Neda identified? Update: New details
posted at 7:18 pm on June 21, 2009 by Allahpundit
Word on the street via one Iranian tweeter is that her name was Neda Agha Soltan. That’s also the name circulating on a few websites and now being attributed to her in a hastily arranged Wikipedia bio. The rumor — and it’s all rumor until some newspaper tracks down her family — is that she was 27 years old and a philosophy student. I hope to god this isn’t really her photo because the thought of her being so beautiful and dignified makes the murder somehow that much more obscene.
Two clips below. The second you’ve already seen; the first is a new one circulating today, shot sometime before the moment of truth. The blue shirt on the gray-haired man in the foreground should look familiar. That’s almost certainly her standing to his left, watching the protest, bothering no one. Read this Time piece on Neda by Iran expert Robin Wright afterwards, as it touches on the huge significance of martyrdom not only in Shiite theology but in Iran’s political tradition. If there’s any justice, there’ll be videos like this of Khamenei and Ahmadinejad someday soon.
Update: A Farsi speaker tells HuffPo that this blogger is claiming that Neda was at the protest with her professor and several other students and that the fatal shot was fired by a Basij driving by on a motorcycle. No rhyme or reason; I wonder if he even aimed. The burial, reportedly, was today — and her memorial service was ordered canceled by the regime.
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8′O
Ugly on June 21, 2009 at 8:33 PM
He said that after he realized what he had done..
He just began running down sniper alley. People got shot often down that street by snipers. He just began to run because he didn’t care anymore and couldn’t believe what he had done, and all he wished was to just get shot.
No real point to this story..but yea.
blatantblue on June 21, 2009 at 8:34 PM
If chilling out means making excuses for a despicable part of mans psyche, well you go right ahead and make excuses for reality here and I’ll make the case that we could better ourselves. Maybe you can give me the number to your home so I can make your defense of this to your kids?
csdeven on June 21, 2009 at 8:35 PM
Yet, I have no doubt he refers to her as his beautiful daughter. Father’s are like that.
Blake on June 21, 2009 at 8:35 PM
These Islamists don’t give a crap about martyrs, especially female ones. These guys KILL THEIR OWN DAUGHTERS IF THEY ARE RAPED! They are insane with their Death God worship.
Speedwagon82 on June 21, 2009 at 8:36 PM
There are all kinds of ugliness. And most of it isnt physical.
Some of it is being too self righteous.
William Amos on June 21, 2009 at 8:37 PM
They may not, but many around the world do.
upinak on June 21, 2009 at 8:37 PM
Two things:
This thing is WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY beyond Mousavi now
and
The 1979 revolution was not originally an Islamist one, Kohmeni showed up and took over from the provisional government, he had not really publicised his theories on clerical control until he started taking over. He was, in the beginning, an opposition figure to the scummy dictatorial Shah.
Squid Shark on June 21, 2009 at 8:37 PM
You know at first this made me so sad but now it just makes me angry. My heart goes out to her family.
ronsfi on June 21, 2009 at 8:38 PM
“If there’s any justice, there’ll be videos like this of Khamenei and Ahmadinejad someday soon.”
Very strong, powerful, and hopefully prophetic words indeed…
Fuzzlenutter on June 21, 2009 at 8:38 PM
I watched….
blatantblue on June 21,2009 at 8:30PM.
blatantblue:
There was also a moment in time,during the Balkins war,If
my memory is correct,that a young couple were shot on the
banks of a river,they craweled to each other,and died in
each others arms!!
Another event,that was ignored by a Liberal President,until
Liberals couldn’t ignore the concentration camps,and rape
camps!!:)
canopfor on June 21, 2009 at 8:39 PM
All people who value human life and freedom are beautiful and dignified. The fact that she lost her life as a witness for these principles make her even more memorable and the opposite of our own elected POTUS.
Hening on June 21, 2009 at 8:39 PM
You seriously can’t believe the things you are typing. Ya know I’ve started to suspect something about you. This thread proves it. There is nothing you can accomplish with your rants. They make no sense. If you really had a problem with it and wanted to cause Allah to check himself you would have said it and moved on. This is an attack. A means to disruption.
