Sorry for the lack of updates, but my G5 decided to go on the fritz.
I will post occasionally from public computers, and after I buy myself a laptop, I will resume daily posts, all the way back from the day I stopped up to today
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Thursday, July 2, 2009
currently without internet
And moving between places, I should be posting the new updates, a profile of Mousavi, a post about the Honduras situation and Bolton's comment about Iran
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
30th of June - Events in Iran
- The Intelligence Minister has declared that some arrested will not be released. The protesters arrested were divided in three groups:
▪ Those who participated and had a hand in the decision-making process regarding the unrest. They will remain under custody until a decision is made as to their fate, and whether they could receive the death penalty.
▪ The anti-revolutionary demonstrators who took advantage of the situation. They will not be freed.
▪ Those who were influenced by the atmosphere. They will be released, if they have not yet been released.
In reaction to the arrest of the British embassy members, the majority of the European Union's members will recall their ambassadors as early as this weekend.
- The Jerusalem Post reports that at least 6 Mousavi supporters who had been arrested by security forces were hanged, and that others are being tried and risk the same fate. The Revolutionary Guard has announced the creation of a new unit, specialized in fighting organized crimes on the internet, including espionage, social corruption, and anti-Government subversive activities, as reported by the IRNA.
- The Keyhan newspaper, one of the most influential newspapers in Iran and controlled by a representative of Khamenei, has blamed Israel for the twitter posts describing the protests. According to them, Israel planted 18,000 messages right before the election in order to foment unrest. Press TV quoted Ahmadinejad as saying that recent comments from Obama showed that the US was forced to take position against the election results due to Zionist pressure. As they have done for the last two weeks, Iranian State Media claimed that some of the vandalism perpetrated by Basijis were in fact the result of violent actions from pro-Mousavi protesters, showing confessions on State television.
- Former President Khatami, who was replaced by current President Ahmadinejad in 2005, called for the creation of an impartial panel in order to address election problems. Former Conservative candidate, on the other hand, indicated that he believed the public recount highlighted the validity of the tampering claims, as most ballots appeared to have the same handwriting and using all the same pen.
- Mousavi will never be able to run again, as Ayatollah Yazdi declared that the Guardian Council will never again approve of his candidacy for any future election. Another cleric, Ayatollah Taheri-Esfahani, has come out in support of Mousavi.
- Ahmadinejad celebrated his victory again today and declared that his re-election as a victory for the Iranian people and a defeat for the Islamic Republic's enemies. According to Ahmadinejad, the following countries have recognized him: India, Tunisia, Malaysia, Lebanon, North Korea, Kuwait, Nicaragua, Comoros, Cambodia, , Senegal, Cuba, Belarus, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Algeria, Turkmenistan, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, Bahrain, Yemen, Sri Lanka, Ecuador, Russia, Azerbaijan, Qatar, Tajikistan, Armenia, Oman, Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan, China and Venezuela
- The commander of the Basij forces declared that polls showed 85% of Iranians trust the Iranian election process and that the remaining 15% would be convinced as well now that the Guardian Council declared they were legitimate.
▪ Those who participated and had a hand in the decision-making process regarding the unrest. They will remain under custody until a decision is made as to their fate, and whether they could receive the death penalty.
▪ The anti-revolutionary demonstrators who took advantage of the situation. They will not be freed.
▪ Those who were influenced by the atmosphere. They will be released, if they have not yet been released.
In reaction to the arrest of the British embassy members, the majority of the European Union's members will recall their ambassadors as early as this weekend.
- The Jerusalem Post reports that at least 6 Mousavi supporters who had been arrested by security forces were hanged, and that others are being tried and risk the same fate. The Revolutionary Guard has announced the creation of a new unit, specialized in fighting organized crimes on the internet, including espionage, social corruption, and anti-Government subversive activities, as reported by the IRNA.
- The Keyhan newspaper, one of the most influential newspapers in Iran and controlled by a representative of Khamenei, has blamed Israel for the twitter posts describing the protests. According to them, Israel planted 18,000 messages right before the election in order to foment unrest. Press TV quoted Ahmadinejad as saying that recent comments from Obama showed that the US was forced to take position against the election results due to Zionist pressure. As they have done for the last two weeks, Iranian State Media claimed that some of the vandalism perpetrated by Basijis were in fact the result of violent actions from pro-Mousavi protesters, showing confessions on State television.
