Imam and Obama

By: Abd al-‘Ala Ali Askari

This paradigm started in Iran. The protests held by the majority of the people against the monarchy was the first instance of this paradigm that could be seen. The majority of the people entered the political scene and tried to destroy the relationship that they had with the oppressor and transform it into a relationship with the truth. This was the reality of the mentioned paradigm. If, recently, we saw a large number of people protesting in Tehran, we also saw a large number of people protesting the wars against Iraq and Afghanistan in Middle Eastern countries, in western countries, and even in America.

The protests that were seen in large European cities, such as London, or the protests that were seen in America against American policies astonished the world. Today, the media outlets of the world capitalists cannot claim, as they did in the 60s and 70s, that the communists are behind the protests. Rather, it is the general public in America and Europe that are protesting against the international banking system, the human rights violations committed by America and Europe, and the wars that are perpetrated by the western governments. This continued until the Gaza War. In this unbalanced war where Israel committed genocide protests were seen in five continents of the world including America. We saw how the people protested even though their views were in opposition to the ruling class. These were protests that were performed in opposition to the views of the political parties and the police. This is a translation of the new paradigm that has formed in the world. The conditions have changed in such a way that the general public, especially those who are in poverty, have political feelings and reactions while their trust in the leaders of America and Europe, who are of the upper class, has lessened. The people who show the most reaction in America are the impoverished and the people of color, especially African-Americans. The result of this is that this segment of society grows every day and produces a greater effect on the American society. The American government’s inability to solve the economic crisis added flames to this fire. American officials and those in power want to be able to control the reactions of the general public enabling them to protect their society. They do this by exerting social and political pressure.

But, evidence shows that the actions of the general public are not what those in power want. The general public in America stand up to the capitalist society every day in order to obtain their rights and rid their country of oppression. This is the new paradigm that is forming in various countries and which will have an affect on the society. One of the clear effects of this movement; of this paradigm is that the general public in America has grown tired of the political powers in their country. They are after change. They are after human leadership who can rule in the favor of the general public when it is in opposition to the capitalist system.

Obama’s slogans were always about the people and about change. This is why the general public in America welcomed him. African-Americans supported him partly because of the color of his skin as well. They had the hope that he would not be like the other American leaders. Rather, they hoped he would feel for the people, be an advocate of justice, and distance himself from the arrogant and imperialistic forces. They hoped he would try to solve the economic crisis and raise the level of the deprived. They hoped he would bring jobs to the American society and raise the standards of living. These were real feelings that the American public had and resulted in Obama advancing past his competitors. This is the paradigm of the revolution and of Imam Khomeini which presented itself in the American society.

Obama traveled along a sensitive road. When he reaches a hard spot will he side with the American public or will he side with the American capitalists and arrogant leaders? Will he be the same as all previous heads of state? If Obama gives a logical response to the general public, despite it being dangerous and full of difficulties, he will reach an important point in American history. America would stop oppressively interfering in other countries affairs and would stop oppressing its own people thus losing some of its brute force in the world, but it would become a peaceful and honorable country which cares about the benefits of its people. But, if he sides with those in power he will become hated in America and America will have a sorrowful outcome in the next few years. The international world will hate America more than they presently do resulting in America losing power and honor in the world.

America is now facing a huge decision as a result of this new paradigm.

Since Obama came to power because of this paradigm, it seems as if he will not be able to find another road other than caring about the people – if he wants to succeed.