by Sally Zahav
Hats off to the Iranian people!
Within the past several days, what began as another seemingly routine expression of frustration by the citizens of Iran over the miserable state of their nation (runaway inflation and a severe water crisis on top of the ongoing horrific oppression) has proven to be something else. Something much more.
In the first several day after December 28 when the current uprising began, most news sources did not even note the events in their newscasts. Understandably, I suppose, because this type of unrest happens periodically in Iran, varying in scale, and then the Islamic regime's enforcers move in to "restore order" by imprisoning, torturing and killing whomever they can apprehend.
But this time, instead of the usual dynamic, the unrest has gradually gained steam. The strike of commercial enterprises expanded, the crowds became larger, violence and deaths on both sides increased. Apparently, there have now been some defections from the regime. Reza Pahlav, the son of the deposed Shah, has become visibly involved. Every day the energy intensifies. Netanyahu and Trump now send messages of support to the Iranian citizens, hinting at first, and then stating more openly, that if the Iranians maintain and increase the momentum they have created, these two leaders can be depended on to lend more than just moral support.
Iran is a conglomerate of several different ethnicities, religions, cultures: ethnic Persians, Arabs, Kurds, Lurs, Balochs, Turkmen and others. Even Islam is not necessarily a unifying element - while most Iranians are, at least nominally, Shi'a Muslims, there has been a very large trend in recent years toward increasing secularism and exploration of alternative spiritual movements. The people have finally had enough of the regime's political, oppressive implementation of Islam.
I live in Israel. It is clear that if Iran chooses, it can do very significant damage to our country. Witness the damage incurred - almost exclusively to non-military sites - during the recent 12-day war in June of 2025. If Iran chooses the scorched earth approach, Israel might be hit very hard.
It is an anxious time in Israel right now. We obviously are acutely aware that the sworn mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran is to destroy the State of Israel. Even if the end of their regime is near and they understand that they are going down, will they try to bring us down with them? Will they try to coordinate an attack with whatever remains of their proxies? Will they opt for a preemptive attack?
Meanwhile, we are so proud and inspired by the courage of the Iranians taking such a firm stand for their freedom. Isn't this a large part of what it means to be human - valuing freedom over safety and comfort? And thank Heaven for the active and real support of President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu.
None of us knows how courageous we would really be if put to the test - these Iranian citizens are showing us how it's done. Bravo!
Sally Zahav
Source:Middle East and Terrorism Blog
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