The BBC offers a fascinating glimpse into how Iran's notorious Basij militia operates.
Reportedly, many "Basiji" are recruited at a young age- 12 or younger. Some are drawn by ideology and some by money, while others relish the violence.
According to one Basij defectee, the members are "brainwashed":
"It [the brainwashing] takes place every night or weekly in the mosques they attend, so much so that they really believe that the protesters and opposition supporters on the streets are standing against the Prophet's teaching and Islam, they [the protesters) are mohareb (enemies of God) and their blood can be split, they should be killed."
The question remains-- what is the tipping point for an en masse defection?
Reportedly, many "Basiji" are recruited at a young age- 12 or younger. Some are drawn by ideology and some by money, while others relish the violence.
According to one Basij defectee, the members are "brainwashed":
"It [the brainwashing] takes place every night or weekly in the mosques they attend, so much so that they really believe that the protesters and opposition supporters on the streets are standing against the Prophet's teaching and Islam, they [the protesters) are mohareb (enemies of God) and their blood can be split, they should be killed."
The question remains-- what is the tipping point for an en masse defection?
