~ Iranian Elections and Riots ~

[spoon]

Iran on the brink? (http://news.aol.com/article/iranian-election/487713?icid=main|aimzones|dl1|link2|http%3A%2F%2Fn ews.aol.com%2Farticle%2Firanian-election%2F487713)

Surely you've heard Iran is much more influenced by western culture than any other in the Middle East outside of Turkey (if you consider them in that group), but at least they remembered how to get pissed and riot with sytle. I hope this is the start of the first country in that area to truly realize what is the biggest factor in depressing their economy as opposed to just blaming the US and every other religion. It seems this country with it's extremely young western influenced civilization has had enough, but will the biggest show if unrest in 10 years be a blip on the radar, or a start of a true revolution?!

What do you think?

[Suspect Chin]

Iran on the brink? (http://news.aol.com/article/iranian-election/487713?icid=main%7Caimzones%7Cdl1%7Clink2%7Chttp%3 A%2F%2Fnews.aol.com%2Farticle%2Firanian-election%2F487713)

Surely you've heard Iran is much more influenced by western culture than any other in the Middle East outside of Turkey (if you consider them in that group), but at least they remembered how to get pissed and riot with sytle. I hope this is the start of the first country in that area to truly realize what is the biggest factor in depressing their economy as opposed to just blaming the US and every other religion. It seems this country with it's extremely young western influenced civilization has had enough, but will the biggest show if unrest in 10 years be a blip on the radar, or a start of a true revolution?!

What do you think?

Blip on the radar. Same reason why the Iraqis were living in terrible conditions but never did anything about it.

[The Jays]

Blip on the radar. Same reason why the Iraqis were living in terrible conditions but never did anything about it.

Seriously? The same conditions? How come we're not starting pre-emptive wars with them?

[hanso]

They can pretty much take over Iraq. After the blunder Bush made.(and the U.S. pulls out).
I hope the youth gets there just dues (most who voted were young). Was the election rigged? Who knows.

[Suspect Chin]

Seriously? The same conditions? How come we're not starting pre-emptive wars with them?

Did I say the same conditions? We aren't starting pre-emptive wars because of the nuclear threat and because hopefully we learned our lesson in Iraq.

[The Jays]

We started the Iraq War because they were supposed to have had WMDs. So, because we know Iran has nuclear weapons, we're not going to attack them?

[Suspect Chin]

We started the Iraq War because they were supposed to have had WMDs. So, because we know Iran has nuclear weapons, we're not going to attack them?

We won't attack Iran because we pretty much burned any international support when the Iraq war went bad.

If we knew Iran had nuclear weapons on the launching pad, I bet we would either attack directly or unleash Israel on them.

[hanso]

Iraq wanted weapons to contend with Iran.
Not to metion the gas that was used on the kurds came from Ronnie R.

[A.J.]

I want to believe that the youth will nudge Iran back to a more secular, moderate government but the clerics there hold too much power. It's reminiscent of the situation in Saudi Arabia: the religious establishment is too intertwined into politics and you have a theocracy.

[TheMojoPin]

I want to believe that the youth will nudge Iran back to a more secular, moderate government but the clerics there hold too much power. It's reminiscent of the situation in Saudi Arabia: the religious establishment is too intertwined into politics and you have a theocracy.

Sure, but the x-factor here is the sheer size of the youthful population compared to countires brought up here like Iraq and Saudi Arabia. The clerics hold the power for now, but this isn't a totalitarian government as pervasive and as powerful as Saddam's nor is the population potentially as sated and complacent as so much of Saudi Arabia's is.

[TheMojoPin]

Blip on the radar. Same reason why the Iraqis were living in terrible conditions but never did anything about it.

Iraq under Saddam and Iran are most certainly not the "same reasons." And the Iraqis did attempt to rise up against Saddam.

[sailor]

and what became of the bigger show of unrest from ten years back?

[keithy_19]

and what became of the bigger show of unrest from ten years back?

They got Coca-Cola, MTV, and McDonalds. 'Nuff said.

[spoon]

They got Coca-Cola, MTV, and McDonalds. 'Nuff said.

and sat dishes which are technically against the law, internet was truly open as well.....until yesterday and at other points during the election

still keithy, perhaps we shouldn't claim mtv and mcD's as a victory! :laugh:

[underdog]

and sat dishes which are technically against the law, internet was truly open as well.....until yesterday and at other points during the election

My buddy was in Iran until about a week or so ago for a month. They would just block Facebook randomly, and then unblock it two days later.

[foodcourtdruide]

That country has a chance to fall into disaster. I just hope its not too bloody.

[spoon]

My buddy was in Iran until about a week or so ago for a month. They would just block Facebook randomly, and then unblock it two days later.

Yah, I read about this going on bc Mir Hossein Mousavi, the opposition party to the current nut, was clearly using the tech platform to get the word out on his goals and his opponents missteps.

[spoon]

That country has a chance to fall into disaster. I just hope its not too bloody.

It may be the right time to move, and we really have little or no ability to help being so militarily depleted and economically drained. To be honest, this country has many western traits especially in the major cities. The clerics and religious sects have all but been forced to open things up over the last few years, but now we stand at a fork in th road.

[EliSnow]

This guy is so full of shit. (http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/06/14/iran.election.rival/index.html)

[HBox]

If anyone wants to get an in depth look at this turn on CNN and watch Fareed Zakaria GPS right now.

[spoon]

After watching the video of the new conf.....



seriously, what a bs answer, and wow does he take traffic violations seriously

you'd think the iranian taxi drivers here would be better, wtf?!

[foodcourtdruide]

This guy is so full of shit. (http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/06/14/iran.election.rival/index.html)

That article made me realize how volitile the situation is. What arrogance.

[styckx]

Any place to get real updates of what is going on there? I'm finding bits and pieces on off beat sites. From the little I've found it's a lot worse over there then is being reporting here.

[styckx]

Good feed. Apparently twitter is smacking the news networks around as far as covering this and people are pissed at the biased coverage in the U.S. (none coverage)

http://iran.twazzup.com/?q=%23IranElection

http://iran.twazzup.com/



TR @_Sober : 4 kill in falake-gaaz, Rasht! #iranelection
4 min ago · Reply · Retweet · View tweet

This is a gem right here

http://www.h3x.no/2009/06/14/iranians-on-twitter-during-the-june-clashes/

[styckx]

Some interesting things coming across the iran twitter feeds


nickcarona: Iran is in chaos. Riots all over. #IranElection #yct
1 minute ago from web


spunkyprincesa: iranian army has announced its neutrality--truly an historic moment--that is an invitation for change #iranelection #humanrights
1 minute ago from web


MarioSpam: RT:@2hamed: "Iran's Army: we will only fight the outsider enemy not our own ppl." If true, huge development. #iranelection

[hanso]

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Tehran Fired Up
Two days after the presidential elections, losing candidate, Mousavi demanded the results be set aside and urged more protests.

Did it say 40mil. voted? Folks getting turned away (sound familiar)??

[styckx]

<embed src="http://media-mobi.com/js/mediaplayer-420.swf" width="480" height="360" bgcolor="000000" flashvars="file=http%3A%2F%2Fw12.media-convert.com%2Fmb_get_sh.php%3Fc%3D782b7226667a2d79 3c34267a205a3e6f396b57585976382e76606c51296a5b6444 7226635e373c5031372e636a5e3e7e4d6d786c3e2e6a662b4e 4e.flv&logo=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia-mobi.com%2Fimages%2Fmbhosted.gif" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always"></embed>
Tehran Fired Up
Two days after the presidential elections, losing candidate, Mousavi demanded the results be set aside and urged more protests.

Did it say 40mil. voted? Folks getting turned away (sound familiar)??

CNN finally sorta got on the ball. Every reporter has been basically kicked out of the country.

The only news getting out is from twitter for the most part. People setting up proxies so the Iranians can bypass the government filters. Huffintonpost has been covering this well. Along w/ some others.

http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/13/iran-demonstrations-viole_n_215189.html

This is still the major feed everyones paying attention to.

http://iran.twazzup.com/?q=%23IranElection

[SatCam]

Two days after the presidential elections, losing candidate, Mousavi demanded the results be set aside and urged more protests.

Did it say 40mil. voted? Folks getting turned away (sound familiar)??

are you suggesting there were men guarding polling places with berets and billy clubs?



only in Iran, folks

[styckx]

are you suggesting there were men guarding polling places with berets and billy clubs?



only in Iran, folks

Um, in America most polling places have an armed officer or two guarding/watching over the place. This isn't just an Iran thing.

[badmonkey]

Um, in America most polling places have an armed officer or two guarding/watching over the place. This isn't just an Iran thing.

They have the New Black Panther Party for Self Defense in America too?!?!
And all this time, I thought it was just an Iran thing.

:innocent:

[TheMojoPin]

and what became of the bigger show of unrest from ten years back?

There's never been an uprising like this since the revolution. What you're talking about was essentially just scattershot demonstrations and rioting with no clear purpose. This is over a specific issue backing a specific person in direct opposition to the ruling powers.

[west milly Tom]

Anyone know how the new guys platform differed from the incumbent?
(serious inquiry not political rope-a-dope)

[The Jays]

I think one guy thinks Americans should die, while the other thinks they should burn in hell.

[TheMojoPin]

Anyone know how the new guys platform differed from the incumbent?
(serious inquiry not political rope-a-dope)

Far more moderate than Mahmoud and represents a significant break from the ideologies of the revolutionaries that have ruled for 30 years. He's not a perfect candidate by any means, nor would his position as president likely have much more power than Mahmoud, but it represents a signifcant shift in what the current generation of Iranians want and will tolerate from the revolutionaries.

