Iran Erupts?

National Review Online's "The Corner" section ^ | 3/16/2004 | Kathryn Jean Lopez

[WarrenC]

IRAN ERUPTS? [Kathryn Jean Lopez]

Secondhand, from an Iranian:

I am listening to KRSI (Radio Sedaye Iran) right now. There are many Iranians calling (from Tehran, and Gorgan, etc.).

All reports indicate that almost every neighborhood in Tehran is on fire. People are throwing home-made bombs, Molotov cocktails, etc. into the homes of mullahs, and burning pictures of Khamenei in complete defiance of his recent edict to mourn during the month of Muharram.

Background: Khamenei delivered a declaration (not really a fatwa, although some say it was) to Iranians to honor the month of Muharram, which started about two weeks ago, and to mourn and not have any parties of merriment. Well, the problem is that the Iranian New Year (Nowrouz), March 20th (totally non-religious and cultural event -- although Zoroastrian in origin) falls in the middle of this, and Iranians were enraged about this edict.

Tomorrow is the last Wednesday of the Iranian calendar year (called Chahar Shanbeh soori), and traditionally Iranians burn small bonfires and jump over them and celebrate the ending of the old year and welcome the new.

As a measure of defiance of Khamenei's Islamic Rule, and in celebration of ancient (non-Islamic) Persian customs, Iranians have taken to the streets in complete defiance of Khamenei's edict, saying that they will 'burn the mullahs out of their homes'. They are celebrating Chahar Shanbeh Soori. There are huge bonfires, bomb-throwing, merriment and the welcoming of the last days of the mullahcracy. In their own way Iranians are making a huge statement.

You can listen to the news yourself (in Farsi of course) everyone is very happy and celebrating defying the mullahs and burning of Khamenei's picture and trying to burn all mullah's houses. There are people calling from all over Tehran, from Gorgan, and northern provinces... It is amazing!

Posted at 04:12 PM

[WarrenC]

There are two more links related to Iran on NRO's "The Corner" section just above this post by Ms. Lopez.

[cmsgop]

FREEDOM! It's whats for Dinner!

[texasflower]

I love to hear these stories. I wish I understood Farsi!

These brave people are giving their rulers fits!!

[Integrityrocks]

Wow. Never underestimate the power of the people... especially when you tell them the party is off...

[Alamo-Girl]

WOW! What wonderful news!

[johnfrink]

The fall of the Iranian government will be a great day for the war on terror. I hope it comes soon.

[BOBTHENAILER]

I hope this is real and that the last days of Kerry's Mullah friends are truly over.

[ladtx]

Why is there a virtual news blackout on what is going on in Iran? I don't get it.

[dawn53]

Somebody posted a couple updates this AM, but they got pulled. Not sure why.

[Momaw Nadon]

Please God let it be true!!!

[Dog]

Ping!

[kinghorse]

"Why is there a virtual news blackout on what is going on in Iran? I don't get it."

My theory.

It strengthens the hand of the Iranian rulers. They can "project" us as the enemy. As in look there, they are exploiting and propagandizing and lying about us. Kill the great satan.

We want to keep the lowest of low profiles and let our intelligence community do it's thing.

[Servant of the 9]

FREEDOM! It's whats for Dinner!

MULLAH! It's whats for Lunch!

So9

[A_Niceguy_in_CA]

JohnEffinKerry will be deeply saddened.

The Iranian mullahs told him that are hoping he will become our President.

The mullahs probably offered to help in their own special way... by supporting continuing terrorism against the West and protecting AQ members.

[2banana]

Maybe a couple of bombs on their trains will make them run away...

[Cap Huff]

Someone who has been posting such stories was supposed to be abusing the "breaking news" rules in some way. However, the stories were still on the forum. Do a search for "DoctorZin" postings. He seems to be the freeper to follow in this subject. Just to be absolutely clear, DoctorZin has NOT been abusing any FR rules, the problem I think was with someone else.

[AntiGuv]

Best wishes to the Persian people! It's about time they throw off the yoke of Islamist oppression.

[Fithee]

I think I am getting censored. A few of my replies have not been posted. I am mild compared to some I have read.

[Hatteras]

Time ofpost: 4:49 pm eastern Tuesday. C'mon major media, the clock is ticking...

[aft_lizard]

I hope this is true and its a beginning of a revolution for freedom in Iran, and if that is the case what will be the best course for America to do to help them?

[AM2000]

Maybe this isn't real.

Maybe it's exaggerated.

Maybe it's a conspiracy (x-files theme music).

[Blood of Tyrants]

THIS is why we didn't invade Iran even though they have WMD's (or ar very close to it). All we have to do is stand by and offer assistance to the rebels and let them do the work.

[BCrago66]

Here's the webpage linking to the live radio broadcast on the station mentioned in post. Unfortunately, these people seem to speak an entirely different language. But I'm thinking maybe there will be periodic English translations. Click in the little speaker symbols in the middle of the page, one for low-speed and one for hi-speed connections.

http://www.krsi.net/us-en/livewebcast.asp

[RightWhale]

A few of my replies have not been posted.

