Iran Document: Karroubi "Greens Stronger & More Mature Than Last Year" (12 June)

Mehdi Karroubi, continuing his public-relations campaign with foreign media, conducted an e-mail interview with CNN, mainly on the current position of the Green Movement.



Significantly, it is unclear whether the cleric gave his answers before or after the developments of yesterday: CNN vaguely says, "Karrubi responded to CNN's questions on the first anniversary of the disputed vote."

CNN: How is Iran different today as compared to before last year's elections?

Mehdi Karrubi: Last year the elections started with excitement and joy, and most people came forward because they wanted change. We saw the political maturity of different levels of society and people supported their candidates faithfully. But after unprecedented fraud in the elections, we witnessed the peaceful protest of the people who wanted to take back their vote. Unfortunately the government's blatant and merciless crackdown cost the people a lot.

Today many in Iran have lost their loved ones just because they questioned the result of the vote. Many others were injured and many political activists and the children of this country filled the prisons. Security forces have trampled on constitutional laws, criminal laws and civil laws.

CNN: Is the situation in Iran better today than it was last year?

Karrubi: This can seen be seen from two viewpoints. From the way things appear, things have not improved because the political situation, the economy and international relations have been damaged. Iranians have paid a heavy price. But if we take a deeper look at the situation, the Iranian society has made strides in the path of knowing their rights, and this is a great achievement.

CNN: Many people were killed and arrested during the protests. Was the movement worth it?

Karrubi: It's a difficult situation but I have to say there is a heavy cost if you want to reform a system that's approaching corruption, ignoring the goals of the revolution, constitutional rights and the blood of our martyrs. From this viewpoint, despite the bitterness, this cost is understandable. History shows that obtaining freedom and rights is never without a cost, even with movements that are completely peaceful.

CNN: Why have the street protests stopped?

Karrubi: People have stopped taking part in demonstrations because of the brutal repression in the streets, the huge number of unjust arrests and inhumane behavior in prisons, and the creation [of] a police state, but this does not mean we will forget about our demands.

CNN: Is the Green Movement stronger than it was one year ago or weaker?

Karrubi: The Green Movement today is stronger and more mature than last year. Despite a heavy climate of repression, this movement has been able to unite and spread to different layers of society. Incidentally, the (Iranian) leadership understands this important development very well. The fact that funeral processions take place with the presence of anti-riot police and the fact that they never grant permission for any gatherings, even to honor Imam Khomeini, shows the strength of this movement and their fear of this movement.

CNN: What does the Green Movement want today? What is its goal?

Karrubi: This movement wants the execution of all the principles of the constitution, especially those related to the rights of the Iranian people. This movement wants Iran to grow under the reform movement and for the law to become reality for everyone. It wants fundamental civil rights for everyone. These are the goals of this movement.

CNN: How does the Green Movement hope to achieve its goal?

Karrubi: From reform and the return to the original path of the revolution and constitutional rights. Don't forget Iran's Green Movement is only after achieving its goals by raising awareness about people's rights through a peaceful and least costly path.

CNN: Do you consider Mr. Ahmadinejad your president?

Karrubi: No. Like I've repeatedly said, I consider him the head of the current government.

CNN: Do you fear for your safety?

Karrubi: There are many concerns but I'm not afraid. During the past year my family and I have endured a lot of pressure. From a bullet shot at my car in Ghazvin to an attack on my home. My biggest concern is the violent crackdown against people, especially the young men and women in the streets and prisons. I know that there's been a departure from the path of law and the path of the Imam, and I know change will not come easy. I see the defense of people's rights as my duty and I'm willing to do it at any cost.

CNN: What gives you hope that the Green Movement will succeed?

Karrubi: The strength of this movement is the participation of diverse layers of society. The key to the success of this movement is the awareness of the people, especially the youth and the women who are in the forefront of this movement, and the determination of people to go after their rights. The true leaders of this movement are the people, not us. There are hard days ahead but the path is clear and the future belongs to the people.

Turkey Analysis: Which Way is Ankara Heading? (Yenidunya)

There seems to be a lot of fuss right now about whether Turkey is "turning its face towards the East".

The query, often simplistic, arises from a number of development. Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu is pursuing a "Zero Problem with Neighbours" policy based on dialogue, various economic agreements, and the lifting of visa requirement. The policy includes a close relationship with both Syria and Iran.

