[DoctorZIn]

...I'm surprised that we haven't seen more armed resistance by the demonstrators. ...

Most of the leaders inside and outside of Iran are counseling the demonstrators to use non-violent forms of resistance. That does not mean the demonstrators should not protect themselves.

I believe the concern is that armed clashes concern the pro democracy movement because they can easily be out gunned and fear losing what little international support they have.

[Smile-n-Win]

Most of the leaders inside and outside of Iran are counseling the demonstrators to use non-violent forms of resistance.

You can't fight a revolution without fighting a revolution. The Iranian people should mercilessly attack their oppressors. They shouldn't leave any thug unharmed when they can hurt him, and they shouldn't leave any thug alive when they can kill him. The harder you fight, the sooner you'll win, and the less blood will be shed.

fear losing what little international support they have.

The US will always support them, no matter what. They should know that.

And that's all the support they'll ever need; they shouldn't pass up any opportunity to hurt the thugs for some worthless support from some cowardly banana republic that objects to fighting a revolution "violently."