Loss of Raisi: Reaffirming Unity and Resistance

Nahid Poureisa 

Source: Al Mayadeen English

The crowd in Tehran was not merely an ordinary gathering; it echoed the fervor seen during Soleimani's funeral, symbolizing a steadfast commitment to the revolution despite enduring economic and social hardships.

On Sunday, President Raisi's planned trip to the northwest of Iran for the opening of a dam on the Azerbaijan border tragically ended in a helicopter crash, marking one of Iran's most devastating events since the martyrdom of General Soleimani. The crash, attributed to unstable, foggy weather conditions, resulted in the loss of both the president and the foreign minister, sparking nationwide anxiety and raising questions about the future. Speculation about the involvement of the Israeli occupation regime has emerged. However, according to available information and confirmed news, it was deemed an incident. 

Despite the Global North's anticipation and decades of regime change funding aimed at hijacking movements in Iran, the collapse of the revolutionary state of Iran never materialized. Instead, Iran defied these expectations. Not only did it avoid collapse, but it also flourished, leveraging its historical, geopolitical, and cultural advantages to become a regional power.

Iran's leadership in the Axis of Resistance isn't solely attributed to any single president or figure, including General Soleimani. Rather, it stems from the enduring legacy of the revolutionary ideology which continues to influence forces across the region. This ideological school, far from shutting down, has trained thousands, if not millions, in principles of multipolarity, alliance, camaraderie, and regional identity. Its anti-imperialist stance is deeply ingrained and unlikely to dissipate. Therefore, not only will Iran remain stable, but so too will the region and the resistance it leads.

Despite differing political affiliations, there is a shared conviction among Iranians in upholding the dignity and duty towards the entity of Iran. This recent tragedy has reminded Iranians of the importance of standing together in the face of adversity, reinforcing their commitment to the nation's sovereignty and stability. Reflecting on past instances of national mourning, such as the martyrdoms of Rajai and Beheshti, further underscores this unity. The terror inflicted by the Mujahideen-e-Khalq (MEK) on Mohammad-Ali Rajai and Mohammad-Javad Bahonar, also known as the Beheshti-Rajaei massacre, stands as a dark chapter in Iran's history.

The MEK, an organization once allied with the Iranian Revolution but later turned against it, orchestrated a devastating bombing on August 30, 1981, targeting a meeting of top Iranian officials, including President Rajai and Prime Minister Bahonar. This ruthless terrorist attack resulted in the deaths of both Rajai and Bahonar, along with several other high-ranking officials. The Beheshti-Rajai massacre remains a stark reminder of the dangers posed by extremist groups and the importance of vigilance in countering terrorism. These events served as rallying cries for Iranians, galvanizing them to protect their homeland and preserve the ideals of the revolution. In the wake of their sacrifices, Iranians came together, transcending political differences to defend their nation's integrity. The legacy of these martyrs continues to inspire Iranians today. 

Their unwavering dedication to Iran's sovereignty and independence serves as a beacon of strength, guiding the nation through times of uncertainty. As Iranians are mourning the loss of President Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, they will draw upon this collective memory of resilience and unity, reaffirming their commitment to the principles that bind them together as a nation. The martyrdom of Soleimani (مرد میدان), which followed the "Bloody Aban" protests triggered by a sudden 300% petrol price hike under the reformist administration, stands as a pivotal moment in Iranian history.

Millions of Iranians flooded the streets, displaying unwavering solidarity with the cause of resistance amidst nationwide unrest. This event reshaped the notion of resistance, as the Supreme Leader's words on the significance of Shahid Soleimani transcended the individual himself. Soleimani's contributions on the battlefield gained even greater recognition posthumously, as Iranians liberated themselves from the influence of mainstream pro-imperialist propaganda. With clearer insight into reality, the image of resistance and the 1979 Islamic Revolution became more apparent. The values, principles, and lessons imparted by frontline commanders proved more invaluable than mere weaponry. Iran's role in fueling regional resistance isn't solely due to military might, but also stems from the shared knowledge accumulated through years of defiance against imperialist forces.

The loss of President Raisi has catalyzed a profound sense of unity and national pride among Iranians. When discussing people, we typically focus on the majority striving for change or maintaining the status quo, not those who relinquish their agency to regime change and social media funded by them. This segment of Iranian society, while not insignificant, does not represent the majority, yet it amplifies a narrative of Iranians celebrating the president's demise. The underlying reason for this narrative stems from their desire to seize any opportunity to express their existence and disdain for the state, albeit through reactionary and baseless rhetoric.

Conversely, there are those abstaining from celebration, instead focusing on planning for the upcoming election, particularly the reformists who lost the presidency three years ago. Before delving into this, let's acknowledge the current atmosphere in Iran. Funerals are underway, drawing significant crowds in Tabriz, Tehran, and Mashhad, reflecting Iran's deeply ingrained Shia mourning culture, where communities gather to grieve losses, whether personal, political, or religious, over extended periods. However, what's notable are the inquiries about Iran's stability post-president's demise, with concerns about potential chaos. But what kind of chaos are they anticipating, and why is instability the immediate concern? The very framing of these questions underscores this fabricated image of Iran, suggesting that the nation's stability hinges on the president's survival, which is far from the truth.

The upcoming election will present an opportunity for Iranians to reaffirm their commitment to the revolution and resistance. The tragic martyrdom of Raisi and the foreign minister, coupled with ongoing struggles in Gaza, are likely to mobilize voters. A candidate advocating for resistance in Gaza and following the legacy of Raisi will stand to gain significant support. The circumstances surrounding recent events show indications and potential to unify and strengthen Iran, reinforcing its commitment to the principles of the revolution. The crowd in Tehran was not merely an ordinary gathering; it echoed the fervor seen during Soleimani's funeral, symbolizing a steadfast commitment to the revolution despite enduring economic and social hardships. Today's voices will resound with a pledge to actively engage in the upcoming election, signaling a potential shift in the political landscape.