IRAN: THE BLOODY REVOLUTION MARCHES ON - Attacking Protesters, Islamic Ruling Murderers Call Victims "Terrorists", Govt charges "BULLET FEE" TO FAMILIES OF DEAD PROTESTERS ... UPDATED ALL DAY

FULL NATIONAL STRIKE ANNOUNCED FOR TUESDAY - ALL IRAN

Analysis: Obama's call for change rings hollow in Iran

10:55 PM ET --  Farnaz Fassihi over at the Wall Street Journal reports on this horrific story of a 19-year-old shot in the head and killed during the demonstrations and Iranian officials asked his parents to "pay an equivalent of $3,000 as a 'bullet fee' -- a fee for the bullet used by security forces -- before taking the body back."

Minutes before, an ambulance had arrived from Tehran's morgue carrying the body of their only son, 19-year-old Kaveh Alipour.

On Saturday, amid the most violent clashes between security forces and protesters, Mr. Alipour was shot in the head as he stood at an intersection in downtown Tehran. He was returning from acting class and a week shy of becoming a groom, his family said.

The details of his death remain unclear. He had been alone. Neighbors and relatives think that he got trapped in the crossfire. He wasn't politically active and hadn't taken part in the turmoil that has rocked Iran for over a week, they said.

"He was a very polite, shy young man," said Mohamad, a neighbor who has known him since childhood.

When Mr. Alipour didn't return home that night, his parents began to worry. All day, they had heard gunshots ringing in the distance. His father, Yousef, first called his fiancée and friends. No one had heard from him.

At the crack of dawn, his father began searching at police stations, then hospitals and then the morgue.

Upon learning of his son's death, the elder Mr. Alipour was told the family had to pay an equivalent of $3,000 as a "bullet fee"—a fee for the bullet used by security forces—before taking the body back, relatives said.

Mr. Alipour told officials that his entire possessions wouldn't amount to $3,000, arguing they should waive the fee because he is a veteran of the Iran-Iraq war. According to relatives, morgue officials finally agreed, but demanded that the family do no funeral or burial in Tehran. Kaveh Alipour's body was quietly transported to the city of Rasht, where there is family.

Caroline Glick today:

According to several prominent Western bloggers with direct ties to the protesters, Obama's statement left the Iranians underwhelmed and angry.

[...]

THE MOST IMPORTANT repercussion of the US media's propagandistic reporting is that the American public is denied the ability to understand events as they unfold. Take for instance The New York Times' write-up of Khamenei's sermon this past Friday in which he effectively declared war on the protesters. As Russell Berman pointed out in the Telos blog on Saturday, the Times' write-up was misleadingly selective.

The Times did not mention that Khamenei ascribed world events to a Zionist conspiracy which he believes controls the US. It similarly failed to mention his long rant against the US for the FBI's 1993 raid on David Koresh's Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas.

Had the Times - and other major media outlets - properly reported Khamenei's speech, they would have made clear to their readers that he is not a rational thinker. His view of world events is deeply distorted by his hatreds and prejudices and paranoia.

But then, if Times readers were permitted to know just how demented Khamenei's views of the world are, they might come to the conclusion that Obama's intense desire to sit down with him, and his constant pandering to Iran's "supreme leader" are ill-advised and counterproductive. They might come to the conclusion that it is impossible to achieve a meeting of the minds with a man who calls Americans "morons" and leads his subordinate government officials in chants of "Death to America," "Death to Britain" and "Death to Israel."

The rest of Glick here.

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, adopting one of the toughest lines on Iran of any Western leader, condemned on Monday what he said was Tehran's totally unacceptable use of "brute force and intimidation" to deal with protests. Obama looks worse and worse and his negative poll numbers reflect it. Hope-n-change, blech.

Tuesday 10:01 am If you are on twiitter, help support the people in Iran willing to risk their lives by having your location be IRAN, and your time zone under settings be TEHRAN. Make it harder for the regime to kill even this method of communication. Bombard them, help keep them from identifying who is real and who isn't...............

9:13 PM ET -- Guardian Council 'rules out vote nullification. (Nico reporting on the Huff Po)

' Hardly a surprise. Iran's state media reports: "Iran's Guardian Council rules out the possibility of nullifying the country's June 12 Presidential election, saying there has been no record of any major irregularity. Abbas Ali Kadkhodaei, the council's Spokesman said late on Monday that most of the complaints reported irregularities before the election, and not during or after the vote. He added that the Guardian Council was not the relevant body to look into such complaints. The Guardian Council is the body in charge of supervising the elections and has to approve the outcome before any result could be official."

9:00 PM ET -- "Uprising in southern Tehran?" The woman in the video says, "Bravo to the youth.

8:54 PM ET -- Rumor patrol. I've seen nothing to corroborate rumors on the web that a Revolutionary Guard commander in Tehran was arrested for refusing to cooperate with the crackdown on demonstrators. It could be true, but I've seen no evidence that it is.

