Iran Analysis: The Detentions Reach the Supreme Leader --- So How Far Does the Opposition Go?

In the last 48 hours, the family and supporters of Mehdi Karroubi have re-stated their claims and grievances against the detention of Karroubi and his wife Fatemeh, Mir Hossein Mousavi, and Zahra Rahnavard. They are pointing not only to the sudden arrests but the lies of Iranian officials as they deny that any move has taken place, even insisting that the four opposition figures are "in comfort" in their homes.

But, in the last 48 hours, the Karroubi camp has not just called for the release of their patriarch or for more lenience. Instead, they have named names about those whom they blame for the arrest of the Karroubi.

And at the top of the list is the Supreme Leader.

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Latest Libya Video: Saif Al Islam Qaddafi on Al Jazeera English

Today's interview of Saif Al Islam Qaddafi, son of the Libyan leader, on Al Jazeera English:

See also Latest Libya Video: Protests, Interrogations, and the Battle for Zawiyah

The Latest from Iran (4 March): 19 Days and Counting

2230 GMT: Three more claimed videos of last Tuesday's protests:

"Mousavi, Karroubi Must Be Freed!"

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Libya (and Beyond) LiveBlog: A Friday of Counting Protests

2245 GMT: A video of State Security Headquarters in Alexandria after protesters entered the building:

2150 GMT: The scene in front of the State Security Headquarters in Alexandria tonight:

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Latest Libya Video: Protests, Interrogations, and the Battle for Zawiyah

Zawiyah: Qaddafi forces are trying to retake the city, 55 km (35 miles) west of Tripoli --- This is footage from last week's battle for control (Warning: Graphic):

Misurata: March in the city, 210 km (130 miles) east of Tripoli, held by the opposition:

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Iran Feature: Tehran v. the "Zion" Logo of the 2012 Olympics

You can't be too careful these days.

You may have thought that the logo for the 2012 Olympics in London was an innocent light-blue collection of jagged shapes around the five rings. 

You are wrong.

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Algeria Special: Its Place in the 2011 Revolutions (Evans)

The system has cautiously begun to head in a more open, democratic direction. The one enormous unknown is whether this will be enough to placate the anger existing within Algerian society.

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Algeria Special: Why There is "No Critical Mass" of Protest (Boundaoui)

Protest and Clashes, 21 FebruaryThe now infamous chant, "the people demand the downfall of the regime" began in Tunisia, and in a few weeks, served to bring down the twenty-four year regime of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. The chant was echoed in Egypt, and in even less time the regime of President Hosin Mubarak was toppled. Since the formula has been so successful, it has resonated across the Middle East and North Africa among people from Tehran to Manama.

While the chant has been heard in some of the waves of protests in Algeria, many are quick to tell you that the downfall of the regime is not necessarily what Algerians want to see happen.

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EA on the Road: The Cambridge Union Debate on Iran

I will be participating in a debate at the Cambridge Union tonight on "This House Would Rather A Nuclear Iran Than War". 

Ali Yenidunya will be holding the fort as well as keeping an eye on the Libya (and Beyond) LiveBlog. Service on the Iran LiveBlog will resume tonight after the debate.

As usual, a thanks to EA readers in advance for bringing in latest news and insights.

Libya (and Beyond) LiveBlog: Peace Plans?

2230 GMT: Judges threaten to strike if Mubarak's Minister of Justice, Mamdouh Marei, is included in the new cabinet.

2215 GMT: The latest pictures taken at Roundabout 7, in Bahrain. 

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