http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/8098305.stm

- That bastard.

You expected otherwise?

This may be the best thing that could happen. If the people riot and mousavi leads a revolution... This could be good for irans future. Bloody, but good in the long run.

Yea.. This one stinks of fraud.

Let this one play out.

I cant think of that guy without thinking of this video.

http://www.hulu.com/watch/16771/saturday-night-live-digital-short-iran-so-far#s-p1-st-i1

'http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/8098896.stm'

- Hardly a revolution, but indicative, nonetheless.

Edit: Plus look at John Simpson's opinion, who is usually pretty accurate and has been reporting from the Mid East for decades:

'John Simpson
Reporting from Tehran
A crowd of about 3,000 attacked the police, some of whom were on motorbikes, which they set on fire.

The sky was thick with black smoke. Police attacked the crowd with sticks and maybe teargas.

I didn't expect to see people turning on the secret police. We were filming when we were surrounded by angry secret policemen. The crowd turned on them and chased them off.

I suspect we are not looking at a revolution but there is serious anger.

It all depends on how the government responds - if they use violence, that could inflame the situation.'

Maybe he really won?

6SaGRnSia7Y

The joyous celebration of a landslide victory?

reports now are that Rafsanjani has resigned in protest....

Maybe he really won?

If the police are having to fight running battles/retreats it's unlikely that Amanutjob won by a wide margin.

Thing is , I think fucknuts worldwid should stop pointing their fingers at us and realize that nation/area of the world needs serious mentoring from the world by in large. Let them have toys and such as they earn the fucking rights all over again.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/06/13/iran.election/index.html

'Thing is , I think fucknuts worldwid should stop pointing their fingers at us and realize that nation/area of the world needs serious mentoring from the world by in large'

- I think they've had enough of that, mate.

I do not see why it really matters. It's not like he is really in charge anyway. He is just a talking piece.

You might have been right. If Mousavi had won, or if Ahmadinejad had won squarely.

The Mullahs just made a massive mistake. They severed the ties to the people. There are moments like this in history...
Women marching on Versailles
Charles men storming into Parliament to arrest Roundheads and leaving empty handed.
Americans dumping tea into the Boston Harbor.
Protests in Moscow ending with Yeltsin standing on a tank
Students gathering in Tienanmen Square

This may be one of those points. I expect the tanks to roll into Iranian cities tomorrow. What else is there? Will Iranian troops turn on their own people? Maybe. Everyone knows this was fixed.. will they fire and kill their brothers and sisters for standing up to what they KNOW to be wrong? Maybe.

This matters.

The Revolution will not be televised. We just didnt know how right that man was.. it will twittered, and Youtubed and emailed and it will be lead by the new and young, moving in ways the old cannot see.

From 6 hours ago
Hso9PcLbXtE

http://twitter.com/mousavi1388/status/2156978753
ALL internet & mobile networks are cut. We ask everyone in Tehran to go onto their rooftops and shout ALAHO AKBAR in protest #IranElection

"My next door neighbor is an Iranian immigrant who came here in 1977. He just received a SAT phone call from his brother in Tehran who reports that the rooftops of nighttime Tehran are filled with people shouting 'Allah O Akbar' in protest of the government and election results. The last time he remembers this happening is in 1979 during the Revolution. Says the sound of tens of thousands on the rooftops is deafening right now."

And finally...

Moussavi calls the election results "stunning" and in his words:

"People who stood in long lines to cast their ballots and know for whom they have voted, are watching in astonishment to the magic being played by the election official and media".

He also calls the election a "big game", warning he will not concede to this "dangerous charade". Karroubi also calls the election results "comical" and void of any legitimacy, declaring he will not concede. He says: "This is just the beginning of the story".

I have never heard such hard language from anyone inside the government.

Sit back.. watch.. pray...

This has the potential to be the biggest and most important revolution in a very long time globally, and the most important revolution in the history of the Middle East.

God this is intense... I hope they overthrow the government before too many of them are slaughtered by the military.

Also FYI, A lot of the Iranian military are from other countries. Not a commonly known fact. There are tons of Arabs in the Iranian military that would not hesitate to kill an Iranian.

Also, they are chanting Death to Ahmadenijad and Death to the dictator... This is BIG!

sound up 20 secs in. Its beginning.

GZzYgdiAVJI

I hope they do revolt if they do not like the way things are going. I also really hope Persians don't lose their lives.

I also really hope Persians don't lose their lives.


Unfortunately, Ahmanutjob's Guard has made it clear they will quash any attempt at rioting or unrest. I anticipate this story to be the leading bit of news over the next week (barring NK getting even more stupid) and I am afraid the death toll will be reported along with the impact of martial law on the already tense streets of the country.

The youth of Iran are learning that freedom does not come easy.

And I cannot help but hum the line from "Bobby McGee", "Freedom's just another word for nothing left to lose." I don't know if the people of Iran are at that point yet, but if so this could be the next phase in the evolution of the Middle East.

http://images.huffingtonpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/1753/slide_1753_23657_large.jpg

Ouch, it really has begun

Read the following from BOTTOM to TOP, it is a twitter account from a person living in Tehran...



I have to shut down for a bit, the police are looking for satellites.about 3 hours ago (https://twitter.com/tehranelection/status/2160029112) from web
My Father has a truck load of ballot boxes that were to be burned in the back of his truck.about 3 hours ago (https://twitter.com/tehranelection/status/2159928230) from web
Holly shit, be back in a second.about 3 hours ago (https://twitter.com/tehranelection/status/2159874816) from web
The TV is still playing Mahmoud Ahmadinejad victory clips.about 3 hours ago (https://twitter.com/tehranelection/status/2159857695) from web
The government has turned the power off in many locations claiming we need to fix some grid ??? Yeah, right!about 3 hours ago (https://twitter.com/tehranelection/status/2159845570) from web
sirens are now heard....now sure what they are.about 3 hours ago (https://twitter.com/tehranelection/status/2159767183) from web
They were told to do their jobs and speak nothing.about 3 hours ago (https://twitter.com/tehranelection/status/2159759311) from web
My uncle tells me that throughtout most cities Mahmoud Ahmadinejad people had ballot boxes burned.about 3 hours ago (https://twitter.com/tehranelection/status/2159743787) from web
Normal internet access and phones are still out.about 3 hours ago (https://twitter.com/tehranelection/status/2159726081) from web
The people and police are just talking.about 3 hours ago (https://twitter.com/tehranelection/status/2159710757) from web
Right now things are peaceful in my street.about 3 hours ago (https://twitter.com/tehranelection/status/2159702768) from web
My brother just got home and he told me riots are starting in northeast Tehran.about 3 hours ago (https://twitter.com/tehranelection/status/2159686430) from web
On my street, the crowd is pushing the police to the side.about 4 hours ago (https://twitter.com/tehranelection/status/2159659284) from web
The police are telling people to get off the street and go home.about 4 hours ago (https://twitter.com/tehranelection/status/2159645585) from web
Several other cities are reporting voter fraud.about 4 hours ago (https://twitter.com/tehranelection/status/2159637190) from web
I'll post it when I can.about 4 hours ago (https://twitter.com/tehranelection/status/2159623257) from web
I'm filming the street with my cameraabout 4 hours ago (https://twitter.com/tehranelection/status/2159619402) from web
The TV has been reporting a national victory for Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.about 4 hours ago (https://twitter.com/tehranelection/status/2159606373) from web
It is 4:00 am here and people are filling the street.about 4 hours ago (https://twitter.com/tehranelection/status/2159591458) from web
I'm looking out my window and people are starting to fill the street.about 4 hours ago (https://twitter.com/tehranelection/status/2159573983) from web
for Mir-Hossein Mousavi.about 4 hours ago (https://twitter.com/tehranelection/status/2159562742) from web
My uncle, who is a police officer, told me that they went to three polling places and opened every ballot box and burned all the ballots...about 4 hours ago (https://twitter.com/tehranelection/status/2159560240) from web
Right now where I live in Northern Tehran, the streets are gathering people...people are shocked from the results.about 4 hours ago (https://twitter.com/tehranelection/status/2159511641) from web
I'm waiting for my other friends to report what is going on across the country, and will relay info to Twitter.about 4 hours ago (https://twitter.com/tehranelection/status/2159498849) from web
internetabout 4 hours ago (https://twitter.com/tehranelection/status/2159479085) from web
I have a satellite dish that I normally keep in my basement cause they are illegal, and only use it when the government cuts off theabout 4 hours ago (https://twitter.com/tehranelection/status/2159477989) from web
The government is trying to hide the fact that Mir-Hossein Mousavi won.about 4 hours ago (https://twitter.com/tehranelection/status/2159455954) from web
Cell phones, depending where you are are restrictedabout 4 hours ago (https://twitter.com/tehranelection/status/2159447899) from web
Normal internet access has been cut off, phonelines are restricted.about 4 hours ago (https://twitter.com/tehranelection/status/2159429459) from web
As far as we know the elections has been rigged. Many of the poll watchers are reporting that the results are not the counts they reported.about 4 hours ago (https://twitter.com/tehranelection/status/2159400371) from web
World Hello, I'm a 22 year old college student living in Iran. I'm going to post as much as I can until the police find my satellite connectabout 4 hours ago (https://twitter.com/tehranelection/status/2159342826) from web

More media

N2mRvMDZYto&

http://web2.twitpic.com/img/12327753-c8d6e90a1b9e1561366ef0d1766dfc1a.4a3478da-full.jpg

4_7GPBiikFM

bUxmr3xQoX4

"The kids are throwing rocks, and they have shot tear gas at us... Tear gas at us... They are shooting tear gas at us... Yes, tear gas... Goodbye"

http://tehrandaily.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/iranians_protest_election_results_1.jpg

http://tehrandaily.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/iranians_protest_election_results_5.jpg

http://tehrandaily.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/iranians_protest_election_results_12.jpg

http://tehrandaily.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/iranians_protest_election_results_14.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a81/kos102/2009/Tehran/Tehran-20.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a81/kos102/2009/Tehran/Tehran-6.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a81/kos102/2009/Tehran/VanakSquare.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a81/kos102/2009/Tehran/VanakSquare.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a81/kos102/2009/Tehran/Tehran-10.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a81/kos102/2009/Tehran/Tehran-19.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a81/kos102/2009/Tehran/Tehran-16.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a81/kos102/2009/Tehran/Tehran-4.jpg

http://tehrandaily.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/iranians_protest_election_results_20.jpg

GOOD VIDEO
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8098834.stm

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a81/kos102/2009/Tehran/Tehran-14.jpg

Letter from Mousavi (translated in english)

Mousavi Letter

In the Name of God

Honorable people of Iran

The reported results of the 10th Iranians residential Election are appalling. The people who witnessed the mixture of votes in long lineups know who they have voted for and observe the wizardry of I.R.I.B (State run TV and Radio) and election officials. Now more than ever before they want to know how and by which officials this game plan has been designed. I object fully to the current procedures and obvious and abundant deviations from law on the day of election and alert people to not surrender to this dangerous plot. Dishonesty and corruption of officials as we have seen will only result in weakening the pillars of the Islamic Republic of Iran and empowers lies and dictatorships.

I am obliged, due to my religious and national duties, to expose this dangerous plot and to explain its devastating effects on the future of Iran. I am concerned that the continuation of the current situation will transform all key members of this regime into fabulists in confrontation with the nation and seriously jeopardize them in this world and the next.

I advise all officials to halt this agenda at once before it is too late, return to the rule of law and protect the nation’s vote and know that deviation from law renders them illegitimate. They are aware better than anyone else that this country has been through a grand Islamic revolution and the least message of this revolution is that our nation is alert and will oppose anyone who aims to seize the power against the law.

I use this chance to honor the emotions of the nation of Iran and remind them that Iran, this sacred being, belongs to them and not to the fraudulent. It is you who should stay alert. The traitors to the nation’s vote have no fear if this house of Persians burns in flames. We will continue with our green wave of rationality that is inspired by our religious learnings and our love for prophet Mohammad and will confront the rampage of lies that has appeared and marked the image of our nation. However we will not allow our movement to become blind one.

