The Iranian internal politics and the power struggle are getting more exciting by the day! Today, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamamei formally rejected President Ahmadinejad’s decision to appoint Esfandiar Rahim Mashaie, his son's father-in-law, as his first vice president.
Ahmadinejad’s first major appointment for his second-term cabinet had come under fierce attack by ultra conservatives, led by the influential Kayhan editor, Ali Shariatmadari. The government-owned Press TV reported on 19 July that Mashaie had withdrawn his name. The next day, pro-government websites, including Mashaie’s own website, announced that the “rumors” of withdrawal were propagated by anti-government forces, although the Press TV is a government-owned TV network! Now Khamaenie formally rejects the appointment.
The big looser today is of course Ahmadinejad. He seems to be loosing the support of the far right and increasingly operating in a void, loosing touch with the realities on the ground.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Protests in Tehran
Reports from Tehran indicated renewed demonstrations today on the city’s streets and clashes between the protestors and the riot police at 7-Tir Square in central Tehran.
Twitter entries say demonstrators were chanting anti-government and anti-Ahmadinejad slogans. The police have reportedly arrested dozens of protestors at 7-Tir Square.
Meanwhile, Iran’s police chief, Brig. Gen. Ismail Ahmadi Moqaddam, accused the opposition of “inciting sedition.”
Twitter entries say demonstrators were chanting anti-government and anti-Ahmadinejad slogans. The police have reportedly arrested dozens of protestors at 7-Tir Square.
Meanwhile, Iran’s police chief, Brig. Gen. Ismail Ahmadi Moqaddam, accused the opposition of “inciting sedition.”
Dennis Ross on Iran Options
Dennis Ross, US special envoy on Iran, has raised the possibility of serious containment or using force against Iran if the current impasse over the nuclear program could not be resolved.
In a new book written by Ross and WINEP fellow David Makovsky, “Myths, Illusions & Peace - Finding a New Direction for America in the Middle East,” the authors look at the diplomatic overture toward Iran as as a means to prepare the public for serious actions against the country.
"Tougher policies - either militarily or meaningful containment - will be easier to sell internationally and domestically if we have diplomatically tried to resolve our differences with Iran in a serious and credible fashion," the authors wrote [Reuters, 21 July].
In a new book written by Ross and WINEP fellow David Makovsky, “Myths, Illusions & Peace - Finding a New Direction for America in the Middle East,” the authors look at the diplomatic overture toward Iran as as a means to prepare the public for serious actions against the country.
"Tougher policies - either militarily or meaningful containment - will be easier to sell internationally and domestically if we have diplomatically tried to resolve our differences with Iran in a serious and credible fashion," the authors wrote [Reuters, 21 July].
Monday, July 20, 2009
Khamenei Warns Country’s “Elite” – aka the Opposition
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, told the opposition leaders today not to “disturb” the country’s security. Khamenei addressed them as Iran’s “elite,” warning that they should be cautious in their positions on the post-election turmoil that has gripped the nation since 12 June disputed presidential election.
“Anyone who drives the society toward insecurity and disorder is a hated person in the view of the Iranian nation, whoever he is’” said Khamenei. "Any words they utter, any action they take, any analysis they express [could help the nation's international rivals].
"It is examination day," Khamenei added. "But anyone who flunks the exam cannot retake it the next year. Failing in this exam is not flunking, it is a collapse” [English translation by LA Times, 20 July].
Iran analysts speculate that Khamenei was upset with calls for national referendum on the legitimacy of the election made by Ayatollah Mohammad Khatami. The former president had argued that the referendum would help achieve the goal of restoring trust in the country, a requirement outlined by Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani during his Friday Prayer’s sermon.
Meanwhile, the opposition leader and former premier Mir Hossein Mousavi demanded the release of all protestors detained following the election. Detaining people, Mousavi argued, would not resolve the dispute over the election outcome. His remarks were published shortly after Khamenei’s warning to the country’s “elite.”
Khamenei has the authority under the constitution to order a referendum on any questions deemed important to the stability of the system, including a referendum to settle the current dispute over the presidential election.
