Ali, California, USA - 17-Feb-2000
Thank you founders of the Islamic Republic for making such a day possible in Iran. RIP Emam.

Masoud, Dallas, Texas, USA - 17-Feb-2000
If (God forbid) is elected to the Majles and then elected as the speaker of the Majles then there is no hope for Iran.
He is an opportunist and worth than Khamenei.

Arta Zolkheir, London, UK - 17-Feb-2000
Our country is full of young people, the majority of Iranian are younger than 50 years old, and now it is time for a change, the country needs young blood and this is what will happen in this election, the young people will get the majority of Majlis and they bring new ideas with themselves.

As we know new ideas will break taboos and this is the new beginning for Iran, I am definitely sure that this election will bring a new beginning for country and many taboos will be broken, the conservatives will still be there with lots of power but they will realize that if they don't want to be isolated they have to follow the reformer.

Farid, Cambridge, UK - 17-Feb-2000
Conservatism=corruption

Samad, Canada - 17-Feb-2000
Iran is going to change so much in middle east and whole Asia participate in this big change with great people of Iran election is one way find out yourself in public and be strong feel strong Iran is going to last for ever keep together this election is first step we need each other to make Iran number one in the world 

Reza Kharazmi, Sweden - 17 Feb 2000
All the factions within the government represent criminals. And criminals cannot rule the country. They have already ruined Iran and will go on in future too.

Arash, Tehran - 17 Feb 2000
Just do vote to the reformists and not opportunists, but vote viva Iran.

Samad, Canada - 16 Feb 2000
How do we know speak for people? I think law is only way how much people respect and obey the law as agreement between people in the land and change the law if is not working.

Alan, Pontiac, MI, USA - 16 Feb 2000
It's a shame that most Americans (except of course for Iranian-Americans) don't even know that this election is going on. There are some of us out there, though, who know and care about the future of Iran.

Amazed, USA  - 16 Feb 2000
I agree with Hamid from Tehran in regard to the 400 votes. I must say that I am amazed to sea a conservative has a brain to use a computer not to mention the cheating on it. Up to this point, I just thought that the right only had good muscles to use a CHOMAGH.

Ali, Denmark - 16 Feb 2000
I think everybody should vote to reformist since this the last chance for peaceful changes in Iran. The reformists should then prosecute (Mohakemeh) the killers ( Fallahian, Rafsanjani, Mortazavi, Dorri, Yazdi, Mesbah(Temsah), Shariatmadari, The friends of SAIID EMAMI(?)). If they don't take steps in this direction, then they will not gain respect and real acceptance in the eyes of people, investors (Iranian/forigners). Which crazy person will invest the money in Iran under control of the people mentioned above (read killers) and some as Motalefeh. Good luck Iranian reformist. I wish I could vote. NB! Fallahian is putting bombs at his own house for gathering some votes. Would he show mercy to others when he is not showing to him self. I guess, he is born as a murderer.

Hamid, Tehran, Iran - 16 Feb 2000
Till last night your poll was very representative (about 480-490 participants), today it is very different around 400 new votes on just two of the questions which has changed the result dramatically. We are familiar with these approaches of the right. Please delete those 400 votes to make your poll representative again.

Kamran, USA - 15 Feb 2000
I left Iran 15 years ago after I fought fourteen months in the war with Iraq. Then, I could not imagine to see what is happening in Iran today at least not in my lifetime. Khatami’s way of brining the change through peaceful means will make him the next Gandhi. I think that Iran is destined to end up under a true democracy after a century of struggle to reach it. Please be patient and do not ever be disappointed even if Hashemi becomes the speaker of the Majlis. I assure you Nuri or like him will be the next. God bless the freedom thirsty people of Iran.

Ramin, Wasshington DC, USA - 15 Feb 2000
as long as there is an unelected person can veto the rules and laws rectified by majles and president, and as long as there is a 12 person senate (6 of whom is selected by this person) there is absolutely no chance for improvement.

Zendehyad, Washington DC, USA - 15 Feb 2000
A woman talking about respectable place of women in a Islamic society, is like a slave talking about respectable position of slaves in a slavery system 

Nader, Vancouver, Canada - 15 Feb 2000
[On Mike Theoudoulou's report] Thanks very much for your detailed report. I am an Iranian who's been away for over 20 years and do not know exactly all the players rolls and their positions. Your article was very good in putting some sense into things.

