Windows on Iran 75 (Election Special 22)

Supporters of Mr. Mousavi published their first weekly online, called "Sabzine."

Dear All,

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I hope you are well and those of you who live in the U.S. are enjoying a safe and happy 4th of July weekend.

First Issue of Sabzine

* Supporters of Mr. Mousavi published their first weekly online, called Sabzine. Click here for the first issue of Sabzine in pdf format. file. Sorry, it is in Persian only. I am sure the Iranian window readers would like to

stay connected.

Iranian Mothers: We will not Forget what the Government has Done!

* Mothers of the young people killed in post election demonstrations in Iran gathered in Park Laleh in Tehran yesterday. They carried pictures of Mr. Mousavi, green flags. Their statement read “We are inviting all the people to protest every Saturday at 7 p.m., to congregate at Tehran’s public parks, in particular the one in Laleh, to remember our children, unjustly killed by police authorities during the recent protests.”   http://www.adnkronos.com/AKI/English/Politics/?id=3.0.3496133350

Demonstration by Kashan University Students

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* Mr. Mousavi ’s Facebook page has just posted this lively demonstration by Kashan University students in that City:

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Three Week Boycott planned by Mousavi Supporters

* The disconnection of text-messaging on the day of the election is supposed to have been crucial in disconnecting the Mousavi campaign volunteers from their headquarters and from each other. To protest this, Mousavi supporters are planning a three week boycott of text messaging throughout the country. More detail on

that will be released.

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Nocturnal Chants of Allah o Akbar

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* July 2nd, 2009:

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Mr. Ahmadinejad Faces Isolation in the World

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* While sanctions could harm the people of country which is subjected to it, political/diplomatic isolation could create pressure on the government. Signs of such pressure on the government of Mr. Ahmadinejad started with him being barred from the African Union Summit.  While the need for Iran’s oil and gas can weaken some countries’ resolve to isolate Mr. Ahmadinejad, there are at least some sings of it in the international

diplomatic circles already: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-iran-ostracize3-2009jul03,0,3454095.story.

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Ahmadinejad’s Classmate Reveals Devastating Facts about Him

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* Domestically, Mr. Ahmadinejad cultivates a populist images. He presents himself as the lone defender of moral principles, fighter against corruption, and a champion of the underdog. Well, a classmate of his – from graduate school in “Ilmo San’at University” – called Amir Mianji has just published a very courageous open letter revealing reckless, opportunistic, and less than honest moves on the part of the Mr. Ahmadinejad to enhance his career. These include breaking all sorts of rules (for which he has accused others), and serving some of the politicians whom he now accuses of corruption. The letter has been sent to the daily newspaper Ayandeh.

Money Withdrawal from State-run Banks

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* A plan is circulating by supporters of Mr. Mousavi to withdraw their money from state run banks to keep it at home for a week and then deposit it in private banks. Recommended private banks prioritized according to their lack of connection with the government are: 1. Saamaan, 2. Towsa’eh, 3. Kaar Aafarin, 4. Mowlal Movahhedin, 5.Eghtesaade Nowin, 6. Paasaargad, 7. Seena, 8. Paarsiyan, 9. Sarmaayeh.

Assaults on People, Absolutely Unacceptable Even if Ordered from the Top!

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* The Grand Ayatollah Yousef Sane’i issued a new and important ruling mostly addressed to the Basij and the security forces to the effect that they have no excuse for assaults on people and their property, even if they are ordered to do so by their commanders: http://saanei.org/page.php?pg=showpayam&id=77&lang=fa.

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My Green Vote Was Not Your Dark Name!

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* It is often assumed that Mr. Mousavi is supported only by young urban population. But this is certainly not entirely true:

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The caption on the elderly gentleman's sign reads: "My Green Vote was Not Your Dark Name!"

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Have a great holiday weekend.

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Good Night,

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Fatemeh

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===================================
Fatemeh Keshavarz, Professor and Chair
Dept. of Asian and Near Eastern Languages and Literatures
Washington University in St. Louis
Honorary Co-Chair, Iranians For Peace
Tel: (314) 935-5156
Fax: (314) 935-4399
==================================

Windows on Iran 74 (Election Special 21)

 

Let us open the window with a humorous gesture—a demonstrator tries to lighten up the mood.

Dear All,

 

Welcome to window 74. Thanks a million for all your kind messages of support. Again, please forgive me for not being able to respond to every one of you. I do appreciate your kind messages.

 

 

Mr. Mousavi Facing Jail Threat

 

* According to an article published in the London Independent today, Mr. Mousavi, faces a new threat after the Basiji militia accused him of “offences against the state” and “disturbing the nation’s security”, charges which carry a sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment.” Click here for the article.

 

 

Thousands of Iranians Payed their Respects

 

* According to eye-witnesses, thousands of Iranians arrived at Beheshte Zahra, the main cemetery in Tehran, to pay their respects to the 20 peaceful protesters killed by the security forces in the post-election demonstrations in Iran.

