On Sunday, news broke of the death of Iran's president, Ebrahim Raisi, in a helicopter crash. Along with several others, including the Islamic Republic's foreign minister, Raisi perished in a low-altitude flight that was navigating through mountains in low visibility conditions. The news left the left in an identity crisis, as they grappled with how to respond to the death of a leader who had become a quasi-ally over the years.
The mainstream press and Democrat politicians had to decide whether to offer condolences or to speak clearly about who Raisi was and his controversial legacy. Ultimately, they chose to go with the former. The Biden administration released a letter of "official condolences" to Iran, a move that was met with disbelief by many. Raisi has been widely known as the "butcher of Tehran" for his role in overseeing the murder of thousands of innocent people during his time in power.
Holy crap. They did it. They actually did it. https://t.co/Ojz1XsgAR2 pic.twitter.com/fHh1FvXXKo
— Bonchie (@bonchieredstate) May 20, 2024
This move by the government left many questioning the true intentions behind offering prayers for a man with a violent, oppressive history. Some argued that it was in line with the command from Jesus to pray for one's enemies. However, others pointed out that this verse refers to praying for the living enemies to come to salvation, rather than offering condolences for the deceased. The idea that the "Iranian people" are also mourning Raisi's death was touted by some, but this is a vast misrepresentation of the dynamics on the ground.
In reality, Iran's regime is largely despised by its own population, as evidenced by the massive demonstrations that have taken place in recent years. These protests have been brutally suppressed by the regime, further fueling the animosity towards them. The notion that the Iranian people are mourning Raisi's death is a false narrative and an insult to those who have lost loved ones due to the actions of the Islamic Republic.
"Lord, we pray for the Iranian people who mourn the death of their president."
-- Senate chaplain Black opening prayer pic.twitter.com/uTzow6mZR4
— Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) May 20, 2024
The backlash against the government's decision to offer condolences for Raisi's death highlights the deep divide within the left on their stance towards Iran. The country had been seen as a quasi-ally by some in the far left for over a decade, but Raisi's death raises important questions about the true nature of the regime and its leaders. Many are calling for a more honest and clear condemnation of Raisi's actions and legacy, rather than offering diplomatic condolences.
The circumstances surrounding Raisi's death have also raised eyebrows, with some questioning if this was simply a tragic accident or something more sinister. Low-altitude flying, low visibility, and mountains are a deadly combination for any aircraft, but the timing and location of the crash have sparked speculation. Some believe that it could have been an intentional attack by forces opposed to the regime, while others argue that it was a mere coincidence.
Regardless of the cause of the crash, Raisi's death has left a power vacuum in the highest levels of the Iranian government. As the country deals with the aftermath of this tragedy, it remains to be seen who will step into this role and how it will impact the already volatile political climate in the region. One thing is certain, the death of a man with a notorious legacy has left the left in an identity crisis and sparked important discussions about their stance on Iran.