Ex-hostage: Do not interfere with Iran

so I sit and I see what is going on with theses protests in Iran and realize that the best thing for the US, to do is stay out of it. We don't like any other country in our business, So we should stay out of theirs,. I clearly remember learning during the Vietnam war we the US had several protests, The Iranian people are not causing war they just feel used, let down for years these people were being held captive in there own home, country,. I don't know how I would feel To now have an actual say. Let the people have a say, Stop holding them hostage. Severity of this issue is a problem, What the Us needs to do try to help the people gain control and finally be a free country......

I disagree with Moorhead Kennedy about how we should not interfere in the Iranian people’s quest for freedom. We should so that the country might become a real asset to peace in a world that needs now more than ever togetherness to tackle the world’s problems! Iran’s religious leaders have no concern for a peaceful world and does support terrorism around the world so that they may one day control the Islamic religion’s quest for it’s power and control of the world! This is their true belief and it is written in the Koran that Islam will rule the world someday. Yes we free people should be very concerned about the outcome of Iran’s government and it’s quest for control over the true freedom fighters that are now amassing in the streets of Iran!

I agree. We need to stay out of that. It's their election and their problems. Let them handle it the way they best know how. We have stuck our noses in places we had no business long enough. It's time to get back to the business of the country and get it back on track and secured.

If all this was about was a fair election, then Moorehead would have a point. But there are many human rights violations going on to quell the demonstrators that Mr. Kennedy obviously doesn't care about.

We should aid when asked, but do not stick our noses where we are not wanted. Iraq was an example of such. However, I do support interference if it's appearant that the people do want democracy and need our help to put their candidate in his rightfully won presidency.

I think Mr Kennedy is right, US needs to stay out at this point and support the people of Iran by simply saying we would like the wishes of Iranina people to come true no matter who they chose to lead the nation.

Taking sides of any one candidate will also undermine the candidate as he will be labeled by others as a "American puppet/agent".

This is exactly what brought down the Shah of Iran. He was too close to US and seen as a PUPPET.

Who will speak up for the truth?

I totally disagree with this. This isn't a matter of whether or not Iran is a sovereign nation. It's a human rights issue. America is supposed to be a beacon of freedom, and if we sit back and let a government silence its citizens, we're not living up to our name. If Americans felt an election was rigged and couldn't get word out, we'd want help from anywhere we could get it, even if it was from those traditionally thought of as enemies. This isn't 1979. There's been a generational shift, and those in power weren't involved in those things, and we should be able to move past it now.

we should not interfere. any interference however well intentioned would only be viewed the opposite way, and would hurt our cause rather than help it. it would make the reformists look like tools of the west rather than independant thinkers seeking reform.

Every time we stick our noses in another country's business we wind up sacrificing American lives. Stand back and let them handle their own affairs.

I totally agree with Mr. Kennedy. We must really drop this patronizing attitude toward smaller countries and mind more our own country.
Let's take care of our home.

Sarah,

I agree. Iran is not a democracy, it is totalitarian. I can't imagine how frustrating it would be to vote and then realize your vote was not really counted which is what I believe happened on election day in Iran.

Couldn't agree more with Mr. Kennedy at this point. If we do interfere, even by voicing support for the opposition, we end up giving the Mullahs the excuse to crack down on the opposition. In 1992, the Iranian reform movement was decimated after their victory by the Mullahs, who had many arrested. What we need to do is ensure the opposition movement and leadership survive intact, whether they get a new election or are forced to accept Ahmadenejhad. The opposition needs time to get organized and build over the long-term. They need to build up allies in the military and in Qom for religious cover. None of this is going to happen over the next few weeks, but it MIGHT happen over the next 4 years. 2013 should be the target for real reform in the Iranian system. Right now any US involvement will only ensure Mousavi and his followers are imprisoned.

It is Iran's issues to figure out. US has absolutely NO reason to interfere. If Iran chooses violence, then THEY have to deal with the aftermath. No other country took part in the US Civil War... it was ours to figure out, and we did. They will too.

Forget Iran. We need to live in a free country.

as lbj said when your enemy is making fools of themselves get out of the way. it applies to iraan as well.

Sarah – the people DO have a say. Until they become one unified body, their words may not resonate as clearly. It is not your place nor mine to tell another country how to run their affairs, just as it isn't President Obama's place to speak out against their government or elections. I would not Iran, or any other country, to tell the US how to run our elections, whether or not we should recount, or how to run our country – would you? Not everyone wants US involvement in their affairs.

Hear, hear, Mr. Kennedy! Any attempt on the part of US officials to express support for any side in Iran will be used by the other side to say "Look! They're puppets of the Americans!" That's the kiss of death. Obama is playing it smart by doing it the way he is.

USA doen't seem to understand the meaning "Stay out of our country's business!" Let the people of Iran work it out. They are not children. Their country has been around for a long time and they are having a say in their politics. What right does our government have in telling another country what to do? Freedom of any kind, costs. Let Iran pay for their freedoms. They've earned it!

Sarah, well said. We need to stay out of everyone else's buisness and worry about our own for a while. We have enough problems going on in our home country than to worry about them. The people of Iran are finally standing up for theirselves. If our government keeps putting us at war with every country that is having issues that dont concers us it will lead to WWIII

Why, then, don't we respect the sovereign nation of Sudan and get our noses out of this business in Darfur? Why do we get piled on for respecting the sovereign nation of Rwanda and keeping our noses out of Hutu and Tutsi affairs?

Sarah, seriously, it would be so much easier to respond to your post (which I disagree with, by the way) if you could post with some type of punctuation that made this rambling mess make some type of coherent sense. Your post was incoherent. Are you trying to say that we should stay out of their business because we would want people to stay out of our country's protests? Then you go on to compare their protests about the lack of a FREE AND FAIR election with our protests about the Vietnam war which were seldom violent and, when they were, still had the freedom of the press so that everyone KNEW what was happening? These people are trying to BE HEARD and we are trying to ensure that they are heard. We are not trying to interfere with who they elect – we just want to ensure that the people have their say. We did not agree with the outcome of the election of the Palestinian elections in which Hamas gained power, as this was a very negative thing for us, but we lauded the fact that the Palestinians were given the opportunity to have their voices be heard and to hold FREE AND FAIR elections, regardless of the outcome.

I agree 100%. Let them alone and US should shut up and don't interfere.

Just like IRAQ!!!! right?

Did Iran or any other country interfered with US elections when Bush and Gore were feuding in Florida and brother Bush helped to steal election using Harris? When our own election system is far from perfect, we have no business telling others what to do. It is better we should stay away from other country's internal matters or pay the price with the blood of our young soldiers later.

It's really easy to say "let's just stay out of it" when it isn't you who's being disenfranchised, it isn't your neighbor that's being clubbed over the head after being arrested for protesting, it isn't your brother who's being shot at a protest rally. I'm not saying that we should actively intervene, but I don't know why people are so doggedly determined to paint the US as having a "colonial attitude" simply because we care about rights that WE HAVE DEEMED TO BE INALIENABLE being extended to our fellow man. We would be hypocritical if we didn't care, because we've stated that these are rights that inherently belong to all men solely by virtue of being born.

I read yesterday that some stateside Iranians were protesting the fact that we weren't helping the Iranian people with their current difficulties. If I remember correctly the last time Iranian nationals were protesting on American soil they carried signs that read "Death to America".

Stay as far away from Iran as possible. No need to start another Iraq. If the people that left Iran feel that the U.S. should get involved, then maybe they should go back and start a revolution. Otherwise we will just sit and wait like the rest of the world does.

I agree. We should not interfere with the Iran elections, although I do feel that the out come of the elections and the current protests are important on a world wide level.
The more we interfere, the more we fuel the fires of radical hatred toward the US, and the more we endanger the safety and well being of our own citizens, both on US soil and abroad.
Our "help" has not been asked for, and any interference by the US will not be looked upon well.
Good luck to the Iranians, and may the country one day be one that looks to forster peace.

It's none of our business. Stay out of it.

I agree with the gentleman. Stay out....Let the people decide what they want....US interference will only result in resentment and future blame...the US is not the Policeman of the world. Everytime we stick our nose somewhere we cause more headaches than solutions. If you want to help, send humanitarian support and actually SUPPORT the UN and give it credance instead of doing everything on your own terms and with your own objectives.

In fact the it has been Obama's less confrontational approach to Iran that has empowered the moderates there. Bush, or should I say Cheney, by continually ratcheting up tensions, actually helped the Iranian hardliners expand their power. Cheney may be a genius of Neo-Con theory but is actually pretty dumb when it comes to practice. He grew up in an ivory tower and doesn't understand people. Obama, who grew up in the real world, is doing a masterful job.

Hmmm. just ask yourself the following question:

When George Bush stole the first election in 1999/2000, despite his challenger having the majority of the votes, would we have liked for the Iranians to tell us how we should overturn the results of the election, run a new election, trat the people of the United States fairly, and run our country in a fair and democratic manner?

I think not.

We as a country have no business interfering with another country unless they declare war upon us. We should not be interfering in their religious beliefs or their way of life, the US must hold back on this one.

I lived in Tehran from 1973 through to 1977. The people I met over there are no more different than the many people here in the US. We should support their people by staying out of their business and let them experience the natural democratic growth on their own. They as a people will come together to pressure government and Clerical leaders to develop and grow towards this goal.

Nice article John...it's good to have this discussion. I know as an American it inspires me to see another country standing up for more freedoms....and I support them in spirit.

Helen Steiner Rice wrote a poem years ago called the Peace Prayer

god place the peace he promised in the hannds of man
But man has never kept that peace since endless time began
For we have never understood either now or then
That peace comes not through battles but doing good to men.
and when we meet with strangers along life's thoroughfares
Be not forgetful that thereby we pass angels unawares,
and when we are at peace wiht God, then only we will find
Thepeace on earth He promised and eternal peace of mind.

I wish the citizens of Iran the Spirit to pursue what they were born wit, God given rights of freedom (including their happiness).

We need to stay out of their business. They need to work it out or they are going to blame us. Take a look at the history with our CIA and the year or 1953 and you will see why the east doesn't like the west!

Absolutely stay out of it. There is no other productive option. Let the citizens of Iran manage their push for freedom. If proof of human rights violations surface, then perhaps we should voice strong opposition along with the UN. We can not and should not undermine another sovereign government because we disagree with their president on a multitude of issues. If the Iranian people truly, really and truly want freedom, then they will stop at nothing to get. The strongest revolution is that which forms from the inside out. It is their choice. The Iranian government is strong enough to reform on its own, if that is the will of the people. We must show it the respect it deserves in situations like this or we risk loosing our own credibility and a potential arms deal down the road.

We helped Osama Bin Laden fight the Ruskies.

We helped Sadaam Hussein fight Iran.

Now, we are trying to hunt down and kill Bin Laden and we arent killed Hussein.

The reality is – if we get involed, there's no guarantee this youth wants what we want...and if we find out they don't, and we leave them...they'll resent us 10 fold ...and we'll be faced with another Bin laden/Hussein scenario.

HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF – YOU HAVE TO LEARN FROM HISTORY!

All those that want the US to get involved,are the people who sit on the side and cheer. More than ever,the US needs to stay out of this.We really need to STOP being the world police.
Let other countries step up and be the "beacon of freedom". We don't need to stomp around the earth,throwing our form of government at others. Let's worry about the" human rights" of our troops.

I agree with Mr. Kennedy for most part. There may be an need for US to interfere in the future, if there is a reall call from the people to do so or may be for the whole world to interfere if Iranian government engage in massive slaughtering of humans. For now this is their fight. We need to let them continue and see where it is heading. This freedom movement need more voice inside Iraq to really change things. So now the time to observe not interfere. If Iranians bring this movement to a position that would tip the system, that would open a need for some sort of interference from the world. I think that is exactly what Obama administration would do.

US interference will only legitamize the claims of western influence by Ahmadinejad. Many don't realize that Obama is in fact helping the opposition and the people of Iran by refusing to interfere.

One of the biggest factors that has kept the Islamic Republic in power all these years in Iran is with the "Us vs. Them" mentality. By giving the people an enemy (The West), they will stick together and support the republic, no matter how dictatorial or savage they may be. The people will also stay silent even though they all know that this is not the first rigged election in the country. By not getting involved, Obama has deprived Ahmadinejad of the "enemy" that the people must rally against, therefore losing the silent obedience that he has enjoyed these past 4 years.

I am certain that if the US had gotten involved in the Iranian elections, Ahmadinejad would have regained the support of the people and the voice of opposition would have been silenced.

Obama is a much smarter than McCain can ever hope to be.

it seems rather weird how america chooses to "oppose" one election over another. there are many "freely" elected presidents for life that we do not speak about. iran held elections freely.

could you imagine the utter outcry if those who voted for mcain went to the streets protesting?

It is Iran's problem, for Iran to work out...however, it plays out. It is not our place to "step-in" We are not the world's police force, judge, or controller....we have enough other problems to deal with.

We very much need to change our colonial mentality in the world. Unfortunately we have a long murky history of colonialism in the Middle East and many other places. As painful as it is to witness injustice, invading another country either by force or politics in order to change the internal politics will continue to marginalize us. Our previous relationship with Iran and its despotic, corrupt Shah resulted in the '79 debacle and the results of that reverberate today. Our greed for oil and profit has so often ruled our diplomacy and aggression. This is a huge profile to change and unless change sincerely comes from within our cultural attitude and political behavior, we are contributing to doom on this planet.

I agree with Kennedy that US should not interfere in another country's election. Did anybody in the world interfere when there was an obvious rigging of election during the first term of Bush?

AMEN!

Mr. Kennedy has put it absolutely correct. I don't believe that U.S. or any other nation has a right to interfere into an internal matter like the election of a President in another country. Some say the election in Iran is was rigged; some say not. It's a matter for that country to solve. If a country, by its actions, become a threat to the U.S., of course, we must take action. But, how is that an election in a different country, if rigged, becomes a threat to the U.S? We must ask ourselves how come that the Interior Minister in Iran seems to be accusing the West of interference. Why doesn't he do that for the East? Perhaps they remember that the West is very good at interfering with other nations to tell them what is good and what is bad for them, while in certain instances they themselves do the gravest injustices on earth. So, I believe that interfering in Iran (or Sri Lanka or any other nation) will only make matters worse for the west as well as the whole world.

"I think that that is their problem."

My sentiments exactly. It's not our business what happens in another sovereign nation. If you care so much, join up with some mercenaries and offer to fight to free Iran.

I agree–we should BUTT OUT. We have enough problems in our own country and we should be concentrating on working them out instead.

I totally agree that the election is an internal matter and no other country should interfere, but how about the innocent people getting killed in the streets? I am so concerned about people who are trying to get their rights peacefully and get hurt harshly by hardliners in Iran. Should everyone just watch all these even if more and more people get killed? What about Human Rights that everybody was talking about?

We should absolutely keep our noses out of their business. Much like we should stay out of other countries' business. Most of the resentment in that part of the world is because we can't keep to our own business. We have our own problems, our own resources. Let us solve and use those.

As hard as it is to withhold comment on current events in Iran, we simply must remain silent regarding the election results. We all know the real meaning of what we are seeing. However, politically, we must not speak about the obvious at this time. We should voice our support for the people of Iran and that they are heard honestly within their country.

We must allow them to mature into a nation that is effective, capable and able to find the best path for themselves. For once, please keep the U.S. out of this. We need to take care of our own matters and keep our political mouths shut about Iranian elections.

I wonder how we would have felt back in 2000 if the leaders of Iran, Russia, etc. had started very vocally speaking out within the international community urging us to have a complete re-vote in Florida rather than a a "flawed" recount process?

My guess is that we would have politely (or maybe not so politely) told them all to stick their opinions where the sun don't shine and stay out of our business....

Bottom Line – We need to stay out of Iranian affairs, just as we should of stayed out of the Vietnamese affairs, just as we should of stayed out of Iraqi affairs (once again, I will reiterate – Iraq and Saddam Hussein had absolutely NOTHING to do with 9/11), and just like the rest of the world stayed out of our affairs when George W. Bush stole the election from Al Gore in 2000 and then again from John Kerry in 2004. George W. Bush has turned many African, Asian and European nations against us for always playing the bullish role of sticking our nose in other countries' affairs where it does not belong. Thanks to George W. Bush, the 'Cold War' almost resurfaced between Russia and the USA with all the talk of developing a missile defense system in Poland. Give me a break GOP !!

According to "Moorhead"'s logic we should sat back during WWII had we not been attacked. No one is arguing that we should do anything than condemn the fraud. By not speaking out, we are empowering Ahmadjed. Once he regains total control he knows that the US will bend to whatever his whims are due to our fear of offending him and other crazies in the Middle East. Obama is leading us down a path to major problems at home and abroad. He is finishing the job that Bush began only from the left.

I'm glad the French interfered 230 years ago, or we'd stil be part of the Kingdom.

If the Republican Party had demostrated after the last election, would we have been very receptive to Germany or Briton or Russia coming over here to tell us our elections were a fraud?

If Russia sent troops to American soil to put a Russian form of government in place because they thought that their form of government was a better government than our democracy would Americans fight the Russians with everything we have got? I think we would fight anyone that tried to make us change our form of government. We are the only ones that will allow our form of government to be changed.

Hey Guys, anybody remember they have some nukes! I say we go over there know; while there dealing with crap, blow off the map once and all...and build some condo's baby for Marines

Apparently some of these comments have forgot about our own 2000 election, which the Supreme Court annointed G Bush as "King of the US." A majority of people know our limits based upon past history. I commend Mr. Kennedy for his insight. Many of you never experienced what Mr. kennedy endured in 1979. These activities are still happening today.

you have no idea what exactly is happening there and is not your business .. other than seeking in this turmoil an opportunity to get some profit. Solve your problems because you have plenty to deal with. If Iran is prepared for some thing different, they will get there.

I think What the US is doing now Is right because Iran is a sovereign state and we dont want to meddle into the internal affair of another country. Those who are calling for interference are or have colonial and war monegering mentality. Let the Iranians solve their own problem just like any other soveveign country , should it be Britain, Gemany, Russia of Nepal. Why would US meddle? Barack Obama has so far been cautious and is doing what the rest of international world is doing – the Iranian people know their problem and their leaders better than any one else. We would not let another country interfere our own internal politics then why should we?

It is so easy for an American to sit in thier nice homes in the United States, and speak of others. When people are being supressed from living their lives the way they would like to, it is very wrong in every espect of the conversation.
Don't get me wrong, when the US have people out on the streets, people that have no food, I would rather we feed us before we feed others, give us jobs before taking work overseas. however as long as the US have been in the existance we have always wanted to take care of others. It's in our nature.

In his farewell address, Washington said "Observe good faith and justice towards all nations; cultivate peace and harmony with all"

As a nation, we have slid away from this concept. When will we learn to stop sticking our noses into other nations' affairs? For some reason, we can never just sit on the sidelines and watch; we seem to want to run onto the field, don our helmets, and get in the game. This is not our game, anymore than we would have wanted North Korea, Indonesia, Spain, Brazil, Iran, or any other nation on earth sticking their noses in the 2000 preseidential election, when Gore and Bush disputed the vote count. Let it rest people. We have bigger issues on our own sidelines, than to run onto the field and play a game that is not ours to play.

We should sit back and let Iran tear itself apart from within. It's a growing pain that we experienced over 140 years ago. The goverment of Iran is already accusing the West of interference. We should take a stand to clean up our own backyard, leaving these nations to fend for themselves, and and let them wallow around in their independence for the next two hundred years. Tough rhetoric doesn't work, sanctions do not work, and when we do nothing...we're still evil. Face it, we have our own economy crisis, Iraq, Afghanistan, industrial decline, agricultural decline, over-burdened military, and a president who thinks he's a rockstar. Yet, our goverment may be considering some type of action that will most likely be spun as, "helping the people of Iran. " It's not our problem... Let Allah help the Iranians to sort out their mess.

I suppose we should have left Hitler alone...I suppose we should have asked the French to not get involved in our own revolution. No, the rights we have were as a result of others that dared to fight for the rights of others; sometimes that requires sacrifice and doing things that put us in harm's way but where would we be without sacrifice and the pursuit of freedom for us and for others – slaves. The people of Iran are crying out for justice. We should help them whereever and whenever possible even if it means sacrifice.

