1. Watching two cameras of the live demonstration at the entrance to the US Embassy in Baghdad. Looks to me as if a small organized group is near the wall with many more people milling around back from the wall. Some Iraqi military as if on a stroll. Occasional pyrotechnics
2. appear to be fireworks used by the protestors. Camera showed what looked like US special operators armed on the roof. They are keeping a low profile. The crowd does not look particularly motivated. Some instigation near the wall but does not get anything near the critical mass
3. to storm the wall. Just PFM theater IMO. Happy New Year in Baghdad.
Now they are throwing fire bombs over the wall and one appears to have caught fire to a structure just inside the wall that appears to be burning.
I don't see the evidence of tear gas.
Now they are throwing fire bombs over the wall and one appears to have caught fire to a structure just inside the wall that appears to be burning.
I don't see the evidence of tear gas.
4. It may be the call to prayer that is causing the crowd to disperse but it appears they are packing it in. For now.
5. In 1979 I was a line manager at the NY Hilton Hotel when the Shah of Iran came after fleeing Iran. I recall standing in front of the hotel watching a group of peaceful demonstrators. I'm guessing they were students. Not very radical looking. Women in skirts.
6. I would guess I was among a small number of Americans on that day in 1979 who knew what Savak was. We should have said we were sorry in 1979. I believe history will show we played a key role in Iran's radicalization. Religion became a proxy for Iran's national dignity. @CIA
