US author: Strength of unity Imam Khomeini’s important legacy
American writer Robert Fantia referred to the power of unity as the most important legacy of the Late Founder of the Islamic Revolution Imam Khomeini.
Fantia made the remarks in an interview with the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) in New York on the occasion of the 29th anniversary of Imam Khomeini demise.
Commenting on the importance of Ayatollah Khomeini’s ideas in creating what Michel Foucault, French philosopher called the “political spirituality” of the 1979 revolution, Fantia said “Michael Foucalut defined the ‘political spirituality’ of the 1979 Iranian Revolution as ‘a mass mobilization on this earth modeled on the coming of a new Islamic vision of social forms of coexistence and equality’.”
“It is certainly arguable that without Ayatollah Khomeini’s decision to motivate religious people to act for change, the Revolution may never have occurred,” he added.
“In doing this, Ayatollah Khomeini helped the people to see their religion not only in an eternal perspective, but also to understand how the principles of Islam could and should assist them in creating a far more fair and equitable society than they experienced under the Shah, who was a cruel, repressive puppet of the United States,’ he noted.
He went on to say that “sadly, in the US, the reverse has been occurring, wherein many conservative Christians are perverting the basic tenets of Christianity to foster intolerance and injustice, and to allow cruelty and oppression.”
Elaborating on the influence of Imam Khomeini’s ideas in the struggle of Palestinians in the past four decades, the American author said “Palestine is a mainly-Muslim nation, and Iran is one of its strongest allies. The example of the 1979 Iranian Revolution is a shining illustration of what can be accomplished by dedicated people who have a dedicated leader.”
“There is no doubt that Palestinians look at what Iranians have accomplished, and are inspired by their revolution,” Fantia added.
Referring to March of Return protests launched by Palestinians in Gaza Strip, he said “Despite the lack of real leadership in Palestine, with Mahmoud Abbas being little more than yet another puppet of the US, the Palestinian people continue their struggles against the cruel, brutal Israeli occupation. The current ‘Right of Return’ demonstrations indicate that the Palestinian people continue to struggle and fight for the rights that Israel and the US deny them. The example and support of Iran continue to be vital in that struggle.’
In response to a question regarding claims made by many orientalists and think-tank experts explaining Imam Khomeini’s role in sectarian terms, he said “Perhaps the most important legacy from the example of Ayatollah Khomeini for these nations is the strength that comes from unity.”
“While there are some differences in beliefs and practices among the various Islamic sects, there are also strong commonalities. Those commonalities, rather than the differences, highlighted by Ayatollah Khomeini, can be the areas of focus to help the Muslim world achieve for their people the goals of freedom, justice and equality that are foundational to Islam,’ he reiterated.
Elsewhere in his remarks Fantia referred to American policy makers’ idea of unification by Muslim intellectuals like Imam Khomeini saying ‘The US government greatly fears the growing strength and influence of Iran, which had its most recent beginning with Ayatollah Khomeini.”
“They are afraid that a united Muslim world will threaten Israeli hegemony in the Middle East, and due to domestic political considerations, they want Israel to be the most powerful player in that part of the country. That is why US government officials overlook Israel’s many war crimes, and crimes against humanity,” he added.
“Increasingly, Iran is seen as a major power-broker in the Middle East, and support for Israel is diminishing globally. The US will act to counter both of these circumstances, but as its own influence deteriorates around the world, those efforts will be unsuccessful,” he said.
“The US caused unspeakable suffering in Syria, but still failed to accomplish its deadly, unjust goals. It underestimates Middle Eastern peoples, and their natural desire and right to select, establish and maintain their own system of government,” the American writer noted.
Commenting on the role of Wahabi extremism and the Saudi-US alliance in the past four decades to undermine the pan-Islamic message of the Iranian revolution, Fantia said “The US has been somewhat effective within its own borders to paint Islam as a violent, extremist religion.”
Pointing to US administration’s anti-Muslims moves he said “President Donald Trump has attempted to ban Muslims from entering the country, and has received significant, although not majority, support for that unjust effort.”
“Saudi Arabia, with which the US has strong ties, has one of the most abominable human rights records of any country on the planet,” he added.
He went on to say “The US government is willing to overlook those crimes, since Saudi Arabia purchases vast amounts of weaponry from the US, and supports the US’s geopolitical goals in the Middle East.”
“As a mainly-Muslim nation, the Saudi government presents itself as breaking from other Arab nations; this is a ‘divide and conquer’ strategy that the U.S. seeks.”
“However, there is little evidence of support for this among the Saudi population.”
“This doesn’t mean that the Saudi government is unable to cause unspeakable death and suffering in conjunction with the US government, but it does indicate that the possibility of an uprising in Saudi Arabia exists; it is possible that the only thing preventing it is the violence and viciousness of the government towards its own people.”