I thank every citizen who took part in spreading this green message by becoming a campaigner and all official and self organized campaigns, I insist that their presence is essential until we achieve results deserving of our country.

[ verse from in Quran: Why not trust in God, who has shown us our ways. We are patient in face of what disturbs us. Our resilience is in god.

Mir Hossein Mousavi

http://tehranbureau.com/2009/06/13/mousavi-letter/

More twitter

# my eyes are burning hard to keep them open #iranelectionhalf a minute ago from web

# tear gas #iranelection15 minutes ago from web

# Down with the dictator! Mousavi, Karoubi; support us! #iranelection16 minutes ago from web

# police demanding people to move their cars and start crashing car windows. more people are coming. I will try to get a better view28 minutes ago from web

# some people are now parking their cars in middle of the street trying to block the vans. #iranelection30 minutes ago from web

# from the looks of it they are waiting to arrest all the students! it's also explains the vans32 minutes ago from web

All foreign media told to leave Iran... ugh

We should find this humbling; with luck the oligarchy will capitulate, or at least compromise, before too many more are injured and killed .

I think the most moving images of this whole thing are the rioters helping the injured police officers after having beat them... I am really upset for those that are hurt and will be killed, but I hope freedom follows.

HOLY shit... not sure if this is true or confirmed but just came through twitter...


Mousavi just said his prayers @ the HQ and is moving toward ministry with 30000 supporters

He asked ppl not to come out alone, especially girls, come in groups

Live updates via twitter and SMS messages are being posted on Daily KOS right now as well and they're trying to collate the news as it comes in:

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2009/6/13/742162/-Crisis-In-Iran-Liveblogging-Mothership

I knew it was going to be a hotly contested election earlier this week when Der Spiegel ran a lengthy article about the cost of living/housing crisis in Iran impacting the young to the degree that even middle and upper class young Iranian professionals are having to delay marriage into their 30's because of the lack of affordable housing - frustrated couples are having to remain engaged and living at home for years, which is driving both social and economic cries for reform. The international newspapers have been showing images all week of young women in particular, painted in green and/or wearing green gloves and headscarf, passionately campaigning in the streets, (and all for Mousavi, I might add, save an image of some young boys waving a sign in support of Ahmadinejad on the BBC) and it's clear that the groundswell of frustration with the mullahs was breaking. Reports from all over the country have come in from eyewitnesses of ballot boxes being hauled off and destroyed or not being counted, and the mullahs may well have overplayed their hand this time, as discontent runs deep even among the current 'winners' in the economy.

The next days are going to be fascinating and I hope that we, and the UN, make a strong stand in support of free and fair elections in Iran and support the Iranian citizenry in their demand for such. Now, more than ever, the Iranian *people* need to feel that they are not alone in the world and at the same time we have to make sure that our actions don't result in an even more brutal clampdown on them.

Regards,
Nydia

Ahmadinejad is holding a rally and acceptance ceremony at 3:30-4:00am EST, there are thousands of mousavi supporters gathering to riot and ruin the ceremony... If you will be awake, I would have the TV on! and possibly tune into this website... http://www.atdhe.net/watchtv4.php?b=n

It is a live stream of BBC which has been covering this all day and night.

wow... turns out the call for all to meet Mousavi and march was a trap by the government, they are desperate to relay the info that the call for a meeting and march was a trap, but all internet and shit is down!

holy cow!

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2009/6/14/742253/-Early-Report-Day-Two:-Tehran-Under-Martial-Law,-the-Second-Revolution-is-On!-Civil-War

good link Nydia...

Unofficial news - reports leaked results from Interior Ministry:
Eligible voters: 49,322,412
Votes cast: 42,026,078
Spoilt votes: 38,716
Mir Hossein Mousavi: 19,075,623
Mehdi Karoubi: 13,387,104
Mahmoud Ahmadi-nejad (incumbent): 5,698,417
Mohsen Rezaei (conservative candidate): 3,754,218

God this is intense... I hope they overthrow the government before too many of them are slaughtered by the military.

Also FYI, A lot of the Iranian military are from other countries. Not a commonly known fact. There are tons of Arabs in the Iranian military that would not hesitate to kill an Iranian.

Also, they are chanting Death to Ahmadenijad and Death to the dictator... This is BIG!

For the sake of your family still back there I hope they are safe and are able to turn things around over there Jedd...for what it's worth.

For the sake of your family still back there I hope they are safe and are able to turn things around over there Jedd...for what it's worth.

I hope so, This is an unprecedented event. If they push through this Iran will be such a wonderful place. I just hope they can do it with minimal bloodshed, though I doubt it :(

I'm sorry but the current regime is too well entrenched for there to be a successful coup, or even a revolution.

Control of the secret police and guard is control of the political (see: repressive) world.

It was a good showing, nonetheless. But things having died largely down, well, that's no revolution. Over night, the reformists were arrested, and the police control almost everything. If this was a revolution, there'd be a 100,000 people on the streets still.

Ok. Bad News.. Iranians have trapped and arrested most of the opposition leaders.

Good News, kind of. Increasingly reports are coming out that this was a Military or Right Wing Coup. The government itself is divided. There is massive infighting, allowing the streets to swell with more intensity every day.

The protesters have to take the capital before the tanks roll in.

Amazing how much an Ahmadinejad rally looks like a republican rally...

I wish we would launch strikes on 10-20 government buildings and then step back and tell the people... "Take your country back"

I wish we would launch strikes on 10-20 government buildings and then step back and tell the people... "Take your country back"

So, we should interfere with Iran's political process? Isn't that something you yourself have claimed justifies Iranian anger with the U.S.?

I think everyone will be best served by allowing the Iranian citizenry to take responsibility for their country and it's future.

I still feel that way, was just venting frustration

It would be cool if we could turn their internet and text messaging back on tho.

I still feel that way, was just venting frustration

I understand your frustration, and that of the majority of Iranian voters who cast ballots for someone other than Ahmanutjob (according to unofficial results). The last revolution there was a target for the anger and frustration that could be safely attacked; i.e. 'the west'. I am not sure if the 'average' Iranian will be as ready to commit to that revolutionary zeal if they are attacking their own government and countrymen.

Wow I've missed allot in the past two days. What caused their internet to go down? did the gov't do that?

yes, it was the government

However twitter and phone service is back up, except for texts

Pretty safe to say it was the government, Fil. Most international reporters have satellite phones anymore though which still work fine.

tehranlive.org is providing a lot of confirmation for Ahmanutjob's claims of a resounding victory and glorious coming together of the country as it looks forward. :rolleyes:


The young woman flashing the peace/victory sign reminded me of so many different photos taken during the Chicago convention riots, and the students protesting PEACEFULLY at Kent State, and the students blockading Washington Avenue in Minneapolis during the anti-war protests in the late 60's, and on and on and on. The desire for change looks pretty much the same no matter the nationality.

Good real-time Twitter aggregator for the Iran thing: http://iran.twazzup.com/

From ABC's Jim Sciutto: "inside the protests tonight, if you support ahmadinajad, no police, you criticize him, get pepper spray, tear gas, batons... Anti-govt protests have spread to other Iranian cities, incl Rasht... We witnessed police spraying pepper gas into the eyes of peaceful female protesters... Two worlds in Tehran tonight. Support Ahmadinejad, free rein. Oppose him, risk police attacks, tear gas, batons, arrest8 minutes ago from web"

From an emailer Salim: "This is beginning to mirror what I witnessed in the first revolution. When people start taking over military centers. There is report that a basiji center in Northern Tehran around Tajrish has been captured by the protesters. This would potentially mean weapons in hands of protesters. I'll let you know if I heard more."

From @tehranbureau: "basij and security forces had fought for hours to subdue the people... My friends who work in the tehran hospitals said the number of injured was staggering"

From @winston80: "heavy clashes in Shiraz (southern Iran) reported. ppl attacking police"

From @iranelection09: "URGENT JUST IN, there are TANKS in front of the interior ministry of tehran in valiasr st. & fatemi cross CAREFUL"

WRUTh76486I

He said that most iranians believe that a lot of the basijis [plain clothes officers] on the bikes are hezbollah arabs brought in to do to the citizens what a persian cop would refuse to do. Accordingly when the protesters knock one of the basijis off their bikes they are being particularly brutal, believing that the rider is arab. Regular uninformed cops are not being pursued with the same anger. Bank storefronts have been smashed all over northern tehran. Mousavi, khattami and rafsanjani are allegedly meeting at mousavi's house (who is under house arrest) and are planning their next move. People there are waiting for further instructions from mousavi. In my dads neighborhood bbc persia and voice of america have been knocked off the satellite but not in all parts. Sorry this is rambling I'm getting constant calls from tehran. Will speak to my father again in two hours and will let you know anything new.


Grand Ayatollah Sanei in Iran has declared Ahmadinejad's presidency illegitimate and cooperating with his government against Islam. There are strong rumors that his house and office are surrounded by the police and his website is filtered. He had previously issued a fatwa, against rigging of the elections in any form or shape, calling it a mortal sin.


dSECAvBTanQ


The above video at 2:27 shows what kind of people Iranians are... helping a police officer after he has been beaten, even though he was part of the crowd of cops beating protestors... This is why I am so proud of my people :(

In an interview with Christiane Amanpour this morning, Ahmadinejad glossed over the issue of Mir Hossein Mousavi's safety, giving a generalization for the police actions likening the protesters to hooligans at soccer matches:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/06/14/iran.election.rival/index.html?iref=mpstoryview#cnnSTCText

In all likelihood, given the large military and police presence outside his house, Mousavi's house, he is under house arrest (now confirmed), and it has been confirmed that both his newspaper and its website have been shut down. Interestingly, one of the translated Farsi sources being followed on KOS this morning reported the following: One of the Grand Ayatollahs Sanei was denied a request issue a decree that the people should not support the Ahmadinejad Government. He was prevented from joining the protesters.. Thread here:

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2009/6/14/742328/-Updated:-Cont:-Farsi-Sources-Latest-News-About-Iran-Coup

Apparently there was a breaking of ranks, both among the Ayatollahs and the Revolutionary Guards, prior to this election and this really could go the way of a coup, despite the seeming present surface calm being reported with regard to the Ahmadinejad rally and interviews, etc. I also found the comment from the translator about the lack of deadly force being used thus far being because 'they don't want to create martyrs' very interesting, as well as the inside information on the unpopularity of Khameni among the Ayatollahs themselves.

One can only hope that this doesn't go the way of Myanmar's recent protests and that both public and internal pressure results in something other than either a clampdown or a cosmetic rearranging of the deck chairs. Certainly, the fact that the Ayatollahs have begun to speak out publicly is a good sign...

Regards,
Nydia

I am hard pressed to believe any legitimacy can be given to a presidential election when the incumbent has the keys to the ballot boxes, and no independent election observers are allowed. It is bad enough the clerics get to decide WHO can run, but the incumbent should not get to decide who wins.

I fear for the opposition's lives. As we saw in Lebanon, there are other ways than the ballot to silence opposition.

Youtube is removing videos of protests and beatings...

People are on their rooftops shouting "Death to Khamenei"

So, we should interfere with Iran's political process? Isn't that something you yourself have claimed justifies Iranian anger with the U.S.?

I think everyone will be best served by allowing the Iranian citizenry to take responsibility for their country and it's future.

It's funny how widespread this view that a nation's political environment is complex and we can't easily, constructively interfere is now with regard to Iran when it was so absent six years ago with regard to Iraq (not directed specifically at Byl).

wpWL3-ms41o

Holy shit

"Marg Bar Dictator"
"Death to the Dictator"

Rumor!!!!

Iranian Army declaring itself neutral and declining to take sides.

