Sunday, 20th September 2009

The Iranian opposition mocks Ahmadinejad's anti-Israel rhetoric

James Forsyth 12:08am

The opposition rally in Tehran yesterday on Quds day is a hopeful sign that the Iranian regime’s hard-line anti-Israel and anti-Semitic rhetoric—Ahmadinejad called the Holocaust a ‘lie’ in his remarks—is increasingly ineffective. The New York Times report, which was filed from Beirut and so probably reliant on opposition sources and websites, states that opposition supporters chanted “No to Gaza and Lebanon, I will give my life for Iran” and responded to the official shouts of “death to Israel” with “death to Russia” (Moscow was quick to accept the legitimacy of Ahmadienjad’s re-election).

Admittedly, the opposition supporters were outnumbered by regime loyalists. But given that the Revolutionary Guard had said that all protesters would be treated as Israeli spies it is encouraging, and humbling, that so many people were prepared to turn out yesterday and confront the government.

Update: I'm writing this from New Mexico so by yesterday I mean Friday.

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mehrzad

September 20th, 2009 1:43pm Report this comment

Thank you for your post about Iran Day, formerly known as Qods Day, however, I think after seeing this video you might want to revise your comment about the numbers of Greens. Let me know if you have any questions regarding the chantings, which obviously are not matching the supposedly cheer leader's!!!
Thank you again.
Peace,
Mehrzad

James Murphy

September 20th, 2009 5:27pm Report this comment

The Iranian protesters exhibit real bravery, real grace under pressure. Indeed, their's is political activism of a truly heroic kind, unlike the nauseating bravado of the leftist anti-Israeli bashers who, with nothing to fear or lose, so frequently and vaingloriously clog up the streets of the West's various capitals. Lesson - virtue, political or otherwise, is not virtue unless and until it is tested by stark adversity.

Anne Wotana Kaye

September 20th, 2009 11:29pm Report this comment

Dear James Murphy,

I agree wholeheartedly with you, and pray that these brave people can one day find Iran a land of democracy and peace. Their bravery is not the type that earns medals, but one that adds to the strength and ethos of a nation. G-d bless them.