Iran Hostage Crisis Survivor Barry Rosen on Current Iranian Regime and Nuclear Program

Mixed Feelings on Intervention

• 💡 Barry Rosen, a survivor of the Iran hostage crisis, expresses mixed feelings regarding potential intervention in Iran.
• 🌍 While he has affection for the Iranian people due to his Peace Corps and press attaché experiences, he is concerned about civilian casualties on both sides.
• ⚛️ Rosen firmly believes that Iran should not possess nuclear weapons.

The Nature of the Iranian Regime

• 🗣️ The chant "Death to America" is not hyperbole but a fundamental pillar of the Iranian revolution, originating from Ayatollah Khomeini.
• 🕊️ Rosen acknowledges that some Iranians yearn for democracy and remember a more Westernized past, recalling a time of swimsuits and rock concerts.
• 🔒 However, he is doubtful that a charismatic secular leader will emerge to bring Iran back to normalcy, believing the current regime will hold on.

Regime's Tools for Control

• 🔫 The Iranian regime maintains power through its control of weaponry, the Basij groups, Revolutionary Guards, and intelligence agencies.
• ✊ These entities are described as willing to shoot and kill to maintain control.
• 🚫 Rosen does not see a viable political opposition capable of establishing a secular society within Iran.

Personal Reflections on Justice

• 🙏 While held hostage for 444 days, Rosen hoped for external intervention, even wishing for the US Air Force to bomb Iran.
• ⚖️ He admits that seeing the regime that wronged him potentially facing consequences from allies like Israel brings a sense of payback, though he hopes for minimal civilian harm.