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Shadowy Militia Is First Line of Defense for Iran Regime

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 23, 2009 12:22 PM CDT
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(Newser) – The Iranian regime’s first response against pro-Mousavi protesters last week was not the Revolutionary Guard but its volunteer branch, the Basij militia, CNN reports. Iran says the militia, created by the Ayatollah Khomeini in 1979, numbers 12 million; the actual count is probably a smaller—but still effective—300,000. “Basij members made up with zeal what they lacked in military professionalism,” an expert said.

Militia members were first to take on election protesters. “There are Basij bases throughout the city and beyond, and they were able to respond quickly,” the expert continued. For their trouble, the Basij receive some money and a sense of authority, though the price is often great. During the Iraq war, they were used to clear minefields. “Cannon fodder is a fair way to characterize them,” said the expert.

Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reviews a gathering of Basij paramilitary forces.
Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reviews a gathering of Basij paramilitary forces.   (AP Photo)
A Basij militiaman throwing a rock from the group's building in the direction of demonstrators.
A Basij militiaman throwing a rock from the group's building in the direction of demonstrators.   (AP Photo)
Covering their faces and uniformed in the style of Lebanese Hezbollah militants, Iranian Basij members attend a rally.
Covering their faces and uniformed in the style of Lebanese Hezbollah militants, Iranian Basij members attend a rally.   (AP Photo)
Supporters of Iranian reformist presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi being chased by security forces.
Supporters of Iranian reformist presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi being chased by security forces.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 7 comments
emptycalm
Jun 24, 2009 12:43 PM CDT
basically the rejects of the military. Wow no wonder they are beating people randomly.
2-bits
Jun 24, 2009 6:49 AM CDT
SPH: I've obviously touched on a sore spot for you. Did you serve? I have to admit that my comment wasn't entirely original, I was mostly quoting my Dad, who by the way, WAS drafted and fought in Vietnam. By the way, it's not very nice to call me fat or stupid. You don't even know me, or suggest that I should die. You don't even know me. :(
2-bits
Jun 23, 2009 10:09 AM CDT
If by us, you mean the US, you are wrong. The army was killing at a ratio of about 17:1 and the marines 5:1 (combatants killed : soldiers lost). I have no data on the Air Force, but I assume it is pretty nasty. We lost because we became involved in a cluster fuck where we had no real allies, birthrates which almost guaranteed we'd never meaningfully reduce enemy numbers, a populace that didn't want us there, no one at home wanted us there either, among other factors.

In depth on the Revolutionary Guard
Council on Foreign Relations

 
Iran • Iranian Revolutionary Guard • Iran war • Iranian election • Mir Hossein Mousavi • Ayatollah Khomeini • Basij militia

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