Mehdi, Tehran, Iran - 15 Feb 2000
In yeki az mohemtarin entekhabet az zamane mashrute ast:

1. 65% iraniha zire 25 sal hastand sarneveshte mamlekat be daste va ebtekare javanhast. in dar halist ke rahbari be daste hich farde salkhordei nist ke oza'e iran va jahane emruz ra dark nakonad. Aksare rahbarane 2.Khordad ham ya javan hastand ya darke balayi az khastehaye javanan neshan dadeand.

2. Iraniha neshan dadeand (va midahand) ke shoar ra tabdil be shour kardeand. Setareye ideology-ye eslami oful karde, setareye amal va aksol-amalhaye nasanjide niz; khorshide agl (kherad) midamad.kare keshvare ma yek shabe dorost nemishavad. Ma iraniha darshaye aqab-mande kheili darim ke bayad yad gerefte shavand. Diktatoriye Pahlavi va Eslami ma ra az roshde siyasie shayeste baznegahdashte. Emruz harekati ra shoru' kardeim va an ra be payan khahim resand. Omidvar bashim va qadre har qadam be samt yek nezame mardom salar ra bedanim.

Abbas, Texas, USA - 15 Feb 2000
I think this election will pike an important step against the present dictatorship and essentially removing the Supreme leader from power. One way or another he has to go or there will be another revolution.

Shiela S. Karbasi, Dipolog City, Philippines - 15 Feb 2000
What does Iran have that other poor Asian countries wishes to have? It's the oil!

This God given opportunity in a big country with a very minimum number of population. I have been so interested as a by-stander at the events in this country in the last l5 years. It is not a matter of the election but the direction which the Iranians must have to achieve in accordance to it's wealth. They must act decisively as one. There are other countries who have positioned themselves as super powers due to it's advanced weapons program yet the human side of it is usually forgotten. May whoever wins in this election be persons who look over their shoulders and find reasons to be a respectable leader to lead a rich nation to greater heights such as the productive nation of Japan. As I look over the economic studies of Gerami it is nice to note that there are people inside who are aware of the ultimate possibilities of his country.

May God guide these divided but kind people to act maturely and develop their country as they have been gifted by the Almighty. And in the end May these people learn not to let their pride control their goodness at heart.

Hassan, Ahwaz, Iran - 15 Feb 2000  
Do participate in Friday elections and disappoint the conservatives and their leader...

Ali, Vancouver, Canada - 15 Feb 2000
I think most of Iranians who are living outside of Iran are very worried about Iran. I think there is nothing to be worried about because it has been proved that during the last 100 years we tried our best to gain freedom. So, the election is just a tiny step in our way.

Leila, Brussels, Belgium - 15 Feb 2000
Je suis désolé mais on ne peut parler d'élection en Iran!Khatami et réformateurs ne feront rien pour changer l'Iran. La situation restera la même. Il faut changer tout ce système et faire sortie ces intégristes avec lesquels notre pays n'arrivera jamais à rien. Je pense donc qu'il faudrait que le peuple iranien ne vote ni l'un pour l'autre. Ces élections ne servent à rien!!

BaBaAli Anaheim, California, USA - 14 Feb 2000
I have no doubt if the peoples vote are respected and not distorted, Khatami's group are the winners. However as long as there is a Mullah in position of the King of the kings or ValieFaghih, the free parliament is a joke. Our nation has been cheated so many times by trusting the most untrustable . The result of this election can only be used as a referendum of people showing their dissatisfaction with the unjust rulers. I have no doubt the Iranian people have paid a great price in finding the root of their problem, but if they get rid of this class forever, it is worth the freedom of the future generation. No doubt Dr. Mohammad Khatami has spoken for the people ever since his election, but needs courage and show its full respect for his nation to leave the shell of the mullahs as and his gratitude for the nations support by being one of them and no more. Best wishes for him and all those who struggle in such a tyranic situation in the great Iranian Prison.

