Videos and pictures of the Iranian uprising!

[Led Zeppelin]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaWqf6Upd78

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87EVPWqmyhc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1ETmGE5ZXs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZzYgdiAVJI



Some of the slogans they are chanting:

"Iranians with courage, stand with us!"

"Tear out our problem by its roots!" [referring to the government]

"Death to the dictator!"

"Mousavi, Mousavi, give me back my vote!"

Here are some pictures:


http://images.huffingtonpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/1753/slide_1753_23655_large.jpg

http://images.huffingtonpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/1753/slide_1753_23652_large.jpg

http://images.huffingtonpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/1753/slide_1753_23649_large.jpg

http://images.huffingtonpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/1753/slide_1753_23650_large.jpg

http://images.huffingtonpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/1753/slide_1753_23651_large.jpg

http://images.huffingtonpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/1753/slide_1753_23653_large.jpg

http://images.huffingtonpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/1753/slide_1753_23648_large.jpg

http://images.huffingtonpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/1753/slide_1753_23647_large.jpg

http://images.huffingtonpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/1753/slide_1753_23645_large.jpg

http://images.huffingtonpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/1753/slide_1753_23646_large.jpg


Watching this is so beautiful to me. I love this. It could just be a dress-rehearsal for something bigger and more conscious to come in the future, but still, this shows how powerful the people really are. Don't forget that these people are all coming out while the government banned all demonstrations and while Mousavi himself called for "restraint" and "staying calm".

Progressive slogans are mixed in with more conservative ones, but this is just the first day! Look how fast and how quickly consciousness progresses even in such an early stage of the movement as this. Imagine to what heights it can reach given time. Truly amazing.

I mean, I was walking down that street shown in the third video just three years ago or so, and now look! Fills me with joy, truly does.

[Q]

Wow! :)

[Revy]

solidarity! :)

[Pogue]

cool

[redSHARP]

to the barricades!!

[Rjevan]

Very impressing...

[Led Zeppelin]

Everyone join the Solidarity With The Iranian People! Facebook group in solidarity with the movement that is taking place there now: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=226150525472

Also, invite all your friends to join as well!

[swampfox]

I'm crying, I'm so proud of them. Iranians across the nation are coming together to overthrow a dictator.

[Il Medico]

:crying: Wow. I am so proud, it is amazing what the people can do. Even under a repressive dictator, this is possible. It makes me hope for the future. Viva Revolution! Solidarity with the Iranian people!

[Labor Shall Rule]

I wonder how the Iranian left is taking this rising ebb of militant street action.

More importantly, who the fuck does Mousavi represent? Was he really recently arrested?

[Led Zeppelin]

I wonder how the Iranian left is taking this rising ebb of militant street action.

It's very hard to tell given the underground nature of the leftist/communist movement there, but believe me, they are active and present. I know of various organizations that had networks operating in Iran, they must be very involved in this.

It is they, I believe, who are moving the people to become more radical. The chants are most likely started by them because some of them stem from the communist movement of the 1979 revolution, like the "Tanks, bullets, guards, nothing can stop us!" one.


More importantly, who the fuck does Mousavi represent? Was he really recently arrested?

He represents a different bourgeois faction, though it doesn't matter at all given the narrow limits of the bourgeoisie who rules Iran. The two are pretty interwoven and the same given the nature of the system (all candidates are chosen beforehand by the real leadership in the Guardian Council, i.e., Ayatollah Khamenei). Don't forget that Mousavi was prime-minister before and he personally ordered the execution of 4000 people. People who think he's some kind of "moderate" compared to Ahmadinejad have a short memory it seems, or rely on CNN for their information.

Oh, and where did you hear about him being arrested? That would be a pretty good development. The more the bourgeois factions fight each other, the faster the people will become dissillusioned with their games and move beyond them.

[swampfox]

It's very hard to tell given the underground nature of the leftist/communist movement there, but believe me, they are active and present. I know of various organizations that had networks operating in Iran, they must be very involved in this.

It is they, I believe, who are moving the people to become more radical. The chants are most likely started by them because some of them stem from the communist movement of the 1979 revolution, like the "Tanks, bullets, guards, nothing can stop us!" one.