I dub thee Moby.
- The Cat
MirCat on June 21, 2009 at 8:40 PM
That is wrong on so many levels. You just lost any chance of making a rational point.
HoustonRight on June 21, 2009 at 8:40 PM
The sadest part of all…
This is no different than the PA and Hamas fighting over Gaza…
Get a grip people…
jerrytbg on June 21, 2009 at 8:40 PM
Some of us on the right have had Iran’s president figured out for a long time. Some of your friends on the left wanted to “extend” an unclenched fist.
Welcome. If we can’t convert you to see the light, Neda just did. But at what a cost for those on the left to see reality.
65droptop on June 21, 2009 at 8:41 PM
really?
This is about freedom.. not the taking of land.
reality…
upinak on June 21, 2009 at 8:41 PM
Over on MM’s blog she has the picture of Neda dying juxtapositioned with Obama eating ice cream. Apparently the pictures came in about the same time yesterday. It is gut-wrenching. You will not forget this for a very long time.
BetseyRoss on June 21, 2009 at 8:41 PM
Well deserved rest Allah. You did great covering for Ed. Go and enjoy the time off and get rested. I have a feeling this is going to be the last rest most bloggers are going to get in a LONG WHILE. Wouldn’t want you to burn out.
portlandon on June 21, 2009 at 8:42 PM
So, it’s ok if we passively hold crass views as long as we don’t have to face them put into practice? What is your solution? Lets continue to devalue the lives of those whom don’t fit our vision of beauty as we see fit on a random basis? And then we simply make clumsy excuses afterward?
I don’t remember a single person on HA devaluing Susan Boyle over her looks. As a matter of fact, the outrage at people being surprised she could sing was palpable. The comments were all about judging books by their cover.
I just don’t see how people can hold that view and the view they are defending in this thread.
csdeven on June 21, 2009 at 8:43 PM
The really sad thing to me is that our young people are dying in Afghanistan and Iraq to prevent Iran from killing Neda’s there.
This is no different than all those honor killings done everywhere else in the name of islam.
William Amos on June 21, 2009 at 8:43 PM
How sad.
Terrye on June 21, 2009 at 8:44 PM
upinak…
Who said anything about land… it’s tribal power…pure and simple.
jerrytbg on June 21, 2009 at 8:44 PM
You know my position on vacation, AP — fun time in the Hamptons.
But have fun no matter where you go. You need a good stiff drink and some fresh cat nip.
blatantblue on June 21, 2009 at 8:44 PM
Ok we all agree with you that looks do not make the person
CWforFreedom on June 21, 2009 at 8:45 PM
Nice wintery background there.
Buddahpundit on June 21, 2009 at 8:45 PM
He’ll be camping outside of KP’s house ;)
Upstater85 on June 21, 2009 at 8:45 PM
burnout is inevitable… a vacation is a good thing.
Allah, don’t go to Iran… we kind of want you around.
upinak on June 21, 2009 at 8:45 PM
I asked this before and I’ll ask it again.
Obama, how will getting involved make this worse?
- The Cat
P.S. I am so angered at the White House right now I can’t stand it. The man is guilty of Dereliction of Duty. I remember things Reagan said and did. Even Kennedy is turning over in his grave.
No one can be this weak. No one. To know this is going on and be calm and “Troubled” “Concerned”.
Is anyone in the White House angry? . . . Is Biden ok with this?
MirCat on June 21, 2009 at 8:46 PM
+100
Upstater85 on June 21, 2009 at 8:46 PM
You’re getting close to a state of absolute awareness. Of course he calls his daughter beautiful. But, does anyone else? And if his daughter were murdered along side Neda, how would he feel when people raved about the beautiful one that was murdered and not his daughter.
