H/T: Our Grand Inquisitor
Update: Christopher Hitchens points out that Obama's fears of being a foil for the Iranian government are pointless. Because of their delusions and paranoia, we already are a foil and no amount of washing our hands and self-flagellation for real or imagined sins will change that.
There is nothing at all that any Western country can do to avoid the charge of intervening in Iran's internal affairs. The deep belief that everything—especially anything in English—is already and by definition an intervention is part of the very identity and ideology of the theocracy.
4 comments:
Two things to consider though. First, this is not a democratic uprising. Its an uprising of one theocracy against another. Secondly, they've made it pretty clear, they don't want our government's involvement.
Kelly, I'm not sure that's true any more. It may have started as an election protest, but it's evolved into a revolt against the whole theocratic dictatorship. Even if what you say is true, however, anything we do to cause them problems is a good thing.
It doesn't work if only one side avoids meddling. I think this episode is going to point out the shortcomings of moral superiority - perhaps by the incinceration of one or more cities.
I'm with KT on this one. My feeling is that this has moved beyond Mousavi or any of the other opp. candidates and is indeed a protest/rebellion against the mullahs.
Though, I am of the opinion that they do not want our government's "involvement", the fact that the signs they are carrying are in English demonstrates they want our nation's recognition and thus, tacit approval.
Linked.
I'm with Mohammad, the Iranian protestor, who commented to CNN's John Roberts and Kiran Chetry:
"...I’m addressing President Obama directly – how can a government that doesn’t recognize its people’s rights and represses them brutally and mercilessly have nuclear activities? This government is a huge threat to global peace. Will a wise man give a sharp dagger to an insane person? We need your help international community. Don’t leave us alone."
Great post, KT.
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