Iran supreme leader calls for calm

[OKNancy]

Source: Al Jazzeera

yatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, has said that the country needs "peace and tranquility" following days of protests over a disputed presidential election.

Delivering a sermon during Friday prayers at Tehran University, Khamenei called on Iranians to keep true to their faith in order not to "go awry".

"When you have peace of mind and soul you can decide wisely ... Today our society is in need of peace and tranquility," he said.

"Since of the beginning of the Islamic revolution, thirty years ago ... various incidents , some of which could have toppled the establishment, which could have brought turmoil to the nation, as you have seen in other nations.

"But in this nation which is moving firmly ... this ship did not find any agitation in stormy sea.

"I do believe with the help of God this nation will reach all of its high objectives."

Read more: http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2009/06/20096195451826600.html

---

More at link.

[MissHoneychurch]

1. He is not moving an inch

It will be interesting to see how the Iranian people will react to that.

[OKNancy]

2. I was going to write "pablum"

From reading what has been written so far, it sounds so weak. Just like most preachers... platitudes.

[MissHoneychurch]

4. And of course

finding the enemies outside of the Iran. What a surprise ... NOT!!

I am scared that the Iranian leaders will use even more force against the protesters. And they will use the excuse "foreign aggressors" as a reason for using violence

[breadandwine]

35. It looks like the clerical regime has blinked and is vacillating and out of political bullets.

It looks as if they don't really know how to stop the uprising and are like deer caught in headlights. It seems they can't really crush the uprising.

[saigon68]

8. Imagine if this "Divinely Appointed" NUT JOB had the Hydrogen Bomb

Too Scary

There were by the way no women in the mob to which he was speaking.( Apparently they are Irrelevant)

And people think the "Divine Right of Kings" is awful.

[Tx4obama]

14. Also...

there were no women in the rally the other day in support of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
Photos of women have only emerged in the rally in support of Mousavi.

[saigon68]

25. Noticed that too

Not surprising for this Hateful Fundamentalist Cesspool

After all they literally (the leadership) MOTHER FUCKERS (No respect for the female who bore you)

[OKNancy]

3. New York Times take on the sermon

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/20/world/middleeast/20iran.html?hp

As another day of defiance and uncertainty loomed in Iran’s capital, many Iranians looked to an appearance by the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who led the national prayer service from Tehran University on Friday. Political analysts said they hoped that the leader would reveal his ultimate intent, indicating a willingness to either appease the opposition or demand an end to protests that followed presidential elections a week ago.

Me: He goes on to blame Zionist media. Ahmedi. was listening. He did more preaching about being spiritual.




.

[Tx4obama]

5. Well...

he should have came out and said that since there was such unrest and irregularities that there would be a NEW ELECTION!
How disappointing ;(

[MissHoneychurch]

7. I didn't expect that to happen

but I expected him to give in at least a bit. To acknowledge the will of the people.

[saigon68]

9. Since God apparently is telling him what to do

He has to follow "The Will of God" (Hmmm where have I heard that?)

[Tx4obama]

20. BUSH ... it was BUSH n/t

[saigon68]

26. NO --- this is Bush

ITS THE CHIMPANZEE --remember him?

The "Bring Em On" simian

[Tx4obama]

6. Iran is ...

a good example of why CHURCH and STATE should be separate.

[saigon68]

10. Separation of Church and State is Fundamental to Liberty

[OKNancy]

11. More: Ayatollah denies election fraud

BBC reporting: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8108661.stm

Iran's Supreme Leader has insisted there was no fraud in the recent disputed presidential elections.
In his first public remarks since unrest sparked by the results, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei voiced support for President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
The ayatollah said Mr Ahmadinejad's views on foreign affairs and social issues were closer to his than those of the other candidates.

[Tx4obama]

12. He

should have acknowledged the irregularities and helped to boot Ahmadinejad out .. now he will have no standing what so ever with the Iranian public --- this will be his downfall.

There is no way in hell that all of those millions of handwritten ballots could have been counted in two hours.

[OKNancy]

13. BBC keeps updating ... here is more

Addressing thousands of people at Tehran University, the ayatollah said "it should become clear what people want at the ballot box not at the street level".
He warned against further street protests and said political leaders would be blamed for any violence.