Rasool Nafisi, Manassas, VA, USA - 14 Feb 2000
Mr. Hiro continues to be a realist on the Iranian politics, however, I feel that he is not on the top of the news, and there is no mention of the onslaught of the reformist on Rafsanjani, and using him as a symbol of all the failures of a system that he is very responsible for its creation and operation...

Hassan Nemati, London, UK - 12 Feb 2000
Dr. Ziba Mir Hosseini is known for all her work trying to promote so-called reform in Iran. After all, she was one of the organizers of the commemoration of 100 anniversary of Ruhollah Khomeini at the London University by inviting Ayatollah Araki...Her father was known in Kerman for denouncing the nationalists under the British occupation of 1941...They say: Such father, such son...We can say: Such father, such daughter...'

Wellborn', Tehran, Iran - 11 Feb 2000
A week left to decide. I think most people will vote. The Khatami group will get a good majority. Rafsanjani personally will be humiliated, and the election results will set back his ambitions for some time.
Hope the new Majlis will try to amend the constitution to reduce the power of the velayate faghih and bring about conditions for normalization of relations between the USA and Iran.

Ramin, Baton Rouge, Louisiana - 11 Feb 2000
Humanity is not judged by where it is, but by where it is going to. The European period of glory is its reformation and renaissance-- not its capitalist wealth creation. Let us celebrate and contribute to the dynamism which is today's Iranian politics. The powerful voting block of Iranian women, the rebel akhonds who bring religion, philosophy and politics together, the newspaper columnists and cartoonists who become heroes, that is what I see! Let's not be critical of how we got here and celebrate where we're going! The journey is the destination!

Ramin, Washington DC, USA - 11 Feb 2000
What is all this talk about not voting? This is an important step in a series of steps towards freedom for our people and our land. The so called "Leader" says that the elections will be slap in the face of the enemy. Lets all vote for the reform minded candidates and slap the REAL enemy of a free Iran. Long live Iran!!!

Salman, London, UK - 11 Feb 2000
I am disappointed that leading revolutionary figures of the past such as the Freedom Movement of Iran were completely disqualified. It is as if the Guardian Council doesn't want people who have recognized firmly rooted name recognition. However whoever is in Iran should vote. What I see at the end of the tunnel is a kind of British like constitutional democracy where the "leader" is nothing more than an icon and unifying non-political force. But this process may take more than a lifetime.

Jamshid, Belmont CA, USA - 11 Feb 2000
Opinion polls conducted by university students in Tehran indicate that daughter Faezeh is more popular than father Rafsanjni himself. There is serious possibility of transferring some of Faezeh's votes to his father Akbar during vote counting. This method of cheating occured in the last Majlis elections when some of Abdollah Nouri's votes were counted as belonging to his arch rival Nategh Nouri.

A.Rassai, Tehran , Iran - 11 Feb 2000
All Iranian shouldn't stay at home on 29 Bahman(18 Feb.), Vote.... for ever , Help president Khatami.

Reza, Calgary, Alberta, Canada - 10 Feb 2000
A unique confluence of political awareness, an urgent need for the overhaul of the economy, and an unprecedented embarrassment of the conservative block has given the Iranian nation an equally unprecedented opportunity to bring an end to mullahs' Collusionacracy.

Abdollah, USA - 10 Feb 2000
It is very important that Hashemi Rafsanjani "NOT" be elected. I urge my fellow Iranians not to allow him to be elected. If elected he will use his power for his personnel interests and embezzlement as he has always done. He is the center of corruption in Iran.

Behrad, Chicago, IL, USA - 10 Feb 2000
Last news on our beloved hero of the day. Khatami's brother name moved from 13th to first in the list of the candidates selected by a party affiliated to Khatami. [Azadegan Thursday]. I am sure being president's brother (although he was unknown in Iran's political arena before his brother become president) has nothing to do with this promotion!!! How possibly such a freedom fighter and hero of democracy could have anything to do with such things that is only possible from bad guys. 

Behrang, Omaha, Nebraska, USA  - 10 Feb 2000
It seems that those who are joyfully dancing to Khatami's empty rhetoric have forgotten how they were fooled by similar deceptive rhetoric of Rafsanjani, not long time ago. When was the last time that leaders of brutal dictator regime decided to become nice guys? Khatami was elected because he was lesser evil among others, period!

