Yes, the circumstances surrounding the recent elections in Iran are quite possibly  shady, it’s quite possible that Mousavi did better than indicated, or even won.  In any case, it was wonderful to see a reform-minded candidate gain support over there, and I’m encouraged by the generally peaceful protests and demonstrations of the Iranian public, and am distraught at the Iranian government’s violent efforts to put said demonstrations down.

From the (relatively little, compared to other parts of the world -thanks, US educational system) I’ve read/seen about Iran and it’s history over the years, I’m glad to see the generally worldly and intellectual elements in Iran coming back to the fore. Despite the impression many over here hold, Iran, despite its current leadership, is hardly backward. In fact, it’s population is generally well-educated and informed, with a vibrant culture of intellectualism and the arts (Marjane Satrapi’s Perseopolis should be required reading/viewing for those interested). I hope the more rational elements over there might prevail eventually, leading to a more open and less repressive Iranian society.

That said, however, I think, despite what some people are saying, the US government (as the Obama administration has been doing so far) should STAY THE HELL OUT OF THINGS over there right now. There’s no question that the White House privately would love to see Mousavi take over the Presidency and lead the country toward reform, weakening and perhaps removing the authority of the theocracy under the Ayatollah. However, it really and truly is not our place to comment officially.

First, official support of the opposition movement by Western governments, particularly the United States, would merely galvanize the efforts of the current government, leading to more violence against supporters of eventual democracy over there, and would derail any incremental diplomatic efforts we’ve made over there toward curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Secondly, the US has a truly awful record when it comes to “encouraging” favorable governments from without. Afghanistan, Iraq, lots of little places in South America…Heck, we’re the ones who destabilized Iran in the first place which led to the current theocratic state. Whenever we go into another nation in order to “plant the seeds of democracy”, it always comes back to bite us on the ass.

You’d think we’d know from our own history that the spark of democracy needs to come from within , it can’t be imposed by outside forces. What we’re seeing in Iran right now might be the beginning of new flames of democracy, and the best thing we can do to nurture it is to step back and not smother them before they catch fire.