Speed Of Events.

Whatever finally happens, whether this revolt is violently suppressed or bought off, I don’t think Iran will ever be the same.

The velvet glove covering the theocratic state’s iron fist has slipped off and Iranians will try again, even if it is another 4 or 40 years. Iranians want shot of their oppressors. Good luck to them.

The speed of events and obvious strength of feeling can be seen from this YouTube video:

But if we were cynical we shouldn’t be surprised by the repression from Burma to Syria, China to Saudi Arabia when the power and prestige of a ruling elite is threatened then they will utilize the full force of the state to secure their position, and so it is in Iran.

Ultimately, Ahmadinejad and his backers are no different from other elites. They will hold onto power with the last drop of their opponents’ blood. A YouTube video of a state shooting:


Update: Shooting at the crowd, from Channel 4
news.

Update 2: Fiddled figures?

“Kurds for Ahmadenejad!

According to official results announced by BBC Persian, Kurdistan province has been won by Ahmadenejad. This is unprecedented in the history of the Islamic Republic. For thirty years Kurdistan has voted for the opposition candidates and the turn out is very low. This time around the turn out in this province has been extremely high. ”

The results can be downloaded here, as a PDF.

Update 3: Raye Man Kojast? Where Is My Vote? is a useful resource.