Morning Brief: Iranian opposition demonstrates on embassy siege anniversary

Wed, 11/04/2009 - 8:57am

Top story:  Taking advantage of an official rally to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the takeover of the U.S. embassy in Iran, opposition supporters took to the streets of Tehran, chanting "death to the dictator" and clashing with police and pro-government demonstrators. 

Reports indicate that police fired tear gas into the crowd to disperse protesters in Tehran's Haft-e-Tir Square. Opposition leader and former presidential candidate Mehdi Karroubi was beaten by security forces before being led away by his bodyguards. The protests are reportedly much smaller than those that followed last summer's disputed elections. The opposition also took advantage of state-sanctioned pro-Palestinian rallies in September.

Noting the anniversary of the embassy takeover, U.S. President Barack Obama said that Iran "must choose" whether to focus on the past or open the door for greater opportunity for its people. "We have heard for thirty years what the Iranian government is against; the question, now, is what kind of future it is for," Obama said.

U.S. elections: Republicans won gubernatorial elections in New Jersey and Virginia while a Democratic candidate beat out a conservative challenger in a widely-watched congressional race. Maine voters repealed a law allowing gay marriage.

Middle East

  • The Israeli navy intercepted a container ship carrying weapons for Hezbollah.
  • Secretary of State Hillary Clinton argued in Egypt that while Israel's settlements are illegitimate, peace talks should resume before a complete freeze.  
  • Yemen rebels have crossed the border into Saudi Arabia where they have "taken control" of a small area. 

Asia

  • An Afghan policeman opened fire on British soldiers on Helmand province, killing 5. 
  • U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell met with imprisoned Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. 
  • The Pakistani military claims to have entered a major Taliban stronghold in South Waziristan. 

Americas

Africa

  • The U.N. has cut aid to a Congolese army brigade after reports that it has massacred civilians. 
  • South Africa will miss a 2014 deadline to redistribute land to the country's black majority. 
  • An outbreak of cholera has killed 20 people in Northern Nigeria. 

Europe

  • Czech President Vaclav Klaus signed the Lisbon treaty, paving the way for greater European integration. 
  • German Chancellor Angela Merkel spoke to the U.S. congress, urging action on climate change. 
  • New rules will restrict the benefits enjoyed by British lawmakers, in the wake of this year's expenses scandal. 
BEHROUZ MEHRI/AFP/Getty Images
Joshua Keating | Permalink |
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