The masses fight back #iranelection #gr88 #neda

June 22, 2009
By Billy Dennis

Tags:

This website uses IntenseDebate comments, but they are not currently loaded because either your browser doesn't support JavaScript, or they didn't load fast enough.

5 Responses to “ The masses fight back #iranelection #gr88 #neda ”

  1. diane on June 22, 2009 at 8:45 am

    Was this from today?

  2. Anon E. Mouse on June 22, 2009 at 2:38 pm

    I expect the protests to peak this week and then to resurface again at the end of July.

    I am sure I will be criticized heavily for what I am about to say, but I think the current leadership in Iran, the “W” administration and the election of all have played significant roles in these developments.

    First, what is emerging in Iraq – while imperfect – is of significant inspiration to the Iranian protesters. They can still have their religion while having a participatory government. The Ayatollahs political rule may finally be coming to an end. This is exactly the kind of effect the “W” administration hoped for in the region.

    Second, Obama’s attempt at some semblance of rapprochement with Iran has thrown a curveball at the Iranian leadership. This attempt at dialogue is seen as sincere by the protesters. While I do not personally see it, Obama’s cachet around the world is what these protests are built on. “W” issuing the exact words out his mouth would not be trusted, and I thin the same could be said for John McCain.

    Third, the reason this is such a curveball for the Iranian leadership is that “America is the Devil” only goes so far. You could make your case against “W” with Iraqi invasion and all, but Obama, in this case, at least, lives up to his billing as ‘new and different.’ The Ayatollahs have painted themselves into a corner. They sing one note and they sing it really well, but that is no longer enough.The people see their government rattling the saber at America while America’s president, whole shares a middle name with many of them, is saying “let’s talk.” They want to know why they aren’t talking, yet. The “evil Bush” has been defeated and Iran is part of a global recession. Hating the United States won’t put food on the table and they see that.

    The wild card is, of course, technology. While only certain programs go out over the airwaves in Iran, the satellite dish gets news from around the world. The ayatollahs can no longer control the flow on information into and out of the country. The public relations battle is clearly being won by the protesters, and that is important, especially in the Arab world. The rest of the Arab world is going to take notice.

  3. diane on June 22, 2009 at 5:23 pm

    That is excellent analysis, anon. Why do you think there will be a resurgence in July? Are you thinking that they in the meantime will work on perfecting their communications if the Iranian Government censors them again?

  4. Billy Dennis on June 22, 2009 at 7:20 pm

    Really, Anon? Perhaps you can make this comment into a full fledged post?

  5. Anon E. Mouse on June 23, 2009 at 6:52 am

    Muslim traditions dictate commemorating the dead 40 days after the funeral.

    Thanks Bill, but am kinda busy with ballgames for the kids and the head games the State is playing with foster parents right now.