It has become an extraordinary day, at the end of what has been an extraordinary election campaign.
As soon as polls opened in Iran, it became clear that the enthusiasm of the last few days has been translated into what is likely to be a huge turnout.
There were queues snaking round the block from many polling stations.
The crowds gathered outside, in segregated lines of men and women. Even as they waited to vote, they continued the spontaneous debate that has been sweeping Iran in the last week.
At one polling station I visited, some voters came up to me, nervous that the government might be trying to rig the election.
They were worried that a bus being used as a mobile polling station was not as well monitored as the main polling centre.
Other voters say the system under which a reference number has to be written by the candidates' name on the ballot paper is confusing.
Good humour
Much of the mobile phone text message system seems not to be working, a system the opposition had been hoping to use to send back reports from their monitors at polling stations and election counts.
The opposition has complained to the government.
Rumours are sweeping Tehran that some satellite TV stations may have been blocked.
But for the most part election day has continued the good humour of recent days.
One supporter of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, a woman in the long black religious chador, made a point of shaking hands with another woman wearing the green colours of the opposition contender, Mir-Hossein Mousavi.
Many of the polling stations are in mosques or other religious buildings.
At the Hosseiniyat Ershad in north Tehran, the number of women, particularly young women, queuing to vote is most striking.
The young voters who have been turning out in force for Mr Mousavi say they want more personal freedom, more opportunities and better relations with the West.
Extended voting
Supporters of Mr Ahmadinejad have praised him for pushing forward the nuclear programme, and say he has earned more respect for Iran internationally.
By mid-morning, the interior ministry announced that already five million people had voted. Voting was extended by two hours, and may be extended longer.
Such a high turnout will make Iranians more confident of the outcome.
They will remember the election in 1997, in which President Khatami defeated a candidate heavily favoured by the establishment.
His victory was so overwhelming it soon became clear that it could not be overturned, even if there had been those trying to do so.
Results are expected to begin coming in during the night. Almost every Iranian you meet is eager for any idea about what is going to happen.
And as for the onewho fears standing in front of His Lord and restrainsthe soul from impure evil desires and lusts, verily, Paradise will be his abode [79:40-41]
everyone,
I know I haven't been on the forums for a long time, I just came here to say a few words as an Iranian living in Iran.
The elections were rigged, that's one thing no one can deny, and I've seen accurate proof, but as the officials say (in their secret meetings) it's for the best interests of the country (as it happens in all the elections over the world). The situation in Tehran isn't as bad as the media report, there have been some large gatherings and protests, but the numbers aren't in the thousands as the media reports. A couple of hundred to 500 at most, and the crowds have been dispersed by anti-riot police quickly.
There were many people shouting slogans on the rooftops in my neighborhood last night and a lot of traffic in the streets (I live near the Vali Asr st.), and at 9:25 PM as I am writing this post there's about one 50th of the people there were last night. Things are calming down.
I'm not a fan of Ahmadinejad, but in my opinion all the people have to support him and quit this rioting nonsense, because we are all one nation working together. Internal conflicts are not what this country needs right now at this time of hardship.
Well, it was good to be back for a few minutes, wish you all the best.
Brother thank you for the update. I will pray for the people of Iran as it looks like now prayers are much needed.
It is not 1948 anymore. The British who conquered that land from the Turks ceded a portion of it to Israel. I read your story on the Khazars who converted to Judiasm what of it? Alot of people converted after Roman sacked the temple in 70 AD, they are still Jews. That proves nothing of the legitmacy of the ancestry of the Jewish people. I did not call you a supremicist so please do not put words into my mouth. If I called you one I would have said it outright. I am not a Zionist and all I am interested in is peace. You say that the Jews can live under Muslim rule, if they choose to live in a Muslim nation where Shariah law is the law of the land than I would say you are right. Each nation has a right to make their own laws and if a person chooses to visit or live in a nation they are obligated to obey those laws. I personally have no desire to live under Shariah law as I am an American and I believe in seperation of church and state and have no desire to live under a theocracy of any kind. You say that I am basing all of this on emotionality, well it seems to me you are very emotional about the issue as well sister. It is hard not to be no matter what side one takes.
The passage of time in a matter of a few decades isn't a factor determining on to whom this land belongs to, and we aren't even discussing the piece of land, we are discussing abominable acts performed on the hands of the IDF and daily to the Palestinians which you seem to not think much of, only that they are threatened by wars by a man you seem to immensely dislike though he is indeed akin to the lunacy practiced by your previous administration! ..
