Iran - the first cyber revolution?

[Mick Mac]

The Iranian political uprising against the alleged fixed vote could, political pundits are saying, be the first cyber revolution. Twitter etc is being used to circumvent government information controls on mobile phones etc. Twitter urges hackers to break into government computers etc., coordinates demonstrations etc.

[RosieH]

I'm in awe. It has been fascinating (and at times harrowing) to read of events unfolding in real time, and at least a day ahead of the BBC. I've been surprised that it has taken trad media a full day to catch up.

There has been much talk of citizen journalism for years, but this is the first time I have found myself genuinely moved and swept along by its immense power. Revolutionary.

[mockney piers]

It'll tAke more than twitted posts to make a revolution, the usual method involves lots of dying sadly. I fear for the next few days. Weird move by the clerics who were swept into power on a wave of student unrest to male the same mistakes as the Shah. I hope they back down and allow a peaceful transition of power. Early indications suggest they just be considering it, I can't see ahmedinajad managing a coup withou their support.

It is however fascinating stuff I'll grant you that.

[matthew123]

The ruling elite have probably planned years for this kind of scenario - I'm sure they'll brush it off with some kind of political gesture but ensuring their man keeps his hands on the steering wheel. What will not happen is any admittance of electoral fraud (if indeed that was the case) as then the whole regime may collapse.