[hanso]

On the video. The guy says he was told "they have enough votes now". what ever that means.

[Recyclerz]

If I had to bet, I'm afraid the Iranian protests will have a Tiananmen Square type ending rather than the more successful Eastern European revolutions of 1989. Iran is run by a bunch of religious zealots who are supported by a large cadre of bone-breaking thugs for whom Ahmadinejad is the front man. The reason they are trying for the Bomb is to perpetuate the status quo so they aren't leaving voluntarily. I think the only scenario for them to get overthrown is if the price of oil goes down and stays down long enough to force their system of patronage to break down.

The stolen election should clear away some of the misty rhetoric in our media that the Middle East and southwest Asian problems will be whisked away because we have Obama as POTUS. A silver lining to the election stealing is that it gives Obama & Hilary a stronger hand to come down on Iran for pursuing the nukes in that it takes away the fig leaf that some of the other Security Council types have proferred that Iran can be reasoned with or cajoled into behaving better. The Iranian wolf (ie. the regime in charge, not the people) has ditched its sheep's clothing with this outrage. I'm rooting for Obama and Hilary to make chicken salad out of the chicken shit situation that we have now.

[keithy_19]

I don't know about anyone else, but this absolutely excites me. To see such a movement against the government in Iran and how the people there are fed up with the corruptiona nd are willing to risk their lives to protest.

[A.J.]

I heard Mousavi asked his protestors to go on strike on Tuesday. That should be interesting.

[The Jays]

I don't know about anyone else, but this absolutely excites me. To see such a movement against the government in Iran and how the people there are fed up with the corruptiona nd are willing to risk their lives to protest.

I wouldn't say I'm excited about it, because I fear what Recyclerz fears; a Tiananmen Square-style response to the protests.

[spoon]

I don't know about anyone else, but this absolutely excites me. To see such a movement against the government in Iran and how the people there are fed up with the corruptiona nd are willing to risk their lives to protest.

I wouldn't say I'm excited about it, because I fear what Recyclerz fears; a Tiananmen Square-style response to the protests.

I feel both.

[foodcourtdruide]

Yeah, a lot of innocent people may die. Its sad that its come to this.

[foodcourtdruide]

What's happening is pretty amazing. News is slowly leaking out from facebook accounts and anonymous blogs. I think CNN is doing the best job of covering this right now, along with some blog sites. I'm happy this isn't turning into the typical "right vs. left" nonsense that our media shoves down our throats. Iran is potentially on the brink of something huge, really huge.

[styckx]

What's happening is pretty amazing. News is slowly leaking out from facebook accounts and anonymous blogs. I think CNN is doing the best job of covering this right now, along with some blog sites. I'm happy this isn't turning into the typical "right vs. left" nonsense that our media shoves down our throats. Iran is potentially on the brink of something huge, really huge.

It's funny, Iran's Supreme leader has now suddenly ordered a investigation into the alleged rigging of votes. A day after he said the election was valid. This probe will obviously be a shame itself.

march is unbelievable , there was never something like this in the past 30 years #iranelection (via @mohamadreza )


http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g37/styckx/48d860fd22ba06f295a434ef6a9bcca1a6e.jpg

[EliSnow]

Yeah, a lot of innocent people may die. Its sad that its come to this.

True, but if they die fighting for what they believe and a change in their government, I think that is a good thing, even if they fail. Better to fight for what you believe, then to sit back and take fraud, etc.

[EliSnow]

I just wonder if Ahmadinejad really realizes how foolish he must look to his own people and outsiders when all of this is happening and he says that Iran is the most stable country on the planet.

[styckx]

I just wonder if Ahmadinejad really realizes how foolish he must look to his own people and outsiders when all of this is happening and he says that Iran is the most stable country on the planet.

Probably not. He seems pretty damn cocky.

[foodcourtdruide]

True, but if they die fighting for what they believe and a change in their government, I think that is a good thing, even if they fail. Better to fight for what you believe, then to sit back and take fraud, etc.

Hemmingway was right, war is hell.

[foodcourtdruide]

Probably not. He seems pretty damn cocky.

Yeah, I don't think reason is one of his better qualities.

[boosterp]

This is certainly interesting to watch and I hope the youth prevail.

[EliSnow]

Hemmingway was right, war is hell.

But sometimes necessary.

[foodcourtdruide]

But sometimes necessary.

Hmm. I don't know. I suppose sometimes. It's just hard to think of innocent civilians dying. The hysteria that surrounded this country leading up to the Iraqi invasion hopefully will never happen again. The lack of criticism and oversight by the media and citizens. The disregard for human life.

[styckx]

Glad to see CNN stepped up their website coverage of the violence taking place.

Also cool to see if you follow the #IranElection twitters how many random people are setting up proxies for the Irianians to use so they can upload pictures and videos to get news out.

RT @Crowdsourcing : poss good proxies 2 Iran: 218.128.112.18:8080, 218.206.94.132:808, 218.253.65.99:808, and 219.50.16.70:8080 #iranelection
9 sec ago · Reply · Retweet · View tweet


Some video from the big protest today.

<object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PCQpSfH-LtQ&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PCQpSfH-LtQ&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>

[foodcourtdruide]

Glad to see CNN stepped up their website coverage of the violence taking place.

Also cool to see if you follow the #IranElection twitters how many random people are setting up proxies for the Irianians to use so they can upload pictures and videos to and get news out.


Some video from the big protest today.

<object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PCQpSfH-LtQ&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PCQpSfH-LtQ&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>

It's amazing what a risk these people are taking just to get information out to the rest of the world.

[EliSnow]

Hmm. I don't know. I suppose sometimes. It's just hard to think of innocent civilians dying. The hysteria that surrounded this country leading up to the Iraqi invasion hopefully will never happen again. The lack of criticism and oversight by the media and citizens. The disregard for human life.

I'm not talking about us invading Iran.

I'm talking about Iranians fighting and dying to stop a corrupt government from taking away their basic rights. These people need to have their voices be heard. If it's not heard in the election due to voter fraud, it should be heard in the streets, hopefully in non-violent protest. If they then suffer violence in return, they should be able to fight to protect themselves.

[styckx]

Washington Post saying they have evidence the votes could be right due to independent polling of Iranians before the elections took place.

Obama not speaking about this could be one of the smartest things he's done.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/14/AR2009061401757.html

[TheMojoPin]

Obama not speaking about this could be one of the smartest things he's done.

Yeah, western leaders need to hold back on this because ultimately they need to be dealing with whoever comes out on top and if they publically back the wrong horse that just sets everything waaaaaay back.

[styckx]

Washington Post saying they have evidence the votes could be right due to independent polling of Iranians before the elections took place.

Obama not speaking about this could be one of the smartest things he's done.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/14/AR2009061401757.html

Washington Post is confusing me. They write that ^

But also have this written on the same day

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/14/AR2009061401758.html

[foodcourtdruide]

I'm not talking about us invading Iran.

I'm talking about Iranians fighting and dying to stop a corrupt government from taking away their basic rights. These people need to have their voices be heard. If it's not heard in the election due to voter fraud, it should be heard in the streets, hopefully in non-violent protest. If they then suffer violence in return, they should be able to fight to protect themselves.

Oh, i know there's a huge difference. Sorry, I just went off on a tangent.

[styckx]

Wow, what an epic asshole

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/andy-borowitz/ahmadinejad-says-huge-cro_b_215691.html

Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad paid tribute to the "enthusiasm and energy of the Iranian people" today, claiming that the hundreds of thousands of people jamming the streets of Tehran were hoping to audition for "Iran's Got Talent."

"The hallmark of any free society is its reality shows," Mr. Ahmadinejad said in a nationally televised address. "This phenomenal turnout of Iranian singers, dancers, and banjo players is a tribute to how far we've come."

But the Iranian president was steadfast in his praise of his talented countrymen, adding, "Some of them have shown an amazing talent for shouting and throwing rocks at policemen."

[The Jays]

Wow, what an epic asshole

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/andy-borowitz/ahmadinejad-says-huge-cro_b_215691.html

Wow, that takes some nuts.

[red_red_red]

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/06/irans_disputed_election.html

[boosterp]

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/06/irans_disputed_election.html

Wow!

[brettmojo]

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/06/irans_disputed_election.html
Yeah. Let them have nukes.

[TheMojoPin]

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/06/irans_disputed_election.html

Those are some amazing photos.

You can really see the clash between Middle Eastern and Western culutures just in how many of the protestors are dressed. It's shallow, but you can see a lot of what of what could be best described as "Persian hipsters," which just emphasizes how Westernized the youthful majority is over there.

[The Jays]

Let's get these pictures out there. The more and more news we can spread about the oppressive Iran regime, the less and less relevant that country's corrupt leaders become. I mean, they have a Jew-hating president pulling the strings to win an election and now's he's shooting his own people.

[EliSnow]

Those are some amazing photos.

You can really see the clash between Middle Eastern and Western culutures just in how many of the protestors are dressed. It's shallow, but you can see a lot of what of what could be best described as "Persian hipsters," which just emphasizes how Westernized the youthful majority is over there.

Age as well. I'm noticing more middle age men for the Bazeel militia (or whatever it's called) trying to break into the university.

[brettmojo]

It's shallow, but you can see a lot of what of what could be best described as "Persian hipsters," which just emphasizes how Westernized the youthful majority is over there.
http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/5329/4658857994c7b1068c4.jpg

[TheMojoPin]

Yeah. Let them have nukes.

...

That's really what you take away from all this?

[TheMojoPin]

http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/5329/4658857994c7b1068c4.jpg

Hipsters, not Persian Hottubs.