'Amrikaiee', California, USA - 10 Feb 2000
It took the Iranian nation over 2500 years to reach this level of political culture i.e. to vote her mind and make a change without resorting to violence. we are familiar with Iran's glorious past, and what she offered the world, this is the opportunity for her to show what Iran can offer the future. Iran is showing her desire to co-exist peacefully with other nations but at the same time wants her fair share of the economic and political clout that it deserves, that will only come through democratic changes in its society and government.

Cyrus, Philadelphia, PA, USA - 10 Feb 2000
Mollah is mollah but anyway we get changes in Iran, government is good except violence .
I was in Iran when Khatami was elected people of Iran had freedom to elect. Since then everybody agrees that Iranian have obtained some freedom. At least we have some newspaper can write somewhat freely we should remember it took 30 years to get freedom from shah dictatorship please be patient as we say in Farsi <sabr talkh ast valley agebat shirin ast.
god bless all Iranians.

Shiva, Frankfurt, Germany - 10 Feb 2000
Hi compatriots,
I regret to read nothing about Mehrangiz Kar and other women, who fight for women's rights. Faezeh from the pistachio clan is playing tricks on us. Voting is the only possibility to push backwards the conservatives, but it doesn't help to overcome an undemocratic system.

Jalal, USA - 10 Feb 2000
It seems no vote is the best choice since Iran's government does whatever he wants and people back them up by voting. we need to show our disagreement to this regime and that is done by not voting, not participating in their meetings abroad or games. We need to show the outside authorities that people of Iran do not approve or like this regime at all. They kill us daily we want total elimination of this regime . If they come abroad for meeting we should condemn them as we do the election. no show is a bad record for this regime.

Xerxes, Tehran, Iran - 10 Feb 2000
I believe this is the last chance to win over the conservatives. People proved their power (with no blood and fight) in the past elections, and they will do it again in the parliament elections. Please vote, all Iranians, Please...

Nassim, Tehran, Iran - 10 Feb 2000
I just want to invite all my friends, Iranian, to ELECTION. Even I know, it's not a very free election, but in many cases is our last chance!! SO PLEASE PLEASE JUST PARTICIPATE AND VOTE FOR THOSE, WHO BELIEVE THEM MORE! and try to complete the list.
Thank you

Cher, Olive Garden, California, USA - 09 Feb 2000
If the Supreme leader wants us to vote, then we should do so.

Masoud, Kentucky, USA - 09 Feb 2000
Hello Iranians:

Vote please. If you don't, you might give the impression that you don't believe in the current system. My family has been very prosperous during this regime and that's one of the reasons I support it.

Ismail, Frankfurt, Germany - 09 Feb 2000
There's nothing wrong with voting. So what the process takes another 20 years. I'm comfortable here overseas and I have lots of patience.

Mousa, Tabriz, Iran - 09 Feb 2000
This election is no more than a sham. For the candidates are the very officials and operatives who have been involved in the suppression, murders and ravaging the Iranian people. Many of them are religious judges, Intelligence Ministry officials and those involved in terrorism. 
Rafsanjani’s election to the Majlis and his probable speakership would represent a major blow to Khatami and his faction. Indeed, it has already fragmented and caused a schism in this faction. Many in this grouping stress that if the "left" were to lose the elections, this would mark the end for Khatami.

Mohsen Darbandian, Delray beach, FL, USA - 09 Feb 2000
For as long as the governmental policies are influenced by religion, directly or indirectly, there will be no serious improvement in economy, foreign policies or social freedoms. Khatami damaged his persona and public trust right after the university incidents. He should have supported them as well as his long time friend, Mr.Nuri. people have seen enough.

Jalal, Lake Forest, CA, USA - 09 Feb 2000
Dear friends,
This is the most exciting time of my life, hearing that we are moving slowly toward freedom and establishment of law. To move forward, please vote for the reformist and god bless you all.

Marliese, Columbia, USA - 09 Feb 2000
Say I vote and my candidate gets into the parliament. Do you think he is able to give me the freedom of speech? As long as I cannot express myself, I do not have a vote, I am a counting number. So I let you vote and wait, till I am not afraid to speak out.

