The recent incidents in the country- IV

(Let's make another Balcan!)

As much as I can write about ethnic discriminations, the least I can mention about Azeris. I can't say they are living in a paradise, but the story is that they don't suffer from the same discriminations as other ethnic groups do. In other words, they are suffering as much as other Iranians do. Azeris (or those who speak in Azeri language) are millions and they are scattered in all parts of the country. Even in central part, we have Azeri-speaking people. Just hence this: Khamenei, the spiritual leader of the country is Azeri himself. Many of those in power are Azeris. So, all the fuss these days over there in Azerbaijan is a bit strange. It is exaggerated- I believe.

The story began with a cartoon published during a weekend in a kids daily. As the readers of that page should be less than a few thousands, the reaction against the cartoon was quite strange. The cartoon showed a cockroach telling a word in Azeri and that flamed a huge unrest in Azerbaijan:" Why they say cockroaches speak in Azeri? They have insulted us!"
The demonstrations began in Tabriz and were spread to other cities. According Mr A'lami a PM, five people have been killed during the clashes between the people and riot police.
Looking at the slogans chanted in the demonstrations you very well can see the traces of chauvinist feelings, and separatism as well. I can't believe that these slogans are ordinary people's feelings. Look at some of them:
"Persian language, is dogs' language!" (Remember that dogs are filthy and are looked down according Islamic principles).
"Those who are neutrals are wicked, even more than the Fars!"
"That part, this part, let them unite! The capital city would be Tabriz!" (That part and this part refer to Azerbaijan republic and Iranian Azeribaijan. Tabriz in the capital city of our Azerbaijan province).
"We swear that Tehran should be set on fire!"

Just look at some events before (and behind) the recent events. In the invaluable article written by Seymour Hersh in New Yorker, he writes:
"...Current and former American military and intelligence officials said that Air Force planning groups are drawing up lists of targets, and teams of American combat troops have been ordered into Iran, under cover, to collect targeting data and to establish contact with anti-government ethnic-minority groups."

I think recent events in our Azeribaijan prove the accuracy of Mr Hersh's article.
Just to have a better picture of the pretext, look at discussions in a panel in last October in the States. Title of the panel is more than a million words-" “The Unknown Iran: Another Case for Federalism?” (read; Balcanization)
Of the people speaking there, has been Mr Ledeen who is famous for his fierce activities and fiery statements against Iran. He who favors diverse measures against us begins with: “only 51 percent of the population of Iran is ‘Persian,’ as they call it.”

I think beside the direct military involvement (whether it is direct invasion or air raids or selective targeting of military facilities), this option of flaming ethnic sentiments is on the table in the White House. If you don't believe me, read another statement of one of the panelist in the above mentioned congregation- Mr Shahbazi an Azeri chauvinist : “the real investment should be in the ethnic problem. This will be the true nuclear bomb that will blow away the Iranian regime.”