Earlier today I reminded Atlas readers of the July 4th party invitations Obama's State department sent out to Iranian officials.

Urban Infidel advises us the invitation from the State Department for the 4th of July party is STILL OPEN for the Iranian regime!

-----------------------
WASHINGTON (AFP) — The United States said Monday its invitations were still standing for Iranian diplomats to attend July 4 celebrations at US embassies despite the crackdown on opposition supporters.

President Barack Obama's administration said earlier this month it would invite Iran to US embassy barbecues for the national holiday for the first time since the two nations severed relations following the 1979 Islamic revolution.

"There's no thought to rescinding the invitations to Iranian diplomats," State Department spokesman Ian Kelly told reporters.

"We have made a strategic decision to engage on a number of fronts with Iran," Kelly said. "We tried many years of isolation, and we're pursuing a different path now."

8:45pm: Check out 'Livestream - persianq (Iran) With Chatroom' The chatroom can be ugly - but the Iranians' are saying they want George W. Bush.

And Ahmadinejad wants Obama, I'm sure. Obama is still talking about engagimg tje poison dwarf.

6:58 PM: This is huge: Revolutionary Guards commander  defies Khamenei's orders to use force on protestors

6:50: In the course of  just a couple of hours,  Google moves fast and kills a blog using Google's publishing service to post photos of the demonstrators to collect their personal information.

6:46 PM: The reverbs go international:

Bahrain has ordered the closure of a prominent newspaper after it printed an article critical of political leaders in its powerful Gulf neighbour Iran.(h/t Rut)

Iran's Uncrowned Prince Cries Over Violence (hat tip DJM)

From the Prince's speech:

"Do not let them define what is disrespect for sovereignty, what is interference in others affairs..."

I wonder who that was for?

Here is the complete text: (thanks  to DJM)

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights knows no national boundaries.  Its defense is not only a matter of ethics, but a mutual obligation of all governments who are its signatories. It is also in their interests.

No one, no one will benefit from closing his or her eyes to knives and cables cutting into faces and mouths of our young and old… (pause) or from bullets piercing our beloved Neda… whose only sin was the quest for freedom. No one but tyrants and their thugs.

Do not let them define what is disrespect for sovereignty, what is interference in others affairs.

Ladies and gentlemen, a movement was born. On the 22nd of Khordad in my calendar, the 12th of June in yours.

It is not Islamic or anti-Islamic, it is not for Capitalism or Socialism, nor any other ideology or specific form of government. It cares little about historical squabbles before its birth. But it is about the sanctity – even more – the sovereignty of the ballot box.

It may not succeed immediately. It may have ebbs and flows. But let me assure you, it will not die. Because we will not let it die.

5:39 PM ET --The Huff Po has this:

Big day on Thursday. "Mousavi's facebook page just announced that they want to hold global solidarity demonstrations on Thursday 'for the martyrs that have been lost so far in our fight for justice.' In Tehran, the demonstration will be held at Imam Khomeini Shrine, according to the announcement."

This follows another statement by Karroubi today also calling for a demonstration to commemorate the dead.

OBAMA DEFT: On June 2nd: Obama Invites Iranian Officials to 4th of July Parties

 

 

Update: Monday 8 pm Tehran time: Tehran resident:

I am just back from 7 tir square where there was supposed to be a memorial for the 7th day of the martyrs.

Drove down there at 4 ish. there were a lot of people in the square, but no one allowed to gather, so people were just walking up and down the meydoon (square). there was a HEAVY military presence — all kinds, basij, riot police, khahki (camouflage) uniformed ones — all on motorbikes, or in pick up trucks or standing — they ALL had those batons and weren’t allowing people to stand still (ie. gather). we walked around and tried to have a look from those walkways that cover the meydoon/square but the police were also on them so wouldn’t let u stand still for a second.

people were also gathering in the koocheh’s (alleyways) off the side of the square too see what was going to happen and if we could gather in one place. there was not just young people, but all kinds of age groups and people from all walks of life. then the police would start coming to an alley where a lot of people were and shout at them to move along/disperse. they would then get aggro and start chasing people down the alleyways, hitting with batons. people would run but then gather in another alleyway… very resilient.

we moved through the various  alleyways too until shouted at to leave. these police are v v intimidating. like animals really as u just dont know if they are gonna wack you (which they would).

 i wanted to take photos of the milit presence, but it was way too scary. honestly people who manage to record or take photos are incredibly shoja (brave). then we saw that they had blockaded one alleyway (koocheh mina) and people were getting trapped and beaten up with the batons. there were people on roofs/windows looking so i hope they managed to record some stuff. we moved around the meydoon and streets. after hearing/seeing that they were blockading people in alleys.
[...]

