Ahmadinejad wins election

[Durran3]

A backer of Mir Hossein Mousavi helps evacuate an injured riot-police officer during riots in Tehran on June 13, 2009. (OLIVIER LABAN-MATTEI/AFP/Getty Images)













Supporters of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and members of the Basij militia hurl stones towards supporters of Mir Hossein Mousavi who are inside Tehran University on Sunday, June 14, 2009.

[Durran3]

RAW FOOTAGE

YouTube - Riot police caught by crowd - Protests in Tehran after election

YouTube - Riot police caught by crowd - Protests in Tehran after election

Well at least its good to see that the people are still respecting the police who get wounded

[AirforcePilot]

Gunfire Erupts at Iranian Pro-Reform Protests, At Least 1 Killed

Pro-government militia members fired on Iranian protesters during a massive demonstration over the country's hotly-disputed election, killing at least one person and wounding several others.

An Associated Press photographer saw one person shot dead and several others who appeared seriously wounded in Tehran's Azadi, or freedom, Square. The shooting came from a compound for volunteer militia linked to Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard.

Residents reported hearing gunfire in three districts of northern Tehran, Reuters reported.

Tens of thousands of Iranians took to the streets of Tehran Monday, defying a country-wide crackdown with protests against the of last week's presidential election, which declared Mahmoud Ahmadinejad the winner.

Chanting crowds, some wearing green campaign colors, greeted Mir Hossein Mousavi, the defeated candidate in Friday's election, as he slowly moved through the streets on the back of a car.

Security forces watched quietly with shields and batons at their sides.

Later, a group of demonstrators with fuel canisters set a small fire at the compound of a volunteer militia linked to Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard as the crowd dispersed from the square. As some tried to storm the building, people on the roof could be seen firing directly at the demonstrators at the northern edge of the square, away from the heart of the rally.

"There has been sporadic shooting out there... I can see people running here," a reporter from Iran's English-language Press TV told Reuters.

Both Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi, another defeated candidate who appeared alongside him Monday, have lodged complaints that the vote was rigged.


Some of the results — which awarded a record-breaking 25 million votes and 63 percent of the electorate to Ahmadinejad — were announced before the ballot boxes had even been opened.

State Department spokesman Ian Kelly told reporters Monday that the United States is concerned about allegations of ballot fraud.

Kelly described the U.S. government as "deeply troubled" by the events in Iran, taking a stronger stance than Vice President Biden did Sunday, casting doubt on the legitimacy of the election.

• Click here to follow the Iranian unrest via Twitter.

• Click here for photos via Flickr.

When pressed by a reporter, Kelly declined to condemn Iranian security forces for their crackdown on street protesters. He said the U.S. knows too little about the conduct of the election to say for sure whether there was fraud.

The chanting demonstrators had defied an Interior Ministry ban and streamed into central Tehran — an outpouring for Mousavi that swelled as more poured from buildings and side streets.

The crowd — many wearing the trademark green color of Mousavi's campaign — was more than five miles long, and based on previous demonstrations in the square and surrounding streets, its size was estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands.

"I am ready to pay any price to materialize the ideals of you dear people," Mousavi said, speaking though a portable loudspeaker. "People feel their wisdom has been insulted. We have to pursue legal channels to regain our trampled rights and stop this last lie, and stand up to fraud and this astonishing charade."

Mousavi, wearing a gray striped shirt, said his solution was "canceling the result of this disputed election."

"This will have the least cost for our nation. Otherwise, nothing will remain of people's trust in the government and ruling system."

The crowd roared back: "Long live Mousavi."

One placard said, in English: "This is not election. This is selection." Other marchers held signs proclaiming "We want our vote!" and they raised their fingers in a V-for-victory salute.

"We want our president, not the one who was forced on us," said 28-year-old Sara, who gave only her first name because she feared reprisal from authorities.

Also on Monday, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ordered an investigation into allegations of election fraud, marking a stunning turnaround by the country's most powerful figure and offering hope to opposition forces who have waged street clashes to protest Ahmadinejad's re-election.

The decision came after Mousavi wrote a letter appealing to the Guardian Council and met Sunday with Khamenei, who holds almost limitless power over Iranian affairs. Such an election probe by the 12-member council is uncharted territory and it was not immediately clear how it would proceed nor how long it would take.

Election results must be authorized by the council, composed of clerics closely allied with the unelected supreme leader. All three of Ahmadinejad's challengers in the election — Mousavi and two others — have made public allegations of fraud after results showed the president winning by a 2-to-1 margin.

"Issues must be pursued through a legal channel," state TV quoted Khamenei as saying. The supreme leader said he has "insisted that the Guardian Council carefully probe this letter."

[ARSENAL6]

Originally Posted by Joshi

America's plan to bring change in Iranian regime has bitten the dust. It was not a mere co-incidence of usurping of articles related to Iranian regime change in 1960s. Now they are trying to fix something totally out of their hand. Ahmedjinad win IMO, is also the handi-work of anti-Americans in Eurasia, than just the votes. America was sure that Ahmednijad would lose, but some one snubbed them pretty badly. And now they are snuffing & puffing like a street dog.
.
This might well prove to be yet another bolt in America's coffin.

