Iran's Protesters Are Caught Between State Repression and Foreign Intervention

"What started as anger centered in Tehran's grand bazaar over the rapid fall in the value of Iran's currency quickly spread to wider demands for political freedom. Authorities initially offered a series of economic compromises, including subsidies on basic goods, to help Iranians deal with skyrocketing inflation. But protests spread to small towns. And by January 8, a new wave of demonstrations unfolded, and authorities responded with violence on a wide scale."

"The footage that emerged initially showed huge crowds in major cities like Tehran and Mashhad. But in the days since, those have given way to videos of sobbing families trying to identify the bodies of loved ones at overflowing morgues, or crowds chanting "death to the dictator" as they bury loved ones. Estimates of the number of Iranians slain are now above 2,500."

"Authorities claim that more than 100 members of the security forces have been killed. State TV has been filled with footage of morgues, as well. In one video, a reporter's voice cracks as he laments the deaths of "ordinary people" killed by "rioters." This is the line repeated by authorities, who claim armed groups backed by foreign powers have taken advantage of the people's legitimate grievances."

Iran has been under a government-imposed internet blackout for the last week, limiting independent reporting and communication. Protests began in late December over a rapid fall in the rial and anger in Tehran's grand bazaar, then broadened into demands for political freedom and spread to small towns. Authorities offered economic concessions, including subsidies, but a new wave of demonstrations on January 8 prompted a wide-scale violent response. Footage showed large crowds, then videos of families identifying bodies at overflowing morgues and chants of "death to the dictator." Casualty estimates now exceed 2,500 dead, while authorities report over 100 security-force fatalities and accuse armed, foreign-backed groups. Israeli statements and remarks by Reza Pahlavi have intensified claims of external involvement.

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