Japan Prepares for a Change as Voting Begins

Recent polls show that the main opposition Democratic Party is likely to win well over 300 of the 480 seats being contested, giving it the majority needed to choose the next prime minister. Such a victory, which would be driven by voter discontent with Japan’s long economic and political stagnation, would unseat the incumbent Liberal Democrats for only the second time since 1955... Read more in today's Times.

Leading Clerics Defy Ayatollah on Disputed Iran Election

Ironically, this may be proof that nothing will change in Iran.

The clerics are siding with the people, securing their position of influence and power in Iranian society. Let's not forget that Mousavi is no spring chicken - his political transformation is fairly recent and his plans certainly do not include a secular government.

It's safe to say that some change is better than nothing at all - abolition of the ''moral police'', a willingness to open dialogue with foreign countries, less discrimination against women in Iran, elimination of state-run TV networks, etc. Still, I am tempted to believe that plus ça change...

This morning's Times article

Iranian Leaders Gaining the Edge Over Protesters

*via New York Times

Ahmadinejad Assails Obama as Opposition Urges Defiance

Mr. Ahmadinejad’s remarks, quoted on the semi-official Fars news agency, came as news reports suggested that more than a third of Iran’s 290 Parliament members had snubbed a victory party for him Wednesday night and as opposition figures said 70 academics had been arrested after meeting with the main opposition leader...

Letter From Tehrān

In the New Yorker this week:
With the Marchers

Iranian Rally Is Dispersed as Voting Errors Are Admitted

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/23/world/middleeast/23iran.html?hp

What, exactly, is a Supreme Leader?

BFF with God
A superior see-er
Of all things supreme

In other words, God loves Him more than he loves you.

Supreme Leader Calls Iran Election Fair

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/20/world/middleeast/20iran.html?hp

Protests Build as Iran Continues Media Crackdown

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/18/world/middleeast/18iran.html

In a Tehrān Minute.

Excitement Builds for Iran Elections