-------

Responding to allegations of fraud, the ayatollah insisted the Islamic Republic would not cheat.
He appealed to candidates who had doubts about the election result to pursue legal avenues.



.

[Tx4obama]

16. Well then

it looks like the streets of Iran will be covered in blood before it is all over.

[MissHoneychurch]

19. And that is very very scary

[MissHoneychurch]

17. I doubt

that the people will just go home. I expect to see the protestors on the streets again tomorrow.

[dipsydoodle]

24. That's why Mousavi's supporters are off the streets today.

Saturday's protest was arranged yesterday.

[goclark]

106. But I listened to him repeat it again and again and again that there

was not any truth to the concern that it was not a fair and honest election.

~ Nothing to see here --- let's move on~~~~~~~~ :sarcasm:

[JI7]

15. he accused Clintons of burning alive Koresh and his cult

[Tx4obama]

18. Yep...

Janet Reno did do that. I saw it on TV.

[leftynyc]

92. Yeah -Janet Reno

personally lit the match. I think you took a wrong turn on the interwebs.

[David__77]

97. Leaders bear responsibility. That's the Nuremberg precedent.

...

[leftynyc]

98. I believe the Nuremberg

precendent is more "I was following orders" is not an excuse. Koresh started the fire and bears the responsbility for the deaths of his followers. He decided to take on the feds and instead of coming out himself to keep them safe, shot them and burned down the place.

[dipsydoodle]

21. Thought that refered to Yugoslavia

and the death of Muslims there. The translator corrected the words he'd used.

http://www.thirdworldtraveler.com/Yugoslavia/BillClintonsWar_Yugo.html

[Duer 157099]

22. Was Mousavi there?

Wasn't he told that he better show up?

Did he?

[dipsydoodle]

23. I thought he'd said yesterday

that he and his supporters would stay away. It's tomorrow's meeting that he will attend.

[Duer 157099]

27. I had heard that he told his supporters to stay away

and judging by the average age of that crowd, they did.

But it wasn't clear to me whether he himself would show up. Wasn't he threatened that if he doesn't show, he's "out" (whatever that really means)?

[dipsydoodle]

28. I have no recollection of such a threat

and we do have pretty good news coverage of current events in Iran here in the UK helped by the fact we're that much closer to their time zone.

:hi:

[Tx4obama]

29. Nowadays

with Twitter and the Internet .. time zones are not as relevant as they used to be.

[dipsydoodle]

31. That might be largely a matter

of whether or not you're awake at the time an event occurs. :)

[Duer 157099]

30. Hmmmm...

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article6531648.ece

Maybe I took this too literally ("stand beside") lol...

"Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, has told Mir Hossein Mousavi to stand beside him as he uses Friday prayers at Tehran University to call for national unity. An army of Basiji — Islamic volunteer militiamen — is also expected to be bussed in to support the Supreme Leader."

[dipsydoodle]

32. I watched it live

and didn't notice Mousavi so I actually don't know whether he was there or not. I only noticed Ahmadinejad once.

I had said I had no recollection....

[Duer 157099]

34. I was looking for him but didn't see him

Oh well, we'll know soon enough whether it mattered

:hi:

[dipsydoodle]

38. I think its tomorrow's meeting

which is important rather than today's. I think its with the Grand Council along with the other parties.

[OKNancy]

33. It was posted yesterday

I had doubts.. I believe the source was the UK Times

EDIT: I should have read before posting.. Post 30 has the link to what I saw.


.

[dipsydoodle]

37. OK

Nancy :)

[OKNancy]

36. Here we go.. no he wasn't there

The reformist presidential challenger, Mir Hossein Mousavi, was conspicuous by his absence from Friday prayers at Tehran University, where Khamenei was making his first public appearance since controversially endorsing Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's election as president.

With the crowd chanting "Death to the US," Khamenei praised the president as "hardworking" and dismissed the idea that the election might have been rigged.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jun/19/iran-elections-ayatollah-ali-khamenei

[MissHoneychurch]

39. "With the crowd chanting "Death to the US,""

tells you everything ....

