https://pjmedia.com/richardfernandez/2009/06/20/the-crucible/feed/PJ Media is a leading news site covering culture, politics, faith, homeland security, and more. Our reporters and columnists provide original, in-depth analysis from a variety of perspectives.en-usThu, 11 Jun 2026 14:21:08 -0400<![CDATA[Fox News reports that Basij are breaking up crowds with knives and axes. &#8220;They&#8217;re the most feared men on the streets of Iran. The pro-government Basij militia has held back its full fury during this week&#8217;s street demonstrations. But witnesses say the force has unleashed its violence in shadowy nighttime raids, attacking suspected opposition sympathizers with axes, daggers, sticks and other crude weapons.&#8221;]]>Sat, 20 Jun 2009 22:20:13 -0400<![CDATA[Richard Fernandez]]>https://pjmedia.com/richard-fernandez/2009/06/20/the-crucible-n188586