This policy has been part of the uranium swap deal with Iran, dismissed by the West; the friction with Israel, from the "low chair" crisis up tothe  nine deaths on board the Mavi Marmara in the Freedom Flotilla; warming relations with Russia, crowned with a nuclear settlement; and the veto of sanctions against Iran in the UN Security Council.



Israeli officials reiterated, following the most recent crisis in high waters, that they view the region separated into two opposite camps. There are "moderates" such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Palestine (West Bank), Jordan, and Israel, There are "extremists" such as Iran, Lebanon, Syria, and (Palestine) Gaza. Israel asks: which will Turkey choose?

That blunt enquiry has been accompanied by some incredibly naive arguments, lacking an apparent notion of the basic principles of international relations. Nuh Yilmaz wrote in Foreign Policy magazine:

"All options are on the table” is the best phrase to describe how Turkey feels about Israel’s attack on humanitarian aid flotilla carrying more than 600 activists from 32 countries... Israel will, most likely, no longer be seen as a friendly state nor an ally, but will be treated as a rogue state by Turkey.

When I say Turkey will imply that “all options are on the table,” I do not mean that Turkey will wage a war against Israel. However, more dangerously, Israel will be seen as a state against which one should protect itself and should consider any possible action because of its unlawful and rogue character.

Others placed Ankara's "adventurism" at the centre of Turkish-American relations. Steven A. Cook of Foreign Policy argued that Turkey had not only shifted its axis but had dared to a challenge the US:

It is hard to admit, but after six decades of strategic cooperation, Turkey and the United States are becoming strategic competitors -- especially in the Middle East. This is the logical result of profound shifts in Turkish foreign and domestic politics and changes in the international system.

Some tried to find a formula for Turkey's "shift". On Thursday, Turkish daily Hurriyet asked whether there would be a "Middle East Union" under Turkey's leadership in the future. This would build on a joint declaration signed among Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria, seeking to lift visas and increase the level of cooperation in the fields of energy, health, agriculture, trade and customs.

Let me be blunt with you and with those who are wringing their hands. There has been no change in Turkey's axis.

Ankara's ultimate destination is still full membership in the European Union. Turkey's efforts and regional diplomatic initiatives are a part of its economic development and a part of its struggle to turn into a "strategic" mid-power which can help (re)shape the region.

The tension between a mid-power in Ankara and an American strategic partner --- a Middle East "spearhead" --- in Israel is the outcome of a power struggle between two allies at a time when the latter is under pressures and the benefits of "direct friendly support" of Washington are being seriously being questioned, inside and outside the US. The perception arises that Turkey is trying to fill the space Israel has left/will be forced to leave.

In the context of Turkey's economic boom and diplomatic manoeuvres to increase its credibility in the region, the  complicating factor is that its part to the European Union is currently blocked. Out of 34 chapters to be confirmed to accept Turkey as a part of the Union, only 12 chapters have been addressed so far. Of the other 22, 17 are being blocked by other countries --- eight alone by Cyprus.

The lesson to take from this dead end is crystal-clear: without political concessions on Cyprus and the Aegean Sea, there will be no European Union in the future for Turkey. So Ankara is not only  trying to gain time by looking to its back garden but also trying to knock on Europe's door with an increased credibility.

At the end of the day, Ankara's manoeuvres are not a new invention but the reflection of an active political agenda. As the president of the Washington-based American-Turkish Council, retired Ambassador James Holmes, said, "Turkey is expanding its interests, rather than isolating itself."

The current international alignments are suitable to Turkey's interests, since Washington needs Ankara more than other countries. That is not because of the political swamp in Afghanistan and Pakistan but also because of the ongoing diplomatic track with Iran and Syria, in the aftermath of Bush the Junior's imperial policies and Israel's perceived aggression in the region. Indeed, engagement and diplomacy is preferable to Washington rather than confrontations that could dynamite Obama's  "change", slapping aside unclenched fists and preventing a settlement between Israel and Ramallah.

There are limits to this political agenda. Although Ankara is ready with an economic surplus to deliver to its neighbours, it has not solved its own problems.

The weakest chain of the "Zero Problem" policy rattled in Turkey's relations with Armenia. Ankara couldn't break through long-standing fearsin the face of threats over energy supplies from the "little brother" Azerbaijan.

And, within Turkey, thousands of Kurdish children are in prisons and more officials of the Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) are arrested. Indeed, the war with the Kurdish separatist group PKK is accelerating day-by-day since the Erdogan Government see the Kurdish political movement as a "rival".

And, of course, there are always the Armenian "genocide" issue and the Cyprus problem...

