Windows on Iran 86 (Election Special 32)

Green wrist bands and V-signs—the signs of protest and, most importantly, HOPE in Iran.I

Dear All,

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A young friend returning from Iran recently reported that an amazingly high percentage of people continue to wear green wristbands on a daily basis. Strangers passing by on the street, make “V” signs for victory, smile, and carry on with their daily activities. According to her, the nightly chants continue, and despite the pressures and the presence of police, there is a sense of hope.

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Important Upcoming Event

* Thursday, July 30th will witness another major even in Iran. The day marks, the 40th day of the death of those who lost their lives in the protests immediately following the election. Mr. Mousavi’s Facebook page has posted the details of the events of the day which will culminate in a mass candle light vigil after 6:00 pm in Tehran’s public prayer hall “Musalla” on Resalat. Here is more detail for participants: http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=113619942605&ref=mf.

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Bigger Cracks Appearing in the System

* As pro-reform Iranians prepare to commemorate the 40th day of the death of Neda Agha Soltan and other people killed in the first wave of anti-election protests, bigger and deeper cracks appear inside the regime mostly in the form of major frictions between Mr. Ahmadinejad and the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. During the past few days, ample evidence of this has come to the surface. There is an excellent article on this significant development in Tehran Bureau: http://tehranbureau.com/looming-confrontation-khamenei-irgc/.

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Mr. Ahmadinejad in Charge of the Ministry of Intelligence

* In a highly unusual move, after firing Mr. Ezhei, the minister of intelligence, Mr. Ahmadinejad has taken over the ministry and ordered the deputy minister, Mr. Alavi to report to him directly.

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Recent Demonstrations in Tehran

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* Demonstrators are careful to for small, loud, and fast groups who can protest and run before the riot police moves in. Here is one such demonstration happening near the Iranian state-run TV and Radio:

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Amazing Live Interview

* Yesterday, a reporter was speaking to people on the street reporting for a live youth radio program. As she was asking about people’s boycott of text messing, a Basij Officer approached and tried to intimidate her by asking fro her ID card and telling her to approach the police car. She provided her reporter ID but refused to go to the car. In the meantime, she questioned the officer’s behavior and legality of his action while engaging him in a conversation. As he finally was leaving she said “I am not sure why you are acting this way, but I hope you are not too upset after hearing yourself on the radio.” Millions of people heard the live interview and talked about it. Unfortunately there is no translation available.

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Outstanding Documentary by Rakhshan Bani Etemad

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* I have to give you this superb documentary by the acclaimed Iranian director Rakhshan Bani Etemad about what the current women’s movements demanded in the current election. I hope the subtitled version appears soon. In the meantime, those of you who know Persian, enjoy:

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Part1:

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Part 2:

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Part 3:

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Part 4:

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Part 5:

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Three Women: 66, 70, and 73

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* The on-line news “iReport” posts this amazing phone call from Iran by a 66 year old woman who, together with two friends 70 and 73, go out to protest the regime everyday. The most amazing thing is that despite the difficulties and tragedies that she refers to, she is filled with hope for change and with an amazing positive energy. I know many of you won’t be able to follow the call in Persian. fortunately, the site provides a translation.  Do please share with others: http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-301284.

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A fun little Slide Show: Look Again Mr. Ahmadinejad!

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Does not look to me like Mr. Khatami is bowing down to Mr. Chirac or anything?!?!

* During the presidential debates, Mr. Ahmadinejad projected an image of himself as the protector of the dignity of the Iranian nation. According to this scenario, all the previous presidents, particularly reformists were presented as week and subservient to the west. In the process, Mr. Ahmadinejad quoted many half truths, exaggerated and edited versions of events.  One such case was his reference to a visit that Mr. Khatami made to France during his presidency. According to Mr. Ahmadinejad, this was a sad day for Iranians because their president run up the stairs to greet Mr. Chirac whereas the French President stood on top of the stairs to snub his Iranian counterpart. Aftab News has just published the photos of that visit and the caption reads “Look again Mr. Ahmadinejad!” Let’s end this window with a little slide show of that visit which is now famous in Iran: Look Again Mr. Ahmadinejad!

