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Video: Iranian protests gaining steam despite crackdown

posted at 10:11 am on June 17, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
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The Today Show updates its viewers on the protests in Iran, including a new effort by the mullahs to silence dissent on blogs and Twitter, where protestors organize and share information. It’s a cursory report; for instance, it doesn’t mention the widely Twittered accusations of the regime using both for disinformation, which would make for an interesting look at the mullahs in action. It also includes Barack Obama’s analysis that people in the US are overreacting to the protests:

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Obama is right, but only on the surface. We’ve written repeatedly that Mirhossein Mousavi is no real reformer; he’s the mullah-approved version of a reformer, and a Mousavi “administration” would not differ much from Ahmadinejad’s, except in tone. Getting excited over a Mousavi win would be akin to cheering on Kim Jong-Il’s son to take over for Dear Leader sooner rather than later.

However, and this is the point that Obama and others miss, the Iranian protests have the potential to go beyond Mousavi — which is why the mullahs want to suppress them. The Iranian people have begun to awaken to the fact that they can be more powerful than the mullahcracy that has oppressed them for 30 years. If the protests continue to grow in number, Mousavi will eventually become a footnote as Iran frees itself from tyranny and grasps self-determination.

No one is cheering on Mousavi — we’re cheering the Iranian people. And we’re frankly puzzled why the leader of the free world has yet to do so.


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Help Iranian Twitterers!

It's Vintage, Duh on June 17, 2009 at 10:15 AM

“Bush you magnificent bastard!”
Iranian revolution brought to you courtesy of Georg W. Bush. Thank you sir!

Simonsez on June 17, 2009 at 10:16 AM

According to Iran, you are not to report on this issue. The leader of the free world probably doesn’t understand what’s going on over there. That would require a history lesson for him and he’s too busy pushing his own agenda on us to be bothered with it. Seems it’s just a distraction to him.

scalleywag on June 17, 2009 at 10:16 AM

you’re assuming that bambi wants freedom to win.

kelley in virginia on June 17, 2009 at 10:16 AM

Twitters vs. twits.

jgapinoy on June 17, 2009 at 10:16 AM

No one is cheering on Mousavi — we’re cheering the Iranian people. And we’re frankly puzzled why the leader of the free world has yet to do so.

Because he’s an enemy of freedom-loving people and is nervous about seeing them risk life and limb to stand up to tyrants?

Fallen Sparrow on June 17, 2009 at 10:17 AM

No one is cheering on Mousavi — we’re cheering the Iranian people. And we’re frankly puzzled why the leader of the free world has yet to do so.

Wow, big mystery there?

Barack HUSSEIN Obama (PBUH)(SWT)(SAW), as an Anti-American/Anti-Semitic/Anti-White/Pro-Jihadi Racist Traitor Democratic Leftist Marxist-Muslim, who was raised from day one to Hate and Destroy America, doesn’t not belive in “Democracy”; his sole goal, as a graduate of the Saul Alinksy School of Radical Hate-American-First and Destroy-America-Second (the same school that Hillary Clinton graduated from, by the way); has no desire to see the fledging “democracy” in Iran succeed!

IF it did, it would send the wrong message to Americans at home…i.e., that people can actually organize WITHOUT Obama himself, and over turn his own oppressive, Anti-American/Anti-Capitalistic/Anti-Democracy policies and Agendas!

Dale in Atlanta on June 17, 2009 at 10:17 AM

No one is cheering on Mousavi — we’re cheering the Iranian people. And we’re frankly puzzled why the leader of the free world has yet to do so.

No we’re not..

katy on June 17, 2009 at 10:18 AM

Did you inherit this too obama.

the_nile on June 17, 2009 at 10:18 AM

All you people need to stop meddling in Iran’s affairs.

Keyser-Soze on June 17, 2009 at 10:19 AM

If the protests continue to grow in number, Mousavi will eventually become a footnote as Iran frees itself from tyranny and grasps self-determination.

Now if only we Americans can do that, too, and restore the original intent of our government; that the people rule, not the politicians.

Daggett on June 17, 2009 at 10:19 AM

And we’re frankly puzzled why the leader of the free world has yet to do so.

Are you really?

CDeb on June 17, 2009 at 10:20 AM

you’re assuming that bambi wants freedom to win.

kelley in virginia on June 17, 2009 at 10:16 AM

He doesn’t want Americans getting any ideas about how to react to heavy-handed government leaders that commit election fraud.

