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
==================================

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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
==================================

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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
==================================

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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
==================================

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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
==================================

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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
==================================

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Windows on Iran 65 (Election Special 12)

 

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
==================================

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Windows on Iran 64 (Election Special 11)

 

This photo is from June 15th, taking during Mousavi's first public appearance after the protests began (Mousavi is the man in the middle of the picture with his arms raised, wearing a grey shirt). Although it is a few days old, I thought it too inspirational not to share with you.

Dear All,

 

Let us open Window 64 without delay. In Iran the street protests continued to be stifled under extremely heavy presence of the Revolutionary Guards and their militia, the Basij. A couple of attempts to gather by people led to arrests and dispersion of the crowd.

 

The General Mood in Iran

 

The mood in Iran is that of exhaustion and anxiety and fear that the green movement can lose its momentum completely. My anonymous e-mailer from Tehran writes:

 

“I am ok physically, very low in spirit. We all are. The movement is coming into nothing again. After several people getting killed, hundreds wounded and arrested, we feel very bad. They have suffocated the reformist movement. We are doomed.“

This is the front page of "Kayhan," one of the the most widely distributed dailies in Iran. The headline reads "CIA's $400 million Dollar budget for Post-election Disturbances in Iran."

 

Much of the frustration is due to the people’s inability to move physically or access information. In the meantime, they are bombarded with messages from the state run media suggesting that the protests are over. And that these protests were funded by secret projects by the CIA (see image to the right). It is the front page of “Kayhan,” one of the the most widely distributed dailies in Iran. The headline reads “CIA’s $400 million Dollar budget for Post-Election Disturbances in Iran.”

 

 

Has Everything Ended?

 

* The Grand Ayatollah Montazeri has declared three days of national mourning starting this Wednesday.

 

* Mr. Mousavi has announced, via facebook, a peaceful rally at the tomb of the founder of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Khomeini.

 

 

A Legal Victory Already

 

* For years the Iranian human rights activist, and Noble Laureate, Shirin Ebadi had struggled to get the Iranian Parliament to pass a bill to declare severe punishments such as stoning, cutting of limbs, and execution of minors illegal. While the government has spoken against them and tried to limit them, no such bill was ever taken to the parliament. Today, according to Tabnak News (quoting Mr. Ali Shahrokhi, the Chair person of the Iranian Parliament’s Legal Committee) announced that the bill to abolish these punishments was submitted to the parliament for approval: http://www.tabnak.ir/fa/pages/?cid=52684. This is a major legal victory for the reformists – and the first fruit of the recent uprising.

 

 

Other indications of new and significant development

 

* First, those who did go out reported interesting interaction between the Basij and the demonstrators. Here is an excerpt from a demonstrator posted on NIAC blog. He went out to the Hafte Tir Square to grieve – with others – the death of Neda, the young woman who died of a gunshot aimed at her heart from a rooftop on Saturday. In the evening he posted this:

 

“I cannot sleep and not write this. Today in Haft-e Tir, there were so many members of Basij that they outnumbered the demonstrators 3 or 4 to 1. They were less focused on women. This must be related to the murder of poor Neda. And this was also why whenever they got hold of a man, women would surround them and shout don’t beat him, don’t beat and they would turn and anxiously say we didn’t beat him. It was astonishing. They explained; they talked. But they didn’t allow us to congregate; they kept telling us to walk and the crowd walked quietly for 2 hours in the circle (meydaan) and spontaneously gathered in whichever area they were not present. About 2000 of us were walking around the circle and only shouting Allah-o Akbar [my omission]… I thought people’s patience and persistence was great, although there were also many bad scenes and I cried. They arrested a whole bus load of people. There were many intelligence folks in the crowd too. They would point to a person and the Basijis would arrest that person. There was no one from Sepah (the Revolutionary Guards) and the police was obviously sympathetic to the crowd. I swear some of the Basijis were only 14 or 15, or at least what they looked like to me.“

Let's take a break from the news for the "Image of the Day": It was taken yesterday but I missed it. So I share it with you today. Several women fearlessly coming to the aid of a man being beat by the security forces.