Another limit is Israel . West Jerusalem still means more than a regional power to Washington, remaining and a "friend" and a nuclear "democratic" power. Indeed, Washington sorted out the most recent Flotilla problem and gave a green light to Tel Aviv for an internal inquiry into the violence on the Mavi Marmara. Israel is not discredited in the eyes of Washington just because of a few days, not when military/intelligence relations are indispensable for both sides.

Still, if Ankara can show progress in its Kurdish and Cyprus issues in the near future along with continuing diplomacy advances in the region and a move back from blunter discourse towards Israel, it can continue increasing both its credibility to use as leverage against the EU and to promote its strategic importance to Washington.

Iran Result: The 22 Khordaad Cup "Greens 1, Darks 0" (Lucas)

There was a moment yesterday when the two big events of my day --- 22 Khordad, the anniversary of Iran's 2009 President election, and the England v. USA match in football's World Cup --- intersected.

Moments after I had seen video of defiant Iranians shouting Allahu Akbar (God is Great) from their rooftops, England's goalkeeper Robert Green --- sickeningly from an English point of view, wonderfully if you were supporting the ex-colonists --- fumbled an American shot into his own net.

Iran Analysis: 22 Khordaad — What Happened and What It Means (Shahryar)
Latest Iran Video: Protests of 22 Khordaad (12 June)
Iran: Not Forgetting 22 Khordaad “The Day We Chose to Live” (Pedestrian)
The Latest from Iran (12 June): 22 Khordaad

It took seconds for an observer to send out the connection, "Iran's Green has had a much better day than England's Green".

And, as  England the US eventually drew ("tied" if you're a Yank) 1-1,  another scoreflash: "Iran 1 (Regime own goal), Darks 0".



The morning after 22 Khordad, a narrow victory for the Iranian opposition in the latest game in a perpetual contest seems about right.

That outcome was not evident, however, as late as mid-afternoon. Many in the "Western" media, who generally had a terrible day with their Iran coverage --- a notable exception was CNN, whose Reza Sayah would be outstanding in his ability to bring in significant news from Tehran sources --- had declared victory for the Iranian regime, even before the opening whistle. (Some reporters, bizarrely, continued to do so at the end of 22 Khordaad, ignoring all the action to pronounce a "day that passed quietly.)

As of mid-afternoon, there had been little public movement. The headline of the "official" withdrawal of the request to march by Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi carried over, with the only glimpse of demonstration coming in reports that there had been a protest at Tehran's Sharif University. Even the presence of the Iranian state was muted: there seemed to be few uniformed forces and plainclothes Basiji militia in the streets.

However, EA had gotten one piece of news from a correspondent that suggested there might be a change. From a reliable source in Iran, we learned that marchers in Tabriz would be coming out at 5:30 p.m. local time (1400 GMT).

Then, via a valuable source on Twitter (yes, the same Twitter that has been a punching bag all week for those trying to grab easy conclusions and headlines about the meaning of this year in Iran), we learned that demonstrators in Mashaad and Shiraz would be trying to assemble at the same time.

And then the reports from Tehran: students were assembling at Tehran University. Security forces were trying to block them from exiting the campus; however, other groups of protesters were moving across central Tehran in an effort to meet them. There were chants and clashes at Enghelab Square and Vali-e Asr Avenue.

For the next few hours, those reports spiralled to the point of confirmation. There had been scattered demonstrations throughout the centre of the city. Thousands (how many thousands?) --- despite all the Government intimidation, the threats of imprisonment and beating, the State media's denunciation of the foreign-supported fitna sedition, and even the withdrawal of the official sanction by Mousavi and Karroubi for the march --- had shown up.

Pieces came together. Students, some of whom had examinations on the day, had not appeared until their academic duty was done. Workers had waited to complete their jobs for the day. And one EA correspondent

Of course, some perspective is needed here. As on all occasions since last June, the security forces of the regime had prevented a mass gathering. This would not be millions or even tens of thousands in a single place, as there had been three days after the election. There would be no dramatic appearance by a Mousavi or a Karroubi or, perhaps needless to say, a Hashemi Rafsanjani.

But on this day, for this game, there did not need to be tens of thousands in one place. No "star" had to show for victory. All it needed was the thousands who had emerged.

Because "victory" on 22 Khordaad would simply be some public glimpse of protest. This was the mirror image of 22 Bahman (11 February), the anniversary of the 1979 Revolution and the last attempt at a mass demonstration. Then the bar of expectation was quite high and the outcome was disappointment. Now the bar was disappointment and the outcome, as day turned into night, went higher and higher over that challenge.