He represents a different bourgeois faction, though it doesn't matter at all given the narrow limits of the bourgeoisie who rules Iran. The two are pretty interwoven and the same given the nature of the system (all candidates are chosen beforehand by the real leadership in the Guardian Council, i.e., Ayatollah Khamenei). Don't forget that Mousavi was prime-minister before and he personally ordered the execution of 4000 people. People who think he's some kind of "moderate" compared to Ahmadinejad have a short memory it seems, or rely on CNN for their information.

Oh, and where did you hear about him being arrested? That would be a pretty good development. The more the bourgeois factions fight each other, the faster the people will become dissillusioned with their games and move beyond them.

Just to correct you - Ayatollah Khamenei ordered the killings, Mousavi didn't have much of a choice on whether or not it was going to go down.

[Led Zeppelin]

Just to correct you - Ayatollah Khamenei ordered the killings, Mousavi didn't have much of a choice on whether or not it was going to go down.

No, actually, the signature of Mousavi was placed on the orders. He signed them and pushed them through.

Also, Khamenei wasn't Ayatollah during that time, Khomeini was. And he was responsible for a lot more than just those 4000 (what you are referring to is the 30.000 figure, though I don't believe Mousavi was "forced" to sign those either).

[swampfox]

No, actually, the signature of Mousavi was placed on the orders. He signed them and pushed them through.

Also, Khamenei wasn't Ayatollah during that time, Khomeini was. And he was responsible for a lot more than just those 4000 (what you are referring to is the 30.000 figure).

My apologies. I have my Iranian history mixed up.

[Led Zeppelin]

My apologies. I have my Iranian history mixed up.

No worries.

By the way, watch what Ahmadinejad says when he's asked about the demonstrations and the arrests of people:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQRlf9XkMtw

"Even in a soccer match people may become excited and this can lead to confrontation between them and the police force... these are not problems, these are not problems for the people of Iran... there is no partisanship in the Iranian culture, that is a western concept, in fact people are friends with each other"

The denial in that is just hilarious. He actually compares it to people getting traffic tickets for running red lights after a soccer match!

Not surprising though from the person who said that there no homosexuality in Iran because that's a western concept as well.

[Labor Shall Rule]

Led Zepellin,

There are fraudulent 'bourgeois' elections all the time, but this election is of paticular significance: the western media establishment has made this story a priority in their reporting. Who are these protestors? Do they represent the "reformist" Mouavi that Obama and 'democratic' Europe are praying to win? Are they left in their orientation, and from what classes are they being drawn from? How many poor and working class people are getting out in the streets?

Too many unanswered questions.

[Led Zeppelin]

Led Zepellin,

There are fraudulent 'bourgeois' elections all the time, but this election is of paticular significance: the western media establishment has made this story a priority in their reporting.

Who are these protestors? Do they represent the "reformist" Mouavi that Obama and 'democratic' Europe are praying to win? Are they left in their orientation, and from what classes are they being drawn from? How many poor and working class people are getting out in the streets?

Too many unanswered questions.

There is great difficulty in analyzing the situation fully given the lack of any up to date information from Iran. The government has shut down international lines (I couldn't reach my family in Tehran earlier today) and internally cell phones have difficulty being used as well, while the internet is banned altogether (except some dial-ups).

Some things can be understood from the raw videos though, and from the information that we do have coming out of Iran. The protesters represent Mousavi but only because he's the official face on "change", change from Ahmadinejad. When they saw that even this "change" didn't come to fruition, they became angry. Mousavi has been flaky on this because at first he refused to accept the results, then he called for restraint, and then he called for more demonstrations and strikes.

The movement isn't homogeneous though. Yes, it started with a large section of pro-Mousavi people (for the reason above) but there were from the very start also other elements present, more radical elements consisting of the communist and other leftist activists who had been waiting for this outpouring of peoples' dissent to happen, so that they could participate in it and influence it towards their positions.

As time went by, the slogans, chants and demands became more and more radical, going beyond Mousavi. His position is that the election wasn't fair, but that the law will fix it if only he can send an open letter to the Guardian Council or whatever. The position of a large section of the demonstrators now is, however, "death to the dictator and the regime!".