# people still shouting from rooftops. 'allah akbar - death to the dictator'. #Iranelection5 minutes ago from web

# friend on phone from sadatabad. he says violent street battles between Basij and people. cars on fire. #Iranelection6 minutes ago from web

# normally nights are quiet. it is now 0150hrs and streets jammed. thousands of cars on roads. can hear tooting. #Iranelection9 minutes ago from web

Btw, sorry if anyone is annoyed by my sometimes minute by minute updates, I am just pumped up and using this as an outlet for all the information I am finding.

Tweet from an Iranian...

i just can says President Obama help us...hete 2:13 am we can't sleep at all even eat something even cry.we are out of tears

:(

Not being crude here but what can Obama do? We don't need anything else on our plate....

I wish those reforms all the luck in the world....

Not being crude here but what can Obama do? We don't need anything else on our plate....

I wish those reforms all the luck in the world....

He cannot do anything, but it shows how well he has made us look to the Iranians. That an Iranian would beg for help from the American president... I think that is a good sign for America.

There have been reports of BBC reporters in the process of being arrested, but being saved by a charge from protesters to help them get away from the police.

Reports that lethal force has not been authorized because Ahmadinejad does not want to "Make martyr's"

Rumor!!!!

Iranian Army declaring itself neutral and declining to take sides.


Btw, sorry if anyone is annoyed by my sometimes minute by minute updates, I am just pumped up and using this as an outlet for all the information I am finding.

Believe it or not jedd, there are some of us watching this almost as intently as you, and I for one appreciate the info.

Ditto, this is big and keep it coming.

Lp0KRMF78IY

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CCwrqBpbqjA

EU recognizes Ahmadinajad victory, but notes "irregularities."

Cell net is off. Dorms under massive attack. So many students are injured. All officials have left the complex.

People helping each other get the word out...

I am accessing twitter from 148.233.239.24 Port:80 in tehran. you can avoid gov filters from here.

HubdubWorldNews RT Iran proxies to avoid restrictions 218.128.112.18:8080 218.206.94.132:808 218.253.65.99:808 219.50.16.70:8080

One of the biggest rumors right now that is unconfirmed... Un-Uniformed police raid Tehran University, dozens killed hundreds arrested.

----- NOW CONFIRMED by sources inside Tehran (confirmation of arrests and raid, not of deaths) -----

@tehranbureau: Phone report from my wife: "They're opening fire on the crowd-not letting injured in hospitals"#iranelection

"Nikou" freelance journalist on CNN confirms reports of iranian journalists being targeted/arrested.

Rumor!!!!

Iranian Army declaring itself neutral and declining to take sides.


Btw, sorry if anyone is annoyed by my sometimes minute by minute updates, I am just pumped up and using this as an outlet for all the information I am finding.

Man as much as I find myself on the other side of the fence on so many other issues I really do wish you and yours the best here.

Keep the info coming and God bless ( sorry if that offends, but it means something for me to say it to you and yours ).

If this is true I'm surprised that the rest of the world isn't tossing out any harsh language, not threats just the political spiel about how disappointing things are being handled are.

We've invaded countries for less in the past.

Andrew Sullivan's blog is continuing to be updated every few minutes, and has just indicated that Tehran Bureau is now down, after having announced earlier that Grand Ayatollah Hossein Ali Montazeri was going to speak out there about the election fraud:

http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/

There are some great excerpts from Tehran Bureau translations there, including a timeline of the coup with regard to how and when the election rigging unfolded.

Regards,
Nydia

And yes, all my thoughts and prayers are for your family and others this is crazy :(

Man as much as I find myself on the other side of the fence on so many other issues I really do wish you and yours the best here.

Keep the info coming and God bless ( sorry if that offends, but it means something for me to say it to you and yours ).

No offense taken, I appreciate it.

Same here.

Its as tense as watching a flower trying to bloom in the middle of a stampede.

Ugh... tons of Iranians now twittering saying there are students being killed at Tehran university... It is a slaughter :(

If only they had the right to bear arms :(

100% confirmed --- Riot police speaking Arabic, do not speak Farsi

As much as I agree with Obama's silence... Oh how I wish he would hold a press conference pledging support to those who are fighting for freedom, and then back it up if they needed it.

I know the reasons he wont, and they are good reasons... but one can dream!

OH FUCK

txt from Ramat David "2 waves took off here and Hatzor" A lot of aircraft in the air from Israel.

If Israel does something, it will unify EVERY single Iranian and end this whole revolution in the making. I hope they are not that stupid.

From Radio Free Europe:

http://www.rferl.org/content/Recognizing_Irans_Election_As_An_Election_Is_A_Cri me_Against_Democracy/1754106.html

The journalists who are still able to get information out about the 'election' are asking the EU and US not to recognize this as an election at all, but as a coup - after the EU recognized the results of the election today 'while noting irregularities'.

From a female journalist employed by one of Tehran's major newspapers (who needless to say, wished to remain anonymous) who spoke to Radio Free Europe today:

A skin has been shed here. The Islamic republic has ended; from now on, it’s an Islamic regime. From now on, a republic doesn’t exist [in Iran] anymore; democracy doesn’t exist anymore. These people will not vote anymore, and [authorities] don’t need people’s votes anymore. It’s a turning point. Exactly 30 years and four months after the 1979 Revolution, the republicanism of the establishment was lost. I want you to show the depth of this tragedy. No one comes to detain you while you’re sitting in the newsroom. You don’t go to prison. Just show the depth of the tragedy.

On the 'Riot Police speaking Arabic' tweet you posted a few minutes ago, it had been suspected that Khamenei/Ahmadinejad would pull troops from the south (where most of the Arab minority in Iran is located) due to concerns about the local/Persian-speaking police/military refusing to follow orders - much as China pulled in troops in from distant provinces when the crackdown on Tianemen Square occurred - and this seems to lend more weight to the hypothesis that this was a planned (albeit badly) coup.

this was a planned (albeit badly) coup.


The ability to have sufficient personnel to hand count 35 million hand written votes in a couple hours demonstrates how badly this was planned.

There are now reports from multiple sources that rioting and police attacks have spread to other cities (Andrew Sullivan) and claims by students that the troops attacking them are not police at all but Ansar-Hezbolah, which is a conservative paramilitary group loyal to and under the protection of Khamenei which has been used to suppress student riots in the past.

A riveting twitter thread can be followed here: http://twitter.com/change_for_iran - it's about 5 am there and the students are clearly terrified.

I heard the EU has endorsed Aminutjobs election.

(BRUSSELS) - The European Union said it was "concerned" Saturday about the disputed presidential elections in Iran and violence following the announcement of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's re-election.

"The Presidency is concerned about alleged irregularities during the election process and post-electional violence that broke out immediately after the release of the official election results on 13 June 2009," said a statement.

"The Presidency hopes that outcome of the Presidential elections will bring the opportunity to resume the dialogue on nuclear issue and clear up Iranian position in this regard," the statement added.

The EU presidency expected the new government to assume its "responsibility towards international community and respect its international obligations."

Ahmadinejad was on Saturday declared winner by a landslide in Iran's hotly-disputed presidential vote.

But the result has led to riots in Tehran as opposition supporters took to the streets and clashed with baton-wielding police in unrest not seen since student riots a decade ago.


http://www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1244927821.76

Talked to my father—confirms that people R chanting "Obama—get our votes back!" & "Obama—save us!

Just one additional thing, this is very interesting. A number of students came up to me today and said that they want to appeal to President Obama. They said, 'is he going to accept this result? Because if he does, then we are doomed.' So I heard a lot about appeals to Obama and the international community today from university students.

THIS IS OUR CHANCE!

Imagine...

(Obama steps up to the podium)
"People of Iran,

We the citizens of the United States do hereby give you our word, that we will support you in your quest for freedom, and fair elections. We will not directly attack or militarily aid you at this time, however we will stand by you in every other way possible as you fight for the freedoms you deserve.

The United States extended a hand in respect, and now we see that the people of Iran have always had a hand extended, and that it was the government of Iran who against the will of the people has kept a clenched fist. One of the great founders of our country Thomas Jefferson once said "People should never be afraid of their government, Government should be afraid of its people". With this let us speak clearly, The United States of America recognizes Mir Hussein Mosavi the elected President of Iran until a new and fair election can be run, and we will consider any act against Mr. Mousavi as an act of war against the Iranian people.

You are on the right side of history, and the eyes of the world now rest upon you. The Iranian people and your quest for Freedom.

Peace be upon you"

11:54 PM ET -- Expecting more violence. From reader Arif: "I've got a few American cousins [in Iran] visiting family, and I just got off the phone with them and the rumor going around is that that the police/basij have been given orders to use live fire if necessary. The feeling is that today could get really violent, especially if mossavi is not allowed to speak at the 4pm rally, or if people do not like what he has to say."

Ayatollah Khamenei's daughter was arrested.. She was allegedly protesting.

The Supreme Leader's daughter!?!? HA!

UPDATE

GOVERNMENT BANNED RALLY

Confusion on whether the 4pm rally is on or not

Tens of thousands have showed up anyway as the word spreads on BBC that live ammo is being used... Gun emplacements placed at Azadi square, where the march is supposed to end.

@persiankiwi people pouring into alleyways. running everywhere. can hear people on rooftops.

TehranBueau advises all to cover your face, avoid detection and be ready for tear gas.

Seyed Hassan Khomeini (Khomeini's grandchild) is supporting the ppl

ADVICE to Iranians:carry photos of imam khomeini. they cannot shoot at us with these.

Foreign hackers hacking Iranian government websites!

persiankiwi am being told that anyone using public phones in streets is being beaten. they are trying to stopus

persiankiwi: their is civil unrest in streets. receiving news of street battles accross tehran.

militia on motorbikes today without uniform. seen several with guns.

Supreme Leader promises to prove election fraud possibility, then minutes later supports the victory again (He is scared)

people shouting 'Mir Hossein Mousavi - President of Iran'


The damage (http://25khordad.wordpress.com/) caused by Ansar-Hezbollah art the university

RUMOR!

The military is split with many soldiers wanting to join the protests!


Confirmed - Ahmadinejad canceled trip to Russia scheduled for today!

IranPishi: i can hear people shouting/ambulences/police/cries from the street
IranPishi im feelin we will be disconnected soon from the world.internet getting slower/mobile lines blocked/no sms

Listening myself to BBCpersian live...

LIVE FROM BBC PERSIAN MOUSAVI & KAROUBI ARE PRESENT. FEMALE CALLER WALKING FROM ENGHELAB SQ

Tehran streets filled with millions - No Slogans: Silence

BBCtv(Fa): Mahshid from Tehran, Vanak: Vigilantes and Police are heavily present. They have not attacked yet.

The numbers of protestors in streets right now are so large that no vehicles can make it through crowds according to an Iranian caller.

"We are peaceful right now, but if the soldiers and militiamen come at us with their chains and batons we will not remain peaceful"

Numbers obviously not positively accurate, but estimated 3 million are in streets

Just in case you understand farsi :)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/persian/tv/2009/01/000000_ptv_live_s.shtml

3 million number being thrown around a lot, also many didn't know if the rally was on, so the number may rise dramatically

Basij & Police R everywhere in the rally but the # of ppl is SO HUGE! They cnt stp ppl unless they kill 1000s

MILITIA ARE OUTNUMBERED JUST WATCHING THE MARCH NOW.

Theres a helicopter flying very low here above the streets of Enqelab Sq!

can hear helicopters, cannot see them. more than one

Now getting word that Khamenei's order for fraud investigation may have been poor translation from State TV.

Shops in Tehran are closed, "everyone is going," not just students, a mass movement. Nothing left to lose!

8:30 AM ET -- Using Twitter to help Iranians. During the first day, people were focused on spreading the Twitter accounts of people based in Iran, to help publicize the news they were helping to get out. Now, as emailer Tim notes, the efforts have become more sophisticated:

There's an interesting effort via Twitter's #iranelection feed to provide in-country bloggers, tweeters, etc. with Internet proxies, as the government works to cut the outflow of unofficial information via existing IP addresses.


