Iranian Alert -- DAY 8 -- LIVE THREAD PING LIST

LIVE THREAD PING LIST | 6.13.2003 | DoctorZin

[DoctorZIn]

We are getting so many excellent stories coming in about the protests in Iran that it is time to create a live thread.

Please post all news stories in this thread and ping your lists to this thread so we can increase the overall awareness of what exactly is going on.

[DoctorZIn]

It is now the eighth day of protests...

In 1999 there were 4 days of protests that led to the July 9th crackdown of the students. Many students were killed and hundreds are either still in prison or missing. This is why you are hearing the Iranian people want to remember the July 9th event with massive protests and STRIKES!

So eight days of protests is a huge accomplishment already.

This time is different, however. This time it is not just students protesting. Now over 90% of the protesters are typical working class Iranians. The movement is much broader based.

There are even reports of Iranians going door to door raising funds for the workers who are going to strike soon. If the strikes happen, it will cripple the country and it will force rapid change.

I will continue to post articles and news from my direct contacts here. Please encourage others to do the same.


If you want on or off my Iran ping list, please Freepmail me.

[DoctorZIn]

Regime forced to postpone universities year end exams
SMCCDI (Information Service)
June 16, 2003

The Islamic republic regime has been forced to postpone the universities year end exams as the students have announced their decision to ban any participation in the tests.

The move shows more and more the increasing gap between the Islamic republic and thousands of students who knowing that they won't have any future with such regime have decided to carry a mass action intending to ridiculise more the theocratic institution.

Source: SMCCDI

http://www.iran-daneshjoo.org/cgi-bin/smccdinews/viewnews.cgi?category=5&id=1055829151

[SauronOfMordor]

The move shows more and more the increasing gap between the Islamic republic and thousands of students who knowing that they won't have any future with such regime have decided to carry a mass action intending to ridiculise more the theocratic institution.

Why don't the students feel they have a future with the regime? Is it because the mullahs are Arab, and the students Persian?

[lainde]

Good news ping!

[DoctorZIn]

The regime controls the economy. Managed economies fail. It is failing in Iran. Their graduates have to leave the country to find work.

Also the regime is repressive and the Iranian people see themselves as an educated cultured society. It chaffs at the rigid laws of the land.

The people also want to have a part in their government and currently they have little input.

Their newspapers have been closed.

The regime is trying to jam all satellite broadcasts into the country and they are getting better at it. I have been getting reports of people who were getting news whose satellite dishes no longer receive signals.

And to answer your question about the mullahs. Most are Iranian but the leadership has

[DoctorZIn]

You might enjoy hearing this...

Tonight I was speaking with a student in Tehran and she told me "whomever u talk to, blesses Bush and they feel much better emotionally and feel that there is a hope."

They want to believe the world is watching and that the Mullahs will collaspe under the pressure.

Keep emailing the media about these stories.

[SauronOfMordor]

And to answer your question about the mullahs. Most are Iranian but the leadership has

Your post got cut off in mid-sentence

[DoctorZIn]

Here is an interesting piece...

June 16, 2003, 10:10 a.m.
Mullah Crossroads
National Review Online (an excerpt)

State faces a decision about direction of policy toward Iranian mullahs.

With the departure Friday of the State Department's leading cheerleader for engagemen
t of the Iranian mullahs — and the continued demonstrations of thousands of students protesting those same leaders — Foggy Bottom is at a crossroads. Choosing a different path — one of supporting the cause of freedom in "axis of evil" nation Iran — is unlikely, however, as most of State's professional diplomats back the failed policy of "engaging" the oppressive regime.

http://nationalreview.com/mowbray/mowbray061603.asp

[DoctorZIn]

....And to answer your question about the mullahs. Most are Iranian but the leadership has ...

And to answer your question about the mullahs. Most are Iranian but the leadership has been forced to go to Iraq and Syria to find mullahs who will do their bidding.

[backhoe]

Cross-link:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/929596/posts
Unrest in Iran
various FR links | 06-15-03 | The Heavy Equipment Guy

[DoctorZIn]

Reza Pahlavi, son of the former Shah of Iran has just released a letter to:

His Excellency Kofi Annan
Secretary General
United Nations
New York, NY 10017


Your Excellency:

For the seventh consecutive night, the people of Iran have courageously defied the harsh repression of the ruling clerics and have expressed their legitimate demands for freedom and democracy in Iran via nonviolent methods.

I have first hand information that these demonstrations have faced brutal crackdown and scores of people have been arrested. International news reports, from Iran, also substantiate the fact that government supported militia have fired upon pro-democracy demonstrators. This brutal crackdown is in conformity with the clerical regime's announced policy of ruthless measures against any protester demanding freedom and democracy in Iran. The use of violence against defenseless civilians and mass arrests is a cause of great concern to me and my compatriots worldwide.

The international community is rightfully alarmed by reports of violence against my compatriots and their mass arrests. However, it should use any and all opportunities to call upon the clerical regime of Iran to adhere to the principles of human rights, cease its violence, and release all those who have thus far been arrested.

The clerical regime of Iran is a signatory to the United Nation's charter and, as such, is obligated to fully respect the basic rights of the people of Iran. Iranians have the right to self expression and the right to implement their political wishes through free elections and a national, transparent referendum.

I urgently ask your Excellency's good offices to utilize all its available resources to prevent the further loss of innocent lives and to energetically support the rights of the people of Iran in their legitimate demand for self determination. The Islamic regime of Iran must be held accountable for its violations of human rights against the people of Iran and its failure to comply with the UN charter.

With best regards,


Reza Pahlavi


NOTE: I doubt whether Koffi Annan will do anything, but it may encourage the protesters and embarass the UN.

DoctorZin

[Big Bad Bob]

On July 9th, why don't we all arrange to go on a specific website (I don't know what) and do a virtual protest, do something to coincide with the Iranian people's moment of destiny.

FREE IRAN

[DoctorZIn]

Interesting Idea...

Lets see what we can do....

[exnavy]

I am certian that Kofi is on the side of the Iranian gubment on this one.

[DoctorZIn]

duh...

[Miss Marple]

Hi! I have been reading your accounts and will check this thread periodically. I am praying for the success of the demonstrations.

[RandallFlagg]

If you're there now, or if you have friends there in the middle of this, PLEASE pass the word that you all are in all our prayers. And, of course, BE CAREFUL!

[visualops]

some links-
http://www.iranexpert.com/
http://www.tehran.com/s/persiadaily/
http://www.sunspot.net/news/opinion/bal-ed.iran17jun17,0,7627495.story?coll=bal-opinion-headlines
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/2003/06/17/news/world/6104457.htm
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2003/06/17/2003055598
http://www.dawn.com/2003/06/17/int1.htm

[Tamzee]

Thank you so much for the ping!!! I've been trying to keep up with everything posted about this and you have been giving everyone so much fantastic information!

It's driving me crazy that we can't help them, is there anything you know of that we can do? I've already written media contacts asking that they cover this more extensively and also talk directly to students or supporters. Is there any way you know of for us to send money to help get passed to striking families? Any international org's supporting them we can donate to?