As an Iranian observer put it cogently, "Even one protester on the streets --- given all the threat and cost of being there --- is a small sign that Green lives."

And as another posted on a discussion forum, "“I came back safe. Today I truly realized that we are countless. Today was great. It was better than we expected. (Let us revive our slogan of ‘We Are Countless!)”

Now, those supporting the Iranian Government are going to respond --- indeed, some did prematurely yesterday, before the developments of the late evening and afternoon --- that these scattered gatherings do not constitute anything more than the shadow of a challenge. They will contend that the Green Movement's supporters will grasp at any straw to prove they are still in the game. They will disregard the numerous reports and even the glimpses that managed to get out of Iran despite all the regime's efforts at blackout. They may even try the line that, "well, at my particular spot in Tehran at one particular moment" --- even though there was the protests were never going to be in that spot, indeed when that particular moment was before the gatherings arose --- "I did not see anything".

Their points should be noted. So should these....

1. This was just the public tip of discontent, anger, and hope.

The reason that I am so hostile to the easy media line that the opposition/Green Movement was over/dead/mortally wounded is that EA, on a daily basis, has information about the disquiet over the Iranian Government and, in cases, the system. Usually, that discontent turns into a sullen resentment or a quiet, sometimes desperate wish that the situation will improve.

The private protest may not become public because organisation is difficult, with many activists imprisoned or abroad. It may be "silent" because a shout-out could lead to a loss of job, threats to a family, years behind bars.

But intimidation is not victory for the Government. And even the limited jump of private concern to public dissent is enough to stave off defeat.

2. The public dissent yesterday was "new" in this crisis in that it did not take place on a day already scheduled for commemoration (Tehran Friday Prayers, Qods Day, National Students Day, Ashura) by the regime. This protest had to make its own occasion.

And, to repeat, it did so despite the withdrawal of any "leadership" in the form of official sanction from an opposition figure.

In the immediate aftermath of the news that Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi that they would not press for a permit to demonstrate --- and the implicit follow-on that they would be at home on 22 Khordad --- some concluded that this was a disappointing retreat.

Now, whether Mousavi and Karroubi foresaw developments or whether they anticipated them, their step leads to another conclusion: people took up Mousavi's call to show their dissent "by other means". No leader's call was necessary. No seal of approval had to be given before the moment.

That lesson now applies for each and every day beyond 22 Khordaad.

3. Almost as significant yesterday as the show of protest was the absence of the Government.

On the anniversary of his election, his supposed triumph over the "dust and tumbleweeds" who opposed him, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was not on view. The Supreme Leader, who had rubber-stamped that triumph, issued no reflections or commands. The Revolutionary Guard did not make public threats or give public affirmations for their purported political masters.

There were some photos of Ahmadinejad on state TV, some derogatory references to Mousavi. Press TV put out its counter-narrative on the death of Neda Agha Soltan, "proving" foreign manipulation, "The Real Fake".

But this morning, the headline of the Islamic Republic News Agency has Ahmadinejad ignoring internal matters and pronouncing on the nuclear issue. Fars News? Not a single high-profile word on the state of Iran and the authority of Iran's State over its people.

A key political question --- perhaps the key political question --- for this last 12 months has been whether the Government would establish its legitimacy in the wake of the disputed election. And nothing yesterday pointed to that legitimacy.

4. A quick glance at the calendar is useful. For four months, there was no significant occasion on which to hang an opposition protest: no regime event to seize, no day with an obvious "hook" for demonstration.

Now the anniversaries come quickly: 48 hours from now is 25 Khordaad, which a year ago saw millions on the streets to challenge the election. Then it is 30 Khordaad, the day of last year's mass gathering which ended with defiance and the creation of martyrs like Neda Agha Soltan. Next month, there will be remembrances of other marches and other deaths.

The overriding question, as we put 12 June 2010 into the record book, may be this:

Did anyone think on 12 June 2009 that this political match in Iran would still be contested?

Iran Analysis: 22 Khordaad --- What Happened and What It Means (Shahryar)

The people of Iran today yet again proved that intimidation, imprisonment, torture, rapes, shootings and deaths were not going to deter them from continuing to oppose the Islamic Republic’s brutality and unjust policies. In that sense, it was a clear victory for the Green Movement. They managed to land people on the streets on the day that they wanted and the government –-- even though it employed thousands of security forces –-- was unable to stop them. This is despite the fact that opposition leaders Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi had cancelled the plans for the protest.