I'm hoping you're right, there's something very sinister about these protests its almost like an revolution that replaced the Shah of Iran 30 years ago. I think the main plan for the US and Israel to replace the Iotollah and put some puppet for Iran in order to stop Iran to require Nukes.

This, makes it easy for both America and Israel to concentrate their attacks on one Nuclear Armed country in that region.

Inshallah Iran will be strong and come out of this new dilemma undefeated as well as emerging to be another nuclear power state.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRwUZ...layer_embedded

YouTube - Iran 1953 (US CIA and UK MI6 sponsored their first Coup in Iran)

YouTube - Iran 1953 (US CIA and UK MI6 sponsored their first Coup in Iran)

YouTube - Nuclear Threat is from Israel NOT Iran.

YouTube - Nuclear Threat is from Israel NOT Iran.

[idune]

Iranians on the street causing violence failed to understand that US-Zion-EU axis is exploiting their act to undermine their long term national freedom. Did Iranian street anarchist think it through what they are asking for?? If their dream come true they will replace current system with a puppet dictator of US-Zion-EU axis. Perhaps, and Iraqi can explain to them how self destructive and repressive that regime could be. Forget about freedom, their life will be at mercy of Pentagon and M16.

Once dust settles, these western interferences will have serious consequences on US wish for any talk.

Perhaps, Obama had already conclude the eventuality that Iran nuclear ambition is non negotiable. And only thing they will try is regime change by planting people like Musavi and exploit people grievances. Grievances, people from any country have, specialy from developing one.

[gambit]

Originally Posted by ARSENAL6

I'm hoping your right, there's something very sinister about these protests its almost like an revolution that replaced the Shah of Iran 30 years ago. I think the main plan for the US and Israel to replace the Iotollah and put some puppet for Iran in order to stop Iran to require Nukes.

This, makes it easy for both America and Israel to concentrate their attacks on one Nuclear Armed country in that region.

Inshallah Iran will be strong and come out of this new dilemma undefeated as well as emerging to be another nuclear power state.

Mmmm...Guess that mean we can now spin conspiracies on how the Soviets engineered that one instead of genuine Iranian anger at the US.

[ARSENAL6]

Originally Posted by idune

Iranians on the street causing violence failed to understand that US-Zion-EU axis is exploiting their act to undermine their long term national freedom. Did Iranian street anarchist think it through what they are asking for?? If their dream come true they will replace current system with a puppet dictator of US-Zion-EU axis. Perhaps, and Iraqi can explain to them how self destructive and repressive that regime could be. Forget about freedom, their life will be at mercy of Pentagon and M16.

Once dust settles, these western interferences will have serious consequences on US wish for any talk.

Perhaps, Obama had already conclude the eventuality that Iran nuclear ambition is non negotiable. And only thing they will try is regime change by planting people like Musavi and exploit people grievances. Grievances, people from any country have, specialy from developing one.

LOL Obama already realise that too he was just pleasing his fellow cabinates.




Gambit Quit with AMerican Arse kissing you silly Indian.

[Desertfalcon]

Street Anarchist? American-Zionist conspiracy? Look, I know that many here will have a different opinion than I do, but I think the reaction to the "election" in Iran by the people in the streets is just an expression of their frustration at the lack of Iranian democracy. The President of Iran doesn't actually lead the country, the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei does. There was no "real" election in Iran, just a show. Yes, the Israeli lobby and their influence in my country is great, but that has as much to do with the Cold War conflicts of the last century as it does the "Jewish lobby" To say that those who wish to have real democracy in Iran are somehow part of a Zionist, or American, or EU conspiracy is wrong. I personally think my country is too pro-Israel, but that will probably never change. We are committed to the development of more representative governments in the Middle-East and a greater emphasis on human rights and economic development, and we are committed to a Palestinian State. If Iran would join with those in the region who are working for the same, instead of openly supporting the terrorists of the region who wish to destroy those efforts, we would have much better relations with each other.

[freeman]

Originally Posted by idune

Iranians on the street causing violence failed to understand that US-Zion-EU axis is exploiting their act to undermine their long term national freedom. Did Iranian street anarchist think it through what they are asking for?? If their dream come true they will replace current system with a puppet dictator of US-Zion-EU axis. Perhaps, and Iraqi can explain to them how self destructive and repressive that regime could be. Forget about freedom, their life will be at mercy of Pentagon and M16.

Once dust settles, these western interferences will have serious consequences on US wish for any talk.

Perhaps, Obama had already conclude the eventuality that Iran nuclear ambition is non negotiable. And only thing they will try is regime change by planting people like Musavi and exploit people grievances. Grievances, people from any country have, specialy from developing one.

.......................... .....................

