Live Blog from the Anchor Desk 06/15/09
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Tonight on 360°, election rage in Iran. Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets of Tehran today to protest the country's presidential election. It was the largest anti-government demonstration since the 1979 revolution, and it turned bloody.
There are reports at least one person in the march was killed by milita members loyal to current Pres. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The demonstrators are supporters of Mir Hussein Moussavi, and believe he was robbed of the presidential palace. Official results of Friday's election show Ahmadinejad won with more than 62 percent of the vote. But was it a legit vote? And, what does this all mean for U.S. relations with Iran? We'll have all the angles.
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I guess I don't understand the Iranian people. They installed the present government by disposing the Shah 30 years ago, and the aytollah was welcomed home as a hero. Now they changed their minds?
The Iran incident is really difficult to watch!
Hi Anderson, thank you for airing the issue of medical marijuana. The federal government is woefully behind the times on this hotly contested issue.
arrested, so do i, polices can be unfair in latinamerican countries.
What? Anderson? You were arrested in Iran for three days? Please tell!
I feel, that the Iranian people saw what happened here in the US with the election of President Obama and how it changed our standing in the world and want the same for them.
As for Medical Marijuana, I'm all for it. Used to smoke all the time. Don't now but, do you know anyone who drove high and killed someone?
Do you know of any family fights or violence because a family member who was smoking weed?
Alcohol is far more destructive.
I heard one eye witness account from twitter that the millitia that is putting down the protesters in Iran has never really been seen in 30 years.
The American Indian's used pot for medical reasons. Like everything else use it only when needed.
@Anderson
what were you arrested for? were you in Evin?
it is SO great to see the First Lady promoting music and musical education. it really is undervalued – i hate to hear about music and art programs being cut from academic programs. it is much more valuable to development than most people realize.
When it comes to the debate over whether to legalize cannabis or not, to me there is no debate. It should have never been prohibited in the first place. I think the term RE-Legalization is a more suitable term to use IMHO.
It's almost too much to hope that things in Iran could change for the good of the country, it's people and the world!
We were really impressed with the very large peaceful march yesterday. Who started the violence? It's unfortunate, as the police can use the violence to "put down" the demonstrations that have been so important.
Thank God for the twitters, and all other technologies that have allowed the Iranian people to speak out and communicate in real time what is going on and how they feel.
@ Anderson
What incredible story! I would like to know more details ... 🙂
My prayers are with the protesters. Long live freedom and democracy.
Free the Bahai's in jail please. Whom are there on fabricated charges.
Ya Baha u llah Abha. Suzie, Blenheim New Zealand
@Anderson Why did they arrest you ? I hope they didn't mistreat you it must have been scary .Thanks for reporting the story on Iran.
Wow, arrested in Iran. Maybe another biography from Anderson, including that??
Minou best wishes to your uncle.Wish him well.I covered that region for United Nation btn 2002-6. I miss tea/chai at Tehran Bazaars cities like Karmanshah,Desful and Tabriz.......wonderful people and culture. I wonder why ideoligical greed should lead to such chaos.Its shame of the highest level at such civilized society.
My girlfriend and I predicted this was going to happen ever since admeninjad's runner claimed he won the election! It's sad all this is happening.
I don't have a TV, is there a way I can watch the show live online? I notice the behind the scenes webcam does not have sound.
@ Anderson - sounds like a place for you to stay away from!
Cannot wait to hear both sides of the "America's High" Story tonight. I hope that the information stay factual and does not turn into "Reefer Madness".
Thanks Anderson for the forum!
Really enjoyed the report by Christiane. Her reporting is always very informative and professional. Hope to see more of her on 360 throughout the week.
I'm happy to learn that the people of Iran are being allowed to protest, just wish it hadn't turned violent.
Hi Erica! what a mess Iran is in. I can imagine why the people think their government had a fraudulent vote. It is looking like a coup.
As Sudanese American, I am so deeply sadden by what the Iranian people are going through,. It remind me with our story in Sudan and many countries on that part of the world. Frankly, there is no free election in those regions. Government control everything including the elections. Election are held just to cover up the dictatorship mind set.
@Erica ....do you think twitter changes the way we view wars, elections, disasters?..more ppl seem to be up to date on what's happening..so glad twitter decided to change the maintenance hour.
@Erica is Twitter still operating it was mentioned that there was maitenence.
glad you like our coverage of iran... its an incredible story.. i was there in the mid 90's for four days. i was arrested for three of them
I Say Legalize it And Tax It just like Liquer....
