone celebrate this event?

I'm not able to list all the Khomeini centric activities and festivals. Too many to list here. You get the point.

His followers among the younger generations, who have watched some old videos of him; giving speeches, interviewed by journalists or even doing mundane everyday tasks, say Khomeini exhibit an aura of holiness.

Khomeini does have a charismatic personality. I'll give you that.

But comparing Khomeini to other personality like Che Guevara is inaccurate. Both men are not alike at all.

Che Guevara was a freedom fighter, a socialist promoting the brotherhood of all men as an equal, an atheist (Zindiq), with a very poor hygiene.

Khomeini was a clergyman, a very strong believer of God, who promoted the brotherhood of clerics before the people and had a very good personal hygiene.

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