The longer the protests go on in Tehran (and I know it’s only been a few days so far) the more convinced I become that they are being allowed to go on, rather like a parent letting the kids run around the playground and be all kinds of rambunctious knowing that they will tire soon and be ready to fall sleep. If there was a huge crackdown, that would show fear on the part of Those Who Shall Remain In Charge, a fear that they must regain control of the situation, outside witnesses be damned. (See: Myanmar last year.)
But in Tehran … gracious allowance of youthful exuberance. It’s almost condescending. “Oh, let the kids and the women protest and Twitter and talk to the foreign media. After all, they can’t hurt us.” And I fear they are right. This time around, anyway.
Knowing that the Revolutionary Guard Corps has so easily stolen the election, so blatantly (almost casually!) declaring results faster than Wolf Blitzer did on November 4th … that makes me very uneasy. Not just for Iran, but also for Iraq. We already know how hip-deep the Corps is there; thanks to Michael we’ve been warned about that for years. But what of the upcoming Iraqi elections later this year? Exactly who will be pulling the strings there?
And what might erupt in the streets of Baghdad afterwards?
10 responses so far ↓
Lynda the Guppy // June 17, 2009 at 8:41 am |
First off…interesting post, as always.
Second…If I end up with that damn song stuck in my head all day today, I’m calling you and singing It’s a Small World to your voice mail. At 6:00 a.m. *hairyeyeball*
cyn // June 17, 2009 at 3:12 pm |
Thanks, Guppy. Oddly enough, Anderson Cooper mentioned the song last night. I guess it’s just trendy again.
On another topic, Tommy Evans is apparently in Pakistan at the moment. He is listed as a contributor to an article on CNN.com: Suspect held over Sri Lanka cricket attack. Thanks to Sharon for the heads-up.
jodi54 // June 18, 2009 at 3:05 pm |
Happy Birthday, Sharon!
Hi Tommy!
Stay Safe Mick!
I thought I’d share all my most profound thoughts of the day. Always keep your expectations of me low.
Again – hope it’s a great birthday, Sharon.
Maxie // June 18, 2009 at 3:29 pm |
Happy B-Day Sharon!!!! I hope you had a great day.
cyn // June 18, 2009 at 5:25 pm |
Yes, Happy Birthday, Sharon!!!!
My ATC post today is clips that explain some of the intricacies of the Iranian political system. Reza Aslan, Christiane Amanpour, Ivan Watson, Fawaz Gerges… just trying to make sense of it all.
cyn // June 19, 2009 at 2:26 am |
I fear that speech does not bode well for the peaceful protests we have witnessed the past several days. Sounds like Khamenei is ready to get the blood flowing in the streets. I don’t suppose there was ever really much hope of anything else: either the people shut up and go home or they stand up and die.
cyn // June 19, 2009 at 8:12 am |
Reza Aslan tweeted: After Khamenei’s Friday sermon it’s now all or nothing, do or die in Iran. Tomorrow’s rally led by Khatami will be key turning point.
cyn // June 19, 2009 at 2:11 pm |
One thing I discovered when I heard Reza speak at the booksigning is that he speaks his mind… well, when he’s not on CNN, anyway. Latest tweet: I will be debating idiot republicans who think obama should make strong statement in support of Iran protesters tonite on CNN 5PT/8ET. Oh, how we love that ‘great debate’ segment… Ugh.
cyn // June 20, 2009 at 4:13 pm |
Read this amazing column by Roger Cohen of the NYT — he is there in Tehran and not staying in his hotel room, he’s out in the streets:
A Supreme Leader Loses His Aura as Iranians Flock to the Streets
Maxie // June 21, 2009 at 4:47 am |
Also, Andrew Sullivan has some amazing blog posts about Iran. His Daily Dish has gone “green” in support of the protestors.