Latest from Iran (1 November): Is This the Opposition's Moment?

NEW Video: Sharif University Protest (1 November)
NEW Video Flashback: Ahmadinejad v. The Giant Flying Bug
NEW Iran: More 13 Aban Videos
NEW Video: The Mothers of Martyrs March (31 October)
Iran: Mousavi Statement for 13 Aban Demonstrations (31 October)
Video: Tonight's “Allahu Akhbars” at Sharif University (30-31 October)
The Latest from Iran (31 October): Karroubi to March on 13 Aban

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2100 GMT: A Hold-Up of the Telecommunications Privatisation? Mehr News reports that Iran's General Inspection Organization has said uncertainties remain in the purchase of the Telecommunications Company of Iran (TCI), submitting its report to a Parliamentary committee for further investigation.

Three Iranian firms, part of a consortium named Etemad Mobin Development, bought 50 percent plus one share of the company for $7.8 billion on 20 September. There are claims that the Revolutionary Guard is a hidden partner in the consortium.

2050 GMT: Mr Smith adds to the news (1530 GMT) that Mehdi Karroubi restated his claims of election fraud in a meeting today. Karroubi was actually meeting the leadership of Daftar-Tahkim-Vahdat, the student organisation who supported him in the Presidential campaign and whose leaders, Ahmad Zeidabadi and Abdollah Momeni, are currently in jail.

2030 GMT: More on Hengameh Shahidi. After some uncertainty this afternoon over her announced release on $90,000 bail, the Karroubi advisor was able to leave after more than 120 days in detention, including 50 in solitary confinement. There are reports that she has been transferred to hospital following her hunger strike last week.

We have been identifying Shahidi as a lawyer. Mr Smith checks in to correct us: she is a prominent journalist and war correspondent.

1550 GMT: "Other" Larijani Jumps In on Nuclear Issue. Sadegh Larijani, head of Iran's judiciary and brother of Speaker of the Parliament Ali Larijani, has jumped into the discussion on the nuclear negotiations, declaring that they were not beneficial to Iran.

That's a pretty blatant political move, given that uranium enrichment isn't exactly a judicial responsibility. So is this now a Larijani axis against President Ahmadinejad on the issue of "engagement" with the West?

1540 GMT: Crackdown? The Western media are excited over a statement from Iran's deputy head of police Ahmad Reza Radan, "The police will act against any illegal gathering on the 13th of Aban." Even Britain's Sky News, which rarely notes internal Iran developments, hails this as a "Top Story".

We're playing wait-and-see. It was inevitable that the police would react to this week's 13 Aban declarations with law-and-order warnings. More significant will be any threats from Government leaders or the Revolutionary Guard.

1530 GMT: Mehdi Karroubi, speaking to the Central Council of University Alumni, claimed that votes were "rationed" in the Presidential election. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was allocated 25 million votes while Karroubi was allowed only 330,000.

1505 GMT: Iranian Labor News Agency is reporting that Karroubi advisor and lawyer Hengameh Shahidi, who has been on hunger strike in Evin Prison, has been released on $90,000 bail. Iranian activists are saying, however, that Shahidi has not appeared in front of the prison, where her family is waiting.

1500 GMT: Reformist political activist Behzad Nabavi has appeared in court today. After requesting an open trial, Nabavi, suffering from ill health throughout his four-month detention, was transferred to hospital.
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1450 GMT: And the Protest Videos Keep Coming. We've posted the latest, from Sharif University latest.

1425 GMT: Grand Ayatollah Sane'i has issued a statement inviting people to participate in rallies on 13 Aban (4 November). Sane'i warned that tyrants and autocrats should well know that the Iranian nation, by its strong resistance and by participation in the events of 13 Aban, will unveil and neutralise hidden and secret plans made against the rights and interests of the people.

1415 GMT: According to Iranian Labor News Agency, the head of  Friday Prayers Committee, Seyed Reza Taghavi, has declared that Hashemi Rafsanjani will not be leading Tehran's prayers in the near-future.

1200 GMT: The Coordination Council of the Reform Front has issued a statement inviting all people to demonstrate on 13 Aban (4 November). The Council condemned the post-election trials and heavy sentences imposed on protesters and expressed deep regrets and sorrow of “examples of promoting organised violence”, such as the assaults against Mehdi Karoubi and Alireza Beheshti at the Tehran Media Fair.