 

 

A Ride through Tehran on July 1st

 

* This video from a cell phone is taken by a occupants of car driving in Tehran and locating pockets of protest and resistance. The video takers speak of the demostrators with great admiration. Unfortunately, the quality is not that great, and the sound fades toward the end. Nonetheless, it clearly shows that life is not back to normal, and furthermore security forces are not in full control of the situation: 

 

 

 

Mohsen Azhe’i, Minister of Intelligence, on Rigging the Election

 

* In a rare and interesting interview yesterday, Mr. Azhe’i admitted that unfolded ballots counted in front of TV cameras confirm the suspicion of rigging:

 

 

 

Worldwide “Where is My Vote?” Campaign

 

* The Youth of the world at work:

 

 

 

More Songs for Iran

 

* This one is called “They just want to be free” and is by Farshid Amin:

 

 

 

* And another one called “I am Neda” by Syavash Shams:

 

 

 

World “Hacktivists” Target Iran’s Official Websites

 

* Check out the article about the “Hacktivists” here: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jul/01/hacktivism/?feat=home_cube_position4.

 

 

YOUR Chance to Vote

 

* If you have a strong feeling about whether Iran should or should not hold a re-election, you can visit the CNN site below and scroll down to the bottom left hand side and vote: http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2009/iran.elections/.

 

 

More Documentation on Who Damages People’s Property in Iran

 

* A short video taken form the second floor of a house showing the police damaging people’s property to blame it on “rioters.” Voices in the background say with disbelief  “Its the police, they are smashing things!” See the video here: http://www.irib1.info/video/police1.wmv.

 

 

What Can America do to Help?

 

* This question is on the minds of so many Americans these days. I have just read an excellent article by Hamid Dabashi, Hacop Kevorkian Professor of Iranian Studies at Columbia University (New York) which I would like to share with you. It is called “U.S. Dollars Could kill Iran’s Protest Movement.” In this article, Professor Dabashi puts his finger on the most important issues. Please share with American friends widely:   http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/06/30/dabashi.us.iran/index.html.

 

* Better understanding the comlexity of the situation is another way to help with decision making. Here is an excellent analytical piece co-authored by Kaveh Ehsani, Arang Keshavarzian and Norma Claire Moruzzi reflecting upon the extraordinary events of ”Tehran, June 2009,” now in Middle East Report Online. I have to confess a personal stake in promoting this piece as Arang was an excellent student of mine – many years ago. Proud of his excellent contribution: http://www.merip.org/mero/mero062809.html.

 

Let us end with another image — not so lighthearted this time. The sign reads: “My silence is not a sign of contentment.”

 

The protesters sign reads: "My silence is not a sign of contentment."

 

Have a great 4th of July — and please remember to share the blog: www.windowsoniran.wordpress.com.

 

Good Night,

 

Fatemeh 

 

===================================
Fatemeh Keshavarz, Professor and Chair
Dept. of Asian and Near Eastern Languages and Literatures
Washington University in St. Louis
Honorary Co-Chair, Iranians For Peace
Tel: (314) 935-5156
Fax: (314) 935-4399
==================================

Windows on Iran 73 (Election Special 20)

Dear All,

 

The spirits are high in Iran. Conversations with individuals indicate that fear and despair are giving way to hope. Mr. Mousavi has issued his nineth public statement possibly the strongest in recent days calling the current regime in Iran illegitimate and weak and affirming his commitment to bringing about reform: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jul/01/mousavi-iran-presidential-elections-protest.

 

Former Iranian President Mr. Khatami (1997-2005).

 

Khatami Issues Statement of Strong Support

 

* Mr. Khatami, Iranian ex-president (1997-2005), who had kept a low profile for the past two weeks responded to Mr. Mousavi’s statement quickly with an equally strong statement in support of the reformist candidate’s demands. In this statement, Mr. Khatami described the current atmosphere of propaganda in Iran “poisonous” and in response to the regime which has described the Green Movement as a “velvet revolution,” he called the rigging of the election and the heavy presence of security forces as “a velvet coup d’etat” against the “republic” in the Islamic Republic. Mr. Khatami demanded immediate “demilitarization” of the streets, freedom of the political prisoners, and the return to the Iranian constitution.

 

 

“We Shall Overcome” Joan Baez Sings for the People of Iran

 

* The legendary singer Joan Baez joins a host of other artists expressing her admiration for the Green Movement in Iran:

 

 

 

Humor Enters the Fray

 

* A sign of higher spirits in Iran is that humor has now entered the scene of political struggle. Unfortunately, Iranian humor (which is a prominent aspect of the culture) is little known in the world. At this critical historical juncture, it has surfaced in the form of cartoons, humorous poems, and images. One form this humor has taken is putting funny captions, echoing the official propaganda, on familiar images from the street protests. A picture of two men in uniform hitting people is captioned “the TOUCHING presence of the Basij on the streets.” Another image depicting rows of women protesters sitting on the street facing a barrier of standing soldiers is captioned ” introducing ladies to the intricacies of military service,” and the famous picture of hundreds of thousands of people in Azadi square is captioned “the grand funeral service for the regime.”

