Normalcy Returns to Iran City

The Associated Press, Khaleej Times Online:

The largely Arab city of Ahvaz was calm yesterday, with anti-riot police cruising the streets after two days of violent demonstrations. At least one demonstrator died and eight others were injured in the protests, sparked by rumours that Teheran planned to decrease the proportion of Arabs in the oil-rich area near the Iraqi border.

Police patrols cruised Ahvaz’s neighbourhoods yesterday and guarded the city’s banks. Shops were open although the streets were largely empty, with vehicles of anti-riot troops lining the streets, residents said.

“Security is tight in two or three neighbourhoods,” said a local journalist.