“Anyone who drives the society toward insecurity and disorder is a hated person in the view of the Iranian nation, whoever he is’” said Khamenei. "Any words they utter, any action they take, any analysis they express [could help the nation's international rivals].
"It is examination day," Khamenei added. "But anyone who flunks the exam cannot retake it the next year. Failing in this exam is not flunking, it is a collapse” [English translation by LA Times, 20 July].
Iran analysts speculate that Khamenei was upset with calls for national referendum on the legitimacy of the election made by Ayatollah Mohammad Khatami. The former president had argued that the referendum would help achieve the goal of restoring trust in the country, a requirement outlined by Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani during his Friday Prayer’s sermon.
Meanwhile, the opposition leader and former premier Mir Hossein Mousavi demanded the release of all protestors detained following the election. Detaining people, Mousavi argued, would not resolve the dispute over the election outcome. His remarks were published shortly after Khamenei’s warning to the country’s “elite.”
Khamenei has the authority under the constitution to order a referendum on any questions deemed important to the stability of the system, including a referendum to settle the current dispute over the presidential election.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Khatami Calls for National Referendum
In a bold challenge to Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, former president Mohammad Khatami today called for a national referendum on last month’s disputed presidential election. Khamenie has dismissed claims that the election was rigged.
The Islamic Republic constitution does allow national referendums on vital political issues.
“If the majority of people accept the situation, we also will accept it,” said Khatami, referring to a decision made through the national referendum.
Khatami also praised Ayatollah Rafsanjani’s Friday Prayer’s Sermon and said a referendum would help achieve Rafsanjani’s goal of restoring trust in the country.
Call for National Referendum on Disputed Election
The Association of Combatant Clerics (“majma-e rowhaniyun-e mobarez”), a political gathering of moderate/reformist clerics in Iran, today called for a national referendum to settle the current political deadlock over the results of the recent presidential elections.
The constitution of the Islamic Republic does allow national referendums to settle the vital issues and the vehicle have been used in the past. The call by the cleric body, however, represents the first time national referendum mechanism has been suggested to end the political impasse.
Iran Releases UK Embassy Analyst
Iran released the last remaining UK Embassy detainee today. Hossein Rassam, the embassy's chief political analyst, was freed from Evin prison in Tehran on bail. He had been charged with harming Iran’s national security. Eight other embassy employees were also arrested along with Mr. Rassam on 27 June, but were later freed without being charged. Iran was under pressure from EU to release Mr. Rassam.
Mashaie Resigns – Major Setback for Ahmadinejad
Mashaie (right) with Ahmadinejad2008 AP File Photo
Mashaie’s appointment came under harsh criticism by the conservatives, normally allies of Ahmadinejad. They objected to a remark he had made last year saying the Israeli people were friends of the Iranians. The appearance of nepotism (Mashaie’s daughter is married to Ahmadinejad’s son) also did not help his case. Hossein Shariatmadari, the influential editor of ultra-conservative Kayhan, all but doomed Mashaie’s appointment in a harshly worded editorial on Saturday.
With Mashaie’s withdrawal today, Ahmadinejad’s already battered image and influence, after the strong challenge mounted by the reformists and moderates to his re-election, got even worse. The last thing he needed was being attacked by Shaiatmadari and the conservatives on the very first appointment to his new cabinet. He should have expected the reaction from the right to this nomination, but it seems that he may be loosing touch with the realities on the ground.
UPDATE (20 July): Mashaie's website denies he is quitting: "The rumors have been spread by enemies of the government," the website said. Iran's government-owned Press TV had announced the resignation on Sunday.
Yazdi on Islamic Republic
Ebrahim Yazdi, a confidant of Ayatollah Khomeini, who played a key role in establishing the Islamic Republic and who became the foreign minister of the young republic, today warned that the Islamic Republic is following the path of the of the former Soviet Union, being a “strong totalitarian regime with a very high effective but corrupt secret police.”
Yazdi’s comments were published in today’s edition of Asharq Al-Awsat.
