22 Bahman: a Summary

For a more detailed summary of the protests during 22 Bahman, read the words of my colleague Scott Lucas at Enduring America. Also, you can see my liveblog for pictures and videos, as well as a link to other excellent liveblogs.

Here is a Brief Summary of Thursday’s Events:

In the lead-up to the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution of 1979, Ahmadinejad slowed down the internet, blocked SMS messaging, arrested many vocal dissidents, and constructed a very large wall around Azadi Square. When Iran woke up on 22 Bahman (February 11) they found that tens of thousands of busses full of Ahmadinejad supporters had been bussed in from all over Iran to see Ahmadinejad speak. These supplemented the hundreds of thousands of screened pro-government supporters who were allowed to pass through the incredibly tight security.

At this point, I could tell you about Ahmadinejad’s speech, his vows to make Iran a nuclear state, or his anti-American rhetoric, but I won’t because a) everything he says is a lie and b) that seems to be pretty well covered by the media. In fact, the media was also bussed in, and out, and were only allowed to see what the Iranian Regime wanted the world to see: a square filled with pro-Ahmadinejad supporters listening to their President make a speech about the thriving Islamic Republic. To their credit, most media sources were aware that they were beign had, that dissent was kept on the other side of the wall, and that Ahmadinejad had constructed a “free-speech zone” for a crowd that was partially made up of folk who were paid (in food, and sometimes money) to be there. What the press managed to miss, however, is that the real story was outside the walls.

Protesters tried to gather in the nearby squares where security was less intense, including Sadeghieh Square, where Presidential Candidate and reform leader Mehdi Karroubi was expected to give a speech. However, Karroubi’s car was attacked, he was injured, and several of his friends were arrested. Former President Khatami was also attacked. As everything was orderly in Azadi, where Ahmadinejad spoke, the rest of the city saw protesters running from thugs. Tear gas was fired, protesters were not allowed to approach Azadi Square, and the cameras missed the red blood staining the Sea of Green.

Some have said that Ahmadinejad won the day. I disagree. It was clear to the world that Iran is not a true democracy but a ruthless dictatorship. It is also clear that the Green Movement is alive, and that it threatens the Revolution of 1979 itself.

However, it is also obvious that Ayatollah Khamenei and Ahmadinejad are learning to control the story, and the crowds, significantly better than they did during the Ashura, Students’ Day (13 Aban) or Qods day celebrations.

In the next few days, expect to hear more about the future of the Green Movement, and the lessons learned from 22 Bahman.