SMS: Crisis in Iran

Thu, 06/25/2009 11:09 AM  |  Reader's Forum

Your comments on the arrests of political activists by Iranian authorities following violent rallies to protest the result of the presidential election which incumbent President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad claimed as a victory.

I don't believe we should think about the Iranian authorities continuing to arrest activists.

In the past, we have the same, or even worse, problems and we haven't solved them yet.

E. Nurdin
Jakarta

The aftermath of the Iranian presidential election should be a warning to us of how democracy can turn into anarchy. In our own presidential election, the process should be fair and peaceful and held in a democratic manner.

And, whatever the result, it should be accepted by all contestants and their supporters.

Soebagjo Soetadji
Jakarta

Amazing how the Indonesian government and Indonesian people were tripping over themselves to treat Ahmadinejad like a hero when he was here in 2006.

I think, Indonesia, you need to choose your friends more carefully, and not just on the basis of those who won't question your history on human rights. I guess they have a lot more in common than first thought.

Iain Robert Shearer
Jakarta

Iran will have more motivation to reconsider what it does if countries like Indonesia support it less and do not jump in with a knee-jerk reaction after their "elections" to congratulate them on such a fine achievement. Iran today is a product of a US foreign agenda policy; the same US foreign agenda as afflicts the people of Indonesia. Be careful so you do not become the next Iran.

Scot
Jakarta

Iran has shown its true colors. The people can have democracy as long as they elect the mullahs' puppet.

Steve
Jakarta

The Iranian election had a massive turnout and a clearly democratic result. The election results were in line with those predicted by an independent pre-election survey, both in voter turnout and support for the four candidates.

The losers called foul and, instead of pursuing the legal options for disputes, went on a series of illegal and violent street rampages, resulting in the deaths of innocent bystanders.

They were given every opportunity to prove the allegations of a rigged election by the government but failed to come up with any credible evidence to support their case. Was there a Western conspiracy to destroy the election?

Paul Max
Jakarta

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