It is as though history has simply repeated itself and the same approach has been applied to both. Most notably, both leaders gave considerable weight to the collective views of senior officials and set aside their own preferred positions. Their calls to preserve the dignity of officials are strikingly alike. Both warned of the enemy's schemes after acceptance, stressed the need for vigilance, and emphasized maintaining defense preparedness.
Although the Leader of the Islamic Revolution did not explicitly say, "As a matter of principle, I held a different view," Imam Khomeini had already made his position clear throughout the war with statements such as, "War, war until sedition is eliminated," "War, war until victory," and "If this war lasts 20 years, we will stand firm."
This is where Imam Khomeini expressed his differing view in another way, "I had made a covenant with you to fight until my last breath." In other words, he was not seeking acceptance of the resolution, but he respected the views of the country's officials, made that decision, and accepted responsibility for it.
As he stated, "based on the views of all the country's senior political and military experts, whose commitment, compassion, and sincerity I trust, I agreed to accept the resolution and ceasefire, and under the current circumstances I consider it to be in the best interests of the Revolution and the Islamic Republic."
Likewise, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution recently stated, "a memorandum was signed between the presidents of Iran and the US. On the path to reaching this stage, the responsible officials made extensive efforts out of sincerity and goodwill."
He also emphasized, "the noble Iranian nation, with continued trust in the dedicated officials of all three branches of government, whose efforts for the welfare and prosperity of the people are evident, will remain vigilant and active in safeguarding the national interests of Islamic Iran."
This reflects the same shared view toward government officials. Imam Khomeini likewise said of his trust in them, "I emphasize that you should not think I was unaware of the course of the war or those responsible for it. These officials have my trust. Do not reproach them for the decision they made, because it was also difficult and painful for them."
Imam Khomeini made it clear that the decision had not originated with him, stressing that "such a decision was difficult for them as well." He agreed to it. Similarly, today's Leader of the Islamic Revolution has said that, as a matter of principle, he held a different view, but approved it in light of the commitment of the responsible officials. Both therefore emphasize their trust in officials and that their approval was based on the expert assessments of the country's specialists
Regarding members of the public who may have criticisms or whose emotions may have been stirred, the views of both leaders are also noteworthy. Imam Khomeini said, "these days, many people may speak emotionally about why this happened and what should or should not have been done. Although such sentiments are, in themselves, a very beautiful value, now is not the time to address them."
The current Leader of the Islamic Revolution expressed the same point in different words, “Some people may, with complete sincerity and out of genuine concern, criticize the performance of certain officials. In my view, while their concern and commitment to the Islamic Republic, like the individuals themselves, is a valuable asset and is in itself commendable, they should be careful to avoid injustice and anything that could undermine unity."
Thus, both leaders have shown deep awareness of the social dimension of these issues in addressing public opinion.
This is the approach of religious leaders: on the one hand, they pay attention to public opinion and critics, while on the other, they support and stand behind government officials. This is the most important achievement of religious democracy in our society, that the institution of Velayat and leadership attaches importance to, and gives priority to, the views of the people's elected representatives.
In short, this comparison shows that the two Imams adopted the same approach toward two similar developments, and that nearly 37 years later, the unity of their outlook has once again become evident.
By Abdollah Ganji
The text was first published in Persian in Javan newspaper.
NOURNEWS