People following events via Twitter have latched onto this (like they latched onto the #CNNFail push earlier) as a way to help from afar.

Like others I have often felt helpless merely following people on the ground as security closes in. It's worth noting the ways people have pulled together worldwide to keep information flowing, and - hopefully - make the government there more accountable to world opinion

Huffpost

SpaceyG The world is giving Iranians their servers. Oh Gawd I'm gonna freakin' cry now.

http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitpic/photos/large/12530669.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=0ZRYP5X5F6FSMBCCSE82&Expires=1245072395&Signature=geJ4oF68pYR4qiP3DOWv2V13jao%3D

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/06/15/iran.elections.protests/index.html

Just updated by CNN - Moussavi has just appeared at a massive (but silent, so as not to break the law) protest rally in Tehran and appears to be trying to reach Freedom Square so as to try to address the demonstrators, and Iran's Guardian Council has said they will 'investigate the results of the election'. Given how many ballots were destroyed/not counted it seems likely that any attempt at accounting will be meaningless, and this is likely a sham attempt to placate the protesters, but that a statement was made at all suggests that there the council itself is divided and they're genuinely concerned about the level of unrest with regard to their hold on power.

ouwetinva too many in the streets of tehran to count, demonstrators facing violence in other cities

azarnoushPeople were clapping & calling Mirhosein, suddenly the riot police threw 4 tear gases among people. 1 of them hit head of a young boy.

BBCtv(Fa) Live Tehran: chants: Nasro menna-allah va fathon gharib (Quran): Our war is holy and the success is at hand

Jedd, I do certainly hope it all works out for the best.

I also hope for the least amount of bloodshed, but rarely is anything worthwhile earned without a cost.

I also hope this isn't the case of an extremely vocal minority, not understanding that just because you turn out, and vote, doesn't means you win.

Regardless of if he won legitimately or not, he controls the army and has been congratulated by most of their neighbors (aside from Israel) and the international community really is too busy elsewhere to do anything.
North Korea is on the verge of doing something stupid and we're in over our heads in Iraq/Afganistan. They couldn't have picked a better time to kick off their dictatorship.

I really don't see the point of this. If they somehow manage to reverse the election and oust Ahmadinejad, what has changed?

The President of Iran isn't the dictator, it's the Ayatollah. Ahmadinejad may spout off and act powerfully stupid sometimes, but you know he isn't doing a damn thing unsanctioned by Khamenei. If he were, he certainly would not have "won" this election.

Because there are other factions in the government besides Khamenei's, and with the leverage of popular wrath they may be able to force the supreme council to readjust. Barring that, this may be the beginning of another revolution.

It changes everything... Khomenei is scared shitless of his own people, that won't change.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/8101098.stm

- Shots fired into crowd - reportedly a million strong protest rally. No confirmed deaths yet.

5 deaths confirmed

http://web2.twitpic.com/img/12555706-7123313129468c3e1ed4e707e2b47da4.4a368a26-scaled.jpg

also a picture from earlier...

http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitpic/photos/full/12555329.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=0ZRYP5X5F6FSMBCCSE82&Expires=1245089496&Signature=q6KoL0JEeJS%2BBOchz8QZKXZ3PoU%3D

RUMOR--- Police have vowed to side with the people now!

man that one picture you linked (which isnt working now http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitpic/photos/full/12555329.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=0ZRYP5X5F6FSMBCCSE82&Expires=1245089496&Signature=q6KoL0JEeJS%2BBOchz8QZKXZ3PoU%3D)

was amazing. So many people on streets

ComradeKristina RT NextRevolution two revolutionary guard dead message on my mobilefrom friend

http://inapcache.boston.com/universal/site_graphics/blogs/bigpicture/iranelect_06_15/i17_19370165.jpg

I really don't see the point of this. If they somehow manage to reverse the election and oust Ahmadinejad, what has changed?

The President of Iran isn't the dictator, it's the Ayatollah. Ahmadinejad may spout off and act powerfully stupid sometimes, but you know he isn't doing a damn thing unsanctioned by Khamenei. If he were, he certainly would not have "won" this election.

You should read your French Revolution history.

Bodies in motion tend to stay in motion, even political ones.

I really don't see the point of this. If they somehow manage to reverse the election and oust Ahmadinejad, what has changed?

The President of Iran isn't the dictator, it's the Ayatollah. Ahmadinejad may spout off and act powerfully stupid sometimes, but you know he isn't doing a damn thing unsanctioned by Khamenei. If he were, he certainly would not have "won" this election.


The point is really quite simple. Iran's constitution says the People run the country, and right now the People are calling the election result bullshit and demanding some legitimacy to the election. As noted earlier, the ballots are hand written and with at least 35 million cast, it would be almost impossible to have enough people counting to have the results so soon. And the reports of ballot boxes being burned is not helping the cause of the incumbent either.

This is We The People as we have wanted to see in Iran for some time; demanding integrity and honesty from their elected leader and clerics. That is the point that some of us are seeing.

Don't take this the wrong way Jedd, but I'm very excited for those daring to take a stand. I agree with Sixee, nothing of worth at such level comes without bloodshed.

This could be a turnaround worthy of the history books, or a blood shed to make china's oppression's of it's folks look like a puddle.

It seems like a lot of people just want some sort of revolution to happen, as if that guarantees a good outcome or just enjoy watching the drama unfold.

Destabilizing Iran, right now, is likely to be a terrible fucking disaster. Even if they did go crazy and oust the Ayatollah too, I can't imagine that the power vacuum would be filled with someone "better", given the current climate over there.

It seems like a lot of people just want some sort of revolution to happen, as if that guarantees a good outcome or just enjoy watching the drama unfold.

Destabilizing Iran, right now, is likely to be a terrible fucking disaster. Even if they did go crazy and oust the Ayatollah too, I can't imagine that the power vacuum would be filled with someone "better", given the current climate over there.

Personally, I am not looking at any outcome, only at the process. It is the people demanding their votes matter, and that is important. As far as any radical shift in the national political ideology, that is not the issue at stake here. At least as I see it.

What is happening in Iran right now is the best for the country. I just hope the young people stick it out. Finally they can call people martyr's and we will all agree they are.

Personally, I am not looking at any outcome, only at the process. It is the people demanding their votes matter, and that is important. As far as any radical shift in the national political ideology, that is not the issue at stake here. At least as I see it.

Maybe not you, but when people start talking like this:

You should read your French Revolution history.

Bodies in motion tend to stay in motion, even political ones.

It changes everything... Khomenei is scared shitless of his own people, that won't change.

It's obvious they're not just talking about a productive change in the figurehead President. I have to wonder if they're thinking more than one step ahead of present when they talk like that...

http://inapcache.boston.com/universal/site_graphics/blogs/bigpicture/iranelect_06_15/i10_19372097.jpg

http://inapcache.boston.com/universal/site_graphics/blogs/bigpicture/iranelect_06_15/i12_19370059.jpg

http://inapcache.boston.com/universal/site_graphics/blogs/bigpicture/iranelect_06_15/i13_19370197.jpg

http://inapcache.boston.com/universal/site_graphics/blogs/bigpicture/iranelect_06_15/i18_19370691.jpg

http://inapcache.boston.com/universal/site_graphics/blogs/bigpicture/iranelect_06_15/i19_19370025.jpg

http://inapcache.boston.com/universal/site_graphics/blogs/bigpicture/iranelect_06_15/i25_19360547.jpg

http://inapcache.boston.com/universal/site_graphics/blogs/bigpicture/iranelect_06_15/i26_19367745.jpg

http://inapcache.boston.com/universal/site_graphics/blogs/bigpicture/iranelect_06_15/i37_19379573.jpg

http://inapcache.boston.com/universal/site_graphics/blogs/bigpicture/iranelect_06_15/i38_19379493.jpg

http://inapcache.boston.com/universal/site_graphics/blogs/bigpicture/iranelect_06_15/i39_19381431.jpg

http://inapcache.boston.com/universal/site_graphics/blogs/bigpicture/iranelect_06_15/i40_19381629.jpg

http://inapcache.boston.com/universal/site_graphics/blogs/bigpicture/iranelect_06_15/i41_19382207.jpg

Rumor is that a staged assassination of Ahmadinejad will occur tomorrow...

#
Mirriaam (Tehran, Iran) our friends were beaten brutally today in azadi sq. and this was a peaceful and silent rally. oh god. what a nightmare #iranelection 15 Jun 2009 from TwitterFox
#
zahrahb
zahrahb (Tehran, Iran) A doctor in Hazrate Rasool hospital confirmed 7 ppl killed in Azadi sq. #iranelection 15 Jun 2009 from TwitterFox
#
Parham Doustdar
parhamdoustdar (Tehran, Iran) The latest news I have heard is 11 people dead, 22 people indured. #IranElection #AzIran 15 Jun 2009 from mobile web
#
Naeim Karimi
naeimkarimi (Tehran, Iran) I just got back from Azadi Sq. they were shooting at people in front of my own eyes!! 15 Jun 2009 from web
#
Naeim Karimi
naeimkarimi (Tehran, Iran) When they realized their air shots do not disperse people, they turned their guns on the people and started shooting into the crowd!! 15 Jun 2009 from web
#
MicroDump
MicroDump (Tehran, Iran) A huge protest happened today in Tehran. TV shows small footage of the crowd. #IranElection 15 Jun 2009 from Power Twitter
#
Naeim Karimi
naeimkarimi (Tehran, Iran) I saw three people being shot, I couldn’t tell if they were limb because of injury or they were killed, but this further fed people’s anger. 15 Jun 2009 from web

What incredible pictures, Jedd - I can only look at them in awe and wonder how much of the resonance they are creating in myself and other American viewers is due to a shaking of our own guilty torpor with regard to the degree that we have allowed our citizens' governance of our own country to be sold out from under us, and a wish that the Iranian people might shake off the shackles of their oppression that is somewhat vicarious in nature.

Regards,
Nydia

The funny thing is, I feel more proud to be an Iranian and an American today... I just pray they follow through and rid themselves of this cloud that has been hung over them for 30 years.

Rumor is that a staged assassination of Ahmadinejad will occur tomorrow...

In some sort of false flag event?

What incredible pictures, Jedd - I can only look at them in awe and wonder how much of the resonance they are creating in myself and other American viewers is due to a shaking of our own guilty torpor with regard to the degree that we have allowed our citizens' governance of our own country to be sold out from under us, and a wish that the Iranian people might shake off the shackles of their oppression that is somewhat vicarious in nature.

Regards,
Nydia


Let me grab a ride on Nydia's comment, as it is pretty much what I wanted to say after viewing those images. Very powerful stuff, jedd. If those images are available to the folks in Iran as easily as to us in our comfortable homes, I cannot see anything but increasing animosity and disgust toward those in charge of the country.


And to reinforce the import of this situation, when is the last time we had ten members on at the same time during a Monday afternoon? Folks are caught up in following this story, I believe.

Well hell, we have a better source for info than most small groups. So what if we argue like cats and dogs most of the time!! ( dogs are better no contest btw )!!

In some sort of false flag event?

To quell the violence towards the regime.

Let me grab a ride on Nydia's comment, as it is pretty much what I wanted to say after viewing those images. Very powerful stuff, jedd. If those images are available to the folks in Iran as easily as to us in our comfortable homes, I cannot see anything but increasing animosity and disgust toward those in charge of the country.


And to reinforce the import of this situation, when is the last time we had ten members on at the same time during a Monday afternoon? Folks are caught up in following this story, I believe.


Ugh hope they see this

inEpnZIYVAQ

Shit

Twitter is going down at 9:45pm pst for 90 minutes, which is starting at 9am in Iran! People on Twitter sharing contact information to try and stop this... Twitter may accomplish what Ahmadinejad couldn't, in shutting the Iranians off from the world.

