Ali Khamenei’s big gamble

20/06/09 13:03 CET

world news

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Observers say the stance taken by Khamenei is a gamble that pushes the opposition to a pivotal moment: either back down or risk a crushing response from the police and militias. The police chief in Tehran says they are determined to act against all illegal demonstrations and rallies. He also warns the organisers that they will be targeted.

The tension comes as Iran’s top legislative body says it is ready to recount a random 10 percent of the election votes. The Guardian Council says it is willing to do this in the presence of the three defeated candidates. However, opposition supporters have been calling for the annulment of the election and this latest offer seems unlikely to satisfy them.More about: Iran, Protest

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Mali: Rebel groups agree to creation of Islamic state

Two Rebel groups have agreed to merge and create an independent Islamic state in Northern Mali. After seizing Azawad – an area larger than France – two months ago, the groups had initially disagreed, with the secular Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA)…