Iran's opposition will not go away

The harsh government crackdowns this week on huge Iranian opposition rallies in Tehran illustrate how Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's government is increasingly ready to use force to stop the opposition from gathering support. After June's disputed election, Ahmadinejad had to work more closely with the Islamic Guards and the armed forces, as he has tried to enforce his will on the Iranian people.

These new allies from the security forces have made sure that Ahmadinejad's already tough line has not wavered at all. But last week's burial of the influential dissident cleric Grand Ayatollah Hussain Ali Montazeri was attended by tens of thousands of opposition members, anxious to show that they are still active and ready to move.

The rallies designed to challenge the government will not stop. The opposition will keep up its momentum by taking advantage of the Islamic tradition of marking the 40th day of mourning, which will fall on January 29 for the death of Grand Ayatollah Montazeri, and on February 5 for the death of Imam Hussain. Both days are likely to see major rallies and further tension, as a very determined opposition continues to make its point that it is still around and has substantial public support.