[OKNancy]

41. I read on Andrew Sullivans blog

one of the twitters he posted said they said death to England.. not the US..

Who knows.??

Here is a copy and paste of a few:

http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/

what's gonna happen now? :-|

At least we know there is won't be any compromise.

feel worried and desperate after Khamene'i's speech. he said it's ppl's responsibility if any violence happens now on. shoot.
Iran's supreme leader rejects vote fraud claims,describing Pres Ahmadinejad's election win as definitive


After every few sentences, people have to shout "Death to England!" nobody mentions US ;)

I think Khamenei was right that West doesnt know Iranians.They dont know Mideast at general,& thats y they have issues in Iraq

Khanemei: Problem of Our enemies is that they still do not know Iranians.

Khamenei: "The idiots thought Islamic Republic of Iran is like Georgia! Where are you comparing Iran with?!"

[MADem]

99. The entire Green movement boycotted that asinine, totalitarian scolding.

But Ahmadi the shit eater was there in his Members Only white jacket. Asshole.

[Turborama]

40. Guardian: Khamenei warns protesters to stay off streets

Supreme leader insists presidential election was not rigged and tells demonstrators they will be held accountable

Haroon Siddique

guardian.co.uk, Friday 19 June 2009 11.15 BST

Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, remained defiant today in the face of vote-rigging allegations as he condemned the protests that have rocked the country since last week's disputed elections.

Speaking at Friday prayers, Khamenei claimed that the high turnout at the elections showed how much the Iranian people supported the regime, and warned protesters to keep off the streets.

The reformist presidential challenger, Mir Hossein Mousavi, was conspicuous by his absence from Friday prayers at Tehran University, where Khamenei was making his first public appearance since controversially endorsing Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's election as president.

With the crowd chanting "Death to the US," Khamenei praised the president as "hardworking" and dismissed the idea that the election might have been rigged.

"The Islamic republic will never manipulate votes and commit treason," he said. "The legal structure in this country does not allow vote-rigging." He said that vote-rigging to the extent of the 11m votes in the official results was impossible.

=snip=

Khamenei said people were "wrong" to think they could influence the establishment by taking to the streets.

"Arm wrestling in the street must stop," he said. "I want everyone to put an end to this. If they don't stop this … they will be held accountable for all of this."

He insisted that it was "natural" for people to support different candidates but that the foreign media was responsible for portraying supporters of Mousavi as opposed to the Islamic revolution.

"Enemies try through various media, and some of these media belong to the Zionists … they try to make believe that there is a fight between supporters of the opposition and the Islamic establishment," said Khamenei. "They have no right to say that, that is not true."

Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jun/19/iran-elections-ayatollah-ali-khamenei

Over the paragraph limit but this is historic stuff and really hard to edit.

[Tx4obama]

42. If Bush was president

and they were chanting "Death to the US," like they are now ... then Bush would send in the troops and bomb ALL of them.
Thank God that we have President Obama ;)

[GoesTo11]

43. Translation: Khameni DARES protestors to take to the streets.

They've been photographing and identifying protesters already. Iranians who openly supported Mousavi are already screwed, so they'd better just go for it. Nothing to lose but their future chains. At this point, if it doesn't escalate, it means the Iranian people chickened out. They will get the government they deserve, either way.

It would be really cool, by the way, to see Khameni get the Ceaucescu treatment.

[saigon68]

44. Actually the Mussolini "Treatment " would work too

[Flaneur]

103. Is cheering for the lynching of political figures within DU guidelines?

Newbies want to know.

[Javaman]

45. first he pisses them off by saying the elections were fair then he tells them to calm down?

obviously, he is a master of diplomacy. :eyes:

[tomm2thumbs]

46. Supreme Leader Calls Iran Election Fair

Source: NY Times

In his first public response to days of protests, Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, sternly warned opponents Friday to stay off the streets and denied opposition claims that last week’s disputed election was rigged, praising the ballot as an “epic moment that became a historic moment.” ... He said opposition leaders would be “held responsible for chaos” if they did not end the protests. His remarks seemed to deepen the confrontation between Iran’s rulers and supporters of the main opposition candidate, Mir Hussein Moussavi, who have accused the authorities of rigging the vote.