- Former President Khatami, who was replaced by current President Ahmadinejad in 2005, called for the creation of an impartial panel in order to address election problems. Former Conservative candidate, on the other hand, indicated that he believed the public recount highlighted the validity of the tampering claims, as most ballots appeared to have the same handwriting and using all the same pen.
- Mousavi will never be able to run again, as Ayatollah Yazdi declared that the Guardian Council will never again approve of his candidacy for any future election. Another cleric, Ayatollah Taheri-Esfahani, has come out in support of Mousavi.
- Ahmadinejad celebrated his victory again today and declared that his re-election as a victory for the Iranian people and a defeat for the Islamic Republic's enemies. According to Ahmadinejad, the following countries have recognized him: India, Tunisia, Malaysia, Lebanon, North Korea, Kuwait, Nicaragua, Comoros, Cambodia, , Senegal, Cuba, Belarus, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Algeria, Turkmenistan, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, Bahrain, Yemen, Sri Lanka, Ecuador, Russia, Azerbaijan, Qatar, Tajikistan, Armenia, Oman, Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan, China and Venezuela
- The commander of the Basij forces declared that polls showed 85% of Iranians trust the Iranian election process and that the remaining 15% would be convinced as well now that the Guardian Council declared they were legitimate.
Interview with the one of faces of Iranian repression
From Tehran Broadcast, the translation of an interview with a man fighting as a Basij
Complete interview here.
Two things of note, here: First, while Basijis might clamor from the rooftops to represent the way of Allah and righteousness within Islam, it seems that their behavior in fact indicates otherwise. This interview shows that they are simply part of one of the most common and lowest denominators of thugs, those using religion as a reason to violently assault people, better their own personal situation, and simply do not really care for the ideological causes their leaders claim to represent. Second, now a Basij himself claims it's common knowledge that Arabs were imported from Lebanon in order to repress the riots, and staying in hotels, the same claim that has been trumpeted by the protesters, Voice of America, Der Spiegel and more recently Gooya News.
Four days after the election results were announced, the white (civilian) clothed forces speaking with unfamiliar accents and wearing anti-riot police helmets emerged on the streets. Some witnesses say, "we don’t understand what these club wielders say." Some also state that they have seen in front of themselves, Arabic speaking baton holders. Yesterday in a snack bar I had the opportunity to speak with one of these white (civilian) clothed personnel.
I was inside the shop that he entered. He asked for a cold drink while he was still holding his club. I started talking to him:
- Hello brother! Don’t be tired!
— God bless you! (The anxiety is visible in his eyes. He has a thick accent.)
- Where are you from?
— Torbat.
- How old are you?
— 36 years old.
- Do you have a family?
— No. A wife and children are expensive. I’m unemployed.
- Unemployed? Are you not a Basiji? Don’t you receive a salary from Sepah (Revolutionary Guards)?
— No. I’m not a Basiji. I’m unemployed.
- But you’re employed now, aren’t you?
— Yeah.
- Why are you holding a club?
— We’re brought here to beat the Monafegh [hypocrites, referencing the MKO], so they gave us this club.
- Who gave it to you?
— Haji. He said beat them so they cannot get up. They are traitors.
- What do you think?
— That’s none of my business. I only get my money.
- So you’re paid to beat. Do you enjoy it?
— Yeah! They pay me to beat. Wouldn’t you do it too?
- How much do they pay?
— 200 Thousand Tomans. (His eyes lighten up.)
- That’s a lot. What do you want to do with it?
— I’ll get a wife. When I have this much money, I can even get two. Do you know how much it will become [in 10 days]? 2 million! Though I might not go back to Torbat-e Jaam. I might stay here. Haji said there will be more demonstrations. They will keep us employed.
- How many days have you been in Tehran?
— 3 days. I’m to stay 7 more days.
- Where are the others, who are with you, from?
— I don’t know every one, but in our dorm there are people from Mazandaran, Arak, and Khoozestan. Also from Torbat-e Heydaieh and Khavaaf. (He’s drank his soda. Asks for a cigarette. I give him. He lights it up. We continue talking while he smokes.)
- There are also Arabs. No?
— Yes. But I’ve heard they are in a hotel. It’s said that they’re from Lebanon. When we were given Tuna cans for dinner last night, the guys were saying that Arabs get better food.
