Critical Mass in Iran
No one knows who started critical mass. Thousands of bicycle riders just began showing up and taking over the streets of crowded cities every Friday afternoon. Drivers hate critical mass and complain to the police about it. The police want to question the leaders of the movement, but critical mass has no leaders. That’s the whole the point. Arresting a few dozen foot soldiers changes nothing.
Supporters of Iranian presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi are using critical mass techniques to get their message out. Modern communications technologies allow demonstrators to mobilize quickly and this has baffled security forces aligned with President Ahmadinejad. Mr. Ahmadinejad’s henchmen apparently can’t prevent thousands of Mousavi followers from jamming up the streets of Tehran every day. Iranian voters are finding strength in numbers.
Unlike the Friday afternoon bike riders, Iranian voters have chosen a leader. Mr. Mousavi wants a new presidential election. And he wants all of his supporters released from custody. While Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has agreed to a limited recount of the presidential votes, there is no reason to believe that such a recount will make any difference. Ayatollah Khamenei has given every indication that he is firmly in Mr. Ahmadinejad’s camp. Real political change in Iran may require a shakeup in the country’s religious leadership.
It is very difficult to predict the outcome of the standoff in Iran. While Mr. Ahmadinejad still holds the reins of power, Mr. Mousavi seems to have more than a little influence amongst the ruling clerics.
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