Anonymous, Canada - 09 Feb 2000

Iran is moving towards democracy and no one can't stop it. All of you must respect prople's choice. Zende Bad Iran 
Zendenad Khatami

Orang, Oklahoma city , OK, USA - 09 Feb 2000
Dear Patriots
We all know and some of us have been part of this difficult times in Iran, I am 28 and have seen a lot ,from war to peace and economic hardships. But every nation in the world who is a democracy has had some real hard times in its past even worst than what Iran has been thru the past 21 years. I believe that Khatami even though a mollah is the man who wants to change Iran,he is educated and has lots of knowledge about the west yet a proud Iranian and nationalistic. We should all take this election seriously and I think with the reformers winning, we will be in the right path to a free and democratic Iran.

Mehdi, GA, USA  - 09 Feb 2000
Dear Iranians,
go out to the polls and vote. The elections may not be perfect but it is our chance to reform and clean up the government. Believe me pessimism won't help at all. Vote for the reformist candidates so we can step closer and closer to democracy and freedom.

Reza, Winnipeg, Canada  - 09 Feb 2000
No body can imagine how deep I am sad that I could not vote in this election. Even though I have never been an adherent of this regime, I wish I was able to fully participate in this election. Please keep in mind that the political growth of a society depends on the participation of all citizens. Regarding the past dictatorships in the history of Iran, unfortunately some people lost their confidence in their significant role in the future of this wonderful land; however, as the young generation of this country we must see ourselves responsible for Iran's destiny.

Hossein, Paris, France - 09 Feb 2000
we are on the way to freedom. Thanks God, i shall return to Iran sooner that i used to think. We should all support Khatami for all his efforts to make Iran better. We should stop to always criticize Iran for all its foreign relations issues. Why Iran shouldn't have a strong army? Let's forget the past, and help building a better future for our children.

Ali, California, USA - 09 Feb 2000
1. I see no success with Khamenei and Hashemi Rafs. with in the system
2. Hashemi Rafs., his son, & his daughter should be court-martialed for past embezzlements
3. Don't forget the number of young/educated political prisoners that we have today
4. Is he/son/Faezeh going to answer the question of "where and how they have accumulated all of these wealth"? (let independent group to investigate these).
5. I just returned from Iran (4 wks visit after 27 yrs), people in cities other than Tehran are really suffering, poverty, suicide, primitive illness/malnutrition/destruction
6. Finally, corruption and no rules/regulations (Khatami is not getting what he has been advertising) 
Good Luck

Jamshid, Sacramento, CA, USA - 09 Feb 2000
Believe in people . the whole system of thinking in our home-land is changing. No one can stop this proces,. be patient, people will be on the top sooner or latter.

Pejman  - 09 Feb 2000

Just Do Vote!
As far as I am concerned (I don't like present situation)
If we want democracy we should take part (whenever no matter being embarrassed or happy) we should take part in changing the situation even gradually. Viva Iran, Viva wisdom ! 

Trita Parsi, Sweden - 09 Feb 2000
I have witnessed with great sadness that the bulk of the anti-election Iranians reside in the EU or the US. For once, we Iranians in exile must put the interest and welfare of our people back home first, and our own personal problems and political agendas second. It is very selfish to be counterproductively impatient when in exile. Those back home need change, and with a faster (and most probably violent) transition, its not our blood that will flow, its their blood. If you were IN Iran, you would vote too, because then you wouldn't afford the luxury of being impatient. With all the faults of this election, it is nonetheless the choice of the Iranian people and we in exile must respect that. 

Marjan, USA - 09 Feb 2000
No No No No to votes. If you have to vote, vote for your candidates not the government

Bahram Samandari, Norman, OK, USA - 09 Feb 2000
The problem is the way the IRI system is set up. A reformist parliament may want to move Iran toward democracy but until the other 4 power sources ABOVE IT (Valiy-i-Faqih, Expediency Council, Assembly of Experts, Council of Guardians), we will have little change. The only thing that can result is lasting change is a CRITICAL MASS OF DISSATISFACTION with mixing of religion and politics. We're getting there but we're not there, yet.