Mousavi would never support such a thing because he's a part of that very system, so as he drags his feet while the movement is growing beyond him, he'll be cut off hopefully and it can stand on its own feet.

As for the classes involved in this. It is true that Ahmadinejad has some support among poorer elements of society...because he gave them a lot of money before the elections and thereby gained their favor for the time being. The thing with money is though that it runs out, and in todays economy it does this especially quickly. Students have, as is common in political demonstrations, taken the lead. Given the large nature of the movement though it has drawn in not only students, but also workers. Tuesday will show how much working-class support it has, for a nationwide strike is called for that day.

It is a lie however that only the "rich" and "affluent" are protesting this, if anything they are the most conservative group and staying home hoping that the police can protect their private property from these wild mobs.

Time will tell though, time will tell. Don't get your hopes up, but don't lose hope either.

[Leo]

Two more articles on the events:

http://shooresh1917.blogspot.com/2009/06/iranriot-in-tehran-streets-after_14.html
http://shooresh1917.blogspot.com/2009/06/iranriot-in-tehran-streets-after_15.html


Now:a very hard conflict is continuing between anti revolt police and students in university of Tehran/ Iran The breakouts firstly started in tehran and was on the same day that the votes were announced, however at the moment all the cities in iran, and i have to say in most of the cities in iran the situation might even be worse than tehran. people even have started to attack the military guards and they have taken control over some of the cities.

[Devrim]

Tuesday will show how much working-class support it has, for a nationwide strike is called for that day.

Who is it called by? Can you link?
Thanks,
D

[Led Zeppelin]

Who is it called by? Can you link?
Thanks,
D

I'm not sure if it will go through after the events of today. It is called by Mousavi and his supporters (but I believe some workers' organizations are involved in it as well, since they are probably dominated by pro-Mousavi sentiments).

Here's a link: http://narcosphere.narconews.com/thefield


Todays massive demonstrations in Tehran and other cities in response to the regime's claim that Mahmoud Ahmadinejad won the Friday vote for president has been reported to join as many as three million Iranians in the capital city alone. As the Sky News video above makes clear: every one of those peaceful demonstrators is committing civil disobedience in defiance of a government ban on public protests. The marches have been reported by Iranian state television and by the major worldwide news networks from BBC to CNN.

Tomorrow, a general strike.

And they refer to: http://tehranbureau.com/2009/06/14/sunday-iran-alerts/


Mousavi calls on all Reformist supporters to take part in a PEACEFUL MARCH & MASS DEMONSTRATION in 20 cities across Iran on Monday, June 15 (doshanbeh, 25 Khordad) at 17:00 to denounce the election results as fraud. He has applied for a license to protect the safety of protestors.

The Tehran location is Valiasr Avenue, from Valiasr Square to Tajrish Square. The locations in other cities are listed below.

Mousavi has also called for a NATIONAL STRIKE on Tuesday, June 16 (Khordad 26) and asked all those who contest the results to close their shops, businesses, etc. and for employees to not go to work that day.

Communication is critical to success for a large turnout, so please forward this to every Iranian you know. The statement is verified on Ghalam News (ghalamnews.ir), the official site of the Mousavi campaign.

[Led Zeppelin]

Here are videos from Sunday. Check out how the cops beat the girl in the first video (who is doing nothing but standing), and then watch how the pigs on motorcycles arrive at the end of the video. I'm sure it didn't end well for those poor people:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlu-qx8ohL8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3LS3LgJGc4

In the second video they are chanting "Death to the deceitful government!".

[Leo]

This among with other things I've seen in the local and international TV and news sort of lead me to think that reformist bourgeois politicians, especially Mousavi himself are trying to make a move at the moment trying to make up for their mistake of initially distancing themselves from the protesters. I have read that key reformist politicians including Mousavi have been sighted in demonstrations. It seems that they are trying to both regain confidence of the protesters while at the same time hijack and pacify the movement, and trying to pull it on legalist grounds limited only to the elections. All this is concerning since it is vital for any movement to protect it's independence from different bourgeois factions trying to hijack it. It seems the only way for that to be possible is for the Iranian working class itself to take the lead as a collective force.

