Thursday
Oct222009
The Latest from Iran (22 October): Unsteady as She Goes
Thursday, October 22, 2009 at 16:34
NEW Really?! Israel & Iran in Direct Talks on Nuclear Weapons
Iran’s Nukes: Text of IAEA Head El Baradei Statement (21 October)
The Latest from Iran (21 October): Room for a Challenge?
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2020 GMT: Rah-e-Sabz has named 18 of the people arrested this evening.
1915 GMT: Tonight's Arrests. A group had gathered at the house of Shahabbedin Tabatabei, a detained member of the Islamic Iran Participation Front to pray for his release. Security forces entered the home. They asked 4 everyone's cell phone and filmed them, handcuffed the men, and took away several people.
Among those detained were Tabatabei's wife, Mohammad-Reza Jalaiepour, who was detained earlier in the post-election crisis, Mehrak Mirabzadeh, Faezeh Abtahi, and Saeed Nourmohammadi. Mirabzadeh and Abtahi were later released.
1800 GMT: Iranian activists on Twitter are reporting that a number of high-ranking Islamic Iran Participant Front members have been arrested, and in some cases re-arrested after previous post-election detentions, this evening.
1655 GMT: The reformist Islamic Iran Participation Front of the Islamic Revolution has condemned the sentences against political activists. It has God’s promise that no Government or country can survive with such acts; as Prophet Mohammad said, “A state can survive with infidelity but not with tyranny and oppression."
The IIPF added that the coup forces have shown that their only use of religion is to justify despotic and authoritarian actions, issuing unjust sentences against some of the most loyal children of the revolution and the country. (English summary via Mousavi Facebook page)
1640 GMT: More than 2500 students at Sharif University have signed an open letter protesting disciplinary action against their classmates for political activity.
1630 GMT: Heads-Up Announcement. I just finished a 45-minute interview with Fintan Dunne of Sea of Green Radio on Afghanistan and Iran. The broadcast should be available this evening.
1530 GMT: Failure of Day. Earlier this week, we reported on a success for the Green Wave at the Iran Media Fair, when the "hard-line" Kayhan newspaper was forced to remove a guestbook and take down a flag after they were inscribed and decorated with pro-Mousavi slogans and green ribbons.
On the other side, a stand set up by the Ministry of Islamic Guidance to collect names for a complaint against Mousavi did not do very well. So poorly, in fact, that it was taken down.
1300 GMT: Fars Makes Up Clinton Quotes. I'm not sure if this is another signal that Iran will sign the enrichment deal --- given the image of a US making concessions to a "peaceful" Tehran --- or really bad propaganda.
Fars News is currently leading with the story, "Clinton: Iran's nuclear program is peaceful", quoting her from an interview with The New York Times. Which would be fine, except it bears no resemblance to the truth. In the article in the Times, the summary of the Secretary of State's remarks --- actually made in a speech to the US Institute of Peace --- is "Iran and North Korea must take decisive action to curb their nuclear programs, and not just talk about doing so, if they expected to enjoy an easing of global pressures".
1240 GMT: Will Iran Sign the Uranium Enrichment Deal? Yes.
At least that's the clue offered by Ali Asghar Soltanieh, the Iranian Ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency, "The Vienna talks are a new chapter in cooperation between Iran and the other participating states….We will be waiting to see whether they will stay true to their words and promises. The International Atomic Energy Agency will be a witness to the other states' behaviors when it comes to technical cooperation on using nuclear energy for peaceful purposes."
So there's Tehran's spin: We are the ones in control of this process, putting "the West" to the test on the nuclear issue.
You won't see this in Western media yet --- they're distracted for the moment by the tangential comments of Deputy Speaker of Parliament Mohammad Reza Bahonar that the deal "is not acceptable to us". Bahonar has no role in the nuclear negotiations; his words only come into play if the Parliament decides to resist the Government's engagement with Washington.
1145 GMT: Not Going to Let It Go. The "US linked to Jundallah bombing" narrative lives on. Speaker of Parliament Ali Larijani has repeated his claims from Sunday that this is an American connection to the attack in southeastern Iran that killed at least 41 people: "Unfortunately, a trace of the US crimes can be seen in the latest events in our country. Although [the US] has denied any involvement in the terrorist attack, it is not enough and not unacceptable to us. They should explain why such things are taking place."