[brettmojo]

...

That's really what you take away from all this?
In a super general way.

[styckx]

Let's get these pictures out there. The more and more news we can spread about the oppressive Iran regime, the less and less relevant that country's corrupt leaders become. I mean, they have a Jew-hating president pulling the strings to win an election and now's he's shooting his own people.

The #IranElection twitter feed is amazing w/ the pics that turn up. Then 30-60 minutes later find it's way to a news site.

There is a gruesome pic of one of the dead protesters who apparently took a head shot. The danger these people are putting themselves in to spread word about what is going on is amazing. Twitter just solidified its existence because of this.

Wired even ran a story about the cyber war that started from this and how nearly any .ir government website is dead.

http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2009/06/activists-launch-hack-attacks-on-tehran-regime/

This is the main tool they are using.. Brilliantly simple

http://docs.google.com/View?id=dc4rpwn7_0g7xxc4d3

[sailor]

isn't their president just a figurehead?

[EliSnow]

isn't their president just a figurehead?

I can't say I know their system of government well, but it sounds like he doesn't hold total power (that's in the hands of the clerics), but he does hold enough power to affect their economy, direct change, etc.

Mojo or AJ probably know more and/or better.

[foodcourtdruide]

Wow, what an epic asshole

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/andy-borowitz/ahmadinejad-says-huge-cro_b_215691.html

That sounds like an article from The Onion!

[TheMojoPin]

I can't say I know their system of government well, but it sounds like he doesn't hold total power (that's in the hands of the clerics), but he does hold enough power to affect their economy, direct change, etc.

Mojo or AJ probably know more and/or better.

Essentially it's a figurehead role. Much of the impact of electing the challeneger would be a larger statement of rejecting the edicts of the supreme power of Iran and how they're clashing with what the majority of the population wants.

[EliSnow]

Essentially it's a figurehead role. Much of the impact of electing the challeneger would be a larger statement of rejecting the edicts of the supreme power of Iran and how they're clashing with what the majority of the population wants.

But isn't there some power there? After all, the current leader is being judged on what the economy is doing. Are you saying there is absolutely no way for him to impact that, and dissatisfaction with him only shows dissatisfaction with the policies he represents?

[boosterp]

RT: @jadi: Mousavi: People are standing for their right and I am ready to pay any price to defend your ideals. #IranElectionabout 2 hours ago from TwitterFox

Wow. (http://twitter.com/IranRiggedElect)

[spoon]

Age as well. I'm noticing more middle age men for the Bazeel militia (or whatever it's called) trying to break into the university.

It all comes down to the powers, titles and money controlled by those "middle aged men" versus those who aren't in the inner circle at hand wanting change. Sure the latter is the group we'd like to see elected and hopefully destroy that link to the true cleric leaders, but even Mousavi keeps in touch with these powers behind the curtain in order to keep himself valid. Even if (and I highly doubt it) Mousavi gets in and this goes well for the opposition, they'll still be a long way off and linked to the clerics. I wouldn't even doubt the clerics seeing the writing on the wall and choose to put Mousavi in power as long as they lose little power in the end and then put out the false impression that they are with the people.

Look at how they compromised in the past, it's not out of the question. Still, I'm no middle eastern expert so I'll defer to AJ, yerdaddy and others on this.

[EliSnow]

It all comes down to the powers, titles and money controlled by those "middle aged men" versus those who aren't in the inner circle at hand wanting change. Sure the latter is the group we'd like to see elected and hopefully destroy that link to the true cleric leaders, but even Mousavi keeps in touch with these powers behind the curtain in order to keep himself valid. Even if (and I highly doubt it) Mousavi gets in and this goes well for the opposition, they'll still be a long way off and linked to the clerics. I wouldn't even doubt the clerics seeing the writing on the wall and choose to put Mousavi in power as long as they lose little power in the end and then put out the false impression that they are with the people.

Look at how they compromised in the past, it's not out of the question. Still, I'm no middle eastern expert so I'll defer to AJ, yerdaddy and others on this.

Sounds like a reasonable assessment based on what I've read.

The one thing that lept out at me today more than anything else, was the comment that the average age of Iranians is 27 and that 70% of the population is considered young. We may not be seeing change in the short term, but perhaps in the long term, we will.

[TheMojoPin]

But isn't there some power there? After all, the current leader is being judged on what the economy is doing. Are you saying there is absolutely no way for him to impact that, and dissatisfaction with him only shows dissatisfaction with the policies he represents?

There's some power, but compared to other nations that have presidents it's essentially a PR role.

[styckx]

#twitterfail

We will have 90 mins of maintenance starting at 9:45p Pacific today, June 15.

[spoon]

Sounds like a reasonable assessment based on what I've read.

The one thing that lept out at me today more than anything else, was the comment that the average age of Iranians is 27 and that 70% of the population is considered young. We may not be seeing change in the short term, but perhaps in the long term, we will.

When at war for generations you median age somehow stays low...imagine that. Oh and perhaps that was actually Cheney/Bush's economic policy for the future. Kill off a generation with WW III and enjoy all the savings later!

[HBox]

But isn't there some power there? After all, the current leader is being judged on what the economy is doing. Are you saying there is absolutely no way for him to impact that, and dissatisfaction with him only shows dissatisfaction with the policies he represents?


The President there does have power regarding domestic policy, hence the criticism of ahmedinejad on the economy. On foreign policy matters he has much less power.

[spoon]

The President there does have power regarding domestic policy, hence the criticism of ahmedinejad on the economy. On foreign policy matters he has much less power.

So then in reality it's just as I said, same old shit with a slightly different twist. Wow, they really are Americanized over there.

[EliSnow]

When at war for generations you median age somehow stays low...imagine that. Oh and perhaps that was actually Cheney/Bush's economic policy for the future. Kill off a generation with WW III and enjoy all the savings later!

True, and access to modern medical sources affects it to.

Wasn't the last conflict for Iran the war in the '80's with Iraq? Assuming Iran stays out of conflict going forward, the median age like the students should rise.

[keithy_19]

I wouldn't say I'm excited about it, because I fear what Recyclerz fears; a Tiananmen Square-style response to the protests.

I fear for that too, but I just think it's amazing to see people feel so strongly about something.

[boosterp]

I am trying to follow this on Twitter, very amazing and inspirational to see what is posted, the different people voicing support around the world, and the pictures that are posted.

[red_red_red]

follow this guy, as far as i can tell he's the real deal http://twitter.com/persiankiwi

[styckx]

follow this guy, as far as i can tell he's the real deal http://twitter.com/persiankiwi

Surprised he's still twittering. BBC accidentally gave out his name on a news segment I heard.

http://twitter.com/StopAhmadi

^ also a good one

[red_red_red]

I am trying to follow this on Twitter, very amazing and inspirational to see what is posted, the different people voicing support around the world, and the pictures that are posted.
they did awesome with all their secret tweeting and getting video and pics. i started watching this yesterday and even tho i'm cheering them on, i know nothing will come of it. that head mutha fucker in charge will squash them like bugs.

[styckx]

Whoever wrote that statement for Obama deserves a raise. He couldn't have said what he said any better.

[red_red_red]

Whoever wrote that statement for Obama deserves a raise. He couldn't have said what he said any better.
link? i missed whatever you are referring to

[styckx]

link? i missed whatever you are referring to

He released a video statement, here is a good transcript of what he said.

Paraphrased:

Obama: Obviously all of us have been watching the news out of Iran and I want to be clear it's up to Iranians to decide their leader, and I'm going to avoid being the issue inside Iran. Having said all that, I am very perturbed by the violence I am seeing in Iran, I think that the ability to dissent without violence is a universal value that should be respected, when I see that, when the American people see that, I think they are rightfully troubled.

My understanding is that the Iranian government is going to look inside irregularities that possibility happened. We did not have observers on the group, so I cannot say one way or another if something happened. People who are committed to Democracy feel betrayed.

As deep as the differences between US and Iran on many issues, the use of tough use of diplomacy is necessary when developing a core set of diplomatic interests such as Iran not launching a nuclear arms race or sponsering terrorism and we do not wish to see this this is our core diplomatic interests and we will address this in the future.

I would say to the people who are watching Iranians in the street are excited and happy, regardless of what the results were, we in the United States do not want to make any decisions for you but we do want to make clear that we think that the youth should have their voices heard.

[red_red_red]

He released a video statement, here is a good transcript of what he said.


damn..he really is that good, thank you

[styckx]

Video up already

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/GZErZx9JVS0&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/GZErZx9JVS0&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

[red_red_red]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mousavi1388/
i was watching CNN today, around the time Rick Sanchez(?) comes on and he had one their middle east correspondents in studio. she said something like "i would hesitate to use the word revolution" and "this might be a few rogue people" not verbatim, but wow. nope, not many ppl there protesting

[styckx]

Near most all people geninuely interested in this have given up on the major news networks and have turned to overseas streams.


Can't say enough about the Huffington post and Andrew Sullivan. The work they've been doing reporting this is stellar and makes CNN, Fox, and MSNBC look awful.

http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/13/iran-demonstrations-viole_n_215189.html

btw, what a shocker!!

N Korea congratulates Ahmadinejad
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2009/06/16/story_16-6-2009_pg20_2

[brettmojo]

Near most all people geninuely interested in this have given up on the major news networks and have turned to overseas streams.


Can't say enough about the Huffington post and Andrew Sullivan. The work they've been doing reporting this is stellar and makes CNN, Fox, and MSNBC look awful.

http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/13/iran-demonstrations-viole_n_215189.html

btw, what a shocker!!