1135 GMT: Video Flashback. To honour President Ahmadinejad's defiance of his "mosquito" enemies, we have posted the video of his 6 July post-election speech, during which he battled a Giant Flying Bug.
1115 GMT: Ahmadinejad v. The Mosquito. Unsurprisingly, Western media are buzzing about the President's statement this morning, "While enemies have used all their capacities ... the Iranian nation is standing powerfully and they are like a mosquito."

No one, unfortunately, is interpreting what exactly mosquito-swatting means. Go beyond the metaphor, and Ahmadinejad is maintaining his strategy --- set out in his speech on Thursday --- of continuing talks by framing them as Western concessions to Iran's strength: "Given the negative record of Western powers, the Iranian government ... looks at the talks with no trust. But realities dictate to them to interact with the Iranian nation."

0945 GMT: State Media Endorses Khatami?

Really. Press TV gives a full and positive description of former president Mohammad Khatami's Saturday statement to reformist university groups (see yesterday's updates). The headline is "We Will Remain Critical of Power" from Khatami's assertion, “We will continue to stay critical of the current power trend, of course within the framework of a movement that supports Islam, the Islamic Republic and the [1979] Revolution.”

How can Press TV embrace the opposition leader? First, it emphasises that Khatami is calling for criticism within the system. Then it takes the sting out of Khatami's targeted criticism of "some deviations which must be set right with.. religious and Revolutionary principles", never mentioning that this is directed at the current Government. So Press TV can endorse Khatami's assurance that the Reformist movement denounces violence “by all means”, while ignoring the specific meaning of his declaration that "certain other parties endorse it as the basis of their thoughts and actions".

0900 GMT: Islamic Republic News Agency reports that the Russian Ambassador to Iran is continuing to press Tehran to accept the third-party enrichment deal for its uranium stock.

Does this state media report indicate the Ahmadinejad Government is still keeping the door open for talks? And, if so, how far?

0810 GMT: Profiles of the Day. Homy Lafayette writes about Mehdi Karroubi's advisor, journalist, and women's rights activist Hengameh Shahidi, who is on hunger strike in Evin Prison. Shahidi has been detained since 30 June.

And Borzou Daragahi of the Los Angeles Times picks up Wednesday's story of the maths student, Mahmoud Vahidnia, who challenged the Supreme Leader.

0800 GMT: A very good day for the Green opposition yesterday. Mir Hossein Mousavi took over the news cycle with his statement anticipating the protests of 13 Aban (4 November), and then Mehdi Karroubi announced that he would be joining marchers at Amir Kabir University on Wednesday. Meanwhile, amidst the in-house fighting over the nuclear talks with the "West", there was little of note from the regime.

A quiet morning so far, so we've posted other signals of the opposition momentum. There is video of the Saturday gathering in Tehran's Laleh Park of the mothers of those killed and detained, and we have the latest examples of the videos promoting the 13 Aban marches.

Comments

[Anahita]

@Megan

Do you have a link for these audio files?

[Barry ward]

From about 1933 to 1945, a terrible evil lived in Germany. Some of the German people supported and were part of this evil - and others merely allowed it to exist. The World did not want to confront this evil - until finally it realised that it had to. The only way that the evil could be defeated was by massive invasion and war - and unconditional surrender on the part of the Germans (both those that supported the evil and those that did not).

The situation in Iran today echoes the circumstances of Germany around 1933 - after Hitler was made Chancellor.

If the evil that exists in Iran now is not confronted now, then history will repeat itself.

[Megan]

Anahita,

Yes, here is the link: http://www.zandiq.com/pandiq/0000000003.shtml

There are 10 audio files. These audio files have been recorded during a training seminar held following the aftermath of 18 of tir massacre at student dormitory at Tehran University in 1999. Yet when you listen to them you will see they used the same training manual and the same tactics in 2009.

In this two-day training seminar participants are taught how to gather and disseminate information to central government for effective quelling of any dissent long before it becomes a protest. It tells them bluntly and forcefully that their heads will roll if a protest pops up in their city due to their ineffectiveness. It teaches participants how to monitor candidates (left or right leaning) for elected offices so that the government can discredit and shut down their campaign efforts before they get elected. It tells the participants how to collect information on publishers/ editors of newspapers that are not friendly to the government so the government can discredit them as foreign agents and shut them down. It mentions how to monitor and collect information on clerics and politicians and student leaders, etc. It tells them how to control crowd and to remove dead bodies and hide them until demonstration has been put down. The speaker in audio file # 6 specifically talks about how they removed the bodies of students who were killed on 18 Tir 1378 (jelly 9, 1999) to a secret locations until after they had quelled demonstration.

