Using Technology to Topple the Islamic Dictatorship of Iran Radio Neda: Could it be the voice of freedom for Iran?
In reaction to Islamic Republic's media crackdown, I have been discussing the merits of establishing shortwave radio broadcasting with media experts and those interested in over throwing the Islamic Dictatorship of Iran. The idea has received wide acceptance as a viable tool. I have decided to share it with the people of the world and ask them for their input and financial support, as they have been most generous and supportive allies of this pro-movement, absent and silent: many world leaders and international organizations.
Taken into consideration that the Islamic Republic has systematically attempted to cut off communication links to accomplish its inhumane and bloody massacre of the peaceful demonstrators who within the confines of the ever- restrictive Islamic Republic's laws rose up and demanded an accurate vote count, then, establishing reliable communication between Iran and the people of the world is essential and of outmost urgency.
I applaud senators McCain, Graham, Liebermann, McCother and many others for taking the leadership and speaking up in support of the Iranian people and their determinations to establish Internet communication between the pro-democracy demonstrators and the people of the world. However, a discussion of the prevailing communication situation in Iran, will help us focus our energies and resources where it is most effective and does the most good.
International reporters being absent, the majority of Iranians get their news from the state-run media which is directly controlled by the Ahmadinejad's camp. Doctored Photoshop pictures of missiles, fighter jets and exaggerated crowds during Ahmadinejad's speeches should give the reader an idea on the type and quality of manipulated information Iranians are exposed to by the mullahs daily.
Internet communication is under the ultimate control of the Islamic Republic as well, no thanks to companies like Nokia. The regime can easily cut it off, limit access, decrease bandwidth and use it as a spying and surveillance tool to identify and arrest pro-democracy youth activists. Besides, compared to the United States and many other developed countries, access to the Internet is in early stages and the majority use dial-up modems to access news and information. Not to mention that many Iranians do not speak the English language or other foreign languages and cannot realize the full benefits the Internet offers.
20 or so Farsi speaking satellite television stations broadcast to Iran from the United States (Los Angeles and Washington), Canada and Europe). Many of these stations are directly or indirectly funded by the regime. Only a handful of the publically supported opposition television stations are actively fighting the regime but with major obstacles. The regime has successfully been able to shut down, jam or interrupt their programming and broadcasts to Iran at will and at critical times such as these. Statistics are not readily available or reliable, however very few Iranians own satellites receivers due to the expense and illegality of ownership-it is a crime and thus subject to severe punishment. Reports and pictures from Iran show that the regime is using helicopters to locate satellite dishes on the rooftops and is actively engaged in collecting and destroying them, again, to limit access to information and news.
Much to the dislike of the ayatollahs, another mode of communication that Iranians have successfully utilized to receive information and send their messages and horrible pictures of killings, beatings and mass demonstrations out of Iran has been through the use of cell phones. Here again, telecommunication is a state-run organization and as mentioned earlier, no thanks to companies such as Nokia and Siemens, the regime has had the upper hand.
Realizing the limitations of aforementioned telecommunication technologies, we might have overlooked the efficacy of the shortwave radio broadcast, it has merits and deserves a closer look.
Shortwave possesses a number of advantages over newer technologies:
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The difficulty in censoring programming by authorities and arresting listeners: unlike the Internet and cell phones, mullahs cannot monitor which stations (sites) are being listened to (accessed).
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Low-cost shortwave radios are widely available in Iran.
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Many newer shortwave receivers are portable and can be battery operated, making them useful in difficult circumstances. Newer technology includes hand-cranked radios which provide power for a short time.
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Shortwave radios can be used in situations where Internet or satellite technology is unavailable, unaffordable, or illegal.
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Shortwave radio travels much farther than broadcast FM (88-108 MHz). Shortwave broadcasts can be easily transmitted over a distance of several thousands of kilometers, i.e. from one continent to another, especially at night.
Despite its vast natural resources, Iran is still a third world country. However, almost all Iranians own radios and use it regularly to get their news and entertainment. Radios are not illegal and almost all automobiles are equipped with shortwave band. Shopkeepers, housewives, taxi drivers, street vendors, and factory workers listen to the radio on a regular basis. Besides, they are very cheap thanks to China and Korea imports. A note worthy of mention here is that Khomeini successfully used the shortwave broadcast from France for almost a year to broadcast his propaganda against the Shah and prepare the people for uprising prior to revolution of 1979.
By establishing a reliable shortwave broadcast, the opposition groups outside of Iran will gain a formidable tool to transmit their information and messages of support, encouragement all over Iran and effectively mobilize the entire nation, not just the Tehran residents to rise up against this tyrannical and brutal regime.
The estimated cost for such a system varies, but I am informed by many experts that a functional system with two hour daily broadcast, edit and sound room, and personnel can be set up around $500,000. This is a small price to pay to free a peace and freedom loving nation who has been held hostage to a ruthless, medieval and barbaric regime. Will you help to make this civilized nation to rise up from ashes and the darkest period in its 7000 year history to join the ranks of democratic, civilized and freedom loving nations?
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Dr. Arash Irandoost is a pro-democracy activist who advocates Regime Change in Iran. He has been published in numerous magazines around the world as well as hundreds of Internet magazines, websites and blogs. He is also a researcher and literary translator and has been a strong voice for the struggling people of Iran. He blogs at http://hakemiat-e-mardom.blogspot.com/
A nation of sheep will beget a government of wolves! Long live Iran! Islamic Republic cannot be Reformed! Regime Change is the only viable Option!
http://hakemiat-e-mardom.blogspot.com/
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as if you are proposing something the U.S. has been
doing for decades, namely yet ANOTHER shortwave
broadcasting station for Iran.
Just why exactly would we want to add to the
present cacophony of voices beaming news and
other information to Iran?
We have Radio Farda under the BBG structure,
PNN also under the BBG structure -- and of course
the U.S. is not alone in Farsi-language broadcasting
to Iran.