Here is another example of the humorous political cartoons treating the recent events. The Basij militiaman says to the driver: "Your breath smells of 'Allahu Akbar'." Historical background: The chant "Allahu Akbar" was chanted during the 1979 Revolution when the Shah was overthrown and is being used again now—every night thousands shout are shouting "Allahu Akbar" from their rooftops throughout Iran.

* Along the same lines, today, an Iranian woman called a live show on the national TV dedicated to family matters. She spoke to the host about her husband affectionately and ended by saying ”interestingly, my husband has the same name as that of our beloved President Mir Husain Mousavi” Needless to say, the show was instantly famous and the clip circulated.

 

 

This is one of the pictures published on official Iranian government websites. It has been pointed out that many of these ballots are crisp, unfolded and have suspiciously similar handwriting on each one.

Suspicious Ballot Photos

 

* Apparently, images of ballots posted on Iranian official websites to document the recount of the ten percent offered by the ”Guardian Council” has caused an uproar.These images include crisp unfolded ballots, and close ups reveal the same hand writing in many of the ballots (see picture to the left). And more here: http://www.irna.ir/View/FullStory/Photo/?NewsId=567619.

 

 

“Demonstrate and Run” Squads

 

* There is a new strategy according to which the protesters avoid clashes with the Basij and make it hard for them to guess where the next demonstration is going to take place. It is a “hit and run” strategy minus the hitting. They form squads of forty or fifty protesters who communicate by phone, show up in a part of town to stage a loud protest, and quickly disappear. By the time the Basij arrives, another group is demonstrating elsewhere.

 

 

Ashkan Sohrabi, one of the victims of the Iranian regime's crackdown on protests whose name has not been spread across the world.

Another Young Victim of the Violence Against Street Protests

 

* The Iranian state run media works nonstop to put the blame for Neda Agha Soltan’s death on agents of foreign elements. So far, the CIA, the BBC crew, a staff member at the British embassy, and the protesters themselves have been blamed for her death. There are other young victims whose demise was not caught on camera. Ashkan Sohrabi is one such victim. According to his sister Elham, Ashkan was shot in the chest three times on the same day that Neda was killed (his picture is on the left).

 

 

Mr. Ahmadinejad Barred From attending the African Union Summit

 

* According to /Sarmayeh/ news, quoted by NIAC updates on the election, Mr. Ahmadinejad’s trip to Libya, in order to attend the African Union Summit was canceled today. Furthermore, the trip of Sultan Qaboos of Oman to Iran has been canceled. It is clear that nations which previously welcomed Iranian Presidents are now doubting the wisdom of recognizing (and hosting) Mr. Ahmadinejad. No doubt Iran’s foreign policy will seriously be affected by the post-election environment created by the current Iranian government. Interestingly, the Iranians News Agency has not provided any explanations for these cancellations.

 

 

In sum, while the Green Movement’s strategy of public protest has changed to minimize clashes and casualties, it is reasonable to assume that the supporters of reform are far from crushed.

 

Remember to visit www.windowsoniran.wordpress.com for previous windows.

 

 

Good night,

 

Fatemeh 

 

===================================
Fatemeh Keshavarz, Professor and Chair
Dept. of Asian and Near Eastern Languages and Literatures
Washington University in St. Louis
Honorary Co-Chair, Iranians For Peace
Tel: (314) 935-5156
Fax: (314) 935-4399
==================================

Windows on Iran 72 (Election Special 19)

 

Get a print of this picture and keep it handy. And remember: "YOU have given US hope! Thank you! If you ever come close to forgetting what you have done, just take a look at this picture.

Dear All,

 

The majority of the letters and messages from Iran have one important request: “don’t just show the cruelty of the regime, show our strength as well. We have questioned the legitimacy of a powerful system. This is a big achievement. Please show that to the world. And give us hope.” My response to these Iranians is that “YOU have given US hope! Thank you! See the picture to the right, get a print and keep it handy. If you ever come close to forgetting what you have done, just take a look at this picture.”

 

Please send hopeful messages to Iranians you know. Tell them how you admire their courage and persistence. Tell them the scare tactics of the regime are not going to succeed. And please, share this site www.windowsoniran.wordpress.com with anyone who can send it to people in Iran.

 

 

Karrubi’s New Announcement

 

* According to his website, Mr. Mahdi Karrubi, the second reformist candidate, has announced that “under no circumstances” he will stop his fight with the current regime in Iran. He has declared that he will cooperate with any and all who genuinely support the movement of reform in Iran.

 

 

Last Night’s Demonstrations from the Rooftops

 

* This is for everyone to know that Iranians, ordinary people with no political agendas except bringing about positive reform, are trying everything they can to get their voices heard: http://www.bbc.co.uk/persian/iran/2009/06/090630_vd_ir88_night_demo_ugc.shtml

 

 

A Friend from Japan has Sent this Very Beautiful Song

 

* I have already told you about all the beautiful songs written in honor of the Green Movement toward a full-fledged democracy in Iran. I would like to open this window with one of my favorites - because it is not about the cruelties that have happened but about hope. It is called “zemestun sar umad” which means “The winter has ended.” It is a new arrangement of an old and popular song. The images you see on the clip are from Mr. Mousavi’s campaign, his visits to the war front during the eight-year Iran/Iraq war, and some earlier images from the 1979 revolution. One of the goals of the clip is to demonstrate Mr. Mousavi’s deep roots in the Iranian social and political tradition. Enjoy!