N Korea congratulates Ahmadinejad
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2009/06/16/story_16-6-2009_pg20_2
The videos on AS are insane.

[TheMojoPin]

Near most all people geninuely interested in this have given up on the major news networks and have turned to overseas streams.


Can't say enough about the Huffington post and Andrew Sullivan. The work they've been doing reporting this is stellar and makes CNN, Fox, and MSNBC look awful.

http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/13/iran-demonstrations-viole_n_215189.html

btw, what a shocker!!

N Korea congratulates Ahmadinejad
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2009/06/16/story_16-6-2009_pg20_2

The Huffington Post coverage really is outstanding.

I hope the Twitter maintenance gets pushed back because it's playing a huge role in all of this.

Are we perhaps seeing the first true "modern" revolution of the post-Information/Digital Age?

[red_red_red]

We will have 1hr of downtime at 2p Pacific (http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?month=6&day=16&year=2009&hour=14&min=0&sec=0&p1=224) on June 16. Read more (http://blog.twitter.com/2009/06/down-time-rescheduled.html).

[brettmojo]

The Huffington Post coverage really is outstanding.

I hope the Twitter maintenance gets pushed back because it's playing a huge role in all of this.

Are we perhaps seeing the first true "modern" revolution of the post-Information/Digital Age?

http://blog.twitter.com/2009/06/down-time-rescheduled.htm (http://blog.twitter.com/2009/06/down-time-rescheduled.html)

[TheMojoPin]

I can't believe I'm saying this, but Twitter is kicking ass.

[styckx]

Are we perhaps seeing the first true "modern" revolution of the post-Information/Digital Age?

I think it's a sign of things to come. It's grossly overdue also. What happened to the CNN we knew when Tienanmen Square was happening? This is nearly identical to that (if not actually worse) and all they can do is loop the same videos over and pretend to give a crap about the twitter reports.

Today while CNN was waiting for the Obama statement they broke into a stellar piece about airline safety. They are awful.

[red_red_red]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BV1CDz-TLFg :laugh: he looks silly puffing him and his network up

[styckx]

He's so pissed in that it's hilarious. The things he points out are such awful examples of them covering it correctly. They suck

[brettmojo]

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/dSECAvBTanQ&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/dSECAvBTanQ&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

[red_red_red]

the secret police, or Basij shooting @ people

http://www.new.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1064433980175&ref=nf

[red_red_red]

He's so pissed in that it's hilarious. The things he points out are such awful examples of them covering it correctly. They suck
and he lied, they had one hour of live coverage last night from like 10 til 11, then repeated the 2nd hour, chock full of commercials and dumb ass don lemon stuttering to fill time.

[red_red_red]

this one is hard to watch, the quality is not the greatest but you can tell it was shot in Iran, look @ the architecture in the background
http://iranelection.posterous.com/iranian-boy-shot-dead-by-the-basij-at-azadi-s

[styckx]

This is the 3rd instance a batch of these came up today. Most from earlier this afternoon soon after the rally. Now it's coming up again.


kayoungche RT zakhi24
WHAT? Confirmed? RT @zakhi24 @IranRevol : WARNING: Staged assassination of Ahmadinejad will be broadcasted tomorrow!! #IranElection #Tehran
33 sec ago· Reply · Retweet · View tweet

[sailor]

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/dSECAvBTanQ&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/dSECAvBTanQ&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

audio sounds like a soccer match.

[red_red_red]

audio sounds like a soccer match.
or more accuratley, Iran Has Talent

[Recyclerz]

Wow, what an epic asshole

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/andy-b..._b_215691.html


That sounds like an article from The Onion!

Andy Borowitz is a current events satirist but not usually funny enough to be up to Onion standards.


Like others have said, I have to give props to Twitter & Facebook as a medium. The information coming across those media is tremendous. :thumbup:

[boosterp]

Are we perhaps seeing the first true "modern" revolution of the post-Information/Digital Age?

According to those involved posting on Twitter we are witnessing a modern revolution.

[boosterp]

This is the 3rd instance a batch of these came up today. Most from earlier this afternoon soon after the rally. Now it's coming up again.

I think that's just the anger and near impossible. It is also irresponsible because Iran is liklely on the verge of pulling the whole internet plug.

[styckx]

Now claims iran is doing "deep packet inspections" to filter out the #iranelection twitter tags.

This is bordering on I have no idea what the fuck is real anymore. Seems everyone is using #iran9 now

Was fun while it lasted

[brettmojo]

Now claims iran is doing "deep packet inspections" to filter out the #iranelection twitter tags.

This is bordering on I have no idea what the fuck is real anymore.
http://larvalsubjects.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/the_architect.jpg

[sailor]

...but will the biggest show if unrest in 10 years be a blip on the radar, or a start of a true revolution?!

What do you think?

There's never been an uprising like this since the revolution. What you're talking about was essentially just scattershot demonstrations and rioting with no clear purpose. This is over a specific issue backing a specific person in direct opposition to the ruling powers.

i was just trusting the facts of the original post saying it was the biggest protest in ten years. what i was going for was if there was a bigger event ten years ago, why get worked up over this one now, at this point?

[TheMojoPin]

AKA sailor just wants to be a wet blanket. We need a revolution against YOU.

[styckx]

I think Iran pulled the plug. Not a single one of the 12 or so Iranians I was following have updated for 4hrs or more. Twitter is awfully quiet and it's day light there.

[underdog]

I think Iran pulled the plug. Not a single one of the 12 or so Iranians I was following have updated for 4hrs or more. Twitter is awfully quiet and it's day light there.

this one (http://twitter.com/persiankiwi) is still updating.

[A.J.]

CNN International's coverage of this has been pretty good from what I've seen. Are you guys back home getting the Tehran feeds from Christianne Amanpour?

[HBox]

CNN International's coverage of this has been pretty good from what I've seen. Are you guys back home getting the Tehran feeds from Christianne Amanpour?

I'm not sure what little CNN has shown about Iran even qualifies as coverage.

[underdog]

I'm not sure what little CNN has shown about Iran even qualifies as coverage.

The difference in coverage from what I saw in the US to what is on television here in Barcelona is amazing.

[Pestz4Evah]

Just turned on CNN and Larry King is interviewing last years American Idol and Jeff Foxworthy is coming up soon!

[underdog]

confirmed - Tabriz - Baseej headqurters set fire - 'many' dead #Iranelection

anyone with camera or laptop is attacked in street #Iranelection

Yikes.

[underdog]

I'm listening to Ron talk about Iran on Monday's show. When the hell did Ron turn into a hayseed? I hope he's doing a bit or something, because him yelling about how we shouldn't care about the middle east is pretty shitty.

[A.J.]

The difference in coverage from what I saw in the US to what is on television here in Barcelona is amazing.

I thought the same thing during the Gaza Crisis back in February.

[The Jays]

Yeah, main news story on Fox News website... Letterman apologizes to Palin.

At least CNN and MSNBC lead with the story of 7 dead due to Iran protest shooting., you know, because there's news kinda happening right now that oughta be covered.

[spoon]

I'm listening to Ron talk about Iran on Monday's show. When the hell did Ron turn into a hayseed? I hope he's doing a bit or something, because him yelling about how we shouldn't care about the middle east is pretty shitty.

Just leave......:wink:

[underdog]

Just leave......:wink:

Haha.

When my only thing I do here is bitch how bad Ron and/or Fez are, I will.

Just hearing Ron say he doesn't want to hear about the middle east anymore and would like to hear more about our sports is just disappointing. Although, later in the segment, it started coming off like it was a bit.

[sailor]

AKA sailor just wants to be a wet blanket. We need a revolution against YOU.

not at all what i was going for. :(

[red_red_red]

The BBC is doing a good job covering this
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8102400.stm
and the BBC World Service on Sirius is covering it too, I don't know if XM has that channel.

[red_red_red]

posted today:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBp2p3MGJqw

[strawberrypop]

from http://twitter.com/StopAhmadi:

NEWS: Woman says ppl knocking on her door 2 AM saying they were intelligence agents, took her daughter

NEWS: The girl that was taken away at 2 AM in Tehran was Shiva Nazaragahi

NEWS: Woman also said, husband got heartache due to intelligent agents takin away their daughter at 2AM

NEWS: Girl that was taken 2AM; It is unclear whether the agents really were intelligence agents or lying

[Furtherman]

Iranians love to engulf in the streets.

[styckx]

If you had any doubts why McCain shouldn't have been elected. He would've buried us on this shit.

DAVID GREGORY: Let's get right to it on Iran. How does the U.S. deal with an emboldened Iranian President Ahmadinejad?

SENATOR JOHN McCAIN: Well, we lead; we condemn the sham, corrupt election. We do what we have done throughout the Cold War and afterwards, we speak up for the people of Tehran and Iran and all the cities all over that country who have been deprived of one of their fundamental rights. We speak out forcefully, and we make sure that the world knows that America leads - and including increased funding for part of the Farda, Iranian free radio.

[A.J.]

If you had any doubts why McCain shouldn't have been elected. He would've buried us on this shit.
DAVID GREGORY: Let's get right to it on Iran. How does the U.S. deal with an emboldened Iranian President Ahmadinejad?

SENATOR JOHN McCAIN: Well, we lead; we condemn the sham, corrupt election. We do what we have done throughout the Cold War and afterwards, we speak up for the people of Tehran and Iran and all the cities all over that country who have been deprived of one of their fundamental rights. We speak out forcefully, and we make sure that the world knows that America leads - and including increased funding for part of the Farda, Iranian free radio.

Yeah, because those steps worked so well with Cuba.