Harpazo on June 17, 2009 at 10:20 AM

you’re assuming that bambi wants freedom to win.

kelley in virginia on June 17, 2009 at 10:16 AM

I agree. That’s NOT a safe assumption.

Daggett on June 17, 2009 at 10:22 AM

It’s almost like Obama wants the Mullahs to crush the uprising, oh wait, I think he does.

Everyone here has been bashing Obama as Jimmy Carter II. Personally, I think Obama is a lot worse than Carter.

Lance Murdock on June 17, 2009 at 10:22 AM

They got MSM in Iran too.

the_nile on June 17, 2009 at 10:23 AM

How dare these people get in the way of our Commander in Queef negotiating with the lunatics in charge of Iran.

NoDonkey on June 17, 2009 at 10:23 AM

The silence is deafening…

SDPlissken on June 17, 2009 at 10:23 AM

And we’re frankly puzzled why the leader of the free world has yet to do so.

President Above-It-All doesn’t want the US citizenry to get any ideas about real freedom from the Iranian people. Next thing you know, the US citizens will be in the street instead of sipping their Stae Run Media kool aid.

Mr_Magoo on June 17, 2009 at 10:24 AM

Taking solidarity a step further, allahpundit is blogging wearing a chador.

Blake on June 17, 2009 at 10:25 AM

I’m sure Obama is monitoring the Twitter feeds on his beloved Blackberry.

In fact, he is probably Twittering supportive meddling at this very moment.

myrenovations on June 17, 2009 at 10:25 AM

He doesn’t want Americans getting any ideas about how to react to heavy-handed government leaders that commit election fraud.
Harpazo on June 17, 2009 at 10:20 AM

That fly wanted freedom and all he got was the heavy hand of the Slapper-In-Chief who then gloated about his accomplishment.

Mr_Magoo on June 17, 2009 at 10:26 AM

After seeing Obama’s unenthusiastic responses to the Iran situation over the past few days, my mother called him a “political p*ssy” yesterday!

Moms always know just what to say, don’t they?

diditagain on June 17, 2009 at 10:27 AM

Iran is above Obama’s pay grade and capability.

Simonsez has a good point. Although Bush isn’t directly responsible for the uprising in Iran, I’m sure the establishment of a voting process and increased freedoms in Iraq have inspired the will of the people to rise up. One of the primary reasons for the war in Iraq was to “drain the swamp” and to establish democracy in the middle east. We will only be able to assess the issue from a safe distance in history, but my bet is that it was worth it.

Barry will speak up when there is good news that he can claim and it gets typed into TOTUS. At that time, he will announce that we are giving Iran a few hundred billion dollars in stimulus.

Star20 on June 17, 2009 at 10:27 AM

He doesn’t want Americans getting any ideas about how to react to heavy-handed government leaders that commit election fraud.

Harpazo on June 17, 2009 at 10:20 AM

So very true…

TrueBrit on June 17, 2009 at 10:28 AM

Barry is totally clueless.

besser tot als rot on June 17, 2009 at 10:30 AM

An important reform would be the elimination of the “supreme” leadership culling candidates from ballots. If the people can get that eliminated, then real reformers can run. The mullahs stay in power by controlling who is allowed to run for office.

crosspatch on June 17, 2009 at 10:31 AM

Obama’s silence is deafening. If he got on the side of freedom rather authoritatively and had a Berlin Wall a la Reagan kind of moment, the media would play it endlessly. If Iran’s regime then fell and went friendlier toward us, HE would get all the credit for said fall from the media. Okay, he’ll get the credit for it anyway if it happens, but, still, speech footage is worth its weight in gold if not diamonds for giving momentum. It’s a win-win; where is he? Why do I hear crickets? What is David Axelrod doing?

We all know Obama is capable of putting on that kind of show, after all. It’s frankly his best (only?) qualification for the job. You’d think he’d jump at the chance!

flutejpl on June 17, 2009 at 10:31 AM

As the Wall Street Journal noted, Mousavi as prime minister approved the purchases of nuclear enrichment equipment from A. Q. Khan. Is it likely that someone who started Iran’s nuclear program would be amiable to dismantling it? I don’t think so. Iranian women might support reforms that lead to less frequent beatings, but they serve us no purpose from a strategic point of view. A seemingly more reasonable Iranian leader would in fact makes it harder for us to win support for harsher measures–including potentially military actions.

year_of_the_dingo on June 17, 2009 at 10:32 AM

No one is cheering on Mousavi — we’re cheering the Iranian people.

