Slow Day in Iran

There is probably no doubt that the police, the Basij, the Republican Guards and the Army could stop the protesting if they wanted to. From the government's standpoint, all the right things are being done now. They have the crowd control units out in full force, and it is difficult for the protesters to even get to the squares where the rallies were to be held. Cell phones and cameras are getting confiscated so that it is very hard to get any coverage out. Pro-Ahmadinejad supporters are having a rally or two to prove that there are two sides to the story. (You know, fair and balanced.) With the regular news reporting squelched, the state-run TV as able to play down the uprising, and give the impression that things are about to get back to normal. I hate to say it, but it looks like the government is going to get its way unless something extraordinary happens. We'll have to wait to see what tomorrow brings, since Moussavi has called for a nation-wide strike. If a strike actually happens, this will be the teeth that this movement needs to keep alive. There may still be hope.
The most difficult video to watch was the tragic death of the young woman called Neda, who died before our eyes on the television screen in the arms of her father. Nothing could be more heartrending. I have her and her family and friends in my prayers, and I hope you will join me. In only an instant, dozens of lives were changed forever. May she rest in peace.