Iran

[Prawn_86]

Iran, officially the Islamic Republic of Iran and formerly known internationally as Persia until 1935, is a country in Central Eurasia, located on the northeastern shore of the Persian Gulf and the southern shore of the Caspian Sea. Both "Persia" and "Iran" are used interchangeably in cultural context, however Iran is the name used officially in political context. The name Iran is a cognate of Aryan, and means "Land of the Aryans".

[Prawn_86]

The Iranian elections have descended into a bit of a farce with both major parties accusing each other of cheating and vote stacking, and both declaring themselves the winners.

It had actually gone quite well nad pecefully up until now, so it will be interesting to see how things play out.

[Prawn_86]

IRANIAN President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad defended his hotly disputed re-election win at a huge rally on Sunday after security forces cracked down on opposition protesters with mass arrests.

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,25636832-401,00.html

The problem with so called democracy in this area of the world is that they do not have the systems in place to ensure that it is fair, hence this vote has probably been rigged. Although im sure that Western countries like the US let a lot of things slide (IE - dead people 'voting') so i guess its no different really, politicinas the world over are just crooks.

[Prawn_86]

Protests and arrests have continued, and now cell phone networks have been taken off line and police are everywhere in Tehran. If the protestors continue they may be able to force a compromise with the opposition getting extra seats.

lets see how it plays out...

[Prawn_86]

Protests are continuing. Over half or Irans population is under 25, so they are using the Internet and social media to organise rallies etc very quickly, despite the fact they have been banned and that there is a heavy police presence.

First casualties occured when the protesters marched on a guerilla stronghold and were shot by guards.

Current president has left the country to go to talks in Russia

[Prawn_86]

Protests are continuing for the sixth straight day.

Arrests are now being made frequently, and the opposition leader is joining the protest rallies.

More deaths have occured, yet the protestors show no signs of letting up

[Prawn_86]

The countries religous leaders came out in support of Irans current president and said that if the protests continue, violence was likely to follow. For the first time in a week that made the protestors stop.

The cleric also went on to say that the vote was not rigged, but im sure many people still believe it was

[kennas]

This is looking untidy.

But not worth international intervention.

Better to attack Nth Korea to keep the oil and war economy flowing. :confused:

[Prawn_86]

Protests continuing and riot police are now heavily involved in trying to stop the protestors. Reported deaths and injuries contue to rise, yet both sides show no sign of backing down.

I wonder how long this will continue for? Something has to give? Im sure a Chises style massacre would stop the crowds gathering...

[Prawn_86]

Protest still continuing with the death toll beginning to rise and the oppostion leader Hossein Mousavi still refuses to concede that the election was not rigged.

To me it seems as though the moment has passed and that the police crackdowns will continue to get tougher until the protestors realise they are stuck with the current regime. Good on them for trying, and voicing their opinions though