Exactly. Thank you, Ed Morrissey.

And we’re frankly puzzled why the leader of the free world has yet to do so.

Democrats bow down to tyrants. Democrats turn their backs on victims of brutality. Democrats appease dictators who threaten to wipe Israel off the map. Democrats silently support suppression of fundamental human rights.

This is today’s Democratic Party platform. Are you proud of what you’ve become?

Loxodonta on June 17, 2009 at 10:33 AM

Now if only we Americans can do that, too, and restore the original intent of our government; that the people rule, not the politicians.

Daggett on June 17, 2009 at 10:19 AM

Fine thought.

burt on June 17, 2009 at 10:34 AM

Hmmmmmm. New Tea Parties coming up in two weeks. People in Iran rebelling against their government and soon we will be demonstrating against our government. Today is ACORN’s birthday. Obama probably wants to hide. Just like Jimmy Carter during the Iranian hostage crisis. This man is in a precarious position. I hope we don’t let it go to waste.

BetseyRoss on June 17, 2009 at 10:36 AM

If the head mullet and his cronies had any brains, they would let the protests go on without interference. Let the people speak, let their voices be heard (but ignored). Then the head mullet could give a sermon about how he had listened to the voice of the people, and change out a few lessor mullet who hold some insignificant posts in government.

The lessor mullet would be fearful of offending the head mullet (and afraid of losing their sinecure), the people would be satisfied that their voices had been heard, and nothing would change.

Skandia Recluse on June 17, 2009 at 10:36 AM

Screw the mullahs, support the people.

Let 1,000 flowers bloom 10,000 ayatolllahs hang!

profitsbeard on June 17, 2009 at 10:36 AM

The fact that so many of the protesters are carrying English
signs shows us they want encouragement from the free world. Obama should have some small amount of empathy for those young people. He was a community organizer remember how important we were led to believe community organizers were.

fourdeucer on June 17, 2009 at 10:38 AM

It is the domino effect…Afganistan and Iraq are sandwiched around Iran

CMonster on June 17, 2009 at 10:38 AM

And we’re frankly puzzled why the leader of the free world has yet to do so.

Cherchez la waffle.

smellthecoffee on June 17, 2009 at 10:40 AM

No one, to my knowledge, has yet referenced this, but to what extent has the democratic experience of Iran’s neighbors in Iraq influenced this uprising?

They are invariably aware that their former enemy is now enjoying the benefits of free elections and democracy.

Isn’t it just possible that Bush was right? That establishing a foothold for democracy in Iraq would help propel its spread in the Mideast?

AmericanUnderground on June 17, 2009 at 10:40 AM

crosspatch on June 17, 2009 at 10:31

.
We should desire the same sort of election reform here, except that its not the religious leaders choosing who runs for office, but other powers. I’m not a conspiracy theorist, but the “free” press, unions and others of that ilk need to be beaten back.

Simonsez on June 17, 2009 at 10:40 AM

Pretty brave folks. It’s hard when the best you can do for them is pray, no word of encouragement from the person they want to hear from. Too bad we couldn’t have a rally for them here but would they ever see it?

Cindy Munford on June 17, 2009 at 10:41 AM

And we’re frankly puzzled why the leader of the free world has yet to do so.

The fact he is called “leader” doesn’t mean he has a clue how to actually lead.

If the Iranians are able to cast off the mullahcracy, it will be despite our President, not because of him.

“Present Obama.”

Pavel on June 17, 2009 at 10:42 AM

Too bad we couldn’t have a rally for them here but would they ever see it?

Cindy Munford on June 17, 2009 at 10:41 AM

Twitter!

Loxodonta on June 17, 2009 at 10:42 AM

For the leader of a country that sprung up from a similar uprising, Obama doesn’t understand much.

amkun on June 17, 2009 at 10:43 AM

Assuming something amazing and glorious happens in Iran, the One will take all the credit.

Grrr….

