@revel,
Quote:You seem not to realize the importance of keeping a measured diplomatic balance right during this crises has nothing to do with Iran and how it is perceived in the world as legitimate or not. But rather that everything we say is used the Iranian government as a propaganda tool against the opposition party in Iran towards the people in Iran. If they (the people) start seeing the opposition as being allies with the US, then the people will start to turn the Iranian government instead or at least not be as committed to getting their pick elected as leaders. (can't explain it too well)
I seem not to agree with you and those who do agree with you.
I think your concerns are overblown.
The regime has been charging that the protestors were tools of the US and the UK, since the demonstrations began, and if President Obama kept his lips sealed on the topic, they still would. Obama's measured responses have already been labeled as meddling by Ahmadinijan
Quote:In the end I don't believe any changes are going to be made, however, if we stay out of it, then the opposition and its supporters will continue to be seen as underdogs and perhaps at some later date the mullahs and religious leaders will not have a popularity in the country and then perhaps change will come.
It isn't popular Iranian support for the regime that is crushing the opposition.
I doubt the Iranians risking their lives in the streets of Tehran are going to understand or appreciate how our
staying out of the way will preserve their underdog status and
perhaps allow their movement to
perhaps effect change
at some later date. Of course they will all be imprisoned or dead, but at least they won't be seen as American stooges.
The regime is certainly willing and probably capable of putting an end to the nascent rebellion. Once done the violence will move from public streets to midnight raids and prison cells. Without being confronted by the cell phone photographs and videos of ordinary Iranian citizens being killed or beaten, the need to confront the regime will pass and the Administration can resume their
extended hand folly.