In contrast to yesterday’s post about the Iranian pilot who died from coronavirus while ferrying weapons and funds and soldiers for the Regime, here is a story of righteous living and sacrifice. Dr. Shirin Rouhani at Shohada Hospital in Tabriz has lost her life while treating coronavirus patients. Her sacrifice and care for fellow Iranian was seen that despite lack of doctors and medical staff to assist in the large number of patients, she kept treating patients, even while while on an IV herself. “Iranian Doctor Shirin Rouhani dies while treating Coronavirus patients,” Ayushi Aggarwal, She The People News, March 22, 2020. In this version of the story, you can see the full picture of the doctor with the IV attached. “Who is Shirin Rouhani? Photo of doctor from Iran who passed away while treating COVID-19 patients goes viral,” Parvathy Rajagopal, IBT, March 22, 2020.
I’m learning more about Worldometer, at www.worldometers.info/about because the Iranian Health Ministry reports daily but its numbers are questionable (for several reasons). I’m looking for a daily source about deaths and new cases in Iran, partly to learn about if they can “flatten the curve”, but also to have a gauge on the country is doing and heading. So now I’ll be watching https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/country/iran which has of March 22, 2020 for Iran the following information—Coronavirus Cases: 21,638, Deaths: 1,685, Recovered: 7,635. It does have a death chart for Iran that is updated every two days.
“As Iran struggles with coronavirus, will it lash out against Israel, US?,” Israel Kasnett, Israel Hayom, JNS, March 22, 2020.
“Coronavirus: Iran announces 129 new virus deaths, raising toll to 1,685,” Gulf News, March 22, 2020.
“All Businesses Must Close In Iran’s Capital, Except Supermarkets and Pharmacies,” Radio Farda, March 22, 2020.
Saying the U.S. created the virus, the Ayatollah turns down an offer of help, and ultimately peace. “Iran’s Khamenei rejects U.S. help offer, vows to defeat coronavirus,” Parisa Hafezi, Reuters, March 22, 2020.
The Politico story says bluntly, “There is no scientific proof offered anywhere in the world to support Khamenei’s comments.” See “Iran leader refuses U.S. help, citing virus conspiracy theory,” AP, Politico, March 22, 2020.
Very unusual, an Ayatollah asks a Pope for help. “Iran: Cleric appeals for Pope’s help to revoke sanctions,” Independent Catholic News, March 22, 2020.
“All Businesses Must Close In Iran’s Capital, Except Supermarkets and Pharmacies,” Radio Farda, March 22, 2020.
“The Coronavirus Through The Eyes Of 5 Iranian Photographers,” Laura Beltran Villamizar, NPR, March 22, 2020.
This is hard to believe due to the widespread virus coverage throughout Iranian society—“To this day, no one has tested positive for coronavirus at the Army’s garrisons.” Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari, Deputy Coordinator of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Army. See “COVID-19 outbreak had no impact on Iran’s defense, security: Sayyari,” Tehran Times, March 22, 2020.
“Outspoken Politician Says Iran Is Moving Away From Its Republican Principles,” Radio Farda, March 22, 2020. And would Iran keep elections for MPs? He says that Parliament is just a consultative body, which is supposed to realize the wishes of the Supreme Leader” and “the president should be directly appointed by the Leader”.
“Eleven Athletes In Iran Have Died Of Coronavirus Infection,” Radio Farda, March 22, 2020.
“The pandemic highlights Islamic republic’s religious fringe, who are bent on defying Health Ministry guidance.” See “‘Sacred ignorance’: Covid-19 reveals Iran split,” Kourosh Ziabari, Asia Times, March 20, 2020.