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Vivian Bercovici: Regime change in Iran is no longer a fantasy

Assassinations of top regime figures, protests, and tips from Iranians move the Islamic regime closer to collapse

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On Tuesday morning, Israelis awoke to the news that the head of the Basij police in Iran had been killed in a targeted overnight air strike.

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Gholamreza Soleimani led the almost one-million strong force that is feared and loathed by Iranians for its violence and savagery in repressing even peaceful protest and dissent.

Vivian Bercovici: Regime change in Iran is no longer a fantasy Back to video

The top tier of Basij police are paid a salary, but most are not. They join and carry out their savage enforcement orders out of what is likely a desire for social status and power. Basij forces are the ones removing wounded protesters from hospitals and executing them in their beds. They shoot wildly and drive motorcycles into crowds.

Earlier this month, thousands of Basij members were sent a mass warning by an unknown actor: “You are under our complete surveillance. We know what crimes you have committed against the Iranian people. We have identified you and all your associates. Surrender or flee. There will be no second warning.”

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