“The former Soviet Union collapsed because the leadership moved too late to respond to the demands of the people and implement reform…I believe Iran is following this same path but with two key differences; firstly Iran is not an empire that can be broken up into different republics and countries. Secondly, the collapse of the Soviet Union signaled the end of the Marxist ideology…however Islam will not disappear as Marxism did. Islam is a part of our identity and culture. I am not worried about Islam, for Islam has a God to protect it…however I am afraid for the Republic of Iran and [the fate of] democracy in my country,” Yazdi said.
Yazdi is currently the secretary-general of the Freedom Movement of Iran, one of the parties of Iran's reformist movement.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Don’t Write Off Reformists – Iason Athanasiadis on Rafsanjani’s Sermon
Iason Athanasiadis, the internationally renowned journalist recently released from Tehran’s Evin prison, writes on Rafsanjani’s main message of the sermon delivered at Friday’s Prayer: Don’t write off reformists.
“Intermittent clashes between police and protesters persisted in Tehran tonight after an emotional Friday sermon by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's most powerful political opponent, Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, that has prolonged Iran's political crisis,” writes Athanasiadis in today’s edition of Christian Science Monitor [CSM, 18 July].
Iason Athanasiadis quotes this blogger on the emerging balance of power between the opposition and the government.
"The opposition reaffirmed its strength after enduring a month of relentless attack by government forces, but the government will hang on to power with support from the armed forces and a segment of the more traditional and rural population," writes Nader Uskowi, a Washington-based Iran analyst and president of Uskowi Associates in an e-mail. "Ahmadinejad in his second term will pretend to be the president of all Iranians, and the opposition will assert that they are the future of the country. The future of Iran hangs in the balance."
“Intermittent clashes between police and protesters persisted in Tehran tonight after an emotional Friday sermon by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's most powerful political opponent, Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, that has prolonged Iran's political crisis,” writes Athanasiadis in today’s edition of Christian Science Monitor [CSM, 18 July].
Iason Athanasiadis quotes this blogger on the emerging balance of power between the opposition and the government.
"The opposition reaffirmed its strength after enduring a month of relentless attack by government forces, but the government will hang on to power with support from the armed forces and a segment of the more traditional and rural population," writes Nader Uskowi, a Washington-based Iran analyst and president of Uskowi Associates in an e-mail. "Ahmadinejad in his second term will pretend to be the president of all Iranians, and the opposition will assert that they are the future of the country. The future of Iran hangs in the balance."
Friday, July 17, 2009
"Death to Russia!"
The official loudspeaker suggesting slogans to people at Friday's Prayer, and people responding with their own slogan!
Official: Death to America
People: Death to Russia!
Official: Death to Israel
People: Death to Russia!
Official: Death to England
People: Death to Russia!
Official: Death to Hypocrites
People: Death to Russia!
Mousavi and Karrubi at Friday's Prayer
Opposition Leader Mir Hossein Mousavi at Friday's Prayer(seated, middle, facing camera)
Tehran. 17 July 2009
ISNA Photo
Mehdi Karrubi at Friday's Prayer
Loosing His Turban In a Confrontation with Security Forces
Tehran Protests
Enghelab Blvd. Tehran. 17 July 2009
Tehran. 17 July 2009
Tehran. 19 July 2009
In Front of Ministry of Interior (in charge of the election). Tehran. 17 July 2009
Police Using Tear Gas Against Protestors
Loudspeaker: Death to America - People Responding: Death to Russia!
Tehran. 17 July 2009
Tehran. 17 July 2009
After Friday’s Prayer
Eyewitness reports from Tehran:
After Rafsanjani’s sermons, hundreds of thousands of people, mostly Mousavi supporters, staged a walk on the surrounding streets. Enghelab, Valiasr, Keshavarz and all side streets were completely packed.
People began walking towards Valiasr Square. On Valiasr Stree, cars joined the protesters, honking and cheering them on.
On the loudspeaker a man began shouts of "Death to America," which the crowd, overwhelmingly pro-Moussavi supporters, responded "Death to Russia."
