How do you think the Iranian situation will play out?

[steelmania75]

[liberalmuse]

1. These people have balls of steel.

They are going all the way with this. At this point in time, it's hard to see how this can be stopped. When people band together and denounce fear, nothing can stop them.

[steelmania75]

2. More than anyone in the US that's for sure

What amazes me is that they care about a fair election. Here in the US, no one really protested when the 2000 Election was stolen from the Dems.

[liberalmuse]

6. I was shocked no one did.

I was out like a fool at every protest for years. Lotta good that did. It was nice being with others who gave a shit, though. When you protest in America, you may get the contents of a Happy Meal thrown at you by some cow wearing a fur in a SUV (true story). In other countries, you get shot. Sadly, it appears Americans are the most brainwashed people on the planet. I've met plenty of people who used to live in the former USSR who were never fooled by the propaganda. The people I met made their own wine and had weekly book clubs and within 1 year of coming to the US, they had their own business and were buying a house. I love my country and most of my countrymen, but it's sad to see the stupid so prominent amongst the natives here. What's not to love about the Iranians? On a shallow level, they are a beautiful people. On a spiritual level, we have certainly seen that they have compassion. On a political level, they have a deep strength and when pushed against the wall, will fight to the death.

[Confusious]

7. shhh, your suppose to be a toothless idiot....

It's what jeebus wants! or so the pastor told me when I gave him all my savings.

[knowbody0]

3. they are sure showing us for cowards

allowing the bush administration to run over us like it did. we should definitely be taking notes. good luck to the people of Iran.

[excess_3]

9. the tanks haven't shown up, yet

then we will find out

[Forkboy]

4. Not well.

[Double T]

5. The hardcore conservatives will win for now.

Iran, like many other countries, is ripe for a mega-revolution.

[Adsos Letter]

8. I think it depends upon the army, specifically the Revolutionary Guards

and whose side they come down on (if either) as to how much more explosive the situation becomes. That would be especially true if there is any division of loyalty within the military. My 2 cents.

[Ex Lurker]

12. there's absolutely no doubt whose side the Revolutionary Guards are on

they're completely intertwined with the current regime. The regular army MIGHT be another story. Or maybe not. We'll find out soon enough.

[Joe the Liberal]

10. Here's my guess.....

The protests will continue for a while and then eventually die down, Ahmadinejad will remain president and all of this will just fade away into the history books.

[mogster]

11. Even though the regime may crush the movement temporarily

They now know how to get organized and the technological development favors the freedom movement, not the regime. In addition, the regime has lost the 'moral advantage' they got by freedomloving people abroad not accepting the Bush doctrine, and trying to protect the integrity of the Iranian borders by going easy on Ahmadinejad.

This is not a factor anymore, as the new president does not favor random invasions. The visibility of another Iran (and how good it is to see!) than the old farts we're used to, also plays a role. Note the participation of women and men together in the struggle, young people free of old inherited prejudice. If you know anything about how we, the West, progressed from a monocultural society with men on top to a equal rights society with both sexes represented, you'd know the way to go is that women earn respect by showing their will to sacrifice on equal terms as men during times of crisis.

I have to say this: Isn't it a bit sad that we have spent our moral advantage on two unsuccessful 'freedom' wars? If not, we'd be able to address the current situation with our backs straightened, brighter eyes and longer, sharpened, teeth.

[cali]

13. The protests and unrest will die down. Ahmadinejad will remain president.

the Supreme Council will retain control. BUT, the long term ramifications are pretty clear: The young people will eventually seize control. Demographics weigh heavily against the ruling elites.