 

 

 

Ayatollah Taheri Releases a Statement in Support of Mr. Mousavi

 

* Ayatollah Taheri, a senior and well know cleric from Isfahan, released a statement today in support of Mr. Mousavi. In his statement, Ayatollah Taheri, questioned the legitimacy of the fairness of the election, the conduct of the Iranian media, and the legitimacy of “Guardian Council.”

 

 

Mr. Mousavi’s Facebook Recommends /E’tekaaf /”Islamic Strike”

 

* The most recent posting on Mr. Mousavi’s facebook page recommends peaceful and widespread refusal to work with the government, pulling money out of state run banks, and refraining from unnecessary spending.

 

* His facebook also rejects the evaluation of ten percent of the vote by the “Guardian Council” and demands that an independent committee be established to look into the matter.

 

 

Iran’s Poet Laureate Speaks out

 

* Simin Behbahani, Iran’s Poet Laureate, known as “The Lioness of Iran,” calls on Mr. Ahmadinejad to resign. Listen to her interview on NPR: http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2009/06/poet_simin_behbahani_says_neda.html.

 

 

Let us Stay on the Happy Note with More Lionesses from Iran

 

Let us close this window on another happy note and meet more lionesses from Iran. Whatever comes next, somethings have changed drastically in the country:

 

Another green lioness of Iran!

 

Don’t forget to check out the blog for previous windows on Iran at:  www.windowsoniran.wordpress.com.

 

 

Good night,

 

Fatemeh 

 

===================================
Fatemeh Keshavarz, Professor and Chair
Dept. of Asian and Near Eastern Languages and Literatures
Washington University in St. Louis
Honorary Co-Chair, Iranians For Peace
Tel: (314) 935-5156
Fax: (314) 935-4399
==================================

Windows on Iran 71 (Election Special 18)

 

Let us open this window with a happy image from the Green camp!

Dear All,

 

Today, amid confusion, and rumors that the Guardian Council’s investigation of the election will be extended for five more days, Ahmadinejad’s presidency was declared legal by the council. To be honest, I am not sure whether this is final, or we will have to wait another five days. Tehran was agitated once again. And, according to reports, the nightly chants on rooftops were the loudest tonight.

 

 

Rumors of Mousavi’s Arrest

 

*Rumors of Mousavi’s arrest are once again denied on his facebook page. He continues to be under enormous pressure to cave in to the demands of the Guardian Council and accept the result of the election. His facebook page announces that:

 

* Mousavi did not reach an agreement with the “Guradian Council.”

 

* He will not leave the country.

 

 

New images from Ghoba Mosque Rally

 

 

 

Faezeh Rafsanjani on the Election

 

* Faezeh Rafsanjani, the feminist activist daughter of Mr. Rafsanjani, and an ex-member of the Iranian parliament, participated in the Ghoba mosque demonstration yesterday and spoke frankly of the election being rigged and criticized Mr. Khamenei for his unconditional support of Ahmadinejad. Expressing this kind of criticism in public is quite unprecedented.

 

Nokia's new advertising slogan is "Connecting People." Given its recent collusion with the crackdown of the Iranian government, it seems like its new slogan should be "Jailing People."

 

Massive International Campaign Initiated by Iranians Against Nokia 

* Apparently, Nokia recently provided the Iranian regime with a ”monitoring center” that enables security forces to tap cell phones, read e-mails, scramble text-messages, and interrupt calls. Nokia’s new surveillance system has enhanced the regime’s ability to crack down on dissent during recent protests. The monitoring technology is being deployed on a massive scale, with hundreds arrested thanks to Nokia’s technology. Here is an article on the subject: www.payvand.com/news/09/jun/1296.html.

 

 

Rafsanjani has Not Caved to Pressure from the Supreme Leader

 

* Mr. Rafsanjani, ex-President of Iran, and a supporter of Mr. Mousavi was told to be working to make deals behind the scene. He spoke briefly yesterday. Supporters of the supreme leader presented his words as caving in to pressures from the leader’s office. However, it now appears that all he agreed with was a second extension (five days) to look into the results of the election. Since the extension was proposed by the supreme leader, you might say, Rafsanjani is in agreement with him. However, he does not appear to have said more.

 

 

Hadi Ghaffari, Hard line Cleric with Close Ties to the Basij, Speaks Sharply Against the Leader

 

* This speech was apparently delivered yesterday. It is in Persian. Ghaffari basically says that Khamenei has misused the authority associated with his office by supporting Mr. Ahmadineajd:

 

 

 

Shirin Ebadi, the 2003 Iranian Nobel Laureate for Peace Speaks

 

* Shirin Ebadi who was in Austria to visit the European Parliament asked the Parliament to send a group of human rights inspectors to Iran to look into the recent brutalities against people who have done nothing but peaceful protest which is legal according to the Iranian constitution. Ebadi asked the Iranian government to free all political prisoners and nullify the election.