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Don’t forget to share http://www.windowsoniran.wordpress.com with friends and acquaintances.

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

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Windows on Iran 85 (Election Special 31)

Join the United for Iran Global Day of Action on July 25th! Join an impressive cast of supporters, such as Nobel Peace Laureates Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Shirin Ebadi, and Mairead Maguire, and artists Sean Penn, Dariush, Rigoberta Menchu Tum, and Simin Behbahani, in this unprecendented show of global solidarity for the people of Iran. See the website for more info: http://united4iran.org/.

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Dear All,

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I have taken a few days break to stay with a loving cousin, rest and recuperate after the recent events in Iran. But much has happened in the recent days. So, here comes window 85. Once again, thank you All very much for your personal messages of support and forgive me for not being able to respond individually. These windows go to well over a thousand recipient and get distributed to thousands of others by all of you. In short, I hear from many of you — and appreciate it very much.

Please don’t forget to spread the word about the web blog http://www.windowsoniran.wordpress.com.

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Iranian Ex-president Khatami Calls for a Referendum

* To end the stalemate and the current tragedies that have haunted Iranians since the June 12 elections, Mr. Khatami the ex-president of Iran called for a referendum on the “legitimacy of this government.” If the majority of Iranians accept it, he said, we will accept its legitimacy as well: http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=101175&sectionid=351020101.

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Disturbing News of Executions

* While Iranian authorities are promising the release of some of the detainees after the inauguration of Mr. Ahmadinejad, an Iranian e-mailer has contacted me with very disturbing news of a mass execution in Evin prison on July 21st. He as has attached a photo- which supposedly leaked out of prison – to his message. PLEASE

bear in mind that this is UNCONFIRMED news. In other words, I have not been able to find other reports on it. However, if there is a small possibility that this happened, it should be heard and seen by the world. Please be cautious, the photo, which I have attached, is very DISTURBING.

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Let the Pain Heal Through Art

A bust of the now famous Neda Agha Soltan, who was killed by Iranian authorities during the protests, by American Artist Paula Slater.

* The American Sculptor Paula Slater felt so saddened by the murder of Neda Agha Soltan that she decided to turn her pain into a healing piece of art. She built a beautiful life size bronze bust of this young woman who has now come to be know as “Iran’s angel of freedom.” If you looked at the horrendous picture I attached and are feeling hurt, click on the this link to see Neda’s sculpture (photo on right) which will be unveiled in San Fransisco on July 25 after a mass rally in support of the Iranian protesters who have been imprisoned or killed.

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Support the Hunger Strike to Free Iranian Prisoners

* Yesterday, July 22, a three day hunger strike began in front of the U.N. Worldwide support has grown for this important effort to draw attention to people whose very lives are in danger in prison because of participating in peaceful protests. Many prominent Iranian intellectuals (i.e. Reza Baraheni), ex-political prisoners (i.e. Ramin Jahanbegloo), Women’s Rights activist (i.e. Mihan Jazani and Atefeh Jafari), and world acclaimed artists (i.e. Shawn Penn and Robert Redford) have already joined the supporters of this important action. Please go to the site http://strike4iran.com/ and give the strikers your support.

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Khomeini’s Grandson Flees Iran

* The 50 year old grandson of Ayatollah Khomeini, Sayed Hassan Khomeini, has reportedly left Iran rather than bow to recent pressure that he attend Ahmadinejad’s upcoming inauguration ceremony.

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Beautiful Clip from the Young Music Group

* I leave you with this beautiful musical plea by two Iranian sisters that have formed the group “Abjees” addressed to the Basij. The message is simple, join the masses instead of shooting at them: http://www.khandaniha.eu/items.php?id=803 (youtube video below).

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Best,

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

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Windows on Iran 84 (Election Special 30)

Extremely large crowds continue to protest the election in Iran. In fact, reports now put last Friday's protest at over one million! Click the link below to see many more photos from the recent Green protests throughout Iran.

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Dear All,

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It is now believed that the Friday rally has been bigger than a million.

New developments are reported in Iran around the clock. While there is frustration, there is also hope that some positive changes will result. The latest is the following piece of news about the army. Before we get to that though click on the following link to see some photos of recent demonstrations: Photos from Recent Protests in Iran.

