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Iran's Heavy Crackdown Quells Protests
(Wall Street Journal) David S. Cloud - A fierce crackdown by Iranian security forces that has killed thousands of people protesting against the country's autocratic leaders has forced demonstrators off the streets in some cities, with residents reporting an eerie quiet after days of escalating violence. Iran's government has deployed large numbers of police and troops. Iranians said they were afraid to leave their homes. The group Human Rights Activists in Iran confirmed the deaths of more than 2,600 people and more than 18,000 arrests. "The regime has created a bloodbath. They brought down the iron fist without precedent," said Ali Vaez, an Iran analyst at the International Crisis Group. "That creates a chilling effect among protesters. Even if the first round is done, the next round is around the corner, because the regime is unable and incapable of addressing legitimate grievances."