Everyone walked in unison with peace signs in the air, chanting for Mir Hossein Moussavi.
As the crowd wound towards Keshavarz Boulevard, the security forces were out in full force. On both sides of the Boulevard riot police were stationed, as were plainclothes militia and the Basij in black, all carrying batons. The anti-riot police also had big automatic guns.
Vans were parked to take protesters to jail. But the protesters continued on.
People walked passed the security forces flashing the peace sign in their faces, and turning to them, shouting: "Ya Hossein, Mir Hossein" and "Death to the Dictator."
After Rafsanjani’s sermons, hundreds of thousands of people, mostly Mousavi supporters, staged a walk on the surrounding streets. Enghelab, Valiasr, Keshavarz and all side streets were completely packed.
People began walking towards Valiasr Square. On Valiasr Stree, cars joined the protesters, honking and cheering them on.
On the loudspeaker a man began shouts of "Death to America," which the crowd, overwhelmingly pro-Moussavi supporters, responded "Death to Russia."
Everyone walked in unison with peace signs in the air, chanting for Mir Hossein Moussavi.
As the crowd wound towards Keshavarz Boulevard, the security forces were out in full force. On both sides of the Boulevard riot police were stationed, as were plainclothes militia and the Basij in black, all carrying batons. The anti-riot police also had big automatic guns.
Vans were parked to take protesters to jail. But the protesters continued on.
People walked passed the security forces flashing the peace sign in their faces, and turning to them, shouting: "Ya Hossein, Mir Hossein" and "Death to the Dictator."
Friday’s Prayer in Tehran: Sermons and Protests
Rafsanjani Delivering Friday's Prayer SermonsTehran. 17 July 2009. Getty Images
Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani today delivered the sermons at Friday’s Prayer in Tehran, calling for the release of the detainees of the post-election uprising in Iran and an end to restrictions on free press and freedom of expression. He said the country was in midst of a crisis and expressed hopes that today’s service was a turning point for future change in Iran.
Tens and probably hundreds of thousands of people filled the streets around the University of Tehran, the venue of Friday’s Prayer, and chanted slogans calling for release of political prisoners and in support of opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi.
The massive show of force by the opposition supporters was a major setback for the government.
The police used tear gas and batons to break out the crowd of people on nearby Enghelab and Keshavarz avenues.
Highlights of Rafsanjani’s sermon:
Tens and probably hundreds of thousands of people filled the streets around the University of Tehran, the venue of Friday’s Prayer, and chanted slogans calling for release of political prisoners and in support of opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi.
The massive show of force by the opposition supporters was a major setback for the government.
The police used tear gas and batons to break out the crowd of people on nearby Enghelab and Keshavarz avenues.
Highlights of Rafsanjani’s sermon:
- Country is in midst of a crisis
- Today can be a turning point for change
- Detainees of recent events should be freed
- Sympathy must be given to those who have suffered during the recent events
- Creation of a political atmosphere of respect for freedom of expression and freedom of press
- IRIB [the state-owned broadcasting system] should help create an atmosphere of tolerance and freedom
- The period following the election was “bitter” days for people… all parties were losers
- People need to work within the existing laws
- If the Islamic Republic is not Islamic, then we will go wrong; if it is not a Republic, then it would not work
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Karrubi to Attend Friday’s Prayer
Mehdi Karrubi will join Mir Hossein Mousavi at Friday’s Prayer service in Tehran tomorrow. Ayatollah Rafsanjani will be the Friday Imam and will deliver the sermons. The supporters of the opposition are expected to show up in large numbers. Meanwhile, Iran’s ministry of information (the country’s domestic intelligence agency) has warned against disturbances during and after the service.
The decision by Mousavi and Karrubi to attend, and their call on their supporters to do same, can potentially transform the routine Friday’s Prayer service into a show of force by the opposition.
Rafsanjani is not expected to criticize Ahmadinejad by name, but he might attack the government's heavy-handedness in suppressing post-election protests that has left more than 100 people dead. He might also demand the immediate release from prison of more than a thousand demonstrators detained during post-election demonstrations.
