For the Iranian People

[Engineer4Obama]

This has been for me one of the most moving news stories I have ever encountered. It is possibly more powerful and dramatic than our own election last November. A couple of weeks ago I barely knew anything about Iran, however the reports on these protests have shown light on this country. It has shown a culture that is very different from the stereotype presented to us by the media. It is a culture that is diverse and proud of their heritage. Nowhere have I seen the religious fanaticism that the media (and the former administration) used to define Iran. These protests have shown a cultural bravery that everyone in this country could learn something from. But most importantly of all it has shown a people striving for a better tomorrow, and that maybe we have something in common with this nation's people upon which to build a relationship.

At this point I believe that the fate of Iran lies with members of the Iranian military.
I have heard many reports this week of Iranian army, riot police and Revolutionary Guard refusing to fire on protesters. Tomorrow I guess we find out just how deep this runs. Will select parts of the military defect and protect the protesters, or will this turn out much like Tienanmen Square?

At the very least I will say that the Iranian people have inspired me and that my thoughts and prayers are with all of them.

Allah Akbar

Best of luck to all the protesters.

[dipsydoodle]

1. Interesting you chose green

which is infact Islam's colour rather than that of one party :

Green is considered the traditional color of Islam, likewise because of its association with nature. This is for several reasons. First, Muhammad is reliably quoted in a hadith as saying that “water, greenery, and a beautiful face” were three universally good things.<2> In the Quran, sura Al-Insan, believers in God in Paradise wear fine green silk.<3><4> Also, Al-Khidr (“The Green One”), is a Qur’anic figure who met and traveled with Moses.<5> The flag of Hamas,<6> as well as the flag of Iran, is green, symbolizing their Islamist ideology.<7>

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_in_Islam

[Engineer4Obama]

2. Intreresting I didn't know that

I chose green because that is the color that has been associated with these protests and so it says a bit more about the reformers than it does about me.

[dipsydoodle]

3. I only knew

because it was mentioned in the early days, which now seem a lifetime ago , on TV News here in the UK - Sky I think by Tim marshall before he got kicked out of Iran earlier this week.

[timeforpeace]

4. Hopefully, that Tiananmen occurred will keep it from happening again. The world is watching.

[Engineer4Obama]

5. I was too young for Tienanmen

Were there any stories of the Chinese police/military sympathizing with the protesters?

The thing that gives me the most hope are the stories of resistance in the military. Riot police wearing green bands, and holding off the "plain clothes militia" that has been abusing the protesters, the protesters yelling out THANK YOU POLICE.

I mean nothing is really definitive but at the very least it is reason for hope.

[dipsydoodle]

6. Too young for this to ?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kent_State_shootings

That made the world shudder as well.

[The empressof all]

7. If you wish to stand with the Iranian people

Please consider joining in one of the green for Iran events today. Locations at link

http://www.greenforiran.com/GreenforIran.com/US_Canada.html

[Kaleko]

8. The voice of the soul of Iran.

Listen to what must be the most powerful video yet. A woman speaking her thoughts while neighbors are calling out to Allah from their rooftops all night long:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKUZuv6_bus