then around 6 ish we were standing near an alley entrance and the police on motorbikes with batons started chasing us badly. we could only run up the street and they are chasing u on these bikes about 5/6 mtrs away shouting at u to disperse — it is absolutely petrifying. we were running on the sidewalk. they also had whips with them. there were so many of them just riding and shouting at you. then we heard shots and u just don’t know whether they are going to even shoot (as we know they have done before). i am not sure whether it was guns or firecrackers or what but at the time u all think is that it is guns, and that u are about to feel a bullet hit u in the back or something as u run. all i did was run with my hands clasped (like i was praying) and just trying to make eye contact with them so that they could see the sheer fear in my face! then a door opened in the street and some people were ushering us into their garden to hide in there in case the motor police guys came back (honestly there must have been like 50-70 of them chasing us).

we then hid in this grdn for a bit with like 20 or so other people but it really wasn’t the best idea. i thought as i had seen them go into people’s houses and smash doors etc minutes before and then there is no escape for u. so we waited like 10 mins and crept out. it was really quite scary. anyways. let us see what else comes out of the news this evening. i hope no one was killed but i do know pple were beaten up for sure.

also, on another note, i heard (god knows if it was true) that hashemi-rafsanjani has just come from qom with 40 signatures.

Blog comment: "One thing is certain: 30 years of Islamic “cultural revolution” has fallen drastically. Iranian youth, protesting and sacrificing their lives in the frontal rows of this movement, defy every bit of propagandist educational system that desperately tried to brainwash them after the Islamic revolution. Iran won’t be the same after this uprising. Marg Bar Dictator!"

5:50 PM: Dutch foreign minister Maxime Verhagen has lodged a renewed protest with the Iranian chargé d’affaires in The Hague over what he described as excessive violence used against demonstrators in Iran over the weekend. (Raye Man Kojast? Where Is My Vote?)

Sharoudi Sports Complex, shown in the video, is very close to Haf-e-Tir Square, where an opposition rally was broken up

TEHRAN, Iran (CNN) -- A defiant and chaotic protest sprouted in and around a public square Monday despite a warning by Iran's Revolutionary Guard against the kind of street demonstrations that have roiled Iran for more than a week, witnesses said.

3:49 pm:t CNN is reporting that Reporters without Borders is calling Iran the largest prison for journalists. I have to say that this is the first time in years that I have been watching CNN, but their coverage of Iran, is hands down, the best over the other cable news networks.

3:21 pm: U.S. Navy Hangs Back in Persian Gulf as Questions Mount About Defecting Iranian Revolutionary Guard (Foxnews.com)

President Pantywaist:

 the last thing that I want to do is to have the United States be a foil for those forces inside Iran who would love nothing better than to make this an argument about the United States. That’s what they do. That’s what we’re already seeing. We shouldn’t be playing into that. There should be no distractions from the fact that the Iranian people are seeking to let their voices be heard.

That's the American president talking. COWARD!  Playing to the mullahs. No one thinks this about America, fool.

Students Being Shot At By Basij - Injured young students die in Iran **GRAPHIC**

Tehran Bureau on Twitter reports:

1. pls be careful and keep your cameras at home -- or well-hidden ... !
   
2. A note from Tehran: police/basij pulling cars over to inspect at checkpoints... they will seize any cameras along with the owner's ID card "They are stopping and searching cars and peoples bags. They are taking peoples ID cards and cameras."
3. from Tehran: "They have cordened off about 20 metres of road in Vanak Square, I was there at 7pm tonight."
4. Basij crawling around haft-tir Sq.

Tuesday is general strike day In Iran.

Tweet: Polish strike advice: Stay inside in factories/buildings in groups with food, water, supplies, etc

They would know. The"solidarity" movement was successful - but then again they were not dealing with Islamic barbarian rulers.

Death to dictator

Supporters of 'dialogue' with the Iranian Mullahs help keep the US from 'meddling' on behalf of freedom Claire Lopez

The question is, how did America fall from the soaring rhetoric of President George W. Bush's 2005 State of the Union address - when he said: "And to the Iranian people, I say tonight: As you stand for your own liberty, America stands with you" - to a position on the sidelines, passively watching Iranian security forces club and shoot unarmed demonstrators on the streets of Tehran?

The apparent answer is that advocates of a policy of accommodation that is more in sync with the priorities of the Tehran regime than with U.S. national security interests now wield influence from inside the Obama administration.
 

Young Women beaten in streets of Tehran while protesting.

1:40 p.m. Witnesses at Neda Soltan's memorial service today in Tehran said that it was violently broken up by the security forces and that people there were being arrested and beaten.(NY Times)

Poster hat tip DJM. This is based on the last words her Neda's father said: "Neda, don't be afraid. Neda, don't be afraid. [obscured by others yelling] Neda, stay with me. Neda stay with me!"

