In Iran, the opposition has taken to the streets again, and the regime has acted predictably with a violent response.
It’s still much too early to say whether Iran will change for the better. The opposition is neither secular nor democratic.
But if there is a willingness by Iranians to die in the thousands so as to overthrow a brutal regime, then progress may be achieved.
In the meantime, the US should be engaging in dialogue with Iran. Sooner or later, the Chinese and the Russians will abandon their support of limited sanctions, and the President will have to decide which is more important to US national security: allowing Tehran to have nuclear capability or trying to undermine the regime through an expanded relationship, including diplomatic recognition, support for human rights, and a regional security conference that would include the Israelis.
Unfortunately, the President is distracted at the moment by yet another failed terrorist attempt, the endless negotiations over minor health care reform, and the need to figure out once and for all what to do about Afghanistan and Pakistan. Iran’s well down the list of priorities.
Gorilla thinks: “Better keep your eye on the ball before the Israelis hit it out of the park!”
Tags: Iran