Darksean on June 17, 2009 at 10:44 AM

Why are all you people meddling in Obama’s affairs?

bloggless on June 17, 2009 at 10:45 AM

If the demonstrations are quashed and the Mullahs start executing the protesters because our fearless leader said nothing does he have blood on his hands?

fourdeucer on June 17, 2009 at 10:45 AM

Isn’t it just possible that Bush was right? That establishing a foothold for democracy in Iraq would help propel its spread in the Mideast?

AmericanUnderground on June 17, 2009 at 10:40 AM

Can’t be true, as Bush did nothing right – don’t you read the newspapers or watch network television? They would confirm this for you.
/

Vashta.Nerada on June 17, 2009 at 10:45 AM

Cindy Munford on June 17, 2009 at 10:41 AM

Actually, you don’t even have to have a physical rally, it could be a virtual rally done entirely on Twitter. And all that has to be done is messages of support for them to have the same freedoms as Americans. (While we still have them.)

Loxodonta on June 17, 2009 at 10:46 AM

It Has Always Been the Mullahs
By Pamela Geller

http://www.americanthinker.com/2009/06/it_has_always_been_the_mullahs.html

It doesn’t matter who won. Iran is an annihilationist state.

And either way, Obama is going to bow to these annihilationists. Iran is not going to cut the weak one in the White House any slack. No. They have opted not to give Obama the ruse of a “reformer.” There will be no curtain for President Pantywaist to hide behind as he submits to these barbarians. The mullahs are going to show the world what Obama really is.

The President is naked at the feast, baby.

izoneguy on June 17, 2009 at 10:46 AM

The reason why Obama hasn’t cheered them on is because he does not want us to be free. Obama is the type of “leader” that will use socialism and communism to become a dictator.

ironmonk on June 17, 2009 at 10:47 AM

Isn’t it just possible that Bush was right? That establishing a foothold for democracy in Iraq would help propel its spread in the Mideast?

AmericanUnderground on June 17, 2009 at 10:40 AM

BLASPHEMY AND SEDITION!

You, AmericanUnderground MUST report immeadiately to the nearest Alinsky re-education camp for programming.

Rovin on June 17, 2009 at 10:48 AM

Obama is announcing present. Why is anyone surprised?

skatz51 on June 17, 2009 at 10:49 AM

“No one is cheering on Mousavi — we’re cheering the Iranian people. And we’re frankly puzzled why the leader of the free world has yet to do so.”

Because he’s no leader and because he doesn’t believe in freedom. I’m praying the people of Iran persevere and throw the mullah’s out.

RobertE on June 17, 2009 at 10:50 AM

Fox and Friends had an appalling lack of coverage on this story this morning. I had them on for an hour at the gym and didn’t see one mention of Iran, even when they reset the headlines at 7 am. This needs to be shown every half hour, even when there’s nothing new to report.

Dudley Smith on June 17, 2009 at 10:51 AM

I’m not surprised that obama isn’t supporting freedom…he’s a marxist…a saul alinsky/bill ayers revolutionary.

he’s all about propping up dictators like chavez castro etal…

right4life on June 17, 2009 at 10:52 AM

This is also a great wedge issue for Republicans who stand up in Congress for Liberty while repeatedly Obamacrats bow to tyrants. It might cause some voters to rethink who they will vote for 2010.

Loxodonta on June 17, 2009 at 10:52 AM

A friend of mine posted this article. It is a great observation about new media vs. old media. Conservatives need to adapt to using new media and the ability to organize and rally behind it.

flash044 on June 17, 2009 at 10:53 AM

Loxodonta on June 17, 2009 at 10:46 AM

Have you joined Twitter? I haven’t seen the value but if it would help give moral support to them I would do it.

Cindy Munford on June 17, 2009 at 10:56 AM

Obama: “start the revolution without me”.

Basilsbest on June 17, 2009 at 10:58 AM

No one is cheering on Mousavi — we’re cheering the Iranian people. And we’re frankly puzzled why the leader of the free world has yet to do so.

Birds of a feather flock together.

CPT. Charles on June 17, 2009 at 10:58 AM

Note how Engel is careful to use mild language when describing that Iranians are worried that the government may stop all the protests. You dope, they’re afraid they are going to be killed!

Of course, for Bush, it was hyperbole all the way.

PattyJ on June 17, 2009 at 11:00 AM

Ed there are reports of Hamas and Arabic speaking thugs in the streets of Tehran. This would be a good time to get this message out, especially in light of Carter’s crapfest.

bloggless on June 17, 2009 at 11:01 AM

No one is cheering on Mousavi — we’re cheering the Iranian people. And we’re frankly puzzled why the leader of the free world has yet to do so.

