Rafsanjani fans flames of dissent

It was clear the government was extremely nervous: media coverage of Friday prayers was restricted.

Some journalists and opposition supporters reported problems over being allowed access to the ceremony at Tehran University.

No doubt there was a fierce battle behind the scenes for him to be allowed to speak.

Since the election more moderate voices appear to have been sidelined as the rota of Friday prayer speakers was drawn up.

Even some opposition members were uncertain about whether he would offer them support.

By calling for an open debate about the election result, Mr Rafsanjani was almost openly challenging the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Four weeks ago, from the same pulpit, Mr Khamenei called for an end to discussion about an election result which he declared had been blessed by God.

Former President Rafsanjani played his trump card, by referring to his friendship with the founder of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Khomeini.

He quoted Ayatollah Khomeini in ways that appeared to support the opposition's right to demonstrate.

Mr Rafsanjani even called for protesters who have been arrested to be released from prison.

Interesting coments at the BBC Website:

Have Your Say--How big a challenge is sermon to Iran's leader?

Former Iranian President Rafsanjani has reopened the debate about the country's disputed presidential election. How much of a challenge is this to the supreme leader?

In his first sermon at Friday prayers since the election, Mr Rafsanjani said many Iranians doubted the official election results and said this had created a 'crisis'.

Mr Rafsanjani called for the release of people detained during the post-election unrest and said media restrictions should be eased.

Outside Tehran University where he was speaking, police used tear gas and batons to disperse supporters of the opposition leader.

How much of a challenge is Mr Rafsanjani's sermon to Iran's supreme leader? Do you think his call for the release of prisoners will be heeded? How will his sermon be received by president Ahmadinejad?

Read the main story

Published: Friday, 17 July, 2009, 11:05 GMT 12:05 UK

IMHO, it's gone beyond Mousavi and Rafsanjani now...and I think Rafsanjani knows it and is keeping his options open.

Those people want to be free and they have shed their blood in the effort...and they keep coming back. It's not over by a long shot.

That's because George Bush's legacy endures in the Mid East, despite, and in spite of Obama, and THAT is Obama's real dilema.

It was George Bush's policy of direct engagement and support of liberty that has led to the people of Iran seeing the measure of freedom now established on both sides of them in Iraq and Afghjanistan...and desiring it for themselves.

Obama cannot possibly go too far in recognizing that, or he absolutely repudiates himself and his entire foreign policy.

So the fight in Iran goes on, even weeks after the major events.

Large protests resume in Tehran, July 17, 2009

Tipping Point in Iran July 14, 2009

Iran cleric criticixes Tehran regime, issues fatwa July 13, 2009

Thousands defy crackdown & protest in Tehran July 9, 2009

New Demonstrations bring new violence July 9, 2009

Clerics in Qum defy Khamenie, say election illegitimate, July 5, 2009

6/24/2009 - Not all fights on June 24th were losses - Iranian people take back streets from Basif

Others were not.

Eyewitness Account to Slaughter in Iran 6/24/2009

While brave Iranians are slaughtered in the street by their own government as they seek liberty, Obama disinvited Iranian officials to American 4th of July celebration.

Meanwhile, they are axing students to death.

WARNING:GRAPHIC Picture

WARNING:GRAPHIC:

Young Woman (Neda) shot to death in Terhran. 6/20/2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fVyGo7rZUI

Crowd Hunting Basij, Man shot. 6/20/2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYaL4mA-bSY

URGENT: HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT IRANIAN PROTESTORS RIGHT NOW...ON TWITTER

AMERICANS ON FACEBOOK FOR IRANIAN LIBERTY

POEM FOR THE ROOFTOPS OF IRAN - INCREDIBLY MOVING

You can follow me on twitter if you want.http://www.twitter.com/Jeff_Head

"There is only one force of history that can break the reign of hatred and resentment, and expose the pretensions of tyrants, and reward the hopes of the decent and tolerant, and that is the force of human freedom.

"All who live in tyranny and hopelessness can know: The United States will not ignore your oppression, or excuse your oppressors. When you stand for your liberty, we will stand with you.

"Democratic reformers facing repression, prison or exile can know: America sees you for who you are -- the future leaders of your free country.

"The rulers of outlaw regimes can know that we still believe as Abraham Lincoln did: "Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves; and, under the rule of a just God, cannot long retain it."

George W. Bush Jan 2005

Other then those that have actually been part of the inner works within the upper echelon of theocratic power in Iran, most probably no one understands the intricate person to person relationships among the top group of Mullah.
For all we know they may think little of one another in the reality of things but stay bound to keep one another rich, fat, and content. And we really do not know just how much credence they hold one supreme authority in hand. That is... do they play games... where they pretend the Supreme Leader welds ultimate power, surely a activity not shared by all sects of the Islamic cult, in order to allow for some resemblance of order within their theocratic society, or do they actually believe the Supreme Leader somehow is special in the eye's of the black rock idol, and therefore cannot be challenged.
It probably comes down to the long held view that they are nothing but a bunch of self serving thugs, that use their so called religion as an excuse to rule over their subjects, and therefore are subject to the whims of any criminal type.
If the later suggestion is within the reality of things then perhaps Raffy is actually setting himself up to take charge.
He has made it clear now, that the Grand Ayatollah Khameni's declaration that allah has given his blessings upon the recent election, is camel shit.
Therefore the GAK must not have a direct line to allah, therefore he can get trashed if required.
And Raffy also made it clear that he knew the likes of the GA Khomenei way back when. Sort of a slap in the face if you ask me.
One things now seems for sure. The core groups of protesters have not really dwindled. Most likely they are increasing in numbers nation wide.

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Under the headline of a call for unity, former Iranian President Ali Akbar Rafsanjani has actually ensured that the divisions in Iran will continue and possibly increase.