Anti-American Rally in Iran Lacks Past Zeal
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TEHRAN — Iranians burned American flags and chanted “Death to America!” on Wednesday, but their rally here in the capital marking the 1979 seizure of the U.S. Embassy lacked the revolutionary fervor that spawned the takeover.
About 20,000 people--mostly students given a day off--gathered outside the former U.S. Embassy for the annual demonstration.
The atmosphere among the participants was distinctly carnival-like. Thousands of colorful fliers denouncing the United States and Israel were thrown into the air like confetti. Gone was the anger and zeal that drove Islamic students to seize the embassy 19 years earlier and hold 52 Americans hostage for 444 days.
Anti-U.S. sentiment has been a cornerstone of Iranian policy. However, the rhetoric has been losing its edge since the election last year of President Mohammad Khatami, a moderate cleric who has encouraged ties with Americans.
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