The ‘leader of the free world’ and the mullahs just want to impose arbitrary rules on people for their own good. Resistance is futile — except when it works!

Right_of_Attila on June 17, 2009 at 11:01 AM

Obamacare applied to Iranians: Take two aspirin and call me in the morning.

bloggless on June 17, 2009 at 11:02 AM

Cindy Munford on June 17, 2009 at 10:56 AM

I don’t have a cell phone, but I suppose I could still join Twitter.

Loxodonta on June 17, 2009 at 11:03 AM

The fact that so many of the protesters are carrying English
signs shows us they want encouragement from the free world. Obama should have some small amount of empathy for those young people. He was a community organizer remember how important we were led to believe community organizers were.

fourdeucer on June 17, 2009 at 10:38 AM

The Iranian college students are doing some “real” community organizing in Iran now under the threat of a totalitarian gov’t. Barry just got a bunch of whiny people to whine to the Chicago gov’t about not getting the money they think was owed them. Big difference… Barry frankly wouldn’t know what real activism was if it hit him in the face.

Illinidiva on June 17, 2009 at 11:04 AM

Very well said Ed!

The sentiments here about the Iranian people still having a ways to go in changing their mindset towards the U.S. and Israel has merit, and I agree. To a point. We have seen all sorts of data coming out of Iran in the past several years which indicate the people are more flexible than the mullahs, their overlords, and the Republican Guard. I am certainly not saying the Iranian people should be held up as the latest version of the Boston Tea Party types, but I am saying there is room for possibilities, and a future of less radicalism.

Foreign relations and situations like this are never going to be black and white. There are no John Waynes or George Washingtons in the mix. No solid good guys in this! There have been times when we had to support the chance for a better future, and were forced to deal with despicable characters. But Obama sitting on the sideline doing the cricket dance of rubbing his legs together is killing the chances for a better future for all peoples, not just the Iranians.

Merkel looks like Reagan compared to Obama! UGH!

I am still wondering what Rafsanjani is up to?

freeus on June 17, 2009 at 11:04 AM

Because he’s an enemy of freedom-loving people and is nervous about seeing them risk life and limb to stand up to tyrants?Fallen Sparrow on June 17, 2009 at 10:17 AM

Bingo. Remember, this asshole did everything he could to have the United staes concede Iraq to al Qaeda.

Basilsbest on June 17, 2009 at 11:04 AM

Because he’s an enemy of freedom-loving people and is nervous about seeing them risk life and limb to stand up to tyrants?Fallen Sparrow on June 17, 2009 at 10:17 AM

Bingo. Remember, this guy did everything he could to have the United staes concede Iraq to al Qaeda.

Basilsbest on June 17, 2009 at 11:05 AM

bloggless on June 17, 2009 at 11:02 AM

Obama is doing his best imitation of Clinton, “why don’t you put some ice on it.”

Another one of the Democrat Party’s great moments.

NoDonkey on June 17, 2009 at 11:06 AM

Has anyone thought about the Hamas/Muslim Brotherhood connection? Obama LOVES the Muslim Brotherhood. Is this why he does not do anything? I mean outside of him not having a spine and being a foreign policy moron.

freeus on June 17, 2009 at 11:06 AM

And we’re frankly puzzled why the leader of the free world has yet to do so.

He’s no Reagan, that’s for damned sure.

Geministorm on June 17, 2009 at 11:08 AM

Has anyone thought about the Hamas/Muslim Brotherhood connection? Obama LOVES the Muslim Brotherhood. Is this why he does not do anything? I mean outside of him not having a spine and being a foreign policy moron.

freeus on June 17, 2009 at 11:06 AM

I have heard twitter reports of HAMAS beating Iranians in the streets of Tehran.

bloggless on June 17, 2009 at 11:11 AM

“Bush you magnificent bastard!”
Iranian revolution brought to you courtesy of Georg W. Bush. Thank you sir!

Simonsez on June 17, 2009 at 10:16 AM

Don’t worry. The moronic libs are actually saying its due to the Obamessiah.

