Posted on 06/19/2009 12:27:50 PM PDT by Ernest_at_the_Beach
One of my colleagues at the New America Foundation's Global Strategic Finance Initiative, Douglas Rediker, received this note from a friend abroad. It's illuminating as to how a well-connected Iranian internationalist who has been in Tehran during much of the post-election unrest sees matters now. To protect Rediker's source, I can't make references about where he is today.
The email:
As of yesterday the options facing the country were well summarised by Simon Tisdall and Ellie Rose in The Guardian:
1 - Happy ending
To widespread surprise, the hardline Guardian Council conducts a thorough recount of votes, as ordered by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and decides, amid much embarrassment, that there should be a new election. Mir Hossein Mousavi wins. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad accepts defeat. Pro-democracy demonstrators celebrate triumph of "green revolution". New government responds positively to US invitation to "unclench fist" and open talks on nuclear issue.
2 - Damp squib
The partial recount ordered by the Supreme Leader concludes Ahmadinejad won a clear victory, although by a narrower margin. Despite lingering suspicions of foul play, the opposition is forced to accept the verdict amid a continuing nationwide crackdown on dissent and warnings that further disorder will be dealt with harshly. Ahmadinejad, in bad odour with the Supreme Leader for provoking demonstrators, moderates his line on policy issues. Mousavi vows to fight again.
3 - Confrontation
The Guardian Council's partial vote recount and investigation into electoral fraud are rejected by the opposition. Demonstrations spread and intensify, with ever greater numbers of Iranians taking to the streets calling for the resignation of Khamenei and Ahmadinejad. Security forces respond with increasing force, arresting thousands and closing down media coverage, texting networks, websites and Twitter. Purge of reformist leaders, intellectuals, students and journalists continues. Leaderless demos gradually peter out, leaving resentment. Ahmadinejad steps up anti-western rhetoric. Resumed protests at a later date considered highly likely.
4 - A second revolution
An insider cabal of senior clerical and establishment conservatives challenges Khamenei and forces his resignation after a vote in the Assembly of Experts. Former president Hashemi Rafsanjani is elected in his stead and orders an investigation into the actions of Ahmadinejad and other senior members of the regime. Hardliners rally round the president while reformists demand new elections. Amid growing instability, Iran's unique Islamic/secular system of governance appears in danger of collapse".
As of Mr. Khameneni's speech today it seems that (1) above is no longer an option. For everything that Mousavi has publically announced option (2) also seems unlikely.
Unfortunately for everything I know, it now seems its either (3) or (4).
By the way, two nights ago I went out to see a few things ... as the general crowds spread into their homes militia style Mousavi supporters were out on the streets 'Basiji hunting'.
Option #5
News outlets learn to spell “Tienem Square “ in Persian.
The Mullahs will not give up power without a lot of bloodshed. No dictator ever has.....
Wishful thinking. #2 wins, hands down.
What, *The One*...*the Messiah* ain’t good enough?
Postscript — Google enters into agreement to steer searches away from photos of the massacre.
Not bad!
Missed that
Agreed with the Mullahs or with the State Dept?
Heh-heh!
It was an honest question.
Given the non-stance taken by The One and Only BogO, I could believe the State Dept told Google to back off.
HOw about BING
Dogpile
ALtaVista
Etc?
AH - I see now.
Would not surprise me given the way Google bowed to the folks running China....and other dictators.
1 - Happy ending... 2 - Damp squib... 3 - Confrontation... 4 - A second revolution... As of Mr. Khameneni's speech today it seems that (1) above is no longer an option. For everything that Mousavi has publically announced option (2) also seems unlikely. Unfortunately for everything I know, it now seems its either (3) or (4).Thanks Ernest.
The Supreme Leader in Iran is religiously/legally infallible period. He has entrenched himself. How can the Supreme Leader now flinch with any grace?
This is the blasphemy of the Mullahs, but how they collect their 20% annual tax. And what polarizes Iran from other Islamic states and Sunnis.
Simply put, arrogance is a sin. (You dont have to be religious to learn and know this ethic.)
Once the supreme leader sets out to put this down aggressively, presumably Tomorrow, it will be a fight to the finish.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.