The New Yorker has a report “from the streets and the rooftops” of Tehran by a resident of the city. Here are some of this anonymous correspondent’s observations:

On the afternoon of June 15th, I bumped into my old friend Reza at the huge demonstration on Azadi Street—the march that nobody will ever forget. He was with his wife, Hengameh, his arm raised, giving the “V” sign for victory and shouting, “Death to the dictator!” Then he saw me. His eyes widened and we kissed on both cheeks. “How many?” he asked breathlessly, before answering himself. “A million, I’d say.” I had last seen Reza a few months before, in the small office where he runs a modest trading business. He had looked pale and tired, and was complaining about money problems. But now was different. He shone. “Come to dinner tomorrow night,” he called, and then we were separated.

According to a police official who was quoted in the Western press, a million or more people took part in the Azadi Street march. Later, I asked a person close to the rally organizers how many people there were, and he told me that he thought the figure was closer to two million. It was, he said, the biggest protest Iran had seen since the 1979 revolution, which overthrew the Shah. From where Reza and I stood, half a mile from the western end of Azadi Street, where it enters Azadi Square, a thick belt of humanity stretched eastward seemingly without end. Although the rally was illegal, there was no sign of riot police or Basij militiamen. In an Islamic republic that regards large, unsanctioned gatherings as a threat, the marchers were smiling with the joy of being in one happy, unhindered mass—a pleasurable feeling, utterly unfamiliar. [...]

For any Iranian who remembers 1979, today’s unrest is full of echoes. The slogans we were hearing, such as “Death to the dictator!” and “Freedom or death!,” evoke the revolution, as does the victory sign. And now, joining other people from the building on the roof—and the inhabitants of thousands of other apartment blocks—we sensed something else: that, after thirty years, the revolution seemed to be destroying itself.

IRANIAN REVOLUTIONARY GUARD THREATENS TO CRUSH PROTESTS

12:57: EU presidency asks members to summon Iran's envoys Raye Man Kojast? Where's my vote (Hat tip Urban Infidel)

PRAGUE, June 22 (Reuters) - The Czech European Union presidency asked the bloc's members on Monday to consider summoning the heads of Iran's missions in Europe to express "deep revulsion" over post-election violence there.

The Czechs said they had summoned the head of the Iranian ministry in Prague to reject Iran's protest that the EU and its member states were illegitimately interfering in Iran's affairs.

Teheran officials summoned the Czech charge d'affaires on Sunday along with other 26 EU representatives to complain about EU critical remarks on Iran's elections. The Czechs hold the rotating EU presidency until the end of June. (Reporting by Jana Mlcochova)

12:16 pm: DEBKAfile - In spreading disorder, Iran's nuclear assets are matter of concern  (hat tip Madeline). The Islamic barbarians would use it on their own people, of that I am sure.

Islamic rulers are firing live ammo into the crowd.

The Islamic regime attacks its own, again.......

TEHRAN, Iran – Riot police attacked hundreds of demonstrators with tear gas and fired live bullets in the air to disperse a rally in central Tehran Monday, carrying out a threat by the country's most powerful security force to crush any further opposition protests over the disputed presidential election.

Britain, accused by Iran of fomenting post-election unrest, said it was evacuating the families of diplomats and other officials based in Iran.

Witnesses said helicopters hovered overhead as about 200 protesters gathered at Haft-e-Tir Square. But hundreds of anti-riot police quickly put an end to the demonstration and prevented any gathering, even small groups, at the scene.

At the subway station at Haft-e-Tir, the witnesses said police did not allow anyone to stand still, asking them to keep on walking and separating people who were walked together. The witnesses asked not to be identified for fear of government reprisals.

This is rich .........but what you would expect from Islamic rulers? This over at government propaganda media (Iran, not NBC)

Tehran's prosecutor general's office has said that some armed saboteurs opened fire on civilians and killed people in post-election violence in Tehran.

"A number of Tehrani citizens were shot dead by unknown vandals Saturday night," said the office on Monday.

It said security forces have arrested an armed man involved in Saturday's riots but rejected reports over the arrest of an armed man whose photo was released by some news agencies.

"Iran's security and intelligence officials are currently probing into the identity of the individual whose photo was published and broadcast by news agencies," it added.

This is while the situation in Tehran is back to normal for the second consecutive day on Monday. On Saturday, 'terrorist elements'-who had infiltrated the rallies --created the most violent day of protests by setting fire on a mosque and two gas stations as well as killing a number of people.

An Iranian protester throws a burning box as others cover their faces from tear gas during clashes with riot police in Tehran. Thsey people need weapons
 

Recent Tweets From Tehran bureau:

1. Please tell the world that we protesters are not terrorists [as reported by state tv]. it's the other way around: they're terrorizing us!
   
