The Ides of Next February in Iran.......
“At least 5 people have been killed in the riots that hit Iranian capital Tehran on Sunday. Police sources said that dozens of policemen were injured and 300 protestors, including members of the MKO terrorist group were arrested in the demonstration. Among the dead is opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi's nephew, Seyed Ali Mousavi, who was killed in Sunday's clashes. Protestors on Tuesday took to some central and downtown streets of Tehran during ceremonies commemorating the 7th century martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) grandson, Imam Hussein (PBUH), known as Ashura………” Alalam (Iran)
“A senior Iranian commander has condemned sporadic anti-government protests in the Iranian capital of Tehran as "disgraceful" and "reproachable." Protestors on Tuesday took to some central and downtown streets during ceremonies commemorating the 7th century martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) grandson, Imam Hussein (PBUH), known as Ashura. Brigadier-General Masoud Jazayeri, the deputy commander of Iran's armed forces, on Monday defined the "actions of a group of hooligans on such days of mourning" as another "low act" incomparable to anything seen before. He described the "small group of vandals" as marginal compared to "millions of real Ashura mourners." Jazayeri also called on the judiciary to effectively deal with "the unbelievers and apostates" who had staged the riots in the capital. At least eight people lost their lives during the Sunday riots which saw protesters chanting slogans against top Iranian government officials. ………….” Press TV (Iran)
Official Iranian media is reporting some details on the protests. Which means they are rattled by what is happening. But they should have expected it, given the history of Tasu’a and Ashura in Iran during times of political turmoil. This is ominously similar to 1978 events that escalated out of hand in 1979.
If things calm down, watch out for the 40 day commemoration for the fallen around early February, which also falls at the time of the 31st anniversary of the Revolution. The Iranian people , at least in the major cities, seem determined to have their usual and necessary quarter-century political shake-up and reform.
Cheers and Happy New Year
mhg
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