I have to say I'm surprised, given the context of this week's talks in Vienna on Iran's uranium enrichment. Perhaps Larijani is maintaining political pressure on Washington. But is that a prelude to walking away from the draft agreement? Is it to maintain a tough public stance, even as Iran accepts the arrangement?
Even more curious, and complicating the questions above, is that Larijani is the only front-line politician to complement the Revolutionary Guard's criticism of Washington. So is the Speaker speaking for the Ahmadinejad Government or cutting an independent path?
0825 GMT: The Shark Surfaces. Fararu News reports that Hashemi Rafsanjani has spoken with scholars at the Qom seminary.
He emphasized the principles of Islam and the Islamic Revolution to deal with the country's "many fundamental problems". The Iranian system was sound but, unfortunately, certain operations had raised public and international concerns. It was important, therefore, that all institutions and individuals respected and upheld the Constitution. And, to support that, there must be "free and uncensored information of events and issues", without lies and distortions.
Nothing unusual or dramatic in those general statements. What may be more significant, as we watch Qom's evolving interest in a resolution to post-election disputes, is the timing of Rafsanjani's encounter.
0600 GMT: In contrast to events in Vienna, where Tehran and the "West" neared an agreement on uranium enrichment, a quieter Wednesday in Iran. There were reports of scattered demonstrations, but rumours of a confrontation between President Ahmadinejad and students at Tehran University never turned into reality.
The quest by pro-Ahmadinejad members of Parliament to put pressure on Mir Hossein Mousavi through a formal complaint appeared to run aground in confusion. For the moment, the Revolutionary Guard continues to be preoccupied with the aftermath of the Sistan-Baluchestan bombing.
On the opposition side, movement is still restricted by the Government's formal and informal measure, but a drip-feed of news continues as the calendar moves towards 13 Aban (4 November). Mehdi Karroubi, meeting the members of the Defenders of Human Rights and the National Peace Council, strongly criticised the measures trying to cut off his communications with the people, such as the shutdown of his newspaper and official website, the arrest of his close allies, and the closure of his office. He assured the audience that he was ready for any further regime moves, e.g. that would be taken against him. The Government's ignorance of the rights of the people made the situation worse, and the Green movement would continue until those rights are reinstated. (English summary available via Radio Zamaneh)
The report of a forthcoming meeting between senior clerics and members of Parliament over the proposed National Election Committee promises another front in the challenge to the President and possibly the Supreme Leader. And reformists took heart from the announcement that former President Mohammad Khatami had won the inaugural Global Dialogue Prize, given for cultural and intercultural research in global communication and cooperation.
One item from the prisons: Mostafa Tajzadeh, the former deputy Minister of Interior, told his wife during a visit that he was unaware of the process of his Detained since June, he remained defiant: " Let [the regime] say whatever they want in an unchallenged environment and in our absence; there is no doubt that there will be an opportunity for the people to hear our side of the story! "
Iran’s Nukes: Text of IAEA Head El Baradei Statement (21 October)
The Latest from Iran (21 October): Room for a Challenge?
Receive our latest updates by email or RSS SUBSCRIBE TO OUR FEED
Buy Us A Cup of Coffee? Help Enduring America Expand Its Coverage and Analysis
2020 GMT: Rah-e-Sabz has named 18 of the people arrested this evening.1915 GMT: Tonight's Arrests. A group had gathered at the house of Shahabbedin Tabatabei, a detained member of the Islamic Iran Participation Front to pray for his release. Security forces entered the home. They asked 4 everyone's cell phone and filmed them, handcuffed the men, and took away several people.
Among those detained were Tabatabei's wife, Mohammad-Reza Jalaiepour, who was detained earlier in the post-election crisis, Mehrak Mirabzadeh, Faezeh Abtahi, and Saeed Nourmohammadi. Mirabzadeh and Abtahi were later released.
1800 GMT: Iranian activists on Twitter are reporting that a number of high-ranking Islamic Iran Participant Front members have been arrested, and in some cases re-arrested after previous post-election detentions, this evening.
