Tomorrow is a much anticipated for Iran watchers- but for the protesters taking the streets, it is filled with uncertainty. They don’t know how the police will respond but the bigger problem that has plagued the opposition since their mass arrests is uncertainty of where to protest.
Facebook, Twitter, e-mail communication and telephones are all off limits as the government is thoroughly monitoring them. Students at Tehran University turned to what now seems like an ancient form of organizing- flyers. Each night, they put up flyers, only to see the police clean them up in the morning before class started. Teachers have been put in an uncomfortable position as the police have asked them to turn students who have been engaging in anti-government activities. Although as one teacher jokingly responded when asked by an officer if she knew anything, “Even if I knew, I wouldn’t tell you.” Pleading ignorance seems to be the best excuse for teachers.
So, despite the opposition’s best attempts to organize and inform supporters of where to meet, people are still confused. The police have given permission for people to protest in front of the old US Embassy and have warned that they will arrest gathering anywhere else. Mehdi Karroubi is planning to make an appearance at 10:30 am, supposedly at Haft-e-Tir Square…but who knows obstacles may thwart his plan.
November 3, 2009