The Iranian regime is now creating martyrs on film for everyone to watch (warning graphic).
Update [2009-6-20 14:57:13 by BooMan]: YouTube yanked the video. You can see another angle here.
This is the same mistake that the Shah made. The surest way to make sure that the protests continue is to kill people. The opposition will come out in the streets to mourn the dead. And the cycle of violence will continue and escalate.
The regime will attempt to blame acts of terrorism and sabotage on the opposition, while blaming Western powers (mainly the U.S. and U.K.) for giving aid and succor to the opposition. The reports of the suicide bombing at the Imam Khomeini shrine and the mistranslation on state-run television of Obama’s remarks, indicate that the government will make up facts if they are not forthcoming on their own.
It’s very troubling to see young women bleeding to death on the streets of Tehran. But, unfortunately, this is the type of sacrifice that will lead to the fall of the Islamic aspect of the Islamic Republic. And, since I think that would be a positive development for both the Iranian people and the peace process, I believe these lives may be one day be honored very highly.
Maybe the government doesn’t know what else to do, but creating martyrs ought to be something they well understand not to do.