1655 GMT: The reformist Islamic Iran Participation Front of the Islamic Revolution has condemned the sentences against political activists. It has God’s promise that no Government or country can survive with such acts; as Prophet Mohammad said, “A state can survive with infidelity but not with tyranny and oppression."
The IIPF added that the coup forces have shown that their only use of religion is to justify despotic and authoritarian actions, issuing unjust sentences against some of the most loyal children of the revolution and the country. (English summary via Mousavi Facebook page)
1640 GMT: More than 2500 students at Sharif University have signed an open letter protesting disciplinary action against their classmates for political activity.
1630 GMT: Heads-Up Announcement. I just finished a 45-minute interview with Fintan Dunne of Sea of Green Radio on Afghanistan and Iran. The broadcast should be available this evening.
1530 GMT: Failure of Day. Earlier this week, we reported on a success for the Green Wave at the Iran Media Fair, when the "hard-line" Kayhan newspaper was forced to remove a guestbook and take down a flag after they were inscribed and decorated with pro-Mousavi slogans and green ribbons.
On the other side, a stand set up by the Ministry of Islamic Guidance to collect names for a complaint against Mousavi did not do very well. So poorly, in fact, that it was taken down.
1300 GMT: Fars Makes Up Clinton Quotes. I'm not sure if this is another signal that Iran will sign the enrichment deal --- given the image of a US making concessions to a "peaceful" Tehran --- or really bad propaganda.
Fars News is currently leading with the story, "Clinton: Iran's nuclear program is peaceful", quoting her from an interview with The New York Times. Which would be fine, except it bears no resemblance to the truth. In the article in the Times, the summary of the Secretary of State's remarks --- actually made in a speech to the US Institute of Peace --- is "Iran and North Korea must take decisive action to curb their nuclear programs, and not just talk about doing so, if they expected to enjoy an easing of global pressures".
1240 GMT: Will Iran Sign the Uranium Enrichment Deal? Yes.
At least that's the clue offered by Ali Asghar Soltanieh, the Iranian Ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency, "The Vienna talks are a new chapter in cooperation between Iran and the other participating states….We will be waiting to see whether they will stay true to their words and promises. The International Atomic Energy Agency will be a witness to the other states' behaviors when it comes to technical cooperation on using nuclear energy for peaceful purposes."
So there's Tehran's spin: We are the ones in control of this process, putting "the West" to the test on the nuclear issue.
You won't see this in Western media yet --- they're distracted for the moment by the tangential comments of Deputy Speaker of Parliament Mohammad Reza Bahonar that the deal "is not acceptable to us". Bahonar has no role in the nuclear negotiations; his words only come into play if the Parliament decides to resist the Government's engagement with Washington.
1145 GMT: Not Going to Let It Go. The "US linked to Jundallah bombing" narrative lives on. Speaker of Parliament Ali Larijani has repeated his claims from Sunday that this is an American connection to the attack in southeastern Iran that killed at least 41 people: "Unfortunately, a trace of the US crimes can be seen in the latest events in our country. Although [the US] has denied any involvement in the terrorist attack, it is not enough and not unacceptable to us. They should explain why such things are taking place."
I have to say I'm surprised, given the context of this week's talks in Vienna on Iran's uranium enrichment. Perhaps Larijani is maintaining political pressure on Washington. But is that a prelude to walking away from the draft agreement? Is it to maintain a tough public stance, even as Iran accepts the arrangement?
Even more curious, and complicating the questions above, is that Larijani is the only front-line politician to complement the Revolutionary Guard's criticism of Washington. So is the Speaker speaking for the Ahmadinejad Government or cutting an independent path?
0825 GMT: The Shark Surfaces. Fararu News reports that Hashemi Rafsanjani has spoken with scholars at the Qom seminary.
He emphasized the principles of Islam and the Islamic Revolution to deal with the country's "many fundamental problems". The Iranian system was sound but, unfortunately, certain operations had raised public and international concerns. It was important, therefore, that all institutions and individuals respected and upheld the Constitution. And, to support that, there must be "free and uncensored information of events and issues", without lies and distortions.
