Jun 16 2009
Never Doubt …
(photo c/o Andrew Sullivan)
Like CNN, I too have conspicuously avoided writing about the Iranian election debacle and resulting demonstrations. However, I’d like to think that my reasons for doing so are far nobler than the simple neglect shown by CNN’s and the remainder of the mainstream media.
And once coverage actually began in the mainstream media, instead of covering the actual events on the ground, ironically, much has instead been made about how the Obama administration should continue to handle the situation. Many pundits (on all sides of the political spectrum) are claiming the President should lend more vocal support to the protesters.
Personally, I disagree.
Although the cause may indeed be just, it’s not America’s role to engage in internal Iranian politics at this stage. Indeed, in this case, discretion is the better part of valor. The New Republic, of all places, has an unusually coherent editorial in this regard:
the Obama administration has to be very careful about backing, or even placing great hopes on, someone like Iran’s Moussavi and even on his impassioned followers. If we are seeing the beginning of another revolution–or structural transformation–in Iran, it is worth remembering that before the dust clears on this events, Kerensky can become Lenin and Bani Sadr can become Khomeini.
Personally, I hope the violence ends soon. And I also hope, like many Iranians do, for change. The Iranian people deserve it.
However, regardless of the underlying causes behind what is now happening on the ground in Iran, regardless of whatever personal attachments or feelings I or anyone else outside Iran may have to same, and regardless of how the international community chooses to react, what is now happening is the province of the Iranian people. Moreover, it is one of the most important things taking place in the world right now. And it should not – cannot - be dismissed.
I would suggest everyone keep up with Andrew Sullivan and other non-traditional media sources for updates.
HAve you been following any of the twitter stuff? It is slowing down, as the protests i general do, but it was amazing for a bit there, the communication between the world and the Iranians. There’s still some going on, though it’s starting to disinitegrate now and there’s more and more Iranian government plants or something posting nonsense and people peddling porn etc, but still sime interesting conversations too.
http://tweetgrid.com/grid?l=1&q1=%23iranelection+OR+%23tehran&q2=group :group:alirezasha,change_for_iran,cnnsaeed,Gita,iran09,iranbaan,irann ewsnow,IranRiggedElect,mahdi,mohamadreza,mousavi1388,Mynumberone1988,o ctavianasrCNN,Shahrzadmo,smileofcrash,StopAhmaditehranelection,TwitPer sia,cnnsaeed