<snips>



Speaking in front of an audience of thousands that included President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, he endorsed the president’s policies and insisted that the margin of victory — 11 million votes — accorded to Mr. Ahmadinejad in the official tally was so big that it could not have been falsified. “How can 11 million votes be replaced or changed?” he said.

“The youth are confused. Being away from spirituality has caused confusion. They don’t know what to do,” he said.

He said the June 12 elections had been a “great demonstration of responsibility by our nation” and its 85 percent turnout had shown “the hand of the Lord of ages supporting such a great development. This is a sign of God’s mercy for this nation.”

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/20/world/middleeast/20iran.html?hp

---

A taste of the remarks - see article for more

[grannie4peace]

47. bs

[tomm2thumbs]

48. perhaps the question should be 'how can 11 million+ votes be counted so fast...

think he got the questions all screwed up - but frankly he looks like an old shop teacher who just happens to have the key to the tool cabinet. Watching the video live this morning did nothing to dispel the thought that he has any idea of what is going on.

[Soylent Brice]

71. EXACTLY.

i'd LOVE to hear an explanation for that.

and here's my favorite part:

“The youth are confused. Being away from spirituality has caused confusion. They don’t know what to do,”

really?

well...

[bdamomma]

81. it is not only the youth who are protesting, there are some prominent

people who do not believe these results.

[Kolesar]

49. Kings like to tell the masses that they rule by divine right

“The youth are confused. Being away from spirituality has caused confusion. They don’t know what to do,” he said.

And kings reinforce the religious orthodoxy because it increases their power. One dares not to defy the will of God.

That's the way it worked before the enlightenment.

[OKNancy]

50. duplicate

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x3930041

article already posted

[tomm2thumbs]

52. entirely different article, different take and an American-based source

I trust you will examine the differences carefully

[OKNancy]

54. I posted it within the article

It is the same subject matter which is his speech.
It's the same topic:
3. Do not post duplicate topics about news events that have already been posted. Please note that we are very strict about duplicates in the Latest Breaking News forum. Multiple discussion threads about the same topic are not permitted. If you would like to share a new article about a news item that is already being discussed, please add it to the thread that is already open on that topic.

[tomm2thumbs]

55. then please feel free to censor/close this thread

[DRoseDARs]

57. OKNancy is in the wrong here. There most certainly CAN be different threads citing different sources

She's been here more than long enough to know better than this.
Edit: Hmm, on second look, I may have jumped the gun. Sorry 'bout that.

[tomm2thumbs]

59. I think she is correct

Although in reading the article, I do believe it falls into the 'blatantly biased sources' category because if you read both, you will see the influence Al Jazeera has put on the article - mentioning nothing of the issues mentioned in the NY Times article. They appear to be covering two entirely different events and I think this smacks of their biased view on covering a religious event to which they might be held accountable as an implied voice of Islamic issues. IMHO

[DRoseDARs]

66. Thought exercise: What if the first LBN thread on a breaking story was always from FOX News...

You can be damn sure threads citing other sources on the same event would be allowed. ;)

OKNancy came on a little strong (or rather, a bit rude to my eye). I believe the spirit of the rule is to disallow LBN threads being posted citing the exact same story from the same source, not multiple threads covering the same story each citing different sources. This is all moot anyway, the mods usually just combine threads to control LBN clutter.

[tomm2thumbs]

69. I thought she was well intended & your comments were equally supportive

thanks for noting the Fox News thought exercise - I think that is a good point and appreciated the gesture

[OKNancy]

72. I was well intended

I love LBN. I like that things aren't all spread out. I was an LBN mod for over 2 years..
Anyway, I did post the NYTimes article within the thread ( 30 minutes before your post) and several other sources.

This hasn't been combined because it's on the home page and the mods can't combine threads if it's on the home page.

Anyway, I posted Al Jeezera because it was first with the news. As far as Fox is concerned.. yup.. people can post Fox as a source.

I'm a little obsessive about LBN... so sorry if I came off as rude.


.