Ramin, Tehran, Iran - 09 Feb 2000
Dear Iranians , Never say Don't Vote, Really we need to cut conservatives' hand from our resources here in Iran.
Good Luck.

Bahram, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada - 09 Feb 2000
I liked the article about women and the elections on your site very much. It was very realistic. Hope that more women get into the new Majles and can help balance the laws in the favor of women.

Parham, Toronto, Canada - 09 Feb 2000
I can not agree more with Sasan, USA, POST FEB 9...
Iran needs this transition in order to move to THE new phase. I have heard almost all the speeches of Mr. Khatami and he always talks about Iran Not just Islam. He respects all levels of society and is open to new ideas ... He is our last chance to get something back from AZADI
ZENDEH BAD IRAN.....

Khosrow, Esfahan, Iran - 09 Feb 2000
These elections are our chance to make our point of view known to some extent. For the second time, (the first being the election of Khatami) we have a chance to change the future of the country through the BALLOT BOX, not with guns.

Mariam, Brussels, Belgium - 09 Feb 2000
You call this election? The iranian have to boycott this elections!!

Lili, Paris, France - 09 Feb 2000

Iranians don't have to vote because this horrible situation won't change

Sasan, USA - 09 Feb 2000
First of all Iran needs to go through this painful times before it can slowly turn into a real modern democratic society. And the Mujahadeen should understand that the majority of Iranian people don't agree with their way and therefore they can never succeed. The way of force and violence can't be the answer and the majority of Iranian people understand this now.

Ali, Seattle, WA, USA - 08 Feb 2000
The result of this election will certainly determine the future of Iran: Continue the way towards democracy, or get back to the hell of conservatives! But never under-estimate the power of people who have once tasted the favor of victory.

Hamid, San Jose, CA, USA - 08 Feb 2000
All of you out there that think this system is nothing but stupid and a show, I agree with you 100% but we should be aware of, bringing democracy to a society that is not capable of handling the consequent of freedom is not an easy task. Consider this as the first step toward educating the society to be prepare for the big game, the day we select and elect our servant’s "leaders" and not be afraid of participating in the process.

Look forward to that day!

Farhad, Stockholm, Sweden - 08 Feb 2000
A free election means that people has the right to choose THEIR candidates, not the one approved by some other people. This election is another example of the stupid system who has ruined our country. Only a free election when people can put the names they want to choose in the ballots, then we can have a free and democratic Iran, and as long as we have a self declared god at the top of this system, any election will be just a show to make a fool of our people to think they are free.

Hossein, California, USA - 07 Feb 2000
Well well once again an election from a system who cannot even tolerate such Islamic people as Dr. Yazdi, Mr. Nouri, Mr. Bazargan, etc. You call this fair and open election? No Sir, we have a long way to go.

Kiumarth, SC, USA - 06 Feb 2000
Cheh ali khaajeh; cheh khaajeh ali!.... Just a comedy to fool the world; and, it seems that the world falls!....

Parviz, Boston, MA, USA - 06 Feb 2000
As I see all the comments are made by the Iranians living out of Iran "exiles they are out of touch ''{ Dasti az dour bar atesh darand} What you think about disqualifying the candidates because of not participating in Friday Prayers!?

Shahriar, Athens, Greece - 06 Feb 2000
Let us continue being the courageous guinea pigs in the global laboratory; we can indeed prove to the rest of the world that if they opt for Theocracy, they soon will be talking of Democracy. The cost for this experiment is petty compared to opting for Democracy in the first place. Why route for Democracy itself when we can go through the bumpy road of Islamic Civil Society?

Tahmasb Mirza, Glasgow, Scotland - 06 Feb 2000
Like a baby coming out of the mother's womb, this emerging democracy in Iran is covered with blood. Give it a chance and in two or three decades, it will turn out to be a very healthy, progressive system living side by side with other enlightened entities like Hamas, Hezbolah, MKO and other groups who talk about Civil Society in the Islamic context. History has always shown that Theocracy and Democracy are caring and loving twins. Don't cut the umbilical cord.

