Facebook block ahead of Iran vote hampers youth

Iran's decision to block access to Facebook - less than three weeks before nationwide elections - drew sharp criticism Sunday from a reformist opposition hoping to mobilize the youth vote and unseat President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
The decision, critics said, forces Iranians to rely on state-run media and other government sources ahead of the June 12 election.
It also appeared to be a direct strike at the youth vote that could pose challenges to Ahmadinejad's re-election bid.