Opinion: Iran's mullahs have overstepped the mark. . .

[WillieW]

http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,4365277,00.html


The protests in Iran over the presidential election show no sign of abating. There are reports that people have been killed and pro-reformists arrested. DW's Sybille Golte says the situation is almost out of control.

For years, any form of opposition in Iran occurred behind closed doors. The norms and taboos set by the mullahs were ignored - privately and secretly. Only those Iranians living in exile dared to overtly challenge President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Those pro-reformists within Iran had gradually turned into a toothless tiger.

With the mullahs' backing, Ahmadinejad enjoyed a free hand to impose his will across the country. Sharia law was implemented to the letter, including the persecution of religious minorities, executions, whippings, stonings and a crackdown on press freedom.

Last but not least, there is the regime's nuclear policy which has led to increasing international isolation