Look guys, this crass attitude you are displaying is decidedly un-conservative in nature.
csdeven on June 21, 2009 at 8:47 PM
In homage to the fallen victims of 21st Century Terrorism:
In Memoriam A. H. H. OBIIT MDCCCXXXIII: 54 (1833-1850)
1Oh, yet we trust that somehow good
2 Will be the final end of ill,
3 To pangs of nature, sins of will,
4Defects of doubt, and taints of blood;
5That nothing walks with aimless feet;
6 That not one life shall be destroy’d,
7 Or cast as rubbish to the void,
8When God hath made the pile complete;
9That not a worm is cloven in vain;
10 That not a moth with vain desire
11 Is shrivell’d in a fruitless fire,
12Or but subserves another’s gain.
13Behold, we know not anything;
14 I can but trust that good shall fall
15 At last–far off–at last, to all,
16And every winter change to spring.
17So runs my dream: but what am I?
18 An infant crying in the night:
19 An infant crying for the light:
20And with no language but a cry.
Alfred Lord Tennyson (1809-1892)
maverick muse on June 21, 2009 at 8:47 PM
Okay I’m going to make one more stupid comment on an otherwise serious thread. I know it’s serious so, just let this one stand and don’t reply to it.
Have fun with your vacation, just don’t get caught “airing it out on a park bench.”
But anyway, yea. Back to serious
blatantblue on June 21, 2009 at 8:47 PM
Apparently Obama already has. Not a peep beyond that press release last night and it is off the the golf course today.
highhopes on June 21, 2009 at 8:47 PM
No this is not. It is about a botched election… completely fraudulant. And most here know it via another thread saying TO MANY VOTES NOT ENOUGH VOTERS.. hmmm where have we seen THAT before. But unlike other places, this is about dictating to people who don’t want it anymore.
upinak on June 21, 2009 at 8:47 PM
For the past few days I have felt horrible for this little girl. I’ve seen the photo before but now they have identified her by name: Sorella Epstein. I feel no shame in feeling more emotional over her death and suffering than the other poor women in the photo. It’s human.
Blake on June 21, 2009 at 8:47 PM
WAPO reported that two days ago Joe Biden started pushing the White House to take a tougher stance.
So Joe was actually in front leading the charge.
William Amos on June 21, 2009 at 8:47 PM
I know. Ask Andrew Sullivan. That guy needed a vacation 3 breakdowns ago.
portlandon on June 21, 2009 at 8:48 PM
Does he know what country Iran is?
upinak on June 21, 2009 at 8:49 PM
or he could have skipped all the trouble and never blogged.
blatantblue on June 21, 2009 at 8:49 PM
Shocking as this may sound…I agree with the”0″ on this one…His first statement that there was little difference between the factions.
jerrytbg on June 21, 2009 at 8:49 PM
Hahah
Something tells me he’s always been like this…
Upstater85 on June 21, 2009 at 8:49 PM
I hope,for Iranians,that they take back thier own country,
that has been hi-jacked,all the way back to whatever cent
ury it was,and the brain washing of their suicide death
religion,
if not,at the rate the Mullahs and dinnerjacket,are going,
the only option,will be Iran might be come a glass parking lot,
so I hope and pray,that the Mullahs are ousted from Power!!
canopfor on June 21, 2009 at 8:50 PM
Yep and I concur!
upinak on June 21, 2009 at 8:50 PM
Not only have you come off the rails, you’re plunging down a mountain crevice.
Blake on June 21, 2009 at 8:50 PM
He’s convinced it’s Hitler’s Aryan Icelandic Island…
Upstater85 on June 21, 2009 at 8:51 PM
I think it is the same woman.
One reason this resonates so strongly is that it is poetic, as Edgar Allen Poe defined it. An innocent young woman is killed? While protesting against election fraud? By a sniper on a rooftop? And she is also very beautiful?
The story is almost too perfect.
Southpaw on June 21, 2009 at 8:51 PM
Seriously, people are expressing common human emotions. But, you are the one using the situation to score political points. Knock it off.
Blake on June 21, 2009 at 8:52 PM
You diminish her by focusing on her physical beauty. That is a common theme here on HA and I am surprised to see you guys defending such crass justifications.
