The recent visit of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi to the United Nations General Assembly has sparked a wide range of reactions and discussions. Without the shield of diplomatic immunity, Raisi could face serious consequences for his alleged involvement in grave war crimes committed back in 1988. However, during his time in New York City, the focus shifted from the anniversary of protests in Iran to the release of American prisoners and discussions on Iran’s nuclear program. This post explores the implications and controversies surrounding Raisi’s visit and the potential consequences for both Iran and the international community.
An Opportune Theater:
Raisi’s presence at the U.N. General Assembly allowed him to divert attention from the protests in Iran and present his country as standing strong and not isolated. The American media shifted its focus towards the release of U.S. citizens and informal assurances regarding Iran’s nuclear program. Vali Nasr, an advisor to the Obama Administration on Iran, suggests that this theater effectively changed the narrative surrounding Iran’s internal affairs.
Crackdown on Protests and Regime Legitimacy:
Last year, Iran witnessed massive protests triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody. The regime’s security forces brutally suppressed the demonstrations, resulting in hundreds of deaths and tens of thousands of arrests. The regime aims to portray its survival and resilience in the face of such unrest. Nasr argues that Raisi’s visit and the subsequent prisoner exchange contribute to this desired message of stability and strength to domestic constituents, protesters, Iranians abroad, and other governments.
Normalization of Evil:
Roya Boroumand, an Iranian exile and advocate for human rights, criticizes the encasement of Raisi’s visit with legitimacy, considering the widespread human rights violations committed by the Islamic Republic. The trappings of the U.N. gathering, according to Boroumand, make vulnerable those who have suffered and continue to suffer under the regime’s harsh rule. She emphasizes the need to hold the Iranian government accountable for its actions.
The Return to Status Quo:
While Raisi’s visit sparked protests and brought attention to Iran’s human rights record, many believe it will ultimately result in a return to the status quo. Tehran, through the prisoner exchange and the $6 billion released by the Biden Administration, secures a lull in the ongoing tension between the two countries. Tehran is expected to limit its nuclear program and refrain from attacking U.S. forces in the Middle East, at least until the U.S. presidential elections conclude. This temporary arrangement provides a potential ceasefire and the possibility of addressing other issues in the future.
Butcher of Tehran and Lingering Controversies:
Raisi’s visit drew attention to the involvement of him and two other Iranian officials in the 1988 massacre, where thousands of prisoners were executed without trial. The misdeeds of the past continue to haunt Raisi, as seen by the “Butcher of Tehran” cutouts and protests during his visit to New York City. The memories of those who suffered remain vivid, and the question of universal jurisdiction arises. When confronted about potential war crime prosecutions, Raisi’s response, although delivered through a translator, suggests a warning towards those who disrupt societal balance.
Market Capital Research 