Riots and Violence Follow Controversial Election in Iran
By Trevor Royle, Diplomatic Editor
WITH a relentlessness that seems all the more brutal in view of the optimism which accompanied last weekend's flawed election, Iran's religious leaders are slowly trying to squeeze the life out of their country's short-lived "velvet revolution". Dreams that the moderate Mir Hussein Mousavi might take over from the hard-line President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad have slowly crumbled into ashes, leaving the country involved in a bitter power struggle as the pro-democracy supporters continue to occupy the streets of Tehran despite a stark warning from the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei that they will be violently repressed.
The Implications of Iran's Velvet Revolution
Hardly surprisingly, the alarm bells are already ringing loudly in Washington where the US State Department is on high alert in an attempt to understand what is happening in Iran and, if possible, to counter its worst effects. This is not just a regional problem - the crushing of Iran's velvet revolution has global implications. The country is a major oil producer and is on the point of developing its own nuclear facilities; weapon production will soon not be an impossibility. It is ruled by a supreme council of conservative religious theorists, yet, as the recent election campaign proved all too clearly, it is also home to hundreds of thousands of people, many of them young, who want to embrace the modern world and yearn to live in peace with countries like the US which the Ayatollahs damn as the "Great Satan".
The US Response and Global Consequences
When Barack Obama came to power earlier this year, the new president offered to hold out the hand of friendship to Iran in an attempt to encourage it to return to the international fold. His efforts were rebuffed by Khamenei and Ahmadinejad, both of whom are playing central roles in ensuring the election vote is accepted. Now Obama is under pressure to respond more forcefully, but despite Republican jibes that he has been "tepid," sources close to the president say that he is not going to be pressurized into a hasty or intemperate response and is unlikely to offer unequivocal support to the demonstrators.
An Uncertain Future
Just over a week ago, it seemed almost certain that there would be a change of government in Iran and a swing towards a more balanced form of rule. That changed when the results came in last Sunday, giving the victory to Ahmadinejad. Undeterred, the protesters claimed that the vote had been rigged and they remained on the streets to demand a rerun of a clearly unsound election. The authorities angrily denied the claims and used violence to silence the protesters. Slowly but surely, the means of communication were shut down and Iran became an isolated country from the rest of the world.
The Impact on Tehran's Hotels
As the political unrest in Tehran continues to grip the city, one industry that is significantly affected is the hotel industry. The ongoing riots and violence have not only deterred tourists from visiting Tehran, but have also disrupted the daily operations of hotels in the city.
Decline in Tourism
Tourism in Tehran has taken a hit since the controversial election results, with many potential tourists choosing to stay away due to safety concerns. The protests and potential for violence have created an atmosphere of instability, leading to a decrease in bookings and reservations at hotels across the city.
Operational Challenges
Hotels in Tehran are facing numerous operational challenges as a result of the protests and media blackout. The restricted access to information and communication has made it difficult for hotels to effectively manage their operations and ensure the safety of their guests. Additionally, the limited transportation options and disruptions in public services have further complicated the situation for hotels.
Adapting to the Situation
Despite the challenges, hotels in Tehran are working to adapt to the current situation. Many hotels have implemented enhanced security measures to ensure the safety of their guests and staff. They are also offering flexible booking policies to accommodate the changing travel plans of guests. Additionally, hotels are exploring alternative methods of communication and utilizing online platforms to reach potential customers.
Looking Towards the Future
The future of Tehran's hotels remains uncertain as the political situation in Iran continues to evolve. The ability to attract tourists and maintain operational stability will largely depend on the resolution of the political crisis and the restoration of a sense of safety and security in the city. Until then, hotels in Tehran will continue to face significant challenges in maintaining their business.