The reason for the success? It is likely that the protesters caught the government off-guard and showed incredible resillience. Instead of publicizing their intentions of protesting or declaring their routes of procession beforehand, they quietly let the government feel like they were not going to show up. Then they did.

Latest Iran Video: Protests of 22 Khordaad (12 June)
The Latest from Iran (12 June): 22 Khordaad

Through my sources, I can fully confirm protests in the city of Tehran. I have partial confirmation of protests in Shiraz, Mashaad, Isfahan, and Zahedan. Reports of protests have come in for Tabriz, Sari, Kerman, Sanandaj, Ahvaz and Aryashahr, but I have not been able to confirm any of them yet.



What is clear is that in Tehran people took to streets after 4 p.m. for protests in different parts of the city. The students of Tehran University staged a gathering with anti-government chants and the popular slogan, “The student dies but does not accept humiliation!”

Security forces clashed with the protesters and arrested at least six students. Tear gas was fired at protesters. There were also unconfirmed reports of shots, though no claims of injuries from gunfire. Students were injured, though, when they were beaten with batons, kicked, and punched by riot police and plainclothesmen who had surrounded the campus.

A second group of protesters tried to converge from different parts of Tehran upon the university to try and break the siege, but security forces managed to hold them back by blocking major streets with thousands of policemen, riot police, and plainclothesmen.

Other groups formed at Vali-e Asr Square where at least three were arrested and several were injured in clashes with security forces. Tear gas was used, as well as at Vanak Square where more protesters gathered and chanted “Death to the Dictator” and “Death to Khamenei”. (no reports of arrests confirmed as of yet from there). At the same time, students at Sharif University gathered inside their campus and chanted “Ya Hossein; Mir Hossein” and “Allah o Akbar” but were prevented from coming out by security forces.

By far the bloodiest clashes took place in Enghelab Square, which --- with adjoining streets --- was filled by at least 5,000 members of Iran’s security forces. At least 12 protesters were detained.

People also managed to gather in Taleghani Square, Palestine Square, Ferdowsi Square, Hafez Bridge, Laleh Park, Argentine Park and other areas. So far, the confirmed number of arrests stands at 21, but the actual number is almost certainly higher.

Due to the small numbers of videos available, the estimated number of protesters is anyone’s guess. However, it looks like today the streets had at least 10,000 security forces patrolling them, though I cannot confirm this number I can confirm.

There were two unconfirmed reports that merit a mention. The first one claimed that shots were heard from the government-owned broadcasting agency IRIB and that several of its staff members were held hostage by security forces inside the building. The second report claimed that some protesters had managed to break into security forces’ vehicles and managed to take their helmets and other equipment.

As for other cities, reports are few and far between. There are no videos of protests in these cities so far, although in the next few hours --- given the pattern from Tehran --- there probably will be.

Considering the fact that the Iranian government had amassed an army of security personnel to stop protesters from gathering, today’s events are a clear sign that the government is failing, as it has failed in the past, to quell the uprising. Whether the future holds more victories for the government or the Green Movement is as yet uncertain, but protesters returning from gatherings in Tehran were very optimistic and cheerful. Some indicated on blogs that it was a “great day” while others called it “the day we learned that we really are countless.”

So although a lot is still not certain today, there is one certainty. The successful protests, despite the government’s pressure, is going to give a strong morale boost to the Green Movement and is likely to make another dent in the cracking walls of the Islamic Republic.

The Latest from Iran (12 June): 22 Khordaad

2130 GMT: International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran reports that a heavy security presence in Mashaad prevented significant protest, with 10 people arrested.

2100 GMT: MediaWatch. The darkly humourous mis-reporting of the Associated Press (see 1840 GMT) of a "quiet day" in Iran --- an EA correspondent asked, "Did the reporter actually leave his room today?" --- is becoming a serious case of false "news". Both MSNBC and the Jerusalem Post are recycling the despatch as the definitive account of events.

To make matters worse, the BBC seems to have taken a pass on looking for news today, settling for a bland "we're not sure but this is what others say": "Iranian security forces have reportedly clashed with groups of people trying to mark the anniversary of the disputed presidential election in Tehran. Opposition groups say confrontations began in the evening as people left work and gathered in different areas."

That would not be so bad if the BBC had not left unaltered the wayward conclusion made by their correspondent at the start of the day: "The opposition seem to have run out of ideas and many Iranians are now reduced to sullen acquiescence."

