Monday, December 2, 2024

When the Islamic Republic is Overthrown: A Vision for a Renewed Iranian Military and Nation

By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Christian Conservative LDS 

The day the Islamic Republic of Iran is overthrown will be a momentous occasion—a triumph of liberty over tyranny, secularism over theocracy, and Iranian heritage over decades of Islamist cultural colonization. As an Iranian-American, ex-Muslim, and proud advocate for freedom and the restoration of Iran’s glorious past, I envision a rebirth not only of governance but of national symbolism and pride. Among the most visible and immediate changes must be the transformation of Iran’s military, cultural, and public spaces to fully reject the oppressive legacy of the Islamic Republic.

Reclaiming Military Pride: Uniforms of Honor and Dignity

One of the most important ways to symbolize the end of the Islamic Republic is through a complete overhaul of Iran’s military uniforms and helmets. The current uniforms, tainted by their association with the Islamic Republic’s oppressive forces, must be discarded. These garments represent a regime that has brutalized its own people, crushed dissent, and exported terror across the region. They are symbols of tyranny and betrayal to the Iranian nation.

Instead, I propose adopting two distinct styles of military uniforms and helmets:

  1. Ceremonial Uniforms and Helmets Inspired by the Wehrmacht Style: The ceremonial uniforms of Iran’s new military should evoke grandeur, discipline, and respect, much like the Wehrmacht ceremonial attire. This is not a glorification of any particular ideology but rather an acknowledgment of the aesthetic and psychological impact of strong, dignified military regalia. Such uniforms would reflect Iran’s proud martial traditions, from the days of the Achaemenid and Sassanian empires to the valor of the Alani Christians and Scytho-Sarmatian warriors.

  2. American-Style Field Uniforms and Helmets for Practicality: For field operations, American-style uniforms and helmets provide unparalleled functionality and adaptability. These designs are tried and tested in modern combat scenarios and would ensure our military is not only symbolically modernized but also practically equipped to defend the nation against threats.

Eradicating the Symbols of Oppression

Beyond military uniforms, all physical and symbolic remnants of the Islamic Republic must be eradicated. Shrines, tombs, and monuments dedicated to figures like Ayatollah Khomeini stand as grotesque reminders of a dark chapter in Iranian history. These structures have no place in a free and democratic Iran.

  • Repurposing Khomeini’s Shrine: Ayatollah Khomeini’s shrine, a grotesque display of hypocrisy and waste, should be demolished. Its space could be repurposed into something useful for the people—parking lots and public toilets. This transformation would send a clear message: the era of glorifying tyrants is over, and the needs of the people take precedence over the legacies of oppressors.

Reviving Iranian Identity and Culture

This vision is not just about destruction; it is about revival. The removal of Islamist symbols must be accompanied by the restoration of Iran’s true heritage. The new Iranian military and public institutions must embody the rich cultural and historical legacy of the Iranian people, from Zoroastrianism to the Christian Alani warriors, from the poets of the Persian Renaissance to the architects of modernity before the 1979 revolution.

Iran’s future lies in embracing a synthesis of ancient pride and modern values, uniting Iranians across faiths, ethnicities, and ideologies under the banner of freedom and progress. The overthrown Islamic Republic’s relics should serve as cautionary tales, reminders of what happens when a nation forgets its roots and allows the poison of theocratic totalitarianism to fester.

Conclusion

When the Islamic Republic falls—and it will fall—we must ensure that its symbols are stripped of their power and replaced with a vision of pride, unity, and liberty. From military uniforms to the repurposing of public spaces, these changes will help heal a nation scarred by decades of oppression. The Iran of tomorrow will not bow to the ghosts of Khomeini and his ilk; it will stand tall as a beacon of hope for the region and the world.


Citations:

  1. Axworthy, M. (2008). Empire of the Mind: A History of Iran. Basic Books.
  2. Keddie, N. R. (2003). Modern Iran: Roots and Results of Revolution. Yale University Press.
  3. Amanat, A. (2017). Iran: A Modern History. Yale University Press.
  4. International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). (2020). Military Balance 2020.

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