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Click the link above to see many more photos from the recent Green protests throughout Iran.

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36 Army Officers Arrested

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* Quoting Persian websites, Mr. Mousavi’s Facebook page reported – hours ago – that on Friday (July 17) 36 army officers were arrested in Iran because they planned to attend Mr. Rafsanjani’s sermon wearing their uniforms as a sign of the opposition of the army to the way members of the Basij have treated peaceful protesters in Iran. While these officers were arrested before taking their action, their plan may represent the feeling among a larger segment of the army which has not made its sentiments public yet: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jul/19/iran-army-officers-arrested.

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Meet Ahmad Na’eemabadi

A picture of Ahmad Na'eemabadi being held up by protesters.

* During the July 17 March to the Friday prayer, some people carried silently the images of their loved ones lost during the Basij attacks after the disputed election. Meet Ahmad Na’eemabadi (photo on the right).

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Reactions to the Friday Event

* In Iran, Mr. Rafsanjani’s Friday sermon was embraced by the reformists and blasted by the hardliners. To see one perspective on Mr. Rafsanjani’s presentation outside Iran, click on the link to this Guardian’s editorial.

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Mr. Ahmadinejad’s Controversial Appointment

* On Friday, Mr. Ahmadinejad who was in Mashhad, made a very controversial appointment. To replace his first deputy who had resigned on Thursday, he appointed Mr. Karim Mashsha’i. Mr. Mashsha’i is a relative of Mr. Ahmadinejad and is seriously disliked by the major clergy as well as the President’s hardliner allies.

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Hunger Strike In Front of the United Nations

* A group of Iranian academics, activists and intellectuals – with no attachment to any particular group or organization – are going to go on hunger strike from July 22 to 24 in front of the U.N. to express their deepest concern and support for those arrested in Iran since the elections. I am very sorry not be able to personally joint them. I hope you express their support for their important action. Their website is: http://www.strike4iran.com/.

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Very Scary News

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Just had an e-mail from a friend in Iran that phone contact with prisons has led a very scary rumor which is as follow:

* According to unconfirmed news, the post-election political prisoners are in danger of being executed — if they do not confess to various crimes and sign letters of apology. An e-mailer, who reports this news based on a phone call with a prisoner, says the accusation for these executions is “smuggler and drug dealer.” “Please let the amnesty international and other human rights organizations know” says the e-mailer “that innocent people are being executed and their only crime is seeking freedom and asking for a just and fair election in Iran.” I do hope that this unconfirmed news is not true.

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Siemens may Loose Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars

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* According to Washington Times, this would be because it cooperated with Nokia in selling equipment to Mr. Ahmadinejad’s government to spy on dissidents: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jul/17/siemens-risks-losses-due-to-iran-ties/.

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Iranians and Cinema

* Before we get into these election specials, the windows on Iran attempted to portray the diversity of the Iranian culture through the arts. This is a good time to share with you a clip made by Iranian documentary makers in reaction to the current events:

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* And while we are on the topic of cinema, below is an interesting short documentary about the acclaimed Iranian woman film maker Tahmineh Milani who has made gender and Iranians women’s issues the center of her films. The only corrective I’d offer is that contemporary Iranian cinema has produced other fearless filmmakers including Rakhshan Banietemad who is interviewed briefly in this documentary:

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

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Windows on Iran 83 (Election Special 29)

Ayatollah Rafsanjani delivered a powerful sermon at Friday prayers today at Tehran University. See more pictures from this important event below.

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Dear All,

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Today close to a million Iranians attended the Friday prayer at which the ex-Iranian President Mr. Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani was to deliver the sermon. Well, I listened to all of almost 65 minutes of his speech and can tell you this: The Old Man of the Islamic Republic Delivers!

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I did not think I would ever be sending you an image of Mr. Hashemi Rafsanjani in these windows. But he paid his dues today and may indeed have earned the forgiveness of many a skeptic in Iran. By the time he finished his Friday sermon, the crowds were chanting “Hashemi, may God protect you!” to which he replied “May God protect YOU so you stay present in the arena of Iranian politics.”

