A ‘celebration of democracy’ for the Islamic Republic

Hamid S. Plano, TX — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:22:59 GMT

Good for you Iran and Iranians. Other countries must learn from your people to do accordingly.

A ‘celebration of democracy’ for the Islamic Republic

Ken, Columbia, MD — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:42:06 GMT

"A Celebration of Democracy" is stretching the truth quite a bit. A democracy is not only about voting. In a real democracy no one person has absolute or final authority. A system of checks and balances with all leaders being ultimately responsible to the citizens is not present in Iran. There must also be a guarentee of certain fundamental rights like the right to due and fair process, the right of expression and assembly, etc. I applaud their election as a step toward read democratic reform.

A ‘celebration of democracy’ for the Islamic Republic

Robert /Colorado — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:59:57 GMT

It Mir Mousavi don't win this one, I could see riot's in the street's. They view his wife like our first lady. Good luck Mousave.

A ‘celebration of democracy’ for the Islamic Republic

Katherine La Rocco — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:05:51 GMT

This is most encourging - as was the election result in Lebanon. As I am a liberal person I believe in voting and negotiation befor armed confrontation and a truly democratically elected government is always a better negotiator than a despot. I wonder, if this election oversets the current regime will it be the "Obama-effect" or will the remanant of the Republican Party claim it would have happened anyway. And if it fails will it negate the policy and the speach of our President? It will be so intersting to see the spin put onto this election

A ‘celebration of democracy’ for the Islamic Republic

Rock, Toronto, Ontario, Canada — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:08:33 GMT

This is just beautiful to see! The people of Iran have spoken and the message seems to be for peace and prosperity instead of hostility towards the world.

"Maa mitoonim" (YES WE CAN)!

A ‘celebration of democracy’ for the Islamic Republic

Jacqueline S, Portland ME — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:16:43 GMT

This is exciting to see, especially that hours are extended and the government is willing to do what it can so more people who want to vote are able. It seems this popular uprising has somewhat taken everyone by surprise? I don't remember hearing much talk of the possibility of this leading up to the election.
This is a testament to what is often the case - that the people of a given country do not always espouse the more radical or divisionary views of its government. It is heartening to see that many of the citizens of Iran are anxious to end the isolationism and become a vibrant and active part of the "global village".
Anxious to await results now and see the path forward in the next months.

A ‘celebration of democracy’ for the Islamic Republic

Devendra Sood, Boxfrod, MA — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:19:39 GMT

Looks likely that Mir Hossein Mousavi will prevail. But not much would change as the unelected theocratic Mullahs have the real power.
The only hope is that Iranians by voting for change and chipping away at these living in the seventh century Mullahs might even one day get the real change.
Good Luck Iran - Iranian people.

A ‘celebration of democracy’ for the Islamic Republic

mir, toronto, canada — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:42:02 GMT

the iranians do not have a clear vision of what they are going to do for the upliftment of common people except mudslinging on one another. they should be allowed to have the atomic power. when israel can have 168 nuclear bombs and india has been provided with latest technology by USA why iran should be devoid of nuclear technology ???

A ‘celebration of democracy’ for the Islamic Republic

Eric, Salinas, CA — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:59:29 GMT

A great report on the Iranian voting from Richard Engel who has given us so many great reports from the mideast. I am glad that there is very heavy voter turnout in Iran as that can only be good for Mousavi. We need for the people of Iran to just say no to hothead Ahmadinejad so that our two countries can try to normalize relations and resolve the nuclear issue. I like that Mousavi's supporters have gone with the color green, who would have imagined a Green Party in Iran?

Go Mousavi!

A ‘celebration of democracy’ for the Islamic Republic

Tonie,Newtn,NH — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:05:12 GMT

I am thrilled by the elections and the turn out and even more so that there hasn't been any violence. I pray that it continues in a truely democratic fashion.
Good luck to Mir Hossein Mousavi.

A ‘celebration of democracy’ for the Islamic Republic

Gordon Wolfe, Lambertville, NJ — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:08:13 GMT

If in fact Mousavi does get elected, it will be a great step in the right direction. The people of Iran need & wish to have the freedoms that we take for granted. The bigger problem is, unfortunately, that the mullahs are the real power in Iran. Unless the people can wrest that power away from them, I'm not sure that real change can come to Iran. What they need is another peaceful revolution turning the power over to some form of democratic legislature, not dominated by religious fanatics.

