Expert: Revolution In Iran Is Possible

As violent protests continue to shake up the Arab world and specifically Iran, the west has expressed optimism that there will be a regime change in the Islamic Republic.

But is there room for hope? According to Dr. Eldad Pardo, an expert on Iran and a researcher at the Truman Institute at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, there certainly is.

Pardo told Arutz Sheva’s Hebrew website on Wednesday that there are significant changes in the Iranian arena between the current riots and the wave of riots which occurred in the country following the elections in 2009. He said that he believes one of the main changes lies in the nature of the Egyptian revolution.

“The Egyptian revolution was a democratic revolution and not an Islamist revolution, and until now what has prevented the demonstrators in Iran to go all the way was the fear of a new dictatorship. But Egypt has shown them that they now have the possibility of a different revolution,” said Pardo, adding that there has also been a change in the public mindset in Iran, who thought until now that demonstrations should be carried out peacefully and therefore achieve nothing, and now understands that demonstrations can and should go all the way.

In addition to the above, Dr. Pardo noted that the Iranian regime's conduct in light of the riots will have an impact on the prospects for change. He highlighted the cracks in the Iranian leadership and said that this encourages the masses in their struggle. He added that this can continue to work so long as the leadership does not unite against the protesters.

More from INN