Interview with Mr. Dariush Homayoun on the Importance of the Iraq War's Effects on Iran's Position - 2003-04-06

An interview with Mr. Dariush Homayoun, a political analyst and center-right theorist, has been conducted by the Persian section of Voice of America. In this interview, Mr. Homayoun responds to questions from Farah Jahangiri regarding the effects of the Iraq Liberation War on the democratic processes in Middle Eastern countries, particularly Iran, and the necessary strategies to logically benefit from this process in favor of democracy movements. Farah Jahangiri's questions to Mr. Homayoun are as follows: 1. Mr. Homayoun, it seems that the U.S.-led operation to liberate Iraq has created unprecedented momentum not only within Iran but also among opposition forces abroad. How do you see the trajectory of these movements inside and among Iranians abroad? 2. Considering the announced and unannounced plans of Washington in the short and long term for the Middle East, which seem to indicate a break from traditional conservative governments and a serious inclination towards establishing a type of democracy in the region, how likely do you think it is that the Islamic Republic will remain unaffected by upcoming changes? 3. What path do democracy supporters inside and outside Iran have to achieve a minimum of their demands in the current sensitive situation, which seems to be somewhat favorable to them after 24 years of stagnation? 4. It appears that the opposition abroad, or at least part of it, both left and right, has made changes to their fossilized positions. What should be done to accelerate this process? 5. Unlike the years before the Islamic Revolution, it seems that this time the initiative has been taken by the democracy-seeking spectrum within the country. What is your opinion on this matter?