General Discussion

pat_k

(13,154 posts)

10. The oppressive might of the IRGC/Basij military, industrial, economic conglomerate --

Fri Mar 6, 2026, 01:04 PM

Yesterday

might that is effectively independent of Ayatollah rule -- is likely to quell any "uprising" of ordinary people in brutal, brutal fashion.

I continue to be mystified that few are talking about the unique infrastructure of oppression in Iran. Everyone seems to assume we are just up against a conventional territorial defense force.

In Iran, that's the Artesh (regular army) -- about 600,000 strong. Key positions maintain levels of succession. They are a fairly conventional territorial defense that is not embedded throughout every sector of the economy and society.

But it's not the military that has a stranglehold on the people, it is the IRGC/Basij. And that is a COMPLETELY different animal.
https://www.democraticunderground.com/100221070279

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dalton99a rollin74 bigtree

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A nation of 90 million Iranians isn't going to 'surrender' to Donald Trump [View all] bigtree Yesterday OP

Will not happen even if the U.S. and Israel make Tehran look like Gaza. dalton99a Yesterday #1

Just like Putin! Fighting a war with a smaller power armed with drones! /nt bucolic_frolic Yesterday #2

He thinks he's dealing with tech billionaires and Ivy League univs and cowardly law firms 617Blue Yesterday #3

And cowards in the US Congress and US Supreme Court. Irish_Dem Yesterday #6

This message was self-deleted by its author 617Blue Yesterday #4

He wants all of them to bow down to him and recognize him as the supreme leader. Irish_Dem Yesterday #5

;-{)...... Goonch Yesterday #7

When will Bibi unleash the Jewish Space Lasers? sop Yesterday #29

It's just imperialism again. BlueTsunami2018 Yesterday #8

You've described American foreign policy for over a century. sop Yesterday #30

Can't we just kick his worthless ass out of office already? Initech Yesterday #9

Yes he is MustLoveBeagles Yesterday #15

But..but... Wuddles440 Yesterday #17

Yeah those people are as insane and deranged as he is! Initech Yesterday #21

Very strong people, with tears in their eyes (nt) AZJonnie Yesterday #25

Why are we insulting goats? mwmisses4289 Yesterday #32

The oppressive might of the IRGC/Basij military, industrial, economic conglomerate -- pat_k Yesterday #10

+1. Nothing will change for the Iranian people anytime soon dalton99a Yesterday #14

Tragically, with 40,000 to 54,000 Basij bases around Iran, they can ... pat_k Yesterday #19

+1. The regime had decades to staff and equip that network. dalton99a Yesterday #20

And evolving the IRGC / Basij into and a vast economic/industrial oppressive force pat_k Yesterday #22

Yep, well trained, well armed, well funded - and murderously ruthless. dalton99a Yesterday #23

And he wants to use the Kurds to encourage this. They are Sunni and majority of Iran is Shia--- good way to set off. dutch777 Yesterday #11

+1. Netanyahu wants a weakened and fractured Iran. dalton99a Yesterday #16

"We are waiting for them" leftstreet Yesterday #12

Mountainous Iran is an insurgent leader's dream. Aristus Yesterday #13

Whether it be an organized regime nitpicked Yesterday #18

Tirelessly!?! AZJonnie Yesterday #24

If history is a guide, rather than surrendering sarisataka Yesterday #26

Trump trying to find a face-saving way out of this mess Prairie Gates Yesterday #27

Trump is delusional, does he imagine the US Army will occupy Iran? Walleye Yesterday #28

Not without boots on the ground Johonny Yesterday #31