* Second, there are very important (unconfirmed) reports of further developments behind the scenes. An indication of the authenticity of these reports is that the the two websites reporting them (including that of al-Arabiyyah) have now been blocked to Iranians. According to these, Mr. Rafsanjani has now reached an agreement with the “Assembly of the Experts” concerning removing Mr. Khamenei from the post of the “supreme leadership.” The remaining discussions are about the arrangements for replacement. One possible replacement is a council made up of three or four clerics.

 

 

Other Significant Unconfirmed Reports

 

* The Supreme leader has moved out of his regular residence to a safer place.

 

* The army has declared it will not take responsibility for security, as long as Basij and the plain clothes security forces are on the street.

 

Important Information for Protesters in Iran!

 

* Mr. Mousavi’s website Kalemeh.ir provides a fax number for people to report grievances and possible injuries to his headquarters. Please be warned (and tell relatives and friends in Iran) that this number may have been inserted by hackers who wish to identify the protesters.

 

New Forms of Protest In Iran

 

* Since the peaceful rallies are now occasions for the Basij to attack unarmed people, a new and creative form of Protest has began. The video you see is from the City of Shiraz (my hometown).

 

 

 

Please remember that you can access these windows on Iran and share them with others at my 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
==================================

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Windows on Iran 63 (Election 10)

Dear All,

 

There seems to have been relative calm in Iran today. If there were clashes, they have remained unreported. All my personal attempts to dial numbers in Iran remained unsuccessful. The general mood seems to be that of waiting and reevaluating the situation among the people.

 

Mr. Hashemi Rafsanjani, former President of Iran (1989-1997) and current Chairman of the Assembly of Experts (the group who elects and can remove the Supreme Leader of Iran) and Chairman of the Expediency Council (the body that resolves legislative conflicts between the Majlis and the Council of Guardians). He is also believed to be the richest man in Iran and definitely one of the most powerful.

Important News Headlines

 

* The spokesperson for the Guardian Council (which supervises the election) admitted serious irregularities in the number of votes collected in 50 districts.

 

* Quoting an anonymous participant, the news agency al-Arabiyyah has reported intense behind the scene discussions among the high ranking clerics in the holy city of Qom to replace the Iranian Supreme Leader, Mr. Ali Khamenei, with a council of clerics. Mr. Hashemi Rafsanjani is said to be involved in the effort.

 

* Mr. Hashemi Rafsanjani’s daughter and four other female relatives were arrested today and released shortly thereafter.

Mr. Mohammad Khatami, former President of Iran (1997-2005) and strong supporter of Mousavi.

 

* Mr. Mohammad Khatami, the reformist president (1997-2005) published a letter in support of peaceful protests and asked the government to pay attention to their legitimate grievances. 

 

* The Grand Ayatollah Mohammad Housein Montazeri has declared three days of national mourning for those killed in the protests starting Wednesday, June 24. This is very likely to be interpreted as an invitation to national strike.

 

* Mr. Mousavi’s headquarters is trying to inform the public in Iran that they should get their news only through his official site www.Kalemeh.ir Apparently, fake sites have been created which circulate false news about him.

 

 

A Map of the Embassies which Accept Injured Protesters

 

* http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=108089191184151933961.00046ccb4946d8e0073dd&z=12

 

 

Petition by Faculty at Edinburgh University

 

* Professor Elham Kashefi from Edinburgh University writes: We have written an appeal to academic community and have so far gathered around 100 signatures from prominent scientists around the world, please see attached file. Please click here “Where is my Vote?” and contact Professor Kashefi at ekashefi@gmail.com if you like to add your signature.

 

 

Panel in Columbia University

 

* Columbia University has organized a panel discussion on the current Iranian election with Professor Dabashi, Mr. Mohsen Kadivar (the prominent Iranian reformist) and Dr. Fatemeh Haghaghatjoo (ex-member of the Iranian parliament). Apologies to non-Persian Speakers:

 

 

 [The panel discussion has seven parts. The video above is part 1/7. Please click on part 2/7 when part 1 finishes].

 

 

The Iranian National Television Shows edited versions of Rallies in Support of Iranian Protesters around the World

 

* According to the NIAC blog, State-run TV in Iran is showing demonstrations in other countries such as the US, however, with some serious editing. They are not broadcasting the majority of people standing and shouting in solidarity with people in Iran. Rather, they show images of demonstrators who shout, “Death to the Islamic Republic,” while they hold pre-1979 Iranian flags, which have come to symbolize the monarchy. Even worse than the monarchists, they show rallies organized by the People’s Mujahedeen of Iran, now known as the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI, MKO, MEK, or PMOI), which is on the State Department’s list of foreign terrorist organizations for committing fatal terrorist attacks in Iran and around the world: http://www.state.gov/s/ct/rls/crt/2008/122449.htm.