   
2. Sepah [IRGC] has announced it will crush us. they're murderers.
      
   
3. I'm going, but I'm scared. I may go quietly.
      
   
4. there were plans to go and gather at 7 Tir [earlier today Tehran time] for that poor young woman Neda.
      
   
5. people are frightened to death here. they have gone quiet. the stores are closed.
      
   
6. you cannot believe it. they have turned this place into a killing field.
      
   
7. they cannot make official visits to this country either!
      
   
8. this man cannot be invited to international summits!
      
   
9. This man doesn't represent us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
      
   
10. The United States cannot grant this man a visa!
       
    
11. don't you see, they're massacring us here.
       
    
12. there is no other option: everyone has to get involved to help us.
       
    
13. from Tehran (earlier today): tell the Europeans, stop posturing

ALL PREVIOUS ATLAS POSTS ON THE REVOLUTION HERE

Comments

[Timur]

Hitler and the SS would be so proud...

[kaps]

There is no better or more thorough coverage about Iran
than at atlasshrugs.com

none.

[Always On Watch]

Real revolution comes from the bottom up.

Also, what starts out as a protest can morph into a revolution. Our own American War for Independence began that way.

The brutal murder of Neda has turned protests into a real revolution, IMO.

It remains to be seen how this will all turn out. But whatever the outcome, we're seeing a major fissure in the concept of Islamic theocracy, which Iran was a primary representation of.

The Persian people can be a determined lot. Look at history.

I predict that tomorrow BHO will issue a strong statement in favor of the protesters. After all, he practices the Theory of Political Relativity.

[moderationist]

You are saving lives, Pamela. Neda will not be forgotten unlike so many before her

[Jerusalem Posts]

And where's the Human Rights Council, and other UN organisations protesting this barbarism demonstrated towards the people of Iran?

They're very quick to act when an Israeli develops property in Jerusalem!

[JamestheFin]

Pamela, I'll try and find the source that I read yesterday, but can you confirm that the facebook pictures are those of the correct Neda Soltani and not another woman with the same name, which is what I had read yesterday. Sorry, for raising the issue, and I have no doubt that a young Persian woman was killed by the Iranian theocratic thugs, but I'd still like to get a confirmation of which Neda Soltani everyone is talking about.

Oh and BTW, Obama still sucks.

[pythagoras]

If the American people today protested the Obama Administration's misrule as the Persian people are doing now about Iran's "election" results (and righteously so I would quickly add!) the Obama administration would label them "right wing extremists" and move on them.

At the slightest hint of dissent Obama will notify the Department of Homeland Security and Big Sister Janet Nazipolitano would track you down.

Not surprisingly, Obama is both a Muslim (in public denial about it but still a Muslim nonetheless) and a sympathizer of Islamic theocratic rule:"respect it!" demands our Usurper-in-Chief!

Americans must find a way to unload Ogiggles-the-Usurper-in-Chief.... and they must do so very, very soon.

[DJM]

Jerusalem Posts -

Where are the "moderate" muslims? Where are all the liberals who protest in force when Israel kills an islamic militant?

PS: Thank you, Pam, for using the poster. It is a tribute to Neda and to the suffering her father must be experiencing to see a loved one so brutally slaughtered. Neda is truly a martyr. I pray her death won't be in vain.

[Rockmelon]

How sad that the Iranian people are unaware that the American people have also lost their voices. The supreme leader of Iran is striving to spread islam throughout the world and the American president is assisting him.

The American people are helpless to their own situation. If we cannot help ourselves, we cannot help anyone else.

The American president has a bill in congress that will give him the power to control our internet in the same manner as Iran. “Cybersecurity Act of 2009” consisting of S.773 and S.778. Then we too will be unable to Twitter under the same circumstances as Iran.

http://freethoughtmanifesto.blogspot.com/2009/06/internet-threatened-by-censorship.html

[JamestheFin]

Sorry, Pamela, I haven't been able to find the article I read yesterday addressing the mis-identifiction of Neda Soltani vis-a-vis Facebook pictures, but I did come across this:

Iran bans prayers for 'Angel of Freedom' Neda Agha Soltan
Iran's regime has issued a ban on memorials for a young woman whose death has become the focal point of protests against the clerical regime.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iran/5603057/Iran-bans-prayers-for-Angel-of-Freedom-Neda-Agha-Soltan.html

The best arguments against Islam and the Islamic Republic of Iran is being made by Islam and the Islamic Republic.

[John Byrnes]

If you are participating in the Iranian Riots or know someone who is and wish to remain safe? Let me help by showing you how to distinguish between those who are angry and those who are lethal. http://www.aggressionmanagement.com/Riots-in-Iran.htm

[DJM]

3:21 Update:

Sounds like Obama's reputation is more important to him than the lives of these young freedom fighters.

.

[RISE_UP]

Kaps what you said. and noted Iran is doing some exercising in the gulf. Now is the time Israel.Hit these chaotic sobs no time will be better than now.

