Tunisian Ex-President Moncef Marzouki Throws Support Behind Iranian Opposition in Urgent Call for Change
TUNIS, November 11, 2023 – In a significant development signaling growing international attention to the Iranian opposition movement, Dr. Moncef Marzouki, Tunisia’s first democratically elected president following the 2010 uprising, has publicly voiced his strong support for Maryam Rajavi and the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK). This breaking news underscores a potential shift in the geopolitical landscape, as a prominent Arab leader aligns himself with those seeking a democratic alternative in Iran. This is a developing story, optimized for Google News and SEO to ensure rapid indexing.
A Rare Alliance: From Tunisia’s Revolution to Iran’s Struggle
The meeting between Dr. Marzouki and Maryam Rajavi, leader of the Iranian opposition, took place on November 10th. Dr. Marzouki, a respected intellectual and author, explicitly linked the struggles for freedom in Tunisia and Iran, stating, “We are fighting, you and we, against dictatorship, executions and repression, and for democracy and freedom. We move forward together and united in the same fight.” His endorsement carries weight, given his own pivotal role in Tunisia’s transition to democracy after decades of authoritarian rule.
Marzouki lauded the PMOI/MEK’s sixty-year resistance against both the Pahlavi dynasty (the Shah) and the current clerical regime, calling it “a rare example in world history.” He specifically highlighted the sacrifices made by members of the organization, whether operating from within Iran or at Camp Ashraf-3 in Albania, their current base of operations. This recognition is particularly noteworthy, as the PMOI/MEK has often been subject to controversy and misrepresentation in Western media.
The ‘Third Way’ and a Regime at its Lowest Point
Dr. Marzouki also praised Maryam Rajavi’s recent address to the European Parliament, delivered during a period of heightened tensions in the region. He specifically commended her advocacy for a “third way” – a path that rejects both the complacency of inaction and the dangers of foreign intervention – and her emphasis on the Iranian people’s agency in shaping their own future. “Europeans should listen to Ms. Rajavi,” he asserted, arguing that the Iranian regime is currently experiencing its weakest point, creating a crucial opportunity for change.
He further voiced his support for the ten-point plan for the future of Iran presented by Maryam Rajavi and developed by the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI). Drawing on his own experience leading Tunisia’s post-revolution government, Marzouki acknowledged the challenges of transitioning to democracy, stating that his administration “were not sufficiently prepared for the challenges that awaited them.” This candid admission underscores the importance of careful planning and a clear vision for a post-regime Iran.
Maryam Rajavi: Decades of Resistance and a Stark Warning
Maryam Rajavi, in turn, thanked Dr. Marzouki for his support and reiterated the Iranian opposition’s unwavering commitment to freedom. She emphasized the immense sacrifices made by generations of activists, stating, “We paid the price for our independence through sixty years of fierce struggle led by men and women who sacrificed everything for the freedom of their people and their homeland.”
Rajavi delivered a scathing critique of the Iranian regime, accusing it of committing “the most heinous crimes” against the Iranian people and the wider region in the name of Islam. She argued that the ruling mullahs are, in fact, “the worst enemies of Islam and Muslims,” and that lasting peace and democracy in the region are impossible as long as the current regime remains in power. This perspective is crucial for understanding the core grievances driving the Iranian opposition movement.
The alignment of a respected figure like Dr. Marzouki with the Iranian opposition signals a potentially significant moment in the ongoing struggle for democracy in Iran. As the regime faces mounting internal pressures and international scrutiny, the call for a viable alternative – one rooted in the principles of freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights – is growing louder. For readers seeking deeper understanding of the Iranian resistance, exploring the history of the PMOI/MEK and the NCRI provides valuable context. Stay tuned to Archyde.com for continued coverage of this developing story and its implications for the future of Iran and the region.