*A sharp contrast is offered by Thomas Erdbrink of The Washington Post. Having written an exaggerated account of the Green Movement's demise on 11 February, Erdbrink puts forth measured optimism for the opposition today:

"There were so many plainclothes officers, that we didn't know who was with us or who against us," a protester said. "But people were not afraid at all, which must be worrying for the government."

Even though the demonstrations were far smaller and the atmosphere generally calmer than in the post-election protests last year, the fact that people decided to go out was remarkable, analysts said.

NEW Iran Analysis: 22 Khordaad — What Happened and What It Means (Shahryar)
NEW Latest Iran Video: Protests of 22 Khordaad (12 June)
NEW Iran: Not Forgetting 22 Khordaad “The Day We Chose to Live” (Pedestrian)
Latest Iran Video: The Mousavi-Karroubi Press Conference
Iran Analysis: The Green Movement and The Lesson of 51 Pegasi B (Shahryar)
Iran Reaction: Mysteries Beyond the Mousavi-Karroubi Statement
Iran Feature: Why the Green Movement is Important (Dissected News)
The Latest from Iran (11 June): Waiting, Watching, and Wondering

1940 GMT: As we near the end of the day, we've posted an analysis by Josh Shahryar, "22 Khordaad: What Happened and What It Means".

And don't forget to check out our set of videos from the day.

1840 GMT: Oh, Dear. Ali Akbar Dareini of the Associated Press --- posting only one hour ago --- summarises the day: "The one-year anniversary of Iran's disputed election passed quietly Saturday with little more than a subdued Internet appeal by opposition leaders for supporters to speak out on the Web against government repression."

To which I am afraid I will have to defer to a Twitter observer: "What were you smoking?"

1830 GMT: A RAHANA reporter claims that special forces threw rock and stones at fleeing people in Enghelab Square.

1750 GMT: An Iranian activist reports, "People move alongside cars showing V [for Victory] signs."

1645 GMT: Comment of Day? A protester reports on Balatarin, "I came back safe. Today I truly realized that we are countless. Today was great. It was better than we expected. (Let us revive our slogan of 'We Are Countless!)'"

1615 GMT: Political Prisoner Watch. Abdolreza Tajik, journalist, human rights activist, and member of the National-Religious Front, was arrested today for the third time in the past year.

1550 GMT: The Dangers of Premature Conclusion. Lindsey Hilsum of Britain's Channel 4, an excellent reporter, moves far too quickly to her keyboard this afternoon, posting 30 minutes ago: "The streets of Tehran are almost deserted today, it seems, apart from clusters of riot police and basij militia on motorbikes."

1538 GMT: We're counting at least 21 arrests so far: 12 in Enghelab Avenue, 6 near Tehran University, and 3 in Vali-e Asr Square.

Green Voice of Freedom claims about 1000 students protested at Tehran University.

1535 GMT: Political Prisoner Watch. Davoud Roshani, a member of the reformist Islamic Iran Participation Front, has been arrested.

1520 GMT: Reza Sayah of CNN is reporting from a source that tear gas was used to disperse crowds at Vali-e Asr Square.

A crowd chanted "Ya Hosein Mir Hosein" at Enghelab and Palestine Avenues before being chased away by security forces.

1510 GMT: The Green website Rah-e-Sabz has finally posted a report on the "security atmosphere" in several Iranian cities today.

1430 GMT: Political Prisoner Watch. Reports that student Kamran Asa, brother of the slain protester Kianoush Asa,  and Hamidreza and Ashkan Moseybian have been freed on bail.

1410 GMT: Reza Sayah of CNN, from a source, "Police block off westbound Revolution [Enghelab] Ave towards Azadi Square."

1405 GMT: Radio Farda has now posted a summary of the clashes and gathering crowds in central Tehran.

1355 GMT: Human Rights Activists News Agency are reporting at least 10 people detained, with security forces using tear gas and baton, in Tehran clashes.

1345 GMT: Several witnesses have told Radio Farda about scattered clashes between people and security forces around Enghelab Square.

1335 GMT: Reza Sayah of CNN reports three arrested, "blindfolded and taken away on motorcycles", in clashes at Vali-e Asr Square in Tehran. Growing crowds on sidewalks are being chased away.

1325 GMT: We've posted video of a protest at Sharif University in Tehran.

1320 GMT: There are indications that, in addition to Shiraz (see 1220 GMT), there will be protests in Tabriz & Mashaad at 5:30 p.m. local time (1400 GMT).

