Hossein Derakhshan is reporting that Orkut and Yahoo! Messenger will possibly be banned in Iran. This, coupled with all of the other internet shutdowns, shows a real fear among the regime there of the communicative power of the web. They can close their borders, but ideas like liberty transcend any kind of oppression; it’s practically born in us. The internet just helps connect these people, and this ability to organize is something the mullahs feel they need to scratch out.

He also has some good comments about lifting the embargo on Iran. I agree. Killing trade actually helps oppressive regimes maintain power. Without wealth in a country, the people remain weak and don’t have the ability to fight for anything.