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Hashemi Rafsanjani delivered big time today for the Green Movement. After his sermon today, the crowd chanted: "Hashemi, May God Protect You!"

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Rafsanjani’s Speech

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* Mr. Rafsanjani spoke about 65 minutes. He was calm, articulate, slightly emotional at times, but as confident as always.

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* At some point toward the end when the crowd chanted anti government slogans, he said half jokingly “let me say it, I am doing it better than you.”

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* Most important chants of today were: “Down with the dictator” and “We will not abandon Mousavi.” When an official prompted the crowd to chant “Death to America” they responded with “Death to Russia” alluding to the fact that Russia supported Mr. Ahmadinejad after the faulty election.

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Mr. Rafsanjani’s Main Points

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* He started with the story of Prophet Mohammad’s mission and his basic reliance on the people’s presence and participation.

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* He used examples to show that Khomeini emphasized the role of the people in governance above other sources of power including military force.

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* He described the early stages of the election campaigns as a great success, especially since people’s participation was tremendously high. But then it was mishandled from the last days prior to the election.

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* People’s trust in the current government is seriously undermined.

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* We are in a state of crisis. Just as the Islamic aspect of the “Islamic Republic” is important so is the “Republic.” If we abandon it we will fail.

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* A government not wanted by its people cannot function.

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Lets take a break from the analysis of Rafsanjani's sermon for a second and take another look at the crowd at event (above). It is reported that close to one million Iranians turned out for Rafsanjani's sermon/rally at Tehran University. See link below for many more pictures from the sermon/rally.

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Mr. Rafsanjani’s Suggestions

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* Open the state run media to the protesters to speak freely and with no censorship.

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* Act within the limits of the law.

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* Address the public distrust in the accuracy and fairness of the election and really look into the way the election was conducted.

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* Free all political prisoners

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* Persian speaker friends who like to listen to the full presentation by Mr. Rafsanjani can go to: http://www.khandaniha.eu/items.php?id=794.

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Pictures from Today

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* For all of you to get a view of today I have put together a slide show of images collected by a good friend, Kowsar Jamshidi. Kowsar is a talented photographer but tells me these are not her own pictures. Please click here: Pictures from July 17th Friday Prayer Rally.

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*There are tons of images of today’s demonstrations on you tube. Here is one video compilation:

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

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Windows on Iran 82 (Election Special 28)

Taraneh Mousavi...you will always be remembered!

Dear All,

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It was Neda Agha Soltan, then Sohrab A’rabi, and now – the latest – is Taraneh Mousavi.  Taraneh, a 28 year old woman was arrested while returning from the June 19 demonstrations at Ghoba Mosque in Tehran. An anonymous caller told her family she was in a hospital. According to blogs, when they got there she had been moved out of the hospital but a nurse recognized her and told her parents that she had suffered injuries resulting from rape. Her parents don’t know if this is true. The story of Taraneh was told on the Huffington Post Today with the hope that she may be found, even saved. Well, we know that is not possible anymore. Taraneh’s body was found today — badly burned. We will never know what exactly happened to her. It is so important that you know her face. Please click on the attachment to meet Taraneh. And please know that she will be remembered with pride whether she was raped or not:  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/shirin-sadeghi/the-rape-of-taraneh priso_b_233063.html.

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The Friday Prayer Tomorrow

* It is possible that terrorizing events such as Taraneh’s death will in fact encourage people even more to participate in the big rally tomorrow. The destination will be Tehran University where Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani will speak. He has been a supporter of Mr. Mousavi all along. And he is a powerful politician. What will he exactly say? There are many speculations.  The important thing, however, will be the size and the success of the rally.

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Mousavi, Khatami, and Karrubi will attend Tomorrow’s Rally

* Even more important than the size of the rally is the attendance of these three reformist leaders particularly given their low profile in the past two weeks.

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Mousavi’s Instructions For the Friday Prayer

* Click here: http://www.kwmu.org/programs/slota/archivedetail.php?showid=3636.

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Mr. Ahmadinejad and His Cabinet will Not Attend Tomorrow’s Event

* Mr. Ahmadinejad and his ministers will be meeting in the city of Mashhad in northeast Iran and will not attend tomorrow’s prayer.

