Iranian Citizens Increase Protests, More Violence Expected

Despite state-wide bans on telephone, cell phone, and Internet usage, news and images of the protests in Iran are finding their way out of the country and are being broadcast around the world. It is impossible to verify or confirm the validity of the reports or the images that are being broadcast, because foreign journalists are not currently allowed to report from Iran. But there is clearly something happening on the ground in Iran that is unlike anything that has been seen in recent decades. Iranians are coming out in support of a defeated candidate - one they believe was fraudulently defeated in a rigged election - who is not a hard-liner like his incumbent opponent, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

It's rather easy as a U.S. citizen to draw some hope from these events. Perhaps we're really much more like the regular citizens of Iran than we ever thought possible. Educated people, as most Iranians are, don't seek war and strife with other educated people. The Iranian people are looking for a more moderate approach to their country's isolationist views. Engaging friends and perceived enemies can open doors for opportunity around the world. But the first change must come from within.

The Iranian people are seeking a voice through their current demonstrations and protests. The Iranian people are seeking a means to communicate with the outside world - to let them know that a dialogue is possible and that there is much to be gained from a mutual understanding of our commonalities.