1315 GMT: Reza Sayah of CNN: " 1000s of riot police in all major squares and intersections Tajrish, 7 Tir, Revolution [Enghelab] Avenue." Mehdi Sharakiz adds, "Enghelab is full of both people and guards. All book stores are closed." He adds that all streets to Enghelab are blocked.

Sayah adds, "Many Basij and security forces waiting in local schools and mosques."

1300 GMT: Clamping Down. Earlier today we noted that former Vice President Massoumeh Ebtekar had blogged about the disruption at the 4 June ceremony for Ayatollah Khomeini, ""This is another sign...that indicates a serious rift and distancing with the original line and thought of Imam Khomeini, now led by a minority that wills to cling to power by any means possible." (see 0545 GMT)

The sequel is that, according to Parleman News, Ebtekar's blog has now been filtered by Iranian authorities.

1245 GMT: Reza Sayah of CNN: "Riot police out in force. 100s lining Azadi Avenue from Azadi Square to Revolution [Enghelab] Square."

1240 GMT: Reza Sayah of CNN reports from sources: "Packs of riot police roaming Azadi Ave. Basij waiting in mosque at Kaj Square".

An Iranian activist claims, "Plainclothes on their motorbikes are wandering and shouting 'Death to the traitors; to scare people."

1225 GMT: There is a lot of chatter about build-up of people around Tehran University (which would correspond with end of today's examinations) as well as attempts to gather at Vanak Square and chatting at Enghelab Square. There are also unconfirmed reports of students surrounded by security forces at Sharif University. We are monitoring before treating as confirmed.

1220 GMT: EA has absolutely reliable information from Iran that the protest in Shiraz is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. lcoal time (1400 GMT).

1200 GMT: A hat-tip to Abigail Fielding-Smith of The Independent of London: she posts testimony from "a selection of grass-roots activists", some in Iran, some who have fled, and summarises:

"Although some show signs of despair, they are determined to find new ways of keeping up their opposition. It is difficult to say how representative their voices are. With heavy reporting restrictions inside Iran, and many people afraid to communicate with foreign journalists, it is hard to gauge public opinion accurately.

Many who took part in the protests have lost interest in demonstrating, either because they fear the repercussions or because they lack faith in the movement's ability to change anything. The forces ranged against it are formidable: the might of the security establishment; the continuing, albeit weakened, power of conservative ideology in Iran; and the populist economic policies of Mr Ahmadinejad. Nonetheless, political change is often, as the activists interviewed here are starting to realise, a long game."

1145 GMT:  Conflicting reports over whether there is a visible security build-up in Tehran. Josh Shahryar posts video.

1140 GMT: We've posted a short but incisive comment by Pedestrian, "22 Khordaad: The Day We Chose to Live".

1050 GMT: Academic Corner. Human Rights Activists News Agency reports that 14 students at Kerman University have been detained. A total of 35 students were called to the university's disciplinary committee.

1040 GMT: Not a Diversion at All. The head of Iran's atomic energy programme, Ali Akbar Salehi, is quoted by Resalat: "In the next few months Iran will announce a new nuclear achievement in connection to the production of fuel for its Tehran research reactor."

1010 GMT: The First Demonstration? Human Rights Activists News Agency reports that retired workers of Pars Wagon Company in Arak have held a protest.

1005 GMT: Better Late than Never. Ahh, here comes Press TV's "objective" coverage of the anniversary:

"Iran's Press TV channel is to broadcast a documentary on the country's latest presidential election that was held on June 12 last year.

The Real Fake by renowned Iranian director Nader Talebzadeh that will be aired by the English language channel on Sunday provides realistic insight into developments in Iran before the election and the incidents after that.

The documentary seeks to resolve ambiguities that foreign audience may have about the presidential election. It includes footage that has never been broadcast on any TV channel, including some about the post-election violence and suspicious murders [hmm....Neda?; definitely not those killed in Kharizak Prison] committed in the days after the election."

The documentary also investigates the role of western media in the post-election developments in the country.

It provides facts indicating that the West has been preparing for a war with Iran after the election, which is introduced as an issue much more important than the issues surrounding the Islamic republic's 10th presidential election itself.

1000 GMT: Latest from the Streets. Cellphone and text service is reported normal. Some sources say Internet access has slowed; others say it is normal.

0840 GMT: Political Prisoner Watch. Iran's main teachers' union has called for the release of all political detainees.

0800 GMT: Reza Sayah of CNN, from Tehran sources, at 12 p.m. local time (0830 GMT): "Still no sign of police or security forces at major intersection and squares."

