Shayan Ghajar
For the first time in a year, thousands of protesters gathered in the streets of Iran’s major cities despite a massive security presence on the streets. CNN’s correspondent, Reza Sayah, tweeted that his sources indicated tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets, while Financial Times puts the number at hundreds of thousands. In what is certainly proof that the Green Movement is alive and drawing inspiration from Egypt and Tunisia, many slogans chanted in the streets–according to both eyewitnesses and Youtube videos almost certainly from today–drew parallels between Iran and the two Arab countries which recently overthrew their governments. more»
Shayan Ghajar
Mir Hossein Moussavi and Mehdi Karroubi, opposition figures and de facto leaders of the Green Movement, announced on February 6 that they applied for a permit to demonstrate in the streets of Tehran in solidarity with the pro-democracy movements in Egypt and Tunis. According to Kaleme, a website affiliated with Mir Hossein Moussavi, both men filed their application to demonstrate on February 14 from Imam Hossein Square to Azadi Square, Tehran—the location is central in the city, traversing one of its largest streets and spanning about 7 miles. more»
Shayan Ghajar
Reactions to the situation in Egypt from Iranian clerics and officials reveal more about the Islamic Republic’s anxiety than the actual facts on the ground in Cairo. Among supporters of the Islamic Republic and state-run newspapers, comparisons are flying fast and hard between Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution and the current unrest in Egypt. Curiously, Iran’s arch-enemy Israel seems to have made the same comparison, albeit in a less celebratory mood. more»
Shayan Ghajar
While Hezbollah’s nascent government in Lebanon puts forward Sunni billionaire Najib Miqati as its Prime Minister Designate, Iran is continuing to strengthen its influence in Lebanon both by guiding Hezbollah and maintaining a united front with Syria. However, Iran’s ascendancy in Lebanon is making it an ever-larger target for both the rage of Lebanese opposed to Iran’s agenda, and Lebanon’s neighbor, Israel. more»
Shayan Ghajar
The recent collapse of Lebanon’s unity government under the leadership of Saad Hariri leaves a void that Iran intends to fill, as statements from Iranian officials and military commanders demonstrate. Although Iran faced opposition to its influence in Lebanese politics during Saad Hariri’s tenure both within Lebanon itself and internationally, events indicate that the Islamic Republic’s ability to dictate Lebanon’s future is rising. While the Western-backed Hariri must step down, and Saudi Arabia bows out of the consensus-building efforts, Iran appears to be more ready than ever to make its presence felt on the streets of Beirut. more»