Speedwagon82 on June 17, 2009 at 11:16 AM

I hope we Americans who did not vote for THAT ONE,will continue with our protests so much so that the gov’t controlled media and the polls can’t ignore us any longer.Now we have to be concerned about our weak-a$$ed and weak-kneed gop.

ohiobabe on June 17, 2009 at 11:17 AM

“Bush you magnificent bastard!”
Iranian revolution brought to you courtesy of Georg W. Bush. Thank you sir!

Simonsez on June 17, 2009 at 10:16 AM

Ultimately, this is more true than people will give it traction as being so.

bluelightbrigade on June 17, 2009 at 11:18 AM

Am I the only one here old enough to remember how “Iranian youths yearning for freedom” stormed our embassy and held fifty of our people hostage for a year and a half? I am not cheering for these bozos. They got what they wanted.

year_of_the_dingo on June 17, 2009 at 11:18 AM

And we’re frankly puzzled why the leader of the free world has yet to do so.

He’s no Reagan, that’s for damned sure.

Geministorm on June 17, 2009 at 11:08 AM

He’s no leader, either.

/padawan

bluelightbrigade on June 17, 2009 at 11:18 AM

Don’t forget what just happened in Lebanon either. Hezballah(sic) got their asses kick as well.

Clyde5445 on June 17, 2009 at 11:18 AM

The sad part of this whole scenario is the Iranian people are just trying to change their kind of poison. As long as the mullahs rule, thanks to Jimmy Carter, then the leaders are just puppets for their pleasure.

volsense on June 17, 2009 at 11:20 AM

When the going gets tough, Obama goes townhalling.

BuckeyeSam on June 17, 2009 at 11:20 AM

Am I the only one here old enough to remember how “Iranian youths yearning for freedom” stormed our embassy and held fifty of our people hostage for a year and a half? I am not cheering for these bozos. They got what they wanted.

year_of_the_dingo on June 17, 2009 at 11:18 AM

The only problem with is most of the Iranian who protesting now were not a live then.

Clyde5445 on June 17, 2009 at 11:23 AM

Loxodonta on June 17, 2009 at 11:03 AM

I have a cell but not the option to text. I will investigate when I get home.

Cindy Munford on June 17, 2009 at 11:24 AM

Ohiobabe is right. The people here need to make the government owned media a non-factor. Until the GOP flushes the RINOs we cannot expect any positive steps in taking back our country.

volsense on June 17, 2009 at 11:25 AM

Barry frankly wouldn’t know what real activism was if it hit him in the face.

Illinidiva on June 17, 2009 at 11:04 AM
Oh, He knows activism and his inaction is speaking volumes right now.

fourdeucer on June 17, 2009 at 11:25 AM

Let’s see:

The USSR: 1917 – 1991

The Third Reich: 1933 – 1945

The Iranian Islamic Revolution: 1979 – 2009 (of course, I may be erring on the side of optimism here)

And, yeah, Obama didn’t do a damned thing to kick this off. Pissed-off people can only stand so much.

And long live Howard Beale.

Gottafang on June 17, 2009 at 11:25 AM

I do think some of us have dropped the ball in emphasizing that we’re supporting the Iranian people seeking basic God-given freedoms and decency and not Mousavi.

britneyhume on June 17, 2009 at 11:26 AM

Barry frankly wouldn’t know what real activism was if it hit him in the face.

Illinidiva on June 17, 2009 at 11:04 AM
Oh, He knows activism and his inaction is speaking volumes right now.

fourdeucer on June 17, 2009 at 11:25 AM

Rigging elections for ACORN doesn’t count as activism.

Illinidiva on June 17, 2009 at 11:29 AM

Iran protests: live from the British newspaper, the Guardian

albill on June 17, 2009 at 11:29 AM

Am I the only one here old enough to remember how “Iranian youths yearning for freedom” stormed our embassy and held fifty of our people hostage for a year and a half? I am not cheering for these bozos. They got what they wanted.

year_of_the_dingo on June 17, 2009 at 11:18 AM

I agree somewhat…but most of these young men and women weren’t even around back then-a new generation. Surely they have no great love for the U.S. either, but since they seem to be wired into the WWW they might be less brainwashed than Iranians were back in the late ’70s and face it-the Shah of Iran was no flower child and was not loved by the masses. He, too, had secret police, stifled democracy/dissent, etc.

Be that as it may, this is a golden opportunity for our political leaders to side with the protesters. This would probably do much more for changing at least many of their minds about Americans than simply apologizing for being such a ‘mean country’.