Nope

A critical network upgrade must be performed to ensure continued operation of Twitter. In coordination with Twitter, our network host had planned this upgrade for tonight. However, our network partners at NTT America recognize the role Twitter is currently playing as an important communication tool in Iran. Tonight's planned maintenance has been rescheduled to tomorrow between 2-3p PST (1:30a in Iran).


Our partners are taking a huge risk not just for Twitter but also the other services they support worldwide -- we commend them for being flexible in what is essentially an inflexible situation. We chose NTT America Enterprise Hosting Services early last year specifically because of their impeccable history of reliability and global perspective. Today's decision and actions continue to prove why NTT America is such a powerful partner for Twitter.

YAY GOOD! BEAT EVIL!

Brings a tear to my eye... This is what humanity is all about!

Reports indicate potential alliance of Iranian military officers with pro-democracy protestors less than 10 seconds ago from TweetDeck

rXEu8_ce4dY

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_WX22q6NMBPM/SjPw5HJfuHI/AAAAAAAAEAs/4bTwK_vshjs/090613160532_demo6.jpg

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_WX22q6NMBPM/SjPw_0Flw8I/AAAAAAAAEBQ/MWdStxOMvB0/5.jpg

Iranian Manifesto

1. Remove Khamenei from supreme leader because he doesn't qualify as a fair supreme leader

2. Remove Ahmadinejad from president because he took it forcefully and unlawfully

3. Put Ayatollah Montazeri as supreme leader until a review group for the ghanooneh asasi ( "constitution" ) is set up

4. Recognize Mousavi as the official president

5. A goverment by Mousavi and start a reform of the constitution

6. Free all political prisoners without any ifs ands or buts, right away

7. Call off any secret organization such as "gasht ershad"

Alright... Rumors are that Iran is bringing in 5,000 Hezbiollah to silence the protesters once and for all...

PLEASE ISRAEL ATTACK LEBANON!

Alright... Rumors are that Iran is bringing in 5,000 Hezbiollah to silence the protesters once and for all...

PLEASE ISRAEL ATTACK LEBANON!


This pinot must have me seriously seeing things.

The videos and pictures I've seen were appalling, I truley hope things work out.

Calling for Isreali to attack by Jedd /priceless

#
Mirriaam (Tehran, Iran) our friends were beaten brutally today in azadi sq. and this was a peaceful and silent rally. oh god. what a nightmare #iranelection 15 Jun 2009 from TwitterFox
#
zahrahb
zahrahb (Tehran, Iran) A doctor in Hazrate Rasool hospital confirmed 7 ppl killed in Azadi sq. #iranelection 15 Jun 2009 from TwitterFox
#
Parham Doustdar
parhamdoustdar (Tehran, Iran) The latest news I have heard is 11 people dead, 22 people indured. #IranElection #AzIran 15 Jun 2009 from mobile web
#
Naeim Karimi
naeimkarimi (Tehran, Iran) I just got back from Azadi Sq. they were shooting at people in front of my own eyes!! 15 Jun 2009 from web
#
Naeim Karimi
naeimkarimi (Tehran, Iran) When they realized their air shots do not disperse people, they turned their guns on the people and started shooting into the crowd!! 15 Jun 2009 from web
#
MicroDump
MicroDump (Tehran, Iran) A huge protest happened today in Tehran. TV shows small footage of the crowd. #IranElection 15 Jun 2009 from Power Twitter
#
Naeim Karimi
naeimkarimi (Tehran, Iran) I saw three people being shot, I couldn’t tell if they were limb because of injury or they were killed, but this further fed people’s anger. 15 Jun 2009 from web

For the sake of fact checking: Huffington Post, Washington Post, CBS News, and Fox News are all only reporting 1 person dead.

This pinot must have me seriously seeing things.

The videos and pictures I've seen were appalling, I truley hope things work out.

Calling for Isreali to attack by Jedd /priceless
I never thought i'd live to see it my self..

This pinot must have me seriously seeing things.

The videos and pictures I've seen were appalling, I truley hope things work out.

Calling for Isreali to attack by Jedd /priceless


Well its not like Southern Lebanon would be defenseless if Hezbollah sent 5000 troops to Iran. They still have plenty of primary school aged children in Lebanon that they can martyr.

Rumors that 16 members of the IRGC have been arrested trying to get members of the army to join the protests

http://www.washingtontimes.com/weblogs/watercooler/2009/jun/15/revolutionary-guards-arrested-iran/

For the sake of fact checking: Huffington Post, Washington Post, CBS News, and Fox News are all only reporting 1 person dead.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jun/15/iran-students-protest-election-results

Iran: 12 students reported killed in crackdown after violent clashes

"Yesterday, after coming back to my studio from the street revolts, we saw that they blocked all satellite TV. All the internet sites like YouTube, Facebook and… and maybe more. All blocked. Internet speed was reduced from 128k to 12k. I tried to send you a video of streets to publish on YouTube and… but it is impossible.

They bit and hit people and young on the streets. They fear our power. We trusted them but they abused our votes. We could never imagine such pig minds. I just sent you this and hope you try spreading this news. Not just from me but from all Iranian freedom seekers.

They are banning us. They make us fear and keep us silent. I cannot be associated with this letter. Or with anything else I send you. Have you heard of chain murders? This is what I fear. Some Muslims. Individuals. The Basij. They call around, find a person easily and cut his neck at night. Even the person we voted for [Musavi, Karroubi] told us to “be silent because this government has no fear to tear your breasts and spill your blood in all of Persia’s rivers”.

The person we voted for asked us to be silent. To forget.

He said these people are not Muslim. They are liars. The police here are like wolves. Religious people in neighbourhoods laugh at and disrespect us as non-Iranian. It is hard. The government blocked YouTube to stop many Iranians from publishing videos of dangerous streets. We have our ways around this. For now.

The police and the basij set fires and broke into banks at night to say we, the people, did this. But the people are doing nothing wrong, nothing criminal. We are shocked. We are angry. We just want to know where our votes went. We elected one man and they empowered another. The only people who don’t agree with this are the liars who are scared to lose their regime and their control," - a Letter to the West, from a young Iranian fighting for his life and freedom.

Unofficial martial law declared... Curfew in all major cities being enforced by plainclothes Basij fuck faces

12:17 AM ET -- Awe-inspiring courage. Another moment that brings tears to my eyes. With gun shots being fired around them, and men with rifles perched above yards away, the crowd stays and chants together, "Don't be scared, we're all together."

Lhvm8Tj3UnY

'Alright... Rumors are that Iran is bringing in 5,000 Hezbiollah to silence the protesters once and for all...

PLEASE ISRAEL ATTACK LEBANON!'

- Rofl, that's gonna be my new sig!

It's pretty sad when twitter is more on top of the news than....well the news....http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/dear_cnn_please_check_twitter_for_news_about_iran. php

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/15/business/media/15cable.html?_r=2&ref=middleeast

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/8102400.stm

- Council has demanded a recount. Wow...if it is shown that the election was majorly rigged...I think a bomb might go off.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/8102400.stm

- Council has demanded a recount. Wow...if it is shown that the election was majorly rigged...I think a bomb might go off.


You think they need a recount? LOL...they claim to have counted 40 million handwritten votes in just 2 hours after the election giving Aminutjob the win.

how are they going to recount votes that have been burnt....hrmm.

A very good read:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/16/world/middleeast/16cleric.html?_r=1&hp

Of particular interest:


Everyone speaking of Ayatollah Khamenei tends to use the word “cautious,” a man who never gambles. But he now faces a nearly impossible choice. If he lets the demonstrations swell, it could well change the system of clerical rule. If he uses violence to stamp them out, the myth of a popular mandate for the Islamic revolution will die.

“The Iranian leadership is caught in a paradox,” said Ms. Nafisi, the author of memoirs about Iran.



Jedd, I would be interested in your take on that article, does it ring true?


Cheers,

A very good read:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/16/world/middleeast/16cleric.html?_r=1&hp

Of particular interest:



Jedd, I would be interested in your take on that article, does it ring true?


Cheers,

Yea, it seems accurate... He is really in a pickle!

Army forces entering Tehran. Barricade streets where protests are on.

6/16/09 Doctors and Nurses are protesting gov't Violence/Murders!

oyirzlCO-FA

Army forces entering Tehran. Barricade streets where protests are on.

6/16/09 Doctors and Nurses are protesting gov't Violence/Murders!

oyirzlCO-FA

fBp2p3MGJqw

Moscow TV presenters wearing Green!(Ahmadinejad is in Moscow)

"For the first time, I saw traffic police smiling at the crowd. Even the black-clad elite riot police were impassive. “Raise your arms, raise your arms,” one man murmured to them,"

One of the issues that would be brought to light were a recount to take place would be the total number of votes available to be counted, as compared to the total number cast, for regions and cities. Seeing computers were not involved and everything was being done by hand, the time it takes for a recount will also be contrasted against the time the original count took.

Regardless of outcome, a recount can only make Ahmanutjob look bad. I do not believe for an instant that the Council is not aware of that fact.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/8103577.stm

- New rally, maybe bigger than yesterdays.

"Since that rally, the authorities have imposed tough new restrictions on foreign journalists operating in Tehran - the most sweeping restrictions our correspondent in Tehran, Jon Leyne, says he has ever faced.

They must now obtain explicit permission before leaving the office to cover any story.

Journalists have also been banned from attending or reporting on any "unauthorised" demonstration - and it is unclear which if any of the protests are formally authorised.

Press cards have been declared invalid"


A sure sign that those in power are nervous, and wish to minimize the amount of information leaving the country regarding the situation.

Iranian Shock Troops
kSNizjlHWVo

kZH8M-DLQaM

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/8104362.stm

'In a TV interview Mr Obama said there might not be much difference between the policies of President Ahmadinejad and rival Mir Hossein Mousavi.

Mr Obama said he believed Iranian voices should be heard, although he added that he did not want to be seen to be "meddling".

Speaking later in the television interview, he downplayed the importance to the world of the struggle for power in Iran.
"The difference between Ahmadinejad and Mousavi in terms of their actual policies may not be as great as has been advertised," he said.
Earlier on Tuesady, the US state department said it had asked the social networking site Twitter to delay maintenance work so that Iranians could keep using it as a communications tool. '

- Interesting.

Not surprising. This is the first time in a long time they aren't chanting "Death To America", we'd rather not remind them who they really dislike.

Of course. Nothing like foreign intervention to unite domestic disunity.

I wonder if we had something to do with how quickly these folks mobilized to the streets.

Just saying...

so I read this morning that the government is now blocking twitter, myspace and youtube from them. I see large ammounts of "re-education" coming to the masses in Iran. I wonder when foreign journalist will start being kid napped and tried as spies.

Not sure how you stop , really stop, this sort of momentum.

Somehow we, the world, need to smuggle in short waves and/or stealthy video equipment to help them be heard!!

There's a good US/UN/EU plan of action. Free, um, summer gifts of satellite phones for everyone! Deploy by airplane.

air drops over Iran inc!!

Long as they are UN flagged and don't bear the flag of Israel heh

I have been following this on, of all places .. Fark. They have some very good recaps and several of the people there seem very much up to date.

Rep. Mike Pence of Indiana on CNN just now has almost gotten me to the level of disgust I had with the Gingrich-Hyde witch hunt of Clinton as he attempted to use the protest taking place in Iran as a platform to attack President Obama for not making stronger statements which could only backfire and give Ahmanutjob ammunition to show the U.S. devils were behind the unrest. (Sorry for the long sentence)

Are these Republican legislators that wrapped up in petty politics? These protests are about the people wanting their voices heard, and these fuck-nuts like Rep. Pence want it to be about his petty agenda of trying to fling poo at the guy who beat his candidate. He makes me sick, and further reinforces my desire to stay away from the party.

LOL...the republicans are also comparing themselves to the Iranian protesters.