...
- Don’t you feel bad you beat people?
— People? Haji says the chanters are Monafegh. I believe him. He is Haji. Haji doesn’t lie, you know.
Complete interview here.
Two things of note, here: First, while Basijis might clamor from the rooftops to represent the way of Allah and righteousness within Islam, it seems that their behavior in fact indicates otherwise. This interview shows that they are simply part of one of the most common and lowest denominators of thugs, those using religion as a reason to violently assault people, better their own personal situation, and simply do not really care for the ideological causes their leaders claim to represent. Second, now a Basij himself claims it's common knowledge that Arabs were imported from Lebanon in order to repress the riots, and staying in hotels, the same claim that has been trumpeted by the protesters, Voice of America, Der Spiegel and more recently Gooya News.
Monday, June 29, 2009
29th of June - Events in Iran
- Security forces were out in force today, due to the decision of the Guardian Council to support Ahmadinejad. Thousands of Basijis and security forces were occupying Tehran's public places, clashing with angry protesters who came out to protest the announcement. Protesters were unable to form large groups, hindered by the massive presence of government forces patrolling the streets. Some protesters tried to express their discontent by honking their horns, resulting in Basijis smashing their windscreens and slashing their tires.
- Protesters had planned to make a human chain, but they were prevented by security forces and Basijis to assemble. As the regime is making it nigh impossible to recreate the huge protests that followed the election, the dissidents once again took to the roofs shouting "Allahu Ackbar" to express their anger.
- The Guardian Council announced its verdict regarding the dispute over the elections. Unsurprisingly, they sided with the Supreme Leader and declared that they were legitimate, there was no fraud and that Ahmadinejad was the winner. In reaction, Mousavi declared that he refused to accept the results and the Guardian Council's decision. The government is also pressuring former President Khatami to intervene and help quell the protests. A fight erupted in the Majlis as a MP asked for clemency and tolerance toward protesters.
- Hillary Clinton, US Secretary of State, refused to comment on the re-election of the Ahmadinejad, and refused to speculate on internal Iranian affairs. She declared that there was "a huge credibility gap" between the Iranian government and its population, and that this gap would not disappear after a limited recount. However, she harshly condemned the arrest of British embassy staff, qualifying it as "deplorable treatment" and that the United States Government was monitoring the situation with great concern.
- Following the arrest of the British embassy staff, the European Union announced that they were considering recalling their ambassadors from Iran until they are released. According to the French organization La Fédération Internationale des Droits Humain, at least two thousand protesters are still in prison, while thousands of others were arrested and then released. Reporters Sans Frontières came out with their own report, saying that Iran was the country with the most journalists in prisons worldwide.
- President Ahmadinejad asked a judge today to investigate the killing of Neda Agha-Soltan, and declared that he was searching for Neda's real killer. He declared that Soltan had been killed by agents who are enemies of the Islamic Republic, possibly foreigners. Supporters of Ahmadinejad, including MPs, are trying to pressure State Media to ban all appearances of Mousavi on the airwaves.
- Egypt has stopped all attempts at protests and rallies in support of Iranian dissenters.
- Protesters had planned to make a human chain, but they were prevented by security forces and Basijis to assemble. As the regime is making it nigh impossible to recreate the huge protests that followed the election, the dissidents once again took to the roofs shouting "Allahu Ackbar" to express their anger.
- The Guardian Council announced its verdict regarding the dispute over the elections. Unsurprisingly, they sided with the Supreme Leader and declared that they were legitimate, there was no fraud and that Ahmadinejad was the winner. In reaction, Mousavi declared that he refused to accept the results and the Guardian Council's decision. The government is also pressuring former President Khatami to intervene and help quell the protests. A fight erupted in the Majlis as a MP asked for clemency and tolerance toward protesters.
- Hillary Clinton, US Secretary of State, refused to comment on the re-election of the Ahmadinejad, and refused to speculate on internal Iranian affairs. She declared that there was "a huge credibility gap" between the Iranian government and its population, and that this gap would not disappear after a limited recount. However, she harshly condemned the arrest of British embassy staff, qualifying it as "deplorable treatment" and that the United States Government was monitoring the situation with great concern.