I am sorry I must have taken your this comment
format_quote Originally Posted by ragdollcat1982
The type of comments and evidence I have heard from you I have also heard from white supremicist.
to liken my ideology to that of a white supremacist, you must have had some other meaning that evolved with this post.
and of course you have no desire to live under a theocracy, as folks reaped enough ignorance under Christendom, again, this post isn't about your feelings on the matter or a singular reading you have done. You are not a scholar in the field nor does the state of Palestinians affect you, so indeed, why should you care?
I have had enough nonsense and this post has to do with an Iranian election not your feelings of hatred or support, toward an alleged theocracy, toward Israel or Iran or any sovereign state in between!
all the best
Text without context is pretext If your opponent is of choleric temperament, seek to irritate him
before the elections the people put together a human chain in support of Mousavi just through SMS! The human chain was made up of 6 rows going from Vali Asr sq. to Rah Ahan sq., a 20 kilometer distance, in just 2 hours.
Anyways, going to bed now (all the shouting stopped =p), goodnight everyone
Last edited by mohsen1985; 06-14-2009 at 05:38 PM.
It is not 1948 anymore. The British who conquered that land from the Turks ceded a portion of it to Israel.
You also have to remember that the Brits promised that land to the arabs too - so in other words they did double dealings. The other problem was that there were actually people living in Palestinain lands there before who were kicked out of ther lands - they ofcourse had be refugees in there own land - which created the resentmnet - furthermore the US has made the sitiution worse over time by Vetoing against the peace deals that the international community had planned (the two state settlement plan) - one Palestine and Isreal until now - before US and Isreal were set and not creating a palestinain state.
right now however the real first problem is to sort out which Obama has also said is to stop illiegal settlements on plasetine (the area that is meant to make a palestinain state) - there are over 500,000 settlements on that part which have to be stop and get demolished - ofcourse there are also other problems such as eastern Jerusalem too but this one is the most dangerous - If this continues there will be no Palestine left.
Do you think the pious don't sin?
They merely:
Veiled themselves and didn't flaunt it
Sought forgiveness and didn't persist
Took ownership of it and don't justify it
And acted with excellence after they had erred - Ibn al-Qayyim
You also have to remember that the Brits promised that land to the arabs too - so in other words they did double dealings. The other problem was that there were actually people living in Palestinain lands there before who were kicked out of ther lands - they ofcourse had be refugees in there own land - which created the resentmnet - furthermore the US has made the sitiution worse over time by Vetoing against the peace deals that the international community had planned (the two state settlement plan) - one Palestine and Isreal until now - before US and Isreal were set and not creating a palestinain state.
right now however the real first problem is to sort out which Obama has also said is to stop illiegal settlements on plasetine (the area that is meant to make a palestinain state) - there are over 500,000 settlements on that part which have to be stop and get demolished - ofcourse there are also other problems such as eastern Jerusalem too but this one is the most dangerous - If this continues there will be no Palestine left.
that is the whole idea, no Palestine left, plus excavation beneath Al aqsa to build their alleged third temple, which can't be any other place other than where Al aqsa presides.
They make up history to justify their end plus they are not even holding a Jewish state, it is a secular state with a rapid growth in atheism amongst them. Makes you wonder what this is all about save for down right hatred and tyranny.
I find your average American so ignorant that it isn't even worth my time to discuss anymore.. I don't think there is time left for discussion anyway when they are trying to expunge and entire region of its people. Then complain that people hate them and want to exterminate them-- isn't that in fact exactly what they are doing, creating hatred and exterminating people?
sob7an Allah.. I don't know how people's brains are wired, and frankly I have ceased to care.. it is just arguments for the sake of arguments.. no facts, none whatsoever historically, politically, religiously etc!
Text without context is pretext If your opponent is of choleric temperament, seek to irritate him
Thanks for the link. It's a strange article, though, isn't it? The assertions in the headline and first paragraph aren't really backed up by any of the direct quotes that follow.
"to liken my ideology to that of a white supremacist, you must have had some other meaning that evolved with this post. "
I have only heard similar comments made by white supremcist, who very much hate Semites, especially the Jews.
" You are not a scholar in the field nor does the state of Palestinians affect you, so indeed, why should you care?"
Because if Amadenjad keeps saying the radical things he says, then it could possbily drag my country into another war as they would feel obligated to come to Israels aid if they decide to attack Iran. Bottom line I dont want to see the US go into another war. If it was up to me I would pull all of our troops out of Iraq today. Also I am sick of seeing people die for nothing!! In Israel, Iraq and Darfur. I am a peacemaker, a pacificst. I have a 20 year old brother stationed in Iraq and I worry myself sick over him everyday. I dont know if he is dead or alive. So i do have a vested "emotional" interest in the whole sitaution in the Mideast in general. When it all comes down to it they are interrelated.
