Tehran demonstrations smaller but being met with violence

McClatchy Newspapers ^ | 5 mins ago | WARREN P. STROBEL AND JONATHAN S. LANDAY

[jessduntno]

By WARREN P. STROBEL AND JONATHAN S. LANDAY McClatchy Newspapers

Iran descended further into chaos Saturday, as security forces used guns, tear gas and metal batons against defiant protesters, protesters fought back, and the toll of dead and injured mounted in the country's escalating post-election crisis.

Videos and pictures posted on the Internet, and which appeared authentic, showed scenes of violence. In one, a woman lay in the street, surrounded by a crowd, her face covered in blood. Other reports showed security forces firing into the air to disperse protesters and tossing canisters of tear gas.

But there were also images of protesters battling back-hurling stones, chasing police away and displaying security forces' helmets like trophies.

Not all of the reports could be independently confirmed, given the news blackout Iran's government has attempted to impose on the country.

President Barack Obama, meanwhile, sharpened his criticism of an Iranian government that he had hoped to engage in diplomacy.

"The Iranian government must understand that the world is watching," Obama said in a written statement. "We call on the Iranian government to stop all violent and unjust actions against its own people."

"The Iranian people will ultimately judge the actions of their own government," the president said. "If the Iranian government seeks the respect of the international community, it must respect the dignity of its own people and govern through consent, not coercion."

Obama has responded cautiously to the crisis so far, hoping not to provide fodder for the Iranian regime's attempts to blame Iran's worst political unrest in 30 years on the United States and other outside forces.

[jessduntno]

Obama sharpened his criticism;

"The Iranian government must understand that the world is watching," Obama said in a written statement. "We call on the Iranian government to stop all violent and unjust actions against its own people."

THAT ought stop everything. that Bammy, he's one tough Mutt.

[South40]

Hussein is a coward, a muslim or both.

[rodguy911]

Both!

[fortunate sun]

I was able to get the text of Obama’s next statement leaked to me:

Dudes, come on, chill.

[jessduntno]

“Hussein is a coward, a muslim or both.”

I’ve got both in the office pool...

[South40]

He's effectively voting "Present", which is consistent with his history.

He's too gutless to take a stand.

[frithguild]

At 19:05 June 20th, Place: Karekar Ave., at the corner crossing Khosravi St. and Salehi st.

A young woman who was standing aside with her father watching the protests was shot by a basij member hiding on the rooftop of a civilian house. He had clear shot at the girl and could not miss her. However, he aimed straight her heart. I am a doctor, so I rushed to try to save her. But the impact of the gunshot was so fierce that the bullet had blasted inside the victim’s chest, and she died in less than 2 minutes.

The protests were going on about 1 kilometers away in the main street and some of the protesting crowd were running from tear gass used among them, towards Salehi St.

_______________________________________________________

Search the bold text and you will see her look into the camera in one last pleading defiant act – her name was Neda, which in Persian means divine message or voice.

May God hear my prayers for the soul of Neda, the divine message. May He give her peace and the freedom that she died seeking. May He also bless the ones who bring the light of truth to my eyes, so that those who seek darkness fail.

[rodguy911]

Exactly that is his MO.

He either triangulates everything, plays both sides, or gets Axelrod to concoct some astroturf fable showing what a boy wonder he continues to be and how everyone is and has always has been on his side.

These clowns are super slick and few realize what they are up to as well and how they get the job done.

[FlingWingFlyer]

This must be the “test” that “Rimshot” Joey Biden was talking about during the campaign. His prediction was right, Zero failed the test bigtime.

[boroman]

Obama haa made me ashamed to be an American, for the first time in my life.

[Riptides]

Zero is on his way to Cairo to give another “he’s like a god” speech.
After that, the protesters and the Basij will be singing Kumba Ya on the streets of Tehran.

[I see my hands]

I admired Zero for remaining mostly silent before today. I think it was the right thing to do (mostly for the usual reasons offered). His silence put him at political peril too. If the revolution falls apart it will be on his tab, and a lesson for all to see. On the other hand should there be a democratic revolution W will be said to be its author.

Of course, the Halfrican-Kenyan talks.. just a little. Now he can have it both ways. And will. GRR!

[1010RD]

Obama sharpened his criticism

So now he's coming at them with a plastic spork as opposed to a plastic spoon.

[BAW]

Obama said in a written statement. "We call on the Iranian government to stop all violent and unjust actions against its own people."

Ummm, I thought all Obama had to do was understand them, appreciate them, not be arrogant, and Iran would do as Obama said. Obama talks sooooo nicely, is soooo intelligent.

He we see Obama getting his first major lesson in world reality. The world leaders do not stop what they are doing simply because Obama talks sooooo well. The Iran lesson is first, quickly to be followed by the North Korea lesson.

[Cheetahcat]

The mullahs could sacrifice a million people and not bat an eye.Same with Zero a few million Whiteys dead he would smile and get ice cream.

[C210N]

the world is watching," Obama said in a written statement...

Since when does Øbama speak for the world? He doesn't even speak, IMHO, for a good portion of the US. Actually, he does speak for at least part of the world, if he wants to be international about it: Cuba, NKorea, Venezuela...

[jessduntno]

“I was able to get the text of Obama’s next statement leaked to me: Dudes, come on, chill.”

Was there a kind of choked sound in his voice, like he was holding his breath, followed by a subtle exhale sound into the mic? I think I heard that tape...

[jessduntno]

“So now he’s coming at them with a plastic spork as opposed to a plastic spoon.”

“I don’t thik he is allowed to use anything with “pork” in it...

[jessduntno]

"May God hear my prayers for the soul of Neda, the divine message. May He give her peace and the freedom that she died seeking. May He also bless the ones who bring the light of truth to my eyes, so that those who seek darkness fail;