 

 

More Songs in Support of the Green Wearers

 

* I have sent you two songs in support of the Iranians protesting the election. Here is the third, by the Iranian American singer Andy and Jon Bon Jovi, dedicated to the people of Iran called ”Stand by me”:

 

 

 

And let us see one more happy image from the Green camp before closing this window:

 

 

One more image from the Green Camp to close this Window on Iran!

 

Good Night,

 

Fatemeh 

 

===================================
Fatemeh Keshavarz, Professor and Chair
Dept. of Asian and Near Eastern Languages and Literatures
Washington University in St. Louis
Honorary Co-Chair, Iranians For Peace
Tel: (314) 935-5156
Fax: (314) 935-4399
==================================

Windows on Iran 70 (Election Special 17)

Dear All,

 

Today’s sad news is that three more Iranian journalists were arrested. In a more positive development, thousands of people turned up in and around a mosque in Tehran to commemorate an anniversary.  The occasion turned into a rally in support of Mr. Mousavi with thousands of people chanting his name. Mr. Karrubi who was present walked with the marchers. But Mr. Mousavi, who was apparently in the vicinity, did not make it to the mosque due to the size of the crowd. He did speak to them by phone. Apparently, his wife Zahra Rahnavard was in the crowd as well.

 

 

Today’s Peaceful Demonstration in Ghoba Mosque in Tehran

 

 

 

Karrubi Joins the Demonstrators and Mousavi Speaks to them through a Mobile phone and Loud Speaker

 

 

  

 

 

More clips of Today’s demonstrations at Ghoba Mosque

 

* These clips have been arriving all day today. I am sure there are overlaps. But I decided not to delete any: http://news.gooya.com/didaniha/archives/2009/06/090082.php.

 

 

Attacks on the Ghoba Mosque Rally

 

* As people returned from the above peaceful rally, they got attacked by the riot police. This is despite the fact that they had obtained the required permit for the gathering. I don’t have many details on the attack yet.

 

 

Rumors of Mousavi’s Arrest

 

* Mr. Mousavi’s facebook has denied the rumors that he has been arrested or is under house arrest. However, the site admits that he is under enormous pressure to accept the results of the election and adds that he will not do so.

 

 

Good Night,

 

Fatemeh 

 

===================================
Fatemeh Keshavarz, Professor and Chair
Dept. of Asian and Near Eastern Languages and Literatures
Washington University in St. Louis
Honorary Co-Chair, Iranians For Peace
Tel: (314) 935-5156
Fax: (314) 935-4399
==================================

Windows on Iran 69 (Election Special 16)

 

The sign reads: “Hear the Loudness in the Cry of Silence!”

Dear All,

 

The pace of events in Iran has slowed down. The mood is not jubilant. But the “green movement” is not defeated either. An eye witness talking to people picnicking in a park in Tehran, described the calm as a layer of ash covering burning charcoals. Last week, before the major crackdown, Tehran witnessed a massive silent rally. The majority of Iranians grow up with poetry. They are familiar with the poetic power of silence. Many of the banners carried messages that showed this awareness. I picked one image from a silent marcher who carried a sign with a beautiful line of poetry (see image and translation to the right).

 

As the government works to push the struggle for freedom from the streets to jails, a new (but powerful) kind of silence needs to be recognized and given voice. Many poets, musicians and artists have already started to do that.

 

 

“Iran, the Land of Hope” Maestro Shajarian Sings a New Song

 

* Here is a song gifted to the new Iran emerging from the 2009 election by the one of the greatest musicians of present day Iran, Mohamad Reza Shajarian. And he rightly calls it “Iran, the land of hope.” Enjoy:

 

 

 

Makhmalbaf’s New Message to Mr. Mousavi

 

* Mr. Mousavi’s  Facebook has posted a new video today with a message addressed to Mr. Mousavi delivered by the renowned Iranian film maker, Mohsen Makhmalbaf, on behalf of Iranians who have contacted the latter. The main thrust of this message is that Mr. Mousavi should not wait for obtaining a permit from the government to revive public gatherings and rallies.

    

 

 

Internal Economic Strategies of Isolating the Government

 

* Letters are circulating in Iran with recommendations for economic measures to weaken the grip of Mr. Ahmadinejad’s government on power. The recommendations include

 

1. Refusing to give ads to the state run TV, and newspapers serving as the voice of the government.

 

2. Pulling out money invested in banks and financial institutions run by the government or by the revolutionary guards.

 

3. Refraining from contributing to the charity boxes scattered throughout towns all across the country.

 

 

Short Clip of a Pick up Truck Driving into Crowds on June 23

 

* Mr. Mousavi’s Facebook has posted a very short video clip showing a pick up truck driving into a large crowd of peaceful demonstrators:

 

 

 

Two More Grand Ayatollahs Speak up Against the Regime

 

* So far, at least three Grand Ayatollahs (all with substantial followings) had spoken against the behavior of the government towards those objecting to the conduct of the election: Ayatollahs Montazeri, Sanei, and Safi Golpaigani. Two more strong voices have now been added:                                                      

 

a.  Grand Ayatollah Bayat-Zanjani has declared that, according to the constitution, people have a right to public assembly.  The burden is on the government to address peoples’ legitimate demands.  If the government does not do so, it will have committed malfeasance (khalaaf) and is responsible.  (Quick and abbreviated translation from Farsi). Full article here: http://bayatzanjani.net/fa/faq/question-112.html.