Tape # 1 in detail discusses a video tape taken during the attack on student dormitory at Tehran University and in Tape # 7 you hear the speaker stating that government had paid a student to film the clash. In order word government has infiltrated the movement deeply and successfully.

Tapes # 7 and #8 reveals how government has its secret agents planted in the crowd to lead the demonstration to certain routes where security forces are waiting for them. The instructor/speaker also states that they paid students to film protest at university and use the tape to arrest and convict protesters. They also brag how they recruited and paid photographs working for newspapers that were not friendly with the government and have them work (for some quick cash) as under-cover photographer for the government.

In audio file # 5, the person conducting the session makes fun of those who want to start a dialog with the U.S. (He may be referring to Khatami who was president in 1999). He outlines several conditions that U.S. has to meet before any discussion for example dissolution of CIA, NATO closing of all U.S. military bases around the world, annihilation of Israel, and few others.

You hear these thugs bragging and sharing their success stories. You hear the head of security for Central Government bribing the trainees with promises of lavish trips with no shame.

As i said before, though this two-training was held 10 years ago we have witnessed the use of same tactics and then some this year.

[Arshama]

Barry,

This regime came to power in 1979, and its first "Fuehrer" was Khomeini. Though I agree with you that the world should confront these rotten structures, obviously you have forgotten the past 30 years. Meanwhile a new generation has grown up in Iran, which proves to be resistent to all political and religious indoctrination.
What we see today, started with Khatami's victory in 1997 and student's protests ten years ago. Resistance has now spread to the core of Iranian society.

[Barry ward]

Arshama

I believe I know where you are coming from - however, I see the past 30 years in Iran to be somewhat analagous to the 20 years in Germany from 1916 to 1933. It took a long time for the evil to grow in Germany, aided by the people of Germany - and the evil that is now well entrenched in Iran after 30 years, has also been aided by the people of Iran.

Analogies always fall over somewhere - and my analogy is perhaps faulty.

However, it is said "What you sow is what you will reap" - and this applies to the Iranian nation. Perhaps, and hopefully, it is not too late for the Iranian nation to lance their own boils. But, if not, I fear, it will be left to others as has happened before.

Barry

[Bill Davit]

Hossein,

I am actually aware of Taqiyya and it is something I believe the regime has literally practiced religiously. As your aware under Sharia it is permitted to dissemble in order to protect ones faith. The issue with the regime in Iran is that they have taken it to new heights. All the evidence shows the regime believes, just as Proffesor Crocodile does, that the people are just sheep. In their mind they are gods instrutments on earth and all is permitted to protect and uphold the system. Thus the lies and deception because they believe their word, Gods word in their minds, is all that matters not the people. The contradiction is the system is man made and not divine dispelling any true regard they have for God. The system is not to be worshiped over God and in Iran it is the system that is worshiped more than anything else. I would have to imagine God would be quite upset if you knew what this regime was doing just to hold onto power. Least of all lets not forget what the revolution first said 'we came to power because the Shah would not listen to the people.' Whos is not listening now?

Incidentally it is the concept of Taqiyya that has me worried about Iran's nuclear ambition. If a regime is bold enough to lie to, beat, kill, and rape it's people there is no telling what their ultimate goal is with nuclear technology. This is especially worrisome consider the stock of Uranium Iran wants to keep stockpiled despite being over a decade away from every using it for energy production. All the best to you and my hope is Iran will become a free republic one day. A republic that cherishes the history of Cyrus the Great who was the first put into code Universal Human Rights!!

thx
Bill

[Hossein]

BILL
Point well taken. It is scary to know that the regime in Iran will have an atomic weapon soon. Indeed the are capable of using it too. Believe me, we all know this. The phony statements made by the Leader that Islam does not allow for such weapons is an incredible example of taqiyyeh (taqiyya in the Arabic pronunciation) and is a blatant lie. The pundits in the West must wake up from their anti U.S. outdated simplistic ideology and take a good look at the real danger here. It is certainly NOT the U.S. nor NATO, but the Islamic regime in Iran fits the bill well. We know this, and now the majority know this, too. Believe me, we also know very well what has in fact been stated, often behind so called "closed doors" but in Iran there are always ways for the utmost secrets of state to get out. Someone has a friend who has a friend, or a man has a lover who has a friend, etc., and that is how we get the real news. The regime wants nuclear power and will not stop in any way, and they even beleive they will get away from using it. They do say, among themselves, that the West will be too bound by procedure and by by shock to do anything. They may be right, but I certainly hope not. I am scared to be very hone3st with you BIll.