Allah explained himself. And you people didn’t get it. He NEVER said her worth was greater, he said it went viral because of the worlds expectations were offended. I simply pointed out it was a weakness we should strive to rid ourselves of.
csdeven on June 21, 2009 at 8:52 PM
Spoken like a true Moby.
You know who cares about looksism in a memorial thread? Yup
You know who uses terms like un-conservative? Yup
Go back to your coffee shop if you aren’t going to talk about what matters.
- The Cat
P.S.
If he actually takes a strong stance and shows genuine outrage and anger over this (not just for political expediency) he’ll win me over. No so much as to vote for him but in so much as to not hound him. Be one of those, “We don’t agree but he’s a good man,” people.
MirCat on June 21, 2009 at 8:53 PM
upinak,
You’re on the right track…now take it to fruition.
jerrytbg on June 21, 2009 at 8:55 PM
I think its terrible that this woman was murdered for protesting her beliefs. On the other hand, I think it’s utterly despicable that people like cretin Michelle Malkin puts her dying picture up beside Obama at an ice cream shop with his daughters on Fathers Day weekend. Because, if Obama hadn’t eaten that cone, Neda would certainly be alive. Yeah. Using a young woman’s death to score cheap unsuccessful political points is about as low as you can go — it’s beyond inhumane and will bite these people when they least expect it.
dcwvu on June 21, 2009 at 8:55 PM
He said he thought it was a song by a flock of Seagulls.
William Amos on June 21, 2009 at 8:55 PM
The tyrants of Iran cancel many things. Liberty. Justice. Life.
Loxodonta on June 21, 2009 at 8:55 PM
csdeven… i already said we all agree that looks do not make the person. give it up
CWforFreedom on June 21, 2009 at 8:56 PM
Does he know what country Iran is?
upinak on June 21, 2009 at 8:49 PM
.
Joe is a hard charging moment to moment kinda guy.
.
You never really know what Joe is thinking because neither does he.
.
Just don’t ask him to add of subtract letters of the alphabet.
Americannodash on June 21, 2009 at 8:56 PM
I am probably way off base here but has anyone figured out who Grow Fins is?
Just some observations of mine:
-Rahm Emanuel is a Master Swimmer-hence the name GF
– his kids were(are) on a swim team in the Chicago area. I saw him at a meet at UIC in Nov? right after the election but maybe before he accepted his new post.
-his shock and awe writing- everything that I have read about him says he is crude and in your face, just like GF.
-Rahm is known to be a voracious reader. GF has an excellent vocab
-he brings up the Holocaust, supports Israel, but also seems to support Palestine- I believe that follows Rahm’s thinking also.
Maybe it is just wishful thinking….
journeyintothewhirlwind on June 21, 2009 at 8:56 PM
Which is exactly what you’re doing with your post. Despicable.
Slublog on June 21, 2009 at 8:57 PM
George W Bush: “To the people of Iran: You are rich in culture and talent. You have a right to live under a government that listens to your wishes, respects your talents, and allows you to build better lives for your families. Unfortunately, your government denies you these opportunities, and threatens the peace and stability of your neighbors. So we call on the regime in Tehran to heed your will, and to make itself accountable to you. The day will come when the people of Iran have a government that embraces liberty and justice, and Iran joins the community of free nations. And when that good day comes, you will have no better friend than the United States of America.” -January 13,2008.
Barrack Obama:”Obviously, after the speech I made in Cairo…“-June 20,2009
The contrast is striking. I am sick of this eunich sitting in the white house pouting about how this “police action” in Iran is interrupting EgoBama’s plans to talk with Ackmadabadoo. The contempt I have for this fool could not get any higher. I’m sure he can top it though.
portlandon on June 21, 2009 at 8:57 PM
Vacation time for AllahPundit!
Okay AP,when the U.S.S Hot Air,comes near the next friendly
port of call,the crew will load up supplies,lower you in the dingy,and the next time the verbal ship comes near,will
pick you up!!
And no computers for you,while your on R&R!!(Snark):)
canopfor on June 21, 2009 at 8:57 PM
all you are doing is making an ass of yourself.
