AND IN IRAN - AT 10:51 A.M. ET:  We have urged readers to watch Iran closely.  The only alternative to a military strike may well be regime change.  Can it happen?  Can the dissidents win?  That's what we're following:

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) -- Iranian security forces beat protesters in central Tehran on Saturday, a sign of mounting tensions ahead of planned opposition rallies to mark a religious festival and the death of a dissident cleric a week ago, a reformist Web site said.

The Rah-e-Sabz site said forces, including the elite Revolutionary Guard and the paramilitary Basijis, used tear gas and pepper spray in an attempt to disperse demonstrators, and broke the windows of cars that were honking horns in protest.

It said protests occurred in at least three areas: Imam Hossein Square, Pol-e-Choobi and Ferdowsi Square.

The report could not be independently confirmed because the Iranian government has banned foreign media from covering opposition protests.

Iran is marking the first 10 days of the Islamic month of Moharram, a time of mourning rituals for a revered Shiite saint.

The period culminates Sunday with Ashoura -- a day that coincides with the seventh day since the death of Iran's most senior dissident cleric, Grand Ayatollah Hossein Ali Montazeri. More memorials and possible protests are expected.

COMMENT:  And still there is no reaction from Washington.  We need to help the dissidents in any way we can - including money, if needed.  I've been in touch with thoughtful, rational people who believe that the mullah regime is on its last legs, and can be brought down.  Some informed sources say that March is a critical month.  They make the point that it took months of agitation to bring down the shah in the 1970s. 

December 26, 2009