‘The idea that killed people in the London Underground also killed Neda’ – letters from an Iranian protestor

Hi Jess

Last night the Guardian Council confirmed the validity of election, which is just what we expected from the beginning.

 I’m wondering how Ahmadinejad can look people in the eye and how he can join any international meetings as the president of Iran.  

 Ahmadinejad and his allies believe that power only comes from God, and that it’s his representative on earth – the Supreme Leader – who can distribute the power through an election.

 So in his heart he is not ashamed.  What I say about the belief in their own power is no mere story – unfortunately it’s strongly felt and Muslim extremists share it too.

 Here in Iran the religious leaders are mainly divided into two groups.  There are those who I mentioned above, and those who think more as republicans (just a little more!).  

 This is a very complicated issue but if you can understand it you can understand all the Islamic movements of today, from the Taliban and Bin Laden, to the London Underground bombings, to the suicide bombings in Iraq, and so forth.   The idea that killed people in the London Underground also killed Neda, and would be willing to kill Mousavi.  

 I think a dictatorial regime is not as dangerous as a religious regime, because when a gun fires in the name of a dictator there is always some hesitation.  It cannot last for a long time.   But when a gun fires in the name of God there is such a strong belief behind it.  That’s why a suicide bomber easily kills himself without even getting a penny – he believes he is going straight to heaven.

 Ahmadinejad is the slave of the Supreme Leader and Mousavi would never be like that.  Everyone knows that he would challenge the Supreme leader to do what is right for the people.