Iranian Blogs...compulsory registration with Government!

In the wake of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's appearance in the United States months ago at Columbia University, there was a distinctive fall-out across the country; in particular, over the controversial comments the feisty Iranian Prime Minister made in respect to the Holocaust and Homosexuals.

In Iran, bloggers posted up a storm as well, according to the Human Rights Documentation Center.

Director Tom Parker noted as follows:

"Americans might be forgiven for thinking they have heard everything there is to say about Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's visit to Columbia University, but the story occupied Iranian bloggers at least as much as it dominated the American news cycle.

Although Iranian authorities have introduced laws requiring citizens to register their blogs and Web Sites with the government, Persian is the 10th most widely used language on blogs worldwide, according to Technorati's blog-tracking device."

"Despite official harassment and intimidation, Iranian blogs remain a vibrant source of debate and provide a valuable insight into popular opinion inside the country. Bloggers tend to be young, well-educated, and not very supportive of President Ahmadinejad who typically attracts followers from the urban poor."

With the assistance of New York Times editors, Mr. Parker provided the following excerpts from "conversations" on posts which unfolded in Iran ( translated by the Human Rights Documentation Center in Persia).

Republic, jomhour.ir, Sept. 23:

Someone who denies the Holocaust and promises the downfall of the Western World will inevitably remind Westerners of bin Laden and Al Qaeda.
Ahmadinejad comes from a country that burns the American flag, the symbol of American identity, and shouts its desire for the death and destruction of the Government and its President.
American anger is understandable.Maybe it comes from the same source as the anger of the Iranian students at Amirkabir University in Tehran who confronted Ahmadinejad and his entourage.

Street No. 11, 11ave.blogspot.com, Sept. 24:

Can anyone imagine George Bush coming to Tehran and then criticizing the Islamic Republic's policies in a speech? Is it plausible to imagine George Bush speaking about wiping Palestine off the map? Could George Bush talk about sending democracy to Tehran in Texas? Would George Bush even be provided with a security or would plain-clothed operatives be sent to "spontaneously" attack him?

Word of Wisdom, harfehesaaby.blogspot.com, Sept. 24:

The most important part of the speech is the very positive message that Iran has sent to America.

In response to the question, "Are you willing to have a dialogue with America and what do you expect?", after some explanations, he said, "we think that America can be a good friend for Iran."

He repeated the sentence and the phrase "good friend" one more time to show that it did not slip out accidentally.

Messiah, masih.malakut.org, Sept. 25:

Dude, someone should take Ahmadinejad's hand and take him to Daneshju Park in Valiasr Crossing. No need for explanation. Just hold on firmly to his hand so that he does not get too excited.

We all know that when he is among different people and ethnic groups, he tries to blend in and considers becoming one of them as his undeniable duty.

So be careful, God forbid, that when he is in Daneshju Park, this feeling of duty might arise and cause him trouble! Unlike those boys in that godforsaken park, a president cannot pluck his eyebrows, or wear tight-fitting clothes, or put on blusher.

Until the Polytechnic Students Are Released...(formerly to Watch the Cleansing Waters), abhayesepid.persianblog.ir, Sept. 26:

During the speech of my favorite president, I felt broken. The belittling killed me little by little.

He thought Columbia University was just another visit to the provinces and everyone would applaud him.

How could he stand all the insults to his people?
Last night, before the speech of my knowledgeable Ahmadinejad, I was so worried.

O Lord, how are we going to be ridiculed now?
How did we become who we are?

The year of dialogue between civilizations seems so far away!