Iran News

I've chosen to step back from my earlier prediction of the Islamic Republic in Iran being overthrown, because it appears that many in Iran want to settle the election disputes within the framework of the current system. But maybe not for much longer. The government is divided on how to deal with the reformers, and the hardliners seem to be in danger of losing control of the situation.

Nowhere is this more apparent than in this week's news from Iran. Reports of torture of dissidents in Iranian prisons have surfaced, and a protest near the grave of killed demonstrator Neda Soltan, whose death has become the focus of so much ire in the country. Riot police were brought in to beat back the illegal demonstration with tear gas and clubs, but some police officers treated the protesters lightly and hinted at solidarity with them. This is the first time there have been hints of such discord among the official security forces, suggesting that if the government is to survive, it has a lot to deal with internally.

Former presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi, who tried to join the demonstration but was blocked for doing so, has called for protests throughout the week. Meanwhile, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is to be sworn in for a second term as president of Iran. This isn't over yet.