The timing of it is rather unexpected, but it seems that a true revolution is taking place in Iran. Many commentators and politicians, President Obama first and foremost, have insisted in recent weeks that the difference between Ahmadinejad and Mir Hossein Moussavi is neglectible, but Iranians seem to strongly disagree on that. This battle is not between one group of extremists and another, it is between those who want reforms, more freedom, etc. and those who want to continue the status quo.

Streets are covered in blood. One protester after another is shot or beaten to death. Yet, dissidents continue to protest and make clear, day in day out, that they have had it with not just President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, but also with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Especially the latter development is extremely important: Khamenei represents the revolution of 1979. If Iranians rid themselves of him, it is possible that they will, slowly but surely, modernize.

As CNN’s Fareed Zakaria said: “we are watching the fall of Islamic theocracy.” This does not automatically mean that the Iranian regime will fall soon. As Zakaria added, we all sure hope it will, but “repressive regimes can stick around for a long time. ” Instead, what truly matters here, and what we are truly witnessing, is the ” the end of the ideology that lay at the basis of the Iranian regime.”

Their ideology has failed. Just like communism in the 1980s. The majority of the population will focus on alternative systems, the system they will most likely turn to is Western style democracy – remember, Persians should never be mistaken with Arabs. Persians have historically been far more powerful, modern, educated and individualistic. I believe it to be logical for them to return to their roots in the coming months and years. This is an incredibly important development, for Iran is one of the Middle East’s most powerful countries. Furthermore, it is a major sponsor of terrorism everywhere. If Khamenei’s regime falls, Hezbollah and Hamas will have a major, major problem.

Meanwhile, the regime will undoubtedly continue to fight back. The more it fights, however, the more its people will turn against it and demand change. Sadly for the Mullahs, if they do not fight, they also lose. In other words, they have run out of time.

It’s certainly a terrible time in Iran with regards to the violent reaction from the regime, but it is also extremely exciting to see a people attempt to rid themselves of their oppressors, and to demand liberty, justice and basic human rights.