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February 15th, 2011
09:47 PM ET

Iran's Brutal Crackdown: Join the Live Chat

[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/01/02/liveblogfinal.copy.jpg]

Tonight a 360° exclusive. You'll hear from a protester in Iran who's risking her life to speak out. The Iranian government is cracking down on the demonstrations following Egypt's uprising. That's after they praised the people of Egypt. We're Keeping Them Honest. Plus, will Mississippi's governor denounce attempts to honor a KKK leader?

Scroll down to join the live chat during the program. It's your chance to share your thoughts on tonight's headlines. Keep in mind, you have a better chance of having your comment get past our moderators if you follow our rules.

Here are some of them:

1) Keep it short (we don't have time to read a "book")
2) Don't write in ALL CAPS (there's no need to yell)
3) Use your real name (first name only is fine)
4) No links
5) Watch your language (keep it G-rated; PG at worst - and that includes $#&*)


Filed under: Live Blog
soundoff (278 Responses)
  1. Sam

    It's interesting to note that the Iranian Police was saying that a "few" protesters that came onto the streets were handed over to the police by the people.....

    February 15, 2011 at 10:23 pm |
  2. Sharon Hastings

    I was talking with someone recently who brought up the birther issue in support of his belief that the president wasn't born in the U.S. He supported his views with alot of "they say's" and things posted on the internet. The birther movement is alive and well and it's hard to reason with them.

    February 15, 2011 at 10:23 pm |
  3. Carolyn

    This 'Birther Battle' is just so ridiculous... President Barack Obama is definitely a Citizen of the U.S... thank you Anderson for clearing this up, yet again.

    February 15, 2011 at 10:23 pm |
  4. Heather - Spokane, WA

    I was born in Montana and in no way shape or form am I closed minded. I am sorry to say that the last time I was back there, I saw there are still alot of people there that are closed minded, but they are also a heavily republican base even though their governor is a democrat.

    February 15, 2011 at 10:23 pm |
  5. Nina

    He is a politician. He knows that all employees are completely investigated by the FBI before they can be accepted for a Federal Job! This is just ridiculous and outrageous

    February 15, 2011 at 10:23 pm |
  6. CAROLYNJ

    stupid ppl did the president's mom know at the time of his birth that he would become president.
    only for us black america... i could say they was'nt born here all the birthers crazy.

    February 15, 2011 at 10:23 pm |
  7. Sue from Syracuse

    You know, this birth certificate matter - can it be brought to rest with any simpler approach? Can Hawaii put out his real birth certificate since they have it? Apparently, that Cert of Live Birth is given to anyone who is even born outside the U.S. (and this has been proven).. so birth certificate will always be contended until this real certificate comes up, it seems.

    February 15, 2011 at 10:23 pm |
  8. Jo Ann, Ohio

    @Emily, "Do you think that the Iranian people have the same will that the Egyptians did? Or that the media will have the same interest?"

    Absolutely! In my opinion, the Iranian people have the same will and need for reform, but it will be much more difficult for them. I hope the media and the American people will have the same or even more interest in the outcome in Iran.

    February 15, 2011 at 10:22 pm |
  9. Starr, formerly known as vincent

    @Anderson – bless you for your tenacity re: the birthers. No matter how many times you demonstrate the actual FACTS, the birthers will continue to believe what they want to believe.

    The birthers motive appears to be to undermine the credibility of Pres. Obama. Also, the movement hopes their belief will affect the Presidential elections, in my opinion.

    They apprantly will never give up!

    February 15, 2011 at 10:22 pm |
  10. Craig Lowe---Nassau Bahamas

    People in the middle east have found their voice! Power to all of them! As for iran the iranian government is sick an needs to be brought down!

    February 15, 2011 at 10:22 pm |
  11. Jennifer - Michigan

    I thought this birther issue was settled long ago. Wrong.

    February 15, 2011 at 10:22 pm |
  12. Sue R. Canton MI.

    Geez,,,The Birthers again. I don't think that they will ever give up. No matter what proof thats given to them on President Obamas place of birth will be good enough for them.

    February 15, 2011 at 10:22 pm |
  13. Vincent Blas

    You have to understand that many people that live in the continuous 48 don't think that Hawaii is a part of the U.S. It's true.

