Riehl World View

Video From Iran

This is the type of regime with which Obama wants to negotiate. Yes, I realize he's backed away from that somewhat for now. But the emphasis should be on "for now".

There were no real surprises in what this regime is like. And let's not forget their efforts in Iraq that targeted the American military. Can you imagine that? Obama is such a liberal ideologue that negotiating with a state actively engaged in covert operations against America was not a problem. Putin must be drawing up new street maps of Georgia and the Ukraine now, so he's prepared.

Obama's tepid change on Iran is born of political necessity, not a change of heart, or an awareness of how evil they are.

Regime thugs shoot down at democracy protesters on the street from a rooftop in Tehran.

Where's Hillary?

Ahmadinejad is demanding that Obama apologize. And the Iranian ambassador is suggesting the CIA killed Neda.

Do we have a State Department? Yes, Hillary broke her elbow, but not her jaw. Could it be that she has enough sense to stay as far away from this disaster for Obama as she can?

Could be ... could be.

Iran: A Tragedy?

In relative terms, the media doesn't seem quite as interested in the events in Iran as you'd think they would be. From that, to this WH, to the streets of Iran, this is, indeed, a tragedy. But tragedies, in the classic sense, often find justice. Will that be true for the heathen's wearing religious garments in Iran? Let's hope so.

Wherever the strength of a man’s intellect, or moral sense, or affection brings him into opposition with the rules which society has sanctioned, there is renewed the conflict between Antigone and Creon; such a man must not only dare to be right, he must also dare to be wrong—to shake faith, to wound friendship, perhaps, to hem in his own powers.

Baharestan Square Massacre?

My God. If this is accurate. (warning gruesome photo of ax wound at link) And there are multiple reports. The phone call below is simply horrific. The WH rescinded the Jul 4th invite. Big freaking whoop. This is the evil Obama couldn't wait to sit down with without pre-conditions? These are the results of his Cairo speech in his view? The Ayatolla he reached out to before the election?

The man is a f&*king disgrace. Stupid wide-eyed liberals. They never learn. If he had any dignity or respect for people he'd cancel his ABC sideshow and allow the news to focus on this. I doubt he will. It's all about what he wants in the end. Pathetic.

This is the Iranian regime, wading into its own unarmed people and axing them to death, bludgeoning women (seen as the greatest threat to the regime) and throwing them to their deaths from pedestrian bridges. The same Iranian regime whose embassy officials are invited to American embassies around the world to celebrate on July 4th, of all things, a successful revolution.

This frantic phone call from a Tehran woman will break your heart as you consider our standard response has been "that there are sets of international norms and principles about violence" and that "the international community is watching." Part of yesterday's response by President Obama in a press conference included "that there is a peaceful path that will lead to stability and legitimacy (of the Iranian regime) and prosperity for the Iranian people. We hope they take it." The Iranian theocratic regime clearly is not interested.

Iran Latest

A complete round up with new video of an alleged sniper attack. Ugly scene in the streets - very ugly.

Latest From Iran

Gateway Pundit is all over the Iran protests. He has some very bad news. Scroll for multiple links.

CRACKDOWN IN BAHARESTAN SQUARE!... 3 People Shot-- Police Will Not Allow Protesters to Assist Them ...Update: 1 Woman Dead ...Update: Several Dead

Some Iranian Clerics Split With Government

I don't believe these are top guys that have taken to the streets with protesters. But it makes a difference in that we're seeing such an open wedge among the clerics. See Donald for more, including news of a protest said to be on for 7:30 AM EST. That could be huge given the government-promised crack down. Then also head over to Gateway Pundit for some Twitter action out of Iran, said to be denouncing government appeasement efforts.

(CNN) -- A photo showing Iranian clerics prominently participating in an anti-government protest speaks volumes about the new face of Iran's opposition movement.

Clerics in robes and turbans join rallies to protest the disputed presidential election results in Iran.

 1 of 2 more photos »  In a blatant act of defiance, a group of Mullahs took to the streets of Tehran, to protest election results that returned incumbent President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to power.

Showdown Iran: Election Stands As Rev Guard En-Route

The Guardian Council has ruled that there were no significant election difficulties to warrant an annulment of the vote, the election will stand. The NYT's reports the Obama administration claims to be strugglingfrom a lack of information from on the ground in Iran. They are unsure of the size of the anti-government push and as regards any potential government rifts. One can thank the Dems for not wanting much of a CIA field capability over decades for that.

Michael Ledeen reports that a caravan of Revolutionary Guard troops are en-route to Tehran. Also, that protesters are striking at the Basiji in hit and run attacks, catching them alone, or in small groups. Khamenei is said to have left Tehran for a mountain retreat, while giving the Rev Guard carte blanche to put down the revolt. Read more at link.

Supporters of Ahmadinejad are planning to gather for a protest at the British Embassy. Those protests could spread to the German and French embassies, as well. Iran is also recalling its UK ambassador from London for consultations.

While anti-government forces are calling for those arrested to be released unconditionally, the government is promising that the judiciary will teach them a lesson. It's show down time in Iran.

As of now, no reports on a general strike that was said to have been planned for today, including in the oil fields, markets and elsewhere.

Neda's Story: Why Martyrdom Matters

What an absolutely beautiful young woman. My God, what a tragedy. Neda has been declared a martyr. There were martyrs in the Islamic Revolution against the Shah. I believe it's 3, 7 and then 40 days from their deaths, there is a formal period of mourning.

In the previous revolution, those periods played a real role in keeping the momentum of the revolution going until it succeeded. While it may be of little consolation to us, her death may yet find new meaning in the Iranian's quest for reform, perhaps more freedom and an honest election.

One can hope. Otherwise, her death will simply be a tragic waste of life and human potential.

Jules On The Street Vending Business

I always knew there was a meat cart in Jules' future somewhere down the line.

OK, one other problem. Never mind that to eat dog is haram. Are those going to be kosher hot dogs? I mean, technically, that’s what a good Muslim wants. No chance any pork shoulder got in there. Except, you know …