Iran Protests | 06/16/2009 9:30 am
Iran Protests: Pro-Reformers Take to Twitter to Organize Anti-Ahmadinejad Protests (Video)
Even though seven Iranians died in clashes with police on streets of Tehran yesterday, they’re braving it once again today to push for vote recount; Jimmy Carter threatened in Gaza.
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Tens of thousands of Iranians are defying the odds in using some banned technology to reach the rest of the world, and to get the message out that they will not let President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad take a second reign without a fight.
Supporters of Ahmadinejad’s main campaign rival, pro-reform candidate Mir-Hossein Mousavi, took to Twitter today, calling for more rallies, reports Reuters. Mousavi had warned that peoples’ lives could be in danger from Iran’s militia should they gather in public; public protests are banned in Iran, but that isn’t stopping those who want change. Although many younger voters were also trying to post messages on Facebook to organize more protests, Facebook said some were having a hard time logging on. The Iranian government also blocked SMS text messages, other social-networking sites where Iranians were uploading video, and slapped many restrictions on foreign media covering any of the democratic activity.
At least seven people were killed
yesterday in Iran’s biggest street protests since the Islamic
Revolution of 1979 — up to 1 million people clogged the Tehran streets — and more deaths may be likely if violence with the
police increases. President Obama said he is "deeply troubled" by reports of violence aimed at the demonstrators, who claim the vote was rigged. Protestors scored a victory, though, since Iran’s powerful Guardian Council has agreed to do a vote recount, particularly in those demographic regions under dispute. But that doesn’t necessarily mean the election will be annulled.
In other news in the region, former President Jimmy Carter — who brokered the 1979 Israel-Egypt peace deal — visited Gaza this week, and said he had to "hold back tears" when he saw the destruction in the region under control by Hamas, reports the BBC. He also said Palestinians there were being treated "like animals." "The only way to avoid this tragedy happening again is to have genuine peace agreed between the Palestinians and Israel," Carter said.
Not everyone was reportedly pleased by Carter’s visit, though. FOX News confirmed that Hamas found two roadside bombs planted near a crossing Carter’s convoy took to meet with Hamas leaders. There is some suspicion that Hamas extremists with possible Al-Qaeda links may have been trying to target Carter.
We hope that one day peace can be had between the Palestinians and Israelis, and we wish the brave men and women who are taking to Iran’s streets who want democracy to succeed in their country well. The world is watching, and they’re standing strong.
Here’s video of one Al Jazeera report on the violence in Tehran yesterday:
Read more about: Election, Gaza, Hamas, Iran, Jimmy Carter, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Mirhossein Mousavi, News, Protests, Twitter, World
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19 Reader Comments (so far…) Sign In or Register to comment
Everyone is acting like this something new, the history of the world is plagued with REVELOUTIONS. Our very own country, russia, the various eastern countries (too many to name).
Some times it takes protest and reveloutions to get things right. I just pray innocent unarmed people are not killed.
But mostly I pray that "AMERICAN TROOPS" are NOT sent in.
This isn’t the frist time and it won’t be the last.
As far as Iseral and Gaza are concerned, it took hundreds of yrs for the Jewish people to return to the land given to them by God, I just wish the rest of he world would leave Iseral alone. They have earned peace.
I am sure Ahmadinejad is highly upset over these protests and if the world wasnt watching would love to have a mass murder of those protesting…I hope the re-count is done and it shows a clear winner with no questions…I am glad to see the people of Iran standing up for the change they want.
The Palestinians are ruled by Hamas and that is what is truly sad…Hamas is known for violence and terrorism, they will never let peace be between them and Israel. I dont think Israel is going anywhere so why not just deal with it? Yes Israel was given "their" land (in their eyes) oh well, its over and done with, why keep bringing it up?
If only the Iranian people did have "guns" to stick to….they might have half a chance. However, they are controlled completely by the government…totally controlled.
To say that if these brave people really want democracy, that they can rise up on their own and fight for it, that they don’t need any "interference" from anybody…seems to be a smug attitude.
They need more than our good luck wishes, as the fraudulent winner wants nothing more than to wipe America and Israel off of the face of the earth. They are going Nuclear and we had better not sit on our comfortable hind ends and let it happen.
It will be the end of us. Have no illusions about that one.
Kelly,
Check CNN. All out civil war in Iran, as expected. Mousavi preparing for martyrdom. I just knew this would happen. It really looks brutal.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/06/20/iran.election/index.html
I don’t know - haven’t heard about one. Not sure it would have any impact except perhaps cause more violence on the part of the incumbents.
Al Jazeera usually has decent coverage.
http://english.aljazeera.net/
In any case - it’s horrible, but I think it was just a matter of time.
Must run. Be back later.
Anyone else find it fascinating that ‘we’ in the West are getting news of what is happening in Iran in Twits and from Drudge? Just where is CNN and the other international news sources? The ugly truth (IMO) is that ‘this’ fake Iranian election and its international consequences just ‘shows’ that it is the Mullahs who control the country (and alot of the region) and that there isn’t much the UN and (audible gasp) President Obama can do about. There are no Islamic ‘moderates’ in any position (like talks with Israel) so…we its not really reported on much (its not THAT big a deal…hey look over here…the Lakers won!!!) because it doesn’t fit the agenda of platitudes and diplomacy.
Things will ‘quiet down’ (ie., enough blood will be shed to deter further demonstrations); the opposition will be destroyed; and President Obama will give another ‘historic’ speech. Nothing will change as long as the strangle hold of fundamentalism grips the culture over there…but pretty words will be ‘ooohed’ and ‘awed’ over like they will.
Mary…wait…you mean that the speech in Cairo didn’t move Ahmadinejad to tears of gratitude and fellowship? No? Not any Moderate Islamics in position of leadership over there? No?
Gee…who woulda guessed…
I am glad the Iranians are making a stand. It should be them to stand up for themselves. I hope they keep up the fight:)
I believe if anyone can help bring peace it will be Jimmy Carter. He was a good president crucified for his honesty and not bowing to the religious sect.