Article

2003-06-12 Iran

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Posted by Frank G 2003-06-12 12:50 pm|| || Front Page|| [5 views since 2007-05-07] Top

#1 More than half the population of Iran is under 25. They're the ones most affected by being ruled by old men with long beards. They're also the ones most likely to fight. They'll either have to have an outside enemy, or they'll attack those making their life miserable in their own nation. I wouldn't be surprised if the mullahs don't try to stir up something to divert attention from themselves. US assets in that area of the world need to be on hightened alert until this activity either fizzles out, or there's a major change within Iran.

Posted by Old Patriot 2003-06-12 14:00:56|| 2003-06-12 14:00:56|| Front Page Top

#2 More than half the population of Iran is under 25. They're the ones most affected by being ruled by old men with long beards. They're also the ones most likely to fight. They'll either have to have an outside enemy, or they'll attack those making their life miserable in their own nation. I wouldn't be surprised if the mullahs don't try to stir up something to divert attention from themselves. US assets in that area of the world need to be on hightened alert until this activity either fizzles out, or there's a major change within Iran.

Posted by Old Patriot 2003-06-12 14:00:57|| 2003-06-12 14:00:57|| Front Page Top

#3 This is even bigger than the protests about six months ago:

Radio Farda correspondent Siyavosh Ardalan has been closely following the two nights of protests. "What happened is that many of the students went beside the fences separating the university from the outside and started chanting slogans against the security forces and the Islamic vigilantes who were standing outside," Ardalan said. "And then many of the students, those who were more daring, broke through the fences and went in the street and began setting on fire tires and chairs and tables they had brought out from the university. And some of them had also gone on the rooftops of governmental buildings and private homes and began throwing rocks and Molotov cocktails."

Ardalan says that during the street clashes, students also took three Islamic vigilantes hostage. The students say they will only release them if the police free students who were arrested.

"This whole saga has ended up in a hostage-taking situation where, for the first time in a show of force by the demonstrating students, and also in a show of organization, the students took hostage three of the Islamic vigilantes that they were having scattered scuffles with throughout the night. They have not been released, and a few of the reformist MPs have gone to talk to the students to convince them to release them, [and] this is the first time we are witnessing this development."

The Iranian intelligence minister announced that 18 people were arrested on the first night of the protests. The protests began with demonstrations against reported government plans to privatize elements of the state-run university system -- something the students fear might increase their currently low tuition costs. But the anger over the reported changes quickly escalated into a sweeping criticism of the regime.

[...]

Ansari says the protests this week appear to be converting popular disillusionment into direct demands that Khatami step down. The protestors chanted "Khatami, Khatami, Resign, Resign" as they also shouted slogans against Khamenei and the rest of the establishment.

Posted by growler 2003-06-12 17:51:27|| 2003-06-12 17:51:27|| Front Page Top

#4 This is not related to the entry it's under, but the Post and Article link seems to be gone.
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In Japan: Four suspects arrested for allegedly selling missile technology to Iran
Four people have been arrested in Japan for allegedly exporting equipment to Iran, which could potentially be used in the production of missiles.

The suspects worked at a car production company in the capital of Tokyo, AP reported. Among the four arrested is the companyâs 68-year-old president.

According to Tokyo police, the company is suspected of exporting without a license, industrial machines that are used, among other things, in the production of solid fuel, which is used in missiles. (Albawaba.com)

Posted by growler 2003-06-12 17:58:03|| 2003-06-12 17:58:03|| Front Page Top

#5 Ardalan says that during the street clashes, students also took three Islamic vigilantes hostage. The students say they will only release them if the police free students who were arrested.

Bravo! About time!

These brave kids have been protesting and turning the other cheek for years while these vigilante bastards with big sticks beat them black and blue. I would have broken down and hit back 6 or 7 protests ago. It appears that our presence in Iraq has made them bold enough to take a REAL stand.

I hope these vigilante bastards are pissing and crapping in their pants at this very moment.

Posted by Ptah 2003-06-12 19:58:45|| [www.crusaderwarcollege.org] 2003-06-12 19:58:45|| Front Page Top

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