A Line in the Sand?

The Iranian regime has failed to thoroughly crush the domestic opposition that has lingered on since the summer after the fraudulant Iranian presidential election. While Basij "party" militia have been unleashed partly and there has been murder, rape, and oppression, nobody has fully unleashed the security apparatus. Why?

Is it because elements of the Iranian military have drawn a line in the sand, letting the regime know that the forces trusted with defending the people and nation won't tolerate an open assault on the people by the rulers? Is there a statement by elements of the military (perhaps backed my many more not brave enough to add their names to the statement?) that is keeping a blood bath at bay?

The last section of this brief but powerful statement will surely immortalize these brave officers: “The army is a haven for the nation and will never want to suppress the people at the request of politicians. We shall remain true to our promise not to intervene in politics. But we cannot remain silent when our fellow citizens are oppressed by tyranny.”


They go on: “Therefore, we warn the Guards who have betrayed the martyrs (from the war between Iran and Iraq) and who decided to attack the lives, the property and the honor of the citizens. We seriously warn them that if they do not leave their chosen path, they will be confronted with our tough response. The military is a haven for the nation. And we will defend the peace-loving Iranian nation against any aggression.”

Interesting if true. The regime opponents would have a saftey net, preventing them from being ground down too much and have that security to gain supporters for overthrowing the regime.

Which means the regime needs to find a way to reclaim the loyalty of the army before the protesters can gain a critical mass of supporters.