Asian drama

Maybe a cheap catch-phrase, but with events in Iran, Afghanistan and Chinese Xinjiang recently, I find no more appropriate heading.

Iran
These links will be much of a follow-up to the previous posting, so here Christian Science Monitor on comparisons with 1979.

Orly Halpern blogs about Israeli views on Iran. Iran-born Meir Javedanfar ponders the clerical positions on the country's leadership.

Two examples of the films being posted on youtube giving us messages and images from Iran: here and here.

Ashin Molavi asks "who will stand up for Iran"? The role played by the country's minorities was asked, at least before the elections... The role of the Republican Guard seems enhanced, is it even the start of a new type of republic we see?

Also well-renowned foreign reporters were detained by Iranian authorities.

Petitions by exiled Iranians in Dubai were stopped. Other exiled Iranians are active in supporting activities online.

Meeting young in Iran and talking about their future outlook gavies varying results. Iranian voters of different views speak out.

AfPak
US endeavours in Helmand are not easy or self-evident. Winning hearts and minds in a foreign country is a severe challenge...

Pakistan ponders the alternative of local militias...

Women are still the most vulnerable group in Afghanistan.

A Swedish travelogue from Afghanistan in the 1970's!

Xinjiang/Chinese Turkestan

Demonstrations and riots and arrests have shaken Ürümqi in the past week. Views on the role of exiled Uighurs vary strongly...

One of the main touching-points between events in China and in Iran is the Internet. Another comparison is of course with developments and dynamics in Tibet.

On Friday, the mosques were closed and people leaving Ürümqi.

Additional discussion on the dynamics of control and ethnicity in China.