Tag: Islamic Republic of Iran

It’s Happened Before

Though Ahmadinejad is loud and the Iranian leader most seen by the west the real power is vested in religious leaders, specifically The Supreme Leader of Iran: Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

On Twitter CNN’s Jack Cafferty wonders, “Can protesters ever prevail in a country like Iran?” The simple answer is yes. I am sure because it’s happened before.

From Wikipedia: The overthrow of the Shah came as a surprise to almost all observers. The first militant anti-Shah demonstrations of a few hundred started in October 1977, after the death of Khomeini’s son Mostafa. A year later strikes were paralyzing the country, and in early December a “total of 6 to 9 million” — more than 10% of the country — marched against the Shah throughout Iran.

iran protesters.jpgI remember a 60 Minutes piece at the time on Ayatollah Khomeini. He was in exile in Paris. His message moved through Iran via audio cassette tapes. Today communications are faster and more effective.

I am no Iran expert, but it’s dangerous to think the current protesters want anything more than to remove Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Even they think he’s nuts. Though Ahmadinejad is loud and the Iranian leader most seen by the west the real power is vested in religious leaders, specifically The Supreme Leader of Iran: Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The current Iranian opposition, the folks who probably had the election stolen from them, support this Islamic government. That’s important to note.

What is happening in Iran is simultaneously interesting and scary. We have to be careful not to think it’s something it really isn’t.

Ted Koppel – Who Knew?

I just read an article in the Wall Street Journal considering the future of Nightline. I remember the origins of that show, during the Iran Hostage Crisis. In the beginning, the nightly show would even give the count of days since the hostages had been taken.

I remember the first time they strayed from Iran and covered some other breaking news. It was sharp, learned and the only show of its kind in that pre-cable age.

Now, the article says, ABC might be trying to kill off the show.

I usually get to see the first minute or two before leaving work. Though thoroughly associated with Ted Koppel, he’s not there too often. Now, I understand why.

Mr. Koppel’s contract expires in 2005, and he is unlikely to sign a new one that involves many changes to his current situation. His contract gives him nearly two months of vacation, a three-day workweek and a provision that the show is rarely broadcast live — a grueling option that characterized “Nightline” in its heyday. Mr. Koppel also takes home a paycheck thought to be near $10 million — on par with top-paid figures in network news. A spokeswoman said Mr. Koppel was not available to comment.

$10,000,000! I’m in the wrong busine… Oh, hold on. Same business. Never mind. And, with all due respect to Mr. Koppel whom I consider a gift to television journalism – grueling? Please!

I’m not sure if Nightline could make it today as a live show. We had longer attention spans twenty years ago. There was less competition.

Sometimes good things just outlive their usefulness. It will be a shame when that happens to Nightline, because it was so special.