[DRoseDARs]

75. On the FOX News thing, you misunderstand me...

I mean that if THE VERY FIRST THREAD posted in LBN on any given event somehow ALWAYS managed to be sourced from FOX News, this would not be well-tolerated. As a former mod, you know damn well you'd be nuking that shit right quick. ;)

I'm not saying people can't or shouldn't post from FOX News (though really, they shouldn't), I'm presenting a hypothetical scenario wherein FOX News-sourced threads were always first out the gate and the probable response to those shenanigans.

*Sigh* Why am I being so pedantic about this? It's 6am and I'm going to bed (yes, I'm a night owl). Good... night? :-\

[Turborama]

96. It's from ""Al Jazeera English", not "Al Jazeera". There is a big difference.

I don't want to cause a fight but I'm a bit of a pedant about this misconception.

(edit, typo)

[GoesTo11]

51. Looks like Iranians will have to pay a price if they want change

If they don't step up now, they can pay the price of dictatorship for another generation. Or maybe it's true that the majority of them really would rather chant "Death to US"

[liberal N proud]

53. That is supposed to make a questionable election legitimate?

[shadowknows69]

61. Worked for the Republicans here

"Bush won. Get over it."

[sufrommich]

63. "Get over it" is not quite the same as "shut up or die". nt

[shadowknows69]

64. You don't think it would have become that if we were still in the streets a week later?

In the millions like we should have been?

"You're either with us or against us" (paraphrased) sounds like threatening language to me.

If we had tried to actually force a new election here we would have had Kent State X 100s.

[Wizard777]

56. Iran's Reply: "Death to the Dictator!"

I'm guessing they want a recount. :shrug:

[SkyDaddy7]

58. I guess this is what they call a "Defining Moment in History"

...This is not good.

[shadowknows69]

62. We live in "Interesting Times"

[SkyDaddy7]

73. YES WE DO!!!

I have followed politics for a long time...And it seems like since the beginning of the Presidential Primaries last year it has been non-stop "WOW" "I can't believe this is happening!!"

I wish the best for the Iranian people but it does not look good for them right now.

I am trying to get useful info through twitter but it is really hard to tell what is legit...

Check this story out!!!

http://blogs.abcnews.com/theworldnewser/2009/06/abcs-jim-sciuttos-twitter-account-hijacked-by-pro-iranian-messengers.html

[shadowknows69]

60. And how's that working out for you Ayatollah?

You had a million people in your streets yesterday, and if they really want freedom they'll come for you and decide that they, not Allah, should be in control of their destiny.

[DCBob]

65. Twitter is overloaded -- can even get in.

There must be total outrage among the people over this. This could get very ugly.

[SkyDaddy7]

74. Have you seen this story...

http://blogs.abcnews.com/theworldnewser/2009/06/abcs-jim-sciuttos-twitter-account-hijacked-by-pro-iranian-messengers.html

[bdamomma]

82. on the BBC news Iranian people on Twitter were very upset with the

Supreme Leader and what he said.

[DCBob]

67. I think this was a last gasp attempt by Khamenei to calm the masses with threats.

I don't think it will work. The latest out of Twitterville is the protests will continue. I think eventually the leadership will give in to a new vote. I just cannot imagine the Iranian leadership sending in the tanks to save Ahmadinejad.

[crim son]

68. Good. Anybody with doubts about the guy's link to divinity

is going to recognize he's a sham. Fewer believers is a good thing in the long run.

[DCBob]

70. This pathetic desperate moron even brought up the Branch Dividians case...

as proof America has it's own human rights problems. I suspect most young Iranians did not even have a clue what he was talking about.

[AverageJoe5]

76. Relevance of Branch Davidians case

I didn't listen to the Ayatollah's speech nor have I read it, so I don't know the context in which he used the Branch Davidians case. But I am guessing his point was that violent protests happen in other countries also, and security agencies have to use force to quell those violent protests, as the U.S did in the Branch Davidians case. So it's hypocritical of American officials to condemn Iranian security agencies for using force to restore law and order in the face of violent protests which include the burning of buildings and throwing rocks at police.

[tomm2thumbs]

77. welcome to DU !!!

[Odin2005]

78. “The youth are confused." No, Mr. Khamene'i, you are the confused one.