[Asoka89]

with the left as weak as it is, i think this will be largely cultural and not class driven with students and urban educated women taking the leading role. it should be welcomed but i wouldn't expect anything proletarian in character, doesnt mean its not progressive.

[Led Zeppelin]

with the left as weak as it is, i think this will be largely cultural and not class driven with students and urban educated women taking the leading role. it should be welcomed but i wouldn't expect anything proletarian in character, doesnt mean its not progressive.

No movements are "culturally driven", that is an idealist way of looking at political and historical events. Culture is always determined by class, and class is determined by mode of production, etc.

When you dissect the nonsense on the surface, the "culture clashes", bourgeois political squabbling and game-playing, bourgeois electoral processes, etc. you'll see that behind all this are represented the interests of classes, the bourgeois, petty-bourgeois and proletarian classes.

You say that you do not expect anything proletarian in character but the movement is already proletarian. That is not the issue. We do not believe that proletarians are by definition class-conscious or socialist, if that was the case then any proletarian movement would be a conscious socialist movement.

The issue is how the proletariat asserts itself in the current struggle. Will it let itself be co-opted by petty-bourgeois and bourgeois rhetoric, and have their leaders lead them to the abyss, or will they assert themselves with their own activists and leaders.

It is our job as revolutionary leftists to work for the latter. When you fall in the trap of all that superficial crap such as bourgeois political posturing of this or that leader, you place yourself in the service of reaction and have become politically useless.

I am not referring to you here, but some others who have become entangled in the web of the superficial nonsense. They have proven themselves to be unable to look behind the surface and analyze the situation properly, in a Marxist manner. Marxism is after all the method of analysis of social relations, not of CNN, BBC, Mousavi or Ahmadinejad news scoops.

The Left-communists have proven themselves to be true revolutionary internationalists on this (I would like to see them argue against the reactionary elements on this forum more, though, but only because I want those reactionaries to be refuted which I know members like Leo and Devrim can do beautifully), and also the Trotskyists and some Marxist-Leninists (most opposition seems to come from the third-worldist "anti-imperialism" neo-Maoist types, but not all Maoists, see people like Mike Ely for example).

Events like these show which ideological tendencies and which people are on the side of revolution and which are on the side of reaction.

[Led Zeppelin]

Democracy in Iran:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBp2p3MGJqw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOMyzu6vCB8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n43tjS6M3LI

These are death squads they are using now. But that is fine, these are just minor traffic violations they are being punished for!

Or as the demonstrating crowds of millions said today: "Ahmadinejad you donkey, do you still think this is just a football match!"

Watch it here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XF1YvH3_xs

[Black Sheep]

All this is for the elections coming up?I need to do some googling.

If the situation was radicalized, i can imagine the workers ready to seize power, and a stalinist party calling 'elections'!
and then BANG the US invade.

[Little Red Robin Hood]

So, does anyone know if the general strike happened today? All I can find is articles and posts from yesterday talking about how it was supposed to happen 'tomorrow'...

[Led Zeppelin]

I trashed the flame-war, please keep that crap out of here.


So, does anyone know if the general strike happened today? All I can find is articles and posts from yesterday talking about how it was supposed to happen 'tomorrow'...

It did happen and it also partly happened today, here's a video of nurses and doctors on strike yesterday:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwC1yD9Mcko

Check out some more here: http://riseoftheiranianpeople.wordpress.com/videos/

[Philanthropist]

There seems to be a lot of backslapping and congratulations for what is going on in Iran at the minute. Is there really cause for celebration? There are many regimes in the last century that have been overthrown by what looks like the mass mobilisation of the people yet turns out to be one leader, led by foreigners with an interest in the region I.E c.i.a backed coups.

If ahmajinadad is overthrown from power is there going to a real change for the people of Iran? Does Mousavi really represent the will of the people?

[Led Zeppelin]

I suggest you read what people post here instead of posting before doing so.

No one here has expressed support for Mousavi.

[Philanthropist]

I suggest you read what people post here instead of posting before doing so.