"I have had enough nonsense and this post has to do with an Iranian election not your feelings of hatred or support, toward an alleged theocracy, toward Israel or Iran or any sovereign state in between!"
Iran is a theocracy! I think Amadenjoud is unstable, but I dont wish any ill to the man. I will pray for him like I do all world leaders.
You also have to remember that the Brits promised that land to the arabs too - so in other words they did double dealings. The other problem was that there were actually people living in Palestinain lands there before who were kicked out of ther lands - they ofcourse had be refugees in there own land - which created the resentmnet - furthermore the US has made the sitiution worse over time by Vetoing against the peace deals that the international community had planned (the two state settlement plan) - one Palestine and Isreal until now - before US and Isreal were set and not creating a palestinain state.
right now however the real first problem is to sort out which Obama has also said is to stop illiegal settlements on plasetine (the area that is meant to make a palestinain state) - there are over 500,000 settlements on that part which have to be stop and get demolished - ofcourse there are also other problems such as eastern Jerusalem too but this one is the most dangerous - If this continues there will be no Palestine left.
The Palestinians need a seperate homeland or Israel needs to sign a treaty with them and give them full rights and full citizenship. Something has to be done, too many innocents on both sides have died.
that is the whole idea, no Palestine left, plus excavation beneath Al aqsa to build their alleged third temple, which can't be any other place other than where Al aqsa presides.
They make up history to justify their end plus they are not even holding a Jewish state, it is a secular state with a rapid growth in atheism amongst them. Makes you wonder what this is all about save for down right hatred and tyranny.
I find your average American so ignorant that it isn't even worth my time to discuss anymore.. I don't think there is time left for discussion anyway when they are trying to expunge and entire region of its people. Then complain that people hate them and want to exterminate them-- isn't that in fact exactly what they are doing, creating hatred and exterminating people?
sob7an Allah.. I don't know how people's brains are wired, and frankly I have ceased to care.. it is just arguments for the sake of arguments.. no facts, none whatsoever historically, politically, religiously etc!
Salaam
I agree - they are also destroying the palestinian houses in the eastern front.
There also some great intellectuals such Norm Chomsky, Norman Finklestin etc - even Jimmy Carter wrote a book on it. So i think things are changing in america - Insh Allah.
Yeah whats the most dangerous thing is constructing history - which is what the Zionist did in the past - it will take ages to get people back to the real facts.
peace
Do you think the pious don't sin?
They merely:
Veiled themselves and didn't flaunt it
Sought forgiveness and didn't persist
Took ownership of it and don't justify it
And acted with excellence after they had erred - Ibn al-Qayyim
The Palestinians need a seperate homeland or Israel needs to sign a treaty with them and give them full rights and full citizenship. Something has to be done, too many innocents on both sides have died.
They need to stop building on Palestinain lands for starters - and maerica needs to be a bit more fairer. Then we can hope for Peace.
Do you think the pious don't sin?
They merely:
Veiled themselves and didn't flaunt it
Sought forgiveness and didn't persist
Took ownership of it and don't justify it
And acted with excellence after they had erred - Ibn al-Qayyim
"to liken my ideology to that of a white supremacist, you must have had some other meaning that evolved with this post. "
I have only heard similar comments made by white supremcist, who very much hate Semites, especially the Jews.
" You are not a scholar in the field nor does the state of Palestinians affect you, so indeed, why should you care?"
Because if Amadenjad keeps saying the radical things he says, then it could possbily drag my country into another war as they would feel obligated to come to Israels aid if they decide to attack Iran. Bottom line I dont want to see the US go into another war. If it was up to me I would pull all of our troops out of Iraq today. Also I am sick of seeing people die for nothing!! In Israel, Iraq and Darfur. I am a peacemaker, a pacificst. I have a 20 year old brother stationed in Iraq and I worry myself sick over him everyday. I dont know if he is dead or alive. So i do have a vested "emotional" interest in the whole sitaution in the Mideast in general. When it all comes down to it they are interrelated.
"I have had enough nonsense and this post has to do with an Iranian election not your feelings of hatred or support, toward an alleged theocracy, toward Israel or Iran or any sovereign state in between!"
Iran is a theocracy! I think Amadenjoud is unstable, but I dont wish any ill to the man. I will pray for him like I do all world leaders.
