Both sides using Islamic symbols to justify their respective stands; Supreme Leader asserts that election results will stand; Iran using Western-supplied technology to crack down on opposition; Tehran considering downgrading ties with London
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  • Reports noted that both the establishment and the opposition forces were using Islamic symbols to justify their respective stands in their current stand-off. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei for instance invoked a Shiite prophet to suggest that the government that was running in his name was besieged by evil forces out to destroy a legitimate Islamic government. The opposition leader Mir Hussein Moussavi also, in criticizing the government, demanded the kind of justice promised by the Koran. The use of the colour green by the opposition - the color of Islam, is also being seen as a subtle symbol that its protests are rooted in the faith1. Ayatollah Khamenei has on his part asserted that the authorities will not back down in the face of opposition protests over the disputed presidential vote.

    Report also noted that Tehran may be using Western-supplied technology to crack down on political opponents online. The Wall Street Journal noted that Iranian authorities appear to be using DPI, which gives the ability to not only block web communications but to monitor them as well2.

    Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki meanwhile has stated that Tehran was considering
    whether to downgrade ties with Britain, after both the governments expelled diplomats. Tehran had earlier accused Great Britain of being responsible for the street violence that erupted in the aftermath of the election. US President Barack Obama on his part, in his strongest comments yet, raised questions about the legitimacy of the election and expressed outrage over the violence against on opposition protesters. The Guardians Council, a 12-member unelected body of Islamic clerics and jurists, insisted that the election results would stand3.

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