Myanmar versus Iran

I think the situation in Myanmar is much like that in Iran; a military rule there and a religious clerical rule here. Both are totalitarian regimes. As I read a little earlier about the history of Myanmar, it seems that it has a long historical and cultural background relative to the neighbouring Southeast Asian countries. For example they have a relatively long history of central governments; they soon embraced Buddhism and there are many historical temples all around the country; before being dominated by British colonists they resisted for many years; In 1961, the Burma's Permanent Representative to the United Nations was elected Secretary-General of the United Nations and served for ten years.

By the way it seems that there has been a long dispute for development in Myanmar. They have tried and failed several times and it seems to be much thirst and will for freedom and welfare amongst Burmese nation as there is in Iran; they have paid many lives in this regard, for instance the well-known 8888 student unrest. Since a few days ago, Buddhist monks have started a widespread pro-democracy protest against military government. I think this is a great chance for Burmese nation versus Iranians. The monks are much popular in Myanmar and while they are leading the protest against government, the militants can not confront them as they are frightened of the supporting lay people.

In Iran, vice-versa, the power is in the dirty hands of corrupt clergymen. Most Iranians are somehow religious; religious believes amongst us are not rather radical but virtually softened by Persian old cultural heritage. At the same time we are really keen for freedom and development.
Since establishment of the religious government, it has constantly misused the nation's religious believes and their respect for clergies as a mean to continue tyranny, oppression, corruption and plundering national resources. Even they have created an independent military force in parallel to the national army which they call the Revolutionary Guards. This is actually not an army to defend the country but to guard the government itself. It is a network of forces distributed all over the country to repress any opposition.

Therefore I think now there is a significant opportunity for the Burmese people to stand for their rights; an opportunity we, the Iranians, can not enjoy of. They should not be frightened by threats of military crackdown.

Good luck for all Burmese! I hope you will succeed and I hope your victory will give us enough encourage and confidence to stand for our rights.