In the midst of the chaos unfolding in Iran in the last few weeks, particularly today, it is increasingly necessary to recognize the larger social issue that encompasses the chaos: the suppression of the Iranian people and the blatant disregard for the needs and wants of the majority of the population.

Since 2005 and the initial election of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the Iranian people were promised change and reform–socially, politically, and economically. According to an article in the New York Times dated June 15th, 2009, authors Bill Keller and Michael Slackman stated that “By playing to the Muslim world’s feelings of victimization by the West and hatred of Israel, [Ahmadinejad] won adulation on the Arab street even as Arab leaders often disdained him, and that in turn earned him credibility at home.” Instead of bringing the change he promised, Ahmadinejad perpetuated the already strenuous relationship with Western countries, particularly the United States, and the UN in addition to driving the country into unemployment and social and economic unrest.

With the 2009 elections came a chance for real change, for the people of Iran to stand up to four years of passive aggressive dictatorship and to elect a new leader to fulfill promises to lead the country in a forward direction. When Ahmadinejad won a second term, the country called for a review of the voting process and claims of widespread corruption to fix the election in Ahmadinejad’s favor ensued. Protests and violence soon followed.

Whether the election was fixed we may never know but the truth is, there is a bigger issue here and it goes much deeper than a rigged election. The chaos currently surrounding the nation only highlights the severe sociological turmoil the country still faces as well as the mistrust, angst, and injustice that weigh heavy on the hearts of those who are forced to live amongst this every day. This election was the people’s chance to regain their right to peace and prosperity and as one supporter of opponent Mir Hussein Moussavi observed, “I don’t think the middle class is ever going to go out and vote again,” according to the New York Times article.

There is a silver lining in this cloud of deceit, corruption, and injustice, however, and that is the incredible courage and will the people of Iran have demonstrated. As Steve Schippert, blogger for ThreatsWatch.org, puts it: “We in the West may hope for revolution and the self-liberation of a freedom-starved Iranian people. But we must also fully understand the amount of courage required for the unarmed to rise against the armed and brutal.” We couldn’t agree more.

To read the full New York Times article, click here.

To read more about ThreatsWatch and to see a pretty amazing picture, click here.