Iran Pro-Regime Voices Multiply Online
The Wall Street Journal
03-Jul-2009 (6 comments)

Supporters of Iran's regime are taking a cue from the opposition's strategy: They're mounting an online offensive.

Thousands of Iranians used social-networking sites and blogs after Iran's election last month to criticize the government and spread news of its violent clashes with protesters.

But over the past week, a growing number of Iranian users of Twitter -- the online service that allows users to send short messages -- have been "tweeting" in favor of the regime, according to Internet security experts and others studying the development.

Some messages throw cold water on planned protests. "Staying at home tomorrow to avoid angering my elected govt," one user with the name Eyeran wrote.

Others make threats. A user with the name Vagheeiat (Persian for "realities") said in an online message to an apparent opposition supporter: "The Basij [volunteer militia] protects the honor of the people and is the killer of you, liars and puppets of the U.S."

Ariel Silverstone, an Internet security expert in Atlanta, says the number of pro-government messages on Twitter in the past few days has increased to about 100 every six hours from just one every 12 hours or so earlier in the post-election period.

It is impossible to determine whether the comments come from members of Iran's government or simply supporters. Attempts to reach such users of Twitter weren't successful.

But Inter... >>>

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rosie is roxy is roshan

I am not sure..

by rosie is roxy is roshan on Sat Jul 04, 2009 10:09 AM PDT

I think they are only a couple but very prolific. One in particular. I am oing to challenge him/her on this.

Agent/not agent, I pass on that determination. Distraction, shameful, very unhelpful, yes definitely.


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default

Thank you

by Ariel Silverstone (not verified) on Sat Jul 04, 2009 10:08 AM PDT

Thank you, Farhad,

Sarbaz, Can you please explain the Farsi words in your comments?


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default

absolutely correct

by sarbaz (not verified) on Sat Jul 04, 2009 09:22 AM PDT

we have noticed an inrush of IR mouth pieces in the last few days with news and blogs about Israel Palestine conflict and anti western propaganda...I guess with their small intellect and brainwashed demeanor they think they can misdirect people from the real issue of struggle in Iran and noticed non of them can stomach a discussion about killing and beating of Iranians utilizing Arab Hezbollah and Hamas? this has brought a sense of nationalism that will over take any lies and misdirected news article they try to spew...I am glad that they are in such a minority and getting a taste of their own medicine..zendeh bad free Iran ..marg bar ahmadinejad and his basiji terrorists...your turn is coming


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rosie is roxy is roshan

If you mean me...

by rosie is roxy is roshan on Fri Jul 03, 2009 07:05 PM PDT

I don't use the term Zio-Nazis so I can't be either mistaken or correct on the issue.

If you don't mean me, mea culpa.


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wgm1919

FK is mistaken about Zio-Nazi's online activities

by wgm1919 on Fri Jul 03, 2009 06:11 PM PDT

Aren't you ?


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rosie is roxy is roshan

Oh, c'mon Farhad, /ps okay Farhad

by rosie is roxy is roshan on Fri Jul 03, 2009 07:46 PM PDT

so many people who were previously called 'apologists' here came out strongly green, thus linking hands with so many others who have always been staunchly and vociferously anti-IRI. They went green together.

The real divide here was between the abstentionists and those pro-voting, and this divide occured regardless of how anti-IRI the individual may have always been.

However both sides were proven equally right. The abstentionists were right in that the elections are bullshit. But they were wrong in that the voting did not legitimize the regime. Far from.

The voting faction was right in that massive voting could make a statement about the need for MAJOR reform leading to gradual secularization of the Regime. They were wrong in that they could win. Statement. I said statement. They made a strong statement and imho it's only the beginning. It will be an arduous process but the Regime HAS been delegitimized regardless.

So I think it is rather unfair of you to focus in your supertitle about all the pro-Regime supporters here. In fact these 'apologists' so-called have been finally encouraged to 'show their TRUE colors'-green, along with many others, now that the geopolitical threat to Iran has been softened due to the extinction of the Bushies. They have never been enamoured of the Regime.

As far as I have seen there is one-count 'em one-individual here who is a regular poster who has come out staunchly pro-Regime since this tragedy happened. A very loquacious voice indeed.

How many do you think there are here??? Seriously.  :o)

___________________

ps okay well maybe a couple more... you have to remember I've been away for a week...


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