 

b. Ayatollah Mousavi-Ardebili has said that “we should not silence people by using brute force.” Link here:  http://news.gooya.com/politics/archives/2009/06/089997.php

 

 

Irandokht Celebrates Iranian Women’s Participation in the Move toward Social Change

 

* Before closing this window, visit the latest Irandokht news site: http://www.irandokht.com/. It celebrates the lively participation of Iranian women in the leap toward social change.

 

 

Have a great Sunday. Good Night.

 

Fatemeh 

 

===================================
Fatemeh Keshavarz, Professor and Chair
Dept. of Asian and Near Eastern Languages and Literatures
Washington University in St. Louis
Honorary Co-Chair, Iranians For Peace
Tel: (314) 935-5156
Fax: (314) 935-4399
==================================

Windows on Iran 68 (Election Special 15)

 

The death of Neda Agha-Soltan—the young woman whose death from a gunshot wound on the streets of Tehran was captured on camera and spread around the world via You Tube—has become a rallying call and inspiration for the protesters. See the article below.

Dear All,

Today, I had a beautiful letter e-mailed to me from a young woman in Shiraz. Judging by the updates that she sent out regularly, she participated in this election enthusiastically hoping for Mr. Mousavi to win. Like many others, she was totally shocked and devastated with the results and the speed with which they were announced on the Iranian national media. Then she and her friends worked hard to keep a peaceful campaign going to make their protests heard in the hope of an election re-run. Some of her friends in Shiraz University dormitory were beaten up in the middle of the night. On the various phone conversations that we had, she went through moments of hope and despair.

The letter she sent me today is beautiful. It is everything but hopeless. I meant to translate all of it to share it with you. But I was in a meeting till late. And I don’t want to do a clumsy translation. So I only give you the first paragraph. Her words brought tears (of joy) to my eyes. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I did and share them with others. “H” writes:

 

“There is no desire more powerful than that of changing the flow of history. And we are happy because we are now standing right at that crossroad where this desire feels possible. We are moving away from the frustrations and defeats of those before us and toward changing history. The immediate outcome does not matter. The real goal has been achieved. We are feeling it in our bones. In the past few weeks, smallness, death, and despair have left us. We are free. On the streets, inside our own thoughts, and in front of each other, we are free.“

 

 

Front page of the first issue of "Kalaame Sabz." Click on the link to the left for the whole issue.

The First Issue of “Kalaame Sabz”

 

Yesterday I told you that the first issue of Mr. Mousavi’s new newspaper has been distributed. It is called “Kalaame Sabz.” To see the first issue, click here: Kalaame Sabz Issue 1.

 

 

Mr. Mousavi’s Message to Iranians Living Abroad

 

* Today, Mr. Mousavi’s facebook page, which is now his only conduit to the outside world, has posted a message addressed to Iranians living abroad. The message consists of five paragraphs and is calm and confident in its tone. Below, I provide a rough translation of the main points in the letter:

 

1. I appreciate your widespread participation in the election. Iran belongs to you as much as those living on its soil.

 

2.  I am grateful for your vote of confidence and I assure you that, as I promised earlier, I will pursue the issue of cheating in this election to safeguard your legal rights as reflected in your votes.

 

3. Unfortunately, as you see in the international media, the Islamic Republic, in clear violation of the Iranian constitution, has blocked my normal channels of communication with you, and the people’s right to peacefully protest.

 

4. I thank you for your strong objection to the widespread rigging of the election and ask you – using peaceful legal channels – to make your voices heard by the Iranian officials. I know your legitimate concern is different from the goals of those hostile to the Iranian political system as a whole and ask you to not allow them to take advantage of your protest to advance their goals (my clarification: Mr. Mousavi is here referring to royalists, and other opposition groups who fundamentally oppose the Islamic Republic and would not participate in the Iranian elections but in the past week have participated in demonstrations related to this election.)

 

 

New Video of Baharistan Demonstration on Wednesday

 

 

 

 

In Iran, People Pay their Respects to Neda’s Grave Despite very Tight Security 

 

An undated photo of Neda Agha-Soltan.

* Iranians of all wakes of life come to pay their respects to Neda Aghasultan despite the very tight security around her grave, Borzoo Daragahi reports from Iran. You can read the full article here.

 

 

The Guardian Council Appointed a “Special Commission” to Look into the Election

 

* In an interview with Press TV on Thursday, Guardian Council Spokesman Abbas-Ali Kadkhodaei said in addition to a five day extension for filing complaints, the Council had formed a “special commission” to “secure the additional confidence of the complaining candidates and their supporters.”