Muslims from the middle east are Semites, I have given you an extensive list of what a Semite is. I being from the middle east am a Semite difficult to be a Semite and an anti-Semite at the same time . Semitism It isn't a religion it is a race of people, which the majority of modern Jews aren't see previous links.
a Semite by definition = A member of a group of Semitic peoples of the Middle East and northern Africa...
The Iranian fellow is as unstable as the U.S govt. I agree.
I don't think he is governing by a theocracy, unless it is his own brand of theocracy.. his is a type of dictatorship an autocracy, not much different than that of the previous admin.
If the U.S wants war, it will drag itself to it because it has alot of vested interest in seeing that entire region war torn and in shambles.. It is the same reason they re-instated the Shah after his excommunication back in 1951 or 52 I am not an Iranian so I don't have an exact date.. but the west pretty much had a grip on all things Iranian especially their oil, while he (the shah) lived on the lap of luxury there was nothing in it for the poor people...
that is why folks elect tyrants, because they'll take tyranny over foreign interests. There is the evil inside and the evil outside and I think most unanimously agree, they'd rather handle their own problems than have outsiders come in feigning interest in democracy and freedom fries and all other slogans that no one buys into except the idiots amongst us!
all the best
Text without context is pretext If your opponent is of choleric temperament, seek to irritate him
I find your average American so ignorant that it isn't even worth my time to discuss anymore..
What a terrible thing to say. I am an American and I have my own POV on things. I am not an ideologue. Do you dislike Americans and Westerners that much? Why?
What a terrible thing to say. I am an American and I have my own POV on things. I am not an ideologue. Do you dislike Americans and Westerners that much? Why?
I dislike and immensely unread, bucolic oafs who are ready to imbue anything their media dishes out to them and then regurgitate it in various sectors-- that is what average means someone whose ill formed opinions are commonly encountered.. it isn't a generalization it is an observation!
all the best
Text without context is pretext If your opponent is of choleric temperament, seek to irritate him
What a terrible thing to say. I am an American and I have my own POV on things. I am not an ideologue. Do you dislike Americans and Westerners that much? Why?
to say your average american is very different in saying "western" - as i'm sure all muslims living in the west are westerners too.
But if you look at which way america has been going for the past 30 years with Isreal and palestine and especially the Vetos - it doesnt look good. One of the reasons why Obama actually had to make a speech to the muslim world - to undo all the work of Bush. Just watch Fox news and you'll understand - the sheer bias is shocking.
Do you think the pious don't sin?
They merely:
Veiled themselves and didn't flaunt it
Sought forgiveness and didn't persist
Took ownership of it and don't justify it
And acted with excellence after they had erred - Ibn al-Qayyim
I dislike and immensely unread, bucolic oafs who are ready to imbue anything their media dishes out to them and then regurgitate it in various sectors-- that is what average means someone whose ill formed opinions are commonly encountered.. it isn't a generalization it is an observation!
all the best
No that is an generalazation and unfair one at that. Bucolic ? I live and was raised in a city. I told you before all I care about is peace in the world. Have you ever been to America? How many Americans have you personally met? Sterotyping Americans all in one box is unfair and could border on bigotry. I could say all Arabs or Muslims are terrorist that want to destroy and kill all Americans, but I know that not to be true. Most Muslims are peaceful good decent folks. One of the things that made me want to learn and explore Islam was it tolerance of people regardless of race or ethinicity.
I dislike and immensely unread, bucolic oafs who are ready to imbue anything their media dishes out to them and then regurgitate it in various sectors-- that is what average means someone whose ill formed opinions are commonly encountered.. it isn't a generalization it is an observation!
all the best
1. That is not what average means.
2. It's clearly a generalisation.
I don't understand how you can just sit here, day in, day out, pouring out hatred like this with no consequences at all from the mods.
to say your average american is very different in saying "western" - as i'm sure all muslims living in the west are westerners too.
But if you look at which way america has been going for the past 30 years with Isreal and palestine and especially the Vetos - it doesnt look good. One of the reasons why Obama actually had to make a speech to the muslim world - to undo all the work of Bush. Just watch Fox news and you'll understand - the sheer bias is shocking.
I did not vote for Bush and did not agree with anything he stood for. I dont watch FOX news or listen to conservative talk radio because as far as I am concearned it is just spewing messages of hate. I despise spewing hate and bigorty no matter what the prespective is. Bigotry and hate is against both the tenants of Christianity and Islam. I find Mohammed last sermon very informative on issue of race or ethinicty.
Last edited by ragdollcat1982; 06-14-2009 at 06:12 PM.
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everyone,
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. I just wish that people could live together in peace and get along.
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