Letter From Tehran: In Washington's Cross-Hairs

[reprehensor]

Letter From Tehran: In Washington's Cross-Hairs

Washington keeps condemning Iran's government and making thinly veiled threats. But in Iran, many people are in the midst of challenging the country's rulers, in the streets and at the ballot box.
The June 17 election for president could be a turning point or a hollow spectacle -- no one knows which -- but the Bush administration is eagerly trashing the whole thing. ''The United States has not waited for the first ballot to be cast before dismissing Iran's presidential election as rigged,'' Agence France Presse reported over the weekend.

But Iran's election is not rigged. There is a fierce electioneering battle underway here, with some significant differences between candidates. Meanwhile, hindered rather than helped by the bellicose statements from Washington, courageous Iranian activists have begun a new wave of actions against the status quo of theocracy.

On June 12, in front of the University of Tehran, nearly a hundred courageous women sat down to demonstrate for human rights in a society where women literally and figuratively are compelled to sit at the back of the bus. ''Stop Bias Against Women,'' said one handheld sign. ''Stop violation,'' said another. And: ''Freedom.''

more@link