Middle East Forum: Rubio Should Re-designate MEK as Terrorist to Appeal to Iranians
The Middle East Forum wrote in an article: “Rubio should re-designate the Mujahedin-e Khalq as terrorist to appeal to Iranians, so that Washington understands the voice of the Iranian people and demonstrates its support for their aspirations.”
A controversial article has been published on the Middle East Forum website discussing U.S. foreign policy toward Iran and one of the most prominent opposition groups. Michael Rubin, the article’s author, argues that “Rubio should re-designate the Mujahedin-e Khalq as terrorist to appeal to Iranians,” a proposal that carries deep political and diplomatic consequences.
Rubin begins by referring to recent protests and uprisings of the Iranian people, writing: “Iranians are closer than ever to overthrowing a government that most people have despised for decades.”
He emphasizes that the Mujahedin-e Khalq group has played a violent role in its history and is considered “terrorist” by many Iranians today; particularly due to bombings that killed hundreds of Iranians and their joining Saddam Hussein’s army during the height of the Iran-Iraq War.
Rubin also writes that: “This group has made tactical and political changes over the years but still has a ‘cult-like’ character and when interacting with them in Congress, it pretends to be committed to democracy, even though its internal behavior and rhetoric show it has not changed.”
In one of the key points of the article, he emphasizes that: “Rubio, unlike some of his predecessors, has never accepted bribes from the Mujahedin-e Khalq under the guise of financial assistance or fees.” He argues that this has made Rubio “not obligated” to this group and can take decisive steps in policymaking.
Rubin stresses that “re-designating the Mujahedin-e Khalq as terrorist by Rubio, beyond being a change in the government’s list, can demonstrate that Washington understands the aspirations of the Iranian people, considers their friendship, and respects their political will.”
While the Mujahedin-e Khalq was previously removed from the terrorist list and there have been extensive discussions in recent decades about its legitimacy and role in Iran’s opposition, Rubio’s move to return this group to the terrorist list could change both American domestic politics and Washington’s relations with Iranians and opposition currents against the regime in Iran. This proposal comes with the argument that such action could demonstrate that the United States distinguishes between the Iranian people and groups with a history of violence.
This issue could also provoke broader reactions in American political circles and Iranian public opinion; as the Mujahedin-e Khalq is one of the most recognized Iranian opposition groups abroad and has a complex history of political and military activities.
