By ROYA HAKAKIAN, March 2, 2006; Page A14, Wall Street Journal
The bomb that Tehran’s mullahs are allegedly building
has already done its damage. … “The bomb” is an ingenious
design by which to divert any global interest in the country’s domestic
matters, giving the ruling clerics free rein to devastate opposition
with all the brutality they can muster. Among the ruins is an event
unprecedented in 27 years: A major strike by the workers of Sherkat-e
Vahed, the Union of Workers of the United Bus Company of Tehran….
The executive committee’s first meeting came under
fire. Baton-wielding thugs shouting “The bus syndicate, the monarchs’
hideout!” charged in, set their office on fire, beat everyone in
attendance, and promised to cut off the tongue of Mr. Ossanloo if he
continued his activities. As a sign of their seriousness, they ran a
blade over his tongue, shaving a layer off. He has spoken with a lisp
ever since.
In every flier and in every interview, the workers
emphasized that they were apolitical and did not wish to topple the
government, asking only to have some very basic demands met. … “In the name of He who created justice,” write the
organizers, “we hope for the people of the world to hear our plea:
Death or Syndicate!” …