Iran Executes Two Over Elections

It's not a great time to be a protester in Iran. Two people were hanged on Thursday for their role in the street disturbances that rocked the streets of Iran after the country's presidential election. Nine more people have also been sentenced to death on similar charges of moharebeh (warring against God), attempting to overthrow the Islamic establishment, and membership in armed groups. The executions were the first carried out for offenses related to the presidential election, which the reformist opposition said was rigged in favor of incumbent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The executions may increase the fervor of the opposition, which apparently intends to protest on February 11, the day Iran celebrates the 31st anniversary of the Islamic revolution that deposed the U.S.-backed shah.