No one here has expressed support for Mousavi.
The people are protesting at an apparent rigged election that would have Mousavi as leader if the elections are found to be rigged or those protesting get what they want in the way of new government leadership. Therefore how can you celebrate an apparent uprising if another leader is going to possibly bring in a regime no greater, possibly worse for the working class than the one that currently exists?

[brigadista]

i got word that there was a lot of violence towards students at the university of Tehran and that dormitories were raided- a lot of casualties

[( R )evolution]

The people are protesting at an apparent rigged election that would have Mousavi as leader if the elections are found to be rigged or those protesting get what they want in the way of new government leadership. Therefore how can you celebrate an apparent uprising if another leader is going to possibly bring in a regime no greater, possibly worse for the working class than the one that currently exists?

We are in support of the mass action of the Iranian people. While I will agree with you and say that at this moment, the movement is limited to Mousavi it nonetheless represents the discontent that the people are feeling. In a state such as Iran where the people live in a state of fear if they chose to resist the government, it is a momentous moment when hundreds of thousands of people are in the streets protesting. But the demands of the people are growing and Mousavi knows this and fears the radicalization of the movement, hence why he requested that rallies scheduled on Monday and Tuesday be canceled. He can only go so far as apart of the system in the resistance of the system. What is he going to do when the people move from putting him in power, to destroying the state?

[Philanthropist]

We are in support of the mass action of the Iranian people. While I will agree with you and say that at this moment, the movement is limited to Mousavi it nonetheless represents the discontent that the people are feeling. In a state such as Iran where the people live in a state of fear if they chose to resist the government, it is a momentous moment when hundreds of thousands of people are in the streets protesting. But the demands of the people are growing and Mousavi knows this and fears the radicalization of the movement, hence why he requested that rallies scheduled on Monday and Tuesday be canceled. He can only go so far as apart of the system in the resistance of the system. What is he going to do when the people move from putting him in power, to destroying the state?

Does it represent the discontent of the masses? There does not seem to be enough protesting, even with the fear factor, to suggest it is the democratic will of the people to overthrow Ahmadinejad. There seemed to be more people marching in favour of Ahmadinejad than there has been protesting therefore how can you so easily come to the conclusion of it being the masses revolting against the corruption of the government.

That is not to say that there definitely has not been corruption, there may have been and I look forward to the recount. I just am unfortunately not so comfortable coming to a conclusion that those protesting represent the mass and the democratic will of the people.

[( R )evolution]

Does it represent the discontent of the masses? There does not seem to be enough protesting, even with the fear factor, to suggest it is the democratic will of the people to overthrow Ahmadinejad. There seemed to be more people marching in favour of Ahmadinejad than there has been protesting therefore how can you so easily come to the conclusion of it being the masses revolting against the corruption of the government.

That is not to say that there definitely has not been corruption, there may have been and I look forward to the recount. I just am unfortunately not so comfortable coming to a conclusion that those protesting represent the mass and the democratic will of the people.

It obviously represents the discontent of the people. Why else would they march if they were not discontent? Those rallys for Ahmadinejad were state-organized and in no way come close to the scale of those marching against him. I can see how you could come to your conculusions if you thought the majority of the rallies were for Ahamdinejad but they aren't. In addition the marches are massive! And will only continue to grow if the state continues neglecting the will of the people. There were more deaths as well today. That can only anger the people more.

Have you not seen the youtube videos and other various outlets which show the massive struggle going on in Iran? Look at some of the videos and pictures in this thread! They may not be in a revolutionary stage at this moment because the movement is limited to Mousavi. But as I said in my original post Mousavi can only go so far as apart of the system in the resistance of the system. What is he going to do when the people move from putting him in power, to destroying the state?

[bricolage]

There seemed to be more people marching in favour of Ahmadinejad than there has been protesting therefore how can you so easily come to the conclusion of it being the masses revolting against the corruption of the government.

I don't think you can really compare the two when on the one hand you have pro-Ahmadinejad protests that will be permitted/encouraged by the state and those against him/the system/state which will be heavily repressed and discouraged. For someone to come out on an anti-establishment protest takes a lot more than to come out in support of it. Thus I would not necessarily see the number of people of the streets as numerically representative of the societal feelings rather I would see the fact that a substantial number of people are willing to brave intense repression to express their beliefs as evidence of severe discontent within Iran. This is something we should all be in support of.