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Important Resignations

* Mr. Saffar Harandi, the Minister of Culture and Guidance (vezaarate farhang va ershaad) and Mr. Aghazadeh, one of the President Ahmadinejad’s Deputies both resigned today. The significance of these resignations will unfold in the coming days.

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Missing Tehran University Professors

* I would like to close this window honoring a few missing academics in Iran and hoping that they are all right. There is no news of these Tehran University Professors: Prof. Hosseinali Arab (pharmacology), Ali Asghar Khodayari (mineralogy), Davood Soleimani (theology). They were arrested about three weeks ago: http://khabaronline.ir/news-12792.aspx.

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Let us hope the news of tomorrow’s rally will be happier.

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

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Windows on Iran 81 (Election Special 27)

Dear All,

I sent you a special window to let you know that this Friday will be an eventful day in Iran. Ayatollah Rafsanjani, the second most powerful politician in Iran, and a person viewed as supporting Mr. Mousavi, will lead the Friday prayer in Tehran and deliver the sermon. The reformists are asking their supporters to come out in large numbers. At the same time, there is an air of uncertainty about weather Mr. Mousavi himself will attend the event and weather Mr. Rafsanjani will make a decisive move against the system.

The general mood of the protesters in Iran is that of defiance. The fact that the official media does not acknowledge the crisis and acts as if everything is in perfect order leaves people frustrated and angry. Women continue to be most visible on the streets. Meet one of them:

Women, without a doubt, have played a decisive role in the Green Movement. Their courage on the streets in the face of the Basij has been inspiring to many, both in Iran and throughout the world.

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New Statement Released by Mr. Reza’i

* Mr. Reza’i, one of the four candidates for presidency who is ideologically closest to Mr. Ahmadinejad, issued a new statement today asking the government to acknowledge the people’s grievances concerning the election and to attend to their complaints. More important than the response that he will get is the fact that he is not convinced at all that Mr. Ahmadinejad’s government will be able to move forward under the current circumstances.

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Attacking a Person Filming the Events

* NIAC blog posted this video taken on July  9 when a person filming the protests is attacked by the riot police and miraculously saves the brief video clip:

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Anonymous E-Mailer

* Anonymous e-mailer returning from a demonstration ( most probably July 9) described the police as anxious, frustrated and worn out, and the people as “not in an aggressive mode and in control of their behavior.” The e-mailer estimated the demonstrators about 10,000.

* People living in neighborhoods which have substantial “revolutionary guard” residents report loud “Allaho Akbar” chants at night which indicates clear support among that group.

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The Allaho Akbar Nightly Chants Loud on July 9 and on July 12

* This You tube video posted on the night of the demonstrations on July  9 shows that the nightly chants were particularly loud:

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* A video from the July 12 chants. For the first time, people seems to be using megaphones to get their voices heard more clearly:

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Sajjadpour and Parsi’s Excellent Analysis of the July 9 Events on the Newshour

* Please click here to watch: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/video/module.html?mod=0&pkg=9072009&seg=4.

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Sohrab A’araab

Sohrab A'araabi in Azadi Square....Remember his smile.

* Many predict that when dust of current clashes in Iran settles, the number of the casualties among the street protesters will turn out to be much higher than what is thought to be now (which is in the twenties).  One such figure is Sohraab A’araabi, a 19-year old man killed apparently on the same day as Nedaa Aghaa-Soltaan, and in a similar manner (see picture to the right).  He was scheduled to take the university entrance exams in a few days’ time.  His mother is a member of Mothers for Peace.  He was buried yesterday in plot number 257 at Behesht-e Zahraa cemetery, Tehran, about 20 meters from Nedaa’s grave-site.  Last night, in the Ekbaataan, Sohrab’s Neighborhood in Tehran,  in addition to the roof-top shouts of “Allah-o Akbar” and “Death to the Dictator,” there was, “Our Sohraab is not dead, it is the Velaayat [the rule of the [Islamic] jurisprudent] which is dead.”

