Wes Mantooth

I have to agree with you Will about a revolution or civil war. I've wondered over the last few years (especially in the wake of the elections) if something wasn't brewing on the horizon. I wonder if the opposition posses enough strength with the population to build any kind of meaningful revolution be it in the ballot box or through war, often times it seems oppositions builds only to fizzle and ultimately go nowhere. I have noticed that Iran seems to have an unusual amount of information being spread about the country for such totalitarian govt. and If that trend continues I wouldn't be surprised to see the opposition gain enough support to launch some real meaningful changes with in the country.

To address the OP I don't think the report will have very much impact unless its to bolster the opposition. A theocracy like Iran needs heavy control on the population to maintain its position, to loosen that grip in any way would cause widespread problems if not a complete collapse of the current regime. I would imagine it would be more then a simple change in leadership to correct the problem, rather a massive overhaul starting with removing the supreme leader from power and abolishing the position. Simply putting a new cleric in the position ultimately wouldn't change anything unless he unusually progressive and orchestrates the changes himself. Other then perhaps providing a model for other regimes I don't think Irans civil rights issue would impact other countries in any major way.

__________________