- 15 June 2009
- 4 Comments
- Events in Iran, Human Rights in Iran, Iran Election 2009
10:56 pm: We invite all our readers in the greater-DC area to NIAC’s policy conference Wednesday morning on Capitol Hill. “The US and Iran: Between Elections and Enrichment” will take place in the Capitol Visitors’ Center from 8am-12, where we will welcome members of Congress and some of the best Iran experts in the world. Obviously, there will be lots to discuss. Find all the details and the list of speakers here. Tuesday is the last day to RSVP!
Our boss, Dr. Trita Parsi, has been everywhere lately, including, on occasion, in the NIAC office. You can find his analysis on the situation on Democracy Now, Diane Rehm, and if the past few days are any guide, he’s probably on CNN right now.
10:00 pm: We translated this earlier, but it got lost in the mix. (We do more than just blog!) Ayatollah Sanei responded to Mousavi’s letter by saying the following:
“I was hoping that your election, with your experience and devotion to and blessings of Imam [Khomeini] and his loyal friends, would please the people of Iran. Regretfully, this did not happen. Be certain that administration of justice and respect for people’s rights and votes, which are evident in your letter, are only possible through informing all the people.”
Sanei further explained “I am obligated to pray for you and all the men and women of this country and for the continuation of the holy objectives of Imam Khomeini’s Islamic Republic.” Sanei concluded by wishing Mousavi success with the support of the people, universities, and esteemed clergies, as well as in protecting the people’s rights.
9:07: Dennis Ross, the Obama administration’s special adviser on Iran, has been reassigned to the National Security Council “with an expanded portfolio,” according to Time. While we don’t know what those duties will entail, my initial reaction is that this makes sense. Ross has much more experience with the Israel-Palestine issue than with U.S.-Iran.
8:43: The Washington Post reported that the crowds stretched five miles yesterday. One of our sources who lives nearby pulled out a map and did his own calculation: 15 km (9.3 miles)!
7:28 pm: President Obama just made a very important statement about the situation in Iran. (Video and rush transcript below the fold):