Islamic Iran celebrates 30 years

by Sanjay Jha | February 10, 2009 at 12:21 am

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Mass celebrations have started throughout Iran, commemorating the 30th anniversary of the revolution that established the Islamic Republic in Iran.

Iran's state media is reporting that millions of people nationwide and hundreds of thousands in the capital Tehran are attending the rallies on Tuesday to show their solidarity with the Islamic administration.

Crowds in the capital Tehran will gather at Azadi, or Freedom Square in western Tehran where President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is due to hold his annual speech. The Iranian administration considers the anniversary rally as a sign of people's resistance against the West, especially the United States, and their willingness to continue their independent path.

It will be celebrated in a big rally in central Tehran expected to be addressed by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

On this day three decades ago, the last resistance of the Shah's regime collapsed. Iranians spilled out on to streets to celebrate their new freedom.

But three decades on, Iran is still suffering major economic problems, international isolation, and complaints about the lack of political freedom.

There will be plenty of celebrations on Tuesday, but also - less openly - plenty of criticisms as well.

Iran has certainly achieved full independence, but at the expense of continued international isolation.

Political and personal freedom is restricted. The economy is in a mess, through a combination of mismanagement and sanctions.

Many Iranians struggle to survive.

The new administration in Washington offers the possibility of a new beginning.

But President Ahmadinejad's government has so far been reluctant to move away from the reassuring rhetoric of "Death to America".