On Wednesday, February 11, comrades of "Der Funke" in Austria organised a public meeting on the 30th anniversary of the Iranian Revolution. Gernot Trausmuth from the Editorial Board of "Der Funke" gave a lead-off explaining the social and political processes leading up to the revolutionary events in 1978/9. He also described the character of the mass movement, the role of the islamists as well as the shoras movement and the wave of strikes in the revolution.
One major point in the discussion was the question how a
revolution could lead to the coming to power of the Islamic fundamentalists
around Khomeini. Gernot described the role of Khomeini as somebody who could
fill the vacuum within the opposition movement against the Shah but who himself
played the role of a counterrevolutionary. It was made clear that Marxists can
in no way support this regime. The lead-off ended with an outline of the
perspectives for a new revolutionary movement in Iran.
In the discussion many comrades wanted to know more about the specific role of the Islamic fundamentalists and the clergy in this movement and how they were able to get mass support. A major issue was also the lack of understanding of most of the left-wing organisations in this process which played into the hands of Khomeini.
A shop steward comrade explained the importance of supporting the IWSN to organise solidarity with the reawakened labour movement in Iran today which is fighting against repression and the unbearable working conditions.
In his summing up Gernot emphasized the need to build a revolutionary organisation within Iran with the perspective and correct methods to lead a future revolution in this key country. The formation of the IRMT last year was an important step into this direction.
"Der Funke" is committed to building support for the IWSN and the militant labour and student movement in Iran, within the ranks of the socialist labour movement in Austria.
Long live international solidarity!