Thousands March in Iran opposition protests

Nick R. Post #2 Article By Nasser Karimi AP 9/18/2009
Tehran, Iran Tens of thousands marched in the reform movement chanting "death to the Dictator!" They clashed with the police and state run anti Israel rallies. Police and security forces tried to separate the protesters and anti Israel rallies. This elevated tension to rock throwing and tear gas being deployed. The protests happened on what is called Quds Day in Iran. This day is dedicated to Palestinians and denounces Israel. the protests themselves are a show of defiance against the government, also a show of survival. The protesters have been hit hard by government crackdowns resulting in many deaths. Ahmadinejad rallied against Israel and the west and protesters chanted liar, liar during his speech. In rallies in other cities besides the Tehran protesters denounced the governments support of militant groups in the Gaza strip. The Iranian government restricted journalists and blocked cell phone and Internet services in an attempt to halt dissent.

This is a good example of upward control as well as downward control. The protesters are exerting upward control while the government is using downward control. They are also controlling the media and extensions thereof. Clashes in Iran may become more frequent depending on the tolerance level of the government.