This is an interesting perspective based on why Obama may want to re-think strategy/diplomacy on Iran.

http://www.neptunuslex.com/2009/06/17/on-pragmatism/

Obama is doing the smart thing, by not trying to stick the US in the middle of there internal fighting. Meddling in there affairs would only give the ruling parties the scapegoat to turn things in there favor.
As it always does when we jump in head first, in those countries.

Some of these Republicans i hear talking on the news, attacking Obama for not getting involved, almost borderline to the point of wanting to go to war over there.
That would be a greater blunder then Iraq. We would go over, destroy and kill and then they would unify against us. Yup, that sounds like a smart move. P

Republicans are doing a great job ruining their credibility on FP with this stuff.

John McCain looked like a moron with the "We are all Georgians" shit. It just keeps getting worse. The Republican blah blah about what Obama SHOULD have done has been obscenely bad. And its really obvious.

Someone may have posted this already but...

The Pirate Bay goes green for Iran!!!

http://thepiratebay.org/

Arrrghhghh!! good on them. I only hope. no pray that word of all the support the people of the world have for them is getting shared to with the Iranians

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31380861/ns/world_news-mideastn_africa/

Half way down - state TV says US involvement is "intolerable."

I must be missing something.... how is the US involved again?

I would guess that's speaking of past actions, sort of a hint from the establishment to stay the hell out of their way.

Has anyone caught The Daily Show this week? Jason Jones, who is really funny, has been in Iran interviewing different people and he went to a speech given by Aminutjob.

Jedd you've stopped, is it quieting down over there or?

Jedd you've stopped, is it quieting down over there or?

Maybe he has finally gone to bed to catch up on sleep. Or, he might have some customers.

Just hope he's sleeping and not grieving a family member ;(

Check in Jedd, you ornery bastard!!!

Not quieting down... I have been busy at work so haven't been able to update you all!

Grand Ayatollah Montazeri who is above in Khamenei in terms of religious position, has basically taken sides with the protesters and called any violence against them a violation against Islam.

They are going to march in all black to the Friday prayer led by Khamenei, as missing that would be an act of war against him, however they will do it in a mass march all in black to mourn the dead.

Very smart.. the revolution in 79 happened as every mourning protest was met with more and more violence until the people revolted.

The Basij have now begun to cover their faces, whereas previously they hadn't. This indicates they are becoming more scared of retaliation from the general public. Also, we have heard that cell phone service is cut off at night. There have been efforts to identify members of the Basij who have used violence against demonstrators, through facebook and other social networking websites.


It's interesting to see some in the feared militias themselves becoming afraid of retaliation.

Ad for Kharroubi campaign

g-PKIvKltDU

11:05 AM ET -- Mousavi speaks at the mourning rally. A reliable Iranian on Twitter types up some of the highlights on the fly, via reader Ian:
· I have come due to concerns of current political and social conditions - to defend the rights of the nation
· I have come to improve Irans International relations
· I have come to tell the world and return to Iran our pride, our dignity, our future
· I have come to bring to Iran a FUTURE of FREEDOM, of HOPE, of fulfilment
· I have come to represent the poor the helpless the hungry
· I have come to be ACCOUNTABLE to you my people and to this world
· Iran must participate in FAIR elections, it is a matter of national importance
· I have come to you because of the corruption in Iran
· 25% inflation means IGNORANCE - THIEVING - CORRUPTION - where is the wealth of my nation?
· What have you done with $300 BILLION in last 4 years - where is the wealth of the nation?
· The next Gov of Iran will be chosen by the people
· Why do all our young want to leave this country?
· I know of no creation who places HIMSELF ahead of 20 million of the nation
· We are Muslims - what is happening in Iran Government is a sin
· This Gov is not what Imam Khomeini wanted for Iran - #Irane lection I will change all this - This is the SEA of GREEN

9:56 AM ET -- Defiance. A post-script from yesterday's brave action by Iranian soccer members, who sported green armbands in solidarity before being asked to remove them for the second half. That is, except for the team captain, Mehdi Mahdavikia, who "kept his band on even during the second half." Brave man.

http://www.wettbasis.com/wm-stars/bilder/mahdavikia.jpg

2:33 PM ET -- Battle in Parliament over dorm attacks by the Basij. Reader YS shared this news story (in Farsi) with us. According to a member of Iran's parliament quoted in the piece, a verbal scuffle -- and then a physical altercation -- broke out yesterday when several MPs questioned why more wasn't being done to stop the attacks by the plainclothes paramilitary Basiji.

YS gives the play-by-play:

Yesterday a couple of the members of the Iranian parliament started asking question regarding the plainclothes security forces who have been beating the protesters in Iran.
Story continues below


Apparently, Abutorabi (Parliament secretary) questioned the connections of the plainclothes security forces who had earlier storm Tehran University's dorms and killed and injured students. Abutorabi claims that those individuals have been identified and says: "Why do plainclothes individuals without permission from the government get to storm the dorms?"

Then Ansari, a member of the parliament took the floor and talked about the "fact finding" committee and the fact that everyone in that comity is an Ahmadinejad supporter and therefore questioned the legitimacy of the committee.

After Ansari, Abutorabi took the floor again and continued questioning the plainclothes security forces once again. At this point Hosseinian, Koochakzadeh, and resaee, the three biggest supporters of Ahmadinejad in the parliament, started a verbal argument which ended with a number of physical fights. As a result a number of pro and ant Ahmadinejad members of the parliament join the fight and start slapping and pushing each other.

In the end, the anti Ahmadinejad block claims that they will expose the identities of those behind the plainclothes security forces.

Keep in mind that the pro and anti Ahmadinejad blocks belong to the same political party! I think the government is starting to crack up from the inside.

Thanks for checking in Jedd and glad it's not family related that kept ya away.

Brave folks, God bless them and give them the strength to carry on.

Was telling my Son last night this could change everything in the ME if it was to sway to a more moderate position.

Seems that way to me, I could be wrong....Am I making a wrong assumption here?

If Iran changes because of the people putting pressure on the leadership, then every dictator in the middle east will be scared shitless!

It will change everything regardless of what happens next, the power of the people has already been proven, and if they can make the changes they want, it will slowly change everything in the ME...

If the government however starts brutally murdering all the protesters, we will have a bloody revolution which will change things more drastically... Most don't think it will get there. there will be small changes in the government, and the Iranians might live a bit more free then they are now, and some of the rhetoric will be toned down to make Obama's job of negotiating with Iran over the nuclear program that much easier.

http://images.huffingtonpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/1796/slide_1796_24162_large.jpg

6:20 PM ET -- Mousavi spokesman on Obama. Via reader Heather, Foreign Policy speaks with Mousavi's external spokesman in Paris Mohsen Makhmalbaf:


FP: There has been growing criticism here in Washington that U.S. President Barack Obama hasn't said or done enough to support those demonstrating in the streets of Iran. Do you think Obama is being too careful? Or even that he is helping Ahmadinejad by being cautious?

MM: Obama has said that there is no difference between Ahmadinejad and Mousavi. Does he like it himself [when someone is] saying that there is no difference between Obama and [George W.] Bush? Ahmadinejad is the Bush of Iran. And Mousavi is the Obama of Iran.

FP: Would Mousavi pursue a different foreign policy than Ahmadinejad?

MM: As you may know, former President Mohammad Khatami, who is supporting Mousavi at the moment, was in favor of dialogue between the civilizations, but Ahmadinejad talks about the war of the civilizations. Is there not any difference between the two?

We [Iranians] are a bit unfortunate. When we had our Obama [meaning President Khatami], that was the time of President Bush in the United States. Now that [the United States] has Obama, we have our Bush here [in Iran]. In order to resolve the problems between the two countries, we should have two Obamas on the two sides. It doesn't mean that everything depends on these two people, but this is one of the main factors.

Tough to tell whats going on right now.

I think the Iranian government finally smartened up.. and I don't hear of much violence today and the media seems to be loosening up.

Still, something has to give. I don't see Ahmadinejad making it through this. He hasn't been seen in three days.... Thats not good.

I see Khamenei throwing Ahmadinnerjacket under the bus tomorrow. His speech at Friday prayers is VERY important. The political calculus works out.
1. Khamenei needs to remove the Mousavi's conservative supporters, who give the more liberal youth supporters legitimacy and protection, to a more moderate stance. They are supportive of the Islamic Republic, but hate Ahmadinejad. Removing him splits the opposition.
2. There are massive fractures in the government at this point and it is obvious that the status quo is unacceptable.
3. Ahmadinejad has increased the power of the Presidency greatly and the move of a new face in power could coincide with a curtailment of powers.

Nice analysis.

I agree with what you have postulated, but the sheer blunt truth is that they most likely feel they will be more secure in their happy little council by making the concession on a new election than to allow the protests to continue to escalate to the 1979 levels. They have gotten comfortable in their power, and they will not want it challenged; allowing Ahmanutjob to declare himself the winner before voting was finished, and the ballots could be counted, is to invite charges of corruption which is anathema to the rule of Islam.

There just seems to be to little to late to me.... I think nothing changes...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/8108661.stm

- And it's all over.

bad move.

it just gets bigger now and more violent.

He told all the people "Shut up children and go sit down".

He just sealed the fate of the islamic republic... It is now a revolution. He just insulted every protester, supported Ahmadinejad, and blatantly lied, claiming that the protesters have killed many basij.

That's it, prepare for blood to be spilled.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/8108704.stm

- Not sure if it's the interpreter or not, but the Ayatollah sounds like he's just winging it and talking a load of bollocks.

Video that captures the actual killing of protesters

EsHE_uUJJdw

I'm sorry Jedd ;(

Errr the I'm sorry Jedd was in reference to the incoming bloodshed.

I can't believe the lack of political accumen that was shown today by the ersatz leaders of Iran.

I must admit I am completely surprised, and I obviously had done a terrible misread of the ruling Council.

This is going to be a very sad time as the unrest now will become an even greater risk for those daring to voice their unhappiness with the regime.

Man no words ;(

My people are pissed... The Rally is ON

Freedom or Death = new slogan

Well, best wishes for them then!!!!

Totally understand their ire for their leadership. I've been quite outspoken on my disdain for them.

Just hope they can pull it off, could lead to a new ME.

Response to Khamenei's speech, by Grand Ayatollah Montazeri who is the highest rank Ayatollah in Iran, Above the Supreme Leader and would have been Supreme Leader if he had not spoken out against Khomeinei's mass killings of prisoners.

“Over the last several days I have been witnessing the glowing presence and the lively and sacrificial efforts of my dear and dignified sisters and brothers, old and young, in the campaign for the 10th presidential elections. Our youth also demonstrated their presence in the political scene with hope and good spirit, in order to achieve their rightful demands. They waited patiently night and day. This was an excellent occasion for the government’s officials to take advantage of and establish religious, emotional and nationalistic bonds with our youth and the rest of our people.

“Unfortunately, however, this opportunity was wasted in the worst possible way. Such election results were declared that no wise person in their right mind can believe; results based on credible evidence and witnesses has been altered extensively, and after strong protests by the people against such acts — the same people who have carried the heavy weight and burden of the Revolution during eight years of war and resisted the tanks of the imperial government [of the Shah] and those of the enemy [Iraq] — they attacked the children of the same people and nation right in front of the domestic and foreign reporters, and used astonishing violence against defenseless men and women and the dear [university] students, injuring and arresting them. And, now, they are trying to purge activists, intellectuals, and political opponents by arresting a large number of them, some of whom have even held high positions in the government of the Islamic Republic.”

The statement then describes what the Ayatollah describes as his religious and national duty, based on a Quran’s Surah.

The letter continues:

“A characteristic of a strong and legitimate government — Islamic or not — is that it is capable of respecting all opinions, whether they support it or oppose it. This is necessary for any political system, in order to embrace all social classes and encourage them to participate in the affairs of their nation, and not dismiss and repulse them and, therefore, increase their numbers [the opponents’] every day. I am afraid that because the regime is considered a religious government, such acts of its officials will lead to the loss of people’s faith in their religion, and will hurt Islam.