Drop dead!

[tomm2thumbs]

79. Scary notes from LA Times article

'At the sermon's end, Khamenei began lamenting his physical condition and weeping, a move which made the throngs of dignitaries and Basiji militiamen gathered before him weep in response. Observers said Khamenei's gesture, similar to one he made during the height of 1999 student protests, was a call for his loyalists to crack down on the demonstrators.'

That's definitely a strange way to call for a crackdown - I guess it is sort of the 'you are making God cry' routine. Disgusting.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fgw-iran-khamenei-speech19-2009jun19,0,664593.story

[bdamomma]

80. this is not what the people needed to hear. oh boy this is not right at all.

[Joe Chi Minh]

83. Saw two luminaries of the

I think, and to my astonishment, one of them said it obviously WAS a fair election. In fact, polls beforehand had indicated an enormous majority in favour of Ahmadinadjeb.

And the other luminary, who was evidently for Moussavi and his Armani anarchists, didn't dispute the validity of the result or its scale, but simply claimed that Ahmadinajeb had run a very corrupt campaign, citing among his vicious shenanigans, "giving potatoes to the poor"! I kid you not. His very words.

Well, now, why would the poor have gone out in great numbers to vote for Ahmadinadjeb? That's a knotty conundrum, if ever there was one. I reckon Messrs Ahmadinadjeb and Chavez should compare notes. You all seem raving lunatics, or kindred disoriented Republicans, who've somehow landed up here on DU.

[EFerrari]

100. I saw a clip of Robert Fisk last night on al Jazeera

and he said it's likely that Ahmadinejad did win but not by a landslide. The problem is that the people feel slighted, he said. And, I think I agree with him.

Ahmadinejad did work hard to reduce poverty in Iran.

[Joe Chi Minh]

115. Deleted in favour of message, Prancing Horse.

[Javaman]

84. he just gave the protesters a giant reason to go on...

nothing like pouring more fuel on the fire.

This will not end will for anyone involved.

However, after the smoke clears maybe Iran be a little less intense and allow more freedoms. So I guess in a way, it will end will, but not before more tragic deaths.

[jefferson_dem]

85. Iran's top leader warns of protest crackdown

Source: AP

By ALI AKBAR DAREINI and NASSER KARIMI, Associated Press Writers Ali Akbar Dareini And Nasser Karimi, Associated Press Writers – 59 mins ago

TEHRAN, Iran – Iran's supreme leader said Friday that the country's disputed presidential vote had not been rigged, sternly warning protesters of a crackdown if they continue massive demonstrations demanding a new election.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei sided with hardline President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and offered no concessions to the opposition. He effectively closed any chance for a new vote by calling the June 12 election an "absolute victory."

The speech created a stark choice for candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi and his supporters: Drop their demands for a new vote or take to the streets again in blatant defiance of the man endowed with virtually limitless powers under Iran's constitution.

Pro-Mousavi Web sites had no immediate reaction to Khamenei's warning and no announcement of any changes in a protest planned for 4 p.m. Saturday.

Khamenei accused foreign media and Western countries of trying to create a political rift and stir up chaos in Iran. Iranian leaders often blame foreign "enemies" for plots against the country, but Khamenei's comments suggest Iran could remain cool to expanding dialogue with the West and the offer of opening talks with Washington.

"Some of our enemies in different parts of the world intended to depict this absolute victory, this definitive victory, as a doubtful victory," he said. "It is your victory. They cannot manipulate it."

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/ml_iran_election

[tomm2thumbs]

86. I hope they are smart about it vs. blatantly walking undefended into some kind of military action

it would be horrific if the younger generation was wiped out by the older generation to purge the ranks of what they feel is unGodly protests.

[SkyDaddy7]

87. This is scary...

From what I can tell on Twitter the 4pm march for Saturday is still on...I guess we will know tomorrow what will happen?

[bdamomma]

88. the Supreme Leader rather side in with Ahmadinejad than the

people? that is sad but predictable, or he could just recount the votes, which were not all counted, that is my two cents.

[Bette Noir]

89. This is where we find out whether we're talking about

the Berlin Wall or Tianenmen Square.

