While Twitter Inc. has suffered endless wisecracks about its users tweeting more about their favorite sandwiches and coveted parking spots than anything truly important, the past several days have once again showed the microblogging site’s real promise. During a harsh government crackdown following the disputed Iranian elections, the Twitter social network has become something of a lifeline for the people of Iran. The Iranian government may have blocked or shut down various communication mediums – like phone lines, the Facebook social network, YouTube videos and even text messaging – but people are still sending photos and information from Iran in short 140-character bursts.