[jusa]

Not only is Nobama's world view that 2 dimensional that he actually thinks the protest and revolution will end in minutes if he took a position. As in they're love the mullahs and go back to the USA junk.

But he's really going to do a number on himself. Let's say these people finally succeed. I don't know how, or what's stopping them. But Mousavi gets in, or anyone else. Don't you think they'll remember who wouldn't even verbally give encouragement? Did Obama in a 2 dimensional way make a new set of people hate him and america? Or does the 2d worldview end not get that far?

[jj]

john kennedy -- "ich bin ein berliner!"
ronald reagan -- "mr. gorbeshov, tear down this wall."
hussein obama -- "we want to offend no one, we are toothless cowards!!"

he shames us. he shames us.

the czech president of the e.u. wants to call all the iranian diplomats in europe in on the carpets. all the world condemns this, except for hussein obama. and, so far nothing has been heard from hugo chavez, or whatever his name is. obama & chavez. now, that's some association.

he shames us. he shames us.

ask any member of our armed services. he is without a scintilla of the courage of these brave young kids and officers (themselves, just kids for the most part, to an old poop like me. the responsibility they undertake, at such an age, just totally awesome) who serve our country, and live with much recompense for their idealism.

he shames us. he shames us. he shames the u.s.

john jay
milton freewater, oregon usa

john jay
milton freewater, oregon

[jj]

pamela:

absolutely stellar coverage.

john jay

[DJM]

From the Prince's speech:

"Do not let them define what is disrespect for sovereignty, what is interference in others affairs..."

I wonder who that was for?

;)

[MGUYH8]

Pamela --
To begin with, I should state that:
I think you are one of the best.
I am a gentile (with many Jewish friends);
I am an Israeli sympathizer; and
I favor a general policy of non-intervention (by our government) in the affairs of other nations, unless provoked to intervene.

From that perspective, I offer the following:
1. The Geo W Bush war in Afghanistan was a provocation against the USA by Islamic Terrorists. The war was entirely justified. Unfortunately, we lost sight of our objectives (basically revenge for the slaughter of 3,000+ on 9/11) and have not yet completed the objective. We likely will never complete the original objective because we lost the way.
2. The Geo W Bush war in Iraq was wrong because it was largely unprovoked and was based on bad intelligence. However, we were winning the war and had helped establish a new government. After we withdraw from Iraq, we will likely allow the new Iraqui government to fail. The USA is REALLY GOOD at that.
3. The Israeli Government should not meddle with the internal affairs of Iran.
4. The Big O should not meddle with the internal affairs of Israel. They seem to do a very good job of protecting themselves (with our assistance); and know what is best for the security of their country.
5. The Big O should also not meddle in the internal affairs of Iran. The elections are an internal issue. He is correct in his stance, but for the wrong reasons :=((

Should the AMERICAN PEOPLE support the Iranian protestors? Absolutely, in any way that is possible. Should the ISRAELI PEOPLE support the Iranians? Absolutely, in any way that is possible.

At this moment, we need to simply wait and see how these protests will end. IMHO, these protests are similar to the 1969 Summer of Love protests in the USA. Existing Iranian leaders have no real acceptable choices. They can either (i) allow the protests to continue and lose some of their power or (ii) crush the protestors thereby planting the seeds for a major civil war. No matter what happens, I believe the protests will continue, with or without WESTERN GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION. The Iranian people will need to decide their fate. After, didn't we decide our fate? A majority of AMERICANS voted for the HOPE and CHANGE offered by the BIG O.

[RalphB]

Fix link to story:

Supporters of 'dialogue' with the Iranian Mullahs help keep the US from 'meddling' on behalf of freedom

by Claire Lopez

Drop the trailing %20

Should be:
http://www.centerforsecuritypolicy.org/p18101.xml

[blocked]

The Iran crisis reveals that Obama favors "islamic revolution" over "democratic revolution." Clearly, he is the second - Carter was the first - Anti-American, American President, and doesn't believe the US Constitution is exportable.

Obama is as depraved as Jimmy Carter. While the latter is sucking up to Hamas genocidists, it would be useful to study how Carter faced "islamic revolution" (inqilab), in comparison to Obama's slavish defence of islamic governance.

1. In the dying days of the Shah's US friendly regime, Khomenei ordered followers to congregate in cemetaries, rather than go to work. Intense pressure from Carter, indulged an economic shutdown of the country. Further, Carter insisted that the Iran govt. provide safe passage to Khomenei from his exile in France. Before Khomenei's return, Carter sought a safe exile for the Shah. At return, Carter created conditions where the monarchial regime could not function. His UN Ambassador, Andrew Young, pronounced Khomenei a "saint" and joined the milk toast President in trumpeting an advance in "freedom" and "human rights." Carter did that in spite of knowledge of Khomenei's copious advocacy of a type of "islamic governance," that would institute both oligarchy and tyranny. Less than a year later, that govt of "saints" had engineered the hostage taking of US diplomats. The tyrants suffered nothing from the Carter regime, but released the hostages 1 day after Ronald Reagan was inaugurated as President.

