Iran to Execute Protestors

[Gravlen]

last time they had issues like this just a few years after the revolution.
The oil workers didn't want to work for what the government offered and refused.
The governments response was to begin executing the oil workers families in front of them.
Worked after the first thousand families.

Source?

[Gravlen]

There's no way for the US to have a responsible hand in any coup or revolution and unfortunately, it's basically impossible for a popular revolution to happen in Iran either.

A popular revolution in Iran is possible and can happen. But it will happen slowly, and it will most likely be a "soft" revolution.

There's a lot of anger within the elite and within the middle class. But there's a lot of different agendas and goals tearing them in different directions. Any potential revolutionary movement is currently lacking leadership, and it's also questionable if the majority of potential revolutionaries want to tear down the Islamic Republic. More likely, they simply want a reform of the current system, with more freedoms and better ties to the outside world - but under the continued leadership of a Supreme Leader.

[Gravlen]

Certainly, America could destroy Iran. But probably not without a cost to itself that is currently unacceptable.

And don't forget a further destabilization of the middle east, which could prove disastrous in the long run.

[Shaftique]

Well I do believe Gravlen knows his shit.

[Greed and Death]

last time they had issues like this just a few years after the revolution.
The oil workers didn't want to work for what the government offered and refused.
The governments response was to begin executing the oil workers families in front of them.
Worked after the first thousand families.

Source?

Iranian born poli sci professor who saw it.

[Gravlen]

Iranian born poli sci professor who saw it.

So a non-verifiable story by an unnamed dude who claims to have seen it? Not heard it from a friend of a friend? And you can't produce corroborating evidence of a rather significant event in which a thousand families were executed? I.e. several thousand people?

Right then. I see it's safe to disregard your post until further notice.

[Grays Harbor]

I haven't seen you posting sources for your positions and opinions either, so that is an unfair assertation.

[Kryozerkia]

The people clearly desire democratic freedom, but would it be a good idea for the west to go in? Or would we end up with another Iraq?

Clearly? Are you sure? Or do you mean "democratic freedoms within the boundries of the Islamic Revolution"?

And I have no doubt an external threat would rally the Iranians around the current leadership. That's one of the major reasons why Ahmadinejad tries to blame international "meddling".

I mean "freedom the people want".

[Justonnia]

If the Iranians are willing to execute their own people for having different oppinions, how much respect do you think they're going to pay Obama and his cronies with their little appeasement & apology game? WWIII comin' right up ...

[Gravlen]

I haven't seen you posting sources for your positions and opinions either, so that is an unfair assertation.

Do you know the difference between opinions and facts?

[Grays Harbor]

I haven't seen you posting sources for your positions and opinions either, so that is an unfair assertation.

Do you know the difference between opinions and facts?

grow up. you are only being argumentative for the sake of being argumentative.

[Gravlen]

The people clearly desire democratic freedom, but would it be a good idea for the west to go in? Or would we end up with another Iraq?

Clearly? Are you sure? Or do you mean "democratic freedoms within the boundries of the Islamic Revolution"?

And I have no doubt an external threat would rally the Iranians around the current leadership. That's one of the major reasons why Ahmadinejad tries to blame international "meddling".

I mean "freedom the people want".

But what freedom is that, exactly? Are the protesters unified in this desire for freedom? (i.e. do they have a relatively similar idea of what kind of "freedom" they demand?)

If they want the current system to stay, but Mousavi to become president, I'm not sure I'd go so far as to say that they really want democratic freedom.

It's clear that they want change, but it's not clear what that means in practical terms.

[Greed and Death]

Iranian born poli sci professor who saw it.

So a non-verifiable story by an unnamed dude who claims to have seen it? Not heard it from a friend of a friend? And you can't produce corroborating evidence of a rather significant event in which a thousand families were executed? I.e. several thousand people?

Right then. I see it's safe to disregard your post until further notice.

He as mentioned it in his books. But I wont name them as I have mentioned he is a professor of mine and would rather not have weirdos like you know where I live and go to school.
Though a Witness is know as a Primary source.

[Gravlen]

I haven't seen you posting sources for your positions and opinions either, so that is an unfair assertation.

Do you know the difference between opinions and facts?

grow up. you are only being argumentative for the sake of being argumentative.

Wrong.

greed and death references a specific event. One that he can't provide evidence for ever happening.

I speculate and present opinions based on my understanding of the situation on the ground.

If you can't see the difference that's your problem.

[Gravlen]

Iranian born poli sci professor who saw it.

So a non-verifiable story by an unnamed dude who claims to have seen it? Not heard it from a friend of a friend? And you can't produce corroborating evidence of a rather significant event in which a thousand families were executed? I.e. several thousand people?

