Tomorrow There Will be Blood

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Khamenei calls the election an "aboslute victory" and threatens violence for usurpers of the peace. While this is a very big development, it is unfourtunately not a surprise. Amnesty international released a statement stating that the sermon "indicates the authorities' readiness to launch violent crackdowns if people continue to protest which may cause a widespread loss of life." This thing is going to take a turn for the worst, but there is a silver lining.

To anyone paying attention, the only outcome was Khomenei's inevitable condemnation of dissedents and a resounding confirmation of election results. To actually have an investigation would uncover what the people already know, Khamenei and his government rigged the election to maintain the political power in their country. Taking any stance other than hardline, would weaken the Ayatollah's position. The only solution he sees to this problem, is to crack down on protestors before they get the idea in their head to overthrow the government entirely. One Iranian student, sobbing on the phone after hearing the sermon, was quoted as saying "tomorrow there will be blood". Indeed, if the protestors march tomorrow, with no permits and the latest rebuke from the supreme leader, the Basij will show no restraint at all. The clubs will be traded for guns, and innocent people in search of a better life will die. Such are the begginings of revolution in a country starved for freedom.

Congress passed a resolution today, 450-1 condemning the Iranian government's coming crackdown on it's people. While house Republican's meant it as a veiled slight towards Obama's position on Iran, they fail to realize that now is near to the right time to take a stance. Once a full blown revolution breaks out in Iran, we can support the opposition, but we should do it quietly. Through logistics and intelligence, not through hot headed rhetoric that looks good for the cameras. Many prominent republicans agree with Obama's approach to Iran (as does one of the former hostages from 79), Kissinger, Peggy Noonan, Dick Luger, and the list goes on. A side note to show-boating Republicans: please drink a nice tall glass of STFU.

That will be all. Much more to come today, so much to write about. Stay posted.

Kissinger Backs Obama's Iran Strategy

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

Straight from Henry Kissinger. After I get some sleep, I will be writing an article on why asserting ourselves in Iran at this moment would be disastrous for US foreign policy, security and interests abroad.

"I think the president has handled this well. Anything that the United States says that puts us totally behind one of the contenders, behind Mousavi, would be a handicap for that person. And I think it's the proper position to take that the people of Iran have to make that decision.
Of course, we have to state our fundamental convictions of freedom of speech, free elections, and I don't see how President Obama could say less than he has, and even that is considered intolerable meddling. He has, after all, carefully stayed away from saying things that seem to support one side or the other. And I think it was the right thing to do because public support for the opposition would only be used by the -- by Ahmadinejad -- if I can ever learn his name properly -- against Mousavi."

After I get some sleep, I will be writing an article on why asserting ourselves in Iran at this moment would be disastrous for US foreign policy, security and interests abroad.

Iran Protest Videos-Thursday Rally

Friday Bloody Friday

Image by .faramarz via Flickr

It is starting to look like the government is going to try and make an example of dissidents today in Iran. In an article by the New York Times:

The vigilantes plan to take their fight into the daylight on Friday, with the public relations department of Ansar Hezbollah, the most public face of the Basij, announcing that they planned a public demonstration to expose the “seditious conspiracy” being carried out by “agitating hooligans.”

I cannot say I am surprised. I imagine the Supreme Leader's sermon will be the queue for the Basij to implement whatever plan they have in store. I am sure the sermon will have a macabre symmetry, with the Ayatollah preaching about the swift justice of god against those who would question their divinely appointed leadership or something equally assanine.

New Video Shows Basij Attacking Protestors

Latest video out of Iran. Protestors stand their ground.

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Allahu Akbar

It is well into the late night /early morning in Iran, hundreds of thousands still fill the streets and alley ways of the nation's capitol. Chant's of the phrase "god is great" fill the dark air, echo off of buildings and resonate with a people's frustration and hope.


For most in the west, there is a mixture of emotion when we hear the words "Allahu Akbar", and unfortunately none of those emotions are positive. For years, through social stigma, media, and our own limited understanding we have come to associate the phrase with radical Islam in the worst caricature of fear possible, witnessing it only in the context of violence, ignorance and hate. We heard it first in 1979, during the Iranian Hostage Crisis, which has since shadowed our entire perception of the region and Islamic faith in general. Over the years we have continued to hear the mantra, in association with acts of horrific inhumanity, and continue to hear the chant of misguided disciples even today in Iraq and Afghanistan. But these represent a rouge minority faction of Islam, twisting and perverting their faith as an excuse to perpetrate violence and progress what is ultimately a political agenda.
Now we see ordinary citizens of Iran, fed up with theocratic despotism shrouded behind a thin veil of democracy, taking to their streets in protest of a government that has suppressed human rights and used Islam as an arm to grasp for lofty political aspirations. They chant the words "Allahu Akbar" into the dry night air, asking for god to give them strength, and reminding their leaders that no President, Ayatollah or government for that matter, is above god. It is not a battle cry, it is a prayer and a plea in this context, and it has historically been the mantra of those who rose up against tyrants, dictators and oppressive forces throughout Islamic history. As time goes on, perhaps the we as Americans can identify with a people's plight for freedom, and respect them for standing up for that freedom. In the end, the number of Muslims in this world that want peace, security and prosperity, far out number those that pander and subscribe to extremist theocratic dogma.