The Revolution Devours Its Own, Again
What's actually happening: CASE A: Iran's 'Monster' IRGC France 24 reports Sazegara's assertion that the IRGC, initially conceived to protect the Revolution, has 'converted to a monster,' driven by economic interests and political ambition. The narrative emphasizes the IRGC's deep involvement in Iran's economy, its independent command structure, and its perceived transformation from an ideological
vanguard to a self-serving entity. Sazegara states, 'They are not accountable to the Iranian government or parliament.' This framing positions the IRGC as an almost rogue actor undermining a potentially more palatable, albeit still authoritarian, state structure. CASE B: The 'Liberators' of Iraq and Afghanistan Consider the framing of groups like the US-backed 'Sons of Iraq' (Anbar Awakening
Council) in 2006-2007, or various Afghan militias during the 2001 invasion and subsequent occupation. These groups were often presented as necessary partners, local forces 'empowered' to combat insurgents or maintain order. While their involvement in corruption, human rights abuses, and self-enrichment was documented, the mainstream discourse frequently downplayed these aspects, or attributed them
to 'unforeseen consequences' rather than foundational design flaws. For instance, reports on the 'Sons of Iraq' often highlighted their role in reducing violence (U.S. Army, 2008), while their entanglement in local power struggles and criminal activities received less prominent attention. THE FRAMING: A Matter of Attribution In Sazegara's description, the IRGC is a 'monster' because it has become