A ‘celebration of democracy’ for the Islamic Republic

Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:22:32 GMT

Hi Richard! Excellent Reporting As Always Richard! An exciting day for the Iranian people with record turnout at the poles. Moussavi appears as you stated to be in the lead so time will tell when all the votes are counted. A great time for change for the Iranian people. Please stay extra,extra safe always Richard! Peace to You and to All!
Lisa

A ‘celebration of democracy’ for the Islamic Republic

Ken, Los Angeles, CA — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:41:43 GMT

Pres. Obama has to get at least some of the credit for this whole process.

A ‘celebration of democracy’ for the Islamic Republic

Tom Waite, New York, NY — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:44:52 GMT

The mullahs may have the final authority, but we've seen how much the tenor of the debate can be set by the elected president. A Mousavi victory would allow us to broadly change our relationship with Iran. It really is a quite important election.

A ‘celebration of democracy’ for the Islamic Republic

eden52 — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:51:26 GMT

Things are unlikely to be different- the Mullhas are still in full control .The Iranians has to revolt against them and their dark ages ruling.

A ‘celebration of democracy’ for the Islamic Republic

James SPurlin — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:58:09 GMT

This means nothing, people, nothing. The clerics are the power in Iran, it will be no different for the people, they just think it will.

A ‘celebration of democracy’ for the Islamic Republic

Jon Hansen, Citrus Heights, CA — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 17:12:21 GMT

The people of Iran are getting tired of the restrictive policies of the hardliners and the Ayatollah. A victory for Mr. Mousavi isn't going to magically change everything overnight, but it should be recognized as a step in the right direction and that sometimes, when we choose to lead by example rather than force, the ~people~ come through.

A ‘celebration of democracy’ for the Islamic Republic

Laurel, Maryland — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 17:16:38 GMT

Dear Richard,

The video of the rallies I have seen over the past few days reminds me very much of Barack Obama's campaign, in particular because there seem to be so many young people. From the limited window I have been given into the Iranian election, I wonder if it could be compared to our last election - out with Bush, in with Obama; out with the Holocaust denier, in with Moussavi? Of course, Bush was leaving no matter what, but the national sentiment appears to be similar. Sort of.

Laurel

A ‘celebration of democracy’ for the Islamic Republic

kaveh, ATLANTA ,GA — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 17:38:44 GMT

the most important factor here is the fact that ,the process now works much better than it did . thats why i voted . 10 yrs ago we couldnt even dream of such event taking place. who knows what will happen in the next 10.

A ‘celebration of democracy’ for the Islamic Republic

Douglas Miller, Detroit, Michigan — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 17:53:56 GMT

Elections don't necessarily mean democracy. The brutal Islamic theocracy in Iran is living proof of this. The candidates running for president have been hand picked by the mullahs, the guys with the guns who rule with an iron fist. And the office of president is mainly a ceremonial post which serves as window dressing for the clerics. There are no legal or human rights, or constitutionally protected freedoms. People regularly disappear and are murdered by the thugs in charge. Whoever is elected will not change the policies of the mullahs. There will still be the ruthless exportation of terrorism, the brutal oppression of the Persian people, and the race to obtain nuclear weapons to threaten and possibly incinerate other nations.

A ‘celebration of democracy’ for the Islamic Republic

Matt, NJ — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 18:00:58 GMT

From articles I've read and by his own words (which is also true of our own Politicians), Mousavi is just the lesser of two evils. His ideals may seem somewhat progressive in the Islamic world, but he trusts Westerners as much as most westerners trust Islam.

A ‘celebration of democracy’ for the Islamic Republic

kaveh, ATLANTA ,GA — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 18:03:24 GMT

A ‘celebration of democracy’ for the Islamic Republic

Ed, Sarasota, FL — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 18:09:49 GMT

I wonder how far along Iran's democracy would have been if we had not started a coup there in 1953 and over thrown the first democratic government in the Middle East. Our meddling in the governments of other countries is troublesome in the least and life threating at its worst.

A ‘celebration of democracy’ for the Islamic Republic

ABE. B ST PETE, FL — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 18:43:16 GMT

DEMOCACY? LOOK AROUND THE MIDDLE EAST, AND TELL ME WHERE YOU SEE DEMOCRACY? PLEASE DO NOT TELL LIES TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE, BECAUSE THEY WILL CELEBRATE THIS CALLED DEMOCRACY OF YOURS.