[msongs]

90. the islamic dictators have now spoken - there is no republic in Iran nt

[IrishBuckeye]

91. Iran: Khamenei's speech gives legitimacy to police brutality, warns Amnesty

Iran: Khamenei's speech gives legitimacy to police brutality, warns Amnesty

Posted: 19 June 2009

This morning's speech by Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, indicates the authorities' readiness to launch violent crackdowns if people continue to protest which may cause a widespread loss of life, Amnesty International said today.

Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui, Deputy Director of the Middle East and North Africa Programme, said:

'We are extremely disturbed at statements made by Ayatollah Khamenei which seem to give the green light to security forces to violently handle protesters exercising their right to demonstrate and express their views.

'If large numbers of people take to the street in protests in the next couple of days, we fear that they will face arbitrary arrest and excessive use of force, as has happened in recent days, particularly as permission for a demonstration to be held in Tehran on Saturday 20 June has been denied.'

'For a Head of State to put the onus of security on peaceful demonstrators and not on the security forces is a gross dereliction of duty and a licence for abuse.'

In a televised address to the nation during Friday prayers in Tehran, Ayatollah Khamenei called for an end to street protests against the outcome of the election. Instead of warning security forces, including the volunteer Basij militia, to act with restraint and in accordance with the law, he said that if people continued to take to the streets, the consequences would lie with them.

Peaceful assembly is expressly permitted under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which Iran is a state party. Law enforcement officials must use force only when strictly necessary and to the extent required for the performance of their duty. They must not use firearms unless strictly unavoidable and in order to protect life. Law enforcement personnel must exercise restraint, minimise damage or injury and respect and preserve human life.

http://www.amnesty.org.uk/news_details.asp?NewsID=18265

[otohara]

93. Stay Calm or Be Shot

oh Supreme Leader, that's no way to promote "peace & tranquility"

You sound more like Diana Ross of the Supremes:

Reach out and touch
Somebody's hand
Make this world a better place
If you can
Reach out and touch
Somebody's hand
Make this world a better place
If you can

[OKNancy]

94. More fallout from the "sermon"

Foreign Office protests after Khamenei singles out 'evil Britain'

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jun/19/khamemei-iran-protests-diplomat

Iran's ambassador to London was summoned to the Foreign Office this morning after the country's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, singled out Britain as Iran's foremost enemy. In his speech during Friday prayers, Khamenei played on the historic suspicions many Iranians have of Britain by hinting at its involvement in the demonstrations and describing it as "the most evil" of foreign powers.

He held up the Westminster MPs expenses scandal as a prime example of the corruption which he said was rife in many western countries.

Then he unleashed a thunderbolt – a warning not to be wooed by foreign enemies.

<snip>

The mention of Britain triggered chants of "Marg bar Ingles" (Death to Britain) from the ranks of worshippers.

Brown intensified his criticism of Iran's handling of the election dispute today.

[newspeak]

95. On MSNBC last night

they showed in the outlying areas, that one town had 132% voter participation, another over 120% and another over 100%. So, how valid is the information on NBC? Because if participation was over 100%, we know there's some shenanigans going on. Ahhhh, reminds me of our good ol' elections back in 2000 and 2004.

[Dark]

114. Not only that, but one of the reform candidates only had 300,000 votes. He had 400,000 working

his campaign.

And they actually expected the Iranians to swallow this crap?

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

101. Rich.

:rofl:

[ohio2007]

102. 7:30 to 10:30 US eastern time tomorrow morning is the wake up call

That is the time Iranians are going to break the law and hold an unlawful protest

Permission denied for Saturday rallies

No permission has been granted to Iranian Reformist groups to hold a Saturday rally in protest at the presidential election results, says Tehran's governor general.



snip

Iranian authorities have so far refused to authorize rallies, which have been held on a daily basis since the Interior Ministry announced the results only hours after the polls closed.

Saturday's march scheduled to be held from 4 to 7 p.m. (1230 to 1530 GMT). The rally is dubbed 'from Revolution to Freedom'

snip

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/articles/34/Permission_denied_for_Saturday_rallies.html

[Flaneur]

104. Push could come to shove. Ain't brinksmanship lovely?

Unleash the whirlwind...who knows where it will end up.

