The Latest from Iran (5 April): Repression

2230 GMT: To close this evening, a photograph of reformist leader Feizollah Arab Sorkhi, temporarily released from prison today, with his family (inset).

2215 GMT: Mousavi's Statement. Back from an evening break to find a summary of Mir Hossein Mousavi's discussion with reformist members of Parliament. We'll have an analysis in the morning but here is the substance....

Mousavi advised Iranian authorities to return to models set up by Ayatollah Khomeini and base policies on “collective wisdom” to remedy the post-election crisis. Had that wisdom prevailed earlier, “we would not have witnessed such bitter incidents.”

Mousavi, as he has done before, criticised both Iranian state media and foreign media. Iran's national broadcaster was “destroying the doctrines of the Imam (Khomeini)”: “In my opinion Seda va Sima [Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting] and the foreign media have been acting like the two edges of a pair of scissors in distorting the luminous face of the Imam.”

NEW Iran Document: Jafar Panahi’s Wife on His Detention & Health
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Video: Obama on Iran, Health Care (2 April)
The Latest from Iran (4 April): Renewal

Mousavi also invoked Khomeini to claim the "ability of the country to pass through the crises of the time” was through direct connection of the people with the regime, the government, and the leadership. In Khomeini's time, decisions were made through “rational discussions” and the Imam “provided a basis for the presence of different factions and opinions without barring anyone’s presence”.


1745 GMT: Spin of the Day. Press TV rewrites the critical letter of Ali Larijani (see 1615 GMT) to the President:

"As the Ahmadinejad government and Parliament move to iron out the details of the subsidy reform bill, Speaker Ali Larijani said Monday lawmakers would do their utmost to cooperate with the president, asking him to do the same."

1740 GMT: Political Prisoner Watch. Kalemeh reports that the release from detention of senior reformist Feizollah Arab-Sorkhi (see 1340 GMT) is for only five days and comes with a bail of $1 million.

1615 GMT: Larijani Responds to Ahmadinejad. We noted earlier today that the President had made an appeal, in a letter to Speaker of Parliament Ali Larijani, for revision of the legislation on subsidy reform and spending.

Larijani has now replied sharply. In his letter, he defends the approach of the Majlis and criticises Ahmadinejad's speeches and request for a public referendum. He accuses the President of intervention and interference in the Majlis' affairs.

Larijani aligns himself with the Supreme Leader's recent advice for more co-operation between the Majlis and the Government. However, he asks Ahmadinejad to answer two questions:

Firstly, what is the Government forecast for the rate of inflation in each of the two scenarios of an extra $20 billion spending (The Parliament-approved bill) and an extra $40 billion"(Ahmadinejad's demand)?

Secondly, what would be the Government's estimate of economic growth in each of the scenarios?

1600 GMT: Nowruz Snub for Ahmadinejad? According to Khabar Online, only one-third of the Majlis' members attended the Norouz meeting held with the President.

Ali Larijani (head of Parliament), Mohammad Hassan Abutorabi Fard (First Deputy Speaker) , Mohammad Reza Bahonar (Second Deputy Speaker), Ahmad Tavakoli (Director of Majlis Research Center), Elyas Naderi, and a number of other well-known MPs are amongst those who did not attend the meeting.

1340 GMT: Arab-Sorkhi Released. EA has learned from a reliable source that Feizollah Arab-Sorkhi, the leading member of the Mojahedin of Islamic Revolution party detained since last summer, has come out of Evin Prison.

1320 GMT: Mahmoud's Nuclear. Oh, good, this should lead to a lot of heated press speculation. The head of Iran's atomic energy programme, Ali Akbar Salehi, has foreshadowed Iran's revelation of a "series of scientific achievements" on National Nuclear Technology Day: "The President [Mahmoud Ahmadinejad] will have good news for the nation on Friday."

1245 GMT: Economy Watch. Kalemeh that 150 workers of a textile factory in Ardebil province in northwestern Iran gathered in front of the governor's office of the governor to protest unpaid wages for the last seven months.

The demonstration is politically significant because the factory was launched as part of the Ahmadinejad economy agenda in his re-election campaign. It is reported that the factory has cut its workforce by 85%.

1240 GMT: So Much for Development. Mizan Khabar reports that the Industrial Development and Renovation Organisation has prohibited the use of laptops, external drives, and other hardware by its managers on their foreign trips.

1235 GMT: Nuke Chatter. The Iranian Foreign Ministry has repeated its current line, without any sign of compromise, "Iran is still ready to negotiate a solution to its nuclear stand-off with the West, but only on the condition that foreign powers agree to a fuel swap on Iranian territory. "

1140 GMT: President's Subsidy Appeal. The Iranian Labor News Agency reports another intervention from President Ahmadinejad on the issue of subsidy reform and spending. He has written Speaker of Parliament Ali Larijani to claim problems in the implementation of the Parliament-approved proposal and to call on the Majlis to help the Government.