...it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness.

OUR Declaration of Independence

If we really believe this, we'll stay out of Iranian affairs since our own founding principle is that it is the right of the governed to determine their own form of government–not the prerogative of foreign powers (the essence of the Monroe Doctrine)

I don't think we should have anything to say ...how about the management of the U.S. vote in Florida for our presidental election...I don't remember Iran stepping in to question the "chad".

We Americans kept our mouths shut in 2000 & 2004. Now it's time to mind our Business. Atleast, the people in Iran have the BALLS to take to the streets and all we do is BLOG and TWITTER!!!

Best thing the US can do is take a public and OFFICIAL "hands-off" approach while at the same time covertly support the student movement, fomenting a regime change from the inside. While I think the latter won't succeed today, in the long run, the Supreme Leader and those in power won't survive for another generation; when these protesters have kids and those kids grow up resenting the government, they'll have what's due to them.

I beleive that the USA should stay out of all the foreign country's problems. Don't we have enough problems here at home??

It's refreshing to hear the voice of a professional diplomat rather than all of the pundits and politicians. The sensationalism of the news creates a "something must be done!" sensation when the opposite is true. We MUST do nothing. That may go against our protestant work ethic and action oriented culture, but there is no course of action that produces anything but harm.

"If Americans felt an election was rigged and couldn’t get word out, we’d want help from anywhere we could get it..."

America's election was rigged, and is still very flawed. Look at Bush... did he REALLY get the most votes? BS. Voting machines that apparently can not count? WTF?

WE ARE ALL PUPPETS.

I believe that the people of Iran should be the ones to resolve this situation and that we should stay out ot it. I do not see how its any of our business to even comment on how they run there country.

We've got enough of our own problems to deal with right here at home (i.e. – ever-increasing budget deficits, initially inherited from the G.W. Bush administration), rising unemployment, a broken US Health Care system, a broken educational system, etc. When is the GOP going to wake up and realize it's high time we stay out of other countries' affairs and fix our own problems right here at home. And you wonder why the McCain / Palin ticket lost? Is this really a surprise to anyone?

We need to stay out of the election results discussion. It's none of our business. How would we have reacted if Iran had chosen sides in our disputed 2000 election? We do have the right to protest any human rights violations related to the demonstrations and the government's attempt to silence them. But even then we don't have the right to take unilateral action. That's what the United Nations, ineffective as it may be, is for.

If Mr. Kennedy was "the acting head of the United States’ Embassy’s economic section in Tehran when it was overrun by student protesters in 1979", did he believe then that he and the US were failing to respect Iran and that we were interfering in their business? Or was he brain-washed during the 444 days that he was a hostage? I suspect that he is grateful that President Reagan's inauguration prompted his release, interference or no interference.

For those that are advocating interference, what will we do, send in the US Army, Marines, or Special Forces? Please, we need to learn to stay out of other countries internal affairs.

I agree, stay out. If the US wants to do something then we should lead by example. Work harder to make the elections in the US fair and open. Keep speech in the US free and make sure that we honor our freedoms at least as much as we think other should honor theirs.

WE ARE THE WORLD'S POLICE FORCE
WE CAN'T KEEP OUR NOSES OUT OF IT

Great...sit back...do nothing. If we followed that in the 40's we would all be speaking German and every Jew in the World would be dead. What sense does that make?

I totally agree with Mr Kennedy. All of you who talk about Human Rights, i do think America has violated human rights when they interfere in other country's business. Look at the report on how many civilians were killed in Afghanistan.

This kind of things do happen in every election in all the countries, only thing is the severity is different. i am sure US faced some vote vandalized during Bush's reign, but no foreign country interfered.

So stay away people from other's affairs and concentrate on how to make things right in the US- such as worry about unemployment, crime rates, child abduction, serial killers, etc....

US must not interfere in IRAN for a simple reason: because US interference WEAKENS and could ELIMINATE the home-grown pro-reform and pro-democracy movement in Iran. We need a long term- sustainable plan for establishing democracy in Iran. Any act of interference from outsiders, especially US, would kill the stability that is required for a true reform movement.

Gina, our country is headed into exactly what you said other countries are.

Interfering in the Iranian "elections" at this point would only give the hardliners a scapegoat and empower them. If we really want reform in Iran, than we should keep our mouths shut with the exception of speaking out against violence, which Obama has done. The fact that so many in the GOP ranks fail to comprehend this is the reason why their foreign policy was such a disaster for the last 8 years.

Obama is the terrorists worst nightmare.

>>I can’t imagine how frustrating it would be to vote and then realize your vote was not really counted which is what I believe happened on election day in Iran.

Many Floridians felt the same way after the US 2003 election -silenced, that they're votes weren't counted- and I think it's pretty clear that Americans wouldn't have tolerated interference from Iran (or anyone else) during the long recount/legal battle that followed.

To suggest as one commentor does above that "if Americans felt an election was rigged we’d want help from anywhere we could get it, even if it was from those traditionally thought of as enemies"" is plainly hypcritical.

I don't see any benifit of helping one side or another, From what I read about this new contender, he is almost a clone to Armadeanajad! How does that help America or his own people for that matter! All it will do is make them more beligerent toward America.

We have plenty of our own internal problems to work on as well as plenty of ongoing external, why add another one to the mix?

Democracy dawned in Iran in 1891 when the shah's wives – he had a harem of around 1,600 – gave up smoking in protest of the shah's sale of the tobacco concession to the British. In fact, the shah, Nasir al-Din, sold concessions of all sorts – mineral rights, railroads, banks – to foreigners in order to support his extravagant tastes. But the shah's son committed an even greater treachery on his own country by selling the oil concession to William Knox D'Arcy in 1901, granting exclusive rights to Iranian petroleum to the British for a period of 60 years.

The unfavorable terms of this concession, as well as many other abuses of monarchial power, led to the Iranian Revolution of 1905, the diminishment of the shah's power, the establishment of a parliament and the beginnings of a democratic tradition in Iran. In the meantime, D'Arcy discovered oil, a resource that suddenly became enormously valuable when Britain converted its coal-burning warships to oil just before World War I.

Naturally, the British favored a friendly, compliant monarchy to balance the power of the parliament, which might have other ideas about the extremely unfavorable terms of the petroleum concession. They found their man in Reza Khan and staged a coup in 1921. Reza soon became the shah, a dictatorial leader who suppressed the parliament and fathered Mohammad Reza, who Americans know as the shah of Iran.

The succession of Mohammad Reza, a weak leader with the personality of a playboy, provided an opportunity for the parliament to reassert power in Iran, which it did, under the leadership of Mohammad Mossadegh, a well-educated eccentric who had opposed the shah for many years. By 1951, Mossadegh was the prime minister, and he had emerged as an international spokesman for a global wave of anti-colonial nationalism. He addressed the United Nations and appeared on the cover of "Time" magazine. When Britain refused to renegotiate the exploitative terms of its oil concession, Iran nationalized the petroleum industry, to Britain's great consternation.

The British hinted at an armed invasion and planned a coup, but were unable to acquire the cooperation of President Truman, who had more sympathy for the emerging nationalism of the former colonies than for the old colonial powers. Things changed, however, when Eisenhower became president in 1952. The Dulles brothers, John Foster as secretary of State and Allen as CIA director, both devoted anti-Communists, convinced Eisenhower to support a coup that would depose Mossadegh and restore the power of the shah to stand as a bulwark against the U.S.S.R.

Operation Ajax, planned and financed by the CIA and orchestrated by Kermit Roosevelt, grandson of Teddy Roosevelt, was pulled off in August 1953. Hundreds died. Mossadegh was sent to prison for three years and spent the last 11 years of his life under house arrest. Supported by the U.S., the shah became a dictator who controlled Iran with secret police and terror until he was deposed in 1979, when, some historians believe, the U.S. hostages were taken in order to prevent another restoration of the Shah, like the one that occurred in 1953.

Although most Americans never knew or have forgotten this story, many Iranians have not, and the effects of Operation Ajax persist. But the point of the story isn't to berate ourselves over an unseemly intervention into Iran more than 50 years ago.

The CIA helped over throw the democratic elected leader of Iran to put the famous Shah of Iran in power, that is what caused the 1979 issue, and they have not forgotten.

They have not asked us for our help Greg. Until then, we need to butt out.

Let's stop policing the world and take care of our own issues like stopping corporate America from shipping jobs overseas, the fleecing of the middle class by the wealthy class and shoring up our environmental protection before Corporate America "consumes" us right into the trash can.

Jamey
Really, Well I have back in 2000 and 2004.
It is frustrating !

Iran had a democracy in the 1950s. That demorcacy lasted a few short years until we, the US, led by CIA operative Kermit Roosevelt (a relative of former presidents Teddy and FDR) overthrew their democractially elected president Mossadegh. We put in place a puppet, the Shah, who was seen as an undemocratic, US-imposed dictator. Iranian hatred over our interference in their own affairs resulted in the Shah being overthrown in the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which never would have succeeded had we not overthrown Iran's democracy in the 1950s. Our interference in the 1950s is the reason Iran is backwards now. This is precisely why we shouldn't interfere again. The Iranians clearly don't need us, don't want us and look to be doing a pretty good "by the people, for the people" demonstration at the moment. We don't always know best and, in fact, often are ignorant enough to make things worse.

Daniel, read a history book. Influencing a foreign country to put your desired leader into place is not the path to setting up long term allies. If Iran is to become a stabilizing force in the middle east, they must do it themselves. Any interference by the US, and the new government will have zero legitimacy.

And it is laughable to say that the US is a beacon of freedom and an authority on human rights. Countries with active torture programs don't get to lecture anyone on human rights. I hope it was worth it.

Last time the reformist iranians were getting close to a direct dialouge with US, Bush called Iran a part of axis of evil, and for that alot of reformist sent to jail because they were proven wrong about US intentions. So please leave them do what they are doing now with out interfierance, trust me you will get what ever credit your after by not interfiering in this one, other wise your energizing the dictator and giving them a reason to conect this movement to westerners

Moorehead is on the right track. They hate us. We do not need to be meddling in any other countries affairs period. If they want to run around and kill eachother by all means let them. Half of them want to be free....that's a great thing. However the other religious half want to keep their power and are killing to do so. We do not need to give the Muslim/Islamic extrememist world any more cannon fodder to aim at us then we need to. We also do not need Europe thumbing their noses as us again for helping oppressed people become free. We did it once, the world hates us. Fine ....let the world do it's own dirty work from now on. Either the Iranian people free themselves or their leaders cull the population by a couple thousand. Either way it's none of our business.

Wait, does this country have oil in it? No? Then yeah, we should stay out of it.

Point is - America has too long put her own interests above that of everyone else. Should we go into this country to advance the principles of freedom? I think those principles are alive and well and are being applied just fine by the citizens of Iran and we should stay out of their way. We, as Americans, can learn a lot from these folks! Someone attempted to steal an election and they took to the streets to protest peacefully for their rights as citizens. Is there any other time in history where an election was stolen and people didn't react this well?

America doesn't wear a badge that says "World's Police Department", nor has this country dialed 911 about a domestic dispute. We need to grow up and let them work out their issues on their own, and support whoever comes out the winner.

Isn't freedome what America is all about? Exactly what we should do should be open to a discussion amongst truly wise people. (i.e., NOT the media and NOT 95% of the Democrats.) However, we should at the very least be talking about formal censure.

I agree with Morehead, the U.S. should exit Iraq through Iran and install a president who is more to our liking.

What are protesting Iranians hoping to change? Ahmadinejad was never the true ruler of that country? And Mousavi wouldn't have been, either. These people just seem to like crowded streets.

I think the situation in Iran is generational turmoil coupled with the advent of the internet and access to information that is causing this uproar. the young people of iran want freedom like other nations have. the repressive mullah/big brother state is just that...too oppressive. people want to have fun and enjoy life, not just survive and plan for their death. the students of 1979 are now old fuds power trapped in their own "down with the usa dogma". the internet is linking the world together, young people iranian, usa and chinese do not want to fight and die for a bunch of old fuddy duds. the internet is having an impact on this world like nobody could forsee, at least i didnt. It amazes me everyday to watch the impact on the world the internet is having. i think the regimes that rule countries like north korea have their days numbered. i think that is why north korea regime is kicking up so much noise. once the majority of their people know the truth they will take this freak or his son out and hang them from the tallest tree or building in north korea....hopefully tall enough so that their feed dont touch the ground.

Westerners are already "interfering" with Iran's internal politics. The Iranian government is trying to cut off the communications channels used by the reform-minded protesters, and Westerners are doing everything they can to allow them to continue communicating by setting up proxy servers for things like twitter and facebook. In the eyes of Iran's ruling members, we have already interfered with their internal affairs. I don't think a statement by the U.S. government one way or the other is going to change that perception.

We've come a long way from 1979 when pretty much only the government could influence events in a country halfway around the world. Today, via the Internet, any individual can do just that by setting up an anonymous proxy server.

The reason no one likes the US is because we meddle. Stay out of the fray. Let them settle their differences themselves, and there is no question the votes were rigged. But we need to abstain from their affairs. We ARENT all going to be ruled by the Koran, anymore than anyone will be ruled by the Bible. Aint' gonna happen!!

Dan/Daniel, you miss the point. If we interfere, we cause a backlash against the good guys. The regime can point their fingers at us and call us imperialistic and anti-Islam. We hand them a very powerful weapon to galvanize people who don't trust us. Only if the Islamic world can see that this is an Iranian movement, not a puppet of the US, can their liberalism succeed.

Let the Iranian people handle their own business. Thats the reason why we have so many conflicts and terrorism going, the US is always sticking their nose where they are not suppose to. Why the US has to respond? we are not the only nation in the world. Let some one else worry about it. All we can do is wish the Iranian people good luck....

Didn't George W. Bush announce he won an election when he actually did not? Maybe Ahmadinejad and company took a page out of his book?

We are such hypocrites in this country. Obama is doing the right thing by not interfering. Are we forgetting how our own last Presidential election was stolen from Gore? Should Iran and other countries have interfered with our elections then? Get a grip people.! Iranians deserve their election system and sovereignity as much as we do, whether it is righteous or corrupt! Nobody appointed America as the Godfather of the world or an overseer of other countries elections. Stay out of it. Obama you rock! You're smart and I agree with this former hostage we should not interfere.

Help Iranian Liberty Fighters Now
http://www.i-policy.org/2009/06/iranelection-cyberwar-guide-for-beginners.html

I would bet that most Americans don't know that in 1952 the CIA helped to overthrow a duly elected leader of Iran so that we could replace him with our puppet,the Shah of Iran.Also,in the 1980's,we supported Saddam Hussein against Iran even condoning the use of chemical weapons against the Iranian people.Is there any question why they don't trust us?Why don't we mind our own business and let the Iranian people handle this one.

Where has interfering led the American economy? The war in Iraq has not helped our country at all. Instead, we are wasting precious money to aid other countries while our country is declining before our very eyes. Does that seem morally right? Who in their right mind would want to help other countries while our own is experience a decline. There are job losses and companies going out of business. Shouldn't we fix our own country before we meddle in others?

I agree with Mr. Kennedy! Let them sort out their problems. We have plenty of issues here on our own soil we need to deal with. Why must we always have to get involved. Next thing you know we will wake up tomorrow and hear we are sending out another "peace keeping mission" to Iran.

I fully support our president and his position of "No Intervention" in this situation.
I believe that most of us American understand what the reformers and progressive Iranians are going through, but it is up to them to reclaim their nation's control and conversion to a democratic system.
Democracy and the freedom and resposabilities attached to it can not be imported and adopted.
I see the figures of a Democratic Prime Minister and a symbolic monarchy taking the direction of a new Iran.
To all my Iranian friends, I will be praying for you tomorrow, keep your calm and be persistent.

Like what this guy Kennedy says or not, one thing is for certain...almost every single time we've gotten ourselves in the business of other nations we've got our citizens killed (4000+ in Iraq) and then gone on to blame the sitting president (Bush or who ever is in the Whitehouse at the time). It's hard to stay put but now we've got to focus on our own darn problems first.

The fastest way for any country to come together is when there is a threat from outsiders. Let them argue and deteremine their own future. If the US gets involved there will be a rallying cry to focus on the US interference and they will set their differences aside, for the time being. It is not the US place to get involved. Why Iran? Why have we not done anything with N. Korea? What about the elections in Africa? Why did we not get involved with China when they had their issues?

The US needs to stop being the world police dept and let the other family members take care of themselves...The US needs to focus on their citizens and their citizens futures...

We wouldn't like it if Russia interfered with our election process, would we? How about if Iran stuck their nose in the famous chad BS of Florida?

The USA needs to stay home and fix it's own problems, not everybody else's. ..........especially when our own government spies on it's citizens. And don't tell me you have nothing to hide; if so, then show me what's in your wallet, your credit report, and whatever else I can think of. Oh, and don't bother closing your shades at night, because........you have nothing to hide.

I AGREE WITH MR. KENNEDY. WHAT HAS MEDDLING IN OTHER COUNTRIES' AFFAIRS GOTTEN US????? HUGE DEBT, WE ARE HATED AROUND THE WORLD, ETC.............. just stop all this SELF RIGHTEOUS MEDDLING IN OTHER PEOPLES BUSINESS!! we have ENOUGH problems of our own!!!! BESIDE, THE USA only meddles where it effects us - if a county doesn't have any oil or is not strategically located (read: israel), then we don't really care what happens to them. LET'S BE HONEST ABOUT IT ALREADY!!!

Do you think we should invade every country that asks for help and has poor human rights? If that was the case, we would be in China over 1/2 of the South American and African countries. The US has to sit back, keep quiet, and let the affairs play out. If and when the Iranian people decide they want the freedom and they fight for it, and win, is when we would assist. Exactly what happend in many countries during the fall of the Soviet Union. Only upon the people request and a free government asking should we help. Then I question why is that our burden and not the entire free world? This help is clearly a UN issue and not simply an American issue. As for history, ignoring it is not an option. It is how we learn from our mistakes, which we have failed to do on so many occassions.

I second with Greg C.
Just because might have made amistake (noone will ever know), we don't know what is Iran capable of. If Hitler wasn't stopped, only God knows what this world would have been like. Diversity would not exist.

I'm on the fence about this. On the one hand I'd rather just have us take care of ourselves because our country is in a world of hurt right now. We don't need another war to deal with. On the other hand it is our duty to promote democracy and help those that want it, achieve it.

Iran has become a talking point because of the media coverage, otherwise similar elections are held in many countries across the globe, the elections are rigged, the votes are not counted or transfered or just plain destroyed. With the economic mess at home and the Iraq & Afghanistan involvement does the US have the financial strength and mental tenacity to enter into another long drawn out battle with Iran? And if we can do it with Iran then why did we stand mute when elections were rigged in Pakistan? or in any number of countries in Africa? Democracy will come to Iran when people will willingly get rid of the religious fanatics running the country not when we bomb them out !

Iran with nukes scars the bejeezes out of me. Almedenijad or whatever his name is Scares me. The best defense is a good offense. As much as I dont want to see us interfere I want to not have that nut in power more. A real conundrum (or how ever that is spelled)

The US government should stay out of it. However, we the people of the US have a duty to support the protesters and what they are fighting for which is fair elections and having every vote counted. The best way to make our voices heard is via the internet or send an email to the Iranian Ambassador to the UN. His email address can be found on the UN's website.

Greg C. is a moron. Hitler was bent on taking over the world and eradicating anyone that did not like him. We did not go to war voluntarily to defend our freedom. We we're dragged to war via Churchill and then Pearl Harbor. That said, it was the last real war this country participated in that meant something. The rest we've done nothing but meddle and waste young American lives. The French played a minor part at the end of the Revolutionary War. A little, almost too late. Thank the French...for what!??! Our continued pursuit of freedom should happen right here in the good ol'US. When Iran begins taking over all over Europe...I'll show up to the "Jenny" and be your First Mate.

