President Obama and the Iranian Election - Why His Response is Appropriate

Let's be clear: what's happening in Iran is horrifying. For those who have seen the video of Neda Soltani, a young Iranian woman gunned down just because she wanted to peacefully stand up for freedom in her country, you know exactly what I mean. It doesn't matter what really happened during the election, though most of the international community, and the Iranian people, have their doubts that it was legitimate. What matters is that the Islamic Republic of Iran is turning its back on the principles upon which it was founded, as well as going against the teachings of Islam itself according to many imams and clerics who have spoken out against the violence there. We all would like to see the Iranian people live in a free society where they can cast their votes and know that the outcome of any election is truly the will of the people.

Unfortunately, many Americans have pounced upon President Barack Obama for his approach in responding to these events. His rival during the campaign, Senator John McCain, has been one of the most outspoken critics of Obama, who he believes should take a stronger stance against the Iranian regime. Many seem to agree that the only appropriate response is a fierce condemnation and some form of interference. The United States likes to see itself as the ultimate champion of democracy, so a strong push of support in that direction might be warranted. So, why is the president being so cautious in his response to the Iranian "elections" and the subsequent protests?

We must first look at the history between our two countries. This history is fresh in the mind of the Iranians, but most Americans aren't even aware of the meddling we did in their domestic politics. We essentially overthrew their government (via the CIA) to reinstate the Shah, whose regime was about as un-democratic as it gets. Anger towards the Shah's government, which of course had the full backing of the United States, created the unrest we saw during the Islamic Revolution in 1979. Ayatollah Khomeni was, of course, not exactly a fan of America, and they have seen us as as an enemy ever since.

So, if the US were to interfere in the domestic politics of Iran again, how do you think that might go over?

The first reaction would be a swift call from the government that the protesters are "foreign agents" acting on behalf of the US, EU, and Israel to overthrow the Islamic Republic. They've already done this, but it hasn't been taken seriously in Iran because there is no evidence. Why give Ahmadinejad more fuel to make his opponents seem like puppets of the Americans?

Second, if this were to happen and if it were to cause an even harder crackdown, or even elimination, of the opposition, those remaining would hold incredible resentment towards the US. How is that ever going to help to warm relationships with Iran?

I wish the pundits who call for Obama to be more harsh would listen to those who actually know about the history of Iran and understand the complexities of US-Iranian relations. Or, even better, I wish they'd listen to the will of the Iranian people. If they wanted our help, they would have asked for it. Out of all the information coming out of Iran via the internet, nobody has said, "I wish the Americans would come to our rescue!" The only help they ask for is that the international community show their support for their cause, as President Obama has already done.

So, I would like to ask all of my fellow Americans, and all citizens of the world, to stand up and proclaim their support for a free, democratic Iran. If you have contacts in Iran and are able to get their stories out to the world, please do. If you don't, share the stories that have already been posted to various sites and blogs. Make sure your friends and family know what's happening there. If we all show our support, we will strengthen the resolve of all Iranians who are standing up for freedom in their country.

We're with you, Iran, and we all want to see you achieve the freedom you so rightly deserve.