[idune]

Originally Posted by Desertfalcon

Street Anarchist? American-Zionist conspiracy? Look, I know that many here will have a different opinion than I do, but I think the reaction to the "election" in Iran by the people in the streets is just an expression of their frustration at the lack of Iranian democracy. The President of Iran doesn't actually lead the country, the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei does. There was no "real" election in Iran, just a show. Yes, the Israeli lobby and their influence in my country is great, but that has as much to do with the Cold War conflicts of the last century as it does the "Jewish lobby" To say that those who wish to have real democracy in Iran are somehow part of a Zionist, or American, or EU conspiracy is wrong. I personally think my country is too pro-Israel, but that will probably never change. We are committed to the development of more representative governments in the Middle-East and a greater emphasis on human rights and economic development, and we are committed to a Palestinian State. If Iran would join with those in the region who are working for the same, instead of openly supporting the terrorists of the region who wish to destroy those efforts, we would have much better relations with each other.

There is democracy and there is exploiting people grievances to give illusion of democracy by using locally hired stooges. Look at Karzai, Maleki, late Shah of Iran and many more. Only to advance US-Zion-EU agenda with so called democracy shrink wrap. People from most developing countries know the differences very well.

You can tell typical western propaganda line all you want, with so many examples over many decades, US has zero credibility when it talks about democracy, HR. Be that Obama or any other administration. Please try to live with that.

[gambit]

Originally Posted by idune

There is democracy and there is exploiting people grievances to give illusion of democracy by using locally hired stooges. Look at Karzai, Maleki, late Shah of Iran and many more. Only to advance US-Zion-EU agenda with so called democracy shrink wrap. People from most developing countries know the differences very well.

You can tell typical western propaganda line all you want, with so many examples over many decades, US has zero credibility when it talks about democracy, HR. Be that Obama or any other administration. Please try to live with that.

Now I know where my tax money went. I guess TARP must include Iran as a 'troubled asset' to bail out.

[AgNoStIc MuSliM]

Originally Posted by Desertfalcon

If Iran would join with those in the region who are working for the same,

Who is working for the 'development of more representative governments in the Middle-East and a greater emphasis on human rights' in the region?

Egypt? Saudi Arabia? UAE? Jordan?

All major US allies, and all ruled by dictatorships.

The US may in principle be committed to all you said, but it is only interested in seeing its principles implemented where the status quo may not be in its favor.

The Iranian government is by miles more 'representative' than any of the governments mentioned above, but when was the last time the US media went into a tizzy over Mubarak's oppression of the popular Muslim brotherhood political workers and leadership? Where was the outrage and non-stop coverage of the atrocities and suppression of dissent and speech by the above mentioned entities?

Wolf Blitzer was in a tizzy over one dead body on the streets of Tehran, "BREAKING NEWS ... WARNING WARNING" he was screeching before cutting to the image. How many political opponents do you think Mubarak has had jailed, tortured and killed?

With all due respect, US pontifications about 'rights and democracy' are hogwash. The only thing the US cares about is protecting its interests, and if that can be done through pushing for 'democracy', all well and good. Otherwise any dictator or oppressive autocracy willing to serve US interests will do just fine.

[wtf]

Originally Posted by AgNoStIc MuSliM

With all due respect, US pontifications about 'rights and democracy' are hogwash. The only thing the US cares about is protecting its interests, and if that can be done through pushing for 'democracy', all well and good. Otherwise any dictator or oppressive autocracy willing to serve US interests will do just fine.

I think US gets it more wrong on the initial story than being actively greedy. Look at this story for example.

Ayatollah is actually doing the right thing for the country, but New York Times (a paper I have some respect for) actually thinks that it is a sign of weakness and predicts the Ayatollah will be overthrown.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/16/wo...cleric.html?hp
...
Few suggest yet that Ayatollah Khamenei’s hold on power is at risk. But, analysts say, he has opened a serious fissure in the face of Islamic rule and one that may prove impossible to patch over, particularly given the fierce dispute over the election that has erupted amid the elite veterans of the 1979 revolution. Even his strong links to the powerful Revolutionary Guards — long his insurance policy — may not be decisive as the confrontation in Iran unfolds.
...

[Desertfalcon]

You make a good point Agnostic. I was going to try and post a good rebuttal, but I can't think of one. We did the same in supporting President Zia-ul-Haq as well. We can be hypocrites unfortunately.

[AgNoStIc MuSliM]

Originally Posted by Desertfalcon

You make a good point Agnostic. I was going to try and post a good rebuttal, but I can't think of one. We did the same in supporting President Zia-ul-Haq as well. We can be hypocrites unfortunately.

Which is not to say that other nations do not do the same - Pakistan's support for the Taliban regime was also in pursuit of its national interests for example.

And this may not have been your intent at all, but some Americans get self righteous about the whole 'support for representative government and rights etc. etc.' business, and my point was that the US conducts its affairs primarily out of self interest - just like most other nations, and is not some paragon of altruism and 'values'.

The whole show over Iran in the media is just annoying, for the reasons I mentioned above, hence my rather harsh comments.