Sara Samavati

Dr. Habibollah Peyman is among the most prominent faces in Iran's religious reform movement. Rooz has conducted an exclusive interview with Dr. Peyman on the thirtieth anniversary of Jonbesh Mosalmanan Mobarez [“Movement of Combatant Muslims”], an Islamist socialist group founded by Dr. Peyman.

Dr. Peyman believes that “[a]ll Iranian intellectuals, except for a very small minority, have adopted a strategy of peaceful and moderate political activism.” Nevertheless, Dr. Peyman argues, “independent forces have no place in elections.” Below is an excerpt of our interview with Dr. Peyman.

Rooz (R): How did your colleagues take the revolution [of 1979 that overthrew the monarchy]?

Habibollah Peyman (HB): When the revolution succeeded, the forces that took charge, in our opinion at least, did not have the nature and determination to actualize the revolution's ideals. Therefore, we decided to continue our ideological-political struggle in the social sphere, and consolidate a movement that was founded upon ideals of freedom, equality, and social justice. We wanted to create popular institutions that would protect and advance revolutionary goals, because we were certain that the new government would be unable to do so. Our analysis was that the revolution occurred somewhat prematurely, and was therefore extremely fragile. We decided to encourage people to create civil, professional, and political associations whenever that they could in order to avoid the revolution’s derailment.

R: Mr. Peyman, what do you think about the upcoming elections?

HB: Look, essentially we do not look at elections in a strategic way, meaning that elections do not have a strategic significance for us. We don’t believe that you can bring about structural change towards democracy and social justice by participating in elections and even the Majlis or power structure. We look at elections as a tactical opportunity, meaning that, since the main work must be done on the social level, it is positive if some individuals can get into the Majlis as spokespersons for the public.

It is good if such an opportunity comes up, meaning that some individuals can get into the Majlis and defend [the public], not like the current minority faction, which has done nothing. If they go into the Majlis with the mentality to reflect people’s demands, this is good and there is nothing wrong with it. But right now, it seems like the atmosphere is becoming more closed and limited, and there is no possibility for the large number of reformists who are somewhat still part of the government to take part in the elections. Therefore, it is highly unlikely for independent forces to play a role in these elections. In any case, we are still viewing the developments and are waiting to see how coalitions will form. In our view, forming a coalition may be very difficult, because the reformists have serious internal disagreements. They were dealt a humiliating defeat and each faction has its own analysis of reasons behind the defeat, sometimes pointing the finger at others. This is a serious detriment facing the reformists' unification prospects.