[TheMojoPin]

Yeah, the smart thing to do would be for the US to actively and visibly back a revolution in Iran. That'll totally grant any new government there complete legitimacy and there would NEVER be any charges of the new leaders being a puppet regime of the US because we've never done ANYTHING like that ther before.

Active US support of the revolutionaries would be a baaaaaaad idea. If they do take control and ask for outside assistance we should definitely be first in line volunteering to do so, but only if we are explicitly invited to.

[Syd]

hey active support worked -so- well with the shah

why not try it again

[The Jays]

Yeah, but that was from a Republican president that was a former Supreme Leader of the Allied Forces.

[strawberrypop]

From http://www.amconmag.com/larison/2009/06/15/political-colors/ (linked on a Twitter update)

oh, and the president should wear a green tie from now on. Every day. He need say nothing more.

A thousand times, no! Leave aside the political damage he would do to himself here at home by brandishing a tie with the color of political Islam, which is enough of a problem for Obama given the persistent, albeit fringe attacks on him on account of his ancestry, and just consider how inappropriate this is as a matter of relations with other states. I hope we would never suggest that the President deliberately wear the color blue or red before or after a British general election, and I hope no one would actually want the President to wear orange in solidarity with Yushchenko (though it could just as easily be misread as solidarity with the FPM) or yellow to side with the anti-Thaksin forces in Thailand. The President of the United States is not and must not be seen as a partisan in the elections of other nations. No matter the party and no matter the country, their cause is not and cannot be the same as his. For another thing, such a symbolic display of solidarity in the absence of action would be interpreted, correctly, as worse than doing and saying nothing. Nothing would please his domestic enemies more than to be able to mock his empty symbolism and falsely impute Islamist sympathies to him, and nothing would suit Mousavi’s enemies more than to be able to tie Mousavi to the United States through that symbolic identification. While we’re at it, it would be seen as an attempt to use worldwide sympathy for the movement in question to bolster himself politically while doing absolutely nothing for the people with whom he supposedly sympathizes. It would give the regime the pretext of treating Mousavi as an American lackey. They may do this in any case, but Washington need not enable or provide justification for this. The administration’s wait-and-see approach is the right one

[styckx]

I gave up reading that twitter shit. It turned from being informative to a bunch of fucking retards being faggots and starting awful movements that just try to shift the spotlight off the iran thing to their own awful shit for the sake of attention whoring.

[strawberrypop]

If true, the Iranian gov't attacked university / dorms in Tehran.
http://twitter.com/change_for_Iran

[TheMojoPin]

If true, the Iranian gov't attacked university / dorms in Tehran.
http://twitter.com/change_for_Iran

It is true. The photos were released over the last day or so showing damage to the dorms.

[spoon]

It is true. The photos were released over the last day or so showing damage to the dorms.

Dammit, can we sign them up to hit USC and all Florida schools next?

[ToiletCrusher]

Dammit, can we sign them up to hit USC and all Florida schools next?

and Ohio State.

[spoon]

and Ohio State.

Oh yah, i can't believe I forgot them. For that.....BUCKEYE.

[ToiletCrusher]

Oh yah, i can't believe I forgot them. For that.....BUCKEYE.

I will never understand how one college team can keep an entire state on the edge of their seats especially the people who never even attended Ohio State, let alone college.

[strawberrypop]

iran.whyweprotest.net (http://iran.whyweprotest.net)

[styckx]

iran.whyweprotest.net (http://iran.whyweprotest.net)

That's really gay

[red_red_red]

That's really gay
you're just mad cuz you didn't post there first :laugh:

[A.J.]

If true, the Iranian gov't attacked university / dorms in Tehran.
http://twitter.com/change_for_Iran

Those dorm damage fees can really add up.

[sailor]

Those dorm damage fees can really add up.

i call shenanigans. that looked like a typical dorm. can't blame everything on the secret police.

[The Jays]

They can't fill in bullet holes in the walls with toothpaste.

[red_red_red]

an email from an Iranian student to a reporter @ NPR:
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2009/06/email_from_iran_we_are_in_a_te.html

[styckx]

Finally some real news

Video @ the 2:01 update

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/13/iran-demonstrations-viole_n_215189.html


There are very interesting things that are taking place right now. Some of my sources in Iran have told me that Ayatollah Rafsanjani, who is the head of the Assembly of Experts -- the eighty-six member clerical body that decides who will be the next Supreme Leader, and is, by the way, the only group that is empowered to remove the Supreme Leader from power -- that they have issued an emergency meeting in Qom.


Now, Anderson, I have to tell you, there's only one reason for the Assembly of Experts to meet at this point, and that is to actually talk about what to do about Khamenei. So, this is what I'm saying, is that we're talking about the very legitimacy, the very foundation of the Islamic Republic is up in the air right now. It's hard to say what this is going to go.

[styckx]

lol, Iran caught photoshopping again.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/6/17/743478/-Ahmadinejad-Rally-Photoshopped-to-Appear-Larger

Via the twitter feeds at #iranelection and #gr88 comes this interesting tidbit: yesterday's rally for Ahmadinejad's supporters was photoshopped to appear larger than it really was.

(N.B.: the original image comes from a website with a .ir extension: I'm not providing a direct link lest the domain be taken down)


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2458/3635554738_a4b212f45f.jpg?v=0

[TheMojoPin]

Finally some real news

Video @ the 2:01 update

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/13/iran-demonstrations-viole_n_215189.html

Yeah, this was a really interesting summary of what could be happening. It's killing me how badly our news channels are covering this, so it's a miracle this somehow got on the air.

[boosterp]

It is tough to see the news not either able or not willing to publish what is going on over there.

[styckx]

haha, even when are major news networks don't give a shit, and Obama actually gives a perfect statement we get..

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jGSJEAPs_r2T2wxsL5G3t4z-jajQD98SIN8O1

Iran accuses US of meddling after disputed vote
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran accused the United States on Wednesday of "intolerable" meddling in its internal affairs, alleging for the first time that Washington has fueled a bitter postelection dispute. Opposition supporters marched in Tehran's streets for a third straight day to protest the outcome of the balloting.

[boosterp]

Al Jazeera (http://english.aljazeera.net//news/middleeast/2009/06/2009617151249642655.html) has some good coverage of the opposition marches. Look at the pic in the article, still amazing.

Tens of thousands of Mousavi supporters staged a protest in Tehran for the fifth straight day on Wednesday, despite the authorities' ban on opposition gatherings.

They marched towards the Vali Asr square, protesting against what they say was a rigged election.

Many were wearing green, the colour of Mousavi's campaign, but Al Jazeera's Alireza Ronaghi, reporting from Tehran, said he had spotted a new trend in their outfits.

[HBox]

As far as all the people who have been criticizing Obama for not saying or doing more I'm going back in forth in my head: are they just completely ignorant of Iranian history or are they trying to take shots at Obama for not doing more because they know he's smart enough not to?

[boosterp]

As far as all the people who have been criticizing Obama for not saying or doing more I'm going back in forth in my head: are they just completely ignorant of Iranian history or are they trying to take shots at Obama for not doing more because they know he's smart enough not to?

I am not a big fan of Obama, but my political philosophy does not allow for a closed mind. I think he did the right thing with Iran, just as he's doing the right thing with N. Korea.

[EliSnow]

haha, even when are major news networks don't give a shit, and Obama actually gives a perfect statement we get..

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jGSJEAPs_r2T2wxsL5G3t4z-jajQD98SIN8O1

Iran accuses US of meddling after disputed vote

Of course they did this. They're not going to admit to the amount of internal issent, but will instead try to pin it to foreign medddling.

[HBox]

I am not a big fan of Obama, but my political philosophy does not allow for a closed mind. I think he did the right thing with Iran, just as he's doing the right thing with N. Korea.

I don't want to come off like I'm accusing anyone here. I think most conservatives and Republicans are behind what he's doing either because they think its right or even if not because we'd all like to see Iran modernized. But there are also the usual hacks who are either dumb or sleazy.

[HBox]

Of course they did this. They're not going to admit to the amount of internal issent, but will instead try to pin it to foreign medddling.

At this point it's the only thing they can even try to pin on the protesters.

[red_red_red]

As far as all the people who have been criticizing Obama for not saying or doing more I'm going back in forth in my head: are they just completely ignorant of Iranian history or are they trying to take shots at Obama for not doing more because they know he's smart enough not to?
what would you do?

[red_red_red]

I am not a big fan of Obama, but my political philosophy does not allow for a closed mind. I think he did the right thing with Iran, just as he's doing the right thing with N. Korea.
North Korea? Who knows what to do with them? It's a different story day to day, depending on how you receive your news

[HBox]

what would you do?

Pretty much what Obama is doing. Talk about it very deftly and try not to look like you are taking sides. Iranian people haven't forgotten nor forgiven our history of meddling in their affairs. The government we propped up there was so bad that they preferred this oppressive Islamic Republic. If Obama came out and forcefully and overtly supported the protesters the government would be able to paint them as our puppets and crackdown on them much easier with more domestic support. With what Obama said the Iranian government can't do that. They tried and no one is buying it.

I'd love if Obama could come out and overtly support the protesters over there. They deserve our support. But we have to mindful of the consequences. I'm glad our President grasped that.

[red_red_red]

Pretty much what Obama is doing. Talk about it very deftly and try not to look like you are taking sides. Iranian people haven't forgotten nor forgiven our history of meddling in their affairs. The government we propped up there was so bad that they preferred this oppressive Islamic Republic. If Obama came out and forcefully and overtly supported the protesters the government would be able to paint them as our puppets and crackdown on them much easier with more domestic support. With what Obama said the Iranian government can't do that. They tried and no one is buying it.

