I just caught this on CNN's website.
TEHRAN, Iran (CNN) -- Iran has rejected a request by opposition leader Mir Hossein Moussavi to hold a nationwide march Monday to protest the results of the country's presidential election, Iranian media reported.
However:
Moussavi's supporters, in messages on social networking sites, indicated the rallies would continue with or without the blessing of the administration.
CNN
We'll soon find out, as it is already midday there and the march was scheduled for 4PM local. Depending on what happens later today I see this, as well as the general strike planned for Tuesday, as a turning point. Either the protests die down slowly over the next few days and the general strike goes unsupported, or the protesters will become emboldened even more by the government's stifling of dissent. A successful general strike would only add to the momentum and further weaken the legitimacy of the Iranian government.
And if I may add my own $.02 on the matter...
It is tough to swallow, but I think we should hold back on expressing our support in public for the Iranian people until they have shown the world categorically that they will not back down in the face of the government's strong arm tactics. Once they have established a strong base of resistance to the Ahmedinejad regime, then by all means, take to the streets and show solidarity to our Iranian brothers and sisters. I know I will show my support.
It sucks, but we have to be cautious. Right now, I am cautiously optimistic. Hopefully more hard facts come out over the next few days that will shed light on the election results and whether or not they were falsified and to what degree (its not a 100% proven fact at this point and we should keep that in mind as well).
Update [2009-6-15 4:36:4 by jtb583]: This particular story has been incorporated into Fletcher Christensen's recommended diary as well. Join the conversation over there if you'd like.