Just a noob question (I don't follow politics): What kind of foul play may have been involved? Could it be some kind of bribery? :?

 

No, much broader than that.

 

 

 

Iran is a theocracy, it is led by a Supreme Leader (dictator) who follows Islamic law. To keep the citizens happy and peaceful, Iran has elections for a "President" much like we do. The only thing is the President has no power, he is just a face for the nation to follow and elect, but all the power lies with the dictator.

 

 

 

Iran's president for the past 4 years is a pretty violent guy who supports terrorists. Iran just had an election for a new president, a more friendly guy diplomatic guy was going to win the election... but the Supreme Leader stated that the current, terrorist supporting president won the election by a landslide.

 

 

 

The president doesn't have much power anyway, but for the Supreme Leader to deny to people the right to even have a fair election for this minor position made a lot of people angry. Now they don't just want the president out of power, they are challenging the Supreme Leader himself. If the riots succeed and the Supreme Leader is removed from power it would make a huge positive impact for Iranians and for the world. That probably won't happen though... its all in the hands of the protesters now...

^ I never knew that, who is Iran's real dictator then?

 

 

 

Of note, in Iran, riots are happening because of a stolen election.

 

In LA, riots happened because of a basketball game.

The thing is, we say that if the protesters ousted the supreme leader and the president, it would be alot of good for this part of the world, but it wouldn't be anything immediate. Worst case scenario, it could turn into a totally lawless country. Granted, it is much more developed than any other country in the middle east, it's still in an area thats incredibly volatile. M would have to try and be very quick in bringing the country under control if he was granted power after all these riots.

^ I never knew that, who is Iran's real dictator then?

 

 

 

Of note, in Iran, riots are happening because of a stolen election.

 

In LA, riots happened because of a basketball game.

 

And in RuneScape, riots happen because of...

 

 

 

Lol, jk.

^ I never knew that, who is Iran's real dictator then?

 

 

 

 

It's more of a dictatorship shared among a high council of theocrats, rather than one supreme leader. Ali Khamenei is the "supreme leader," though.

 

 

 

Some videos, although I must warn you, many of them are gruesome. If you want to know what's happening, watch; if you'd like to see fantasy, watch cable news:

 

 

 

[yt]or-1QYKWaPU[/yt]

 

 

 

Protester in Tehran gets killed by Basiji

 

 

 

[yt]TKgz6huzHGY[/yt]

 

 

 

Iranian dead boy carried by crowd Tehran rally Mousavi

 

 

 

[yt]BXlOKLCx_Yg[/yt]

 

 

 

Police Riot Beating Women and Man in Streets of Tehran

 

 

 

And finally, President Obama's Statement On Iranian Presidential Election:

 

 

 

[yt]oMsCydE5ab0[/yt]

 

 

 

Perfect response, absolutely perfect.

^ I never knew that, who is Iran's real dictator then?

 

 

 

Of note, in Iran, riots are happening because of a stolen election.

 

In LA, riots happened because of a basketball game.

 

In Oakland, PA riots happen because Pittsburgh wins the Superbowl/Stanely cup.

Some powerful pictures in there indy500, a lot of people i have been talking to say this one will win the Pulitzer. The determination and strength in the eyes of the protester (in green) and the wounded animal look on the face of the riot officer, now being taken care of by the same people he was fighting.

 

 

 

Yeah, that picture was great. While not as technically good, I like #14 on there also. You can see protesters inside of a courtyard type thing and the government agents outside the door trying to break it open. Don't know if there is any specific reason why I like it so much, I just do.

 

 

 

Hmm, it's looking like it is past the point where peaceful protests are possible. Either they will continue to try and do it peacefully, in which they will get quelled, or they will escalate to violence. I don't think the government/supreme leader will do anything to meet the protestors demands.

Not to troll, but if the Americans are so concerned about Iran and North Korea, why not just destroy them?

Not to troll, but if the Americans are so concerned about Iran and North Korea, why not just destroy them?

 

 

 

Because its wrong to kill people out of aggression when they arent yet a real threat to us? If they develop nukes and start threatening us, then perhaps a small military strike on the nuclear facilities would be justified.

Not to troll, but if the Americans are so concerned about Iran and North Korea, why not just destroy them?

 

... how old are you?

Not to troll, but if the Americans are so concerned about Iran and North Korea, why not just destroy them?

 

 

 

Destroy what?

 

 

 

You mean declare war on a country of 65 million people?

 

 

 

We don't want to kill/displace 65 million innocent civilians. We are just in awe watching the people of a country rise up and try to create democracy through protest as they try to overthrow their radical, terrorist-supporting dictators.

 

 

 

So sorry, but I don't understand your question Jard_Y_Dooku

From the pictures I saw looks like a lot of the riot police were just hitting whoever was around.