Tahmineh, Izmir, Turkey - 06 Feb 2000
Every progressive society needs checks and balances; without it even in a civil society, everyone would be able to run for every governmental and parliamentary position. How ridiculous! Let us show our support for the noble institution of the "Guardian Council" who has helped filter out unwanted elements. If you consider yourself a patriotic Iranian, support the filtered candidates of the upcoming election of the sixth Islamic Majlis.

Noorolah, Oslo, Norway - 06 Feb 2000
We must look beyond minor and petty mistakes like repressing the student movement, supporting Khomeini and the dismal economy. No one says Iran is perfect, but, I challenge anyone to find a more democratic person than Khatami in any of the so-called progressive countries of the West. He is the embodiment of Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Princess Diana and Cyrus the Great. Anyone who disagrees with this is not an objective observer of Iran's history and cultural flourishment during the past two decades.

Fati, Bombay, India - 06 Feb 2000
No one could argue that for the first time in our history except the Civil Society during the time of Mulla Nassredin we have a smiling cleric. If we don't support him, if we do not make a hero out of him, then, how can we call ourselves genuine supporters of Akhondism? As the British Statesman Benny Hill once said: we gave you the democratic mullahs, what have you done for us lately?

Ali, USA - 06 Feb 2000
The upcoming elections are the most crucial in the future of our country.
This is why all patriotic Iranians should strongly condemn the terrorist actions of terrorist traitor MKO group from Iraq supported by Saddam Hussein.
Long live the emerging democracy in our country IRAN

Danial, Hamburg, Germany - 06 Feb 2000
I think that there is impossible to change Iran with reforms and so called (evolution). It is the best way, but it is not real or possible. We need to take up arms!! Mobarezeje Mosallaneh! we are stronger if we unite

Fariborz, Sydney, Australia - 06 Feb 2000
Who would have ever thought that a millennium which commenced with the nationalistic writings of Ferdowsi would end with the neo-theocracy of a Mullah sugar-coated with the deceptive colors of a "Civil Society."? Glorifying this election, is a true testament to the horrific levels our standards are sinking to. Instead of persevering in the demand to return the mullahs to the mosque, we label the "all talk no action" Seyyed Khandaan as savior of Iran!

Mandana, Salt Lake City, Utah - 05 Feb 2000
This is the greatest, most glorious time in our contemporary history. Never before have the cloak of moderation been so effectively used to annihilate the true aspiration of Iranians in ridding themselves of the obscurantist clerics. Bravo Khatami! In the darkest hours of Iran, we should cheer the best Mullah! May your face appear in the moon soon...

Mehran, Montreal, Canada - 05 Feb 2000
As millions of Iranians eagerly wait to elect their representatives to Majles, and by all accounts, to continue the process of liberalization and solidification of civic society in our homeland, once again we hear of terrorist acts committed by MKO. It is really regrettable and shameful to know that we still have some people calling themselves Iranians and actively trying to destroy what the noble nation of Iran has achieved and is trying to achieve. Shame on you MKO. you have shown once again, that there are realy no differences between you and your benefactor Saddam Hussein in your blind hatred of Iran.

Salian, Seattle, WA - 05 Feb 2000
Given that the Guardian Council along with other "Councils" select all candidates and oversee all "qualifications"...it would be very premature to label occurrences in Islamic Republic as "Democratic". A slight opening with one ray of light coming in, maybe; Democratic, not yet!

Manijeh, Phoenix, Arizona - 05 Feb 2000
It seems it's not just some of the conservatives that don't want peaceful elections but also the MKO. Let's hope all efforts at messing up these elections any further is curtailed. Ballot boxes have always been more effective than guns.

Shahram, San Jose, CA - 05 Feb 2000
This "breeze of democracy", or threat of democracy I believe is the key issue of concern to the U.S. government. The continuation of the unilateral sanctions against Iran is currently the preferred method of containing this threat. The conservatives in Iran happen to share this view with the "Great Satan". However President Khatami's institutionalization of freedom will in the end be Iran's savior.

Kamran, Los Angeles, California - 05 Feb 2000
I can't remember any time during my life when the whole of Iran and the rest of the world cared so much about the results of a parliamentary election in Iran. Even some ex-pat Iranians who may pretend they don't care, I think do secretly harbour a desire for the reformists to win. So however backward our political system may still be, there must have been some maturing of the political process for us to care as we do.