 

He added that the commission was composed of six “outstanding political, social and religious figures,” including representatives of the two defeated candidates Mir-Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi who persist with their complaints and demand a re-run.

 

* At the same time, the national media has ratcheted up the rhetoric against the “rioters” and promised them heavy punishments.

 

* There are now an estimated 1,000 known intellectuals, and political figures in detention. How could this level of control be sustained while a measure of normalcy is restored? I am not sure if those in power have an answer for it at this point.

 

 

I am going to close this window without an image tonight. Hope to make up for that in the next one.

 

 

Good Night,

 

Fatemeh 

 

===================================
Fatemeh Keshavarz, Professor and Chair
Dept. of Asian and Near Eastern Languages and Literatures
Washington University in St. Louis
Honorary Co-Chair, Iranians For Peace
Tel: (314) 935-5156
Fax: (314) 935-4399
==================================

Windows on Iran 67 (Election Special 14)

 

The first image of the day: Hot from Iran, a photo of one of the most dangerous supporters of Mousavi.

Dear All,

 

Despite the continuation of uncertainty, and the heavy presence of anti-riot police on the streets of Tehran and other major cities, all the correspondence from the country shows that the general mood is improving. Somehow people have crossed the threshold of fear. But the main reason is that although large demonstrations are not allowed anymore, other events indicate that this protest is far from over. I hope this window brings you some of the reasons for this interpretation.

 

 

Brutal Attach on June 24 Protesters (discretion recommended)

 

 

 

 

Fear of Torture to Extract Confession

 

* Yesterday, I wrote about widespread detentions. “About the arrests, I am sure that this is leading towards tortured confessions” writes an anonymous e-mailer from Iran. He goes on to say, his journalist friend of 24 years who won a medal of valor for journalism and his wife, are among the arrested. He ends by saying “It pains me to think what they must be going through.” We know that all but four of the professors arrested yesterday, have already been released. Let us hope the writer’s friends will be too.

 

 

The Doctor who tried to save Neda’s Life Speaks

 

   * http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8119713.stm

 

 

Significant Developments in Iran

 

* Issue No. 1 of the underground version of Kalemeh Sabz, Mr. Mousavi’s banned paper came out.

 

* The Grand Ayatollah Montazeri’s New Statement: A new and strong statement issued by Grand Ayatollah Montazeri condemns the government’s brutal assault on peaceful protesters and urges them to apologize to the people of Iran and respond to their legitimate grievances concerning this election.

 

* In an interview with “Saniyeh News” in Iran, the Secretary General of Society of Qum Seminary Professors openly and strongly condemned the behavior of the government toward the protesters.

 

 

More Backpaddling by the Iranian Ministry of Education

 

* According to a news announced by Mr. Mousavi’s Persian news sight Kalemeh, the Iranian Ministry of Interior has informed him that he can hold peaceful rallies if he applies for them a week in advance. While this is another attempt to buy time, it contradicts the earlier total ban and indicates confusion within the ministry.

 

 

Iranian Members of the Parliament Refrain from Attending Mr. Ahmadinejad’s Party

 

* Only 105 out of 290 members of the Iranian Parliament attended Mr. Ahmadinejad’s “victory” party. Mr. Haddad Adel, the Supreme Leader’s son-in-law was among them.

 

 

More Support for the Protesters. A Game Changer?

 

*According to a statement just  released in Paris by NPA (The New Anti-capitalist Party of France) and translated from French by Andrew Feffer of Union College Iranian auto and bus workers are planning a strike. This could be a crucial game changer for the Iranian reformists. Here is a quote from the statement:

 

The bus workers union has declared solidarity, stating that “as long as the principles of freedom of assembly and of open elections are not enforced, all discussion of social freedom and workers rights are nothing but a farce.” The workers of Iran Khodro, the main auto manufacturer in the country (with sixty thousand employees), have started a strike movement, adding wage increases and the right to strike to the demands currently being made on the street.

 

 

Echoes of the Iranian Protests heard in Dhaka, Bangladesh

A photo from a recent pro-Mousavi "Green" protest in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

 

* A bright and caring student of mine sends this image from Dhaka: http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=94147.

 

 

More on the Exact Nature of the Election Fraud

 

* My economist friend Eshragh – quoting the University of St. Andrews/Chatham House study – suggests that the election fraud was perpetrated more clumsily than one would think: http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/files/14234_iranelection0609.pdf. It now appears, he goes on to explain that:                                  

 

a.  Aggregative (macro) data were cooked up by high officials of the Ministry of Interior and announced to the nation quickly.

b.  Then officials at the Ministry were ordered to manufacture micro data (at the voting booth/box level) to conform to the macro/aggregative data.  This explains why there was about a week’s delay between the announcement of macro and then micro data.

 

 

The Alaei Brothers

 

* “This week marks a sad milestone in the lives of Drs. Kamiar and Arash Alaei, internationally renowned HIV/AIDS physicians” writes an Iranian friend. “For the past year they have been imprisoned in the notorious section 209 of Evin prison.” Their crime? Practicing public health diplomacy. In the heat of the current events in Iran, let us not forget the Alaei brothers.You can help by writing to Serah Kalloch, Director, Physicians for Human Rights at <web@phrusa.org>.

