From Gdansk to Tehran

Comparing Iran now with Poland of the 1980's: Not even close. Poland was under the control of a foreign power. They weren't supporting terrorism around the world. And they weren't racing to acquire nuclear weapons to threaten and possibly incinerate other nations. But I do hope that we have the same happy ending with Iran that we did with Poland.

Comprehensive, and in depth.
Mr. Nagorski should be considered to work at the white house.
We are experiencing the same political problem as 1970's.
Mr. Obama lacks knowledge of foreign policy and Economic.
Did American really voted for him?.

I do see some parallel between Iran's election protests and the Gdansk Solidarity movement. What many analysts ignore, though, is that Polish Solidarity was staunchly supported by the nation's theocracy! Every pastor in Poland was rooting for Solidarity, and so was the Primate! The churches' bells were tolling in support. In Iran, to my knowledge, the opposite is true: the theocracy has been crushing the Iran's solidarity movement! Is this good or bad, I don't know. Iran may be in more trouble, with respect to Poland because the people are more divided. In Poland, all the people stood by theocracy! In Iran, half the people oppose it!

Keep on dreaming Andrew !! That syndrome is never going to happen !! The change in East Europe did not affect CUBA, CHINA
or BURMA, North Korea or even Venezuela. The reason for east european change was 'dear GORBY'. factor. You tried
in China, BURMA or CUBA but it did not materialise and in future probability is near zero !!

Another interesting historical event that has ties to this Iranian upheaval may be the creation of the group OTPOR in Yugoslavia that helped topple Milosovech. It too was begun by peaceful protesters, many of them students. It too used technology that the government tried to stiffle, but couldn't. Millions protested in the streets for change and finally they got their freedoms. Now, the situation in Iran is obviously different because instead of dealing with a corrupt dictator, we have a ruling theocracy who deems it their responsibility to ensure the morale righteousness of an entire group of people. They are different situations, and possibly the outcomes will be different, but one of the ways that the world can help is through the new technologies and using non-governmental organizations. Continue showing the people of Iran that we understand their desire for peace and freedom. One can only hope that these people push just hard enough to make their persecutors fall. That, I believe, will be a good day in the Middle East and for the rest of the world.

I think we can not say for sure if the protesting are in only one city. The media is control by the government, so it could be that they are not broadcasting protests in other areas.

3 million protesting under threat of execution, is a lot. With the threats from the government and the basij terrorizing citizens... there still are 3 million in the streets. Obviously, the government and basij had some affect, and the 3 million are what's left. Therefore the 3 million represent a minimum number of protesters. The real number could be 10 times that amount.

But it's interesting that you say 3 million citizens can not change the government there. (History around the world says different) However, the Iranian government pretends that foreigners can affect the government greatly with just a few words.

To @al1400:
Wow, Such an interesting comment? Where do u live? In Mars?

So, My parents live in a relatively small city, They told me that all of the people of Iran are against the regime!!! Is it true? Certainly not, it is only their belief and a small group they know, like the comment you have written.

Where is your statistical study? The most important factor about the lack of protest or weak protests in small cities is about the security forces and militia named Basij that are able to control those areas more easily. Nobody risks to show his/her idea because easily could be identified, jailed and tortured physically and mentally. Fear has been spread all over the country, Why people should die or risk their life when their action has no effect due to lack of communication and media.

WHAT A SHAME! You say ' So protest of 1 or even more people in streets...'! Again, WHAT A SHAME!
The approximate number of protestors in Tehran was about 3 millions!!! While people were aware of Militia brutal actions and government verified news about the number of dead (7) until that time.

On Saturday after Khanmenei warned people against street protests, Many told us that the security forces will shoot people but I don't know whether you were in your bed lying or not but <Thousands> were present at Enghelab street towards the Azadi Sq., Shouting "Down with Dictator" or even "Down with Khamenei" and many have been beaten and killed (like Neda). So I think we were not people, As your president called us 'Khas-o-Khashak: DUST'

OK! We live in a FREE Country. Why all the media are restricted now? Why the Moblie/SMS system is down? Why People are shouting 'Allah-o-Akbar' on the roof of their houses at night? Why the government do not assemble a neutral group to verify the result? Why 20 people (at least) have died? Why 1000 people have been arrested? Do you call this country a regular democratic and free country? Yes you told me, it is! Ok, Turn your TV on and see a Comedy or another blockbuster movie! Everywhere is calm, So sleep and see another dream like the one you have written for us.

There is verse that says: "A government can survive with blasphemy but cannot survive with oppression."
Wait and See!

If the number of protesters are insignificant, then why does the Iranian government violent crackdown on peaceful protesters.

The protesting are not the only evidence of a problem government. Its the ballot stuffing, violence against peaceful protesters, lack of freedom, the dictator-like behaviors, funding terrorism, blaming other governments for everything, controling the media (lies and propaganda) to control the people's judgment, abnormal relations with many nations, etc. etc.