Iran Feature: The Squeeze of Ahmadinejad's Subsidy Cuts (Baji)

Owners of industrial and agricultural enterprises who initially welcomed Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's plan to reduce subsidies by lifting the price-support system for basic goods have now become its chief critics.

Six months after the controversial plan took effect, these producers are still awaiting the promised financial support for their companies and worry that, with the sharp rise in fuel prices, they will not be able to stay afloat. 

"What do people think? That we make so much profit that despite astronomical cost increases we can still produce?" asked one food producer in exasperation, who spoke to IPS on condition of anonymity. "The reality is that sectors of production can't continue and are reducing their production, if not being shut down altogether." 

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Iran Feature: The Intimidation of the Regime (Baji)

"Yasaman Baji", an Iranian journalist in Tehran, writes for the Institute for War and Peace Reporting:

The Iranian security forces stepped into action to prevent opposition protesters coming out onto the streets and hijacking the annual anti-Israel demonstration last week.

The last Friday of Ramadan is designated Quds (“Jerusalem”) Day in Iran, and is used by the regime as a ritual show of anti-Israeli and anti-American sentiment.

Last year, however, the opposition Green Movement took advantage of the officially-sanctioned presence of crowds on the street to make their own appearance, to the consternation of the government. They challenged official policy on the Palestinian cause – normally a taboo subject – by shouting, "No to Gaza, no to Lebanon, may my life be sacrificed for Iran."

This year, the intelligence agencies were ready, and took action to forestall any public appearance by the opposition.

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