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22 Feb 2011 10:51

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World: Iran just moved a couple of boats from one place to another

  • So, Iran got a couple of dinghys through the Suez canal. A subject of much controversy over the last few days, when it actually happened, it wasn’t a big deal. The effect is very symbolic, though: It shows that Iran can have influence far away from its own shores, it strengthens the ties between Iran and Syria (where the ships will be stationed), and – most importantly – it makes a statement to Western nations that it won’t mess around. Just like everything else Iran’s leadership does these days. (By the way, in case you were wondering – of course you were! – this had nothing to do with the current unrest.) source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

15 Feb 2011 14:19

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World: Iranian leaders, lawmakers call for execution of political rivals

  • What makes Iran different from Egypt: Well, innumerable things, really, but here’s a good example: the Iranian parliament, chanting from their chamber for the executions of opposition leaders Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi. The extent of the totalitarian power the Iranian regime holds over its people is immense, and to this point the strategy of media blackout has worked far more successfully than it did in Tahrir Square, but make no mistake – a video of a parliament chanting for the deaths of their political opponents should chill you no less than a video of some thugs beating up people in the streets. source
Posted by Chris Tognotti • 0 Comments • Permalink

15 Feb 2011 13:52

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Politics: Secretary Clinton throws U.S. weight behind Iran’s protesters

  • What we see happening in Iran today is a testament to the courage of the Iranian people, and an indictment of the hypocrisy of the Iranian regime – a regime which over the last three weeks has constantly hailed what went on in Egypt.
  • U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton • The American official issued a strong statement of support for the protests currently taking place in Iran. It will be interesting to see what tact the Obama administration takes towards these new protests in light of the criticisms of fence-sitting they absorbed during the Egypt affair, as well as their relative inaction during the protests of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s fradulent election two years ago. The line then was that vocal American support would undermine the Iranian opposition’s appeal to their own people, implying a western interference. But now tasting some revolutionary blood, will the U.S. try to fan the flames against the Iranian ruling authorities? Can’t think of a better time to try, right? source
Posted by Chris Tognotti • 0 Comments • Permalink

14 Feb 2011 13:54

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World: As Iranians take to streets, an expectedly oppressive response

  • Teargas in the streets of Tehran: So says the Facebook page of Iranian opposition figure Mir Hossein Mousavi, where this video was posted. It shows Iranians protesting, reportedly against the Iranian government’s detainment of political prisoners, before fleeing back towards the camera. Mousavi’s Facebook claims this was caused by a sudden teargas attack. source
Posted by Chris Tognotti • 0 Comments • Permalink

14 Feb 2011 10:36

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World: Danger, suppression cloud today’s Iranian protests

  • plan Today, Iranians planned to protest in solidarity with Egyptians who successfully won their independence last week.
  • wrinkle Unfortunately, police are reportedly ready for them – armed with shotguns, tear gas, batons and fire extinguishers.
  • wrinkle Also, opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi has been prevented from attending – his phone lines were cut, too. source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

11 Feb 2011 20:04

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World: On the Islamic Revolution’s 32nd anniversary, could Iran be next?

If Ahmadinejad has a nervous look on his face, it’s because the Egyptian protests may give Iranian activists new life on Monday. Especially after Wael Ghonim gave the Green Revolution a big up. source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

08 Feb 2011 14:43

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World: Iranian opposition figure Mousavi calls for solidarity march

  • Undoubtedly, the starting point of what we are witnessing in the streets of Tunis, Sana’a, Cairo, Alexandria and Suez should be seen in the Iranian protests.
  • Iranian “Green” leader Mir Hossein Mousavi • The opposition leader, whose unsuccessful run against Mahmoud Ahmadinejad sparked anti-government protests within Iran, has called for demonstrations to be held in solidarity with revolutionary movements in other states. That this sort of call has gone out isn’t especially surprising in a geopolitical climate of profound uncertainty in the wake of Egypt’s civil uprising. With an increasingly modern, culturally westernized population block that is nearly 50% under the age of 30, the extent to which Iran is ripe for such an upheaval has been a weighty topic since the protests over 2009’s fraudulent election. Seeing other oppressors fall by the wayside can, one suspects, only help this possibility. source
Posted by Chris Tognotti • 0 Comments • Permalink
 

06 Feb 2011 12:04

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World: This should be on your radar: Trial for Americans begins in Iran


Two of the three shown – Shane Bauer, Sarah Shourd and Joshua Fattal – will be in court today on spying charges. Shourd returned to the U.S. for medical reasons. She’ll be tried in absentia. source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

04 Feb 2011 17:04

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World: Experts: Volatile Egypt unlikely to fall into Iran-style regime

  • No representative system can take root in Egypt without the Brotherhood’s participation. But, after spending the last half century battling Islamist political forces, the military leadership will have trouble overcoming its deep disdain for the Brotherhood.
  • Center for Strategic & International Studies’ Middle East program deputy director Haim Malka • Discussing the deep divide between the military and the Muslim Brotherhood which may make Democracy in the region difficult – but at the same time, make it hard for an Iran-style regime to take hold in Egypt. With the military holding so much power over the country, many scholars see such a result as unlikely, due to their lack of power in the region and the dissenters being less radical than those in Iran. source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

01 Feb 2011 00:27

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World: Israeli government: Egypt’s army “an anchor” for regional stability

  • Maintaining the stability that has lasted in Egypt for the past 30 years is a goal of highest importance for Israel on the regional level. The Egyptian army, which is faithful to Mubarak, is an anchor and thus the army’s leaders bear the responsibility for continued stability.
  • Israeli Knesset minister Shaul Mofaz • Relating the Israeli perspective on the turmoil taking place in Egypt. Mofaz is the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, and had a lot to say. In his eyes, it’s best for Israel if Mubarek survives the protests and holds elections in September, which is possible as “the protesters lack an organized leadership.” He also spoke to Iran’s perspective on the conflict, saying that Iranian leaders are “watching the events in Egypt with enjoyment,” in hopes that the Muslim Brotherhood takes over. High stakes be damned, Mofaz ultimately stated that Israel should not get involved. source
Posted by Seth Millstein • 0 Comments • Permalink
 
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