We were reminded of the transformative power of people’s movements to bring about change this month as we marked the 44th anniversary of the 1979 revolution in Iran. More than four decades ago, the overthrow of the Pahlavi monarchy and the establishment of a republic in Iran held great promise for the people. However, it was quickly subverted by Ayatollah Khomeini and his reactionary mullahs, who have since been responsible for unimaginable human rights abuses, terrorism, regional destabilization and the pursuit of nuclear weapons. But since last September, the Iranian theocracy has faced a wave of social upheaval and mass protests demanding democracy and fundamental change in the political system. The international community has seen how women, young people and scores of others have taken to the streets to call for a secular republic that respects their individual rights, liberties and the freedoms of expression, press and assembly. These calls have not gone unheard, as evidenced by a significant conference held on Capitol Hill this month, in which several US lawmakers introduced House Resolution 100 calling for a democratic, secular and non-nuclear republic in Iran. The resolution, which has an unprecedented 165 bipartisan cosponsors, strongly condemns the Iranian regime’s violations of human rights and its state-sponsored terrorism. A senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, Rep. Tom McClintock, said the measure “expresses our united support for the Iranian people in their struggle.” Republican congressman McClintock, who is the resolution’s lead sponsor, added: “The lamentable anniversary of the Iranian revolution is upon us in two days. Let this be the last anniversary of this corrupt, backward and illegitimate regime. Let the next anniversary be one of liberation, deliverance and thanksgiving — an anniversary that will mark a new Iran, restoring its rightful place among the just, free, enlightened, prosperous and happy nations of the world.” The Iranian people’s passion for freedom and their commitment to liberating their homeland is an inspiration to all who know them. Congress has done the right thing by joining the growing chorus calling for liberty and justice in Iran. Moreover, the resolution rejects both monarchic dictatorship and the ruling theocracy, while voicing support for a democratic and secular republic in Iran. The Iranian people’s passion for freedom and their commitment to liberating their homeland is an inspiration. Dr. Majid Rafizadeh Addressing the congressional conference, National Council of Resistance of Iran President-elect Maryam Rajavi rightly pointed out the significance of Congress’ move, adding that it sends a clear message to the people of Iran that they are not alone in their fight for freedom and democracy. In addition, this resolution is a significant step forward in the fight for democracy in Iran and it sends a message to the regime in Tehran that the world is watching. The people of the US and the international community stand firmly behind the protesters and the people that Tehran is oppressing and killing. Despite its ebbs and flows, the ongoing revolution in Iran is destined to succeed because there are numerous signs that the people are rejecting all forms of dictatorship, including the former monarchy that devastated the country’s sociopolitical progress until 1979. Iranians are now looking only to the future and the establishment of a democratic republic based on the separation of religion and state, alongside gender equality. It is time for the regime in Iran to change. This is a regime that has responded to peaceful protests with violence, massacres, torture and imprisonment. It must be held accountable for its crimes against humanity, including the massacre of political prisoners in 1988. Otherwise, the regime’s murder machine will continue to outpace international condemnations. Some 10,000 supporters of opposition group the National Council of Resistance of Iran, who rallied in the streets of Paris last Sunday, echoed the same message, calling on the EU to end its appeasement of Iran and to support a democratic, secular republic. They were joined by John Bercow, the former speaker of the UK Parliament, and Ingrid Betancourt, a former Colombian senator and presidential candidate, who voiced their support for the cause of freedom and democracy in Iran. The world cannot stand by and watch as the people of Iran are denied their basic rights and freedoms. Adopting the example of the US Congress, the world must take action in order to support the people of Iran in their fight for freedom and democracy. In summary, it is not just the future of Iran, but also that of the entire region and the world that is at stake. A democratic Iran will benefit everyone. The scourge of the mullahs should end not tomorrow but today. • Dr. Majid Rafizadeh is a Harvard-educated Iranian-American political scientist. Twitter: @Dr_Rafizadeh