Women have graced this election with color, resilience, patience, and courage. I want to share with you one of my favorite images of such women. It is not from today but can belong to any of the days.
Dear All,
Greetings! So much is happening in Iran and with so much speed that it is hard to keep up.
Image of the Day
* Today, four out of the six Iranian soccer players who wore green wristbands to express support for their candidate Mr. Mousavi have been “retired” from the game. Nothing has been said about the other two. For our image of the day, here is a picture of Ali Karimi, one of the “retirees.”
Iranian soccer player Ali Karimi proudly showing his green bands in support of Mousavi during the World Cup qualifying match.
What Do They Do now that They Cannot Rally in Large Groups in Peace?
The following are a number of short clips often taken by passers by using cell phone in various cities. They give you a good general idea:
* The presence of the security forces on the streets of Tehran on Monday:
* Yesterday in the city of Kermanshah:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/persian/iran/2009/06/090623_ir88_ugc_vd_kermanshah.shtml
* This is yesterday in Tehran. Notice the helicopters flying overhead and people watching the rooftops nervously. Neda was shot from a rooftop:
* In the city of Babol in northern Iran:
* Amid the mass presence of the security forces, people sit on the ground in a non-violent protest against the ban on their self expression:
Rally called for Tomorrow, Wednesday, June 24, at 4:30
* A new peaceful rally has been called by Supporters of Mr. Karrubi and Mr. Mousavi. The protesters are supposed to congregate in front of the houses of Parliament in Baharistan Square in Tehran at 4:30. Let’s hope it remains peaceful.
Unprecedented!
* Over 300 known social and political figures have been detained since the election date on June 12. This figure is unprecedented even for the current Iranian government. The staff at Mr. Mousavi’s Newspaper “Kalemeh-ye Sabz” were among those arrested today (according to BBC Persian service). While turning Iran into a big jail is bad news for the detainees, it indicates confusion and panic on the part of the authorities as well. An important question is “Is it working?” Watch the short interview with Dr. Trita Parsi below for an excellent analysis of the situation.
An Excellent Analysis of the Current Situation and Possible Future Development:
* Dr. Trita Parsi, President of the National Iranian American Council, spoke on CNN last night and provided insightful analysis of the recent developments: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/31496924#31496924.
If You Wish to Personally Honor Neda Agha Sultan
* Here is the web site: http://weareallneda.com/.
CNN Reports Cleric’s Rally in defiance of the Supreme Leader
* Two hours ago, CNN posted as article with an image showing Iranian clerics rallying in protest to the election results. While the extent of the protests is not possible to judge from the picture, the event is a significant development : http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/06/23/iran.protest.faces/index.html.
June 23rd Message from Mohsen Makhmalbaf
* Makhmalbaf, the renowned Iranian director and screen writer, has sent a moving, three-minutes long message. Since it is in Persian, I provide a rough translation. First, he asks all Iranians around the world to make up for the silence imposed on the Iranian opposition by spreading the word. This Friday, June 26, Iranians are going to hold a candle light vigil to commemorate the tragic death of Neda, the young woman shot on Saturday. Makhmalbaf requests every citizen of the world who hears this message to hold a brief candle light vigil, at their time of sunset on Friday, June 26, to connect with the Iranians.
Danger to Mr. Mousavi
* The state-run daily Kayhan today spoke of Mr. Mousavi as person behind the “illegal” actions on the streets, damages to people’s property, and the loss of life. There are strong indications that the government may be preparing to arrest him.
* At the same time, there are rumors that Mr. Larijani, the speaker of the Iranian Parliament, is working to get Mr. Mousavi air time on the Iranian National Television. While this is unlikely to happen, it is another indication of a rift within the supporters of the current government.
About the Iranian Supreme Leader
* Are the Days Numbered For Iran’s Supreme Leader?
http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/06/22/world/worldwatch/entry5104111.shtml.
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
==================================
