Iranian Elections

**Vladimir** · 06-09-2009, 00:20

With all the fervor over European elections is anyone paying attention to Iran? BBCA is trying to sell their coverage of it by basically saying Ahminedejad's rival is the Persian Obama. A quick search revealed http://www.ndi.org/iran_election_bulletin which seems to have good coverage of the elections. Check out the voting Nazgoul.

So, is anyone following these elections?

Edit: I love when the lower classes say "O'bomber." Makes him sound like an Irish terrorist.

But no, I'm generally curious. Please don't take offense.

**Hax** · 06-09-2009, 22:30

So, does is anyone following these elections?

Yes! Mir Hussain Moussavi for president!

**Hooahguy** · 06-09-2009, 22:40

Originally Posted by Hax

Yes! Mir Hussain Moussavi for president!

agreed!
i only learned about him through your facebook page, and seems like a worthy candidate.

**Hax** · 06-09-2009, 22:52

Well, I think the way for Iran to "democratize" is a long one, but having a pro-reform president who is also interested in dialogue with the US will have a positive influence on Iran and can influence the entire regio in a positive way. The combination Obama - Mousavi could be very good. Hell, even Ahmadinejad sent his congratulations to Obama when he was elected.

There are some major points in Iran which need to be changed as soon as possible, in my opinion:

- The Freedom of Press and Information
- The rights and equality of women

Then there are some long-term problems:

- The rights and equality of homosexuals, which I don't see achievable within 50 years.

- The (temporary) abolishment of the death penalty, save for the worst crimes. I'd prefer abolishment altogether.

**Kadagar_AV** · 06-09-2009, 23:57

ANY country that has the death sentence is = barbaric.

Don't get me wrong, some people do deserve death... it's just that it is so extremly hard to change a death sentence once passed.

Better a lifetime in prison, IMHO.

**Louis VI the Fat** · 06-10-2009, 13:19

Originally Posted by Vladimir

Check out the voting Nazgoul.

That's terrible! But I can't help giggling like a baby over it. It's so apt. ~:laugh-smilie:

**KukriKhan** · 06-10-2009, 14:54

Ahmadinejad plays the Godwin.

"No one has the right to insult the president, and they did it. And this is a crime. The person who insulted the president should be punished, and the punishment is jail," he told supporters outside Tehran's Sharif University.

"Such insults and accusations against the government are a return to Hitler's methods, to repeat lies and accusations ... until everyone believes those lies," Ahmadinejad said.

He has never given up his radical student hey-days, rhetorically. He still shouts and pouts like a first-year PoliSci student.

**Vladimir** · 06-10-2009, 17:10

Originally Posted by article

Mousavi says Ahmadinejad has isolated Iran with his vitriolic attacks on the United States, his combative line on Iran's nuclear policy and his questioning of the Holocaust.

Interesting. I thought this policy was supported by his grand robeness (as opposed to his hatness) as evidenced by

The relatively unknown Ahmadinejad surprised everyone with his victory four years ago, and he has enjoyed the support of Khamenei throughout his presidency.

How much influence does the president of Iran have? Could the country transform from a state controlled by religion to a state who utilizes religious methods? Could the president of Iran go from the anti-bush to a more traditional realpolitik opponent?

Maybe that's wishful thinking on my part; Iran transforming to a more traditional adversary. After all, it's only been ~30 years. I'm so excited!

Originally Posted by article

He advocates easing nuclear tensions, while rejecting demands that Tehran halt nuclear work which the West fears could be used to make bombs.

OK. I can understand this and would probably do so myself. This new guy needs to get elected. I don't mind so much if they have the ability as long as they lack the will. The current nutjob is ready and willing.

Originally Posted by article

Another group said on Wednesday that Rafsanjani would be responsible if the tension escalated into violence.

The ILNA news agency said cars decked out in Mousavi's green campaign colors were attacked in central Tehran on Wednesday, but gave no details of the damage.

This sounds like modern Venezuela. Also very Godwin-esque.

I know Reuters has grown a few warts on its nose recently but the picture they paint makes me hopeful.

**Hosakawa Tito** · 06-10-2009, 19:27

All politics is local.

Like most other people, Iranians will vote with their pocketbook.

Broken promises, hard economic times and the old "familiarity breeds contempt" syndrome that most politicians eventually have to deal with seems to be working against Ahmadinejad, not to mention his confrontational style.

**CountArach** · 06-11-2009, 06:06

Good run down of the election here. I didn't realise Another-Dinner-Jacket was under pressure from his side of politics as well.

**Vladimir** · 07-30-2009, 21:07

The only difference between China and Iran, is that Chinese people don't chant "Death to America."

http://www.reuters.com/article/world...090730?sp=true

**Seamus Fermanagh** · 07-30-2009, 21:09

Originally Posted by Vladimir

The only difference between China and Iran, is that Chinese people don't chant "Death to America."

http://www.reuters.com/article/world...090730?sp=true

Of course they don't, when all of the other cultures around you are barbarians, such actions would be beneath you.