1130 GMT: The Big Repression Question. An EA correspondent gets to the politics of the recent nes of detentions, in particular the contest with former President Hashemi Rafsanjani:

The next big question is whether all the high-profile political prisoners will go back to Evin, given that they were let out for the Nowrouz holidays and we are way past the end of them. In the case of Marashi, Rafsanjani's close associate, it seems that his period of liberty has come to an end.

Hassan Lahuti, Faezeh Hashemi's son and Rafsanjani's grandson, will have to face court proceedings and will therefore be barred from returning to London. The court proceedings of Rafsanjani's children, Mehdi and Faezeh Hashemi, are also going to happen within the near future, according to Rah-e-Sabz.

1035 GMT: Political Prisoner Watch. The authorities have not only put Hossein Marashi, ally of Hashemi Rafsanjani and a former Vice President, in jail; it appears they have also taken his blog off-line. A cached copy of Marashi's last entry, written on Sunday just before he was returned to prison, seems to be available.

(An EA correspondent reports that he can access Marashi's latest post, but I am still having no luck. In it, Marashi confirms his return to jail and says that he does not see the new period as that of a prisoner of the Islamic Republic but rather as a new duty and experience.)

1030 GMT: Economy Watch. The Central Bank of Iran claims that the annual inflation rate has declined sharply to 10.8% for the year ending 20 March 2010. This compares to 25.4% for the previous 12 months.

0900 GMT: One to Watch. Parleman News reports that delegates of the coalition of reformist parties, the Imam Khomeini Line, are in meetings with Mir Hossein Mousavi, Mehdi Karroubi, Hashemi Rafsanjani, and Mohammad Khatami. Details are promised soon.

0830 GMT: Journalist and filmmaker Mohammad Nourizad, the imprisoned journalist and filmmaker, will appear in court today, offering his family the first chance to see him during his 107-day detention. Nourizad was reportedly not allowed to make a phone call for more than three months because of his refusal to accept interrogators’ demands and conditions. In the only call allowed to his famtily, he assured, “I am standing firm with an iron will.”

0545 GMT: One of the striking features of the debate over Iran's legal and political situation on Race for Iran, the blog of Flynt and Hillary Leverett, is the near-total refusal of regime and Ahmadinejad advocates --- including the Leveretts --- to discuss or even acknowledge the Government's detention and treatment of opponents. (That is a major reason why they focus on the question of the vote count in the Presidential election; it allows them to shut away the less savoury developments of the next 9 1/2 months.)

Occasionally, there will be a repetition of the regime line that the abuses at Kahrizak Prison, including the three deaths, were recognised by the Supreme Leader, but this is followed by the implication that this resolved any difficulties.

So this morning we begin with more news of political prisoners. Yesterday, we reported from an absolutely reliable source on the poor health of detained journalist Emad Baghi and the harassment of his family. In a few minutes, we'll post a disturbing message from the wife of imprisoned film director Jafar Panahi on concerns for his well-being.

In an audio interview with the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran, the son of journalist Isa Saharkhiz says his father’s condition has deteriorated since a hunger strike in March. Mehdi Saharkhiz said that his father has lost 20 kilogrammes (45 pounds) over the past few months and that solitary confinement and the harsh prison environment have threatened his health.

Pedestrian reports on a bit of good news with the release of student Sourena Hashemi after more than three months but adds this context: there is no word of the fate of his friend Alireza Firouzi, who was detained at the same time.

One of the reasons for Hashemi's arrest was his appearance in a campaign video for Mehdi Karroubi. All the students involved were expelled or suspended from their universities.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8M-Q_gyPkw0&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]

Of course, these are events which are not highlighted by the Iranian state. Yesterday, for example,there was a focus on the declaration of Iran's top nuclear negotiatior, Saeed Jalili, after his trip to Beijing that there were increasingly close relations between Iran and China. (More importantly, no word from Jalili about the substance of the negotiations over Iran's nuclear programme and threatened international sanctions.) Look also for big play of the story that China and India will attend Tehran's conference on nuclear disarmament on 17-18 April.

And many in the Western media can be distracted. A lot of the US press corps is being taken along with the book promotion of a "former Revolutionary Guard turned CIA agent", Reza Kahlili (a pseudonym), a story which could be true but is more than a decade old. Still, that doesn't stand in the way of headlines for Kahlili's headline assertion, "Iran will be a nuclear-armed state in the very near future....The only way to stop that from happening may be to attack Iran now, before it gets a nuclear weapon."

