An American activist, Calla Walsh, 20, has drawn significant attention after a video surfaced showing her in Tehran, Iran, chanting "Marg bar Âmrikâ" ("Death to America") and expressing support for the "axis of resistance." The tweet, posted by "Stu," highlighted Walsh's praise for "all the martyrs" and glorification of the alliance that includes groups designated as terrorist organizations by the United States. Walsh's actions have sparked debate regarding the alignment of American citizens with foreign entities hostile to U.S. interests.
Walsh, identified as a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, was seen in the video stating, "Glory to all the martyrs, glory to the axis of resistance. May we see victory within our lifetimes. Marg bar Âmrikâ." Her presence in the Iranian capital and public statements underscore a direct endorsement of a geopolitical alignment that opposes the United States and its allies. The "Death to America" chant is a long-standing revolutionary slogan in Iran, symbolizing opposition to U.S. foreign policy and influence.
The "axis of resistance" is an informal, Iran-led alliance of state and non-state actors in the Middle East. Its primary objective is to counter U.S. and Israeli influence in the region. Key members of this network include the Lebanese Hezbollah, the Syrian government, various Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), the Yemeni Houthis, and Palestinian groups like Hamas. These entities share an anti-Western and anti-Israeli sentiment, often coordinating actions to achieve their shared strategic goals.
While the alliance is not formally bound by treaties, its members frequently engage in coordinated operations and mutual support. The network's origins trace back to Iran's 1979 revolution, with the term itself gaining prominence in response to former U.S. President George W. Bush's "axis of evil" designation. Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has historically played a central role in cultivating and supporting these groups, providing military, financial, and logistical assistance.
Walsh's public alignment with this axis from within Iran presents a stark image of internal dissent against U.S. foreign policy, echoing the sentiments of a network that seeks to challenge the existing regional order. Her statements from Tehran highlight the complex interplay of international relations, ideological allegiances, and the role of individual activists in global geopolitical narratives. The incident underscores the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran, further complicated by the public endorsement from an American citizen.