Iran advocates against violence

TEHRAN, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- Some leading Iranians caution against violence toward anti-government demonstrators, saying it could turn moderates into radicals.

Many who support Iran's religious rule still take to the street to protest the election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. But prominent Iranians fear a violent crackdown by security forces, such as the one threatened against a protest scheduled for Monday, might turn them into extremists bent on removing the leadership of the Islamic republic, The Washington Post reported Sunday.

"When you attack moderates, you breed radicals," said Amir Mohebbian, a former politician who shares Ahmadinejad's beliefs but not his policies. "Our leaders should say to the core of the protesters: 'We are not against you.' Otherwise, our system might be in danger."

Iran's top leadership has been deeply divided since the disputed June 12 election of Ahmadinejad, which led to the start of street protests.

Private disagreements over such issues as nuclear policy, principals of Islamic rule, transportation and governmental corruption have brought internal infighting to the surface. These arguments are paralyzing decision-making in the country, the Post said.

Many government leaders said the quarrels could be settled if the government moderated the way it handled demonstrations.

"Our revolution and its leaders get their power from the people," said Mohammad Khoshchehreh, an economist and former lawmaker. "We should regain their trust by making rational decisions. Otherwise, our leaders will lose influence."