Where Is The Color Green?

Iran's flag is composed of three bands of color: green, white, and red. But in at least two official ceremonies in recent days, images of that flag have been used where the green color has been replaced by blue.

The move has led to speculation that the Iranian government is trying to get rid of the green in the Iranian flag because it's a symbol of the opposition movement that has been challenging the disputed reelection of President Mahmud Ahmadinejad.

This picture of the Iranian flag in which the green field has turned blue was used during the January 27 introduction of the new head of Iran's state news agency IRNA. (Note: this link is an ISNA photo).

"Ayandehnews" website reports that during a meeting between Ahmadinejad and organizers of the Fajr Film Festival, the Iranian flag also appeared without the green color.

The website suggests the move might have resulted from the inexperience of the designer and is an insult to the flag and national symbol. It adds that officials should remain committed to Iranian symbols and values.

The opposition website "Rahesabz" meanwhile asserts that government bodies have recently tried to avoid using the color green in their programs and gatherings.

-- Golnaz Esfandiari