    February 15, 2011 at 10:21 pm |
  14. Janis

    Here we go again. I still believe the birthers will keep this "propaganda" going until the next election. Just mentioning it causes some people to doubt the truth and during the next presidential election, it could be the difference between him winning or not in some states.

    February 15, 2011 at 10:21 pm |
  15. Nina

    The birthers make us look foolish to the world.

    February 15, 2011 at 10:21 pm |
  16. Mike, formerly from Syracuse

    Boehner said Obama was born in Hawaii. How isn't that taking on the birthers? What else should he do?

    February 15, 2011 at 10:21 pm |
  17. Joshua

    Wow, Sara is so brave. My heart goes out to her. Lara as well. Both very brave women.

    February 15, 2011 at 10:21 pm |
  18. Emily

    I can't take these people seriously at all!
    For the very fact that Anderson said, that they say, "it has nothing to do with Obama at all". Please, can't you find another speaking point? Really, is the public that naive that there are so many people buying into this "birther movement"?

    February 15, 2011 at 10:21 pm |
  19. Casey Jones - Palm Springs, CA

    Relative to the "Birther" movement, let's just say Boehner and Cantor are relatively spineless when it comes right down to it.

    February 15, 2011 at 10:20 pm |
  20. Paula, Colorado

    I hope the Iranian protesters don't give up on their hope for change.
    I wish the best for Lara Logan–The attack is a terrible thing to have happen. I hope she recovers quickly.

    February 15, 2011 at 10:20 pm |
  21. Sam

    @Starr, People use VPN to access websites. It's a way of bypassing filters from the government.

    February 15, 2011 at 10:20 pm |
  22. Sandra

    @Casey Jones: I agree that the more brutal and oppressive the crackdown is, the more determination the opposition will have over the long run but I believe the role of the Media becomes paramount when we are talking about the government holding all the cards doing the crackdown.

    February 15, 2011 at 10:19 pm |
  23. Jo Ann, Ohio

    @Emily, "I'm glad that you are allowing 'Sarah' to speak out, Anderson! More people like her have to let their voices be heard without fear of reprisal."

    "Sarah" is very courageous. The women of Iran are treated like second class citizens by the government, but they are strong and intelligent.

    February 15, 2011 at 10:19 pm |
  24. Barbara

    What can we americans do to help people like Iran. What can I do?

    February 15, 2011 at 10:19 pm |
  25. mira

    I don't like what is going on in Iran. What else can I say? I'm speechless.

    February 15, 2011 at 10:19 pm |
  26. Sam

    Very interesting interview with the Iranian lady. Thank you Anderson for covering Iran's Protest. It is absolutely shameful to witness the seen in the Iranian Parliament...

    February 15, 2011 at 10:18 pm |
  27. jerry

    Is there any word about the pigs that did that to Lara Logan? Did they arrest them? Are people upset about it in Egypt or do that not care, like always, cause she is not Muslim

    February 15, 2011 at 10:18 pm |
  28. Megan Dresslar - Shoreline, WA

    Oh my gosh!!!!!! I am so shocked!!!! Not good news for me heard Lara Logan!!!!!!
    Anderson,
    You're right........ That is so horrible shock!

    Lara,
    Our prayers & thoughts with you..... Keep you safe your life...... our heart goes out to you.
    Anderson and Megan

    February 15, 2011 at 10:18 pm |
  29. Starr, formerly known as vincent

    @Megan and so many other bloggers:

    I agree about Sarah in Iran. Incredibly brave to speak out, as are her compatriots who are demonstrating. May God protect her and keepher and the demonstrators safe as can be.

    @JoAnn- I heard earlier today that there are web sites that the Iranians (or anyone) can use to reach out, despite the Iranian shut down.

    February 15, 2011 at 10:18 pm |
  30. Janis

    I heard about Lara Logan. I am so sorry for her. A mob has an identity of its own. Unfortuneatly, it can be a horrible evil beast during emotion fueled revelry. I hope she recovers completely from her ordeal and the men that assaulted her are found and held accountable for their actions. They did a bad, bad thing.

    February 15, 2011 at 10:18 pm |
  31. Emily

    @Jo Ann,
    "A great disadvantage, but not impossible."
    Do you think that the Iranian people have the same will that the Egyptians did? Or that the media will have the same interest?