I wonder if plugs wishes he could have that HAIR!
upinak on June 21, 2009 at 8:58 PM
Oh come on now.. he can’t be any worse then Obama is concerning States. Right?!?!?
upinak on June 21, 2009 at 8:59 PM
God greif I said it was understandible to see that many in the world had focused on her because of her youth and beauty. And that was simple human nature.
And I pointed out it was also a very human trait to denouce someone else as being contemptible and that same self righteousness wasnt anything to aspire to either.
He who is without sin cast the first stone.
William Amos on June 21, 2009 at 8:59 PM
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! Unbelievable. Is this David Frum? Come on really. Is this you? I’m serious.
portlandon on June 21, 2009 at 9:00 PM
We expect people to act a certain way/show a certain decorum when there is war or when people are getting killed. Obama decided to make this ice cream photo op. It was in poor taste. You are the one trying to score cheap political points by spinning it as if it wasn’t a dumbass thing to do considering the situation.
Blake on June 21, 2009 at 9:00 PM
I think he wants to be in the Musical HAIR.
William Amos on June 21, 2009 at 9:00 PM
Oh come on now.. he can’t be any worse then Obama is concerning States. Right?!?!?
upinak on June 21, 2009 at 8:59 PM
,
You are correct. It is a double whammy.
Americannodash on June 21, 2009 at 9:01 PM
You diminish yourself with your ugly posts.
Loxodonta on June 21, 2009 at 9:01 PM
This harrowing death will be the hallmark image history leaves upon the events of these days, much like the brave soul who defiantly stood his ground in front of a tank in Tiananmen Square in China.
We can only hope that this young woman’s murder will not be in vain.
LeperKhan on June 21, 2009 at 9:01 PM
Hair or HairSpray?
upinak on June 21, 2009 at 9:01 PM
You’re getting caught up in the emotion…
step back and really look at it…
jerrytbg on June 21, 2009 at 9:01 PM
csdeven on June 21, 2009 at 8:52 PM
BS, While intellectually all murder victims are equal, normal people sometimes are emotionally impacted by one more than by others, for any number of reasons.
It’s unfair to expect AP to have the perfect PC response when this young woman’s death has had such an impact on him.
Splinter on June 21, 2009 at 9:01 PM
The ice cream is a metaphor (for lack of a better word) of his handling of world affairs.
Because he cares more about looking good and getting his photo ops Iran sees that it can slaughter it’s people, North Korea plans on firing a missile at Hawaii on the 4th of July. . .
America may not want to be the World’s Police but that’s the role we are in. We are the big dog, the alpha chimp, it is our lot to keep others in line and protect those that can’t defend themselves. Why? Because we can and are the only ones who can. It’s not our right. It’s not our choice. It’s our responsibility.
- The Cat
MirCat on June 21, 2009 at 9:02 PM
Does he know what country Iran is?
upinak on June 21,2009 at 8:49PM.
upinak: NEVER NEVER LAND!
HOPE AND CHANGE LAND!
TINY LITTLE COUNTRY LAND!:)
canopfor on June 21, 2009 at 9:02 PM
if you just joined us I did take a step back and asked WHERE the bullet came from as it was a expert kill shot to her chest.
You obviously didn’t read the past comments. Stop being an ass and look around you.
upinak on June 21, 2009 at 9:03 PM
“Without preconditions…”
Dr. ZhivBlago on June 21, 2009 at 9:03 PM
and Obama waffles…
boomer on June 21, 2009 at 9:04 PM
Upinak,
after having read and followed your posts for quitE some time…I felt you would be one who would add reason to the debate.
jerrytbg on June 21, 2009 at 9:04 PM
Neda is exactly my age (27), so I think that it hits home more even though there are people younger than me being killed over there. Just so scary and sad. AP is right if there is any justice the same thing will happen to the thugs who killed her who are no better than the gang thugs that terrorize so many inner city neighborhoods in the U.S. As for Khamenei and Dinner Jacket, I frankly wish them a long life in exile where they can ponder their many crimes in obscurity. Hopefully, the country of Poland will accept them so that they can live near Auschwitz and look at the evidence of the Holocaust that they deny ever day.