Top prize for scary distraction, however, goes to the  Financial Times which, with almost no support, announces, "US Fears Iran Could Use Powerboat as a Weapon."

Comments

[Kiterunner]

i don't know where Leverett’s site is. would someone plz tell me?

[QLineOrientalist]

@ Samuel: Thanks.
@ Kiterunner: http://www.raceforiran.com/

[Bill]

Scott,

You offered me some sage advice awhile ago about Foreign Policy Journal and their article "Why I like PressTV." What you offered was somewhat along the lines off "if they had substantial readership it might be worth a go but why bother." While I understan the Flynt and Hillary Leverett site has a much wider readership I have not noticed a decided tone change in their articles. In fact as you note the majority of the articles myopically focus on the election results and how they were correct--they provide almost no background for why the unrest occured or even mention the vast human rights violations since. It seems to me they are so bent on their political agenda they cannot see other views. So why bother debating the subject with them?

Ironically the structure of their writings and arguements remind me of Edward Said. I say that simply because both were are trapped within their solipsistic world view they are completely blind to the actual events around them. In their minds they have the truth and damned to all the rest of us who hold a different opinion. I also hope you noticed it is a communist/socialist den and we all know those folks so despise the west they will hold the hands of the world's worst to ply their trade.

While I understand your stance maybe for sanities sake it is time to just ignore them. After all are we not seeing the majority of the world powers ignoring them and instead embracing the human rights movement in Iran. Why add credance to their arguement by paying attention to them? Just my two cents for what it's worth.

Thx
Bill

[Megan]

Re: Mousavi comments

“In Khomeini’s time, decisions were made through “rational discussions” and the Imam provided a basis for the presence of different factions and opinions without barring anyone’s presence”.

Oh, I get it now Mr. Mousavi. Execution of thousands without due process was through RATIONAL DISCUSSION. The notion that Iranians were incapable of making decisions for themselves and there was a need for a Vali Faghih who was not elected by people was another example of decisions through rational discussion, right? And I suppose your beloved Khomeini did not consider women as one of the factions in the Iranian society, did he? I do not recall anybody having any rational discussion with women asking them if they wanted to be wrapped in black hejab. Women were told to cover themselves from head to toe or be beaten. I suppose that is what you call rational discussion, right Mr. Mousavi? Thank you but no thanks. Not this time and Not anymore

Nothing has ever resembled rationality or discussion in Islamic Republic. Lies, Lairs, and repression from day one and that is the Islamic Republic hallmark. It is poetic justice to see Khomeini lovesick people and his clan trapped in the same web of tyranny and lies as the rest of Iranians.

[Rev. Magdalen]

On the Leverett blog: I agree with Professor Lucas that it's surely good for society to have such a lengthy and detailed debate, and now the casual readers who comes to the page will have opposing views to read instead of just one viewpoint. I appreciate the Leveretts letting everyone participate.

@ange paris Your opinion is just as valid as anybody else's, and I'm sure most of the "elite" posters on there couldn't debate in another language at all, so you're already more knowledgeable than them ;-) I think people are using excessively formal pleasantries there because frankly the Leveretts just seem like the type of people who would be strict forum moderators and kick you out for the least hint of disrespect, lol. Definitely a much friendlier feel over here at EA for some reason!

[Rev. Magdalen]

@Bill Even if you know you're not going to change the mind of the person you're debating against, you can still sharpen your own thinking by engaging in the exercise of debate, and anyway it gives you a window into where the other side is coming from, exactly what the issues being disputed are, so that's helpful.

@kiterunner, the exact page of the long-running debate is: http://www.raceforiran.com/video-of-the-leveretts-on-charlie-rose

[Bill]

Rev. Magdalen,

I have actually learned from experience. I have posted a few times at that site and have read many of their articles. The usual response I got was the pro Leverett response with little substance behind it. It was just a regurgitation of the same tag lines they have had since the begining. Almost all of their articles drift towards the "validity" of the election and almost never expand on the human rights issues. It is a stale arguement and thus my comments against debating them. I just don't see how any sane person can miss the preponderance of evidence in plain view and still hold the position they do. Regardless you have a very good point and one I happen to agree with just not in this case--I know their position pretty well at this point. I know I am being obstinate but I see this as just beating a dead horse! :)

Thx
Bill

[kiterunner]

@QLineOrientalist

thanks

[Scott Lucas]

QLine,

Brill has left a response for you over on Race for Iran in the monster discussion --- I suggested he might want to venture here and post it, but doesn't look like he wants to leave the comfort of the Race for Iran folks.

S.

[Rev. Magdalen]

Bill, I like to believe that there are many random people who stumble across any online debate, read it, and go off without saying anything, but take away some of the info from all the contributions to the discussion, so my motivation to debate is more for those people than the actual other debaters.

