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
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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
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