The Heritage Foundation - Leadership for America

The Foundry

Mourning in Iran

Tens of thousands of Iranians are demonstrating for the sixth day in protest over the disputed outcome of last week’s presidential elections. Opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi requested that the demonstrators dress in black as a sign of mourning over at least seven protesters who have been killed by the regime’s security forces.

While the regime continues to evict foreign reporters and impose restrictions on news coverage, it has sought to defuse the potentially explosive situation by announcing that the Guardian Council will meet with presidential candidates to hear their complaints about the election.

Intelligence Minister Gholam-Hossein Mohseni Eje’i said it is the ministry’s responsibility to arrest and prosecute members of “some groups which enter public rallies and attempt to cause unrest and chaos.”

Meanwhile, in Washington, D.C., angry Iranian-Americans took to the streets Wednesday night to demonstrate in front of the Russian Embassy in protest over the warm welcome that Russian President Dmitry Medvedev accorded to Iranian President Ahmadinejad during his trip to Russia on Tuesday.

  • Author: James Phillips
  • Interact: Sphere
  • Share This
  • Print This Post

10 Comments

June 18, 2009 J.C. Hughes, Texas writes:

Iran’s recent election did succeed in highlighting that fact that their 30 year old theocratic regime is nothing more than a sham.

June 19, 2009 E. Waxman, NY writes:

Has anyone reported on “The Democracy Next Door”–i.e., the dynamic influence of the ongoing transformation of Iraq on its neighbors and their people’s aspirations for self-determination.

History’s recognition of President Bush’s vision and fortitude will be forthcoming in time–maybe sooner than we think.

June 19, 2009 Lynn B. DeSpain writes:

This is what happens in every Country when the Civilians are unarmed. Why don’t we just give them some arms and have a real Democratic vote?
Hozro

June 19, 2009 John, Singapore writes:

By the tone and tenor of his words, Iran’s supreme leader shows his utter lack of consideration and compassion even for his own people who have legitimate grievances to vent. I can foresee that when the country has nuclear weapons, he and his cohorts will behave like kings of the earth to other governments. Beware, world!

June 19, 2009 April, Colorado writes:

Think it through… If President Obama starts threatening the Allatolah and Ahmadinejad, what do you think their responses will be? Don’t you think that they will use ALL military force to stop the protesters?! They will need to “save face” by quelling the resistance. Tough talk from the President of the United States will cause the Iranian dictators to prove their powerful control over their people. The headlines will be filled with reports of massacres and terrible violence against the civilians of Iran. President Obama has to act with extreme caution during this time. If you are concerned about the loss of life, then you will understand the need for America to proceed with cautious diplomacy. Let’s hope that the protesters continue their fight. Time for the religious leadership in Iran who chant “death to America” and “death to Israel” to be unseated by their own people.

June 19, 2009 Leith Wood, Virginia writes:

Wake up Mr. Obama and loudly support the very brave demonstrators in Iran. Americans are always behind those who stand up for freedom and we let them know it. That is what real America not a facist country is about.

June 19, 2009 Tricia, Arizona writes:

I believe that Iran’s dictators are threatened by a democratic Iraq, but the Iranian people are hopeful for a democracy of their own. Freedom to be….Speaking of freedom, our own administration is in the process of limiting our freedom…They are walking all over our Constitution…Beware America, This president is in favor of dictating. Freedom is worth fighting for and fighting to keep… I am so proud of the people of Iran who are willing to fight and even to die for their rights. Freedom is everyone’s right.

June 20, 2009 elizabeth sorrells, California writes:

I am so proud of the Iranian people standing against the Hilter of our time. The one who I am ashamed of is our own president of the United States that will not even orally support those people. But what do you expect when in this country he is trashing our constitution which he swore to uphold? May the American people wake up and see that freedom is worth fighting for and get themselves educated in regards what our founding fathers laid down for us which has made us the greatest nation in history.

June 20, 2009 elizabeth sorrells, California writes:

I appreciate the Iranian people. They are rising up to speak for their freedom to get rid of the Hilter of our time in their government. I am ashamed of our own president that will not support their endeavor. May the Iranian people not be discouraged but encouraged in what the Lord will do for them.

June 20, 2009 April, Colorado writes:

You can get a copy of President Obama’s recent speech in Cairo online. No other president has stood up for the Muslim people like President Obama. I don’t think that it is any coincidence that he gave that speech prior to the Iranian elections. He must act with extreme caution when dealing with the Ayatollah and Ahmadinejad. If he gets tough with the dictators now, he could be escalating the violence against those who are protesting. If you are concerned about the loss of life in Iran, then you will understand that cautious diplomacy is what is needed.

I’m so relieved that we now have a president in office who thinks about the ramifications of his words before speaking.

Leave a comment

Comments are subject to approval and moderation. Commenting is a privilege, not a right. Please keep it clean and stay on topic. Personal attacks and obscene language will not be tolerated. Essentially, don’t say anything you wouldn’t say to your mother at the dinner table.

Sign up for Morning Bell Email

Archives

Heritage Poll

Recent Visitors

Search The Blog