I'd love if Obama could come out and overtly support the protesters over there. They deserve our support. But we have to mindful of the consequences. I'm glad our President grasped that.
mutha fuckin thank you....it doesn't end well when we get involved unless you are Kuwait. They ( and by they i mean Islamic countries run by clerics) want to fix their problems from the inside out. They hold their religion close, not unlike alot of people here. No one wants an "outside" party interfering. It takes time to be an "enligtened" society. I put quotes around enlightened cuz i live in the south.

[King Imp]

All I have to say is thank God that Bush was out of office when this happened.

You know damn well this would have been his window of opportunity to finally go into Iran and would use the pretense that he was "doing so to make sure that Democracy was served."

[boosterp]

All I have to say is thank God that Bush was out of office when this happened.

You know damn well this would have been his window of opportunity to finally go into Iran and would use the pretense that he was "doing so to make sure that Democracy was served."

I know Bush is stupid but Gates would not allow our forces to be stretched that thin. Bush would of just run his mouth antagonizing the Iranian leadership further causing even more problems for the protesters.

[styckx]

This is full of win


<table style='font:11px arial; color:#333; background-color:#f5f5f5' cellpadding='0' cellspacing='0' width='360' height='353'><tbody><tr style='background-color:#e5e5e5' valign='middle'><td style='padding:2px 1px 0px 5px;'><a target='_blank' style='color:#333; text-decoration:none; font-weight:bold;' href='http://www.thedailyshow.com/'>The Daily Show With Jon Stewart</a></td><td style='padding:2px 5px 0px 5px; text-align:right; font-weight:bold;'>Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c</td></tr><tr style='height:14px;' valign='middle'><td style='padding:2px 1px 0px 5px;' colspan='2'><a target='_blank' style='color:#333; text-decoration:none; font-weight:bold;' href='http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=230672&title=irandecision-2009-cnns'>Irandecision 2009 - CNN's Unverified Material</a></td></tr><tr style='height:14px; background-color:#353535' valign='middle'><td colspan='2' style='padding:2px 5px 0px 5px; width:360px; overflow:hidden; text-align:right'><a target='_blank' style='color:#96deff; text-decoration:none; font-weight:bold;' href='http://www.thedailyshow.com/'>www.thedailyshow.com</a></td></tr><tr valign='middle'><td style='padding:0px;' colspan='2'><embed style='display:block' src='http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:cms:item:comedycentral.com:230672' width='360' height='301' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' wmode='window' allowFullscreen='true' flashvars='autoPlay=false' allowscriptaccess='always' allownetworking='all' bgcolor='#000000'></embed></td></tr><tr style='height:18px;' valign='middle'><td style='padding:0px;' colspan='2'><table style='margin:0px; text-align:center' cellpadding='0' cellspacing='0' width='100%' height='100%'><tr valign='middle'><td style='padding:3px; width:33%;'><a target='_blank' style='font:10px arial; color:#333; text-decoration:none;' href='http://www.thedailyshow.com/full-episodes/index.jhtml'>Daily Show<br/> Full Episodes</a></td><td style='padding:3px; width:33%;'><a target='_blank' style='font:10px arial; color:#333; text-decoration:none;' href='http://www.indecisionforever.com'>Political Humor</a></td><td style='padding:3px; width:33%;'><a target='_blank' style='font:10px arial; color:#333; text-decoration:none;' href='http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/?searchterm=jason+jones'>Jason Jones in Iran</a></td></tr></table></td></tr></tbody></table>

[red_red_red]

an excerpt from this: http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/06/18/iran.101.explainer.qa/index.html
Q. Why is Iran's population so young?
A. After the revolution, the leaders encouraged early marriage and large families, rewarding families with cars and television sets for each additional child. During the country's devastating eight-year war with Iraq, which began in 1980, the regime continued encouraging population growth, because more children meant more future soldiers.
It is those children who are now coming of age.








sorry but :laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh:....they are so fucked over there

[boosterp]

an excerpt from this: http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/06/18/iran.101.explainer.qa/index.html
Q. Why is Iran's population so young?
A. After the revolution, the leaders encouraged early marriage and large families, rewarding families with cars and television sets for each additional child. During the country's devastating eight-year war with Iraq, which began in 1980, the regime continued encouraging population growth, because more children meant more future soldiers.
It is those children who are now coming of age.

sorry but :laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh:....they are so fucked over there

According to the CIA World book updated last year the median age in Iran is 27 years old with a birth rate of 1.7 children per mother. Here for comparison our median age is 37 and birth rate is 2.05 per mother. They have slowed down since the 80s because they are more educated than they were in the 80s.

Linky (https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/IR.html)

[red_red_red]

According to the CIA World book updated last year the median age in Iran is 27 years old with a birth rate of 1.7 children per mother. Here for comparison our median age is 37 and birth rate is 2.05 per mother. They have slowed down since the 80s because they are more educated than they were in the 80s.

Linky (https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/IR.html)
i was laughing about the cars and tv thing...what is up with that? it struck me as bizarre, but what do i know? i'm just a dumb westerner.

[west milly Tom]

i was laughing about the cars and tv thing...what is up with that? it struck me as bizarre, but what do i know? i'm just a dumb westerner.



Or a smart Redneck :bye:

[boosterp]

Or a smart Redneck :bye:

There are some of us who are smart. :wink:

[strawberrypop]

Tweeted by @StopAhmadi re: Khamanei (the Supreme Leader)'s speech @ today's prayers: (read from bottom up for chronology)

3.
Khamanei "My opinions R closer to Ahmadinejad's than Rafsanjani's"
4.
I'd say Iranian ppl will go w/ Ganhdi-like protests, we genuinely believe peaceful protests 2 B most powerful.
5.
I'd say: whatever it takes RT @pietrosperoni: wht kind of war, Gandhi or CheGuevara?
6.
NO, wld U?! RT @camillabredal: R most Iranian's likely 2 buy Khamenei's propaganda?
7.
Ppl in Iran will most likely not accept ths, remember "peace if possible but truth at all costs"
8.
RT @electronicmaji: not only did Khamenei piss off the majority of his nation,he pissed of the majority of the world
9.
Khamenei: "I am ready 2 sacrifice all I have 4 this Establishment"
10.
What will follow nxt? Continuous protests, war btwn ppl & regime or nothing?
11.
RT @dornab: I completely agree. It's done, lines are drawn, no negotiation
13.
@Elizrael yes, of course, a very good proof that our regime is divided n they genuinely want a change.
15.
OMG OMG OMG ppl in the crowd now crying for Khamanei
18.
@mistabaka you know that those saying that now are the pro-regime, right? it's not the green wave ppl.
19.
Khamanei "I'm just so sorry that countries worrying about UN violations in Iran"
20.
Ppl in crowd chanting "Death to America"
21.
Khamanei has bn lying for 2 long 2 himself n ppl.. now he genuinly believes his lies are true.
22.
Khamanei wondering why world is so surprised about the results of #iranelection? "they got shocked"
23.
Khamanei saying if sum1 wants 2 say against him, he'll come back & show them..
24.
Khamanei "whatever consequences, their leaders will kept responsible (Mousavi/Karoubi)
25.
Khamanei "don't think by protesting u cn make us change R minds or put us under pressure"
26.
OMG, he's lying big time, saying ppl (trouble makers) terrorizing Basijis and police
27.
Khamanei "Basiji has been killed by ppl" EH?? such lies!
28.
Khamanei claiming that the #iranelection has to be proofed by ballots, not on streets
29.
Khamanei "Most European countries against us, worst being UK"
30.
He's either lying/denying or doesn't know about the rigged election. What do you think? LOL
32.
@Elizrael He's just full of crap trying to seed more aggression.. =/
33.
Khamanei: "Our laws are good and complete (perfect, spotless)" Yeah, right..
34.
35.
@danielspengies ppl will continue of course, ppl will not accept his crap.
36.
Khamanei "The difference in votes were 11 Million, how could it be rigged/cheating?"
37.
Ppl in the crowd chanting "Death to Israel"
39.
Khamanei "world wanted us to change our system, but YOU (ppl) voted to keep this regime"
41.
@ItalyOut they hail him n what he says. (these are the extremists and pro-regime ppl..)
42.
Khamanei: "We acknowledge we have some ppl being corrupt, however our system is the BEST"
43.
Khamanei: "I cn only presume who is the best 2 B president, but ppl DECIDE"
44.
Khamanei is trying 2 say he "knows" all 4 candidates, but he believes "some" (Ahmadi) R more suitable 4 president
45.
Khamanei once again claiming that all 4 candidates are supporting the same regime
49.
I think the protests & Iranian green wave will cont as long as Khamanei denying the truth
50.
Khamanei "Media saying this election was fake, but then they realized it indeed was"
51.
Khamanei is saying ppl made their choice by choosing the president which seemed best
52.
Khamanei saying it was a fair election, run under fair circumstances "I know them (candidates) well"
53.
Khamanei saying that our president (Ahmadinejad) is a trusted, hardworking n honest man
54.
Khamanei blaming Zionists being responsible 4 this
56.
Khamanei saying the enemies was planning 4 long time 2 cheat on us
57.
Khamanei is now saying the cheating is done by enemies
59.
RT @buffyc: we are getting it live in UK in english from skynews
61.
"Khamanei (supreme leader) speaking, Mousavi and Ahmadinejad a few ft apart near front row"
62.
Khamanei is thanking ppl 4 a successful election which was done in "democratic atmosphere"
63.
So far, Khamanei is talking nonsense, trying 2 manipulate ppl w/ his rhetorics - like always
64.
@mikey2852 these are NOT the green wave ppl, these are the brainwashed pro-regime ppl
66.
Khamanei "..however, WE R not that confused, WE successfully made ths revolution (1979) ourselves"
67.
Khamanei "Todays youths are far away from reality, confused on situations"
68.
Remember that the ppl in the Friday prayers now are pro-regime, many was brought there fr other cities
69.
@Pinkomomma These are the pro-regime ppl, Khamanei & Ahmadinejad supporters
70.
Khamanei: "Praying is not only 4 getting closer 2 God"
71.
Friday prayers w/ Khamenei: "Those who believe will find the right path"

[red_red_red]

the people i'm following on twitter seem really defeated now, buncha sad sacks over there

[dino_electropolis]

the people i'm following on twitter seem really defeated now, buncha sad sacks over there


Hey well what did ya expect? If an election can be stolen here in the US without much resistance, why would crazy Iran be any more successful?