If it is a fair and honest election by the people then yes we stay out. But in a global world like we have today we can't leave well enough alone. we have to do what we can to promote democracy and civil liberties. Our isolationism in the '20s under Wilson caused not only economic problems but also politcal ones as well. Is this seamingly fraudulent election cause for the US to bomb Tehran? No. But is there anything we should and can do? The answer is yes. I'm not smart enough to say exactly what but the answer is still yes.

I don't think US should get invovled in any way, shape or form. yes like Kennedy says we should comment that there should be no violence and express grief to the people of Iran for those who died during this. However the countries of the world has created an organization called UNO.....Hello people have you heard of them?? I think its their job to intervene not one country but all the countries of the world United under one flag should condemn it.
We came a long way and our country has seen a lot of violence itself. What is going on in Iran happened in our country 200 years back. We came out of it as people of the land and we should let the Iranians do that same and respect their strenght and sovereignty.

who made the US the world police? We should mind our own business and deal with our own numerous crises.

I agree with Mr. Kennedy. We should not interfere. For one, we've lost credibility in the eyes of the World as it pertains to human rights thanks to the Bush Administration's authorized use of torture. What would we look like now riding in like cowboys trying to save the day? Like hypocrites. Secondly, I believe we all would agree that Iraq was a country that needed help. But they didn't ask for our help. We made a choice to invade Iraq, topple their government , and dismantle their military. How well has that fared for us? How many lives (in Iraq and our military) have been lost as a result? How much money has it cost us? How much more money and lives will it cost us? The smart thing to do is to let Iran handle their own business. Whenever I see the large crowds of green and black in solidarity, I know in my heart they are capable of doing this on their own. They have everything the need which is each other.

The SHAH was an American puppet. We installed him back in the fifties after we helped overthrow their legitimately elected government. He was also a brutal, murderous dictator that we helped keep in power. Tens of thousands disappeared under his rule. This is an internal Iranian affair.
The US government needs to stay out of it. Obama is handling this exactly right and we would be better off if the Republican right wing reactionaries would keep their mouths shut.

I'm sure this will all get worked out before "Death to America Day" in November – no matter who wins the election.

Greg C. ,

If we were talking about an asian country, or even an eastern european country, I would absolutly agree with you. But these Islamics are friggin crazy. We either need to gain total control over them or leave them alone. I see no good coming from interfering at this point.

There's nothing we could do besides war, and that would cause much more violence than the protestors are facing. A US politician shooting his mouth off accomplishes nothing.

The only thing the US should consider regarding Iran is when bomb their nuclear facilities, and the sooner the better. NK and Iran are part of the axis of evil. Iraq is no longer a threat, and so it should be for NK and Iran. These two countries like little annoying yapping dogs that need to be shut up.

it seems theres a paid hack here somewhere; the interior ministry might be proding on behalf of some other country in the region, but of course that is just crazy, no other impartial country in the region would want war..or would they..

As an Iranian, I do agree with him. The government and a rather large group of people consider Americans as enemy. The story goes back to the time that America toppled the democratic government of Iran, headed by Dr. Mosadegh; thus thinking that it is not democracy Americans is following in Iran (they used to suppress it themselves), but their benefits. The support USA offered to Iraq during Iran-Iraq war is another instance. Now when a freedom-seeking movements start, as soon as US supports it, the government can easily rejects it by indicting those involved as being agents of foreigners and reminding people of all the unkindness US has had toward Iran. Your interference and comments make things worse. The example is reformists at the time of Khatami, when US supported reformists and still after years reformists are denied of rights by the claim that US supported u, so you should be their servants.

Do we interfere in Saudi Arabia, or Egypt or Khazakstan – all of which promote all sorts of human rights abuses? No. Then, we should not interfere in Iran either.

Remember, it was only several years ago when the US defended the innocent and helpless people of Kuwait from a terrible human being, and because of our actions we saw the murder of thousands of US citizens as well as other foreign nationals. And this is when we were legitimately trying to help a defenseless people from the most despised leader in the Middle East! Can you imagine how Muslims would react if we muddled with a contentious electoral process?

No thank you–this is clearly an internal Islamic problem, and they should deal with it themselves. Let their own blood be on their hands, because no matter who really wins there, we still lose. No Iranian leader wants to actually make peace with the US at this time.

We definitely need to stay out of this one. Yes, we should protest actual human rights abuses but think about this for a moment. If it's to our benefit for the opposition to win then we need to understand that for us to openly support them would be the kiss of death. We are SO hated in Iran that we'd hurt the opposition by seeming too supportive of it, the government would paint them as puppets of the US and it will all be over.

Besides the enemy of our enemy is not necessarily our friend. We don't really know that the opposition will be any friendlier to the US. Do we want to help start the next Taliban?

Best to step back, quietly support the opposition, and be prepared for stronger overtures of support if they win... IF they want it. But I think they want and need to do this on their own, and it's foolish of us to think they can't without our help.

If Iran becomes a stronger democracy as a result of all this, and if we do nothing to screw it up, then in the end this may be to our benefit. But the last thing we need to do is rattle our saber on this one.

To all the people wanting to do something about the election results in Iran I have one question: "Why weren't you complaining about the US elections in 2000 and 2004?" That was the time to complain. Maybe if you would have complained and tried to do something about it we would not be in the situation we are in now. The world already hates us so keep our nose out of their business.

Look, nobody wants to send our troops over there. That would be a terrible idea. But diplomatic channels are almost always a good idea. Neither candidate is going to be a guy we like. They are both pretty conservative, and distrust America. However, if the youth, which constitue a majority over there, have a more positive attitude towards us, for helping them be heard, 20 years from now, when they're in power, we could see some real peace.

I am all for the concern people are expressing about human rights violations. However, are all those posters aware of the numerous human rights violations that take place in many "other" countries than Iran on a daily basis? I fear that it is too easy to point to the current most visable human rights violation and say lets do something about it. But if we do, then should we not get involved in every other country who has treated their citizens in similar, if not worse, ways? I

Mike,
Is Allah responsible for our Twin Towers going down with countless American lives lost?? When Iranian president gets re-elected again and becomes Hitler #2, what will you say then??? Oh, wait what are Nationality, race, and religion?

All Iranians including the key power players should avoid violence and ask themselves ; who will be the ultimate winner of the violence. Clearly the answer will be the foreign dominant powers who will not shed a drop of tear even if all Iranians die. Did you see any tears when they toppled Dr. Mosadegh, or when the shah was executing the voice of the free? Did you see any tears when they started Iran/Iraq war and supply of chemical weapons, or when they shut down Iranian passenger jet, or just last week 8 people who lost their lives? It was only the Iranian tears that was shed.

It is time for the US to sit aside and let a country handle it's own affairs. The people in Iran are rising up against the government themselves. Let them handle it themselves. In the end, if the people of Iran want change, they will have a revolution and do it themselves – without outside interference. After the revolution, if they then come to the US and say "we need some help" – then THAT is the time we should help. The only people that know what's right for a nation is the people of that nation themselves – not anyone else.

For all the democracy-spreaders: If we ended up involved with Iran, where would these troops come from? We are already fully tasked with Iraq, Aghganistan, and must keep a very close eye on N Korea. And why do you think we would be received by the opposition party supporters any better than we were received in Iraq? Do you really think they hope we jump in and shape their country for them? Grow up and travel around the world a little! There are many different cultures that are quite happy with their lives. They are not all looking to become the next mini-America.

At times I think that we should stay out of other countries business, we have enough problems to deal with. But, the US has always been like this. Maybe its because a few of us remember our history. The history of some off shore colonies that were controlled by a tyrant and the assistance of another country played a crucial role in turning the tide in a revolution.

France played a crucial role in the American Revolution by helping the colonist take back control of Charleston, SC. This was the turning point in our own revolution, and with out it we may still be controlled by England. Give this some thought the next time you say that we should stay out of others peoples business. And thank France for not "staying out of other peoples business".

I agree with Kennedy! Why is it always the responsibility of the United States to come to everyones rescue. It only breeds resentment and anger which we have seen in many countries that we have tried to 'help'. Let the United Nations be the ones to step forward and ask for a new election that is monitored internationally. That is the reason we have the UN isn't it?

Stolen elections? Unitary Executive? Theocratic dictatorship? Sounds like the US in 2000.

Greg C. – Don't compare WW II to this. December 7th, 1941, a date that has always lived in infamy, was also the date that one of our greatest leaders declared war. That's correct – Franklin Delano Roosevelt was NOT just going to sit back and allow Japanese forces to completely take over Pearl Harbor. Also, if you read your history books correctly, Japan was aligned with two facist dictatorships – Germany and Italy, more commonly known as the Axis Powers at that time. The USA was part of the Allied Forces, along with Great Britain, France and even Russia (yes Hitler broke his pact with Stalin and Russia didn't sit still for a moment...) Anyhow, the invasion of Pearl Harbor was a declaration of war, just as 9/11 was. Unfortunately, our crooked GOP decided to declare war on a country that had absolutely nothing to do with 9/11 – Iraq. Guess what folks – Afghanistan / Pakistan – that's where Al Qaeda and the Taliban are running wild – That's where the REAL CONFLICT IS !! Osama Bin Laden was NEVER a part of Saddam Hussein's regime. The crooked GOP just pounced Iraq as revenge for what Hussein tried doing to the elder, George H. W. Bush after the original Gulf War... WAKE UP GOP !!

All i can say to all you supporters out there who believe we should interfere in Iran is our election in 2000. It was stolen by bush and people protested and fought to seek the truth. How would we feel if Iran said.......well we dont like bush, and we think gore won and American people are protesting the election results so we are gonna come in and interfere with your election. All you people who believe we should interfere are ingnorant. Why is it our responsiblility to police the world its this type of mantality that has brought hatred towards america. WE NEED TO STAY OUT OF SOVERIEGN NATIONS ELECTIONS.......we need to understand that people do not share the same beliefs we do, we must have respect for other countries and their ways of governing. I dont agree with what is going on over there but we as individuals need to let them sort it out. We are not the world police. If they start killling all of the protesters then yes we need to do something but they need solve their own problems. We have too many problems here right now that need to be addressed before we start interfering with another islamic country. so all you people who say interfere understand the history between IRAN and US before you make statements such as the ones i have read below.

agree with Mr Kennedy.... Senator McCain is thinking his words can influence the leaders in Iran, when the effect is the opposite.

By all means. Let's stick our head in the sand. Everything will turn our all right. Infantile nonsnse. A nuclear Iran is a matter of life and eath for us and the rest of the world. Doing nothing is suicide. There may not be a great deal that can be done in the short term, but some effort has to be made. The turmoil in Iran presents an opening to alter the status quo by exerting some degree of influence. It would be utter stupidity to squander such an opportunity.

greg,

those same iranians you say go over and fight for will cut your throat tomorrow or saw your head off. the french helped us because they hated the english. nazi germany and world war 2 was a totally different situation on a much bigger scale and i believe much bigger evil and we literally had no choice. if the majority of the people in iran truly want their leadership out they can handle it themselves. the u.s. has enough on its plate right now. let the other middle eastern countries and europe handle this one....

We supported the Dictator The Sha Of Iran Before their revolution and he stole money from them and we did nothoing about that we left him come into this country with ill gotten money knowingly it was stolen from the people of Iran. Ever since then we had concidered that Iran is an axes of evil. We are the evil people supporting a few people so that they can steal from its country just for the Oil and its natural resources. It was all about power who controled what in Iran and did it to them made us the bad person and we paided for it with Hostages for well over a year and did we send that money back to Iran, nope..

So ever since then We think that Iran is bad even during the war between Iraq and Iran we supported Iraq go figure. Who did we got to wor with just 10 years later yep you guessed it Iraq. What was it for well it wasn't about WMD it was about Oil.

Totally agree. No matter right or wrong with what's going on we need to stop sticking our noses in everyoneelses business. Firstly they (the world) hate us for it and we make no friends when we do it. Secondly like Iran and all the other countries that we have gotten involved with ended up not our friends but enemies. Iran is the perfect example of that and Iraq will turn out the same maybe not tomorrow or next year or in 5 years but like Iran they will end up hating us. When will we learn.

Kennedy is spot-on here. Much of the resentment in the world floating around stems from our condescending attitude towards other nations and our self-serving rationale. We're interested in spreading democracy when the existing regime is hostile to us, but perfectly willing to prop up a dictator when he's going after our enemies. We toppled a freely-elected government in Iran because they discussed the possibility of limiting oil supplies to the U.S. and replaced it with the Shah.

If we want to regain respect outside of Europe we need to treat countries like, well, like we would like to be treated. We wouldn't stand someone interfering in our elections, we should do them the same favor.

I totally agree with Mr. Kennedy. For a couple of days I was hearing the GOP and Sen. McCain IMMEDIATELY condemning Pres Obama for not forcefully speaking out about their election. What I saw was a reasoned leader waiting to determine the facts, monitoring the situation musch like the rest of us and stating that he felt hope that the Iranian people would be able to have the leader that they duly elected. Our thoughts are certainly with the Iranian people, and Sen. McCain should STFU. This is one good reason why he was NOT elected. We do not condone or accept the violence or tyranny of the people, but we need to stay out of it. We'll be blamed for anything negative that happens, according to their govt anyway.

The U. S. cannot police the world and make everyone adhere to what we consider right. It's time to take care of our country and our people. I hate it for the Iranians, and anyone else that has to live under those types of regimes, but if we try to help we will only be hated more.

Leave them alone to work out their own affairs.

How would we have reacted had international community had felt obligated to step in and chose a side during the 2000 or 2004 elections? By what right, privilege or obligation does the US concern itself with the sovereignty of another democratic nation?

All to often we think only of how an event or policy in another country affects us. It is obvious to any one with even the slightest sense of history that we need to be extremely measured in what we say about the Iranian elections. Mr. Kennedy has a perspective that few possess and we should respect his opinion.

As we can see, the current leadership in Iran is taking what little has been said to date and try to inflate that into an appearance that the US is trying to meddle in Iranian affairs. Stronger words or actions on our part would only prove to be further counter productive.

Have we forgotten already about the challenges of exporting democracy?

We must allow this election to run its course and let the citizens of Iran choose for themselves which leaders they want. They are not a suppressed, freedomless culture.

I think we should stay out of their issues... what if during the Bush-Gore election, they would have gotten in our business... the story would have been different... We've got to stop trying to control the world and expect everyone to think like we do... these are different cultures, lets respect that!!! the same way we want the world to respect our culture!!! Lets not forget, they don't have a economic problem like we do!!! goes to show, we aren't PERFECT!!! we can learn from each other!!!! lets put aside the arrogance!!!!!

I'm a Vietnamese American, and because of my experience, I totally agree with Mr. Kennedy. There's a certain arrogance in meddling in other country's affairs. To compare Iran with Germany under Hitler is nonsense. Hitler didn't limit himself to Germany, whereas these elections have to do only with Iran.
I have helped Saddam Hussein against Iran, and look at what happened to Irak.

Whoa! Folks here forget that Moussavi isn't exactly someone who loves the United States either. Try to keep things in perspective here.

Besides, if the US govt were to do anything to interfere with the Iranian election, that leader would be viewed as a puppet of our government. The best that we can do is offer the hope that there is an end to violence.

Just think! This country beats their woman down to second class status and funds any terrorist willing to kill Americans and jews. I almost forgot they are trying to develop an offensive nuclear capacity in which that nut case president can wipe the jewish state off the earth . Now people make excuses and say the real power is in the ruling cleric. What a crock! The path that these fanatics have choosen is a one way street to a war with them sooner or later. I feel we should confront these wackos head on and bring this situation to a end! We really need to stand up in this case in a big way because the whole world is watching.

Should we be concerned over election corruption in iran? Not as much as we should have been over our own last election !

Although there is a growing movement for change in Iran it is by no means uniformly friendly to the US. In addition, Just as Iraqi Emigres did in the lead up to the Iraq war, many of the Iranian Expats living in the US who think they know what is going on in Iran are trying to get us to intrude into this series of unfolding events for thier own political purposes. Many are still loyal to the Shah as ridiculous as that may seem at this point in history. As a nation we should not get sucked in to their agenda.

Amadhinajad et al would like noting more than than to provoke some kind of a confrontation with the US as a pretext for declaring an emergency, cracking down even harder. Even "moderate" Iranians have shown themselves very susceptible to this kind of nationalistic manipulation in the past.

Interference by the US is lousy idea. The Iranians will just have to seize their own fate.

As an individual who has fought in defense of democracy for this country, I aggressively disagree with interference. Regardless of ones views in regards to human rights or democracy, interference will lead to nothing but war. And to make a suggestion without putting yourself in the position of that soldier, sailor, marine who will be the ones out there in the line of fire is appalling and highly irresponsible. It is easy to talk about change and all the things that should be done, but to put yourself in the line of fire for those beliefs that are easily spoken about seems to elude the majority of the population. Not to say that I don't agree with freedom and peace, but to force our way of life upon a country will ultimately lead to more american lives lost. As a combat veteran three fold on my way once again to combat in the very near future, I feel I have earned the right to say "dont just talk the talk, instead walk the walk".

I agree with Mr. Kennedy. I may add that some of Iran's problem as he wisely put it is our own selfish fault. We helped Shah to kick out a very educated, nationalist Mosadegh and Iranians will never forget that unless we show that now we are different..
With all due respect, you also CAN NOT write history on the basis of what Bible says.
Iranians, are intelligent, kind, people who love thier country, they also do not take insult sitting down so they never forget that they were called axsis of evil, while ALL the terrorists are from the lands that we call friends and we support their dictator leaders and govenment..

This is exactly why the United States is not as strong as we once were. We have too many people wanting to look the other way and NOT stand up for the values of humanity. We are one world and one people – just because we were not birthed on the same soil accross the ocean doesn't mean we should turn our back on people that are treated unfairly. Thank God our forefathers had the courage to seek a free and fair space for us to live. I cannot believe that they were just seeking soil, I believe they were trying to change an attitude and a way of life. You that don't want to "get involved", also are probably ones that don't help a battered victim either! This unethical attitude has been the cause of our country's downfall today.

Greg C. is a moron. Hitler was bent on taking over the world and eradicating anyone that did not look like him. We did not go to war voluntarily to defend our freedom. We we're dragged to war via Churchill and then Pearl Harbor. That said, it was the last real war this country participated in that meant something. The rest we've done nothing but meddle and waste young American lives. The French played a minor part at the end of the Revolutionary War. A little, almost too late. Thank the French...for what!??! Our continued pursuit of freedom should happen right here in the good ol'US. When Iran begins taking over all over Europe...I'll show up to the "Jenny" and be your First Mate.

He's 100% correct. If we step in and attempt to interfere it will backfire on those we purport to help. President Obama is handling things absolutely perfectly. He's expressing sympathy for the protesters, expressing dismay at the human rights violations, and otherwise saying that it's up to the Iranian people. He's treating them with respect and leaving all options open. He is pitch perfect on this.

McCain, on the other hand, is another grand-standing NeoCon who doesn't care if he throws the Moussavi supporters under the bus of his massive ego.

We have all kinds of problems at home that require attention. I hope these events put Iran on a path that leads them away from Theocracy, but the Iranian people need to get through this. I will never understand how theocracies take hold. The Supreme leader is a human being, capable of making mistakes & being wrong. In a theocracy, any critic of the government is a blasphemer. That just doesn't work.

I agree. This is a sovereignty issue. Far be it for other countries to interfere with our elections (e.g., encourage the international community not to recognize the Bush presidency because Gore would better champion their causes or if they believed that popular votes, rather than the electoral college, should decide the presidency). Also, far be it for other governments to dictate our foreign policies and national security measures just because they disagree with Guantanamo or Abu Ghraib. It's one thing for their citizens to voice an opinion, it's quite another for their government to take official action.

I am so glad that Bush and Cheney are not in office because the potential profit for Haliburton if the U.S. were to get involved would be to much of a temptation.

To everyone who say the US should intervene. How far should we go, towards regime change etc? MARK MY WORDS, starting with doing little, will end up with doing too much. Are we willing again to sacrifice thousand of American lives, did any country try to intervene in our mockery in Bush Florida ?

