Iran's True Desire

I am ecstatic about the last two weeks worth of protests in Iran. Here is why:

1) These protests, in the face of repeated threats and hostile acts by Iran's top leadership, show the Iranian people truly want the ability to choose their own leaders. They are also not happy with the environment the current political system has produced for them.

2) These protests give the Iraq war increased validation. I believe strongly that having a newly democratic neighbor (Iraq) has emboldened the Iranians and made them more willing to challenge their political system. Any idea that the Middle East is a region of the world not ready for an increase in democracy should now be rejected. Iraq is a country marked by a line of increasingly peaceful elections. Those critical of Bush's policies should keep that in mind.














Why should we push for democracy in this region of the world? Simply put, democracies are far less likely to go to war with one another: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democratic_peace#Explanations.

That is not to say we should try to oust every non-democratic regime. But we should definitely be paying attention when a situation like the one we are seeing in Iran arises. The Iranians are signaling they want something different. I think it is important we are as supportive as possible while not infringing on the sovereignty of Iran.

I think Obama has handled the Iranian situation very well up to this point. But if the situation becomes worse, a re-evaluation of our strategy will be necessary. Wide-spread violence caused by the government is the equivalent of Saddam Hussein gassing his own people, which in my opinion is a good reason for regime change.

One thing is for sure; if the Iranian people begin asking for our help and support, it is incredibly important we show we are there for them. It does not look like that situation has arisen yet, but only time will tell.

Until we meet again, goodbye!