Imam Khomeini’s legacy gave birth to Axis of Resistance

Tehran, Qodsna - Christopher Helali told the Qods News Agency that Imam Khomeini promoted the creation of the Axis of Resistance, which still continues to fight colonialism in the West Asia region and elsewhere.

The interview comes as follows:

Qodsna: Approaching the demise anniversary of late Imam Khomeini, how could he affect the world and what was the impact of his ideology regarding all-out support for oppressed nations throughout the world?

Helali: Imam Khomeini changed the world. The revolution he led, and the impact of its ideology, has reverberated throughout the decades. There is no doubt that the 1979 revolution is of world historic significance. Imam Khomeini’s ideology was one that centered the oppressed, much like Imam Hussein’s struggle against the injustice and oppression of Yazid. One is reminded of the anti-imperialist and anti-colonial characteristics of Imam Khomeini’s ideology by a famous poster for the gathering of world liberation movements that took place in Tehran in January 1980.

The poster shows a large red arrow with smaller red arrows striking on top of President Carter’s head which is atop the White House. The groups listed include the MPAIAC, SWAPO, ELF, POLISARIO, PLO, and the ANC. On the poster is a quote from Imam Khomeini which reads, “Any weapon whether it is a pen or a gun should not be employed against one another. Instead, they should be aimed directly at the enemies of humanity, on top of them the government of the United States.” This is the enduring legacy of Imam Khomeini.

Iran after 1979 has supported, and continues to support, revolutionary movements and national liberation struggles. Imam Khomeini’s legacy is the fertile soil that gave birth to the Axis of Resistance and the ongoing struggle against imperialism, colonialism, and Zionism in the region and beyond.

Qodsna: As you know Imam Khomeini predicted the collapse of Israel and the Palestinian people’s victory in retaking their homeland, with this said, what is the impact of Imam Khomeini’s Islamic Revolution of Iran on the Palestinian issue?

Helali: It is my sincere hope that Imam Khomeini’s prediction of the collapse of the Zionist state and the Palestinian people’s victory can be achieved in our lifetime. We wait for the day when Jews, Muslims, Christians, and all people can live in a free Palestine from the river to the sea. A Palestine that is not beholden to a chauvinist and exclusionary ideology that privileges one ethno-religious group over the rest.

There is no doubt that Imam Khomeini’s Islamic Revolution in Iran had an enormous impact on the Palestinian issue. It was from this revolution that other political movements in the region like Hezbollah and eventually Hamas would find support ranging from political to military and even spiritual support. Anyone who has studied the region’s history carefully can only arrive at the same conclusion that Iran’s Islamic Revolution under Imam Khomeini was an axial moment for the entire region that breathed new life into the Palestinian struggle for national liberation.