Right then. I see it's safe to disregard your post until further notice.

He as mentioned it in his books. But I wont name them as I have mentioned he is a professor of mine and would rather not have weirdos like you know where I live and go to school.
Though a Witness is know as a Primary source.

Well that's a cowardly route to take.

But okay then

Year?
Who ordered it?
Who executed the families?
Where did it happen? Region? Area? City?
How many died?
What were their demands?
What did the government offer?

[Der Volksland]

Gravlen is correct in saying that Greed and Death requires primary source verification. Opinions do not require backing up, for they are one's own personal thought that are not necessarily incorrect or correct. However, in reinforcing one's opinion with factual information, one must readily present a relevant source from which said information came from. Greed and Death referenced a particular historical event that cannot be necessarily verified unless the source is named to a reasonable extent and is also relevant to this discussion. Until the source is verified, we must assume that it is void and thus, the historical event that Greed and Death referenced may never have happened. Therefore, one's opinion does not need to be verified with bibliographical references unless facts are presented.

[Gravlen]

If the Iranians are willing to execute their own people for having different oppinions, how much respect do you think they're going to pay Obama and his cronies with their little appeasement & apology game? WWIII comin' right up ...

Do you really think that the taking of political prisoners and the persecution of people with different ideological and political beliefs is something new and unheard of in Iran?

And how is what Obama doing appeasement?

And how, pray tell, does this signify WWIII?

[Maineiacs]

It will only fuel the protesters' desire for reformation. The executions will likely be viewed as cowardice by a government desperately clinging to power. If they try and execute that many, it will no doubt put the government between a rock and a hard place internationally, causing to to lose legitimacy.

A thousand hands praying will never do a fraction of the work two hands deep in oozing sludge would.

That's it. It's time to... ahem... "liberate" them.

The people clearly desire democratic freedom, but would it be a good idea for the west to go in? Or would we end up with another Iraq?

What we would end up with could make Iraq look like a bar brawl.

[Maineiacs]

If the Iranians are willing to execute their own people for having different oppinions, how much respect do you think they're going to pay Obama and his cronies with their little appeasement & apology game? WWIII comin' right up ...

Do you really think that the taking of political prisoners and the persecution of people with different ideological and political beliefs is something new and unheard of in Iran?

And how is what Obama doing appeasement?

And how, pray tell, does this signify WWIII?

'Cause the Obamanation iz teh EBIL!

Didn't you know that?

[The Alma Mater]

Well, if they want to execute them all, this is the right time. The news and videosites are far too preoccupied with the death of some popstar...

[Triniteras]

You know what must be done. Forget that Iran exists.

[Brogavia]

You know what must be done. Forget that Iran exists.

I have a better idea. A much better Idea. Lets make not exist/

[Yootopia]

And don't forget a further destabilization of the middle east, which could prove disastrous in the long run.

Eh I dunno, I reckon this might be a further episode of Giving Shi'a Islam A Kicking So The Saudis Feel Safer rather than a destabilisation.

[Shaftique]

I think of have a pretty good idea of what must be done.

[Kryozerkia]

But what freedom is that, exactly? Are the protesters unified in this desire for freedom? (i.e. do they have a relatively similar idea of what kind of "freedom" they demand?)

Freedom on their own terms. If what I read on the BBC is any indication then the "freedom" referred to is to have more freedom of the press, freedom from the morality police (those who dictate dress) and less internet censorship.

Freedom fuelling Iran unrest

Sixty percent of the population are under 30 years old. They have no memory of the Islamic revolution in 1979. Many of them use the internet and watch satellite TV. Their window on the wider world is irreversibly open.

Many of them simply want peaceful change - and in particular an end to the strict laws that govern personal behaviour in Iran.

They want to be able to sing and dance. They wonder why the Iranian leadership continue to ban such expressions of human joy - a ban very similar to the rules imposed on Afghanistan during the Taliban regime.

Many young Iranians have a wide window on the world

And of course Iranians do sing and dance. I have been to several parties where the dancing was intense. And so was the drinking, though alcohol is also illegal.

Prohibition does not work. Many Iranians simply lead double lives.

An article in a magazine - available at Tehran news stands when I was there last year - carried the headline: "We are all hypocrites now."

Many women only cover their heads because they would be arrested if they did not.

If they want the current system to stay, but Mousavi to become president, I'm not sure I'd go so far as to say that they really want democratic freedom.

It's clear that they want change, but it's not clear what that means in practical terms.

If it is the latter then I would retract my earlier statement.

You do raise good points, and I hope I can address each adequately.