“The present circumstances and problems that have been created after the elections have astounded the people and made them pessimistic [about their government]. They expect the officials, based on their moral and religious teachings, to be neutral and demonstrate their honesty by protecting people’s rights, particularly about such an important issue [the elections]. It is expected of the government to find an acceptable and reasonable response to people’s demands, and by using the right approach eliminate people’s pessimism and doubts. Otherwise, people will lose their trust in the government, and the government’s legitimacy will become questionable. I have said repeatedly that the nation’s votes are valuable popular and Godly assets, and any government that is based on altering them has no legitimacy.

“I ask everybody, particularly our dear youth, to continue claiming their demands with patience and to be careful and alert about keeping the peace and the nation’s security, by avoiding any kind of violence, in order not to provide any excuse to the thugs who wish to distort their lawful demands, thugs that are embedded among the people and by setting fire on people’s property and creating chaos and destruction wish to create a besieged atmosphere in the country. It is necessary to have an informed presence in the political arena, so as to allow those candidates whose rights have been denied to pursue the legal path.

“I remind all officials and security and military personnel that they should preserve their religion and not sell it out for the sake of others, and be aware that the excuse that they have been ordered [to act unlawfully] will never be accepted by the great God. They should consider people’s protesting children like their own, and avoid any irresponsible and inhumane confrontation [with them], and by learning from the past be aware that sooner or later those who commit unjust acts against people will be punished both in this world and the next. It is not possible in this era to hide the truth from the people by censorship and cutting off telecommunication communications between them.

“I end by wishing success for everyone in serving Islam and Muslims, and pray for the honor and greatness of the Iranian nation.”

Given the wide popularity of Ayatollah Montazeri among the people, his impeccable reputation for honesty and piety, and his courage for standing up to Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1988 for executing thousands of political prisoners, the statement will provide a religious moral basis for those protesting the official results of the election, and will do much to deflate from the propaganda of the hard-liners who are calling the protesters thugs and agents of foreign governments, and acting against Islam.

Two other important ayatollahs, Ayatollah Abdolkarim Mousavi Ardabili, a close aid to Ayatollah Khomeini and the Chief Justice when he was living, and Ayatollah Asadollah Bayaat Zanjani, also issued statements in support of Mr. Mousavi, the main reformist candidate; they have rejected and harshly criticized the official results.

He even looks like a good guy...

http://www.irtv.com/tv/temp/montazeri.jpg

THIS IS THE CALL TO ARMS!!! The man posting this is close to Mousavi and is a known revolutionary from 30 years ago.

I speak for Mousavi And Iran

The man Iranians want as their leader has been silenced. This is what he wants you to know

Mohsen Makhmalbaf guardian.co.uk, Friday 19 June 2009

I have been given the *responsibility of telling the world what is happening in Iran. The office of Mir Hossein Mousavi, who the Iranian people truly want as their leader, has asked me to do so. They have asked me to tell how Mousavi's headquarters was wrecked by plainclothes police officers. To tell how the commanders of the revolutionary guard ordered him to stay silent. To urge people to take to the streets because Mousavi could not do so directly.

The people in the streets don't want a recount of last week's vote. They want it annulled. This is a crucial moment in our history. Since the 1979 revolution Iran has had 80% dictatorship and 20% democracy. We have dictatorship because one person is in charge, the supreme leader – first Khomeini, now Khamenei. He controls the army and the clergy, the justice system and the media, as well as our oil money.

There are some examples of democracy – reformers elected to parliament, and the very fact that a person like Mousavi could stand for election. But, since the day of the election, this *element of democracy has vanished. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei announced that Mahmoud Ahmadinejad had won, and that whoever opposed this will be suppressed – a position he affirmed speaking today in Tehran. People wanted to have demonstrations within the law, but the authorities would not let them. This is the first time we have seen millions on the streets without the permission of the supreme leader.

Now they are gathering to mourn those who have died. The people of Iran have a culture that elevates martyrdom. In the period running up to the revolution, when people were killed at demonstrations, others would gather again in the days following the death. This cycle carried on for six months, and culminated in the revolution. Today they are gathering in Tehran for those who were shot on Tuesday, and if there are more killings, this will continue.

So why do the Iranian people not want Ahmadinejad as their leader? Because he is nothing but a loudspeaker for Khamenei. Under Ahmadinejad, economic problems have grown worse, despite $280bn of oil revenue. Social and literary freedom is much more restricted than under his predecessor, Mohammad Khatami. The world views us as a terrorist nation on the lookout for war. When Khatami was president of Iran, Bush was president of the US. Now the Americans have Obama and we have our version of Bush. We need an Obama who can find solutions for Iran's problems. Although power would remain in the hands of Khamenei, a president like Mousavi could weaken the supreme leader.

Some suggest the protests will fade because nobody is leading them. All those close to Mousavi have been arrested, and his contact with the outside world has been restricted. People rely on word of mouth, because their mobile phones and the internet have been closed down. That they continue to gather shows they want something more than an election. They want freedom, and if they are not granted it we will be faced with another revolution.

Thirty years ago we supported each other. When police used tear gas, fires would be lit to neutralise its effects. People would set their own cars on fire to save others. Since then, the government has tried to separate people from one other. What we lost was our togetherness, and in the past month we have found that again. All the armed forces in Iran are only enough to repress one city, not the whole country. The people are like drops of water coming together in a sea.

People say that Mousavi won't change anything as he is part of the establishment. That is correct to a degree because they wouldn't let anyone who is not in their circle rise to seniority. But not all members of a family are alike, and for Mousavi it is useful to understand how he has changed over time.

Before the revolution, Mousavi was a religious intellectual and an artist, who supported radical change but did not support the mullahs. After the revolution, when all religious intellectuals and even leftists backed Khomeini, he served as prime minister for eight years. The economy was stable, and he did not order the killings of opponents, or become corrupt.

In order to neuralise his power, the position of prime minister was eliminated from the constitution and he was pushed out of politics. So Mousavi returned to the world of artists because in a country where there are no real political parties, artists can act as a party. The artists supported Khatami and now they support Mousavi.

Previously, he was revolutionary, because everyone inside the system was a revolutionary. But now he's a reformer. Now he knows Gandhi – before he knew only Che Guevara. If we gain power through aggression we would have to keep it through aggression. That is why we're having a green revolution, defined by peace and democracy.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisf...vi-ahmadinejad (http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/jun/19/iran-election-mousavi-ahmadinejad)

Response to Khamenei's speech, by Grand Ayatollah Montazeri who is the highest rank Ayatollah in Iran

http://www.irtv.com/tv/temp/montazeri.jpg

He is an exceptional speaker, if these are his words and not a speech writer. How long will it be before they start trying to silence all of these supportive voices of discontent?

Eloquence such as this has far more strength than the billy clubs and tear gas carry.

Finally I have cracked and cried... The following video was apparently from tonight for us / Last night for them in Tehran... You hear the Allah akbar's in the background from all the people on their rooftops in Tehran.

The translation of what she is saying is below the video...

2oM6l9PO6Yo

Tomorrow is Saturday. Tomorrow is a day of destiny.


Tonight, the cries of Allah-o Akbar are heard louder and louder than the nights before.

Where is this place? Where is this place where every door is closed? Where is this place where people are simply calling God? Where is this place where the sound of Allah-o Akbar gets louder and louder?

I wait every night to see if the sounds will get louder and whether the number increases. It shakes me. I wonder if God is shaken.

Where is this place that where so many innocent people are entrapped? Where is this place where no one comes to our aid? Where is this place that only with our silence we are sending our voices to the world? Where is this place that the young shed blood and then people go and pray -- standing on that same blood and pray. Where is this place where the citizens are called vagrants?

Where is this place? You want me to tell you? This place is Iran. The homeland of you and me.

This place is Iran.

I bet they wish they'd released those results a few hours slower now.

Have strength Jedd... Your relatives in Iran have it in truckloads.

Their grandparents defied the world and the SAVAK and Tanks and everything the world could do to stop them from freeing themselves from tyranny. We may not like it, but they went toe to toe with the most powerful nation the world has ever seen and didn't blink.

Their parents defended their homeland from a brutal invader armed with the best weapons available, and threw him and his tanks back through almost sheer force of will in one of the most bloody wars in the 20th century...

Now they expect the sons and daughters of these people to back down? To dishonor their families, to yield to violence and injustice where they have never done so? This generation Iranians have steel in their spines, and they have come to the day and hour where they must show it or shame the face of their fathers. I have no doubt they will pass this test before them.

They are part of a continuous line. All the Iranian people have ever wanted was freedom to choose for themselves. The ability to control their own destinies and make their own decisions. It is what they fought for in 79, and fought for in 88, and fight for today.

It is what all people want. It is what the English fought for at Naseby, what the French stormed Versailles for, what the Russians died on Bloody Sunday for, what the Vietnamese fought the French, Americans and Chinese for. What Gandhi and Martin Luther King lived and died for. It is part and core of every human being that has ever lived.

The Iranians WILL win their struggle Jedd.. believe that. It is as inevitable as the tide or the sun rising. But their victory wont be complete... just as those mentioned above didn't complete their victory. This is because we are all in this together... every time any people, anywhere, fight for what is a natural right, we all win. We are all advanced. We are all rooting for them because we know deep down inside that our destinies are tied together.

They are going to win Jedd. It is as unstoppable as the tide, and today the sea is Green.

Alla O Kabar

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a81/kos102/2009/Tehran/Street%20Photos%20IV/Tehran-Street-Photos-49.jpg

“I will participate in the demonstrations tomorrow. Maybe they will turn violent. Maybe I will be one of the people who is going to get killed. I’m listening to all my favorite music. I even want to dance to a few songs. I always wanted to have very narrow eyebrows. Yes, maybe I will go to the salon before I go tomorrow! There are a few great movie scenes that I also have to see. I should drop by the library, too. It’s worth to read the poems of Forough and Shamloo again. All family pictures have to be reviewed, too. I have to call my friends as well to say goodbye. All I have are two bookshelves which I told my family who should receive them. I’m two units away from getting my bachelors degree but who cares about that. My mind is very chaotic. I wrote these random sentences for the next generation so they know we were not just emotional and under peer pressure. So they know that we did everything we could to create a better future for them. So they know that our ancestors surrendered to Arabs and Mongols but did not surrender to despotism. This note is dedicated to tomorrow’s children…” - an Iranian blogger (http://balatarin.com/permlink/2009/6/19/1625688),

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a81/kos102/2009/Tehran/Street%20Photos%20IV/Tehran-Street-Photos-51.jpg

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

Not as interesting - but photoshopped crowds supporting Ahmadinejad.

Have strength Jedd... Your relatives in Iran have it in truckloads.

Their grandparents defied the world and the SAVAK and Tanks and everything the world could do to stop them from freeing themselves from tyranny. We may not like it, but they went toe to toe with the most powerful nation the world has ever seen and didn't blink.

Their parents defended their homeland from a brutal invader armed with the best weapons available, and threw him and his tanks back through almost sheer force of will in one of the most bloody wars in the 20th century...

Now they expect the sons and daughters of these people to back down? To dishonor their families, to yield to violence and injustice where they have never done so? This generation Iranians have steel in their spines, and they have come to the day and hour where they must show it or shame the face of their fathers. I have no doubt they will pass this test before them.

They are part of a continuous line. All the Iranian people have ever wanted was freedom to choose for themselves. The ability to control their own destinies and make their own decisions. It is what they fought for in 79, and fought for in 88, and fight for today.

It is what all people want. It is what the English fought for at Naseby, what the French stormed Versailles for, what the Russians died on Bloody Sunday for, what the Vietnamese fought the French, Americans and Chinese for. What Gandhi and Martin Luther King lived and died for. It is part and core of every human being that has ever lived.

The Iranians WILL win their struggle Jedd.. believe that. It is as inevitable as the tide or the sun rising. But their victory wont be complete... just as those mentioned above didn't complete their victory. This is because we are all in this together... every time any people, anywhere, fight for what is a natural right, we all win. We are all advanced. We are all rooting for them because we know deep down inside that our destinies are tied together.