 

 

Tomorrow, I’ll be making fresh attempts to speak with friends in 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
==================================

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Windows on Iran 62 (Election Special 9)

 

Yesterday (left)......Today (right). The caption reads: "First they ignore you, then laugh at you, then fight you…then you win."

 

Dear All,

 

If you believe in praying, it is time to pray for Iran. Things are getting worse and worse.

 

* Riot police has blocked all the streets to the Azadi Square. People are being arrested in large numbers.

  

* After dark, shotguns and cries of Allaho Akbar from the rooftops are heard.

  

* On the streets, the chants have now changed to “Down with Khamenei.”

Picture of the outside of Khomeini's Tomb, where there was reported an explosion yesterday.

 

Explosion in Khomeini’s Tomb

 

* An alleged explosion has occurred in Khomeini’s tomb by a suicide bomber. It is generally believed to have been staged so that it can be blamed on the protesters. An unconfirmed report said the bombing was reported on the National TV minutes before it actually happened.

 

 

Anonymous E-mail From an Iranian Medical Student

 

* I only want to speak about what I have witnessed. I am a medical student. There was chaos last night at the trauma section in one of our main hospitals. Although by decree all riot-related injuries were supposed to be sent to military hospitals, all other hospitals were filled to the rim. Last night, nine people died at our hospital and another 28 had gunshot wounds. All hospital employees were crying till dawn. They (government) removed the dead bodies on back of trucks, before we were even able to get their names or other information. What can you even say to the people who don’t even respect the dead. No one was allowed to speak to the wounded or get any information from them. This morning the faculty and the students protested by gathering at the lobby of the hospital where they were confronted by plain cloths anti-riot militia.

 

* I am not going to attach any graphic clips about the street fights. They are horrendous. I have been in a daze the whole day. Don’t want to subject you to it as well. However, in the interest of making it possible for you to see what is happening to Iranians, I’ll point you to a website which will let you see these events if you like. Please be aware that they are hard to watch: http://www.citizentube.com/.

 

* Instead of these horrifying clips, you might want to read a first rate eye-witness account by NY Times Roger Cohen who is still in Iran. The article is an example of superb journalism: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/21/opinion/21tehran.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&ref=global-home&adxnnlx=1245535317-UflBE25qJMlNlT8eSyd5LQ.

 

 

Foreign Embassies Beginning to Accept Injured Protesters

 

* So far the Australian, British, and Dutch Embassies have been accepting the Iranians injured in today’s clashes with the riot police. There are indications that other embassies may follow suit though there have been some refusals (i.e. the Canadian Embassy). If your country has an embassy in Iran, PLEASE contact your foreign affairs officials and ask them to give refuge to the wounded. As you see in the above e-mail, some hospitals are reported to have been raided by the Basij.

 

 

Mousavi's Facebook Page (visit it here: http://www.facebook.com/mousavi).

Pouring Acid on Demonstrators

 

* According to Mousavi’s Facebook page, there have been instances of pouring acid on demonstrators.

 

 

Important Fax Number for Iranians to Stay in Touch

 

* Iranians feel trapped. It is very important for them to be able to stay connected with the world. Eric Purdy @ the University of Chicago has announced “We have set up a website to receive faxes from Iran, which we will post online. Hopefully this will be another way for information about what’s going on in Iran to make its way out of the country. The faxes can be sent in English or Persian. Eric Purdy says we will post any faxes we receive at iranfax.org. Apparently, at this point, there are only about 5 foreign journalists left in Iran. The fax number is: 001 773 321 0202. 

 

 

Mr. Mousavi Joins his supporters

 

* As I write to you (10:55 am), an e-mail arrived. Mr. Mousavi has joined his supporters in Jayhoon Street. Mr. Mousavi said “He is prepared to die with his supporters” for the cause of freedom they have been pursuing. He renewed his plea to the people to continue the movement.

  

 

I am truly sorry that I cannot give you a happy picture from today. Let’s hope tomorrow will be better.

 

Good Night,

 

Best,

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
==================================

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