A ‘celebration of democracy’ for the Islamic Republic

Raffaele Federico — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 18:44:22 GMT

I'm proud of the iranian people. On this election day, they are showing to the world that yes, their country can be, and eventually will become, a democratic, free nation. Of course a lot more has to take place, but, hey! as we know it there is always a beginning to everithing in life. I have a good feeling that Mir Hossein Mousavi will make it; the iranian population will be better of, and our president B. Obama will bask in some credit as well, while the republican party will keep sinking into oblivion.

A ‘celebration of democracy’ for the Islamic Republic

EDR — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 18:47:26 GMT

The clerics pick the candidates that will run. How anyone can refer to this as democratic is beyond my comprehension.

A ‘celebration of democracy’ for the Islamic Republic

Raffaele Federico, Poughkeepsie, NY — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 18:51:11 GMT

A ‘celebration of democracy’ for the Islamic Republic

Mohamed, Evansville, Indiana — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 18:58:34 GMT

Congratulations Iran. Good job Mr. Hossein Mousavi for speaking out, and good job Mr. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for been a good Muslim leader during election and for keeping the forces out of it and letting your people practice their freedom of speech. First was U.S.A, then Lebanon and now is Iran.

A ‘celebration of democracy’ for the Islamic Republic

Price, Richmond, VA — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 19:01:33 GMT

Katherine wrote: "I wonder, if this election oversets the current regime will it be the "Obama-effect" or will the remanant of the Republican Party claim it would have happened anyway. And if it fails will it negate the policy and the speach of our President? It will be so intersting to see the spin put onto this election."

It's an interesting spin you're putting on it already. As if the Iranians didn't give a rip about this election until the BHO gave his speach in Cairo.

A ‘celebration of democracy’ for the Islamic Republic

Carmen D Rivera — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 19:58:00 GMT

Hi Richard: I hope that this election goes well for Iran and the region. Be safe.

A ‘celebration of democracy’ for the Islamic Republic

Angie, UT — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 20:18:07 GMT

I have been nearly as excited this last week as I was last year here in the US. Its an upwelling of the people. Despite the relative lack of power of the position, the people are voting their will for their President. Vigorous debate is what brings about change. I hope that they do not forget this election and this excitement and use the momentum to solve their internal problems and rejoin the international community. Every Iranian I've ever met has been a beautiful person and I wish them the best.

A ‘celebration of democracy’ for the Islamic Republic

Rob, Texas — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 20:43:44 GMT

Why does anyone think things will changes? The same islamic fundamentalist are still making the rules. This is a powerless position that is just a puppet for the allatolas

A ‘celebration of democracy’ for the Islamic Republic

Chris — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 20:56:54 GMT

True that the power still lies with the Ruling Clerics, but it is obvious what this election means to the Iranian people and its message to the rest of the world.

You Go Iran!!!!

A ‘celebration of democracy’ for the Islamic Republic

PARVIN SHAFIIALIFORNIA — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 21:00:19 GMT

I am an American citizen "thanks" for 35 years and working as an profesional and every few years I go to Iran, I went to Iran 2 months ago. we defenitely need changes in Iran. Dark age of ruling is over, go go Mousavi. Good luck to mir Hossin Mousavi. We Iranian /American are looking for better Iran for the whole world.I wish happiness for all.

A ‘celebration of democracy’ for the Islamic Republic

Kent, Austin TX — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 21:01:27 GMT

A lot of people are mentioning that the change, if any, would be minimal in the case of Mousavi's triumph due to the standing theocracy.

While there is surely truth in that, what this represents is two entire subcultures finding their voice in a society traditionally spoken for by middle-aged men. If there were ever a chance for Iran to sport its own brand of liberty, this is it.

And then there's the fact that Ahmadinejad is absolutely dangerous. The articles that I've been reading have (almost) rightly downplayed his decision making power. Make no mistake; many of his personal decisions, as well as those of his appointees, have directly lead to the unlawful incarceration and torture of his own citizens. The man is enamored by the idea of religious conflict, a matter that has actually earned him public criticism from within said theocracy.

I can't see how getting him out of his position could mean anything other than good news for the Iranian people... unless he were replaced by someone worse, which does not appear to be the case with the former minister Mousavi.

A ‘celebration of democracy’ for the Islamic Republic

John Edgewater NJ — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 21:25:58 GMT

This election is a complete joke people. The Mullahs control the country. They control the Military, Police, secret police, World Affairs, how to tell people what to dress how to tell women they are half a person, Give me a break. I feel sorry for the Iranian people, perhaps some good can come of this by showing the un-elected idiots who control the country that they had enough of their Stupid Theocracy. Perhaps that might start a peaceful revolution against the garbage that really runs the country.