2. Obama has done nothing to encourage either dissent in general or the current uprising. To the contrary, he upheld Carter's perverse linkage of "islamic governance" with "freedom" and "human rights." In his Iranian New Year's speech, the President aided and abetted Ahmadinejad's pending election FIX, by saying, "The US wants the Islamic Republic of Iran to take its rightful place in the community of nations." Subtext to Iran's tyrants: the US has a hands off policy, viz the "Islamic Republic." Obama's stated approach: "my administration is now committed to diplomacy...this process will not be advanced by threats. We seek instead, engagement that is honest and grounded in mutual respect." With knowledge that current Ayatollah politics is a dual between thieves, he offered recognition of a tyranny, without pre-conditions, and reduced US diplomacy to surrender to non-binding declarations of pseudo-intent. With Iran's leaders indulging in the weekly, Friday "death to america" speeches at iran's colleges, the Leader of the Free World retracted all enmity and force of arms, with the promise of a new beginning" that is "grounded in mutual respect." But, where is the respect for Iran's protesters who question the Khamenei-Ahmadinejad junta's savage "islamic governance." Obama has facilitated the tyrant's retention of power, and signalled White House indulgence of massacres of protesters for real freedom.

What did Reagan do in face of atrocities? When the Soviets shot down a passenger plane, he went on TV that evening and blasted them for carrying out a "massacre." On June 12, 1987, he assisted the democratic movement in the captive countries, by demanding in Berlin that the Soviet leader, "Tear down this wall." (I know: Bush1 refused to follow retreating Iraqi troops beyond Kuwait, and he wipes Aramco assess, and Bush2 said "islam is peace" while the bodies of 3,000 of his countrymen were being pulled out of the WTC and Pentagon, and promoted islam based pseudo-peace in the Middle East and Central Asia).

People are accusing Obama of fiddling while civilians are being slaughtered. Actually, his explicit defense of status quo "islamic governance," founds complicity in said slaughter.

What is "islamic governance"? Take it from a Department of Justice employee - under Bush2 - who now works against non-muslim interference in the muslim tyrannies:

http://www.muslimaccess.com/articles/misc/islamic_governance.asp

[Cate]

Right on, supercargo! Carter was a complete disaster and he was a SAINT compared to hussein. I worked HARD to campaign against Carter (and hussein, too), and all of us who were so involved felt so let down when Carter won. But, the saving grace was that Carter was only allowed 1-term in office, because he was such a disaster. He essentially brought our own government to its knees because he wanted to do so many things at once, everything ground to a halt. The Iranian crisis clearly was his undoing. And the current Iranian crisis may be the undoing for hussein, too. Because he will not take a clear stand against the atrocities, he obviously backs the government, and as far as I'm concerned, his stance shows that he is complicit in the murder of the protestors. The world is watching. They see the pictures of hussein laughing it up and having a great time while Iranians are losing their lives in search of freedom. People will not forget...at least for awhile. We the people of this country need to not let this crisis go to waste. Pass on the link to this blog entry and the comparison pictures of hussein and Neda to EVERYONE you know. EVERYONE! Let's make this clown a 1-termer, too!

[huckleberryfriend]

Great work, Pamela.

[jj]

oh, pamela:

what momentous events.

if only iranians can learned of them.--

--to know that a commander of the revolutionary guard kept his men in their barracks. a veteran of the iranian wars with iraq, would not fire upon his fellow citizens.

--in the picture immediately under the young man being drug away after with grievous (and, no doubt, ultimately fatal) wounds is a crowd scene. in the immediate front ranks of that crowd are two clerics, and a couple ranks behind them, it appears that at least two other bearded clerics follow, all directly exposed to fire from the security forces.

this thing is gaining steam.

the crown prince pahlavi's speech was eloquent, and moving, and obviously in great sympathy for those who sacrifice their lives for freedom.

you, binyamin netahyahu, and now crown prince pahlavi, ... , recognize that this has moved far beyond partisan politics, and it has taken on the posture and magnitude of a struggle for what we would regard as univeral right.

it is moving to behold. i hope the iranian people remain steadfast in their opposition to the theocratic rule of their country, and i hope that they can sustain the casualties that will be required to see this through.

as for me, for the first time, i see a glimmer of hope that this inspiring display of selfless courage will prove ultimately successful, and that it will depose the despots and tyrants who run iran. i permit myself this hope on the news of the revolutionary guard commander, who has answered his conscience and honored the love of he has for his countrymen.

i pray to g_d that there are more like him, and that the guard will not come out of its barracks.

this whole movement is incredibly brave, and incredibly inspiring, incredibly selfless, and marked by a devotion on the part of each for his country and fellow countrymen. it is an expression of bravery that is truly awe inspiring.

may g_d grant them success.

john jay
milton freewater, oregon usa

[Urban Infidel]

The invitation from the State Department for the 4th of July party is STILL OPEN for the Iranian regime!
-----------------------
WASHINGTON (AFP) — The United States said Monday its invitations were still standing for Iranian diplomats to attend July 4 celebrations at US embassies despite the crackdown on opposition supporters.

