Each and everyday, the Iranian regime finds another way to marginalize itself and legitimize the opposition. Each and everyday, the Iranian regime proves itself less interested in freedom for the average Iranian and more interested in retaining power. At this point, the regime has all but killed themselves. All but killed themselves, since they are still standing.
Will these crackdowns crack the hope and spirit of the Iranian people? I hope not, and believe not, but everyday it becomes more and more obvious that some of these thugs will fight to the bitter-end.
According to Nico Pitney of the Huffington Post, all cellphone service was shut down in Iran. While there are plenty who are clever and dedicated enough to get around the obstacles regarding internet access, with help from many friends abroad, the denial of all mobile-phone service will certainly make it more difficult for the average protester to communicate with their fellow patriots and the outside world.
What's next after this? That's what bothers me. While there are some encouraging signs out of Qom, we should be under no illusions. Even if the "Experts" in Qom agree to do what was unthinkable two months ago and remove Khamenei from power, the thugs won't give up power. I think the best we can hope for is a bloody clash between the RGC-diehards and the paramilitaries against the regular army and/or regular police forces.
Thomas Jefferson was absolutely right, and I'll never stop repeating his most infamous of quotes; "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Indeed, this is one of those moments. God bless all of you helping these people by hosting proxies, and for those of you taking even more drastic measures to help these people.