Closing Arguments: Obama's Approach to Iran

Obama's comments about keeping out of Iran's internal political strife is the sensible thing to do at this stage.

To be sure, U.S. relations with Iran WILL be affected by the recent election outcome!!! the United States has absolutely no right to interfere with the internal political outcome in Iran. We seem to forget recent history where the U.S. did get involved with the internal politics of Iran {Ie, Shah Reza Pahlavi}and helped create one of the most oppressive regimes the middle east has ever known, Replete with a Gestapo style secret police force. Let the people of Iran SETTLE THEIR OWN PROBLEMS...by revolution or whatever means they choose. The U.S. has for too long tried to interfere with the internal affairs of other countries, most of the time, much to our chagrin, vis-a vie the low esteem shown by other nations for our foreign policies. We cannot be all things to all people, and this is one of those instances. The people of Iran know what they want, they have proven this by their protests, so let them CHOOSE !!! We will have to deal with whatever shakes out!!! Be that good or bad...in the Middle East things never change...We Are Diminished.

I'm a dinner job heads to Russia while Terhan burns. Don't ya just love history when it repeats itself? Will someone please cruise missle this guy's John!!!
In case your unaware Russia and Iran already have a secret compact to attack Israel simultaneously...bank on it.
Where will America be in all this...getting it's arse kicked trying to fight a four front war.

The protests and support for Mousavi are evidence that there are significant portions of the Iran population that support a more open relationship to the West. Mousavi is a reform candidate, campaigned extensively with his wife in prominent roles, and wants more open dialogue with Western nations. Of course this showing of support should affect the way we approach Iran, and only serves to validate Obama's stance of diplomatic communication, regardless of the outcome of the election. That being said, Obama throwing all his support behind Mousavi and his followers is a fast way to tarnish what they are trying to do. They want more communication but that does not equate to ally, and many in Iran are still distrustful and wary of the US intentions and the way we have meddled in the Middle East with Iran, Iraq, and Israel in the past. Obama and the US coming out in their corner is a quick way to make Mousavi and his supporters look like puppets for the US is some people's eyes, instead of fighting for the future of their country like they are.

Obama's approach to Iran is equivalent to the short kid running home to mommy explaining how he just got his #### kicked by the block bully.

It is heartbreaking to watch our president try to wade through his morass of moral equivalence. When I compare his response to the events in Iran to the response of Reagan to the events in Poland or to George W. Bush to the events in the Ukraine and the results that their clear support for freedom, liberty, democracy, and human rights brought to those countries and the world I am thoroughly disappointed. Mr. Obama has perfected the role and rhetoric of the PC postmodern president and we will be much poorer for it. Sadly, these events are exactly the outcome that we had hoped for when our brave soldiers fought to bring democracy and human rights to Iraq and Afghanistan and we are going to miss this moment in history if our president doesn't find his moral footing. Few people seem to recall that this was our stated goal from the outset of Operation Iraqui Freedom, to see democracy birthed and then spread in the Middle East. With the sacrifice of much blood and treasure we created the first two Arab democracies, which Iran happens to be sandwiched between. Now, when all of those sacrifices are finally bearing the fruit we had hoped and prayed for we do not have a president with the moral compass or moral courage to take advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity. All of the talk about "tone" is misguided. This is not a time to consider "tone"; this is a time to consider truth. We know what is true of the Iranian regime (it is evil) and at times such as these it must be stated unapolagetically. We also know what is true of America. There is no moral equivalence to be concerned with here nor any "past sins" that need to be atoned for. Events like these in the streets of Tehran are defining moments in presidential leadership. I can only hope that our president can see this and change the substance (rather than the tone) of his comments. We really need him to dig deep right now and find his moral center.

While I'm horrified for the people and their so call democracy. The government obviously has no regard for democracy. Therefore in my opinion, I think President Obama's main focus has to be and remain on America. In the past our government main focus was on the Middle East and look at us now. Diplomacy is a definite plus as we do not want to alienate Iran. But we should not be so involved with their issues hat America issues, are once again discarded. The president in my opinion must continue to focus most of his intentions on America and its job lost, health care , the economy and so many other things. Therefore, I feel he is doing the smart thing in remaining dipolomatic. Has the past involvement not taught us anything.