The database is acting up. This happens when things are happening because of bandwidth limits.

[A_Niceguy_in_CA]

Any more info on the "secret mission" along the Iran/Afgan border that resulted in the death of nearly 300 Iranian Revolutionary Guards in a plane crash several months ago?

Wasn't the theory that the Revolutionary Guards were sent by the mullahs to bring several QA members into Iran from Afgan?

[GretchenEE]

To my Western eyes, this seems a strange and insufficient reason to go postal, and the situation makes me wonder what else is going on with these folks.

[dogbyte12]

The Islamic republic regime's anti-riot units and plainclothes men have opened the charge, at this time 21:35 local time, against the demonstrators in southern Tehran, Esfahan's Tchahr Bagh and the city of Mashad by using knives, clubs and chains. Unconfirmed reports are stating about the use of plastic bullets in Esfahan and the Sadeghieh square of Tehran.

Several have been badly wounded during the attacks but fierce resistance is being made by thousands of young Iranians, male and female, who are opposing the attacks by the use of all available tools and especially Molotov cocktails which were made for such eventuality. From a link from The Corner to a Iranian Web board

[saxxa]

FREEDOM !!!!!!

[WarrenC]

What can America do to help? Good question. A couple of follow-up posts on NRO suggest that we may already have provided the help the Iranians need by the take-down of Hussein and the strong presence just across the border of U.S. military power.

[dfwgator]

This could be big, I feel like it's 1989 all over again (oh what great days those were).

[A_Niceguy_in_CA]

QA..should be AQ

[Lead Moderator]

I just checked.

None of the 3 articles, 78 replies you have made in your three plus years here have been pulled.

Thanks, LM

[AM2000]

Nouroz is a very big deal in Iran.

It is a pre-Islamic holiday, and the hardcore Islamists have been trying (for centuries, now) to eradicate it. But they've been unable to. I can absolutely see why this would cause unrest in Tehran.. I just see so little corroboration of this in any other news outlet that I'm a little sceptical (sp?).

[WarrenC]

Prayers for the people of Iran and for President Bush to have the wisdom to know what to do here.

[TBall]

Bump!

[68skylark]

Why is there a virtual news blackout on what is going on in Iran? I don't get it.

That's the same question that's been on my mind. Partly, I think most news outlets aren't interested in a foreign affairs story that doesn't bash George W. Bush. An outbreak of freedom (if it's true) wouldn't fit the agenda they want to push.

In fairness to the media, this story could be difficult to follow. Seems to me that in late 1989, most of the press was slow to catch on to the revolutions happening in Eastern Europe -- and Eastern Europe didn't present them with as many cultural (and financial) barriers as Iran does.

[blanknoone]

This seems to be a defiant party more than a revolution. There does not seem to be any organization or control behind this. It sounds like once the new year's bonfires go out, the Mullahs and their thugs will reassert power.

There was a town/small city that rebelled several days ago...last I heard they were surrounded by regime forces.

[Diddle E. Squat]

The Spanish Socialists demand that this end immediately!

[jpsb]

Bump, maybe a little RnR for the troops in Terain?

[Momaw Nadon]

I hope this is true and its a beginning of a revolution for freedom in Iran, and if that is the case what will be the best course for America to do to help them?

Supply the freedom-loving Iranian rebels with weapons?

[dfwgator]

But Eastern Europe couldn't blackout what happened in Tienanmen Square earlier that year. And the Iranians I believe are inspired by the removal of Saddam, and the knowledge that the Good Old USA is now right next door.

Now if only we can repeat this scene in Havana.

[CROSSHIGHWAYMAN]

I saw President Bush at the Chamber of Commerce this morning.

He seemed especially confident and I'd even say perky.

Maybe he knows something about these reports.

[dfwgator]

This seems to be a defiant party more than a revolution.

That's how it started in Bucharest.

[gdc61]

uuuummmm. blackened mullah. i like 'em well done!!

[My2Cents]

"Why is there a virtual news blackout on what is going on in Iran? I don't get it."

I think the poster meant why is there a virtual news blackout HERE on what's going on in Iran?

[P.O.E.]

Nothing on CNN, MSNBC or FOX (that I've noticed, anyway)

[alrea]

throwing home-made bombs, Molotov cocktails, etc. into the homes of mullahs, and burning pictures of Khamenei

maybe they will root out Bin Laden

[InfraRed]

To my Western eyes, this seems a strange and insufficient reason to go postal, and the situation makes me wonder what else is going on with these folks.

Perhaps they know the time for revolution is now -- before coalition forces begin leaving the area. Once Spain (and others?) start pulling out of the area, the pressure on the mullahs will (appear to) be diminishing. It's only an appearance thing, but every bit helps when the goal is regime change.

[Peach]

Go people, go. This is your opportunity. Go for it.

[nuconvert]

Have you heard any of this?