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See these articles for more info on Sohrab: http://news.gooya.com/politics/archives/2009/07/090751.php and   http://news.gooya.com/politics/archives/2009/07/090739.php (scroll down for video clip and photos)

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Also see:

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Lastly, a report of the funeral (in Farsi): http://www.roozonline.com/persian/news/newsitem/article/2009/july/14//-86354632bb.html

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

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Windows on Iran 80 (Breaking Election News)

Poster announcing the July 17th Reformist rally at Tehran University where Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani will give the Friday prayer sermon after nearly a month absence from the public scene.

Dear All,

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About an hour ago, Mr. Mousavi’s facebook posted a call for a massive rally to be held next Friday, July 17 toward Tehran University where Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani will deliver the Friday prayer’s sermon after a month of absence from public. Mr. Mousavi, and Mr. Khatami will both be present at this important event. This appears to be the move (on the part of Mr. Hashemi) that everyone was waiting for. The flyer is on the right. Iranians can access e-mail. Please distribute widely.

Let us hope it will go ahead successfully and peacefully.

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Best,

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

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Windows on Iran 79 (Election Special 26)

Iranian women have played a pivotal role in the Green Movement.

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Dear All,

Wearing masks to protect themselves against teargas and to avoid being identified by security forces, Iranians took to the streets today. I have included two memorable images of women in these protests, one above and one below.

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The main reason for today’s rallies was to commemorate the attack by security forces on Tehran University dormitory 10 years ago on this day. However, the demonstrations quickly turned to objection to the fraudulent election and support for Mr. Mousavi. Not surprisingly, the numbers were not as large as two weeks ago but they were not small either and often very lively. Mr. Mousavi’s facebook posts quite a few. Here is one from central Tehran:

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Besides support for Mr. Mousavi and “Down with the dictator,” the prominent slogans were those targeting the supreme leader’s son who is supposedly in charge of suppressing demonstrations and “Russia, we will not forgive you!” a reference to the Russian government’s recognition of Mr. Ahmadinejad as the winner of the election.

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More Music from Iran

* So far I have sent you many songs celebrating the burgeoning reform movement in Iran. Below is another renowned Iranian vocalist called Shahram Nazeri celebrate the movement with a new song:

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On the Streets of Iran Today

* So far all the images are from Tehran with the exception of one from Isfahan. But we should be able to get information from other cities in Iran soon.

Here are some videos:

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Another one:

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* Great photo here in a NY times piece:

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The protests have continued despite stern warnings by the government that the protests would be violently suppressed.

(Photo credit: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/10/world/middleeast/10iran.html?_r=2)

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* Anti-riot police attacking the crowd:

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* A protester affected by tear gas:

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Important! How to Help Iranians Access Internet

* A few days ago, I told you about Austin Heap and his attempt to develop an internet tool called “Haystack” to help Iranians get on line without endangering themselves to be identified by the authorities. A large number of people who are not technology wizards but like to help financially want to know how to that. Please visit Austin’s site to see what he needs the money for and how you can donate directly if you are interested in doing that: http://blog.austinheap.com/2009/07/06/how-you-can-help-iran-20-haystack/.

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Wise Move on the Part of the U.S. Congress

* Under the Bush administration, Congress appropriated up to $75 million–under the guise of “democracy assistance”–for regime change. The money, some of which went to legitimate democracy organizations, played right into the hands of the hardliners in Iran who used it as justification for clamping down on all types of activism. Even worse, /the existence of the program tainted any and all civil society activists in Iran as “agents of the West” and effectively painted a target on their backs. Ultimately, the overwhelming message that civil society activists in Iran sent to the US was: if you want to help us, stop sending us money (http://www.niacouncil.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1173&Itemid=2).

* In a very prudent move, last night, the U.S. Congress shelved a controversial motion to restore $75 million in funding for regime change in Iran. This is great news for the reform movement in Iran.

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Thank you for reading yet another window. Please remember to share the blog www.windowsoniran.wordpress.com and spread the word about what Iranians are doing.

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

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Windows on Iran 78 (Election Special 25)

The Green Movement continues to march on with some very important moments coming soon.

Dear All,

Tomorrow is an important day in the life of Green Reform movement. Please forward this e-mail message to your friends in Iran. It has important information for tomorrow’s events.