Make a comment, yes. Strongly support the democratic process, yes. Denounce leaders that deny this process to their people, YES. That's getting involved. When others say we "need to be more involved", I get nervous. Please define "more involved", further than I have above. Are you saying we should send in troops to oversee the election? Now you're talking invasion, and THAT will start a war. Or maybe we just want a US-friendly government. Kinda like what we have now in Iraq. Where we "got involved"...

We need to stay out of it because that is what is best for the U.S....for the time being. I concur, we don't want to build further resentment by interfering in their politics. Unfortunately, though, there is a sitting President in Iran that questions the verity of one of the most well documented atrocities in history and a religious controlling body that seeks regional hegemony and the destruction of one of our allies. Under those circumstances, a nuclear armed Iran would be a constant nightmare for the west. While I wouldn't advocate meddling in their politics, I would strongly encourage a robust intelligence effort throughout the Iranian government to better guide a deterrent strategy – and we will need one. Iran getting the bomb one day is just about certain.

Think of it this way. Would you want for other countries to interfere with our voting process regardless of the outcome?

We have no right minding other countries businesses just as they have no right in ours. So, the best thing to do is shut up, sit back and watch.

What gives us the right to impose on other countries whatever their problems may be and yet, our government wouldn't give these countries the time of day if they had interfered with our problems.

President Obama is right. I stand with and behind him. He uses common sense tactics.

Unlike the Republicans who create war, Obama & Company create peace. Which would you rather have?

Our government and some media institutions have always been critical and arrogant toward foreign nations, robbing them of the credit they deserve. It is time for U.S. to grow up and stop interfering with foreign nations' internal affairs.

I think Mr. Kennedy is right.

This is one situation that the U.S. should not try to get directly involved in. We do not have the coziest of relationships with the Iranian government to begin with. It could be like trying to break up an argument between a husband and wife.

We need to be cleaning up our own back yard here at home...Lord knows there's enough to keep us busy for quite a while.

This is such a sticky subject, but I have to agree with Moorhead Kennedy right now. I think we should let Iran attempt to resolve its own problems, getting involved at this stage can only lead to bigger problems in the Middle East for the US. Let’s not forget that the United States had suffered through its own civil war, and as a result we, regrouped and eventually became a better and stronger country.

Dear Lynanne M. Reed,

Actually, other countries were heavily involved in the US Civil War.

STEVE My sentiments exactly

For those who think France didn't play a role in the American revolution, you forget that the French financed the war (to the detriment of the French people), supplied a navy (something the colonies did not have at all) and that there were many more French soldiers present when the British surrendered at Yorktown than there were Americans. Without the French aid in the revolution, we wouldn't even have a country. It's ridiculous that people want to pick on the French.

Stay the F out of the IRAN...I'm sick of these imperialists on both sides of the aisle claiming some greater good like "human rights" or "free elections"...unless you would have been ok with China or any other country asserting itself in the 2000 election and influencing things you shouldnt be in favor of influencing their nation internally...Human rights are a good thing to aspire to BUT not at the cost of national sovereignty! Placing Human rights(or some other greater good for that matter) above sovereignty is the most dangerous of precedents to set...And it would legitimate the radical Iranian religuous claims that the West is interfering...

The notion that we should (not DO because it is painfully obvious that we already do) interfere in other countries internal politics is, in my opinion, the reason America, much of Europe and the USSR were disliked in the third world for so long and in some cases still are...its the elitist notion that we know what's best

Our politicians have always keep their foot into their mouths and has more often gotten us into trouble with the rest of the world. Here is a wise man with a very wise advice. It is better to keep our mouth shut as of now and if we want to help, we might as well do it subversively.

Did we want other countries telling us what to do when our own election was rigged?! The US needs to mind to it's own business and quit acting like we're some kind of superior nation! We have our own issues to worry about!

Another problem with our reaction in the US is that we assume the opposition won and had the election stolen from them. Irregularities would certainly suggest there were problems in the process. But, in the 2 main opinion polls that were conducted by outside organizations leading up to the election (ie, not the Iranian government themselves), the opposition was trailing. In fact, in 1, Moussavi was 20 points behind Ahmadinejad. Remember, the size of the protest does not necessarily equate to full public opinion.

With that, I do hope they can get to the bottom of issues, but right now, there's just not enough evidence to support the position of McCain and the Republicans who are always looking to rattle their sabres.

Kennedy was freed on January 20, 1980, the day Ronald Reagan was inaugurated. One interpretation as to why is that Reagan was willing to use blunt force to end the standoff. That's not the only possible reason, but it does provide some evidence, "interference" can be effective.

This is a different situation and obvioulsy doesn't call for blunt force. By sitting on the sidelines we portray indifference to whether people live in dictatorship or democracy. The reported results of this election were clearly a sham as it's not possible to count the votes in the amount of time between the time the polls closed and the results announced.

We're not going to win the mullahs over by covering our bases, but we may win some worthwhile friends if we at least support the people's right for their vote to be counted. Even if they lose this time around, they'll remember.

This talk of "debates" is embarrassing. This isn't a debate. It's a power grab.

Our strategy now appears to be we'll deal with whoever is in power however they got there, irrespective of how they feel about us, and the development of nuclear weapons. It's a straightforward and consistent policy, but that doesn't make it the right one.

I agree with Kennedy. We should pray for God's will to be done in Iran. Iran will not change for the better... In the Holy Bible, Ezekiel ch. 38-39, Iran's destiny, in alliance with Russia, is to attack Israel and finally be destroyed by God. God will not allow them to wipe out Israel.

Americans wanting to interfere are too arrogant or ignorant to realize what a bad mistake that would be. What gives us the right to push our customs and beliefs on other countries? Let's worry about our own problems for once.

It is easy to sit in a chair and rebuff the acting "quarterback" in any field.
President Oboma has taken the correct approch in my humble opinion.
How many of our own election's have been labeled "stolen" or, that votes were not counted.
Amercia has had its civil war and side we chosen. If the Iranian people wish change to occur, they will have to bring about change the same way we brought it about..
President Oboma made it "clear" he wishes to have no influnce on the outcome of this election yet others demand he speak out.
I have great respect for Mr. Mcain and his knowledge of "war" however, this is NOT our war and he should respect the President's decision.
Mark

Where are George Bush, Dick Cheney & Rummie when you really need them ???

We shouldn't interfere in Iran. We should let them continue to protest and continue to blame the west. The world is seeing for themselves how ignorant the Iranian government is with the reduculous statements they're making. The Iranian government will be their own undoing.

I agree partially with Kennedy, we do need to leave the Iranian people to themselves. The US has already played a major role in helping the world by providing the system and framework and example of what freedom is. Like him or not, Obama has become an American symbol of "change" and the power of democracy.

The only thing the US should do from here is give our moral support to those in Iran who feel cheated by their own establishment in their peaceful protests. I would love to see the Iranian people press forward for a full democratic system where no one man has so much unchecked power, but we need to keep in mind, whatever happens in Iran in the near future is not happening for us. It's happening for the Iranian citizens themselves, and they themselves will pay the price and decide how much freedom they want to sieze.

Drawing parallels from this activity to any progression of events or power in the last 100 years (a la Hitler) is downright ridiculous. Shame on you Greg C. for even attempting something that ridiculously inaccurate and off-base.

The colonization of EVERY non-white country stopped a long time ago and it is unfortunate that the same ignorant rhetoric remains very much in-tact. Can we please evolve as a species...please?

There is no group of human beings to date that have synthesized, implemented, or maintained a mechanism to just "bring" peace into complex and politically motivated demonstrations. The only option is suppress or allow....appease or arrest.

If you really want to draw your information from increasingly distant historical figures and events I would recommend at least understanding basic human dynamic in the context of pack mentality and politically motivated demonstrations so you get off the first step without sounding like a 5th grader on a pride trip. Anyone that is deluded enough to think we are honestly in a position to just walk in and inject our moral code and social values on yet another Muslim country must have the memory of an Alzheimer patient and must fail in map reading.

Furthermore, the simplicity to which some of you boil your entire thought processes down to is utterly amazing. Do you honestly think that by not participating in the upheaval currently going on that we are in some way condoning, let alone assisting in, the advancement of a radical extremist country!?

Iran has been just that in our eyes since '79 and will continue to be regardless of this outcome. Start working with your children on their History homework folks....most of you could use the refreshers!

I agree with Mr. Kennedy, let the Iranians hash this out among themselves. If we say anything AT ALL, then the whole mess will of course be the fault of the US (no matter which way the thing goes), and we will have more would be Jihadists rattling their sabres and screaming "Death to America"!

The number #1 issue the ruling clerics have on their side is that they keep Iran free of American imperialism. The Iranian's elected a liberal-pacifist in the 1950's – Mossdegh – who was overthrown by the CIA in Operation Ajax because he kicked the British oil comanies out of the nation, thus leaving the nation and its vast oil reserves vulnerable to Soviet influence. The dictatorship of the Shah was installed and armed by the USA. The people eventually revolted, with the new establishment vowing never to be a pawn to foreign powers again. We allowed Sadam to invade Iran, gas them, and we shot down an Iranian commercial airliner. Our government has no credibility inside Iran. The more open support it shows the opposition the weaker they're cause will become. It's an internal affair, just like the 1960's anti-war protests and 2000 Florida recount. It doesn't mean the fighting in the streets to be our friends.

The surest way to cause the Green Revolution to fail is for the US to say or do anything. If we want to see change in Iran, we HAVE to stay out of it.

All this discussion is going on with the assumption that the Election was a fraud. No wonder you all feel this way when your media kept feeding you that it was a close race prior to the election. Western media 's assessment was on the basis of what they saw in big cities.The truth was Ahmeddinnejad was leadin by a 2:1 margin in the countrywide poll. Here we actually had a contest between two popular candidates. If you have to interefere in that region go after Hosni Mubarak who has been in power since the assasination of Sadaat in 1981 and doesn't let any opposition to challenge him in an election effectively. Currently his son is being groomed to take over from him just as it happened in North Korea.

Each country is responsible for their elections. No country interfered when Bush became the President the second time instead of Al Gore! Remember that countrymen????

One of the mistakes I see so many people commit, and indeed, countries, is to use "morality" to dictate our attempts to "control" others.

Please take a lesson from your early childhood. When someone, who is NOT your parent, tries to discipline you, using negative consequences, how do you react? Indeed how do you think anyone will react when confronted with another that tries to control your behavior through negative means. We see it in the leadership of Iran, and it is NOT working for them, so why do you think it will for us?

The result is simply rebellion. So is it any surprise that we are not regarded that highly in the world? I understand the need to push for democracy and freedom, but these things are up to the people of each respective country. Real change is NOT initiated by governments, but by individuals that stand up and make a stand. This is what I see in Iran. Let them be.

Look what happened when we interferred in Iraq. We totally destabilized a country. Many dont know that we created Saddam Hussein just as we assisted in the way Iran is run today. We need to stay out of other countries. We wouldnt like it if they tried to push their ideals and belief off on us. You can't fight against a religious run establishment. We handled out own civil war, let them handle theirs. This is why we dont have the respect of other countries. We have to stop being the bullies and leave others alone. We have enough problems of our own. Enough of our sons and daughters have died and are dying.

True liberation of any country must come from within. Why to you think we have had so much trouble in Iraq? The people in need to choose to fight for freedom otherwise it will never succeed.

All you knuckleheads seem to think that if we get involved in Iran's business that Democracy will suddely take root over there. That's ridiculous!

The opposition to Ahkmahdenejiad is not pro-democracy! The guy is the same party! The guy was the Ayatollah Khomeinhi's Prime Minister just after they toppled the Shah. In short, he is still an enemy of Democracy and the USA.

It's like asking "Who do you want in power? Darth Sidious or Darth Maul?"

The United States doesn't care about human rights anywhere. IF the government did, Tibet would not be a colony of China, many millions in Africa would have food and clean water, our own citizens would not have to endure generations of discrimination, and on and on. W can no longer claim human rights as a part of our foreign policy. It simply is not the case. The US cares about the strength of the Dollar first and foremost, the ability to have easy access to any resource we wish secondly, and our norms and mores to be spread around the world third. Human rights are the convenient excuse used to make the above mentioned take place.

We should not interfere–plain and simple. the Iranian people have not asked for our help. We have interfered with the policies of enough countries and not to the best interests of our people or theirs, and it has cost us dearly both in lives and money.

If the Iranian people want our help due to any civil rights violations or other common causes, then we can assist, but we should not interfere simply because we think we know better. The Iranian people are intelligent enough and strong enough to know what they want. It is not up to us to decide what they need.

I love America deeply and I'm a patriot at best. However, we Americans live in a state of amnesia when it comes to History. We shout first then think about the consequences thereafter. We went into Iraq with the understanding that Saddam Hussein was the enemy and fault behind 911, and that he was seeking weapons of mass destruction. But what really happened was that the US supported him on many diplomatic issues and he was our ally our friend all the way up until he invaded Kuwait. We did not find any weapons of mass destruction and when the video was released by Osama Bin Laden, it placed his signature on the 911 incident and we as Americans wondered, why did we invade Iraq again? President Obama in Cairo Egyt: “Although I believe that the Iraqi people are ultimately better off without the tyranny of Saddam Hussein, I also believe that events in Iraq have reminded America of the need to use diplomacy and build international consensus to resolve our problems whenever possible. (Applause.)” I think individuals like Moorhead Kennedy; a former American hostage in Iran raises good insights to this issue. Listening to Senator McCain on this issue is disturbing-American going into Iran regardless of the surrounding issues that we have with them is extremely unwise. I hope, as a previous POW himself takes Mr. Kennedy insights as a genuine rebuttal to the cry of the Iranians. They would love to draw us into their backyard once again only for the US to take the blame when it all goes downhill. We have been to long the world bully and we have to show the world a different America and not flex our muscles unless our beautiful home is threaten and if need be.

There are so many people who really have no idea about what's going on. This has been happening since last week, and international media is getting a very skewed view after coming to the party late. If you want to see first hand reports, (as much as i detest the site normally) visit Twitter and just search for Iran Election. You will see that people are marching because they want the election done over, not to topple the leaders.

When 40 million PAPER BALLOTS are counted in a few hours (reports started coming out that Ak-my-dinner-jacket had won maybe 6 hours after which means that if there werer 40 million votes, there were 1851 votes counted every second), you'd probably be a bit skeptical. They want a fair vote and a fair count, and the bulk of the voters (young adults) see hope in a different leader (Mousavi).

Another question – how many of you know anyone from Iran? This article, and everything i've seen from the media paints the country as these people who are still in a society somewhat behind "western civilization". Iran, especially Tehran, is for all intents and purposes a westernized city. The current younger generation ARE pro-western, and it is only the leaders that are against us. They want someone in power who represents their thoughts and ideals. So i'm all for them coming together to get that, and no one needs to meddle in that.

WHY does this get a section to Leave Your Comment but the http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/06/17/obama.gay.critics/index.html

Gay Critics of Obama doesnt get a section for people to comment????

Excuse me?

we should NUKE the entire middle east now like we should have 30 years ago! Nothing but nasty trouble will ever happen there!

Are you seriously comparing Ahmadinejad to Hitler? My god how incredibly misinformed are you....

As an American Muslim I can tell you with 110% certainty that meddling in Middle Eastern affairs is what infuriates the people of that region. None of us forget the strong support America has for Israel, and while Israel alone isn't an issue for most Muslims, the fact that the American Media chooses 24 hour coverage of an Iranian Election and it's apparent fraud, yet no coverage of the suffering of the Palestinian people is a terrible double standard and one that isn't AT ALL gone unnoticed by Muslims world-wide. It seems clear to us that the only reason this issue is getting so much attention is because the American Government does not like Ahmadinejad and would love nothing more than to see him removed from his position. This is a decision for the Iranian people to make and one we should not be a part of. Get real people we are already fighting two wars, we can't afford another conflict.

While it might be tempting to try to help, the best thing is remain formally out of it, which is essentially how Obama has handled it. If we say much or do much, the thugs in charge of the country will claim that we are meddling and use that as an excuse to crush the protests against the rigged election. The other thing to keep in mind, that the real power does not rest with the president, so even if these thugs had not installed a right wing, antisemitic nut, the actual power does rest with him. We mainly have to sit back and hope for the best., unfortunate thought that might sound.

I disagree with this guy we have helps Iranians people to throw out this regime now it is be cheaper now than later when thay have nuclear weapon look at north korea. but with Mr Obama in office I don't think so. we need somebody with big Cojones no a.. kissing president.

Moorhead Kennedy is absolutly correct. We need to stop poking our nose in others business. Our people would resent it if the Iranians or any other government tried to control our elections.

Geoff you are exactly correct. The U.S. can help from a distance but I do not think any regime in Iran will ever be "friendly" with the U.S. I believe that will take several generations. Hell after the hostage crisis in in 1979 and 9-11 I hate all of them. But on the other hand if I was them and had a legitimate gripe with the U.S. how would I fight for my cause. Probably just like they do.

.

With foreign politics, it is dangerous to let your emotions rule your actions. And this is a point we should remember:

If we want to help another country with it"s internal conflicts, we should bring our brains to them, not our military. Make it very clear, that we lend Iran our smartest, best problem-solvers and our time to help themselves solve the problem.

our physical "help" will be no help, was it a helpful in our riots? not really...

The US should not interfere. President Obama is walking a fine line, out of necessity: expressing support for the "Iranian people" as a whole and for the principle of free elections, but otherwise not getting involved. Part of the reason for the 1979 revolution and the decades of hatred for the US that followed (remember, the US was referred to as "The Great Satan") was the CIA's masterminding of the 1953 coup that overthrew the democratically elected Mossadegh.

The people of Iran need to obtain their own freedom. US involvement would simply drive fence-sitters into the arms of the extremists. Without such involvement, it's much harder for the extremists to credibly demonize the west.

The GOP, unfortunately, is just playing the same tried-and-failed old tune. Kennedy knows of what he speaks.

Since when is the challenger some Savior to Iran who will bring about all these changes to the state and human rights? From what I've read, he's fairly similar to the current regime with just different ideas on the economy and how to spend oil revenues. People are getting this election confused with what they think is a revolution. They are protesting the election results, they are not asking for more rights or seeking other freedoms. The reason there has been so much backlash towards the current regime is because the economy is in the toilet and the unemployment rate is high. The challenger, if elected, wasn't going to change the way they lived, the country is ultimately run by the Ayatollah's anyway. Let's just stay out of their business and see where it leads.

Please don't interfere in Iran’s affair unless you want to see the people who are demonstrating on the street dead and our dreams of better Iran destroyed again. President is 100% correct on the hands off approach. As usual Republicans don't know what they are talking about and they are just reacting to a situation that they don't even have the mental capacity to comprehend. These are the same neo con chicken hawks who for past 8 years have been arguing to boom Iran.

thanks
Iranian_American

I think there is a lot of wisdom in this article. The main theme from President Obama's speech in Cairo was mutual respect in our dealings with Middle Eastern countries in the future. it's time to put up or shut up, and you can be sure the Middle East is watching our response.

That doesn't mean we give up and appease countries like Iran when we have serious concerns or issues, but I think there is a lot to be gained by moving beyond this idea that any dialog we have with these regimes needs to be one in which our assumption is that the US's world view is the only legitimate world view.

America has always stood up for the needy and against tyranny. If we did not interfere the world would be way different today. I think we have done well for a lot of people in this world.
I do agree with most of Mr. Kennedy’s comments. His wisdom could be useful for this administration and furthermore, the people of Iran have come too far to back up. It will take care of itself.

Of course we would like to see all of the world free and living in a democracy. The one thing that we need to realize is that democracy can't be forced on anyone, it can only happen from within.

I agree with Mr. Kennedy 100%. At the present time, we the US should sit back and let the Iranian people figure it out. No matter how well intentioned our actions would be, we must also consider that not everyone wants to be Saved.

Mr. Kennedy hit the nail on the head when he commented on past actions of the US.

If the Iranian people want freedom, they need to want it bad enough to earn it themselves.

