Thread: Iran Election June 09

3 years ago I befriended a Iranian exile at my work named Potkin Azarmehr. He turned out to be a very active anti-regime activist, sometimes interviewed by CNN, BBC etc...

He writes in his blog about what is going to happen today:

Don't forget to attend the demos wherever you are. Wouldn't it be great if thousands of non-Iranians join in solidarity too. Keep the momentum going!

I am not a spiritual person, can't remember the last time I prayed but tonight I will say a prayer, hoping God will protect the children of Iran.

His blog:

For a democratic secular Iran. For peace and prosperity in the Middle East.


BBC interview June 13th:

I think there is a lot of violence, very worrying

A bomb exploded near Ayatollah Khomeyni's mausoleum. There is one dead and many wounded. Lot of violence currently going on in Tehran and elsewhere. Basiji against the people who want to attend the rally. Today is decisive for the people of Iran. My prayers go to these heroic youths.

It's undoubtely the regime behind the bombs (I heard of more than one) What do you think Oscar?

Originally Posted by Castellano

It's undoubtely the regime behind the bombs (I heard of more than one) What do you think Oscar?

They are perfectly capable of doing that. On the other hand that would be close to a blasphemy for them...I mean its Khomeyni.

Or this is the work of the most extreme elements of the contestation. Think People's Mujahdjeen or any other marxist group.

The location of the Ayatollah Kohemeini Moseuleum is far south of the marching route which goes from east to west. It is not known if it is really a suicide bomb as the source is semi-official and well known to be unreliable.

Already the opposition was speculating yesterday that the government may create such an emotive event to blame it on the opposition to lead to crack down.

Ayatollah Khamenei may disallow rally marches, but he would avoid violent forces to stop them, and try to reduce deaths and too much blood shed. He can remember very well the historic lesson that, in spite of the overwhelming strength of the Shah's military and police forces, it was these bloody protests marches that brought the Shah's regime down.

Fighting in Tehran, confused reports and tweets right now. There was a suicide bomber at the tomb of Khomeni 2 dead and multiple injured. Reports of police helicopters spraying the crowds with a water/agent mixture that makes it feel like your skin is on fire. Videos with distinctive automatics weapons fire being heard. Reports Mousavi is "ready for death" and that the opposition will still go on. Reports of the crowd chanting death to Khamenei.

An analyst on CNN was rather suspicious that though the report of the bomb blast came from official sources, we have yet to see any pictures.

Originally Posted by Skywatcher

An analyst on CNN was rather suspicious that though the report of the bomb blast came from official sources, we have yet to see any pictures.

Reports out of iran say only a window was broken and no blast damage so who knows. There are open street battles in Tehran right now. Some very disturbing videos coming out the government at least in some cases is using live ammuntion.


Persistent reports that the European Embassies are acting as hopsitals for hundreds of injured as there is widespread beleif that anyone who goes to a hospital will be marked.

List of Embassies Accepting Injured Eldercato's Blog

Can anyone confirm?

Iranian media reportedly reporting on Obama's comments but with a change. They say he is saying the US supports the protesters. That is not what he said but it evokes memories of 53.

Owner of Iran Military Forum arrested.

Numerous new Iranians showing up on forums, some are government types trying to spread disinformation. One to look out for is Persian_Gulf who is apparently sending out tweets designed to confuse.

Originally Posted by Castellano

Obama has zero chance of talking the present regime out of the nukes program. So if that is the reason for the restraint, it doesn't make sense.

Nuca decir nunca. )

Commentators I respect like Charles Krauthammer, Victor Davis Hanson or Mark Steyn are asking for a stronger message, but I fail to see what would be the point, and I think it could be used by the regime to be even more violent against the protesters.

The point is that if you back the wrong side, it comes back to haunt you.

In 1991, Reagan failed at first to condemn the attempted coup against Gorbachov and Yeltsin. Secretary of State Shultz convinced him to come out with a stronger condemnation. The coup failed in 3 days. No doubt the better side won.

A lot of people saying today could be a crucial day.

No doubt about it. This chronology of what is happening today shows the protestors aren't yielding. Saturday: Updates on Iran’s Disputed Election - The Lede Blog - NYTimes.com

a sad, needless death... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjQxq5N--Kc

Originally Posted by zraver

Persistent reports that the European Embassies are acting as hopsitals for hundreds of injured as there is widespread beleif that anyone who goes to a hospital will be marked.

List of Embassies Accepting Injured Eldercato's Blog

Can anyone confirm?

For what it is worth Twitters coming from Tehran say that 30-40 are dead and 200 injured, and government forces are at the hospitals taking arresting or taking names of injured. Twitters advise injured to go to embassies.

Originally Posted by JAD_333

a sad, needless death... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjQxq5N--Kc

I'm speechless. An innocent soul, may she rest in peace, and may the person who shot her rot in hell! That was very very difficult to watch.