On the National Day of Solidarity of Iranian Women last week, nine women's rights activists were arrested by Tehran security police prior to a small event planned to commemorate the day. The women are being held in Vozara Detention Center and their families are awaiting information on the charges.

The arrests are not unusual however. The AP reports that since September 2006, efforts by Iranian women to collect signatures in the "Change for Equality" campaign, have led to jail sentences for approximately 50 women. And in early June, the first man was sentenced for participating in the campaign. The signatures support changing laws that deny women equal rights in matters such as divorce and court testimonies. For example, under the strictest interpretation of Islamic law practiced in Iran, a man's testimony in court is considered twice as important as a woman's.

Unfortunately Iran isn't the only country arresting petitioners hopeful for democratic change. Syrian police have arrested at least 14 dissidents in recent months for signing the "Damascus Declaration" and working to bring democracy to the country. President Bush has applauded the 163 Damascus Declaration signatories, saying its members "reflect the desires of the majority of Syrian people to live in freedom, democracy, and peace."

In other news, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez arrived in Cuba yesterday, "to explore new initiatives with Fidel and Raul Castro, since every revolution is based on creativity," as reported by the Cuban News Agency . "This (Cuban) revolution is marching on to a drumbeat...it's more alive than ever," Chavez said . "In the end, we're one and the same revolution."