I think the situation is more complicated than getting involved or not getting involved. I think the right approach for Obama and our government is to stay engaged/follow the developments, but not overtly so. Unofficially, I think the CIA should definitely be helping those on the ground in Iran that want to promote freedom and a more true democratic process. In fact, if I had to guess, that's exactly what we're doing. Obama just can't come out and say that we have assets on the ground helping the new revolutionaries...

Think about this -
Ask all the right wing people. Do they think Obama is the correct choice to run US? No, they are crying to have justice so that an outsider, black guy is not our president.
Now, which courtry in this world cam eto help them?? NONE. Everyone respect him like him and wanted him to be elected.
Same is happening in Iran, there are people who don't like currect president of Iran but some Love him!!! Stay out of that business and let Iranian decide what is best for them......

As a non-american, I find the attitute of wanting "fair" elections to be partly humourous. Remember that within the past decade there has been an election in the USA that was not "fair" and yet there were not massive protests in the streets. Perhaps the Iranian quest for democracy is stronger than that of the Americans?

Have Americans become such sheep to the system that they are willing to see their own democracy trodden on like a dirty rug? I commend President O'Bama's neutral stance until the final toll rings on this election.

I find the language used makes Iran sound like it is just coming out of the stone ages. It is a technologically advanced society, as much so as the USA. Human rights issues abound, but with a young, savvy population, change will be brought about when the society as a majority finds the "old ways" intolerable.

I agree with Mr. Kennedy as well. If the Iranian people want a change in their government, they are going to have to do it for themselves, in their own way, and form a new way of doing things that are consistent with that country's culture.

I disagree with Dan's comment that the US is a 'beacon of freedom' and that the US has to get involved because the Iranian government is silencing its citizens. The citizens of Iran have to get involved for any long-term change to occur – and it looks that without any intervention by outside countries that is already happening.

If only US had not interfered and let Iran and Iraq keep fighting their war, we would not have to have the war in Iraq today. Leave them alone it is their way of life, if they mess with you you have the right to defend and interfere.

All this talk about protecting democracy and human rights is ridiculous. The United States has a long history of ignoring human rights violations and supporting dictatorship and repression when it is in our own best interest.
We cannot talk out of both sides of out mouths as we seem to love to do. Look at China, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, including our previous supports of some of the worst dictators in history.
We need to stay out of Iran's business because it is none of ours own.
If we are going to intervene in any country where there are human rights violations, we should start with China and Saudi Arabia... but we need them to buy our debt, so we will tolerate their abuses.

I agree with Mr. kennedy 110%. The U.S has a history of sticking it's nose in other peole's affairs to get what it wants. What's the real reason they are over there? Do you really think the U.S cares one bit about people they deem as terrorist? Absolutely not. It's all about money and oil. Everytime the PEOPLE vote in who they want and it's not who the U.S is paying off and could control then there is a problem. I believe that these riots are U.S. instigated. If you TRULY listen to what the Middle east is crying out for it's crying out for the U.S to LEAVE. We have caused more damage then good by being over there.

For all of those people who disagree with Mr. Kennedy, you need a history lesson. The islamic revolution of '79 would NEVER have happened if not for U.S. interference in Iranian affairs. The shah was nothing but a U.S. puppet that was installed after a man whom the U.S. didn't like won "free and fair" elections. This singular event paved the way for people like Ayatollah Khomeni and the anti-Western sentiment that still pervades the ruling elites in Iran today. "Those who do not know the past are condemned to repeat it." Don't bash the Obama administration for knowing their history and following it. The U.S. should not be drawn into this controversy. It has nothing to gain from taking the side of the opposition. In fact, direct U.S. support (or even perceived support) could hurt the standing of the opposition in the eyes of the clerics and in certain moderate sectors of Iranian politics. So, sit back and let a sovereign state handle its own affairs while praying for a peaceful resolution.

why do we have to interfere anywhere, we did that long enough. iran, vietnam, nicaragua, iraq, we always want someone we like in power even if the people of that country dont like them. and dont give me that deocracy bs. how about saudi arabia ruled by the king no election, no democracy, and in the 80's we helped saddam because we liked him at the time and he killed people with biological weapons. enough putting our noses everywhere, we need to secure our borders from allthe illegals and take care of our own business, maybe that way we can be on our own and people wont hate us everywhere

This would be a perfect time for Kuwait to be invaded once again.

Its hard to say if we should interfere or not, our past record with iran is rather lousy and we did help and supported saddam against Iran in their long war previously. I have learned that America often makes moral issues on things saying we are going to war to overthrow this evil communist theocratical extremist dictatorship and whatever when its really all about money and wealth. We can support the iranian opposition by encouraging Irans leaders to promote fair and open elections but do gotta respect their soverinity.

As I can see lots of people over here think that we should be world police again. Most of you, I'm assuming, did not learn anything from our past adventures. How do you think we should intervene; start the war with Iran??? This country has its own problems and I think we should focus on how to fix our country first. Let United Nations and other bodies take care of this problem. We have nothing to do with Iranian elections.

The Human rights issue is being brought up as an "Excuse" to interfere with a sovereign country's affair. Why not apply the same logic to Saudia Arabia ? Is it because of the oil?

I've been reading the comments and listening to the retoric and some of these people amaze me. What in anyones name gives us in the U.S. the right to tell anyone else how to live. Standing as a "becon of hope and freedom" is as an EXAMPLE. We cannot go into every country we find problems and start rebuilding them in our image. Or is the United States the leader of the whole world not just the free world. Crime is crime and it is up to the government to solve those issues. If they do not uphold their end of the bargain then the citizens will replace that goverment. History has shown this repeatedly. There are a lot of governments that we don't agree with or like but they are not our government. When Bush won over Gore, nobody from France or Russia came running over here telling us how to count votes in Florida. I have also noticed quite a few "Nation Builders" out there demanding action, but not enlisting. And as we all know the Armed Services are now the world police in many eyes. Your demands are gonna put a soldier in harms way based on a bad opinion. Leave Iran to Iranians and worry about more important things like the economy, health care, the homeless, etc. etc. etc.

With all due respect to Mr. Moorehead, perhaps he should revisit his considerations regarding the type of regime we are talking about here. The kind of attitude and brutality that was exhibited when he and others were taken hostage is mild compared to what is in place now. And they would not think anything about trying to destroy Israel in order to advance their perceived interests. That regime needs to be taken down ASAP.

Mr. Kennedy is correct here, and makes a good point about US policy being very much colonialist. The US time and again professes it's motivation to be for the promotion of freedom, democracy, etc. but only on it's own terms. Every involvement, including the Civil War, was based on obtaining economic advantage. Everyone else in the world sees the blatant hypocrisy of the US while all Americans do is pat themselves on the back for "pursuing freedom" How often does someone go to their neighbor's home to break up a domestic violence incident? Be honest, you just turn up the TV so you can't hear it.

I love America deeply and I’m a patriot at best. However, we Americans live in a state of amnesia when it comes to History. We shout first then think about the consequences thereafter. We went into Iraq with the understanding that Saddam Hussein was the enemy and fault behind 911, and that he was seeking weapons of mass destruction. But what really happened was that the US supported him on many diplomatic issues and he was our ally our friend all the way up until he invaded Kuwait. We did not find any weapons of mass destruction and when the video was released by Osama Bin Laden, it placed his signature on the 911 incident and we as Americans wondered, why did we invade Iraq again? President Obama in Cairo Egyt: “Although I believe that the Iraqi people are ultimately better off without the tyranny of Saddam Hussein, I also believe that events in Iraq have reminded America of the need to use diplomacy and build international consensus to resolve our problems whenever possible. (Applause.)” I think individuals like Moorhead Kennedy; a former American hostage in Iran raises good insights to this issue. Listening to Senator McCain on this issue is disturbing-America going into Iran regardless of the surrounding issues that we have with them is extremely unwise. I hope, as a previous POW himself takes Mr. Kennedy insights as a genuine rebuttal to the cry of the Iranians. They would love to draw us into their backyard once again only for the US to take the blame when it all goes downhill. We have been to long the world bully and we have to show the world a different America and not flex our muscles unless our beautiful home is threaten and if need be.

A lot of people commenting here don't really seem to understand the situation. Iran has never forgiven us for the CIA coup against Mossadeq and our support of the despotic Shah; this was all the worse because the episode began with the Iranians turning to the U.S. for help against British colonial exploitation. In point of fact, the kind of government they have there now is a direct result of that the U.S. did in 1953. Iran was burned, badly, by U.S. meddling in its political affairs, and is very, very touchy about it as a result.

To all those writing in favor of supporting the protesters: if you do so, YOU DOOM THEM TO FAILURE. The moment you do that, they will be seen not as legitimate voices of protest, but as agents and tools of the U.S. and the West. They will lose all legitimacy. The government will then use that as an excuse to crack down on dissidents under the guise of fighting foreign threats. If we would see the reform movements succeed, we must stay at a distance, as hard as it is to do . . .

Gina,

Allah is responsible for nothing. He's a ficticious character. However, you probably believe in L. Ron Hubbard...so we won't get into that. Do you understand your history? Iran does not and will never have the industrial might to become Hitler #2. All this talk about Iran becoming a nuclear power is sickening. North Korea was a formidable foe once too. Do you think we should fear them? Think of a broke down machine with a good paint job. Whatever...we live in a free country, you can worry about Iran's elections, and stand there in ignorant bliss as we silently hand over economic power to China.

Yes, but the Republicans say we need to butt in, so.... I'm sure they know best. They always do.

Attack, Attack, Attack....Peace only comes at a stern hand...The United States is Mother to the World. Burn out and destroy evil where is festers. Only then shall peace be known to our children.

Wow, shades of Neville Chamberlain and trying to play nice with a ruthless regime.

I agree with Mr. Kennedy and this is not a human rights issue. The people protesting are not protesting about human rights, they are protesting the election results. Getting involved with this kind of internal problem is similar to the reasoning used for the invasion of Iraq. The American government has tried to use its might to make changes in many countries over the past century and it usually ends up blowing up in our face. I have read many articles over the past decade from Iranian specialists and they all stress the best thing we can do is leave them alone. If it turns out that this leads to a change in government, we can be there for support. However, if America is seen, in any way, as a conspirator in an overthrow, we will be resented. And what if nothing happens? Then we would just look like the Great Satan again, medling in affairs that do not concern us and alienating another generation of Iranians.

Obama has wisely decided to say the right things and not to interfere and a lot of people are calling him down. Any comments by the US would backfire and rally support around Ahminejad and Khameni. It is nice to see that someone who REALLY knows Iran agrees with me.

To every person saying "we" should help Iran,what your saying is US
Troops,again, should be thrown into some mess. Well , being a Veteran,let me say this. YOU go there yourself and see what help you can give. My guess is that you'll be dust , quicker than you think.
To those using fuzzy history,Americans fought and won our own revolution.Let's not give too much credit to one French general from that time.Seems you forget the Polish who got involved .
Iran has done nothing for us,leave them to solve their problem.They have brain's .

How about North Korea to everyone seeking interference on basis of Human Rights? Obviously if US is being scapegoated for every thing that is wrong with Iran and the middle east and their propaganda is that their need to have 'nuclear weapons', 'unite all muslims and fight the zionists' and every other reason conceivable, only to fight the 'imperial power' and all the related BS, I would say just keeping our distance this one time will teach the world what inaction would bring. I know it is very painful to allow this to happen and play out at the cost of innocent lives, but having the arab world realize that, and maybe the EU to stand behind us and provide their troops and not just 'TALK' and 'OPPOSE' us when we are the only country protecting all these innocent people with our brave men and women and taxpayer resources.

Mccain is stateing that we should interfere with Iran, he would love for Obama to start a war with them, Republicans are dieing and would Love for Obama to mess up BIG time, so they would start to look good again.

"This is exactly why the United States is not as strong as we once were. We have too many people wanting to look the other way and NOT stand up for the values of humanity."

It's amazing how many people can look at the same situation as everyone else and manage to draw the perfectly wrong conclusion from it. The United States isn't as strong as it once was precisely because we insist on imperial interventionism under the guise of "standing up for the values of humanity". It so happens that interventionism drains the treasury and robs the country of other opportunities. It's how we went into a recession with an enormous deficit dragging down our chances of a quick recovery. We can do a much more effective job by setting an example for others to follow rather than patrolling the globe like self-appointed planetary police.

Mr. Kennedy's assesment on U.S. involvement, colononial attitude, past and present resentment, the real authority, lack of organized force and underestimating the stability of the established government is right on the mark.
The key to change in Iran is not an overthrow in the traditional sense. The peacful movement to "my vote counts," and the ensuing infighting that has resulted within the government will bring about two things: Iranians will get credit for sweeping change, and a democratic process of their own creation will emerge.
Iran and the U.S. are natural allies. Since 1979, when Iran has been a foe of the U.S., I have repeatedly heard, "Iran is a threat to the stability in the Middle East." I can only wonder how much more stable the Middle East would be if Iran was a friend. Perhaps, the road to peace in the region runs through Iran.

Are all you people stupid, or illiterate, or just grammatically lazy?

Why do we care so much about Israel and Iran? How about Tibet, Myanmar, and other countries in Africa for instance?

One of the biggest concerns I have about what people are saying is that it is a human rights issue and therefore the United States should intervene. This is a flawed belief that has gotten the United States into many conflicts before. The U.S. holds a "policy" of not declaring war on another country until it has declared war on us, or the United Nations has intervened. With respect to human rights infractions, it is not the United States' place to interfere, that power rests in the hands of the United Nations and them only. By interfering in a place like Iran, we are going around the proper channels and ignoring the reasons that organizations like the United Nations were instituted. I fully believe that we should stay out of Iran and allow them to deal with THEIR issue on THEIR own. This has nothing to do with the United States unless we make it have something to do with us. If it does come down to war, then there will be reason for the United States to more closely monitor the situation, but to barge in there because many in this country believe that we should be the World Police is wrong. It is not the U.S. right to do this. We do not have other rights over other countries because we want to.

The people of Iran are their own people and need to solve this themselves. We have as a country on of the worst reputations when it comes to interfering. We should keep to ourselves and fix our own problems like our economy, homeless, and our many other problems we have hereon this soil. The worst of it is we used to have an alright reputation as a country. Since Bush it has gotten to where many countries cannot stand Americans. Again let them deal with their own problems.

and watch CNN screening out most of the ANTI-AIPAC comments!

I believe we need to be careful what we say and do in reaction the election crisis in Iran, but the idea that everything will be OK if we just shut up and keep out of it is very naive. We aren't talking about some obscure little country who has no impact on the rest of the world. Iran is working developing nuclear capabilities, they have hostile relations with various countries, the ability to restrict or stop shipping in the area, and borders two countries where we are currently fighting wars. Call me crazy but I don't see how risking letting this country fall into chaos and widespread political unrest is a smart thing to do – that sounds like an invitation for extremists and terrorists if you ask me. Yes, there are risks to putting our two cents in on this situation, but to me it seems that the risks of not acting on this are greater. To quote Uncle Ben from Spiderman – "With great power comes great responsibility". It may be just a movie quote but it is very true. What kind of world would we live in if we just sat back and let whatever happened around the world happen? Kennedy says that "It’s not the fear of being drawn into a conflict. It’s expressing our respect for a sovereign state that we do not interfere in the internal affairs of another country." Should we have expressed respect for Hitler's Germany too? They were a sovereign state who's internal affairs we interfered with as well.

Has anybody heard President of Iran speech, Haulicaust denier, denying Israel, hate Jews. Why is he different from the guy that went into the Haulicaust Musium in DC and shot and killed the guard?
If he stays in power, expect the worst from the hate he has now with the power he will get if we do not step in...

Daniel Nelson is completely right, we need to stay out of Iran. It's only a matter of time before the elderly pass away (with their beliefs), and the younger generation takes on. In the worst case scenario, we are looking at about 50 years.

On the other hand, if we get involved, we'll just unite the ranks of the reformists and the conservatives against the west and the protests will start taking a total different path. In addition, it will take another 100 years to allow Iran to become free and democratic.

This election is pretty much a given, the Ayatollas won't allow a change, as it could lead to their demise.

Let Iranians win their own freedom whilst not too much blood is dropped on the streets.

We don't belong in the problems in Iran, just as we do not belong in ANY other country! When will you people wake up? (never). Our country is in Trouble! We don't even have a good governmental system ourselves right now! We Need to Fix Ourselves First! We need to take care of our country first. We are NOT the shining example as we once were and until we fix ourselves, we need NOT bother to dominate other countries!

Why can't americans see what we really are? and just lay off the rest of the world?

Before worrying about what our enemies are up to let's look at our friends. Our biggest ally in the Mideast besides Israel is Saudi Arabia ... a country where women get beaten and jailed, or worse, for driving a car, playing a sport or appearing in public with a man who is not their spouse or family member. In many ways it is a much more repressive country than Iran ... if the protests in Tehran happened in Riyadh the government would respond with massive force that would make Basij/Revolutionary Guard thugs look like peace-loving hippies.

I totally agree with Kennedy. Its time, US stopped meddling in other countries sovereign problems. Don't we have Iraq as a prime example of what happens when we try to bring "democracy" and "freedom" to other countries???

We have to stand back and just say that we want the Iranian people's will to be satisfied. We cannot support either candidate. US is already looked as devil incarnate by the Iranians. One wrong move and we will just reinforce that whole theme and whichever candidate gets selected will be constantly branded as an American puppet.

The other thing to remember is, Iran is not a true democratic country, even though they have "free" elections. Their supreme leader is the REAL leader and he is not elected by the people, and the supreme leader has total and absolute authority over the elected President, army, intelligence agencies, media, etc. So, doesn't matter which guy gets elected, the final say in anything important is always going to be the supreme leader. So, US throwing its weight behind one candidate does not really help, since finally all the important decision is going to be done by the supreme leader.

As an Iranian-American whose parents fled Iran after the 1979 revolution, I believe that the American government should stay out of the affairs because the Iranian government uses America as a scapegoat every time to blame for their problems. We do not want to fuel Ahmadinejad's fire! However, I feel that America should make it clear that we support the Iranians struggle for freedom from religious oppression from these corrupt figures. It is time for the Iranians to stand up and realize that it is the fault of their own leaders and demand change. I hope that America views these protests and now sees Iranians as not an "Axis of Evil" but a country whose citizens are being silenced through fear and who long for freedom of speech and the right to live their lives in peace. Do not blame the Iranian people for the wrongdoings of corrupt fundamentalists, they seek a better life too!

We got our fingers in enough pies. Let them fight their own battles and lets focus on our problems here on U.S. soil.

"morally absent", you're morally bankrupt.

I am an immigrant from another tyrant country. I am puzzled by the media focusing on Iran and forgetting that the same thing happens in other countries and we don't hear about it. The media is so selective and biased. Millions of people all over the world cry foul in elections everyday. WHAT MAKES THE IRANIANS SO SPECIAL.

So another country's elections were rigged. WOW! BIG NEWS! Iranians are human just like Americans, and therefore the richest, most powerful people are going to want to control everything – including – any kind of "free elections" Any kind of democratic elections in any nation is just a big sham, and anybody who believes that the poor powerless masses have any say is an idiot who has let all that patriotic propaganda get in the way of their ability to think logically. It is too bad that a so called "oppressed" people in a third world country are well aware of that, and will readily take to the streets and protest, close fisted and ready to fight, but Americans, with all the information we have about our own government's corruption, have no will to stand up when they see that they have been duped themselves, over and over again. No wonder Obama and the other
crooked politicians are taking lots of interest in this. They don't want
the American people getting any bad ideas

I agree with Sarah. We went in in the 70s and overthrew a stable government in Iran and put someone into power we liked better which has happened to really screw us over. Now, we say free and fair elections for all... but when Palestinians had their election and voted in someone we didn't like, we helped overthrow that. We helped keep Saddam Hussein in power and when we decided he was a liability, we overthrew him too. Now look at the mess we have caused in Iraq and all it is costing us.

We need to learn to respect the sovereignty of other countries and stay the heck out of their business. If I were a citizen of another country and someone kept butting in and telling me to change my culture and my ways, I would resent them.

It doesn't matter if their ways are not our ways. It doesn't matter if we disagree with them. If their ways were our ways and we agreed on everything, we wouldn't be separate countries in the first place!

