Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei Calls On "True Muslims" To Show "Unquenchable Anger Against The Great Satan."

Amir Taheri writes in the NY Post that "yesterday marked the 30th anniver sary of the capture by Khomeinist "students" of the US Embassy in Tehran, triggering the 444-day hostage crisis. The Iranian public seized the chance to reject the regime -- even as the surviving hostage-takers have largely come to regret their actions. For months, Iran's state-controlled media had tried to build up the day as a 'turning point' for President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's troubled second term. The occasion was supposed to highlight Ahmadinejad's 'victory over the American Great Satan' and Washington's implicit acceptance of Iran's nuclear project in recent talks in Geneva and Vienna. In a message on the eve of the anniversary, 'Supreme Guide' Ali Khamenei called on 'true Muslims' to show 'unquenchable anger against the Great Satan.' The newspaper Kayhan promised 'the largest crowds in Iran's history.' But events defied the official script. Weeks of "mass mobilization" failed to produce 'the largest crowds in history.' The official news agency, IRNA, which habitually reports 'the marches of the millions,' had to lower its rhetoric to 'tens of thousands.' More, its reports indicated that, in most cases, the authorities had to press-gang schoolchildren into marching. The largest rally, in front of the former US Embassy, attracted no more than 5,000 professional militants, eyewitnesses said. And the opposition seized the chance to show its strength once again. The official media reported that 'the enemies of the revolution' held rallies in more than 100 cites. In cities such as Ahvaz and Yazd, opposition marches pushed official processions to the sidelines." Tweet