I've been arguing with people over the internet since the days of 2400-baud dial-up modems, and I've yet to see anyone change their mind about anything, ever, but I know undecided people do read debates to make up their minds, so it's important to have them. But definitely if you don't enjoy it there's no need to try to force yourself to do it, it's not like those guys are desperately seeking information and just can't figure out the Google and need our help to show them. ;-)

[Bill]

Rev,

Point well taken. Maybe I will get over my "argggh" reaction and find the time to renter the debate over at that site for the benefit of the undecided.

Thx
Bill

[Evan Siegel]

Scott, this is silly. Who ever heard of posting an answer from one blog on to another.
I don't even know where to look for his answer!

[Arshama]

Megan,

# 29 Re: Mousavi comments

To all of those, who are not fed up with Khomeini yet, have a look at his "Touzih ol-vasileh" (on Nekah, problem 12), cited by Chahla Charaf, advising any form of paedophilia with girls below 9 years -- even babies -- except of penetration.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTQEHE8ggyc

Hail thee Holy Republic and its even Holier Founder!!!

Arshama

[Scott Lucas]

Evan,

I agree. I would have thought that Mr Brill would have been willing to answer you directly via comment. For the record, this was his posting:

"I read QLine’s comment, and he strikes me as very intelligent. Please ask him to re-read my article carefully and then reconsider his comments. I recognize this might sound condescending and that authors often dodge serious criticisms with such a comment, but sometimes it’s justified. I think he’ll find that many of his points are already dealt with, and he’ll at least provide tougher targets for my responses if he hones his argument a bit."

S.

[Catherine]

Bill,
RE your post 36, if you do wander over to Race for Iran, please post the points you made here: http://enduringamerica.com/2010/04/04/the-latest-from-iran-4-april-renewal/comment-page-1/#comment-37372

[Megan]

Arshama,

Re: Post #38

Thanks. I think we should send a copy to Mousavi. He has a nightmare and somebody needs to wake him up.

[Bill]

Catherine

I broke down and went over to race for Iran did what you asked(revised it a bit.) It was actually an interesting read. To bad they seem to have an abundance of internet trolls that either don't debate and attack or lace their debates with attacks. Ironic how those who support tyranny are the one most likely to attack and dismiss the other out of hand. Liz by far is my favorite troll of all. Her grandest arguement is scott does not know Persian. WTF? For god's sake any nitwit can use google translate to get the gist of an article--and lets not forget Scott has translators working with him. Geez she reminds of some of the rednecks in my family who want Nuke the entire Middle East!!!

Thx
Bill

[Catherine]

Bill,
Oh dear, now I feel responsible for all the names they're going to call you (thank God for no sticks and stones).
Liz - yes, she is the doozy of that blog :-)

[Bill]

Catherine,

It should be fun once I get done with work tomorrow and catch the responses. Crap just realized I have to be at work in three hours--No sleep for the wicked sleep is for wimps!!! Mind you I am going to blame you all day for my sleep depravation when it hits me!!! :) Nah I had been resisting debating the trolls over there but after you guys brought it up again I just could not resist sleep or no sleep!!!! Actually I hope Liz lays one on me then I will smack her back!!! Ironically we should be lucky we actually have someone, Samuel, who is actually civil about our debate and is actually quite funny!!!

Thx
Bill

[Bill]

Rev,

I put my post on the wrong article. Wanted to let you know I took your advice and posted over at Race for Iran. God how did you guys bear the trolls like Liz the "Scott doesn't know Persian" broken record. You'll like my title when you read my post. The title should draw all the trolls in for good fight!!!

Thx
Bill

[Evan Siegel]

Thanks, Scott. I'm corresponding to him off-line.
I don't find his advice condescending. He obviously put a lot of time into the article and wants its readers to do the same.
Problem is, I gotta work for a living.

[Rev. Magdalen]

Bill: Lol!

[Scott Lucas]

Evan,

Funny, I've got that same problem....

S.

[Catherine]

Bill,
RE your post 42, I read the revised version of your post about human and civil rights abuses/problems at Race for Iran and it was even stronger than the first one you posted here. I'm going to save a copy. But don't lose too much sleep over there after the wave you made crests and comes to shore. We need you wide awake over here! :-)

[Bill]

Catherine,

Thanks. I actually tried to remove the emotive responses and instead inserted commets based on objective obesrvation. However after some of the responses it was apparent little attention is paid to the human rights issues. Instead as predicted they almost all redirected back to the old stale election results angle. The irony of the whole thing is the majority of their facts come from the regime. It's like asking the fox in the chicken coup what happned to the three chickens missing? Duh--doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what really took place. The fox ate the chickens and the regime is eating its own to stay in power.

Thx
Bill