As a persian American, I'm a double stake holder in the events that are taking place there. I believe that it would not be wise for US to interfere in Iran'e affairs, given the past history of overthrowing their government in 50's. But all these couragous demonstrators, need our support and help, that's where the UNITED NATIONS, AND AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL are for. I hope they will offer some sort of support to the people of IRAN.

AMERICA NEEDS TO STAY OUT

Listen people- we need to stay out of this as much as possible. The US has a history of meddling in Iran and quite frankly it's done us absolutely no good whatsoever. If John McCain says we should interfere or be more vocal do just the opposite- this guy has no clue on how the world works- he'd just as soon blow up Iran as talk to them. The people in that country will lead the revolution not the USA. You can't give people freedom they have to earn it. We've seen this time and time again even in our own country with the struggles of women and minorities. They must take a stand and define their own course- we can do it for them. They know where we stand already- they know if they can sieze the reigns of power themselves we'll support their future endeavors. Right now, this is their fight anything we do will be viewed negatively and undermined the movement from within. Watch what Obama does closely- he knows and understands this. Somehow foriegn policy seems to be his strong suit.

Instead of interfering in Iran and other places we should worry about fast detoriating living standards in this country and all the jobs getting shipped overseas. The only jobs that may remain here will be the menial low paying ones. Its time USA should cut this attitude before we are really worthless and that time may not be too far.

So long as there is economic interest, there will be manipulation and interference; there is simply no way around that, period. It has absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with individual freedoms.. when the powers that be sell that, see it for what it is.. smoke and mirrors to deflect attention away from the reality that the real intention of desiring "free" elections and markets is to allow easier manipulation of that market for their own gain

Everyone just wants to start listing all of Irans problems and how we need to help them be free and so forth. we have our own problems in the US and we need to take care of those issue before we spread ourselves thin overseas and interfere in other peoples affairs like Iran.
Last time I checked Iran didn't interfere when there was word president bush got elected through cheating in florida. furthermore, Iran has consistently had a high voter turnout over the past years than any country in the world (85% this year). Those numbers are unheard of and just because a democratically elected president in the past or present doesn't agree with the United State's view of a democratic leader, doesn't mean there isn't democracy and freedom.
We wonder why so many around the world have a problem with the US. It's due to its arrogant way of thinking and meddling in other countries business. It's really simple and Iran is your prime example.

Mr. Kennedy is the voice of reason. Too bad President Bush never read up on what John Quincy Adams had to say, as Kennedy has – when we look for monsters everywhere, we become a monster.

WE ARE NOT THE WORLD POLICE!!!! END OF STORY!!!

I agree with staying out for now. Right now our involvement will only push the Iranian government to resist more, it will not sway them to listen to their people. It would fall on deaf ears as U.S. bullying, and negate any future assistance we could give when things escalate.

I would hope though that countries with diplomacy in Iran test the waters about supporting the protest.

It makes no difference who is elected President in Iran, since it is a theocracy. The ultimate leader of Iran is the Ayatollah, Guardian Council, and the Shiite clerical leaders. The president of Iran can be compared to the US Secretary of the UN. No need to meddle in a meaningless outcome.

Stop comparing Iran to the US! We fought for our freedom, because we identified as Americans, not as British subjects. Everyone involved in this case consider themselves Iranian. We cannot ethically interfere, even if they are killing their own people or violating what we consider rights here in the US.

Sure, we can feel sadness at the disarray and for the people who are being beaten, living in fear, etc., but that is still not grounds for us to get involved. Let Iran work this out for Iran–and we can offer our friendship and assistance afterward–and with a clean conscious that they built a society deemed necessary for their people, not ours. It will never be ours, it cannot be. Islam alone will not allow them to have the level of freedom that we enjoy here in the US.

The arrogance and lack of basic historical education of Americans is astounding, as demonstrated by some of the comments on this board. Iranians are not a poor, oppressed, ignorant people in need our our patriarchal guidance. Just because we don't agree with how they govern themselves does not make it wrong or guarantee that our way is better. It is laughable for us to be advocating "free and fair" elections in Iran when recent events show we have some issues in that regard ourselves.

These are educated, cultured people who chose an Islamic form of government over the oppression of the rule of the US-sponsored dictatorship of the Shah. When the Shah's government became unbearable, they revolted and forced a change. If they are disgusted by their current governance, there is no doubt they have the wherewithal and ability to do the same again. It is their choice and it has nothing to do with us. All we can accomplish by meddling, yet again, is to create further divisions and destabilization and reinforce anti-American sentiment. It is childish to believe that we can swoop in and be 'greeted as liberators,' bringing lasting peace and prosperity to the region. Have we learned nothing from Iraq?

Actually, the governments of the USA and many other countries are interfering. While it's true that they aren't saying much, they are also not doing anything to discourage their citizens from intervening via electronic media. While they lie dormant in words their total lack of action says a lot.

I wonder if all those people egging the Iranian public on realize the possible consequence of their actions? Many, many of these people can easily end up dead or injured simply because they were encouraged by the media. We don't even actually know how valid that election was. It could be that it was valid and, even if they don't realize it, they could be just sore losers. Imagine what would have happened if all the democrats took to the US streets in disorganized, chaotic, destructive demonstrations after the questionable Bush election.

For the US, our troubles throughout the Middle East region stems from one thing. Our interference. We have always managed to interfere there, throughout Asia and the Orient, mostly because of their natural resources and/or their strategic location. In other words, we interfere for our interest, our benefit and our beliefs. "Our" is one of our favorite words. That's why we keep meeting stone walls and why we will continue to do so. Other people aren't us and most don't care to be.

I agree. We should stay out of their business for the same reasons countries like China need to stay out of our elections. We need to fix our own house before we peek in the windows of others. We need to ban/return any and all outside campain contributions once they are linked to a foreign donor, we need to stop having more votes than people, and we need to start electing on merit and not media.

Funny how we always feel we have a right to interfere with other countries when it is convenient. How did we react when other countries decried the Presidential election in 2000? America Scoffed at the idea and criticism of international election observers. But yet we feel we have a right to complain about other countries elections? Tying in the view that "Human Rights" demand we interfere with Iran’s politics. Hmm funny, we again scoff at international pressure on Human rights in the US. The Death penalty is scorned by many as a human rights issue but who cares, we are THE USA. If Human rights are truly a reason to interfere, I am sure we can go through a list of countries with much worse records than Iran that warrant immediate interference. It is time to stop the hypocrisy. Either we go in and Fix the world (we better build a big Interference police force) or we let other countries manage themselves.
http://www.voanews.com/english/archive/2004-10/2004-10-21-voa85.cfm?CFID=238905833&CFTOKEN=98944359&jsessionid=6630c2c9a1d48e9a1b934d367a1912244733
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_rights
http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/index.htm

I feel that we should help out the people of Iran, and speak out for human rights, stating that the vote was not fair. We here in the US also have to realize, that our votes do not always count due to the electoral college. In an essence our votes count as much as theirs do. A president can win based on having more electoral votes and less popular votes. Food for thought.

I agree with Moorhead Kennedy. It is difficult to see our friends and relatives die in Iran, but try not to react emotional. I have read an article in the hard-lines news paper yesterday. The hard-lines manipulated Obama's speech and published it in their newspaper, Keyhan. They make connections between president Obama's speech and the protest. I was students in the protests in tehran in 1999. One of the reasons that they could suppress that protest was making relationship between the students and the United States. Please be very careful about what you say and word usage. Iran is a barrel filled with nitroglycerin now. A small mistake can explode it and that will cost millions of lives and in the worst situation WWIII. If you care about Iran and your friends and relatives who live there, please shut up.

I think Obama should come out and say something about the Iranians excercising free speech rights and commend them for it. Bush would have, but Obama never has been a person that saw America as the beacon of freedom. He sees America as the Gestapo. What a shame.

We have enough issues with our own elections, I don't think we would appriciate another country coming and helping us straighten out the process. Leave Iran to Iran.

Iran didn't interfere with our rigged election in 2000, so we should return the favor and not interfere with theirs.

How US would have reacted if Iran or any other country had interfered when Bush Jr. got elected the first time?

The US needs to mind our OWN business. We have enough problems. We need to repair our country not solve countries problems.

Mr Corkhead is taking about the unfortunate past interference in Iran and that it brought about protesters. What he must have forgotten is that there is a difference in interfereing for good and for bad-interfering by feeding saddam with chemical weapons-bad, interfering to help a people in need-good. Hopedfully Corkhead Kennedy understand this at some point.

Why are the protests in iran only confined to the capital tehran. what is the situation in other cities of iran... it seems to me that mosavis supporters are only a majority in tehran and to assume that he won the election just because he had majority of support in tehran would be down right ignorant mosavi is just creating violence so as to attain power which would not be much because the final decider of policies in iran is not the president but their supreme leader khomeni and a bunch of clerics.

Gina (USAF vet) – Being the son of Holocaust Survivors, I completely hear what you are saying regarding Ahmadinejad. He is by all accounts a FACIST as was Hitler and Mussolini... But in all due respect, I do NOT believe for one moment, even if Iran were to develop a nuclear arsenal, that Ahmadinejad or the supreme Ayatollah would dare drop a nuclear warhead on Israel. Let's think about it for a moment – You've got Palestinians in the West Bank and in Gaza. If Iran was so insane as to plot launching a nuclear warhead on Israel, they would end up wiping out all the Palestinians in the region as well. But Ahmadinejad LOVES the Palestinians. My belief is just like the students in Iran revolted in 1979 to oust the Shah of Iran from power, I believe they will accomplish the same this time. As for Ahmadinejad – He's NOTHING BUT PIECE OF FACIST GARBAGE !! If his own Iranian People don't remove him from office, I wouldn't put it past the Israeli Mossad organization to send out a secret agent that will knock him out of power, if you know where I am coming from.... Believe me when I tell you, the Israel Knesset and Mossad are keeping close tabs on Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his EVIL Empire...

I agree with Moorhead (and Quincy Adams) – we have enough problems, why do we need to go looking for monsters to destroy. Don't we have have a colapsing financial market here at home? Don't we have Government Motors to run? Don't we have more bridges to inspect before they collapse? Leave Iran alone, they hate us anyway. Why would Iran want our opinion on how to run a fair election?

Inthlp, NO, nobody did, and they should have! We might not be in the mess we're in today if somebody had stood up and said something. I'm not talking about an invasion of Iran, or any troop presence at all. That's not what our soldiers signed up for. However, I think that if Obama or Clinton extended a hand to aid them, it would be a step in the right direction. They shouldn't support either side; but this is going to end up very bloody without outsiders helping to resolve the issue.

To all the nimrods that think we should step any where NEAR this situation in order to give the Iranian people freedom from their totalitarian leadership....let me ask you this: Are you also prepared to wage a verbale/physical war against China,Myanmar, North Korea, because you don't like how they run their countries? I think not. We have too many drama llamas in our OWN back yard to worry about the results of an election in a sovereign nation. We may not like it, but it's not our place to utter even a syllablein opposition.
Were you not paying attention to the last 5 years of war waged to 'free the Iraqi people"? Unless it's a catastrophic natural disaster, we need to STAY OUT OF OTHER PEOPLES BUSINESS.
We are NOT Team America, we are NOT the World Police. Period.

"It’s expressing our respect for a sovereign state that we do not interfere in the internal affairs of another country."

'We don’t go around seeking monsters to destroy.'

Two of the most sane things I have heard in a long time! Sure, we learned a lesson from WWII that the Monroe Doctrine doesn't work. But there are limits and we need to respect those limits. This isn't an all or nothing issue for our foreign policy.
IMHO we've been finding "monsters" under every rock over in the Middle East for far too long. We've ended up creating monsters where there was mild opposition. Every time we meddle, we further cement the resentment and anger.
Let them sort their own problems out, give the people of Iran that respect. They aren't little brown children, they are grown adults and it is their country.

We should stop interfering on other countries business. Otherwise the future may not be good for us to compet and do our business globally. When thousands of people died due to election fraud in Africa and Latin America countires,nobody told dictators to stop killing their own people. No media coverage was also given. When Bush stolen the 200 election , no other country told us what to do. So lets see it from our perspective. Stop suppressing other countries unless otherwise they hurt our economy . We already have a lot of headch to deal with: the economy, health care, abortion, unemployment, governement budget deficit and so on.So I agree with Mr. Kennedy.

Personally, I dont trust our own people to make the right choices in who they support and who they overthrow. We are known to have overthrown freely elected governments in south america just because they were leftist. Lets stay out of it.

This is a biased site, screened to exclude arguments in favor of taking sides in Iran. Shades of Nevill Chamberlain...and I am very tired of everyone using President Bush as the "bogeyman" to blame for all the world's ills...

It is so fundamental. It is not our election, it is not our problem. They are a sovereign country no matter how they choose to handle THEIR BUSINESS. We are not the world police. If there are issues of violations of human rights let the UN handle it, we are not the UN. That's the problem with America in the past and McCain. So are we supposed to just drop bombs and occupy the country until everything is happy and wonderful? That is so stupid! If the US couldn't even do anything about Rwanda they better not even dare to step in with Iran. Has anyone ever even considered the fact it is not the culture of that country or its people to even flourish on a democracy. They are better off with their theocracy where their religion is supreme and not their government. The solution is to have a leader who can expedite the issues of its people and its religion collectively. That does not in any way spell out D-E-M-O-C-R-A-C-Y.

Actually, staying out of nation's business is not new to the United States. It was our policy to stay out of European affairs and conflicts and to maintain an isolationist policy for a long time. We remained isolationist through most of World War I, which devastated Western Europe and set the stage for World War II, during which we maintained an official isolationist policy, until bombed by Japan (who we were "negotiating" with at the time).

After World War II, when the rest of the world was wrecked, we assumed the world leadership role. Out the window went the isolationism. Isolationism is not consistent with being a great power, nevermind the greatest power.

Isolationism still runs strong in the American consciousness, harking back to a simpler time, when our challenge was the frontier and our destiny to reach the Pacific ocean. We can return to isolationism; that will mean giving up our place as a great power. Someone is sure to take the mantle. China is working hard to do that, Russia wants it back. That's the choice we have to make.

Hey Mike, (Mr. Grammar)

Andrew Jaackson once said:

"Itsa week mined thet kin ownly thinck uh won whey tu spel uh wert"

Sew, Mike, phuu*** oouff

who made him the expert....he obviously does not understand what people are going through there...i know

Let us not forget that the independence of the USA was aided by the French and somewhat the Spanish... Granted, the people of the Americas were separated from their British monarchy by an ocean which allowed them to feel more dissident towards it and the idea of a sovereign government more likely and attainable; whereas the people of Iran are subject to their own, homeland government. Interfering by means of aiding the Iranian people in a coup would not necessarily, by my viewpoint, actually be 'interference' if your intended goal is freedom and a government that is, "... for the people, by the people".

I know I am not the most up to date person on world affairs...but...

To me, this sorta feels like America might be stuck in a harder spot. I agree that we should let Iran do what they do regarding their elections as it is still up to the main leader to dictate what Iran does. But, do we not help the Iranian people if they ask? If we do, do we create more conflict for ourselves but more specifically for the Iranian people? I dont see the answer as black and white but maybe there are a combination of answers or actions that not only America but the world should take? I think that Iran is a touchy subject for more then just the US...and I know they are not thrilled with us....and I am sure some of that is our doing.

How do we take a postive and beneficial position without making things worse for anyone?

We have a really big problem, We don't know how to mind our own. Yea lets send your sons and daughters over there because mine are staying here. Colonialism at its worse. I feel ashamed sometimes. We ned to wake up fix our own problems and lead as an example not as an big brother , We as americans just don't have a clue. Change starts from within and the people will rise, they do not want nor need our intereference.

We asked the French to interfere you moron.

US should stay out of the affairs of Iran least it backfires on us. They are a sovereign state and should be allowed to mend their own system. Let their people speak as ultimately they are responsible for their own political system. They were responsible to bring the corrupted Shah down and putting the religious dictatorial leadership in power.

Now they can reverse what they had put into power, as difficult as it would be, they are the sole authority to do so.

Our government needs to mind our own business. Any interference could lead to big trouble with the guy that just won the election "according to him". We have stuck our nose where it doesn't belong too many times and it has gotten us into trouble. Let them work this out for themselves like we did with our Civil War. They will appreciate their newly won Freedom more!

Moorhead is right. If the international community, i.e., the United Nations, isn't concerned with what's going on in the Iranian elections, then we shouldn't be either. Elections for any sovereign country is an internal issue and all other countries should respect this aspect of international affairs. Any credibility the USA had in the past in regards to influencing such matters has been gone for some time now, way before the first Gulf War for that matter.

Dear Nancy, because Bush was an idiot not politician!

You wouldn't like it if I came into your house and told you how to run things in your home would you? Same concept, so just sit back, relax and enjoy the show. If the Iranian people really wanted a democracy they will get it. Now it's just a matter of how bad they want it. Are they willing to sacrifice? Our ancestors sure did.

Agree 100%

The democracy expressed in the streets of Iran is a pleasant surprise and the level of protest admirable. There seems to be hope for Iran after all, in its peoples ability to guide thier own direction. Things should calm down, return to normal, truncheon or not, and they will have to wait out the current president and his foolishness unitl the next. Sound familiar?
This will give the opposition time to organize for change.
I fully agree, that this is an Iranian problem, and no one elses.
Best wishes to the Iranian people and godspeed the changes you seek.

How would we in the US have felt if Russian came into our country after the 2000 election and 'helped' to stabilize our election?

We are not and never have been the world's peacemaker. Our track record, in fact, is pretty poor even within our own country on human rights–lynchings? equal pay? same-sex relationships?

Yes, there are human rights abuses in Iran. Yes, it would help to have a stable Iran. NO, nothing we do will result in that–only in more ill-will, more anti-Americanism, more blame thrown that we're interfering in another country's government.

We have done poorly in Iraq and Afghanistan.

We need to remind ourselves that these are sovereign countries, not our colonies–and this is the United States. Our Founding Fathers–and Mothers!–never intended for us to annex colonies or rule the world.

We believe in freedom. The greatest expression of that freedom and of our principles is to let the Iranian people work out their own government, their own future.

I remember the hostage crisis–I was in college. We bollixed that one up too.

What's going on in Iran is inspiring. The people are realizing for the first time what democracy is really about: not "rule by the people" absolute, but giving the ruled an opportunity to evaluate the performance and character of their stewards, and replace them if necessary. Ahmadinejad, as the 2nd coming of Hitler, definitely fails that test. A majority of Iran's leaders recognize the threat he poses, and are determined not to let their republic go the way of Nazi Germany.

Now if only Russia could get a clue on that front...!

I think we let them deal with this mess on their own. It's obvious a large element of the population is unhappy, but we don't want any interference on our part to allow the regime to turn that unhappiness towards us. Until mass murder is taking place it's not our business, let the oppresive powers of Iran hurt their influence with their people by demonstrating what they are.

i agree that the u.s. should stay out of iran's affairs, unless we are asked. i agree with a previous comment made that, no matter the good intentions, our interference will be viewed as another instance where the u.s. has meddled in another country's business.

i am Not saying that we should not care about the wellfare of other countries, but i believe the priority of the u.s. should be (for now) to take care of the u.s. take care of ourselves and then try to help other people. i'm all for improving the quality of life for others, but let's first secure the futures of OUR children. we have enough problems of our own.

We need to stay out of this. We have no business sticking our nose in this election. It is not our place. We have a very bad history with Iran, and what we did to them.

Let's put the shoe on the other foot. How would we like it if Iran started to voice their support for an American candidate for President such as Bush v Gore. We wouldn't like it.

if the United States ever becomes a bunch of cowards then I will pack my things and move to another country. You got to be kidding me, we are the face of Democracy all over the world now and forever.

stand up for what you believe.

Well said Mr. Kennedy. You should run for office. And good analogy David with the Gore/Bush election when Gore won, oops, I meant Bush won...