Nothing unusual or dramatic in those general statements. What may be more significant, as we watch Qom's evolving interest in a resolution to post-election disputes, is the timing of Rafsanjani's encounter.
0600 GMT: In contrast to events in Vienna, where Tehran and the "West" neared an agreement on uranium enrichment, a quieter Wednesday in Iran. There were reports of scattered demonstrations, but rumours of a confrontation between President Ahmadinejad and students at Tehran University never turned into reality.
The quest by pro-Ahmadinejad members of Parliament to put pressure on Mir Hossein Mousavi through a formal complaint appeared to run aground in confusion. For the moment, the Revolutionary Guard continues to be preoccupied with the aftermath of the Sistan-Baluchestan bombing.
On the opposition side, movement is still restricted by the Government's formal and informal measure, but a drip-feed of news continues as the calendar moves towards 13 Aban (4 November). Mehdi Karroubi, meeting the members of the Defenders of Human Rights and the National Peace Council, strongly criticised the measures trying to cut off his communications with the people, such as the shutdown of his newspaper and official website, the arrest of his close allies, and the closure of his office. He assured the audience that he was ready for any further regime moves, e.g. that would be taken against him. The Government's ignorance of the rights of the people made the situation worse, and the Green movement would continue until those rights are reinstated. (English summary available via Radio Zamaneh)
The report of a forthcoming meeting between senior clerics and members of Parliament over the proposed National Election Committee promises another front in the challenge to the President and possibly the Supreme Leader. And reformists took heart from the announcement that former President Mohammad Khatami had won the inaugural Global Dialogue Prize, given for cultural and intercultural research in global communication and cooperation.
One item from the prisons: Mostafa Tajzadeh, the former deputy Minister of Interior, told his wife during a visit that he was unaware of the process of his Detained since June, he remained defiant: " Let [the regime] say whatever they want in an unchallenged environment and in our absence; there is no doubt that there will be an opportunity for the people to hear our side of the story! "
tagged Ali Asghar Soltanieh, Ali Larijani, Faezeh Abtahi, Fararu News, Fars News, Fintan Dunne, Global Dialogue Prize, Hashemi Rafsanjani, Hillary Clinton, International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran, Iran Elections 2009, Islamic Iran Participation Front, Jundallah, Jundullah, Kayhan, Mehdi Karroubi, Mehrak Mirabzadeh, Mir Hossein Mousavi, Mira, Mohammad Ahmadinejad, Mohammad Khatami, Mohammad Reza Bahonar, Mohammad Reza Jalaiepour, Mostafa Tajzadeh, National Election Committee, New York Times, Nuclear Proliferation, Radio Zameneh, Rah-e-Sabz, Saeed Nourmohammadi, Sea of Green, Shahabeddin Tabatabei, Sharif University, US Institute of Peace in Middle East & Iran
Ali Asghar Soltanieh, Ali Larijani, Faezeh Abtahi, Fararu News, Fars News, Fintan Dunne, Global Dialogue Prize, Hashemi Rafsanjani, Hillary Clinton, International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran, Iran Elections 2009, Islamic Iran Participation Front, Jundallah, Jundullah, Kayhan, Mehdi Karroubi, Mehrak Mirabzadeh, Mir Hossein Mousavi, Mira, Mohammad Ahmadinejad, Mohammad Khatami, Mohammad Reza Bahonar, Mohammad Reza Jalaiepour, Mostafa Tajzadeh, National Election Committee, New York Times, Nuclear Proliferation, Radio Zameneh, Rah-e-Sabz, Saeed Nourmohammadi, Sea of Green, Shahabeddin Tabatabei, Sharif University, US Institute of Peace in Middle East & Iran
Reader Comments (7)
The events of the past four months have fuelled ongoing arguments in favor of the separation of religion and government. While the reformists, including some leaders of the Green Movement, seek to 'improve' the Islamic Republic, many of the people constituting the Green Movement have voiced their belief (mainly through chants and slogans) that the Islamic Republic should become an Iranian Republic. This has alarmed many of the old guard, as well as some of the so-called reformists; without an Islamic Republic (in an improved or other form) they stand to lose everything. In fact, even some vocieferous critics of the Ahmadinejad government (such as Aazam Taleghani) are now saying not only that the Islamic Republic must remain, but that those demanding an Iranian Republic must have somehow lost their faith in Islam. She suggests that 'sociologists' look into this phenomenon. What some reformists fail or refuse to realize is that many people had lost their faith long ago - not necessarily in Islam, but in the Islamic Republic. The recent brutality of the regime in the name of religion has opened old wounds and created many new ones. Watch for this ideological rift.
