South China Sea

***Shiraz Airbase, Iran***

In warplane years, 36503 was ancient.

F-14A airframe 36503 was lovingly constructed in Grumman Aerospace’s Bethpage, Long Island plant in 1976 – for perspective, Peter Frampton came alive on eight track players in the United States that summer. The artist had since mellowed into an impossibly-cool grandfather but more than forty years after it was built, 36503 continued daily service in the front line of the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force. Of 79 F-14A’s sold by the Nixon Administration to the Shah (King) of Iran’s Imperial Air Force in the 1970’s, only 30 or so - including 36503 - remained active. The dwindling group survived the overthrow of the Shah in 1979, many turbulent years since and despite increasing age, could still – generally – perform as long range interceptors with residual ground attack and surveillance capabilities. For example, a single F-14 could haul up to 6,600 kg of ordinance – bombs - for ground attack or alternatively, heavy surveillance pods. Seldom-used but valuable options.

Major Firouz Zandi slowly circled 36503, pausing to tug on sleek fuel tanks slung beneath the wings, satisfying himself of proper installation, running knowing hands over access panels on the exterior of the fuselage - just to check. An unsecured panel was a flight risk and Zandi was a careful, thorough, pilot. He expertly appraised 36503’s condition through penetrating, dark brown eyes; face creased with lines of concentration and laughter, dark neatly-cut hair broken with a dusting of gray. A compact, capable-looking man.

It was no coincidence that Zandi matured into one of the finest F-14 pilots the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force had ever seen; his late uncle, Iranian Ace Brig. General Jalil Zandi, downed 11 Iraqi aircraft during the Iran-Iraq War and in this way earned the title of “most successful F-14 combat pilot in history.” Firouz was a living example that some beneficial traits can be inherited. The young Major was justifiably proud of his accomplishments, proud of family and service in the Air Force; a fierce warrior for the Islamic Republic of Iran.

But a fault developed. Zandi’s confidence in the Republic’s fractured, self-destructive leadership weakened as he matured. As teenager he had barely been aware of politics. Now, however, he realized the country’s 1979 constitutional amendment, “establishing an ideal and model society on the basis of Islamic norms” had doomed Iran to dysfunction on a national scale. Until then, his parents told him, political institutions had been serviceable - sometimes very poorly it was true. But after the amendment each political institution was required to have a parallel Islamic institution – usually with more power. Disconnect between the Islamic-based leadership and the Iranian population was a matter of time.

But changes went further. The amendment created Iran’s “Supreme Leader,” possessing, by constitutional fiat, absolute power over the country and her people. Subsequent conflicts between the goals of the revolution - hard line Islamists - verses goals of the State for the people - too often resulted in victory for the clerics. Results: living conditions in decline for over 25 years; the nation was an international pariah; and scarce resources poured into an unneeded, and risky, nuclear program.

Concern led disillusionment, disillusionment to alarm and Firouz – quietly – initiated contact with old friends he knew were connected with the “Greens”. The Greens: amorphous, loosely organized group of like-minded individuals – some surprisingly highly placed within the Regime and the Military and collectively the only semi-organized opposition to the madness that was frequently Iranian leadership. At first Firouz only listened – safer to keep his thoughts to himself –until the Regime’s frequent barbarity became personal.

Firouz had many nephews and nieces but young Neda Agha Soltan was a favorite. Bright, passionate, with a wry sense of humor, beautiful Neda, was killed during a peaceful student protest against governmental voting restrictions. Neda! She was barely five feet tall! The beautiful young girl clubbed to death; in all likelihood by SAVAK – the secret police charged with internal security. Little body dumped on the doorstep of the family home.

That Neda could come to such an end was unfathomable.

Days later, Firouz’s commander, Brigadier General Ataollah Salehi, Commander of Tactical Air Base 7 in Shiraz, visited Firouz’s home to offer personal condolences and to speak with him – privately.

The General invited Firouz to take a walk, “it’s a pleasant night and I enjoy walking, Major. I know you have experienced a loss. Walking a bit may help,” what he didn’t say was that it was possible that SAVAK had bugged Firouz’s little house. These things happened when one had even unintentional contact with the Regime.

Walking slowly through city streets, the bearded general spoke first, tone low but clear – impossible for anyone but Firouz to hear, “the Chinese are wise people, Major. They have a maxim, one I believe sums up a proposal I would like you to hear. To paraphrase: ‘use your enemy’s hand to catch a snake…’ may I share my thoughts with you?” What followed was a step-by-step description of a plan – a Green plan - for removal of the Regime and replacement with Green-party leadership. More than a coup; the plan was so audacious Firouz could scarcely believe the highly-decorated military leader walking beside him was serious.

But he was. Salehi carefully described Firouz’s critical – acutely dangerous – role. The older man’s didactic tone jarred Firouz; as if the General was analyzing some impossible war game but the reality behind the words was frightening.

The two men roamed the city – can this work? - Firouz continually asked himself, as their conversation lasted deep into the night.