[Philanthropist]

It obviously represents the discontent of the people. Why else would they march if they were not discontent? Those rallys for Ahmadinejad were state-organized and in no way come close to the scale of those marching against him. I can see how you could come to your conculusions if you thought the majority of the rallies were for Ahamdinejad but they aren't. In addition the marches are massive! And will only continue to grow if the state continues neglecting the will of the people. There were more deaths as well today. That can only anger the people more.
Are the people represented by such a small group of protesters in the context of what generally is understood to be the people? The pro Ahmadinejad march may have been stat3e organised but there is no way that people were forced from there homes to attend. You cannot celebrate the apparent will of the Iranian masses yet conveniently overlook more people marching in favour of Ahdmadinejad. The simple fact remains that you are allowing a small number of people represent the view of all the people, a conclusion I am too uncomfortable coming to so easily as yourself.


Have you not seen the youtube videos and other various outlets which show the massive struggle going on in Iran? Look at some of the videos and pictures in this thread! They may not be in a revolutionary stage at this moment because the movement is limited to Mousavi. But as I said in my original post Mousavi can only go so far as apart of the system in the resistance of the system. What is he going to do when the people move from putting him in power, to destroying the state?
I have seen them and indeed there is a massive uphill struggle going on in Iran at the minute. It is however restricted to a few hundred, and I believe that they should not be able to dictate the future of their fellow Iranians. If this is the catalyst to revolution in Iran then I for one will be happy, but as of right now, there I will reserve judgement and not let excitement fool me into thinking what is going on in Iran right now is more than it actually is.


I don't think you can really compare the two when on the one hand you have pro-Ahmadinejad protests that will be permitted/encouraged by the state and those against him/the system/state which will be heavily repressed and discouraged. For someone to come out on an anti-establishment protest takes a lot more than to come out in support of it. Thus I would not necessarily see the number of people of the streets as numerically representative of the societal feelings rather I would see the fact that a substantial number of people are willing to brave intense repression to express their beliefs as evidence of severe discontent within Iran. This is something we should all be in support of.
Of course it is Harder to come out and protest against the state. It seems ever more likely that there will be more and more joining them after the death of protesters. What I am saying and have said above, is do you feel the small numbers that are protesting now, represent the will of all the people of Iran? Are you comfortable coming to a conclusion that those protesting represent the views of all Iranians?

[ls]

Are the people represented by such a small group of protesters in the context of what generally is understood to be the people? The pro Ahmadinejad march may have been stat3e organised but there is no way that people were forced from there homes to attend.

Oh so Ahmadinejad represents the will of the people? Good to know.

Maybe people will correct me, but it's not like other places where you can just go and march in the street (even if surrounded by police wielding batons and being threatening), those are soldiers with shields out in force sent to deal with the marchers.


That is not to say that there definitely has not been corruption, there may have been and I look forward to the recount.

Are you saying people should sit back and deal with the recount like it's some kind of proletarian victory because this country is "at least anti-imperialist"? It's people like you who are the real counter-revolutionaries.

[Philanthropist]

Oh so Ahmadinejad represents the will of the people? Good to know.

Maybe people will correct me, but it's not like other places where you can just go and march in the street (even if surrounded by police wielding batons and being threatening), those are soldiers with shields out in force sent to deal with the marchers.
I never said Ahmadinejad represented the people, but I am not also claiming the small amount of people out on the streets now are representatives of all Iranians.




Are you saying people should sit back and deal with the recount like it's some kind of proletarian victory because this country is "at least anti-imperialist"? It's people like you who are the real counter-revolutionaries.
What I am saying is that people are celebrating and coming to the conclusion this is a revolution unfolding before our eyes, I am not willing to rush to that conclusion merely because the thought of it excites me. I will be more reserved in my congratulations. As I said above if this is the catalyst for revolution then I will congratulate the people of Iran, but for now it is unsure if this is the will of all Iranians therefore I will holding back the congratulations for now.