Illinidiva on June 21, 2009 at 9:04 PM
Don’t worry… It will all be OK when the pictures of JFK taking Caroline to her favorite Candy Store during the
Cuban Missile Crises, Heck Bay of Pigs are released. If you want, we could photoshop some images of Monroe at his side…Upstater85 on June 21, 2009 at 9:05 PM
Look, it isn’t my problem that you looked at her beauty and got some extra outrage at her murder and now will try to excuse yourself for it. You made one mistake and now you’re making another by justifying it. That’s your cross to bare.
csdeven on June 21, 2009 at 9:05 PM
You can tell THIS woman bothered Allah.
He said God twice… he is an athiest so that says something.
He also mentioned it was horrible as she wasn’d doing anything and if you see the video, she was quietly walking with her father.
Everyone is human, there is nothing that says you are to be a certain way all the time concerning the same aspect of life.
People don’t seem to understand that death, can hit people differently.
upinak on June 21, 2009 at 9:06 PM
Here, here. Ignore the trolls, Allah. You’re doing great work.
Mike Honcho on June 21, 2009 at 9:06 PM
Every time someone say Iraq, Joe laughs and thinks of breasts. He also refers to the Netherlands as the Nether regions.
portlandon on June 21, 2009 at 9:06 PM
I worked all weekend but tried to keep up with all the posts. Ed and Allah have done a great job.
My heart really breaks to see the brutal violence, death and misery. They were painful to watch. This video of Neda was gut wrenching.
bazil9 on June 21, 2009 at 9:07 PM
jerry.. I am saying that this death bothered me. I am trying to make sense of it like Allah is. As I said in a earlier post…. no one is perfect. And this woman wasn’t doing anything so why shoot her?
upinak on June 21, 2009 at 9:07 PM
best post so far! Amen.
HoustonRight on June 21, 2009 at 9:07 PM
Every time someone says Indian, he says
“What is 7-11, Alex?”
Upstater85 on June 21, 2009 at 9:08 PM
People here are fighting over and parsing words.
A young woman is dead. This is wrong, and is not right.
Everyone, stash your egos. Ain’t bringing anyone back.
blatantblue on June 21, 2009 at 9:08 PM
upinak,
I’m not just talking about the shooting, as dispicable as it was …I’m talking about how they are playing us and the world for change that is not so much real change.
jerrytbg on June 21, 2009 at 9:08 PM
“Without preconditions…”
Dr.ZhivBlago on June 21,2009 at 9:03PM.
Dr.ZhivBlago:
I think its safe to say,that Obama’s no preconditions for
Iran,are now toast,especially in light of the latest dev
elopments coming out of Iran!!:)
canopfor on June 21, 2009 at 9:08 PM
csdeven on June 21, 2009
.
Good comments but you should take a 10 minute nap.
,
Your crankiness is very unbecoming.
,
Americannodash on June 21, 2009 at 9:08 PM
Are these the people of whom you are speaking for?
Especially this last guy who clearly never read anything when I accused Allah of being crass.
I’m mean really, if you are going to police the entire thread, do a thorough job of it.
csdeven on June 21, 2009 at 9:09 PM
What would HA be without constant Cat Fights?
Upstater85 on June 21, 2009 at 9:09 PM
Nice broad paintbrush Moby.
I didn’t have that reaction nor am I defending it. I happen to be a conservative which means I don’t care about it. And I have a feeling that neither do you. You’re kicking up dust for dust’s sake and I’m calling you out on it.
- The Cat
MirCat on June 21, 2009 at 9:10 PM
The cat scratch fee-vah
ba-waa-woo-waow
blatantblue on June 21, 2009 at 9:10 PM
Don’t underestimate Teh One.
Upstater85 on June 21, 2009 at 9:10 PM
Update at top of thread:
portlandon on June 21, 2009 at 9:11 PM
Allah should put a religeous vs atheism Post or a Sarah Palin post to calm everyone down.
/sarc
William Amos on June 21, 2009 at 9:11 PM
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