Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Is Iran In the Calm Before the Storm?

I noted with alarm this morning that the Iranian government was prohibiting reporting from the streets of the anti-regime protests gripping the nation. In my estimation, it is the final preparation by the mullahs before the start of a vicious crackdown on the anti-government protesters. Although the situation remained calm today, I suspect it was simply to allow the demonstration by pro-government supporters in Tehran and to allow the final marshaling of forces. It is obvious the Revolutionary Guards, with their 120,000 strong members, and the Basij with its nearly unlimited supply of zealous, ultra-conservative Iranian and Arab fanatics are seething and seeking to impose the will of Supreme Leader Khamenei. In addition, according to the Iranian-American blog niacINsight the Supreme Leader has stated:

“Those who have committed crimes of aggression against the state and private properties are not part of the demonstrators, they are those who have the aim of undermining the security of the state. Our intention is to secure and protect the identity of the nation and it’s interests.”

That doesn't sound at all good to me. I would not be surprised if the government has decided to crackdown ruthlessly on the protesters and I expect extensive violence and casualties tomorrow.

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