The guy they want to elect doesn’t sound more amenable than Achmadinejad, but the point is to support them and their little sliver of democracy that they’re allowed.

But, Obama clearly lacks leadership abilities. He can only bully, attack, apologize and vote present.

Dr. ZhivBlago on June 17, 2009 at 11:31 AM

Mousavi is simply NOT running the resistance or demonstrations. it is out of any one persons hands and could go in any direction. We seem to be sitting on our hands and not making any effort to influence the direction this takes. I was in Paraguay when the coup against Stroesner occurred. The embassy stepped right up to the plate and had a host of ideas for the government being formed, including real elections, which happened. Such activity is simply missing in this case. We have a Clinton sort of corruption in the IG firing and a Carter ineptness in foreign affairs all rolled together in Obama…Not good at all.

JIMV on June 17, 2009 at 11:34 AM

However, and this is the point that Obama and others miss, the Iranian protests have the potential to go beyond Mousavi

Ed, You also miss a very important point. You’re missingteh even bigger picture.

The real reason that we are excited about what is happening in Iran is that it shows us that if the oppressed Iranian people can fight back against their government, that our own situation isn’t as hopeless as many previously apathetic us citizens believed.

Apathy, born of despair and hopelessness is being power washed off the public consciousness. The worldwide effects and consequences of the drama in Iran will be felt for a very long time…

dogsoldier on June 17, 2009 at 11:40 AM

http://www.realclearworld.com/articles/2009/06/western_misconception_iran_rea.html

Interesting read on the issues in Iran, for anyone so inclined.

AnninCA on June 17, 2009 at 11:44 AM

Kids are stupid, period. If your memory is too short to remember the Iranian Hostage crisis, just recall how a year ago our own youths helped foisted the tyranny of Obama upon this country. Makes me angry how conservatives all of a sudden are falling for what Jonah Goldberg calls “the cult of youth.” Beat them all with a stick, I say.

year_of_the_dingo on June 17, 2009 at 11:46 AM

Am I the only one here old enough to remember how “Iranian youths yearning for freedom” stormed our embassy and held fifty of our people hostage for a year and a half? I am not cheering for these bozos. They got what they wanted.

year_of_the_dingo on June 17, 2009 at 11:18 AM

The only problem with is most of the Iranian who protesting now were not a live then.

Clyde5445 on June 17, 2009 at 11:23 AM

Ahmadinejad was one of the guys who stormed our embassy and held 50 diplomats hostage! Then, they were protesting FOR the mullahs and Khomeini, about what they thought was the tyrannical rule of the Shah.

As Clyde5445 pointed out, today’s young Iranian protesters never knew the Shah and the relative freedom Iranians enjoyed under him. All they know is the tyranny of the mullahs and Ahmadinejad, poverty while their country is sitting on a lake of oil they can’t refine, and they’re fed up! They have seen elections in Afghanistan, with Karzai legitimitely elected, and Iraq, with Maliki legitimately elected and bringing peace to a divided land, and they wonder why can’t they have the President THEY elected?

Today’s Iranian protesters want the exact opposite of what those of 1979 wanted. They deserve any support we can give them. A regime change, or a revolution from within, would be a GOOD thing for Iran and its neighbors NOW–whatever replaces it would be better than what Iran has now.

A smart President would be paying lip service to neutrality while trying to foment the protesters in secret, with the CIA and its European counterparts. But we don’t have a smart President, we have Obama.

Steve Z on June 17, 2009 at 11:47 AM

It’s completely unlike President Obama to display a complete lack of spinal cord.

Cuba is outwitting us, Russia, Iran and North Korea are all acting in an increasingly belligerent manner, Pakistan is as f-ed up as usual and we won’t even make use of something like this in Iran to ease one of the crises that the world has abdicated responsibility for to us?

Wonderful.

One Against Many on June 17, 2009 at 11:50 AM

A smart President would be paying lip service to neutrality while trying to foment the protesters in secret, with the CIA and its European counterparts. But we don’t have a smart President, we have Obama.

I disagree with part of this. In my opinion a smart president would state that he supports the right of the Iranian people to self determination and that the election was rigged, along the lines of Reagan’s “tear down this wall” speech. Yes, that will put and end to any “negotiations” about Iranian nuclear ambitions, which are a farce anyway. (See North Korea)

dogsoldier on June 17, 2009 at 11:54 AM

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