Normally, Friday’s Prayers, even the ones led by Ayatollah Khamenei, the country’s supreme leader, attract crowds in low 5 figures. If more than 100,000 people turn up tomorrow in support of Mousavi and Karrubi, then the gathering would become a major victory for the opposition and a serious setback for the government.
The decision by Mousavi and Karrubi to attend, and their call on their supporters to do same, can potentially transform the routine Friday’s Prayer service into a show of force by the opposition.
Rafsanjani is not expected to criticize Ahmadinejad by name, but he might attack the government's heavy-handedness in suppressing post-election protests that has left more than 100 people dead. He might also demand the immediate release from prison of more than a thousand demonstrators detained during post-election demonstrations.
Normally, Friday’s Prayers, even the ones led by Ayatollah Khamenei, the country’s supreme leader, attract crowds in low 5 figures. If more than 100,000 people turn up tomorrow in support of Mousavi and Karrubi, then the gathering would become a major victory for the opposition and a serious setback for the government.
Iran Nuclear Chief Resigns
Qolam Reza Aghazadeh
IAEO Chief Resigns. Tehran. 16 July 2009
Qolam Reza Aghazadeh, the director of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, has resigned.
ISNA today confirmed the report, adding that Aghazadeh had submitted his resignation to President Ahmadinejad in late June, a week after the disputed presidential election.
Israeli Warships Sail Closer to Iran
Israel's Eliat Class Saar FiveTwo frigates have passed through the Suez Canal
Israeli defense officials have told Times of London today that Israel's recent deployment of warships across the Red Sea should be seen as serious preparation for an attack on Iran.
"This is preparation that should be taken seriously. Israel is investing time in preparing itself for the complexity of an attack on Iran. These maneuvers are a message to Iran that Israel will follow up on its threats," the official was quoted as saying.
Two Israeli Eliat class Saar Five missile warships and a Dolphin class submarine capable of launching a nuclear missile strike have sailed through the Suez Canal in the past ten days in preparation for a possible attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities, The Times reported.
There were unconfirmed reports that units of Sayeret Matkal, Israel’s Special Forces, have also been transferred to a mock training facility near Eliat in preparation of an eventual attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
"This is preparation that should be taken seriously. Israel is investing time in preparing itself for the complexity of an attack on Iran. These maneuvers are a message to Iran that Israel will follow up on its threats," the official was quoted as saying.
Two Israeli Eliat class Saar Five missile warships and a Dolphin class submarine capable of launching a nuclear missile strike have sailed through the Suez Canal in the past ten days in preparation for a possible attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities, The Times reported.
There were unconfirmed reports that units of Sayeret Matkal, Israel’s Special Forces, have also been transferred to a mock training facility near Eliat in preparation of an eventual attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Mousavi to Attend Friday's Prayer – Tensions Growing in Tehran
Qalam news website reports that the opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi will attend the Friday’s Prayer which will be led by Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani [Qalam, 15 July 2009].
Mousavi, in a letter published in Qalam, declared his readiness to join his supporters in attending the service, characterizing the move as the best way to protest the “unjust” suppression of the freedoms by the government.
It is expected that Mousavi supporters will also attend the gathering, potentially creating a protest atmosphere on Tehran streets after the service.
Countering the opposition, Hossein Shariatmadari, the influential editor of the ultra-conservative Kayhan, in an editorial to be published in Thursday's edition of the newspaper, has called on government supporters to attend the prayer services as well and has instructed them to chant pro-Khamenei slogans, such as “Khamenei, we are your soldiers; Khamenei, we are at your command!” [Kayhan, 16 July 2009].
Iran Jet Crash Kills 168 - Crash Site Pictures
From Top to Bottom:- Press TV announcing the crash
- IRNA photo
- ISNA photo
- ISNA photo
- National Identity Cards found at the site. ILNA photo
- A Caspian Airways Tupolev 154M similar to the plane that crashed near Qazvin
The original post on the crash.
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