If there is need for talks, why not a nameless Parliamentary State Secretary who meets a nameless member of the Iranian opposition?
The support consists in legitimizing Pahlavi. Meeting the current chair of the Bundestag’s Foreign Affairs Committee has less gravitas than being received with full military honors but there is still gravitas. It not fully confirms but suggests that he inherited the leadership and that the reign of his father was legit. It also signals that regime change is possible. If we would oppose the war we wouldn’t do that.
Pahlavi is a relevant figure of the Iranian opposition, whether you and I like that or not. Whether he meets Laschet or not. Especially for Iranians in exile, he’s the most prominent figure for an alternative to the current Mullah regime. And of course, regime change is possible - and desired by Iranians. Don’t forget that the regime had to kill more than ten thousand people on the streets who were protesting against them only three months ago and that after the news emerged that Khamenei is dead, people in Iran filled the streets to celebrate.
I have no problem. To me the reception of Pahlavi just means that we support him and do our part to maintain the momentum of the revolution. The revolution doesn’t seem to be very successful right now so that any assurance helps to keep the people motivated.
If there is need for talks, why not a nameless Parliamentary State Secretary who meets a nameless member of the Iranian opposition?
The support consists in legitimizing Pahlavi. Meeting the current chair of the Bundestag’s Foreign Affairs Committee has less gravitas than being received with full military honors but there is still gravitas. It not fully confirms but suggests that he inherited the leadership and that the reign of his father was legit. It also signals that regime change is possible. If we would oppose the war we wouldn’t do that.
Pahlavi is a relevant figure of the Iranian opposition, whether you and I like that or not. Whether he meets Laschet or not. Especially for Iranians in exile, he’s the most prominent figure for an alternative to the current Mullah regime. And of course, regime change is possible - and desired by Iranians. Don’t forget that the regime had to kill more than ten thousand people on the streets who were protesting against them only three months ago and that after the news emerged that Khamenei is dead, people in Iran filled the streets to celebrate.
So, what exactly is your problem here?
I have no problem. To me the reception of Pahlavi just means that we support him and do our part to maintain the momentum of the revolution. The revolution doesn’t seem to be very successful right now so that any assurance helps to keep the people motivated.
That can be your opinion. But you shouldn’t rule out other interpretations.
Everything is possible. As you mentioned, Laschet could just have voiced concerns, we don’t know.