Beside what has been said already, I'll say this; haha, Iran. Biggest international migraine along with it's equally despotic and despondent neighbor, Pakistan. I mean, really. A few people start chanting in the streets ? Go back and quit [bleep]ing, nothing is going to change. Khomeini and the Majli system is nothing but a poorly constructed sham. All the mujtahids have screwed Iran up far enough.

The Guardian Council is now going to recount some of the votes in certain areas, a positive step but I think they're just going through the motions to placate the protesters.

 

 

 

Andrenal - You do realise Pakistan is no longer ruled by a despot (General Musharraf) but are now ruled by a democratically elected (if somewhat ineffective) President Zadari (or Mr 10% as he was known in the 90's).

Beside what has been said already, I'll say this; haha, Iran. Biggest international migraine along with it's equally despotic and despondent neighbor, Pakistan. I mean, really. A few people start chanting in the streets ? Go back and quit [bleep], nothing is going to change. Khomeini and the Majli system is nothing but a poorly constructed sham. All the mujtahids have screwed Iran up far enough.

 

Yeah those few people should just go about their daily lives and not give a damn, about how corrupt their country is. Also how they are greatly discriminated, because of their president view of the world. :roll:

 

 

 

Maybe you should actually look at the videos and read up on the news or simply re-read the thread.

Not to troll, but if the Americans are so concerned about Iran and North Korea, why not just destroy them?

 

 

 

Destroy what?

 

 

 

You mean declare war on a country of 65 million people?

 

 

 

We don't want to kill/displace 65 million innocent civilians. We are just in awe watching the people of a country rise up and try to create democracy through protest as they try to overthrow their radical, terrorist-supporting dictators.

 

 

 

So sorry, but I don't understand your question Jard_Y_Dooku

 

 

 

Maybe not phrased correctly: destroy the government of a country, and the country is destroyed. You can leave all the citizens alone. Take Iraq for example. The government was destroyed, and it's sort of in limbo right now, but things are now slowly improving.

Beside what has been said already, I'll say this; haha, Iran. Biggest international migraine along with it's equally despotic and despondent neighbor, Pakistan. I mean, really. A few people start chanting in the streets ? Go back and quit [bleep], nothing is going to change. Khomeini and the Majli system is nothing but a poorly constructed sham. All the mujtahids have screwed Iran up far enough.

 

 

 

 

Thats why this protest is important. Its the first time in 30 years that the people are trying to change Iran. Not just a "few" like you mention, yesterday there was a mass of rioters five miles long. So yes, Iran has been a global migrane, thats why this is important, the people of Iran are trying to change this.

 

 

 

Unfortunatly scattered reports are coming in saying that the military HAS been mobilized by the goverment. If this rumor is true the "revolution" is over. Period. -.-

Not just yet:

 

 

 

In the name of God

 

 

 

People of Iran

 

 

 

These last days, we have witnessed the lively efforts of you brothers and sisters, old and young alike, from any social category, for the 10th presidential elections.

 

 

 

Our youth, hoping to see their rightful will fulfilled, came on the scene and waited patiently. This was the greatest occasion for the governments officials to bond with their people.

 

 

 

But unfortunately, they used it in the worst way possible. Declaring results that no one in their right mind can believe, and despite all the evidence of crafted results, and to counter people protestations, in front of the eyes of the same nation who carried the weight of a revolution and 8 years of war, in front of the eyes of local and foreign reporters, attacked the children of the people with astonishing violence. And now they are attempting a purge, arresting intellectuals, political opponents and Scientifics.

 

Now, based on my religious duties, I will remind you :

 

 

 

1- A legitimate state must respect all points of view. It may not oppress all critical views. I fear that this lead to the lost of peoples faith in Islam.

 

 

 

2- Given the current circumstances, I expect the government to take all measures to restore peoples confidence. Otherwise, as I have already said, a government not respecting peoples vote has no religious or political legitimacy.

 

 

 

3- I invite everyone, specially the youth, to continue reclaiming their dues in calm, and not let those who want to associate this movement with chaos succeed.

 

 

 

4- I ask the police and army personals not to sell their religion, and beware that receiving orders will not excuse them before god. Recognize the protesting youth as your children. Today censor and cutting telecommunication lines can not hide the truth.

 

 

 

I pray for the greatness of the Iranian people.

 

 

 

 

http://occident.blogspot.com/2009/06/co ... ction.html

 

 

 

And:

 

 

 

According to the Cyrus News Agency, Tuesday morning 16 senior members of Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps were arrested. "These commanders have been in contact with members of the Iranian army to join the people's movement," CNA reports. "Three of the commanders are veterans of Iran-Iraq war. They have been moved to an undisclosed location in East Tehran." This report has not been confirmed by other sources. If true, it shows that the regime is losing the loyalty of some members of its control appartus, which is necessary if the opposition has any chance of achieving fundamental change. Mass rallies can easily be broken up and revolutions crushed, as we saw at Tiananmen Square in 1989. But if members of the armed forces, police and especially Revolutionary Guards decided to switch sides, then one can begin speaking of revolution.