    February 15, 2011 at 10:17 pm |
  32. Mike, formerly from Syracuse

    Why has the US government not come out for the protesters in Iran? It is way more oppressive there than Egypt under Mubarak.

    February 15, 2011 at 10:17 pm |
  33. Sue R. Canton MI.

    It was so sad to hear about the terrible assault on Lara Logan. I hope that she gets well soon.

    February 15, 2011 at 10:16 pm |
  34. lisal -canada

    i am just curious as to whether lara's privacy will be respected more by the journalistic community because she is a fellow journalist

    February 15, 2011 at 10:16 pm |
  35. Heather - Spokane, WA

    What happened to Lara Logan is crazy! I thought the violence was over with there. Bless her and hope she heals fast

    February 15, 2011 at 10:16 pm |
  36. Gloria, Brooklyn, NY

    Feel better, Lara. You did a good thing!

    February 15, 2011 at 10:16 pm |
  37. Emily

    That's an awful story about Lara Logan.
    Thoughts are with her & wishing her a speedy recovery!

    February 15, 2011 at 10:16 pm |
  38. Sue from Syracuse

    Lara Logan, Big hug for you. Come back to us when you are better. Take extra care to rest up and listen to some good easy music. Good thoughts coming you way. 🙂 Take care!

    February 15, 2011 at 10:16 pm |
  39. Chi

    @Carolyn 10:04 Must agree with you. Definitely.

    February 15, 2011 at 10:16 pm |
  40. Jennifer - Michigan

    That's so horrible!! My thoughts will be with Ms. Logan and her family tonight. That's terrible!

    February 15, 2011 at 10:15 pm |
  41. Jo Ann, Ohio

    @Mike, formerly from Syracuse, "Why hasn't President Obama forcefully condemned the Iranian regime?"

    Obama didn't "forcefully condemn" the Mubarak regime either. If he does that, he will never be able to have his "no pre-condition talk" with Ahmadinejad.

    February 15, 2011 at 10:15 pm |
  42. Casey Jones - Palm Springs, CA

    I believe the more brutal and oppressive the crackdown is, the more determination the opposition will have over the long run. I truly hope they have the stamina and will to continue, no matter what. The oppostition absolutely must keep the Iranian government on the defensive.

    February 15, 2011 at 10:15 pm |
  43. Sharon Hastings

    Yes, I did see that about Lara Logan. How very awful. I feel so badly for her and she is in my thoughts and prayers also.

    February 15, 2011 at 10:15 pm |
  44. Carolyn

    Prayers & Blessings to Lara Logan.

    February 15, 2011 at 10:15 pm |
  45. Starr, formerly known as vincent

    @Mike formerly from Syracuse.

    The President did speak out today, calling the Iranian Pres. a hypocrit (sp) and supporting the demonstrators.
    Sec. of State, Clinton spoke even more forcefully.
    Much different rhetoric than in 2009 demonstrations.
    I believe the Adminstrations plann is to continue to be critical harshly of Iran's gov.

    God bless Lara Logan, i hope with all of my heart that she can emotionally recover. It will take time. My prayers are with her.

    February 15, 2011 at 10:15 pm |
  46. Karen, MN

    Hello Anderson and everyone

    February 15, 2011 at 10:14 pm |
  47. Janis

    Sara, keep talking to us. Tell us what is happening as much as you can. We are listening. Anderson and staff, give her a forum every night, please.

    February 15, 2011 at 10:13 pm |
  48. Vincent Blas

    Bottom line: More shinanigans from Iran's leadership.

    February 15, 2011 at 10:13 pm |
  49. Sue R. Canton MI.

    wow, I hope that this young lady that Anderson is talking to is going to be OK. I hope that she wasn't shut off the air by the authorities in Iran.

    February 15, 2011 at 10:12 pm |
  50. Sandra

    While it may be self initiated will this protesting/etc in Iran have any future? I might be more of a pessimist but with parliament support it seems unlikely. The government and it's revolutionary guard are much more on top of things bashing any supposed news/media rights...I just hope this crackdown to stop revolts does not work or become a model throughout the middle east.

    February 15, 2011 at 10:12 pm |
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