0733 GMT: We've posted a separate feature, "Daily Life in Tehran, One Year On".

0730 GMT: Reza Sayah of CNN reports from a Tehran source, "No sign of security forces or Basij in major intersections and squares." Iran Press News reports traffic in Tehran is normal.

0712 GMT: Meanwhile in Kyrgyzstan. The dramatic events this spring in Kyrgyzstan, where President Kurmanbek Bakiyev was forced to step down, are far from over. Violence around the southern city of Osh, a power base for Bakiyev, has killed almost 50 people in recent days, and thousands, many of them ethnic Uzbeks, have fled their homes.

0710 GMT: Marking 22 Khordaad. Reports that Iranian state TV now showing pictures of the President to mark his "victory" last year.

0700 GMT: Economy Watch. Aftab News launches another attack on the Government, writing that "Iran's economy has no steering wheel", with three months passing and no implementation of the 5th Plan.

0650 GMT: The Battle Within. Khabar Online reports that, following Tehran Friday Prayers, there were chants denouncing high-profile member of Parliament Ali Motahari, who has been sharply critical of President Ahmadinejad.

At the same time, the fallout over the 4 June shout-down of another "establishment" figure, Seyed Hassan Khomeini, continues. Ayatollah Jalaleddin Taheri Esfahani has condemned the incident in a letter to Khomeini.

Hassan Rohani, an ally of former President Hashemi Rafsanjani, has warned that, if the insults become usual, they might take down everyone, "even the planners".

0635 GMT: Protests = Foreign-Supported Terror. Press TV's website has 0 words about the anniversary of the election, preferring to headline yet another President Ahmadinejad announcement that Iran will enrich its uranium to 20 per cent (and thus does not need outside assistance to keep its Tehran Research Reactor operational).

However, Press TV' s current international programme is a not-so-subtle documentary that the "terrorist" "monarchist" group Tondar [Kingdom Assembly of Iran] is supported by the US Government. One of the allegations is that Tondar is linked to Radio Farda, the US Government-financed broadcaster.

And inside Iran, Mir Hossein Mousavi has returned to the screen of Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting after a year, albeit as a clear and present danger to the Iranian system.

0615 GMT: Why Mousavi Retreated. Kalameh, the website close to Mir Hossein Mousavi, reports that the request for a permit to demonstrate was withdrawn because the Iranian regime was planning 2 blame Greens 4 violence on the day.

0545 GMT (9: 15 a.m. in Tehran): One Year Later, Another Day Forward? It is 22 Khordaad, the anniversary of the disputed 2009 Presidential election.

Anyone who predicts what will occur today is either a bigger fool or a far smarter analyst than I. The official rationale for a march has been withdrawn by the foot-dragging of the Ministry of the Interior (which never, as far as I know, ever denied more than two of 10 requests by reformist groups for permits, but merely stalled and stalled) and the announcement of Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi. Not just the heavy security presence today, but months of suppression and intimidation have disrupted the opposition and put fear into anyone who might dare show dissent openly.

Still some activists --- inside and outside Iran --- are talking of an appearance of protest, despite the risks. Whether that manifests itself and on what scale is beyond my most speculative guess at this point.

Meanwhile....

The Battle Over Neda

Iran's state TV channel IRIB 3 reportedly tried to get in a pre-emptive strike against protest last night with a documentary on Neda Agha Soltan, the 26-year-old philosophy student killed last 20 June by a Basiji gunshot while observing a mass demonstration. No prizes for guessing that the programme would attribute Neda's death to a foreign scheme to discredit the Iranian regime.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rKJf7dVnMo[/youtube]

However, IRIB's effort was pre-empted in turn --- at least on the Internet --- by a new 33-second clip of her last moments. (Warning: Graphic)

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jk3sAI2nKRI[/youtube]

Political Prisoner Watch

RAHANA, complementing Internet chatter, writes that Iranian official in the Prosecutor General’s Office have warned student activist Majid Tavakoli, detained since 7 December, that "they have the power to do anything to him". The threats allegedly followed the publication of two letters sent by Tavakoli from Evin Prison, “For Change” and “We Will Build the Future.”

4 June Fall-Out

Massoumeh Ebtekar, Vice President in the Khatami Government, has written on her blog about last week's disruption at the ceremony for Ayatollah Khomeini, when his grandson Seyed Hassan Khomeini was shouted down by hecklers and had to cut short his speech: "This is another sign, in the long string of events in recent years, that indicates a serious rift and distancing with the original line and thought of Imam Khomeini, now led by a minority that wills to cling to power by any means possible."