Tomorrow, July 9 (18 of /Tir/ in Persian Calendar), Day of Public Protest

* By the end of the day today, fasting and general strikes will end. Tomorrow there will be public protests in a large number of locations in many cities and towns in Iran. These protests will be punctuated by gatherings in honor of the political prisoners of whom – according to the government figures – 2000 have been in and (some) out of detention. Click here for the location of the rallies: Location of the Rallies in Iran. Also, check this out: http://mowj.ir/ShowNews.php?7384.

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What is Wrong with You?

* The wave of arrests have acquired such a ridiculous dimension that the “Islamic Participation Front Party” issued a statement today basically saying “Stop arresting people! What is wrong with you? Can’t you see that the desire for reform will not be uprooted in this way?” In this connection, below I have included a photo taken in front of Evin prison a few days ago on father’s day. Children carry banners that read “Father, I miss you! Have not seen you for

21 days” and “Father, what is the fault for which you are detained?”

This photo was taken in front of Evin prison a few days ago on Father's Day. The banners the children are carrying read "Father, I miss you! Have not seen you for 21 days" and "Father, what is the fault for which you are detained?"

Help Iranians to Access Information without Risk of Arrest

* Austin Heap, the Tech. Wizard who is working hard to enable Iranians to access internet without being identified by security forces, needs financial support to complete his project. Please read the details below and help: http://blog.austinheap.com/2009/07/06/how-you-can-help-iran-20-haystack/.

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On July 25, the Global Day of Solidarity, Stand with Iranians

* http://www.payvand.com/news/09/jul/1044.html

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A Movie on Human Rights that Harms More than it Helps

* A movie about stoning an Iranian woman to death is coming our way! And, there is is something unusual about it. Elise Auerbach,  Iran Specialist for Amnesty International USA, who should be delighted, is appalled by the movie. She writes “Ordinarily, human rights activists would be pleased when the rare major motion picture shining a light on human rights violations comes along…however, sometimes a film can so distort an important human rights issue that it may do more harm than good to the cause.” Why is Auerbach so disturbed by the film? “…Aside from the numerous inaccuracies and implausibilities, the climax of the film — a bloody and prolonged stoning scene with villagers mercilessly pelting the victim — is so sensationalized that the audience response is likely to be disgust and revulsion at Iranians themselves, who are portrayed as primitive and blood-thirsty savages.” It is sad that, taking advantage of Iran’s presence in headlines, such important issues are packaged into sensational profit making commodities. Here is the whole review if you are interested: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/amnesty-international/sensationalist-film-explo_b_220252.html.

Another “Help” that can Hurt the Iranian Reform Movement (Very Important)

* House trying to reinstate Iran “regime change” fund–Under the Bush administration, Congress appropriated up to $75 million–under the guise of “democracy assistance”–for regime change in Iran. The money, some of which went to legitimate democracy organizations, played right into the hands of the hardliners in Iran who used it as justification for clamping down on all types of activism. Even worse, the existence of the program tainted any and all civil society activists in Iran as “agents of the West” and effectively painted a target on their backs. Ultimately, the overwhelming message that civil society activists in Iran sent to the US was: if you want to help us, stop sending us money (http://www.niacouncil.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1173&Itemid=2).

* But just now, as the House gets ready to consider the 2010 State Department and Foreign Operations Appropriations bill, members of Congress are proposing amendments that will reinstate the regime change slush fund: http://www.rules.house.gov/amendment_details.aspx?NewsID=4361.

* Rep. Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Amendment #59: Would increase by $65 million funding for Economic Support Funds for democracy assistance to the people of Iran to compensate for cuts in democracy assistance to Iran, given recent events.

* Not only would this repeat one of the most costly mistakes the Bush administration made on Iran, but it would do so at exactly the time when the Iranian people are at their most vulnerable. Hopefully Congress–which has passionately supported the Iranian people–will know better than to cut the legs out from under them

once again. (quoted from NIAC blog).

Thank you all for opening another window with me. Please follow the events in Iran tomorrow — and don’t let the Iranian people’s struggle for reform and freedom fade from your thoughts and conversationbs. On a related note, my webmaster – who has been wonderful in updating the blog www.windowsoniran.wordpress.com will be out of reach of the internet for a few days. This message will be posted on the blog with a short delay.

