In the wake of recent protests in Iran, a brutal crackdown by the regime has resulted in at least 16,500 deaths and 330,000 injuries, with most victims being under 30. The government has imposed a communications blackout to stifle the protests, with many families unaware of the fate of their loved ones. Doctors on the ground report widespread use of military-grade weapons, and the accounts of witnesses detail horrific violence, including snipers targeting protesters and IRGC forces mowing down crowds. Despite the suppression, many believe the movement has fundamentally shifted, as the young generation has expressed their desire for a normal life in a globalised world.
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As protests against the Iranian government intensified, the regime responded with lethal force, with reports of hundreds of deaths in Tehran hospitals, primarily due to live ammunition. These actions followed a near-total internet shutdown, and ominous warnings from regime leaders, including the potential for the death penalty for protesters. While the protests, initially focused on economic woes, had broadened to calls for regime change, the government appears to have decided to use brutal force to suppress the demonstrations. Meanwhile, varying opinions among security forces and the complex structure of the regime itself add further uncertainty to the situation, with many suggesting the government is fighting for its survival.
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Venezuela orders police to find, arrest anyone involved in supporting the U.S. attack-decree. This is the predictable outcome following a rather chaotic and ill-conceived operation. The Venezuelan government, still firmly in power, has reacted with a swift and decisive response, ordering law enforcement to hunt down and detain anyone suspected of involvement or support for the recent events. This action, while unsurprising, throws a harsh light on the delicate situation in the country and reveals the potential consequences of the recent actions.
The initial assumption might have been that the opposition would welcome outside intervention with open arms, leading to a swift and clean regime change.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood