There’s just one problem. If we actually want to empower the Iranian people, we have to understand how our words can be manipulated and used against us to strengthen the clerical establishment, distract Iranians from a failing economy and rally a fiercely independent populace against outside interference. Iran’s hard-liners are already working hard to pin the election dispute, and the protests, as the result of American meddling. On Wednesday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry chastised American officials for “interventionist” statements. Government complaints of slanted coverage by the foreign press are rising in pitch.
Americans are so arrogant, we think we rule the world and are God's country. We need to keep our mouths shut and watch from a respectful distance. This is Iran's game and there ain't a damn thing we can do about it.
We can’t escape the reality that for reformers in Tehran to have any hope for success, Iran’s election must be about Iran — not America. And if the street protests of the last days have taught us anything, it is that this is an Iranian moment, not an American one.
Already the ayatollah is trying to blame the US...claiming we are meddling in their affairs. As CJ pointed out last nite, that's probably a good indication that the ayatollah is worried since its very clear Obama has done nothing to interfere. The ayatollah is doing the typical winger bait and switch.....trying to get the focus off the election and onto the big bad Americans. I don't think its going to work this time.
To understand this, we need only listen to the demonstrators. Their signs, slogans and Twitter postings say nothing about getting help from Washington — instead they are adapting the language of their own revolution. When Iranians shout “Allahu Akbar” from rooftops, they are repackaging the signature gesture of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
They do want us to know what they are doing but its their ball game. I wish them well.
Mir Hussein Moussavi, the leading reformist presidential candidate, has advocated a more conciliatory approach to America. But his political legitimacy comes from his revolutionary credentials for helping overthrow an American-backed shah — a history that today helps protect protesters against accusations of being an American “fifth column.”
That's what we have to remember..........Mousavi is not a liberal.....he is very much a conservative but a reformist conservative. He is the next step for Iran in its liberalization......a baby step.
Iran’s internal change is happening on two levels: on the streets, but also within the clerical establishment. Ultimately, no matter who wins the election, our fundamental security challenge will be the same — preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. That will take patient effort, and premature engagement in Iran’s domestic politics may well make negotiations more difficult.
And that's why the people in the streets have not been crushed. There is dissension in the upper levels of gov't. God knows what's driving it but I would love to believe they want better for their people.
Again, I wish the very best for the Iranian people.......they have come a long way. It takes real courage to do what they are doing. |
