Tough US and EU sanctions against Iran are being felt in the gulf state, sparking debate in Iranian Internet forums. It's likely that those who publish their opinions are hesitant to stray far from the government's stance. Amnesty International has reported that dissident Internet users face intimidation, arrest and violence from Iranian officials.

One blogger going by the name Middle Eastern Citizen describes the sanctions as "not smart." In his opinion, they affect wide swaths of the Iranian population, including the middle class. M.J., a blogger from Tehran, seconds those concerns, adding, "Sanctions are effective. Their effect can best be seen in the immense economic pressure I now experience as an everyday citizen."

Another blogger calculates that a kilogram of lamb meat cost around 10 euros ($13) several months ago, but now it's about 16 euros. Many people can't afford the price increase.

"I know a lot of people that cannot even afford a kilogram of chicken for two euros," the author added.

One Twitter user described the current situation in Iran as follows, "Sanctions from abroad, censorship at home. Where do I stand as a normal resident in the world community's plan?"

Just like Iraq?

Along with sharpened economic measures against Iran, military threats have come - to differing degrees - from Israel and the US, suggesting war could be waged to stop an Iranian nuclear program.

The blogger Middle Eastern Citizen views interpreting Iran's nuclear program as a major threat simply as an excuse to attack the country. Another Internet user who lives near the nuclear facility in Natanz compares the situation to the US war in Iraq: "Politicians decide, cities will be destroyed, people die. After a couple of years, history tells us that it was all an excuse just to wage war. History repeats itself."

Many Iranian bloggers have affirmed the country's "irrefutable right" to use nuclear power, including for military purposes. Blogger Middle Eastern Citizen also takes this stance, writing, "I think that Iran is trying to secure nuclear weapons in order to protect itself from the pressure coming from abroad."

Another blogger adds, "With an atomic bomb, Iran can approach conflict with the USA and its allies with a greater degree of self-determination."

Questionable proposition

But there's also skepticism about exercising that "irrefutable right." One blogger argues, "Within the framework of international law, every country has the right to achieve what others have long since secured. I don't have a problem with that. But when the price for doing so comes at the cost of people's daily bread, then I can't understand that."

Another blogger agrees: "If you had asked someone three years ago about nuclear power, he would have said it's our right. But as the economic situation deteriorates, people's basic needs become more and more important than the nuclear program."

A Facebook campaign begun by an Israeli has attracted worldwide attention recently. Under the motto "Israel Loves Iran," Iranian and Israeli users can publish declarations of love or pictures directed at off-setting the threats of war by way of signs of international camaraderie. Just after the Israeli campaign got started, Iranians from across the world wrote in with messages like, "My Israeli friends: I don't hate you! I don't want a war. Love and peace."

Many Iranians who send their messages from within the country hide their faces for fear of repercussions.

Blogger M.J. from Tehran doesn't think the campaign is enough to stop the march of war. Though he says initiatives like "Isreal Loves Iran" reveal the growing cleft between politicians and citizens, he believes Internet protests won't influence political decision-makers.

"What have Iranians done against nuclear weapons and threats of war? Constantly clicked the 'Like' button on Facebook!," M.J. says.

Nevertheless, it's easy to be moved by the hundreds or thousands of 'likes' that posts such as "War? Not in my name please" garner.

Author: Yalda Kiani / gsw
Editor: Andreas Illmer