The phenomenon of the Basij is an innovative phenomenon. Not in the sense that popular resistance forces did not exist in other countries and elsewhere — no, we know they did. However, resistance forces in various countries around the world — in the West, the East, and so on — are usually related to periods of oppression, pressure, and struggles. After the struggle ends — whether these resistance groups themselves come to power or others come to power with their help — that resistance force disappears and this popular organization comes to an end. This is how it works in the world. Those familiar with popular resistance movements in Africa, Europe, Asia, and various countries know this.
What is meant by conditional pressure is that they apply a pressure, for example sanctions, and then they say, "We will lift this on the condition that such and such action is taken." It is not that they completely make one despair; they say, "We will lift it, but the condition is that this action must be taken." This is a very dangerous thing, a very important thing. These conditions may be severely misleading and destructive. In such a situation, what should one do? Here, one realizes that the remedy for this is: "So be steadfast as you have been commanded, along with those who have turned back [in repentance] with you" (Quran 11:112).