- Following the arrest of the British embassy staff, the European Union announced that they were considering recalling their ambassadors from Iran until they are released. According to the French organization La Fédération Internationale des Droits Humain, at least two thousand protesters are still in prison, while thousands of others were arrested and then released. Reporters Sans Frontières came out with their own report, saying that Iran was the country with the most journalists in prisons worldwide.
- President Ahmadinejad asked a judge today to investigate the killing of Neda Agha-Soltan, and declared that he was searching for Neda's real killer. He declared that Soltan had been killed by agents who are enemies of the Islamic Republic, possibly foreigners. Supporters of Ahmadinejad, including MPs, are trying to pressure State Media to ban all appearances of Mousavi on the airwaves.
- Egypt has stopped all attempts at protests and rallies in support of Iranian dissenters.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
28th of June - Events in Iran
- Approximately 5,000 protesters held a rally near the Ghoba Mosque after Mousavi secured a permit. The rally began peacefully, with only occasional bouts of violence instigated by Basij forces on periphery of the rally. Toward the end of the rally, security forces shot tear gas in order to disperse the protesters, who refused to budge. At this point, the security forces started to hit some of the protesters, who decided to fight back, and dozens were arrested. Mousavi was not present, as he was stuck in traffic, but Karroubi was able to attend and mix with the crowd.
- In a move that angered the international community, Iranian security forces arrested 8 staff members of the British embassy, all of them Iranians. They were accused of being foreign agitators behind the current unrest. The UK lodged a complaint and asked for the immediate release of the workers. The European Union also issued a statement and declared that they would meet any harassment of diplomats with a strong and collective response. State Television reported later that some of the staff members had been released.
- Supreme Leader Khamenei today toned down his rhetoric against the protesters, referring to them as youth who were being toyed with by the West. Instead, he focused on America, Britain and Israel, as the culprits fomenting dissent and attacking the Islamic character of the Republic.
- Ayatollah Amoli today called for a separation of Mosque and State, declaring that there is a problem when a single person can enact, execute and judge the laws, an oblique reference to Khamenei and the position of Supreme Leader. Ayatollah Rafsanjani publicly broke ranks with Khamenei for the first time, declaring that the complaints of the protesters should be examined thoroughly and fairly. Former President Rafsanjani publicly backed Mousavi's campaign, and has been very critical of Ahmadinejad, notably for his belligerent attitude toward the West.
- According to the Christian Science Monitor, the number of mass arrests taking place today in Iran are part of the broadest and most far-reaching crackdown since 1979, already dwarfing the 1988 students unrest, which led to the first wide rift between clerics. Iranian news website Gooya reported that Mousavi's campaign leader and the majority of the staff of the reformist Kalahmeh Sabz newspaper have been released, though some of them were still being interrogated.
- In a move that angered the international community, Iranian security forces arrested 8 staff members of the British embassy, all of them Iranians. They were accused of being foreign agitators behind the current unrest. The UK lodged a complaint and asked for the immediate release of the workers. The European Union also issued a statement and declared that they would meet any harassment of diplomats with a strong and collective response. State Television reported later that some of the staff members had been released.
- Supreme Leader Khamenei today toned down his rhetoric against the protesters, referring to them as youth who were being toyed with by the West. Instead, he focused on America, Britain and Israel, as the culprits fomenting dissent and attacking the Islamic character of the Republic.
- Ayatollah Amoli today called for a separation of Mosque and State, declaring that there is a problem when a single person can enact, execute and judge the laws, an oblique reference to Khamenei and the position of Supreme Leader. Ayatollah Rafsanjani publicly broke ranks with Khamenei for the first time, declaring that the complaints of the protesters should be examined thoroughly and fairly. Former President Rafsanjani publicly backed Mousavi's campaign, and has been very critical of Ahmadinejad, notably for his belligerent attitude toward the West.
- According to the Christian Science Monitor, the number of mass arrests taking place today in Iran are part of the broadest and most far-reaching crackdown since 1979, already dwarfing the 1988 students unrest, which led to the first wide rift between clerics. Iranian news website Gooya reported that Mousavi's campaign leader and the majority of the staff of the reformist Kalahmeh Sabz newspaper have been released, though some of them were still being interrogated.
Rumblings of war on the Syrian-Israeli front
As the new ambassador from the United States is poised to arrive in Syria for the first time in 4 years in a bid to revive the Israeli-Syrian peace process, Syrian officials are making new threats of war against Israel.