It seems everybody is jumping to a conclusion that the election was rigged, that Ahmadinejad lost and Mousavi won. How can you be sure? On what basis? Just because the Iranian government says the opposite?
So Mousavi won, but by how much? 55%? 98%? How about the Iranians who do agree with Ahmadinejad?

Every country has its problem and they can solve it in their own way. Respect others and mind our own business. We had too much trouble within. We should not police the world. Bring our attention to those countries who really need help.

Doesn't anyone see the irony that Republicans didn't even want to talk to Iran and now they want to meddle in their election?

Science needs to create a pill to cure republican retardation.

Robert Bailey wrote: "Should we be concerned over election corruption in iran? Not as much as we should have been over our own last election !"

So, you're saying stay out? You support Obama and oppose McCain on this issue?

I think you're a bit conflicted. But you know Obama is doing the right thing by refraining from interfering with an Iranian election. He denounced the violence (on both sides), but will not commit our country to any "side" in the disputed elections. They ARE working it out over there, and we should maintain our neutrality while they do so. We will come out better no matter how it turns out.

Does it really matter which Al Quaida sympathizer wins the election in Iran? Meddling in the desert brings large profits for the rich and powerful but yields nothing for the average American.

Look at Iraq- we've basically destroyed the country and now we're paying to rebuild it. Our soldiers are in Baghdad playing traffic cop and getting picked off daily like fish in a barrel.

I honestly feel a pre-emptive strike on Iran's Nuke facilities is over due. As far as warring factions in Iran go, I think we should be selling weapons to both sides. that's just my humble opinion....

I read other comments mentioning human rights violations but I ask...doesn't our government already support supposed "allies" of the US who violate human rights on a daily basis and I don't see the US gov't trying to influence a change in those govt's. I totally agree with Mr. Kennedy that the US needs to keep our noses out of the Iranian's business. The Iranian people must want and fight for their own freedom just as we did. I don't say the US shouldn't help in supplying and arming an organzed civil revolt but, for the US to have the arrogance to give their "2 cent" advice and condemnation because of human rights violations...please...that's pretty hypocritical.

I agree with Mr. Kennedy 1000% for a host of good reasons. One, no matter whose side we take, all Iran will eventually see us as an invader much like Iraq does now. Two, we tend to stay, build bases and otherwise meddle in that ountry's economy. Again, using South Vietnam, Afrans and Iraq as guides – out of every $1.00 we spend in aid, about $.75 cents goes to line someone's pocket and we do nothing about that. Three, neighboring Arab countries will see us as invaders and occupiers. And four – it is really up to the citizens of a country what form of government they really want. If the Irainians do not want what they have now, no one can change it but them. Five – Democracy cannot be imported into Iran. It has to be planted there by its citizens and watered by their blood, sweat and tears (which they are doing now). Again, all we should be doing is to monitor the situation and keep our noses out of this mess.

This isn't like an election here, or most other countries. People are protesting and GETTING SHOT. I'm pretty sure doing nothing isn't going to give the Iranian fundamentalist government food for thought. "Oh gee, look at what we're doing...we should probably start granting our citizens human rights! HeeHee!"

Tyranny and oppression needs to be punished. Everyone whined about the Iraq war being about oil, but the real benefit is we removed Hussein from power, and he was a genocidal tyrant. Hitler, Tojo, the Red Army, Hussein...the list goes on.

Anyone who thinks it's not our place to interfere in foreign issues such as this is naive. Since the end of WWII, we have been the police force of the world. It is our JOB to make sure certain things don't happen again...who wants another World War? Or Holocaust? Other countries / citizens may not like it, but that's the way the cookie crumbles – no one likes cops, either, but think of this country without them.

Phil, thank you. That's exactly what I'm trying to convey. And good call on the looking-down-upon their society. The fact that people are on Twitter alone tells you that at least many of the people (probably the young, and more liberal ones) have caught up with us technologically and socially. This new generation probably isn't all that different from the young generation here in the States.

Freedom is something that you fight for, let them fight for it.

The difference between the interference of United States in other regions have been that they never had such a support they would have from the Iranian people. The opposition of the Islamic regime is more than what we see on the streetsa of Tehran. It is merely the brave ones we see on the streets. If it was not for the fact that it is a great risk to be shoot at, persecuted, or having you family dealing with repercussions, not having to think about what would happen to the family after you are murdered by this "Hitler Regime" – then I guarantee that more than 90% of the people would be on the street right now! So what is the American Philosophy and in what order? Is it Influence, Oil and lastly bringing about human rights, well, either way, if U.S wants to gain the trust of the people, this is an opportunity to actually do some good for once , not for solely our own interests, but for what we have expressed to the world for what we stand for-Human rights, tolerance and freedom.

Greg C., Bubba, and your ilk, you are responding with the same moronic ignorance that has served to make our proud country the laughing stock of the world over the past eight years. During the revolution, our diplomats (Franklin, Adams, Jefferson) directly engaged France to assist us in our war for independence (BTW, their help was NOT provided solely out of the kindness of their hearts). During WWII an established dictator who had attacked and overtaken neighboring countries was stopped by a united coalition of allied forces. The U.S. did not jump into the politics of Germany to stop Hitler from coming to power. We actually had a policy of isolationism up until it became very apparent that our interests were at stake. So, as you see, to say we should get involved in the internal politics of another nation and site the U.S. revolution and WWII is, as I said, purely moronic. Try cracking a history book before you start flapping you lips about things which you have no understanding. While you're at it, try taking a grammar class or two.

regards,

- former USMC
- former Army Intel.
- patriot

If Carter had supported the Shah and apposed the Ayatollah would we still be in this crisis?

Daniel Nelson doesn't know what he's talking about on his post except regurgitating what the 700 club broadcasts. Be original!

I agree that we have to stay out. we have to help them IF and only IF they ask for it. Remember what hapened in IRAQ! now world does not like us because we went there, listening nobody. What we gained from there? are they free now? i do not think so. I believe that it is these countries people's job to do it. We have our own problems here. we are not angels that can help everyone. Where we HAVE TO help, FASTING people of africa who dies just because they can not find anything to eat couple days in arrow.!!!
IRAN is a big country, and their people will find out the way to change everything

I am confused on many posts. For one Bush didn't steal the election in 2000. Our system is different because of the electoral college. In fact that wasn't even the first or second time that a president won the election w/o the popular vote, so I don't understand the comparison. Just look at the Oboma election and realize the EC made it look like he won by a landslide when his popular vote margin was nowhere near as dramatic.

Secondly, I think the term interfere should not be used. McCain never said we should go over there and tell them who should be the winner. In fact he said that if Ahmenidajad was the true winner we would respect that. He just says we should be more vocal in our opinion that all of things don't add up in the election. I don't see a problem with us stating our opinion to the world.

Lastly, both of the disputed candidates hate America so why would we physically interfere to put one in office over the other?

now would be a good time to bumrush them, and take their oil and any goodlooking women they might have. their guard is down.....time to make a move.

@Brian

Who should ask us for help? The government? The people? Your statement was unclear. We should help when asked? Tell me who has to ask before we should help.

I've seen worst beatings on protesters in the U.S. and Israel. Pots and kettles, if you ask me. Like I take the CIA or the Mossad's talking points with a grain of salt either. They're all a bunch of power hungry, despots, policing the world, for the Corporate Royalty that has bought it and taken it over, but that's just if you ask me in my humble opinion. Maybe world war 3 will kill enough poor people to make the oligarchs happy again. They don't care about any of us. Black, white, right, wrong, they don't care about anything but holding onto power, by any means necessary.

I think as Americans we should definitely NOT take sides in another country's internal problems. However, we should definitely show our support for the people in Iran who are risking their lives just to be heard. These folks remind me of the man in the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989 who stood unarmed in front of a column of tanks to halt their progress.

To Lynanne M. Reed who stated, "No other country took part in the US Civil War":

You need a history refresher with regards to the Civil War before making such a misleading statement. While no other country was sending troops or actually participating in combat, there was a considerable amount of diplomatic involvement from many powerful nations around the world during this dark chapter of our country's history.

One example of foreign involvement was in the fall of 1863 when Russia put two naval fleets in American waters – one in the New York harbor and one in the San Francisco harbor.

Look I support Democratic reform in Iran, but it is a struggle that the Iranian people must tackle themselves. There is has been a history of US interference in Iranian politics going back to the CIA in1953 Coup. For this reason the clerical establishment is extremely paranoid (to a great extent justified) about US influence or interference in their political affairs. Moreover, the Clerical gov't has continued to use real and imagined examples of US interference in Irani affairs as an excuse to suppress the Irani Reform movement. Whats the point of the US gov't speaking out against human rights violations when it has the unwanted effect of triggering a more aggressive response against the protesters. Such words of support will only push the Irani establishment to label the Protesters as "agents of the Great Satan". Obama is playing it smartly. As an American Muslim who has lived in the Middle East for a long time, most political parties or movements in the Muslim World don't want to to be seen as "allies of the West", doesn't really do anything for your street cred.

The US government cannot and should not keep intervening in the affairs of other nations, especially in Iran given the history of US-Iranian relations. The CIA orchestrated a coup to topple a democratically elected Iranian leader and replace him with the Shah b/c this was benefical to US policy...we all saw how that turned out. While Moussavi is more likely to be able to improve US-Iranian relations, if the US intervenes it will be in self-interest. Its no secret that Iran is of strategic interests to the US. The people of Iran just like people of every other nations have a right to free,and fair elections but did the US get invovled in Zimbabwe? Why not?

Dan-

Your history lesson was fabulous! My father is Iranian and I still have family living in Iran – and the points you made about the Shah are exactly right. I also think Mr. Kennedy is right on with his comments, and so far it looks like Obama is doing exactly what Mr. Kennedy suggests is apporpriate.

America must always stand on the side of freedom and democracy. That doesn't mean sending troops or dropping bombs. Words count for a lot.

Reagan brought the iron curtain down with words and a healthy defense budget. If we learned one thing from that time is that all those people living in those dictatorships were encouraged by Reagan's words.

We screwed up badly by removing a popular elected leader and installing the Shah back in the fifties. Now we're compounding it by supporting this dictatorial thug.

Nancy, Are you serious? Obama sees the US as the Gestapo? What country did he invade? What phone did he tap? What illegal jail did he create? When did he OK torture. Wrong President Nancy...

If we voice an "official" opinion it could be seen as another attempt by the United States to impose its will on foreign land. I think we'll be much better off letting the Iranians work out this mess for themselves and by themselves. It may well be that the current Iranian president stays in power....but our soft response to the situation may benefit our nation in years to come. Let's put it this way - we have 50 years of history that proves a more direct response does NOT work. Let's try another, more measured, approach.

I think that we need to learn not only from our own history but, also, that of the Middle East and world history too. Our country is beloved and hated around the world for our care and concern for others. However, our care and concern for others usually comes with strings attached. We try to force our believes and morals on another culture. This, results in culture clash. We have a different set of morals and standards. We think all people should live like us! Well, they don’t always want to live like us! We have become the world’s moral compass (as long as it’s a Christian compass). The manner in which we dictate to other countries on how they should live and operate their country has caused a great deal of hatred for not only our country but, it puts our citizens in danger. I advocate that we mind our own business and look into the mirror! Our country has a great deal of our own problems to deal with.

No other country took part in the civil war? really? hmmm...maybe someone should go back to high school

In the end, I believe it is the Iranian people, and not us or our moral "voice", who must stand up for their rights. At some point, hopefully now is a start, they must demand the right to a fair election, fair government, fair rulership, or not. I have known many Iranian Americans who emigrated from Iran. They were all well-educated and very proud. They were not oppressed people. It was clear they only tolerated the more extreme and restrictive views touted by their leadership as an historical overflow from their religious and cultural past.

They have to stand up and say it's not acceptable and they will not tolerate it.

Wow they must have really done a job on this guy when they held him hostage eh?

Dear Mark, Ahmadi Nejad is nothing. He is just a puppet. The Supreme Leader, Khameneyi, is the evil. The problem is in this situation defeating Ahmadinejad is a big defeat for the Supreme Leader because if Moosavi become president, the Supreme Leader cannot dictate whatever he wants.

The thing people have to remember is that in that area of the world people have been fighting over one thing or another for hundreds of years and it's not going to instantly stop overnight. Be it religon or political, conflifts are going to happen no matter who tries to step in to help.

Helping is the wrong thing to do as they need to sort this out themselves and learn to take charge of their own matters.

I agree with the comment by Jason. As soon as the US makes any gesture of support towards the opposition side, the Iranian government and religious leadership in Iran will villify the opposition as being a "puppet" to Western influence, with a true motive of government overthrow. Events should play out as they are. The Iranian government is its own worst enemy in this situation with the way it is attempting to control this situation. Is it enought to cause the people of Iran to take matters in their own hands? Time will tell.

Does anyone think sites such as twitter should come down in order to prevent involvment in a process that concerns only Iranians?

I agree we need to stay out of it. Let the Iranian people stand up far themselves.

speaking of elections being rigged and votes being compromised, how are Americans so forgetful about the 2000 elections? What have we really to offer to other countries that is not without corruption?

President Obama is doing the right thing by not interfering in the current state of Iran. This is the politically current approach to take and very much unlike what Bush would have done. Let the Iranian people chose their own path. They are not calling this a revolution, but a request for a re-election. Calling this a revolution and having the states or other western counties interfere in their business would discredit their efforts to have their voices heard. Ahmadinejad is waiting for this interference. Don't give them the excuse.

This is my last thought for any help for Iran. First , let's have our government clean up/help New Jersey.Then we can think of helping the next place,like New York. Then CA , catching on now ?

Watch quietly. Watch carefully.

We should stay out because if we do try to interfere and if Ahadiminijahd is still the winner then he will probably hate us more because it would seem we openly want him out by supporting the opponent. Also, we are NOT the world police, we have no right to say how their election should be handled or whether it is fair or not. Better to lay low and wait it out and avoid any form of conflicts that might draw more hatred toward us.

Jordon,

As one of the largest exporters of weapons in the world I'm curious
where you sense of morality was when we shipped and continue to
ship weapons all over the world....the mid east leading the pack.

Moorehead Kennedy's right, and posturing politicians like John McCain (who ought to know better) have it dead wrong. Whatever sympathies we have with the protesters and what they seek needs to be tempered with the good sense not to strengthen the hand of Iranian government hardliners who use (and even now are conjuring up) the bogeyman of U.S. "interference" to discredit and emasculate the opposition.

How many of you out there telling Americans to intervene are wearing a soldier's uniform?

As it's been stated previously here, we are not the world police. For those that believe it's a "human rights issue", my philosophy is "too bad so sad". Call me selfish, but we have too many issues here that need to be taken care of. IMO, bring all of our troops home, don't bother with any other country, concentrate on US, the U.S., until we're back on track. How does that old saying go? You can't help others if you can't help yourself.

It is better if US does not interfere with Iran's internal affairs. The further explain this in raw terms imagine two brothers fighting with each other and if one of the brothers brings along a guy who has nothing to do with their fight to help defeat his brother. Regardless of the outcome of their fight a patch up between the brothers becomes more difficult to achieve. And if the third is never involved in the fight there could be a patch up.

Let's get our own house in order before fixing any others. There still remains questions regarding fraud in the Bush Jr. elections.

I think we need to stay out like Kennedy states. Where is our capitalistic side in all of this, lets hope for a civil discord where we can then help our US arms manufacturers by selling weapons to both sides. One sure way to help pull us out of our current recession, sell to both sides. It worked before will work again.

I wonder how we Americans would have felt if other countries would have comented of our 2000 election results and claimed, as some americans did at the time, that the 2000 election was unfair and that Bush stole that election?

Is this not a comparable situation? While one might believe that the Iran election is unfair, how do we know? Do we have the right to make that judgement? And if we do, others can do the same about us!

It is wild to read so many Americans who have become true isolationists in the military policy sense of the word. I thought we have learned our lesson. It is unwise to be an isolationist. Our government has the power to intervene and they should. Why? Because we're talking about human rights, not sovereignty. Do we want America to honor the sovereignty of a totalitarian state? Who cares what some Iranians think. I'd trust the U.S. government over the current Iranian one any day. The best defense is a vested interest, not a good offense. We don't have to help Iran organize a coup or anything.

We as Americans have had our share of unrest- the civil war, the stealing of election by former president George Bush, decades of segregation etc... thank God we’ve passed tru that era; Iran and other country did not interfere in our affairs back then, why should we interfere in theirs?... let the Iranians work thru their unrest alone unless they request our assistance…Democracy is costly and takes time.

The point of a policy is to achieve something. I only see comments about Iran and whether we should get involved or not. People on this site act as if Iran is functioning in some type of vacuum. It isn't and doing something or nothing will have an impact to every country in the world.

We need to decide if we get involved does that strengthen the hand of the establishment or the reformers (?). What outcome do we want and what is the most likely outcome if we do something even if it is only verbal support.

I believe that Obama wants the most stable Iran to negotiate with on the Nuke issue. He probably has assumed that the hardliners will win so he doesn’t want to get on their bad side. He isn’t making a high minded decision that we have no right to interfere or comment; he is trying to create the best climate for negotiations around the Nukes. I would call this self-interest instead of doing what is morally right which I am fine with, could be the smart decision in the long run.

I don’t believe the negotiations on the Nukes will work because Iran isn’t pursuing them in reaction to the U.S. They want the Nukes because they believe that makes them important and players in the world. This is about pride and doing exactly what they claim the US is doing, impacting regional and international outcomes beyond their own borders.

If the French did not "interfere" during our struggle for freedom and independence 230 years ago all of national heros would have been hanged as traitors, and take a moment to imagine the impact of France sending their Navy and putting the citizens in harms way. Without their "interference", there is no United States of America, and George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson would have gone down in history as Traitors and been hanged.

This may be the fate of this brave new generation of Washington's, Adam's, and Jefferson's that are now fighting for their freedom in Iran.

They will surely be hanged as traitors if we do not support them in their hour of need.

It's time to pass it on – Time for free people of the world to stand up and rally together and support our freedom seeking brothers and sisters in Iran.

Take care of home! There are too many problems in our nation to start bullying around another one. Have we not learned from Vietnam and Iraq?

The president is doing exactly the right thing. What has held Iran together, since the 1979 revolution, has been hatred of America (chants of death to America were standard at every rally). Basically, the powers that be there would always use hatred of America as a destraction, to take people's minds off the freedom they don't have. Let's not give them that excuse this time – this rebellion is all Iranian.

If we had perhaps made some objection to a lack of transparency in advance then we might still have a leg to stand on in saying that the lack of transparency is an issue. But we didn't make a big issue of it before so making an issue of it now is hypocrisy.

Regardless, other than raising that concern we desperately need to stay out of it as Mr. Kennedy has said. We have a reputation as a nation that does not respect national sovereignty and even just commenting on this at a presidential level does nothing but reinforce that perception.

Remember This:

all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.
That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

If the people want it they will have it "by any means necessary"

Stand back and watch if asked get involved!!!

We first have the realize that the President of Iran has no real power. His power comes from the Ruling Council and the Supreme Ruler. The people of Iran are not against their government! They are not protesting the Supreme Ruler!
This is no concern of the US. It is all inside the country of Iran. No matter who is President of Iran, the government policies of Iran will not change. You have to know that the protesting candidate believes Israel should not exist and that the Revolution was right in all it did. This is in no way close to a revolution. The people are hoping that if they have a person in office who is more moderate that he can sway the Supreme Ruler to be more open to rights of women, and focus on the economy.

We should stop poking our nose in every situation that arise like this. If we do, then we need to do so in Saudi Arabia and all other Middle East countries none of whom have a democracy, equal rights for women, etc. Plus Africa, and some Latin American nations. Why don't we march to China and poke our nose there too as they don't have a democracy. Every nations's view of democracy is different. Our great democracy was a disaster in 2000 when the election was stolen. Let us fix our nation first. Let us become self sufficient first and then worry about others. We have a lot on our plate.

The Republican's are about less government and they want the government to get involved in another countries business. Is Iraq not a perfect example of such mistakes? Our country is riddled with its own problems. Let's focus on that before dictating what others should do or not do. Insanity is doing the same thing over again and expecting different results.

Nice to see that someone knows their history!