[ohio2007]

107. OBAMA TELLS IRAN'S LEADERS: STOP "UNJUST" ACTIONS...

First congress eggs on Iran with a vote condemning Iran, now the blogashpere is putting words in Baracks mouth

OBAMA TELLS IRAN'S LEADERS: STOP "UNJUST" ACTIONS...

DEADLY VIOLENCE SWEEPS IRAN...
LIVE REPORTS: Dozens Reported "Severely Beaten," Several Dead... Thousands Of Police In The Streets... Mousavi: I'm Prepared For Martyrdom... AP: Tear Gas, Water Cannons Used On Demonstrators... Video: Authorities Fire On Crowds


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/

[Malikshah]

105. Just wait 40 days (a little less now), Khamenei, you cretin. You obviously

learned squat from the 77-79 Revolution dickwad. You and your Basiji murderers....

It's only going to get worse for you. Peaceful protests work---the bullies time is up.


NOTE: I'm sure the 40 day issue has been raised numerous times already, but I just needed to vent... humor me please. :)

[ohio2007]

108. something going to crawl out of a well in 40 days? or will it wait til the 40th night?

Khamenei's Obsession with the Mahdi

snip

Ayatullah Khamenei mentioned the 12th or "hidden" imam, also known as the Mahdi, several times in his speech at Friday's prayers. After his awkward rant about the Branch Davidians, the mention of the hidden imam was surely the most confusing to many in the so-called West.

The Mahdi is said to have been born in the ninth century and to continue to survive today. Twelver Shi'as, who constitute the majority of Shi'as in Iran, believe that the Mahdi will join Jesus when he returns to rule the earth in peace after a period of great global unrest, war and chaos.

snip

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/melody-moezzi/khameneis-obsession-with_b_218333.html

[Malikshah]

109. No-- just a cultural tradition of commemorating a death-- often takes place 40 days after said death

Folks in Iran commemorated those who were killed in peaceful protests throughout the 70s revolution-- when the commemoration resulted in deaths of the peaceful protesters, the cycle continued. Many loyal to Khomeini politicized the process.

Will be interesting to see if this will happen here.

As for the Mahdi link-- both Khamenei and Ahmadinejad love to be all eschatalogical/millenarian about the whole issue-- If Muhammad al-Muntazar has waited since 874, I think he'll wait a bit longer...

[ohio2007]

111. I wonder if the mullahs will consider ending the annual "DEATH TO AMERICA!!" rally in november

What if people showed up chanting DEATH TO THE DICTATOR by mistake?
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=72e_1245190059
could happen

[devastated1981]

110. In other news, the calm isn't happening... n/t

[ohio2007]

112. Rights group: Injured demonstrators arrested at hospitals

7:42 PM ET -- Rights group: Injured demonstrators arrested at hospitals. "Numerous Iranians beaten and injured by security forces as they tried to stage peaceful demonstrations have been arrested and detained when they sought medical treatment in hospitals," the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran reported today.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/13/iran-demonstrations-viole_n_215189.html

As the rank and file clergy once again lockstep to the iron fist snapping finger

Assembly of Experts expresses strong support for Leader’s guidelines
Tehran Times Political Desk


TEHRAN -- In a statement issued on Saturday the Assembly of Experts expressed its “strong support” for the Supreme Leader’s statements on the presidential elections on Friday.


snip

---------- Armed forces urge people to follow the Leader

The Iranian Armed Forces Headquarters has issued a statement urging all people to follow the definitive guidelines of the Supreme Leader.

The statement added that the nation should be wary about the enemies’ plots.

“The victory of the great Iranian nation in the tenth presidential election… is a glory which should safeguard the country’s security magnificently. Thus, we should not be unaware of the enemies’ plots to destroy this unique capability,” it added






http://www.tehrantimes.com/index_View.asp?code=197201


So ends the fourth day of rebellion.
Will there be a fifth day to this rebellion?

[24601]

113. Here's your fuckin calm, asshole....coddle the balls, stroke the

shaft, smoke the pipe and swallow the gravey. (With credit to Jack Black)