President Barack Obama's administration said earlier this month it would invite Iran to US embassy barbecues for the national holiday for the first time since the two nations severed relations following the 1979 Islamic revolution.

"There's no thought to rescinding the invitations to Iranian diplomats," State Department spokesman Ian Kelly told reporters.

"We have made a strategic decision to engage on a number of fronts with Iran," Kelly said. "We tried many years of isolation, and we're pursuing a different path now."

http://www.weaselzippers.net/blog/2009/06/obama-says-invitations-to-iranian-diplomats-to-attend-4th-of-july-parties-still-on.html

[jj]

urban infideal:

obama and our government shame us. they bring tremendous shame of us.

to give diplomatic recognition and status to the theocracy at this juncture is vile, it is ludicrous, and it brings shame upon the entire country.

we are a nation led by cowards and idiots.

john jay
milton freewater, oregon usa

[holycrusader]

I honestly find this really hard to believe!! It goes way beyond incredulous. All I can say is that I hope they choke on their hot dogs.

US says hot dog diplomacy still on with Iran

8 hours ago

WASHINGTON (AFP) — The United States said Monday its invitations were still standing for Iranian diplomats to attend July 4 celebrations at US embassies despite the crackdown on opposition supporters.

[Azygos]

And still Ear Leader is silent.

[blocked]

I saw the entire presidential debate between Mousavi and Ahmadinejad. The current juntist couldn't defend his corruption, and resorted to attacking Mousavi's wife. Because Mousavi's candidacy was approved by the Guardian Council, some question if his politics are different from Ahmadinejad. My belief is that he has jumped on the democratic revolution juggernaut. A good precedent would be the case of Pal Maleter, a Warsaw Pact Colonel, cum General, who allied with Hungarian Revolutionaries in 1956.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P%C3%A1l_Mal%C3%A9ter

http://www.voordorpvooruit.nl/straatnamen/strijders/Pal%20Maleter/maleterpal1.jpg

Obama's precedent can be seen in a certain Nordic politician who has become a Noun.

http://bookbagmama.com/images/quisling.jpg

[midnight rider]

Last weekend you declared this a non-story. When did it suddenly become worth your time? Infidel Boggers Alliance and Astute Bloggers have been all over it since Day 1. Nice to see you join the fray.

Charles hasn't much so, yet.

[Pamela Geller]

Huh?
Midnight rider is obviously an Atlas newbie or a nobie. :)

I have been covering this since the 12th -- all revolution posts here.

Helloooooooooooooooooooo

[Dick C]

From personal experience, I know of One who is willing to help and He can. The only begotten Son of God told us he will help ALL who call upon His name. Christians call Him Jesus. His real name is Yeshua. If that crowd of people wanting freedom would have the strength call on His name...Yeshua. He WOULD HELP in some miraculous way.

Dick C. and old man in Cincinnati, Ohio

[Miss_Kitty]

Thank you for posts! So much information!

Maybe we all don't realize we are in the same boat as the protesters...I hope it won't take 30 yrs of oppression to bring our own back to freedom.

[Chaim]

Americans lack a good understanding of the fact that the beastial behavior of Shi’a Islam towards all creatures, in order to usher the arrival of their Messiah (Mahdi) has no bounds. If you understood Shi’a eschatology you would comprehend just how silly you retort sounds.

I would like to request that the good folks reading this blog pause for a moment and stymie thir emotions for a bit.

The Mullahs will win this - their goal is control of the Ummah…a few hundred “terrorists” will not stand in their way. Shi'a eschatology enables evil men to use all means at their disposal to usher in the Ahmahdenijad and the Mullahs have been clear about hteir motives:

1.

Nobody wants to see innocents killed. However I want to bring to your attention a fact that may have overlooked in your zeal to rally freedom fighters:

Naively goading them to their deaths in the face of overwhelming firepower is a morally bankrupt exercise. We should be suggesting that they pause, regroup, and coalesce a broader support base than these undisciplined rallies that are easily disrupted with bullets and violence. You should be reminding them to be smarter and more effective by enlisting the military to fight the Basij and IRCG.

These kids cannot do it alone...no matter how mant twitterers there may be.

[kaps]

"Analysis: Obama's call for change rings hollow in Iran"

The hollow man rings hollow.