Is This Iran?

a.) Questions:

- Why did the Iranian government wish to put down the protesters?
- What did they hope to gain from violence? Did they think it would help them gain popularity?
- Why would the "crackdown" "heighten nuclear concerns?" Does the fact that they are dangerous one way make it more likely they are dangerous in another?
- What evidence is there for a nuclear program in Iran?
- Why is it usually the youth that protests against injustices, even when the older generation experiences a dramatic change as well?
- The government attempted to restrict information getting out- is this relatively easy to do in foreign countries compared with the US?
- How much of Iran actually gets internet and cellphone coverage?
- What actually happens when you get arrested in Iran?
- How does the Iranian justice system work?
- Was the vote actually rigged?
- Were the protests actually as peaceful as they are said to be?

b.) Connections:

- Restriction of information: we haven't studied it, but this is very similar to what is currently going on in China, and what has traditionally gone on in isolationist countries for centuries.
- Fast, brutal suppression very similar to that of the Hungarian revolution.
- Also, protesters were peaceful, young students.
- People protesting about lack of control over their own government

c.) Gut Reaction

The comics strip was pretty shocking. Over here in my isolated little world, I had no idea how intense an unprovoked attack like this could be. The strip was almost graphic, but left just enough to the imagination for the result to be rather horrifying. I know that people everywhere are fighting for freedom to choose their won government, but I did not realize how violently these governments are willing to respond to peaceful protests.