They are going to win Jedd. It is as unstoppable as the tide, and today the sea is Green.

Alla O Kabar

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a81/kos102/2009/Tehran/Street%20Photos%20IV/Tehran-Street-Photos-49.jpg

“I will participate in the demonstrations tomorrow. Maybe they will turn violent. Maybe I will be one of the people who is going to get killed. I’m listening to all my favorite music. I even want to dance to a few songs. I always wanted to have very narrow eyebrows. Yes, maybe I will go to the salon before I go tomorrow! There are a few great movie scenes that I also have to see. I should drop by the library, too. It’s worth to read the poems of Forough and Shamloo again. All family pictures have to be reviewed, too. I have to call my friends as well to say goodbye. All I have are two bookshelves which I told my family who should receive them. I’m two units away from getting my bachelors degree but who cares about that. My mind is very chaotic. I wrote these random sentences for the next generation so they know we were not just emotional and under peer pressure. So they know that we did everything we could to create a better future for them. So they know that our ancestors surrendered to Arabs and Mongols but did not surrender to despotism. This note is dedicated to tomorrow’s children…” - an Iranian blogger (http://balatarin.com/permlink/2009/6/19/1625688),

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a81/kos102/2009/Tehran/Street%20Photos%20IV/Tehran-Street-Photos-51.jpg

Thanks for the great post... I pray you are right!

It is almost time...a little over 5 hours from now we will see what Khamenei has to answer for in the Afterlife.

va5fmth9gJA

:(

RRiRkqz-qbE

40 mins past time of rally..

streets relatively quiet, except for massive police presence.

I hear different... Clashes with riot police, tear gas used, people trying to get to rally location but blocked by fire engines and riot police

Khomeini shrine has been hit with bomb, many ppl injured.

Possible false flag to open fire on protesters

Heavy clashes in Enghelab and Azaadi sqrs. ppl chanting "death to Khamenei" (Marg bar khaamenei)

UNCONFIRMED --

police headquarters monitors riot police, cut communication between headquarters and the streets.

This is today I believe...

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http://www.bbc.co.uk/persian/iran/2009/06/090620_og_tehran_shooting.shtml

Iranian opposition leader mousavi to be "held responsible" over protests

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Riot police backing up!

ALMOST good enough to be confirmed....

From Enghelab Square up to Azadi Square tow helicopters are pouring down boiling water over peoples head

WTF?!

CNN confirms Mousavi said he'd seek refuge in Shrine of Khamenei, highly likely bomb attack's a setup

I just can't help but feel they don't stand a chance with Khamenei having control of the police, the military, all communications, etc.
Unless the military or police decide to side with Mousavi, but then when you have a military coup they don't necessarily turn power over to a democracy too easily.

ALMOST good enough to be confirmed....

From Enghelab Square up to Azadi Square tow helicopters are pouring down boiling water over peoples head

WTF?!

That seems awfully far fetched. Where'd you see that?

Police and militia forces on all major sq.s! Ppl are fighting back. Gotta go out again! #Iranelection

Some police refusing to fire on protesters #Iranelection

That seems awfully far fetched. Where'd you see that?

An Iranian tweeter who has been reliable for days.

Could be fire fighting helicopters filled with hot water?

Update regarding hot water...

Helicopters spraying water with agent in it on crowds. Skin irritant, will feel as though water is scalding.

MOUSAVI SUPPORTERS SET FIRE AT HEADQUARTERS OF AHMADINEJAD SUPPORTERS IN TEHRAN.

Confirmed by CNN

Mousavi giving speech from Jahoon St. surrounded by followers

"I'm ready to die. We all come from God, and return to Him."

Mousavi claims election rigged 'months in advance'

"I have prepared for martyrdom"

Update regarding hot water...

Helicopters spraying water with agent in it on crowds. Skin irritant, will feel as though water is scalding.

Okay, that makes more sense.

Many more out on street than is being reported.V hrd get gd info, but many say protest large,broken up in diff areas. - Tweet #Iranelection

IF MOUSAVI IS KILLED... IRAN WILL EXPLODE!!!! omg

sW3HVHGvgkE

Today!

11:43 AM ET -- An Iranian-American talks to Iran contacts: "worth noting
people in iran are hearing that others are coming out to join. people are leaving work now and going to join."

Mousavi's Facebook confirms his speech and remarks on Martyrdom

12:08 PM ET -- Gridlock. CNN reporting that metro stations have been shut down to block additional people from reaching central Tehran.

Embassies accepting injured!

confirmed - Riots in Tabriz, Mashad, Isfahan, Ahwaz - Gov using violence

Mousavi: IF I AM ARRESTED THE NATION IS TO STRIKE INDEFINITELY

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sigh

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1149602027692
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=89928823259&ref=nf

Graphic video of a dieing Iranian female who was shot.

UNCONFIRMED -- Khamenei has been moved to Aghdasieh base for protection

3:20 PM ET -- Accounts from the ground. From a reader in Iran who I've been corresponding with for the last several days:

Just got home...haven't read you're blog yet but if there's a lot of stories about violence I'm sure they're all true. I don't know where to start, I'd taken my camera but had the sence to take out the memory card this came in hany as I was serched twice (by Basij) before getting stuck in the middle of hell. If I'd been caught with pictures it would mean jail time and a possible a charge of spying (as I'm a Canadian citizen). Eventually I dropped of the camera at the house of a friend without being able to take any pictures as it would make me a definate target...The chants of death to Khamenei are true...I witnessed peoples fear of the Basij dissapear, an 80 year old chadori woman with rocks in her hands calling for the exacution of khamenei and all Basij...A group of Basij were surrounded and forced in to a building, the front was blocked with garbage and set on fire, They (basij) opened fire on the crowd with what I assume were blanks, the crowed disspersed for a moment the came back with a fury...thats when the molotov cocktails came out. When I moved on the building was on fire...an hour later when I passed by again there wasn't much of a building left. There was full blown war...there was a young man who had taken all of a basij's things including their teargas rifle. We were finnaly able to get out on the back of motorcycle...the ride home took 25 minutes,for 15 minutes of it we were passing intermitently though Basij and protesters fires placed to displace the teargas... might I add the 3 hours that we walked through fire we didn't see one shop or car that had been damaged by protesters...however I just recieved word for the one who was kind enough to keep my camera and other belongings that the Basij had gone into her street and destoryed cars...thats all I can get out for now hope some of it may be useful...I'm pissed I was unable to get pictures.

Obama has started responding.

OBAMA TELLS IRAN'S LEADERS:
STOP "UNJUST" ACTIONS... (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/20/obama-to-irans-leaders-st_n_218455.html)

I'manutjob is so fucked. I just hope that the Iranians are strong enough willed to see this through and topple that corrupt fucker; and then to not replace him with another one.

A comment I saw elsewhere, in response to the outrage over the video of the girl dying in the street:

Western hypocricy, that was not too long ago:

Where were you when Hamas won the elections fair and square in Gaza in 2006? - We (US/west) tried to topple it by supporting a Fatah failed coup d'etat, then supported Israel's blockade of Gaza which turned it into an open air prison for 1.5 million people, depriving them of basic needs.

Where were you when Palestinians, locked and starved in the Ghetto known as Gaza were slaughtered with fighter jets, tanks, helicopter gunships, white phosphorous, etc. and their pathetic towns turned into rubble? - We (US/west) supported Israel

Where were you when the Russians committed genocide in Chechniya brutally repressing a separatist movement? - Oh well, Russians are too powerful, we (US/west) didn't want to confront them.

Where were you when dictator Husni Mubarak "won 88.6% of the vote" in Egypt in 2005? - Oh well, he's our (US/west) guy, so it must be fair elections

You can continue the list ad nauseum, I won't even go into Iranian history. I am far from supporting the ruling party in Iran and Iranians deserve more freedom but it is strange that all the western support for the losing candidate in the Iranian elections comes at the time when Israel/US are trying to stop Iran from achieving nuclear technology (while of course, not a single word about Israel's nukes) and Iran is one of the few remaining bastions of resistance in the region to US hegemony.

p.s. and what about Saudi Arabia? They are 10 times more oppressive and they don't even have elections, but hey, it's our guy, isn't he?

I does seem bizarre that we're supposed to be shocked and upset about a girl dying in Iran, yet don't have much to say about the thousands of innocent civilians killed in Iraq.

Interesting analysis of why the results are likely to be fake: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/20/AR2009062000004.html

...

The numbers look suspicious. We find too many 7s and not enough 5s in the last digit. We expect each digit (0, 1, 2, and so on) to appear at the end of 10 percent of the vote counts. But in Iran's provincial results, the digit 7 appears 17 percent of the time, and only 4 percent of the results end in the number 5. Two such departures from the average -- a spike of 17 percent or more in one digit and a drop to 4 percent or less in another -- are extremely unlikely. Fewer than four in a hundred non-fraudulent elections would produce such numbers.

As a point of comparison, we can analyze the state-by-state vote counts for John McCain and Barack Obama in last year's U.S. presidential election. The frequencies of last digits in these election returns never rise above 14 percent or fall below 6 percent, a pattern we would expect to see in seventy out of a hundred fair elections.

...

Basically, they probably faked the numbers and favored percentages ending in 7 as "random" seeming while avoiding percentages ending in 5 as too "fake". Whoops.

WATCH THIS SHIT TO THE VERY END... and don't tell me you didn't yell "HELL YEA!"

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x9ndxl_battle-w-police-tehran-iran-june-20_news

So Jedd,

We see all of these videos, but what is "normal" life like in Iran during this "revolution"?

Are stores still open, markets, etc. Is the economic engine still running or has everything ground to a standstill?

Will those in power be forced to make concessions based on reduced output from the masses?


Cheers,

From what I have heard everyone protesting has not been going to work or opening their stores (Obviously) and that the 30% or so of the people who are silent and not vocal about who they support seem to be leaning towards the protesters, closing their stores even if they are not on the streets.

From what I can tell everything is at a standstill, and will be getting worse and worse for the government.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3654/3645116424_f21011283a_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3538/3645120856_72d9349a3f_o.jpg

People are arming!(Correction, Caption from another website said that it is a toy weapon he is using to scare the basij)

http://www.irandefence.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=44086&d=1245536654

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yPHfoayYdlw

HOLY SHIT!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/assets/images/2009/06/21/090621112438_003-farvahar-2.jpg

The girl everyone is talking about

_RnR_U4okcs

A poster on the Iranian forum which I have known for 2 years that lives in Iran and has been protesting...

Hello brothers

THe regime hacked both Mousavi's sites.They are giving fake informations to people like:

1-Asking Injured and families of deads to fax their Tell numbers and addresses

Reason: Regime wants to aresst families of those people becuase it doesnt want the Real numbers of dead and injured become manifest in future,we know its a lot.

2-Saying that mousavi was not taking apart in yesterday protests which is totally lie,Many people saw him with their own eyes.

Reason: They aressted mousavi yesterday night i think,They want to spread this rumour to make people think he is leaving them . This is a good way for them to stop demostrations.

3-Giving fake writings by Mousavi:

Im sure they want to publish an article there which Mousavi call people to stop demostrations.


Brothers,send these informations to every where you can. I dont want you to send it to CNN or BBC. we want people of Iran understand the reality so post in in every Iranian forum and twitter accounts.

Its a big deal,if you do this and making success then we are able to cancel their tricks.I again say we want people inside Iran understand this not CNN or BBC.Even Iranians if you can call all persian Sattelite tvs and tell them.

Thanks

CNN showing video of helicopters flying over crowd, dropping some sort of explosive device which emits a gas and burns peoples eyes and skin. Also just talked to a man in Iran who is reporting the helicopter drops.

Also Iranians are making a HIT LIST using pictures you have all seen showing Basij members faces.

It looks weird seeing Police in English across the backs of the authorities in Iran.