"It has been decided in the highest security level to restrict access to Telegram (messaging app) and Instagram," the source said.
Does the notable absence of Facebook and Twitter in the ban mean that those companies are sufficiently cooperative with the mullah regime to avoid a ban?
I wouldn't be surprised. Although the report could simply be incomplete in what is banned.
Ah, this article has much more--including the fact that two protesters have been killed--and notes that Facebook was banned there in 2009.
The protests seem more significant than I first thought from early news reports (CNN kept saying it was an apple, when it looks more like a banana, but I'm not sure CNN even recognizes it as a fruit at all), but I obviously can't know if they are serious enough to be a threat to the regime.
Days of rage against the mullah government--which these protests clearly are--need to be more focused to be a revolution.
As a general rule, of course, when you Twitter a king, kill him. That was my advice the last time Iranians protested their mullah rulers in 2009.
As an aside, it is funny how American liberals assume a foreign "enemy" will rally all people (except American liberals who won't rally against jihadis, North Koreans, Chinese, or even the newly hated Russians) around their government (tip to Instapundit):
After years of cynicism, sneering or simply tuning out all things political,” wrote Erdbrink, “Iran’s urban middle classes have been swept up in a wave of nationalist fervor.” He went on: “Mr. Trump and the Saudis have helped the government achieve what years of repression could never accomplish: widespread public support for the hard-line view that the United States and Riyadh cannot be trusted.”
There have been protests in 18 cities.
That's a far cry from a revolution. But it's also a far cry from widespread public support for the Iranian regime.
UPDATE: Now I am seeing reports from yesterday and today from CNN and the New York Times speaking of the political slant of the protests. So it is not fair to say there is a failure to report.
UPDATE: If this protest wave intensifies, will Iran recall their military people and Shia foreign legion from Syria to crack down on the protesters?
And will Hezbollah be ordered to help Iran inside Iran?
If so, Russia won't like being the last man standing in Syria when the music stops and Assad needs help staying in power.
UPDATE: Rumor that Rouhani, the president, will speak Sunday night to the nation; while the government warns people not to use economic grievances to call for downfall of government.
UPDATE: President Trump warns the Iranian government not to commit human rights violations in responding to protests.
UPDATE: And please remember that Rouhani is a "moderate" only in the sense that he has enough sense not to be caught screeching "Death to America!" on camera and in English.