[strawberrypop]

Really?

Change_for_Iran only one seems that way, but i'm only watching a few. Majority I watch not surprised, willing to do what's necessary.

Still, even with over a million, doubt they'll be able to do much but get slaughtered w/o outside help.

[red_red_red]

Hey well what did ya expect? If an election can be stolen here in the US without much resistance, why would crazy Iran be any more successful?
eh, good point. i really didn't expect anything to change, i was a little in awe by the number of ppl protesting tho.

[red_red_red]

Really?

Change_for_Iran only one seems that way, but i'm only watching a few. Majority I watch not surprised, willing to do what's necessary.

Still, even with over a million, doubt they'll be able to do much but get slaughtered w/o outside help.
StopAhmadi (http://twitter.com/StopAhmadi)RT @dornab (http://twitter.com/dornab): I completely agree. It's done, lines are drawn, no negotiation.
IranRiggedElect (http://twitter.com/StopAhmadi/status/2236143691)what's gonna happen now?
StopAhmadi (http://twitter.com/StopAhmadi)Ppl in crowd chanting "Death to America"

[foodcourtdruide]

This is something I've been wondering about the Twitters. How do we know these Twitters even really originate from Iran?

[red_red_red]

This is something I've been wondering about the Twitters. How do we know these Twitters even really originate from Iran?
well they post videos and pics of what's going on there, almost in real time

[red_red_red]

ok, which of you .netters is this? @FakeAhmadinejad (http://twitter.com/FakeAhmadinejad)

[strawberrypop]

StopAhmadi (http://twitter.com/StopAhmadi)RT @dornab (http://twitter.com/dornab): I completely agree. It's done, lines are drawn, no negotiation.
IranRiggedElect (http://twitter.com/StopAhmadi/status/2236143691)what's gonna happen now?
StopAhmadi (http://twitter.com/StopAhmadi)Ppl in crowd chanting "Death to America"

That was the government supporting crowd @ the prayers, not the protesters.

[strawberrypop]

Sad.


The situation in Iran is now CRITICAL - the nation is heartbroken - suppression is iminent -

unconfirmed reports - Revolutionary Guard has been mobilised to secure Tehran

[red_red_red]

http://twitspam.org/?p=1403
sheesh....serious bidness

[Furtherman]

Just saw this headline...

Iran's leader: End protests or risk 'bloodshed'


This will not end well.


I'd like to think the army wouldn't fire on it's own people.

I'd like to think.

[HBox]

Just saw this headline...




This will not end well.


I'd like to think the army wouldn't fire on it's own people.

I'd like to think.

Careful. You seem to be coming down with a case of Morgan Freemanitis.

[Furtherman]

Careful. You seem to be coming down with a case of Morgan Freemanitis.

If it lands me a 27 year old, so be it.

[Pestz4Evah]

I stayed up to watch Khamanei's speech and it was bizarre.

Him bringing up Waco and all the people in the crowd crying for him were the best parts.

[A.J.]

I'd like to think the army wouldn't fire on it's own people.

I'd like to think.

That would be a sure sign of an evolving democracy!

http://digitalrhetor.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/kent-famousphoto.jpg

[styckx]

Dude is going out in style. From CNN:

The main opposition candidate in Iran, Mir Hossein Moussavi, was said to be ready for "martyrdom" today as thousands of protesters clashed with police in protests that defied warnings from Iran's supreme leaders.

[The Jays]

There's got to be a point where this stance of Obama is no longer tenable. If the forces in Iran begin to injure and kill protesters, Obama must then take the side of the opposition because we cannot seek to have any relationship with a country that murders their own citizens.

[hanso]

Send coke & blue jeans. Everything will be fine.

[sink]

There's got to be a point where this stance of Obama is no longer tenable. If the forces in Iran begin to injure and kill protesters, Obama must then take the side of the opposition because we cannot seek to have any relationship with a country that murders their own citizens.

The Jays is wise

[Serpico1103]

There's got to be a point where this stance of Obama is no longer tenable. If the forces in Iran begin to injure and kill protesters, Obama must then take the side of the opposition because we cannot seek to have any relationship with a country that murders their own citizens.

We want stability. If killing the protesters brings about stability the US will be happy with that.

[epo]

There's got to be a point where this stance of Obama is no longer tenable. If the forces in Iran begin to injure and kill protesters, Obama must then take the side of the opposition because we cannot seek to have any relationship with a country that murders their own citizens.

The dumbest thing we can do is get involved. Then this becomes about us.

[HBox]

A statement from President Obama this afternoon:

The Iranian government must understand that the world is watching. We mourn each and every innocent life that is lost. We call on the Iranian government to stop all violent and unjust actions against its own people. The universal rights to assembly and free speech must be respected, and the United States stands with all who seek to exercise those rights.

As I said in Cairo, suppressing ideas never succeeds in making them go away. The Iranian people will ultimately judge the actions of their own government. If the Iranian government seeks the respect of the international community, it must respect the dignity of its own people and govern through consent, not coercion.

Martin Luther King once said - “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” I believe that. The international community believes that. And right now, we are bearing witness to the Iranian peoples’ belief in that truth, and we will continue to bear witness.

[TheMojoPin]

Nice.

[styckx]

Nice statement. Makes up for the amount of time that went by he didn't make one. The MLK quote was a nice touch.

[TheMojoPin]

Nice statement. Makes up for the amount of time that went by he didn't make one. The MLK quote was a nice touch.

Didn't make one?

He did almost a week ago.

[Kevin]

Didn't make one?

He did almost a week ago.

How long before Fox news and the GOP take Iran's side now?

[styckx]

Didn't make one?

He did almost a week ago.

I know but he's been pressured to be a lot more vocal about since then. It's gotten so much worse over there since he made it.

[KingGeno]

This is VERY VERY Graphic and disturbing. It is of a woman dying from being shot in the neck by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. Give you an insight into how ruthless and animalistic the Iranian guard is towards their own people.

Again....VERY disturbing, and she does die right on camera:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlehNLfk90c

[Foster]

This is VERY VERY Graphic and disturbing. It is of a woman dying from being shot in the neck by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. Give you an insight into how ruthless and animalistic the Iranian guard is towards their own people.

Again....VERY disturbing, and she does die right on camera:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlehNLfk90c

youtube pulled the video

[A.J.]

This is VERY VERY Graphic and disturbing. It is of a woman dying from being shot in the neck by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. Give you an insight into how ruthless and animalistic the Iranian guard is towards their own people.

Again....VERY disturbing, and she does die right on camera:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlehNLfk90c

Yeah, they showed this clip this morning on CNN. I'm glad to see this is getting covered over here -- warts and all.

[KingGeno]

youtube pulled the video

Works for me. Even opened in a new window and browser. Need to sign in and verify age.

[styckx]

Yeah, it works. Youtube made an announcement they are lifting their usually strict rules about videos of this nature to help the Iranian people get videos out about what is happening to them. Very classy imo.

[red_red_red]

check this vid from the bbc:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/persian/iran/2009/06/090621_ag_street_clashes.shtml

[Dr Steve]

check this vid from the bbc:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/persian/iran/2009/06/090621_ag_street_clashes.shtml


that's a keeper...I was just going to post that link myself. Here I am worrying about whether I have enough Oxidizer in the pool and these guys are demonstrating in the streets and having to use twitter and facebook to get their story told.

If someone hasn't already posted this, you can go to Twitter and just enter #iranelection and see the stuff coming out of there live at the same time CNN sees them. There's a lot of noise on that thread, but some gems, too.

[red_red_red]

that's a keeper...I was just going to post that link myself. Here I am worrying about whether I have enough Oxidizer in the pool and these guys are demonstrating in the streets and having to use twitter and facebook to get their story told.

If someone hasn't already posted this, you can go to Twitter and just enter #iranelection and see the stuff coming out of there live at the same time CNN sees them. There's a lot of noise on that thread, but some gems, too.
i do check the #iranelection every few hours, but i get the most credible updates from a few who are either in iran or have relatives there, the bbc persia stream was up and running for a bit, i'll post the link if it's still working

[red_red_red]

it's in farsi, but they show some great vid @ the very top and bottom of the hour: http://www.bbc.co.uk/persian/tv/2009/01/000000_ptv_live_s.shtml

[KingGeno]

That video I posted is making MASSIVE waves, and the lady who got killed is now known as "The Call". This coverage blows my mind.

http://blogs.usatoday.com/ondeadline/2009/06/in-.html

[sr71blackbird]

I am certainly not going to go though all these pages to see if this has been said or not, but either of the two candidates in Iran were both picked by their Ayatolla, so it is not like it would have been a democratic election to begin with regardless. Their system is nothing like ours, because their fanatical religious leaders select the governmental candidates. The average Iranian would be no better off under either candidate. What they need there is real reform and revolution to give the people real freedom to select the candidates in a truly democratic fashion, and that will likely never happpen in that part of the world, sad to say.