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

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Windows on Iran 77 (Election Special 24)

Forming the Green Chain of Democracy (quote and translation via NIAC Blog, original from Mousavi's Facebook page): “Iranians from the cities and rural area of Iran and even those in Europe, United States and Australia or whereever else unite and form a green chain against the anti-democratic government of Iran...”

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Dear All,

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This is likely to be an eventful week in Iran. Strikes, boycotts, rallies and more. It is now clear that Mr. Ahmadinejad’s troubles are far from over. However, the nature of the struggle is now changing to a slower and more carefully planned series of steps to challenge the election. Please note that I might reduce the frequency of these updates to twice a week if daily reporting seems unnecessary.

As the government speaks of “violence” on the part of the protesters, it is important to document instances where sympathizers of the Green Movement help each other and even the injured riot police. Look below to see one such image.

A "green" support of Mousavi helps one of the injured riot police out of the crowd.

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Ayatollah Rafsanjani Comes Down the Fence

* This is the biggest news of the recent weeks. After weeks of speculation, the influential Iranian cleric and ex-president Mr. Hashemi Rafsanjani seems to have made his position clear today. Calling the election fraudulent, and the “Guardian Council” partial toward Mr. Ahmadinejad, Rafsanjani’s party sided decisively with Mr. Mousavi’s side. This is excellent news for the reformists: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-iran-security7-2009jul07,0,2303204.story.

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Mr. Mousavi’s Public Appearance

* For the first time after almost three weeks, Mr. Mousavi spoke in public announcing that the protests have not ended. The government, blamed the signs of the general three day strike which have begun today on air pollution! http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=99943&sectionid=3510212.

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Protest rallies are being planned for July 9. It is far from over: http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-07-06/iran-goes-on-strike/.

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Power Outage before Allaho Akbar

* Last night, in a well co-ordinated move people plugged in electric appliances all at once and forced the city into power outage before reciting their Allaho Akbar chants to express opposition to the government.

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Trying to Identify Protesters

* Revolutionary Guard’s “Organized Crime Division” is using images of individuals and asking people to identify and trace them. “This is another fear tactic” write e-mailers from Iran. Here is one example: http://www.gerdab.ir/fa/pages/?cid=422 (see the picture below). Again, according to article 27 of the Iranian constitution civil disobedience and peaceful protest are people’s right.

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This is a picture of the webpage set up by the Iranian government to identify protesters. Notice the red circles around the faces of the various protesters in the pictures on the website. Click the link above to see the site for yourself.

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Ex-political Prisoners Write to U.N.

* 116 Iranian ex-political prisoners wrote to the United Nation, Human Rights Watch, and similar international organizations expressing deep concern about the people who have been kept in detention since the June 12 election. Their main concern is tortured confession, and even possible execution of some of detainees. Their request is that the U.N. and/or Human Rights Watch send inspectors to examine the condition of the detainees in

prison.

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Mousavi Campaign Coordinator in Mashhad Died

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* Hamid Maddah Shurcheh, a key member of Mousavi headquarters in Mashhad, died yesterday after release from detention. Severe head injury during his detention is said to be the cause of death.

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Ayatollah Ibrahim Amini joins Mousavi Supporters

* Out of all the major clerical figures in Iran, only two (Mesbah Yazdi, and Nouri Hamadani) have congratulated Mr. Ahmadinejad. The rest have either been vocal against the election or remained silent. On Sunday, Ayatollah Amini broke his silence and joined the supporters of Mousavi and Karrubi. This is a particularly important decision since Ahmadinejad and his supporters have been working hard to present a case for the arrest of Mr. Mousavi.

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European Broadcasting Union Removed Islamic Republic Broadcasting from its Guest List

* The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has removed the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) from the list of attendees at its annual gathering “in response to Iran’s policies regarding foreign journalists during the recent events.”

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New Video by Iran’s Best Female Rapper

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* The underground metal and hip-hop scene in Iran is quite interesting. I hope you enjoy this new video “from Iranian rapper Kalameh (pseudonym) expressing frustration of Iranians with the recent crackdown:

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Don’t forget to share our blog: windowsoniran.wordpress.com.

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

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