From the Jerusalem Post
Syria's own ambassador to the United States also declared to CNN he thought the prospects of peace were unlikely. The previous ambassador had been recalled four years ago by former President Bush after the assassination of Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri. The assassination is believed to have been carried out by Hizbullah and sponsored by Syria, due to Hariri's views on Lebanese independence from Syrian control.
Similar threats were recently voiced by the King Abdullah of Jordan, who declared that Israel should either accept peace now, or face another round of the Israeli-Arab conflict within 12 to 18 months. While belligerent rhetoric out of Damascus is something to be expected, Jordan's hawkish new position came as a surprise as there were no indications that Jordan is preparing for a future war.
Both Syrian and Jordanian threats are unlikely to lead to a conventional war with Israel. However, shortly before the 2006 conflict between Israel and Hizbullah, the Syrian government approved of the creation of the (Popular) Syrian Committee for the Liberation of the Golan, a militia based on the Hizbullah model. Shortly after the end of the July conflict, the Syrian government stepped up its financial aid to the SCLG, as well as military training and equipment. Although the Syrian border with Israel has been the most peaceful one since 1973, a future conflict between the SCLG and the Israeli Army, initiated by attacks on Golan towns is not an unthinkable scenario anymore. Neither is the idea that the SCLG could be used to draw Israeli forces into Syria, then "forcing" the Syrian army to engage them due to a violation of their territorial sovereignty. Two scenarios where it is unlikely for Hizbullah to only take a passive role observing the conflict.
It is still more likely that this new round of anti-Israeli rhetoric is simply meant for domestic consumption by the Syrian regime. President al-Assad certainly would prefer that the Syrian population concentrated its attention on the southern border rather than looking eastward toward the protests and cries for democracy ringing out of Iran, and start asking for those rights themselves.
From the Jerusalem Post
During a ceremony Saturday inaugurating a new communications center in Kuneitra, the Syrian town closest to the border with Israel, the Syrian Committee for the Liberation of the Golan threatened to take practical measures to return the Golan to Syrian control, adding that Israel was not showing any willingness to negotiate the return of the territory in peace talks.
Syrian President Bashar Assad was also present at the ceremony.
Syrian Information Minister Mohsen Bilal said that the new center would "report the despair of Syrian residents living in the occupied Golan, under the rule of the barbaric and racist state of Israel."
Bilal was most likely referring to Druse residents of the Golan, some of whom have stated their preference for living under Syrian rule.
On Wednesday, Assad said there was no possibility of reaching an agreement with Israel as it was not committed to a deal.
Syria's own ambassador to the United States also declared to CNN he thought the prospects of peace were unlikely. The previous ambassador had been recalled four years ago by former President Bush after the assassination of Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri. The assassination is believed to have been carried out by Hizbullah and sponsored by Syria, due to Hariri's views on Lebanese independence from Syrian control.
Similar threats were recently voiced by the King Abdullah of Jordan, who declared that Israel should either accept peace now, or face another round of the Israeli-Arab conflict within 12 to 18 months. While belligerent rhetoric out of Damascus is something to be expected, Jordan's hawkish new position came as a surprise as there were no indications that Jordan is preparing for a future war.
Both Syrian and Jordanian threats are unlikely to lead to a conventional war with Israel. However, shortly before the 2006 conflict between Israel and Hizbullah, the Syrian government approved of the creation of the (Popular) Syrian Committee for the Liberation of the Golan, a militia based on the Hizbullah model. Shortly after the end of the July conflict, the Syrian government stepped up its financial aid to the SCLG, as well as military training and equipment. Although the Syrian border with Israel has been the most peaceful one since 1973, a future conflict between the SCLG and the Israeli Army, initiated by attacks on Golan towns is not an unthinkable scenario anymore. Neither is the idea that the SCLG could be used to draw Israeli forces into Syria, then "forcing" the Syrian army to engage them due to a violation of their territorial sovereignty. Two scenarios where it is unlikely for Hizbullah to only take a passive role observing the conflict.
It is still more likely that this new round of anti-Israeli rhetoric is simply meant for domestic consumption by the Syrian regime. President al-Assad certainly would prefer that the Syrian population concentrated its attention on the southern border rather than looking eastward toward the protests and cries for democracy ringing out of Iran, and start asking for those rights themselves.
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