[boosterp]

A very interesting read and back story: Linky (http://www.matthiaskuentzel.de/contents/ahmadinejads-world)

[Sarge]

A very interesting read and back story: Linky (http://www.matthiaskuentzel.de/contents/ahmadinejads-world)

Well at least they gave the children they keys, and the blankets. What a bunch of twisted people.

[TheMojoPin]

Their system is nothing like ours, because their fanatical religious leaders select the governmental candidates.

Keep buying the hype. The current Iranian government is potentially a threat because they're NOT religious fanatics. If they were actually religious fanatics then they wouldn't have lasted as long as they have with the power they have. Like Saudi Arabia, the religion is just window dressing for very shrewed, calculated people running the country.

What they need there is real reform and revolution to give the people real freedom to select the candidates in a truly democratic fashion, and that will likely never happpen in that part of the world, sad to say.

And what do you base this sweeping dismissal on?

[A.J.]

Like Saudi Arabia, the religion is just window dressing for very shrewed, calculated people running the country.

Well, not really. Saudi Arabia is a theocracy and the religion is more than just window dressing. Because the Al-Sa'ud adopted Wahabbism, the religious establishment granted legitimacy to the rule of the Al-Sa'ud family. The clerics were then permitted to head the government agencies that deal with social/religious/education issues. The religious police, the Mutawwain (the Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice), is allowed by the Al-Sa'ud family to ensure that Islamic principles are upheld in daily life.

[TheMojoPin]

Well, not really. Saudi Arabia is a theocracy and the religion is more than just window dressing. Because the Al-Sa'ud adopted Wahabbism, the religious establishment granted legitimacy to the rule of the Al-Sa'ud family. The clerics were then permitted to head the government agencies that deal with social/religious/education issues. The religious police, the Mutawwain (the Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice), is allowed by the Al-Sa'ud family to ensure that Islamic principles are upheld in daily life.

True, and I should have elaborated. The actually ruling family in Saudi Arabia isn't terribly "religious," though they did allow in religious officials and policies to help maintain their power. Religion is far more of a government institution in SA than in Iran, though even in the former that's largely the result of the Al-Sa'ud working to maintain their authority and position of power.

[strawberrypop]

I am certainly not going to go though all these pages to see if this has been said or not, but either of the two candidates in Iran were both picked by their Ayatolla, so it is not like it would have been a democratic election to begin with regardless.

The Iranian resistance is looking to reform the entire government at this point. They will not be satisfied with a simple re-vote. Mousavi appears to be in agreement with that.

The Ayatollah declared war on them. He never had their support. Now he has their clear opposition.

Here is the manifesto made public last week:

The following document, known as the Seven-Point Manifesto, calling for the resignation of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, has hit the streets of Iran. Hundreds of thousands of copies have already been circulated throughout the country.

A copy was sent from Tehran to filmmaker and activist Ardeshir Arian, who has translated it for Pajamas Media:

The Seven-Point Manifesto calls for:

1. Stripping Ayatollah Khamenei of his supreme leadership position because of his unfairness. Fairness is a requirement of a supreme leader.

2. Stripping Ahmadinejad of the presidency, due to his unlawful act of maintaining the position illegally.

3. Transferring temporary supreme leadership position to Ayatollah Hussein-Ali Montazery until the formation of a committee to reevaluate and adjust Iran’s constitution.

4. Recognizing Mir Hossein Mousavi as the rightfully elected president of the people.

5. Formation of a new government by President Mousavi and preparation for the implementation of new constitutional amendments.

6. Unconditional release of all political prisoners regardless of ideology or party platform.

7. Dissolution of all organizations — both secret and public — designed for the oppression of the Iranian people, such as the Gasht Ershad (Iranian morality police).

[red_red_red]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xmfiK2HtAE christ....who fucking does that?

[weekapaugjz]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xmfiK2HtAE christ....who fucking does that?

absolutely horrifying. i can not even begin to imagine having to live in a society like that. almost brings tears to my eyes seeing stuff like that.

[TheMojoPin]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xmfiK2HtAE christ....who fucking does that?

People terrified of losing their power who realize that they are vastly outnumbered. The only advanatge they have is that they outgun the revolutionaries.

[red_red_red]

absolutely horrifying. i can not even begin to imagine having to live in a society like that. almost brings tears to my eyes seeing stuff like that.
right? i guess "we" were born @ the right time and didn't have to see all that
People terrified of losing their power who realize that they are vastly outnumbered. The only advanatge they have is that they outgun the revolutionaries.
speaking as a true native "american" you don't need guns, @ least back then you didn't, i am deeply conflicted now tho

[weekapaugjz]

right? i guess "we" were born @ the right time and didn't have to see all that

Makes me realize the problems in my life are so miniscule compared to what others are going through.

[red_red_red]

Makes me realize the problems in my life are so miniscule compared to what others are going through.
problems are problems no matter where you live, it's just the depth of them. they are struggling, but that's not always a bad thing, they'll get it right someday.

[TheMojoPin]

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh153/OleMissCub17/iran1.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh153/OleMissCub17/iran2.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh153/OleMissCub17/iran3.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh153/OleMissCub17/iran4.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh153/OleMissCub17/iran5.jpg

A NOTE TO OUR READERS: We are saddened to report that the Iranian photojournalist, whose pictures appear in this gallery, is missing. He has not been in contact with us; this morning we received the following email from one of his relatives. We will update this space when we have more details. THE EMAIL: Hi im [photographer’s relative], when he go out side yester day for he never came back home and also his friend and a lot of our young brave people, government arrested them [. . .] don’t let them suffer in those bloody hands. With thanks.

[styckx]

I think it's about over for the protesters. They ain't over turning that election and they ain't over throwing the government in that country. They're pretty screwed. Valiant effort but insecure assholes w/ guns seem to have won in the end.

[Furtherman]

Everyone is going green these days.

[foodcourtdruide]

It's always amazing to me how much the American mainstream media covers non-news stories about potential real news happening, then when the real news happens they barely cover it.

[A.J.]

Everyone is going green these days.

It's not easy being green.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GlMAZ-qMqwU/R6ccmOlpYUI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/74QgJZUA2Bs/s400/Kermit.jpg

[Furtherman]

It's always amazing to me how much the American mainstream media covers non-news stories about potential real news happening, then when the real news happens they barely cover it.

Real news rarely earns good ratings.

[strawberrypop]

From @persiankiwi:

all hospitals is surrounded by militia to check why ppl going in - if gun or baton injury - they arrest and beat u

the ppl have lost all faith in this Gov - Iran can nevr be same as b4 again

It is just like living under martial law - u cannot go anywhere without being stoped or beaten by militia

[red_red_red]

or this one:
jimsciuttoABC (http://twitter.com/jimsciuttoABC)#iranelection Iranian TV airs protesters' 'confessions' blaming foreign govts. Welcome to '1984' land

[Dan 'Hampton]

Anyone else catch the "Iran and the West" on Nat Geo last night. Interesting insight into how close we've come to normalizing relations with Iran in the past few years, eventhough that seems impossible/strange right now.

[red_red_red]

IranRiggedElect (http://twitter.com/IranRiggedElect)State TV deems Neda's killing 'staged' http://bit.ly/19yAaO #iranelection #despicable #iran #neda

[boosterp]

Actually the protesters are doing so in other ways without gathering such as turning on car lights at certain times during the day, holding up signs at certain times, etc.

[red_red_red]

a pic of supposed mullahs protesting, i have my doubts tho:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/06/23/iran.protest.faces/index.html

[boosterp]

a pic of supposed mullahs protesting, i have my doubts tho:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/06/23/iran.protest.faces/index.html

Interesting if true.

[red_red_red]

funny and tragic @ the same time:
http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2009/06/18/irans_worst_clerics

[red_red_red]

more fuel..these bastages are ruthless, even in the face of public scrutiny:
http://www.iranhumanrights.org/2009/06/detaineeselection/
i officially give up on the reformists, they have no way to fight this, no one cares, no one wants to get involved. epic tyrannical win

[boosterp]

more fuel..these bastages are ruthless, even in the face of public scrutiny:
http://www.iranhumanrights.org/2009/06/detaineeselection/
i officially give up on the reformists, they have no way to fight this, no one cares, no one wants to get involved. epic tyrannical win

Yea, but the Iranian youth have already made it clear they want change and nothing like this has occurred since 79. It will be interesting to see what happens in the coming weeks.

[cougarjake13]

im curious to see how this all ends


if it ever does

[A.J.]

Anyone else catch the "Iran and the West" on Nat Geo last night. Interesting insight into how close we've come to normalizing relations with Iran in the past few years, eventhough that seems impossible/strange right now.

I haven't seen the show but I'm familiar with the warming of relations with Iran. It was one of the few things I agreed with during the Clinton years when he started warming up with them much like he had done with Libya. It's like I've said a thousand times before -- we need to normalize relations with Iran, Cuba and North Korea. "Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer".

[boosterp]

I haven't seen the show but I'm familiar with the warming of relations with Iran. It was one of the few things I agreed with during the Clinton years when he started warming up with them much like he had done with Libya. It's like I've said a thousand times before -- we need to normalize relations with Iran, Cuba and North Korea. "Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer".

Problem with normalizing relations with your enemy is that they may not think on the same level. In my Army days we were both drawn into Kosovo and into Somalia with certain hopes. With N. Korea all Clinton did was pay them to behave in which they would throw a temper tantrum and we'd throw more at them. If you read, Japan and S. Korea (which tried to appeal to them with several measures including the joint manufacturing complex) was pissed over this.