Hello
I am surprise why everything points to America, right now we should be focusing on Iran and see what is happening there, why Obama should get involved with something that is internal matter?
We must never allow our election & results to be tampered with, in the USA, because then it wouldn't be an election by the vote of the people. Our demoracy must be protected....so we do not have the chaos Iran is having right now. Iran is not a demoracy.
No medicinal value???? Then why does the Department of Health and Human Services hold a Patent for cannabinoids as a neuroprotectant???
the people of iran have spoken, they want a democratic country.!!!
The election issue is so sad inded why is thetre so much controversy all the time in these countries can't they just have a normal election .It seemed that the challenger would win but now there is no real clue as to who really won can't they recount the votes?
Anderson,
Is there a chance that the vote will be overturned and Moussavi will become the president of Iran? If so, will that be a relief for US?
I am praying for those people who are protesting,rioting,marching in defiance and rising up against the evil.
The person who died in defiance of evil we all should pray for his family.He is truly a martar for freedom.
I believe the protesters are doing Gods will.
God Bless the people of Iran may their freedom come forth.
Anderson, There are many papers and blogs reporting an ambush Sunday night on the university students at the dormitory of the University of Tehran. The reports say many were severely injured and some actually name five students who have been killed. Can you inquire about this to confirm.
Happy Monday Anderson and bloggers. Crooked elections, violence, protest from Iran. No surprise. This is a tightrope to walk for Obama both Iran and North Korea. Not good.
People from Iran posts phone videos they take on YouTube and Facebook. Please watch them, and inform the others. This might be the last chance of the Iranian people in their struggle for democracy. Please help them!
@Anderson
Despite the complaints about the smoothness of the election and acts of violence that have been launched by the government against opposition demonstrations, leaving at least one person dead, President Obama said it intends to keep negotiating with the Iranians.
Is the reciprocal is true?
hi, everyone. the ireports and the tweets AC just referred to on our blog are fascinating accounts of what is happening in iran.
Most people are not discussing the fact that Mousavi will not bring freedom in any real way...he will only be a president who has limited powers within the Islamic Republic whose permanent leader is Khamenei. The problem is Iran already had a reformist president, Khatami, who promised the same things as Mousavi and could only deliver limited social freedoms, not real freedom (i.e. no freedom of speech/press/religion, etc.). When students protested during Khatami's term, they were killed in the middle of the night in their dorms, many were burnt alive. The "reformists" did nothing. Now, Khatami is Mousavi's biggest supporter.
Mousavi is a catalyst for change, but if he actually gets to be president, nothing will change. The real change is to abolish the Islamic Republic...Mousavi dos not want to do that!
People need fair leadership.
The images bring tears to my eyes not so much because we have seen horrific images but because of feelings they evoke – we are ALL entitled to FREEDOM and JOY in this World and the last couple of days have shown the World that the Iranian people want it – FREE speach – FREE Journalism – FREE to be Human Beings in this World – my heart goes out to them and will Pray that someday (sooner rather than later ) they get to have the FREEDOMS of their choice
Wow, it is a shame that the Iranian people must go through this. There leader is showing that he would do anything to win. This is wrong and we need to confront this.
Hi Anderson,
Re: story on medical marijuana. I would like to point out that you need to highlight the adverse impact of marijuana on various psychiatric illnesses. As psychiatrists, we see many patients either not doing well or their illnesses, especially schizophrenia and bipolar disorder relapsing due to the use of marijuana. A clear distniction needs to be made what you mean by medicinal use.
Thanks,
K. Sidhu
Obama, you are too cool. Very well said.
Do not get invoved too much involved like the media and get into same trap media set for Mr Bush in orchestrating WMBD with Saddam..
The marjaunna issue is smokin' tonight ! No pun intended .I think it should be used for medecine purpose .
Anderson, Good Evening from my hotel room in New York City
I'm an 18 year old American-born Iranian male. I've been in close touch with my family who currently reside in Tehran. Something must be done to free these people from this tyrannical oppression. In some ways, I'm glad Ahmadinejad claimed presidency, because it shows the world, for the first time, that the Islamic extremist government of Iran does not reflect the views or beliefs of the Iranian people.
Thank you, and God Speed.
-Mattin
I was expecting a little more backbone from president Obama today. I think this is a very important moment in history that can transform the middle east...
Legalizing Medical Marijuana under controls similar to prescription drugs and legalizing Marijuana are really two separate issues, in my view - I would vote yeah on the medical front and nay in general.
Hope the special series this week talks about the positives and negatives of both types of use - medical vs. recreational.