Thanks, we are so passionately working for the day we will be freed of the mafia control of Iran, of the rapists, the killers, the deceitful few who very cleverly took over when the rest of us were either too naiive or fooled.

[Megan]

Hossein,

It is with great anticipation that we have started the countdown to 13th of Aban. If you and your friends can, please call www.epersianradio.com on 13th of Aban and let us bear witness to bravery and courage of our friends in Iran. The phone number for this radio station is on its website.

This radio station is operated by Iranians and is heard across the world. They broadcast events in Farsi live and uncensored. For example on Quds day people in Iran called on their mobile and we could hear you changing Quds day to Free Iran day. We were cheering you on as you were making the regime to hang its ugly head down in shame. CNN in Atlanta, Georgia even called this radio station for update. If it is safe and if it is possible please call and report the events as they unfold.

May God protect you and all of our brothers and sisters in Iran.

[Bill Davit]

Hossein,

No thanks needed but welcome in any event. I do not judge your or Iranians any different than others. When I see injustice I speak up and in this case I have done so as well. Your comments are a "bright positive light" in an otherwise bleak story coming out of Iran at the hands of the regime. Like you I vehemently protest the self loathing liberal left in the West that have the audacity to defend the regime. This liberal left does not realize if this same regime was governing them all their liberal values/laws they want would be thrown out overnight. I often like to point out to them how in the early days of the revolution the left helped the islamists only to be betrayed and killed off in the thousands afterwards. The regime used them just like it tries to do to you and your fellow Iranians today. The sad fact is in face of the nuclear issue the cause of the Iranian people has been largely ignored. What amazes me is the fact that the regime would never have even negotiated on the nuclear issue if the domestic problems were not so severe--if only the liberals really knew why the regime is even open to talks. I sinceraly wish you the best and I believe if you remain true to your cause things will get better. You cannot igonore tens of millions of people and hope to stay in power! My prayers will be with you, your family, and friends of the Green Wave. Free Iran!!!!!

Thx
Bill

[Hossein]

Thank you. We must bring about the end of the barbarian despots. The brutality on the streets of Iranian cities today will go down in history as yet another indication of how Zahhak is killing the youth. Freedom will live and freedom is our cry.

[Hossein]

Among the slogans of the Green were "Iran does not want an atom bomb"; "death to nobody!" and "Iranian Republic" all of which are clear indications of a new sense of being in Iran. The West should lend this moral support and stop Kowtowing to the IR. Please!

[Adam]

Hossein,
I and many other Americans are confused. Many Iranians in Iran and Iranians living in America are saying that the best thing America can do is stay out of Iran's internal affairs as making this about America would hurt the Green movement. Obama seems to think this is the case.
On the other hand, I see video of Iranians saying "Obama you're with us or you're with them", implying that the US should get involved.
The only way to settle this really is to covertly get in touch with Mousavi and Karroubi and ask them what they want the US to do. If they say to get involved, get involved. If they say to stay out and let it be purely internal, then stay out. I hope that is what the US government is doing but who knows.
Anyway, as a private citizen of the United States, what can I do to help the greens?

[Clive Rasey]

You can challege the leaderships lies on PressTV website
You can question the role of the Guardian Council in Iran.
You can ask why if George Bush will accept the restraint of just two terms in office with an election after four years then people of Iran have no real choice over their leader.
The Supreme Leader in Iran as never had to face a popular vote - he is appointed. He has the real power.
**
You can point out how Irans leaders are using the Palestinian conflict, in the same way that that rulers in Europe used the Crusades in the Middle Ages.
It helps them distract people from things that are wrong in Iran.
**
You can remind people in Iran of their fine ancient culture. They do not have to accept this present childish primitive leadership.
You can show how far from being an Islamic Republic this present regime brings disgarce to both Iran and Islam.
**
You can remind people in the USA, Europe and elsewhere that there are Muslims and Iranian citizens who are cultured and inteligent and have a vauable place in the modern world.

[Hossein]

You should read reports like this one, they speak of millions on the streets, which ma or ma not be accurate, but the sentiment of the people is clear they are vehemently against the IR:

http://ina-newsagency.com/News-Details.aspx?newsId=28348&back=1

See also videos like this one and you will get a glimpse of what people feel:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srUPTnX82hE