Iran's leader: End protests or risk 'bloodshed'

Associated Press ^ | June 19, 2009 | ALI AKBAR DAREINI and BRIAN MURPHY

[Free ThinkerNY]

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) - Iran's supreme leader sought Friday to end the deepening crisis over disputed elections with one decisive speech—declaring the vote will almost certainly stand and sternly warning opposition leaders to end street protests or be held responsible for any "bloodshed and chaos" to come.

But a first sign of possible resistance came shortly after nightfall in Tehran. Cries of "Death to the dictator!" and "Allahu akbar"—"God is great"—rang from rooftops in what's become a nightly ritual of opposition unity.

The sharp line drawn by Iran's most powerful figure, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is a gambit that pushes Iran's opposition to a pivotal moment: either back down or risk a crushing response from police and the forces at Khamenei's disposal—the powerful Revolutionary Guard and their volunteer citizen militia, the Basiji.

[SkyPilot]

Iran's supreme leader

I got news for you pal! You ain't leadin' but two things right now: Jack and sh_t... and Jack just left town."

[1rudeboy]

“End your protests, wear your burquas, don’t listen to unapproved music, don’t drink, don’t sell your goat to your neighbor for the purpose of sex, and you’ll be fine.”

[Sacajaweau]

Can you say "Khameni Square"?

I fear a bloodbath is coming and we can do nothing and the world will do nothing.

[SonOfDarkSkies]

“Bloodshed and chaos” are better than being enslaved by your government!

[Uncle Hal]

Sounds to me that the Ayatollah has given an ultimatum to the protesters to either stop the protests or there will be blood in the streets. This could get ugly real fast. The next 48 hours will be crucial.

[layman]

I would love to see the Iranians overpower this pompus windbag and send him off to meet his seventy virgins.

[null and void]

ping

[G8 Diplomat]

مرگ بر احمدى نژاد و خامنى

Death to Ahmadinejad & Khamenei!

[the anti-liberal]

How much of the military will defect?

Hopefully they won't want to fire on their own - but then, look at Tienanmen Square and how that work out...

[Cheetahcat]

The leadership over there is a bunch of straight out of the middle-ages remember the Iran Iraq war with the kids ran though the mine fields given the plastic keys to paradise! Do not underestimate these turds.

[FourPeas]

I’ve been keeping up with several friends in Iran, who are part of the opposition, via Twitter. They are all resolute that they will not stop the protests of the election. They are also well aware that Saturday may bring bloodshed and they are appropriately afraid.

[LoneRangerMassachusetts]

... They are all resolute that they will not stop the protests of the election. They are also well aware that Saturday may bring bloodshed and they are appropriately afraid.

Sounds like a plan, not well though out.

[Girlene]

Has Mousavi called for a protest march on Saturday? From what I’ve read, it sounds like some of the Iranians are expecting more protests and bloodshed tomorrow beyond what has occurred to this point.

[JerryP]

The mullahs have pushed too this time. It’s time for a real Iranian revolution. Free Iran Now.

[FourPeas]

Yes, Mousavi called for a protest 4pm Saturday (7:30am Eastern). It appears bloodshed is very likely, but only time will tell. With Khamenei words, the protests are now officially illegal which makes bloodshed much more likely. Going against Khamenei means going against Islam — an offense punishable by death.

[FourPeas]

Hmm, I’m not sure I understand.

[Girlene]

Thanks. I hadn’t seen any word that Mousavi had called for one after the “Supreme Leader”’s speech today. Hoping your friends are safe tomorrow.

[PapaBear3625]

I fear a bloodbath is coming and we can do nothing and the world will do nothing.

They know. And they're showing up anyway.

“Tomorrow is a big day, maybe I’ll get killed tomorrow!” [Iran]