revolt like an egyptian

And Now Iran’s Getting Involved, Too

Iran’s opposition group is hoping to hold a “peaceful rally” next Monday, February 14, in support of protesters in Egypt. The country’s opposition “green” movement would like to “declare support for the popular movements in the region, in particular, the freedom-seeking movements of the people of Egypt and Tunisia,” said a letter from Mir Hussein Moussavi and Mehdi Karroubi, two of the rally’s organizers and presidential candidates that ran against Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2009.

Iran has typically denied permits for public rallies, but Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khomeini has vocalized support of protesters in Egypt and Tunisia. The request for the rally has yet to be approved.

And just as it did in Egypt, Facebook is playing a central role in the organizing of this protest. A Facebook page for the rally already has more than 12,000 supporters.

This is a test for the Islamic Republic,” said Ardeshir Arjomand, an adviser to Mr. Moussavi. “If officials do not give permission for this demonstration, it will be a clear sign that they fear the people’s true beliefs.”

Iran’s Opposition Seeks Rally to Back Egypt and Tunisia [NYT]

And Now Iran’s Getting Involved, Too