[Led Zeppelin]

Are the people represented by such a small group of protesters

It's not simply "a small group of protesters" (unless you believe Ahmadinejad and Iranian propaganda), ergo, you are wrong (big surprise).

Stop watching CNN, FOX and BBC.

This movement is not being televised.

[pastradamus]

I think people are forgetting though that the opposing candidate is someone pre-selected by the ruling regime and not a revolutionary. Though I support the protests and hopefully we might see some change in Iran.

[Sentinel]

I have split the diversion caused by Peader O'Donnell's post. Peader O'Donnell, it was very insensitive and foolish of you to refer to such a diverse group of people as 'Persian Emigres' as 'scum of the earth'.

As a matter of fact it can be interpreted as borderline racist, and thus I'm issuing you an infraction. Consider yourself warned.

[( R )evolution]

I think people are forgetting though that the opposing candidate is someone pre-selected by the ruling regime and not a revolutionary. Though I support the protests and hopefully we might see some change in Iran.

We are aware of this, the whole system is a sham but what we are hoping for is that this movement moves past Mousavi and reformist objectives and places its aim on the entire corrupt, oppressive system.

Everyone should recognize that Mousavi is not to be supported in any way. He is apart of the system and thus apart of the problem not the solution.

[( R )evolution]

Are the people represented by such a small group of protesters in the context of what generally is understood to be the people? The pro Ahmadinejad march may have been stat3e organised but there is no way that people were forced from there homes to attend. You cannot celebrate the apparent will of the Iranian masses yet conveniently overlook more people marching in favour of Ahdmadinejad. The simple fact remains that you are allowing a small number of people represent the view of all the people, a conclusion I am too uncomfortable coming to so easily as yourself.

No one is marching for Ahmadinejad anymore. The state-organized rally was on Monday and didnt even come close to the numbers of the opposition rallys. Further, most of those attending the state organized rally were religious fanatics who are in full support of Khamenei.



It is however restricted to a few hundred, and I believe that they should not be able to dictate the future of their fellow Iranians. A few hundred? Are we talking about the same event here? Millions of people are in the streets all across Iran.

[( R )evolution]

That is not to say that there definitely has not been corruption, there may have been and I look forward to the recount.

You should be looking forward to a revolution not a recount. Stop with the reformist bullshit.

[OneNamedNameLess]

Where are all the women on these street demonstrations?

[pastradamus]

We are aware of this, the whole system is a sham but what we are hoping for is that this movement moves past Mousavi and reformist objectives and places its aim on the entire corrupt, oppressive system.

Everyone should recognize that Mousavi is not to be supported in any way. He is apart of the system and thus apart of the problem not the solution.

Thats exactly what im saying. The onus of this now lies on the Iranian people to rise up and recognise that its all or nothing and that mousavi is not an answer to the plight of the Iranian people.

[brigadista]

men and women are demonstrating

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fs-FJTazpM0&feature=related

[Il Medico]

This is a pic from a Irainian-Maoist website. I looks legit to me, but I am no expert.
http://mikeely.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/kasama_iran_election_uprising_photo_3.jpg

[*Viva La Revolucion*]

Mousavi won't bring about miraculous changes in Iran, but the point is he's better than Ahmadinejad. The Iranian people don't exactly have a wealth of choice, but by voting for Mousavi they are basically saying that they're ready for change. They won't put up with the old regime.

Personally, when I saw the first news broadcasts I was moved by the way everyone took to the streets. I don't think the original protest was even planned - everyone just joined in.

[Led Zeppelin]

This is a pic from a Irainian-Maoist website. I looks legit to me, but I am no expert.
http://mikeely.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/kasama_iran_election_uprising_photo_3.jpg

Yes that's a real picture, there's also a video of it.

Check the youtube link in my sig, I believe it has the video.

[Il Medico]

Yes that's a real picture, there's also a video of it.

Check the youtube link in my sig, I believe it has the video.
Damn. The people seem ready and willing to fight, but all they is rock and such. Is there any group that has weapons or are weapons being supplied to these people? The are getting shot by pigs from roof tops. Give them guns and things will happen. Mainly revolution. Solidarity with the Iranian people! And respect for those who have died, may their murders meet justice at the hands of the revolt!