 

 

 

http://www.washingtontimes.com/weblogs/ ... sted-iran/

I'm starting to hope a full scale revolution occurs and works properly; if it turned out well it would clear up a good chunk of international problems and give the west a potential new ally.

Beside what has been said already, I'll say this; haha, Iran. Biggest international migraine along with it's equally despotic and despondent neighbor, Pakistan. I mean, really. A few people start chanting in the streets ? Go back and quit [bleep], nothing is going to change. Khomeini and the Majli system is nothing but a poorly constructed sham. All the mujtahids have screwed Iran up far enough.

 

 

 

 

Thats why this protest is important. Its the first time in 30 years that the people are trying to change Iran. Not just a "few" like you mention, yesterday there was a mass of rioters five miles long. So yes, Iran has been a global migrane, thats why this is important, the people of Iran are trying to change this.

 

 

 

Unfortunatly scattered reports are coming in saying that the military HAS been mobilized by the goverment. If this rumor is true the "revolution" is over. Period. -.-

 

Not true. I seem to remember somewhere in history a small collection of territories wanted freedom from a slightly unfair ruler so they went up against one of the most powerful armies in the world and the smaller force won. Strength isn't what always wins wars, sometimes the more determined side pulls through.

Not true. I seem to remember somewhere in history a small collection of territories wanted freedom from a slightly unfair ruler so they went up against one of the most powerful armies in the world and the smaller force won. Strength isn't what always wins wars, sometimes the more determined side pulls through.

 

 

 

I am assuming you are talking about the United States' revolution, even though that has happened many times. The particular case then was slightly different because it still took a while to get across the Atlantic, and it was expensive. The Iranian revolution they aren't a part of an empire an ocean away from the leaders, they are just there. Strength usually wins.

Not true. I seem to remember somewhere in history a small collection of territories wanted freedom from a slightly unfair ruler so they went up against one of the most powerful armies in the world and the smaller force won. Strength isn't what always wins wars, sometimes the more determined side pulls through.

 

 

 

I am assuming you are talking about the United States' revolution, even though that has happened many times. The particular case then was slightly different because it still took a while to get across the Atlantic, and it was expensive. The Iranian revolution they aren't a part of an empire an ocean away from the leaders, they are just there. Strength usually wins.

 

 

 

If it broke into a full scale war then it would all depend upon the weapondry the civilians could aquire/how much military broke away. The americans had a good chance: it was musket v musket, americans were hunters and therefore trained to shoot(actually more accurate then british who were just told to point at a line), and the americans received a crucial naval advantage from the french.

However, you would have people who WANT to defend themselves, and fight for that reason, against people who are told to fight (?)

 

If a government does, however, go to war against its own people, and wins, what is left to govern?

were hunters and therefore trained to shoot

 

And in the military you don't? :lol:

The army thing was a rumor, it seems the military has remained neutral, which is good.

 

 

 

A lot of us are "used to" violence due to video games and movies, but the real thing is... jesus i have to words. The sound of the guns shooting down protesters, and knowing its not just special effects in some movie but its the real deal... Graphic content here, viwer discretion advised: video

 

 

 

Night has fallen on Iran, and the Basij (Islamic police) are roaming, attacking passerbys at random. They have also surrounded dorms and waiting to storm them once again.

 

 

 

The crackdown on telecommunications is starting to suffocate all of Iran.

 

As of now:

 

* GTalk and Skype are shut down

 

* Gmail is shut down

 

* Yahoo is shut down

 

* AIM is shut down

 

* Phone lines are down

 

* Cellphones and SMS (texting) are shut down

 

* HTTPS and other such protocols are down

 

* Iranian ISPs have been shut down

 

 

 

The only thing still open, and its only open due to a extremely dedicated effort by thousands of people on the Internet offering proxies and bypasses... is Twitter. The Iranian government is trying very hard to close down the Iranian connections to twitter and block all the proxies... but 4chan (yes that 4chan)has mounted an incredibly organized digital offensive against the internal communications departments in Iran and are for the most part, holding them off. It's truly amazing really, I can barely believe what I'm typing.

 

 

 

Through twitter we hear scattered reports here and there, mostly from a half dozen incredibly brave students twittering by the names of PersianKiwi, IranRiggedElect, and others. These students go out in the streets, get information, confirm reports (often getting beaten on the way) and make it back to report on twitter through proxies. Then Fark.com, CNN, BBC, etc read the Twitter news and reports it in their broadcasts to millions. Its truly amazing what these kids are doing, and terrifying to read things like "I see government cars approaching my apartment, I'm cutting the power and hiding, we be back soon" ...and thats the last twitter they ever make :|

 

They're aren't many twitters left still reporting, but the world owes a lot to the ones that are still there.

 

 

 

EDIT* my prayers go out to PersianKewi, reports are filtering in that she was targeted by the secret police and is currently on the run... we lost another one...