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Posted on June 25, 2009

Opposition Candidate Mousavi

Almost two weeks ago Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was declared the president in a landslide victory in Iran. Many observers called foul play and since, millions of Iranian citizens have marched through the streets in the capital of Tehran. While mostly peaceful, there have been some clashes with police and military and several deaths. Presidential hopeful Mir Hossein Mousavi originally called for many of the protests but has been missing in the last weeks. His wife, an academic and outspoken campaigner, recently issued a statement calling for the release of those supporters who have been arrested.

In this report Gwen Ifill talks to Haleh Esfandiari, a scholar who was detained by Iranian authorities for 3 months in 2007 and Hooman Majda, a journalist who covered Iran in the run up to the election.

"I don't think there was ever the intention on Mir Hossein Mousavi's part to become this symbol, a revolutionary symbol that he has turned into in Iran." Hooman Majda, Author-Journalist

"I don't think they will kill him; I don't think they will accost him. I don't think anything will happen to him." Haleh Esfandiari, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars

"I think women have been outspoken for the last 30 years. Women have been the only force standing up to the Islamic republic. They have fought at every step of the way to gain their right." Haleh Esfandiari, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars

1. Where is Iran? What is the relationship between Iran and the United States?

2. Why do some people think that the Iranian presidential election was unfair?

1. Does the people's response to the election in Iran surprise you? Why or why not?

2. Do you think there could be a similar situation in the United States? Why or why not?

3. Name major rallies and marches in United States history. Do you see any commonalities?

4. The citizens in Iran who are marching are literally risking their lives; do you think that you would do the same thing given the chance? Why or why not?

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