"...as a staunch atheist I find myself shouting Allah Akbar..."

[Undercurrent]

Like most DUers, I have been closely following the unfolding events in Iran. This morning I'm sad. I had been hoping, against hope really, that things would progress with the clerics, and consequently the Iranian government. But that is not to be. The struggle will be much more difficult. And much more bloody.

The updates at HuffPro have been quite good, and the statement by a reader in Iran (second update below), an atheist, mirrors my own feelings.

(And the referance to Waco is creepy.)




11:48 AM ET -- Khamenei referenced Waco. Near the end of his speech: "Even inside America, during the time of the Democrats, time of Clinton, 80 people were burned alive in Waco. Now you are talking about human rights? Well, I believe that the officials of America and EU should feel some embarrassment, shouldn't say anything like that."



10:54 AM ET -- An Iranian, unafraid (and suddenly religious!) From a reader in Iran:

despite the "leaders" words today I and I'm sure many others will be going out tomorrow...I never took much heed in what he had to say in the past and still don't. there are many in my family who fear for my safety when I go out as I'm only here for 9 more days. my answer for them is that it is my responsibility to march against an unjust regime...hell as a staunch atheist I find myself shouting Allah Akbar in the streets.



10:33 AM ET -- Report: Iranian soccer players suspended. NIAC translates a tweet from an Iranian source they trust: "The soccer players who were wearing green wristbands in the Iran-South Korea game have been suspended."

And fresh signs of resistance:

Iran's Seda o Sima (State TV) internet site was hacked today. The title was changed to state: "When will killing brothers end?" Below is states: "Mr. Ahmadinejad, how long do we have to stand these images? The kids of the people are getting killed day by day. How long do you plan on carrying out this carnage? For the sake of power, you have stepped on the dignity of the nation. What will be next after you have killed and scarred the kids of this land?"


The website is currently down.



10:20 AM ET -- "Suppresion is imminent." "'The situation in Iran is now critical - the nation is heartbroken - suppression is imminent,' tweets one widely followed Iranian Twitter user and Mousavi supporter."

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

[Ian David]

1. Flying Spaghetti Monster is Great!

هیولای اسپاگتی پرنده بزرگ است
Flying Spaghetti Monster is Great!

[Undercurrent]

2. hehe

Yup. That too.

[Wanet]

3. Did you two read this post?

This isn't funny. People are being killed.

[Undercurrent]

5. Duh! I Wrote I posted the OP.

.

[Undercurrent]

7. typo edit:

Scratch "Wrote"

[Ian David]

6. Yes, I know. And I've been doing my part to help.

But come on, man...

Flying Spaghetti Monster!

[Undercurrent]

9. Yes.

I'm sure there are very few people who are not upset, sad, or at least very concerned about the authoritarian wall thrown up in front of the brave protesters. But a little humor never hurt, and was in not bashing the protesters, or did it diminish their struggle.

Even as a firm, life long atheist I'm a very tolerant person. The shouts of Allah Akbar heard all across the cities of Iran after nightfall is inspiring. Not in a religious sense, but in a political one. It's a statement of unity, and shared strength.

[Ian David]

10. Agreed. n/t

[ZombieHorde]

4. *Looks to the left, looks to the right, steals line*

[quantass]

8. LOL! Bad me for laughing..