I have found this on the facebook of moussavi :
"In a meeting with the scholars of the Qom Seminary School, Hashemi-Rafsanjani stressed that over the history the clergymen have always been the support and hope for the people and have always been alongside the people whenever they have been under op...pression. He added that the clergymen should follow Islamic and the revolutionary teachings and avoid being fearful and having shallow praises for the authorities. He further reiterated the importance of following the constitution in order to solve country’s crises. He also emphasised on the importance of the free and unbiased media in the country in order to inform the public of the country’s events and problems without censorship and distortion."
30 years ago, many of those with aspirations for a free and democratic Iran were told to follow the Khomeinist banner "for now, for the sake of unity, until the government changes", with promises that religion and government would never intermingle. Mr. Khomeini said he would stand aside and become a simple preacher once his "task" of freeing Iran from "tyranny" had been accomplished. What happened next is a matter of record. This time around, understandably, there seems to be very little public trust in the promises of the revolutionary intelligentsia who shared (and still proudly claim to share) the same ideals of Mr. Khomeini. There are many within the Green Movement who do not have the same fond memories of the "Golden Age of Khomeini" decried by leaders like Mr. Moussavi. For them, the Moussavi-sponsored slogan of "Not Eastern, Not Western - but an Islamic Republic" is not acceptable. And promises of "unity for now" have the stench of 30-year-old broken deals. Iran is a country of many religions. Could an Iranian Republic offer a better way for people of all faiths (Moslems, Jews, Christians, etc.) to practice their religion at home and carry on living with dignity and - at least a modicum of - freedom? And will people continue to chant for an Iranian Republic on November 4th? Let's see....
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raoul michelin,
I concur with your assessment of people sentiments. Based on phone calls and comments in various posts from Iranians living in Iran it is evident that green movement has way passed its onetime leaders. For example I noted a lukewarm reaction to Mousavi’s remarks following his October 18 interview. Many criticized him for being MIA (missing in action). Others criticized him for expressing views that were widely different form that of the people.
Callers and posters very clearly and often loudly state they do not want any Islamic flavor in their government anymore and if Mousavi and Karroubi insist otherwise they are on their own. A woman reminded Mousavi not to stray away from his promises during campaign. She wrote Mousavi claimed he would lead Iran by working side by side with people and not in front or in the back. She wrote people were done with Islamic system of the government that had not worked and if Mousavi insists on it he is not working side by side with us, the people.
Another interesting observation from posts by Iranians living in Iran is the unanimous visceral disgust for Rafsanjani. It appears that Rafsanjani enjoys 0% approval by Iranians in the front line of Green movement. Rafsanjani‘s attempt in playing it safe by throwing a bone or two to people while keeping his tie with the leadership seems to have backfired big time.
Hassan Shariatmadari, the son of Ayatollah Shariatmadari, had an insightful analysis of reformists’ nostalgia for Khomeini era and return to constitution. He stated the move by the so-called reformist clergies had to do more with not losing it all than installing a true democratic government in Iran. Shariatmadari’s analysis can be found s in the archive of epersianradio.com
Thanks to Raoul and Megan for your comments. Even though it will not be easy to overcome 30 years of brainwashing, today's Iranian society, especially the younger generation and women, is fed up with empty promises. Gradual changes are visible even within the reformist's camp, which insisted on possible changes within the system until now. Just have a look at Nikahang Kowsar's cartoon today: Mousavi appraisal of Khomeini's "Golden Age" is commented with "His Alzheimer has broken out again" http://www.roozonline.com/persian/cartoon/cartoon-item/article/2009/october/22//-3715109575.html
Interesting insights on generational devide from Narges Kalhor, the daughter of AN's senior adviser, who fled to Germany recently:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/22/world/middleeast/22iran.html?scp=4&sq=Iran&st=cse