An Idiot’s Guide To Iranian Riots/Coup D’Etat Linkage
The events in Iran are taking many of us by surprise. As I noted earlier, the detentions, riots and attacks are all happening during the weekend - traditionally a dead stretch for the news cycle. Some traditional sources are rising to the challenge admirably (New York Times, the Atlantic, AFP) and others aren’t delivering much original news worth noting (CNN, BBC, Al-Jazeera). In any case, I’m finding the content delivered by blogs, Twitter, Flickr and general websites to be invaluable. For better or worse, this is one of the larger news stories of the decade - with all that entails. I’m listing primarily foreign-based blogs as Iranian authorities have largely shut down the internet in most of the country. Here is a short list of links to follow the Iranian election on:
NEWSPAPERS/MAGAZINES/WEB NEWS SITES
New York Times - The Lede: The paper of record’s breaking news blog is doing a good job of compiling content from NYT & International Herald Tribune reporters in Iran and mixing/matching with linkage to blogs and Twitterers in Iran. Only downside is that they are blogging from New York and updating on EST - which means news often arrives too late for non-western hemisphere readers.
The Atlantic - Andrew Sullivan: Although he usually focuses on domestic political issues, Sullivan has been doing a fine job this weekend of posting links to Iran news from the greater internet. The usual caveats about posting on a US schedule apply.
Huffington Post: Arianna’s site is doing some of the best filtered linkdumping for Iran. Minimal commentary + very helpful linkage.
Talking Points Memo: As in Andrew Sullivan, an American political site is doing a top job aggregating links.
IRANIAN BLOGS AND NEWS SITES
Tehran Bureau - Well designed site in English presumably located in the Iranian diaspora. Constantly updated news stories from Iran, links to Flickr + Twitter. Whoever is doing it, it is well done.
Revolutionary Road - Iranian English speaking student updating constantly throughout the day with pictures of police attacks, riots and of Tehran. Good commentary as well, written in fluent English.
Tehran Live - Constantly updated photoblog showing situation on the ground in Tehran. Must see; multiple contributors and plenty of content.
TWITTER HASHTAGS
#iranelection
#iran
#ahmadinejad
#mousavi
TWITTER USERS AND AGGREGATORS
Note: Am keeping this short due to hashtags listed above. Just plug into Twitterdeck or another app and enjoy.
Twazzup Iran! Live feed of Twitters on Iran from inside/outside the country.
Twitters Within 500 Miles of Tehran: Constantly updated feeds of ALL English and Farsi Twitter messages from within 500 miles of Tehran. Allegations from multiple users that Iranian intelligence is using this feed to entrap protestors via fake messages.
@keyvan - Tehrani offering constant updates on situation inside city. Must read.
@mohadmreza - Iranian Twitter updates.
@iranriggedelect - Iranian blogger is offering constant updates of news from within the country and latest rumors circulating.
@steve_schippert - Conservative American security consultant liveblogging on Iran. Despite obvious caveats, is doing a top job of keeping on top of latest news/info. Recommended.
OTHER
Juan Cole/Informed Comment - The famous “blogging professor” is doing a top job of analyzing the ongoing events in Tehran. I don’t agree with everything he says, but Cole is doing a very good job as well.
If any suggestions of sites to add to this list, please e-mail me.