 

 

Image #2: This is not about Class or Age

 

 

The demographics of the protestors transcends traditional class and age lines.

 

Good Night,

 

Fatemeh 

 

===================================
Fatemeh Keshavarz, Professor and Chair
Dept. of Asian and Near Eastern Languages and Literatures
Washington University in St. Louis
Honorary Co-Chair, Iranians For Peace
Tel: (314) 935-5156
Fax: (314) 935-4399
==================================

Windows on Iran 66 (Election Special 13)

 

Protestors flee riot police in Isfahan. Protests have continued unabated in Iran today and the police have continued their brutal crackdown on the protests throughout Iran.

Dear All,

 

I hope you are well. Welcome to window 66 and thank you again for all your kind and supportive messages.

 

 

Two Events Announced on Mousavi’s Facebook page:

 

* Commemoration of the death of those who have died while protesting the results of the election, tomorrow, Thursday, June 25, 5 pm, at the tomb of the founder of the Islamic Revolution.

 

* Launching green balloons to turn the skies of Iran green, Friday, June 26, at 1pm.

 

 

A Very Interesting Prediction by a Political Scientist

 

* Mehdi Noorbaksh, a political scientist at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology in Pennsylvania and the son-in-law of longtime opposition leader Ebrahim Yazdi is of the opinion that a run off to the election between Mousavi and Ahmadinejad is still possible. His reasons are:

 

1. The Guardian Council accepted election’s irregularities a few days ago and indicated that it involved 3 million votes.

2. Ali Larijani, the head of the Iranian parliament, is trying to convince the leadership on the side of the supreme leader to give national TV time to Mousavi to talk to the Iranian people.

3. There are reports that Rafsanjani has succeeded to get the signatures and support of many of the high clerics in Qom in denouncing the election.

4. The time for the Guardian Council’s investigation of the vote fraud has been extended for five more days, possibly to gain more time in negotiating a solution to the conflict.

5. There are reports that divisions within the Revolutionary Guard are beginning to surface. There is speculation that one of the commanders, Afzali, has either resigned or been removed from his post.

6. Rallies are expanding in many other cities of Iran, and street demonstrations have not diminished in Tabriz, Isfahan, Kermanshah and other cities. Although the size of the demonstrations is smaller, they are more violent and forceful.

7. The killings of demonstrators will definitely result in more defiance and bolder actions of the protesters and gain more legitimacy for the green movement.

 

You can read his full article here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/blog/2009/jun/24/iran-crisis.

 

 

Isfahan in the Election

 

* The beautiful city of Isfahan has witnessed many historical events. In ancient and modern times, the city has always been at the heart of political activity. A day before the election, the city hosted Mr. Mohammad Khatami the Iranian reformist ex-president. He arrived in Isfahan to campaign for Mr. Mousavi and was greeted by a crowd estimated well over 100,000 in the historic Naqsh-e Jahan Square. See the picture below for a fantastic shot from this rally, then click here to see a powerpoint show of some of what Isfahan has witnessed since then: Isfahan Before and After the Election.

 

 

Isfahan Greets Khatami at a rally for Mousavi one day before the elections. Click on the slide show above for some pictures from Isfahan since election day.

 

More Arrests

 

* At least 70 university professors have been added to the large number of detainees in Tehran, after they had a meeting with Mousavi.

 

 

Personal Reports from Today’s Demonstrations

 

*Today’s demonstration seems to have been attacked forcefully. Below is a brief eyewitness account posted on Twitter (http://twitter.com/PersianKiwi) which gave rise to the fear of a massacre. It read:

 

“they were waiting for us – they all have guns and riot uniforms –it was like a mouse trap – ppl being shot like animals.“

 

While this report may be the accurate observation of one individual based on chaos and hearing gun shots, later contact with Iran has confirmed wide use of teargas and one death. Mr. Mousavi’s facebook has posted a 2:16 minute video of the today’s protests in Baharistan square. Towards the end, you will get a good view of the crowd: http://www.facebook.com/mousavi?ref=mf.

 

 

Better Videos of Today’s Demonstrations

 

 

* Also check out this video: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/video/2009/jun/24/iran-election-unrest.

 

 

Mr. Karrubi’s Suggestion

 

* Mr. Karrubi has suggested that two separate days be devoted to two separate peaceful rallies, one by supporters of Mr. Ahmadinejad, and one by supporters of Mr. Mousavi and compare the turn out.

 

 

Image of the Day from the Baharistan Square Protests

 

A picture from the Baharistan Square protests today.

 

* FYI: the protesters burn garbage cans to reduce the effect of tear gas.

 

 

I hope I’ll have better news tomorrow.

 

Good night.

 

Fatemeh 

 

===================================
Fatemeh Keshavarz, Professor and Chair
Dept. of Asian and Near Eastern Languages and Literatures
Washington University in St. Louis
Honorary Co-Chair, Iranians For Peace
Tel: (314) 935-5156
Fax: (314) 935-4399
==================================