We need to get our house in order before telling someone how to run theirs. No matter what stand we take it is not going to change what is happening there. We have tried this before and not succeeded. So we need to let the people there do what they can to change things. Yes, human rights are being violated, but unless we actually run that country what do you intend for us to do? Just step in and make them do what is right? Have you ever tried that with even your kids? You can't make someone do what is right. The people of that country have to over throw the goernment or put up with what they have. Sooner or later this is going to come to a point where they either fight for what they want or stay where they are now. Past history shows that interferring with other governments and how they run their country can be the downfall of your own. Look at the Roman Empire.

I agree in principle, but grapple with the outcome - the impression that we (USA) are somehow indifferent - or somehow lack empathy at such a critical moment in your struggle for freedom and civil rights.

Please know that there literally thousands are Americans coming to terms with our involvement and interference in your nation over the last half century. We are waking up as a result of events there in Iran this week. We are experiencing deep respect - and we wish with all our hearts we knew how best to help and support those of you in Iran seeking freedom now. Not because we wish to interfere (again) but because we hold certain fundamental beliefs universally sacred - including freedom of thought, speech, assembly and religion. We now look to you (reversing the historic trend) and wait with respect - to hear what (if anything) you need, want or request from us here in the United States of America.

There may always be (even significant) differences between us, but let us both strive for a renewed respect and greater understanding of each other. In your struggle this week - we recognize something of ourselves...in you. Or is it the other way around? Perhaps we are brother and sisters in a greater human family. Remarkable.

Mark L.: You do realize that the Persians have been fighting the Arabs for centuries, right? You do realize that Arabic terrorist groups like Al Queda call for the death of Iran and the Ayatollah, right? The Saudi kings have condemned Iran again and again for "spreading Shi'ism". There are a surplus of ancient and modern resentments, and full-on hatred that exist between the two-entities. Iran's Palestinian sympathies are only a front to the West, and the Palestinians know it (they want nothing to do with Persians and their Shia beliefs). Iran would have absolutely no problem at all with dropping a nuke on two of their most hated enemies (i.e. the Semitic people; Arabs and Jews). Look up Arab-Persian relations sometime and you might be surprised what you find.

I think Mr. Kennedy is right on the mark. Any additional remarks from the White House will play in to the hands of the government and will be exploited by them as "interference from the Great Satan". If the Iranians want democracy, they need to fight for it. I think we need to stay on the side lines and not do any thing that can be used by the government to fabricate stories about the pro-democracy rallies being instigated by US and the western countries.

why aren't you guys talking about human rights in Gaza if you truly speak out of principles?

Kennedy is giving very wise advice - never invade another countries revolution. When are we Americans going to learn to ask ourselves "why do we do the things we do?" That is what young Iranians are now asking themselves. They are reflecting on the ramifications of worshiping a man who kept black slaves and had 15 wives, one of whom (Ayesha) was 9 years old. It seems that we are all being dragged, kicking and screaming, into the 21st century.

As an Iranian-Amercian who voted for President Obama, I'm disappointed in the weak position the President is taking with regard to the current violence and fraud taking place in Iran.
To step in and to question the fairness of the election, which was so blatantly rigged, is not meddling in the business of another country. He need not take sides with the opponent. We'd like him to ask to have an international org monitor new elections in Iran.
More importantly for the President to go on to say that he would continue talks irrespective of these events (that means entertain Ahmadinezad) is a slap in the face. He is essentially saying I don't care if Ahmadinezad is a liar, cheat, dictator, killer of his own people.

I wish I could take back the vote I casted for Obama. I want a man with balls in the White House. I also don't care for the way he is handled gay work place rights (give them family leave but not insurance coverage) and health care. He has a good heart but not the strength.

The old saying "Circumstances alters cases comes to mind...In other words,what with the major set backs our own nation is experiencing,we have plenty on our own plate to tend to.....It's time we mend our own fences before addressing the needs of others.

We need to take a strong stance against this oppresive government that is currently in place. kennedy is so wrong in saying that we need too sit back, Irans leadership has proven that they cannot make good choices so we need to pressure them to give thier people a voice (diplomatically of coarse we dont want to see another Iraq situation).

We need to stay out of other country's affairs. It is time to bring troops home and let the world decide what is best for the world. Keep our arrogance at home and be the best we can be. We didn't ask other countries to do the fighting for us when we wanted independence, and if they really want freedom they need to get it for themselves. The Vietnamese didn't want us and neither do the Iranians. I hope they do well, but they need to do it. When will our leaders learn to mind our own business?

We need to get the hell out of Iran and the middle east in general. The US isn't the world's police. We aren't superman. Our country has been run by people who think we should enforce our will on others. Make things 'right'. Meanwhile, people here are out of work, starving, lossing their homes, and our students are falling behind the world. We need to stop sticking our noses in other peoples business and take care of our own problems. What happens over their isn't any of our business!

We should have no problem with a sworn enemy to the US who decides to go brother againest brother and kill each other. We did it in the Civil WAR.We worked it out and they can too. Better yet pit the two top nuts againest each other and let them fight till there is a winner.

Is it not a bit too harsh to say that Obama "sees America as the Gestapo"? And do you truly beleive that he does?

I believe the president have a personal opinion of how to treat this situation that may not be dissimilar to yours and mone. However, please remember that he is now the president of the United States and, in terms of promoting official foreign policy, should act as one. Otherwise, what do we do, invade and bomb Iran?

Stockholm Syndrome at its worst. There is nothing wrong with us expressing our hope for the success of the Iranian PEOPLE and their electoral will. Where did we get this bizarre fixation on "Sovereignty?" Nazi Germany and Stalinist Russia were both Sovereign Nations. What of it? It confers no more international legitimacy than noting they have lots of cats.

The best thing we could do for world peace is to address every leader of a sham democracy (e.g. Iran, most of the Middle East, Russia, China) as "King (or Queen) [name]," and address the every leader of a legitimate democracy by whatever title he or she wants to be addressed. Ahmadinejad has never been legitimately elected. He's a king, and will always be a king unless/until he can be peacefully replaced.

Mark L, Don't worry. Whatever negative events occur in Iran will be blamed on Israel and the United States regardless of whether there was involvement or not. Both countries have been able to serve as perfect bogeymen for years in order to deflect criticism from the islamofascist dictators.

to Mark L.:
Ahmadinejad could not care less about the Palestinians.
He is after Israel first and other infidels (USA+Europe) next.
Using western logic and cultural experience to analyze and explain fanatic moslem behavior is non meritorious and futile.
When he has the 2 components ready for his nuke: a bomb and a missile, he won't hesitate to use it.
The question are:
Can't we see that destroying Israel is just a first step?
Why are oil rich Arab states so concerned with Iran?
What will the west do when he controls all of the mid east oil?
Should we wait?

While many Americans and others in the global community may want to interfere. It would be a drastic mistake to do so #1 without the people of Iran requesting it and #2 without the consensus of the global community. If the U.S were to interfere in any shape or form the ruling Mullahs will identify the U.S as a common enemy to the Iranian people and the muslim world. This is not a matter of my personal opinion, this a pattern that historically has repeated itself over and over. The U.S must tread very carefully and allow the Iranians to work this out themselves. True democracy from within Iran, by the people of Iran will hold much more respect than forced democracy imposed on Iran by the U.S.

To all those who disagree with Moorhead Kennedy who BTW has actually lived in that country and knows more about it than most Americans begin to, ask yourself how well you would have received the Iranians meddling in our 2000 election and telling us what to do. You may not be able to be honest about it, but I can tell you most of you would have not been happy with them at all. It is only ignorance or arrogance that allows you to think it's okay to meddle in someone else's business. It is also insane to be woorying about their country when ours is a mess. Worrying about Iraq and neglecting the US helped get us where we are now.

It is difficult to stay on the sides and wait for someone else to do things, but we should look at theresults we have gotten in the past, Noriega, Pinochet, Castro, (our guy) Magsaysay, Bin Laden but you get the picture. The idea is like having a neighbor who is only noddingly aquainted with you barging into your home and telling you how to live. You can also look at other domestic disturbance stories, the factions may unite against the intervening party. Our history in the middle east has shown that the U.S. government has never understood the people and cultures of that region. If the U.S. is to interfere, we need to support the United Nations if that body decides to act. In Iraq we have an example of hot emotion sending the U.S. as a lone actor. Another benefit of using the UN is that that may get the members to join the US in Afghanistan, where we're already muddling along.

I would like to know why the US has to think they have any say in any other country but their own? Leave the other countries alone and concentrate on the United States. I have talked to many people online and they feel that the US doesn't have a right to manage other countries. Even speaking with Israelis whom I think are formidable people (and this was speaking to some about 10 years ago – 1998) they think they wouldn't have the problems they have if the US would just stay out of their and other countries' business. I totally AGREE!

What all of you see on TV and online is always skewed to one point of view. Example: a video of girls at a bus stop being hit with battons by police. What the media focuses on is the girls getting hit. What they dont focus on is the beginning of the video. The girls are in a circle kicking someone on the ground. Toward the end of that video you see who was on the ground. A police officer. Always two sides to a story but the media skewes it toward a western agenda. We should leave them sort out their own problems.

As far as if we should get involved with Iran what so ever , Especially a helping hand for there people , is a direct confrontation with the government officials. It is quiet premature won't you say ?? We need to have an existing relationship, something over having nothing, with the leaders of Iran in order to help with their policies and current humanitarian issues. Even though that would mean dealing with the current disfavored president whos term will end in 2013 . It gives us an oppurtunity not to cross the radicals but rather transfer our message from them to the people ( a sign of respect to all ) . A more peaceful approach and will help the people of Iran get their votes heard for a fair and righteous election in 2013. Maybe then the people can have a pro-western president that will tranfer the true message of the iranian people, a message that will bring a calm peaceful tone from Iran to the rest of the world.

Great idea Daniel!! And while we're at it, let's invade them, dump billions of dollars in to that invasion, set good ol boy network KBR up with a few no-bid contracts–let them electricute a few of our finest men and women–because everything is hunky dory back here in the good ol' US of A!! Wow...you people just don't get it do you? You're worse than the religious fanatics over there with your type of thinking. Yeah, that'll bring peace...another US intervention in a region where everybody is pissed at us as it is, while our president bends over backwards trying to repair decades of damage done in that region (the so called "apology tour"...wow really?? I'm sure we'd be WAYYY better off if he went over there both guns blazing, chastising them for not copy-catting the baby nation of the world). Daniel Nelson, you have my vote for US Ambassador to Iran...NOT!!!

Moorhead Kennedy is right. Don't interfere. If the Iranian people want change, they'll do it themselves.

That's all the US needs is to stick their nose in something that doesn't concern them. As for looking at elections, look at the ones concernng bush for president in the US. Talk about a stealing an election.

If we interfere in this, I'm leaving America. I'm deadly serious.

To: "To Iran"

I am pretty sure we are already involved. It's simply a matter of how our leaders are going to handle our involvement. Who are we going to trust in Iran? Who among our men can we trust? The task at hand, given the US's global involvement is less "do we get involved" and more, "ok Mr. Obama, what should we do now?"...

If we're talking about public involvement, well yea that's a fairly sensitive issue isn't it? I would advise against any public address on the matter especially aired to the muslim world. but that's just me.

I wonder how we would have liked it if Iran decided our 2000 election was not fair and decided to help us count the Florida presidential ballots? It's their country and while we should espouse free and open elections, their political system needs to deal with it.

When we tried to help Iraq look what happened? The democrats had a field day with President Bush over him taking a stand against what was going on in Iraq. If we don't want the "same" thing, we'd better stay out of Iran's problems. In Iran's election case, the only difference in the 2 candidates that were running were their names not their politics.

i wish the USA gets its nose out of Latinamerica.

When Katherine Harris didn't allow a recount of Florida votes George Bush became president even after it was determined Al Gore would have won. When will we stop being hypocrites!

Anybody who has siblings knows that if you're in a vicious fist fight with your brother, and a person WHO YOU BOTH RESENT steps in to play "peace-maker", the brothers will quickly forget about their dispute and turn on the stranger. If the U.S. steps in...in any way....it would be the greatest disservice for those seeking reform in Iran. Stay out of it America!

I'm in agreement with Mr. Moorehead. We often speak out of both sides of our mouths ... Here at home, we want less government interference. Abroad, we want more ... What gives?

I don't believe, like, condone any form of extremism. Iran scares me. But it would scare me a great deal more if we attempt to stir up further the nest of resentment and hatred.

AEKDBKEN

The question we should be asking ourselves is not "Should we encourage 'fair' elections, reject human rights violations, promote basic freedom for the citizens of Iran, etc." Of course we "should" do those things. The question we need to ask is, "Will US interference in this matter accomplish any of those goals, or will it only worsen the situation? Do we have the diplomatic currency to make a positive impact, or would are involvement only amount to self-righteous meddling?"

I believe we should support the Iranian people but stay away from the politics. This is a crisis for the Iranian people to solve.

It's a fine distinction we have to draw here. I don't think any American really likes Ahmadinejad, or even comes anywhere near tollerating him. But we can dislike him and get absolutely no say in who they elect. If we don't let them sort things out, aren't we becoming a dictatorship in someone else's country?

Once America or other countries are threatened, like actually threatened, then we can take steps to remove Ahmadinejad. Until then, we should follow the Prime Directive and not interfere in the internal affairs of another culture.

I believe that we need to stay out of it. America is not police of the world. If the Iranian people want change then let them do it in their own way and in their own time. We need to take care of our own back yard before we go messing with others, for crying out loud the we still don't actually elect our own president, the electorial college still has that power.

So when the French helped us in the revolutionary war when England was eating our lunch, they shouldn't have? You folks have no memory do you.

I think we should stay out of Iran's internal affairs. Just like we want Iran to stay out of our internal affairs.

If we want any traction with Iran in future I think we must treat them as equals. You know, I'm okay, you're okay. Let the Iranian people speak and act for themselves.

Further, we don't need to give Iran any ammunition against us.

Katy

The problem with situations like this is we Americans tend to waive our moral fingers and leap in to save what we think is happening. There in lies the problem. We are ignorant by nature. So let's say we jump in and aid the Green party and then later... Ooops... we find that there really was a majority in favor of the current leadership... then what? We have plenty of immoral acts happening right here in our own country every single day and we don't raise a finger to stop it, so why should we meddle further in a region of the world we have already fundamentally enraged and destroyed. Greed, that is why... There is a buck to be made in Iran, and by golly, we are going to go and get that buck! It's time for Americans to reflect and grow up. Please... for the world's sake!

I voted for Obama, because he was the best of the worst, and in some small way I felt he was different... well shame on me! We are still dealing with the world in the same way, just with more intelligent rhetoric, and that is all. Our country is led by those with money, and those that have access to backing of people with money. Let's fix those problems here first before we worry about the other countries of the world struggling with manhood issues.

In a country that doesn't even value a vote as we should, why do we care that a vote in another country doesn't matter. A political vote here has become a popularity contest (much like Americam Idol) or based on marketing and name recognition. We voted in as president an idealogue with no experience and who spouted the all important "Change is coming". And now the word "trillion" is being bandied about as though we really can picture how much that actually is.
Why should we get involved in another country when we can't even get involved in our own?

That is a problem we should not interfer with. We are NOT THE POLICE of the world despite what ever one thinks. Our Fore Fathers are rolling in the graves right now with the mess this country is in. We have the problems we do because we are to busy meldling in other countries affairs when we have more then enough of our own right here in the USA. My thought is stop policing the world, shut down our borders for a couple years and straighten out the mess we got going on. And for the public to stop whining about the CIA. The keep us safe at night, and however they do it is none of my business or anyone elses in the public. if you forgot what other countries do to our hostages, maybe you should search some of and watch the beheading of those poor contractors in Iraq who were only there to help rebuild...

America must stop policing and running other countries and take care of it's own for now. We have spent contless dollars feeding and policing other countries and our own goverment has forgotten that we are struggling and hungry here too! Would you feed your neighbors kids while yours are hungry? would you get between a couple as they have a spat? We need to mind our own business and mind our own country men!!!

PLEASE – stay out of Iran. We have enough going on with the economy, loss of jobs, Iraq, Afghanistan and a president who makes promises but only puts us in debt.

When Bush stole the election in 2004, which country came in to help us??

This guy instantly moves to the head of the queue in terms of credibility.

Things are already possibly going our way there. No need to meddle.

As far as I know we have no real way of knowing whether the election was stolen or not. And I have little doubt that we have been trying to foment trouble in Iran for some time now; it was one of our "side benefits" of Iraq. So, I'm skeptical. It seems to me that whenever the opposition to foreign heads of state that we don't like loses an election, our news media is always all over the ensuing protests, but we see very little when our preference wins. Whys is that?

A candidate apparently preferred by a majority of the country's elite being upset at losing isn't really a unique situation, and a minority, no matter how large, should not be able to demand new elections until it is happy with the results.

If the election was in fact stolen, the movement will advance. It could advance in any case. Outside of truly independent multinational election monitoring we should shut up, and that includes the undue prominence of media coverage which has quite obviously chosen sides.

I quite agree with this man. We should "do nothing". First, the religious rulers of Iran do have any final say in who is elected, therefore, it does not matter who is elected. Nothing will change in Iran. It is foolish to think that these demonstrations will result in some gigantic change in the policies of Iran. The Iranian people inslaved themselves when they took the Islamic government over the Shaw. They traded one form of slavery for another. The "freedom" they think they have is nothing more than an illusion and will not suddenly change by a "reform" candidate, who by the way, is not really a reformer in the way that most American's think of reform.

it is nice to hear a voice of sanity in this chaos Mr. Kennedy, yes the people of Iran have to stand up for themselves, if they feel they are wronged in the lections then i'm sure they will have to grow strong enough to deal with their government but us to take some imperialistic approach of trying to dictate and enforce fairness around the globe is just about as ludicrous as expecting Mr Bush to step aside and let Mr Gore take office

The only people on earth that want the United States to involve itself in this Iranian election problem is Israel and US supporters of Israel.
For us to get involved would only fan Iranian hatred of US meddling, lead to more tension, and allow Israel to initiate it's genocide against Iranians like they do against Palestinians.

If the Us wants to help in the mid-east, it should look at the Israelis and "force" them out of the West Bank. More than 500,000 Israelis (and this number is growing daily) are living in the West Bank outside the boundries of Israel–this is unacceptable and should be corrected the easy way or the hard way!

Interesting comments/blogs. Wish it were possible to selectively respond.

Overall, as Mr. Kennedy said, there is and has been great resentment against the U.S. There is not necessarily a generational shift because the real and true governing power are the ones most against us. Let's not forget that the President of Iran is just the symbol–or a puppet per se.

Let's also keep in mind that the U.S. has already interfered (for better or worse) in two countries' affairs bordering both sides of Iran. Then on top of that, North Korea is drawing us closer, so the last thing we need is to hold the burden of conflict in 2, 3 or 4 countries.

Last point to mention is the haughtiness of the US and many of its citizens in thinking that we are like the Roman Empire, the Ottoman Empire, the Greeks, the British (in their peak colonization era) in that our way of living ought to be the stamp for all countries (in spite of proven sustainability in that respective country) to live by. If one argues about human rights, this is not about that at all. Many countries in Africa need that attention desperately.

–Adam G.

Minding your own business is NEVER a bad idea. I am glad to hear Mr. Kennedy express the fact that the Ayatollah controls the country, so who gets elected is his decision anyway. If you think any of this concerns the US, you are part of the worlds problems. The last thing we need is more ill-will and to get suckered into another unwinnable occupation of a sovereign nation. And no yeah-buts – You want that we should decide who runs China?
Choose your battles wisely.

If all of my friends were everything that I wanted them to be, I wouldn't have any friends at all. It's a basic principle that mirrors live and let live. Our ability to lead by example is more powerful and effective. Our tendancy as Americans to feel we have the right to meddle in the business of other nations is what makes other nations and the Muslim world despise us to begin with. The youth of Iran want freedom from oppression and they are fighting for it just as we Americans did. Mr Kennedy is right not to mention a patriot. The difference between John McCain's republican attitudes and President Obama's common sense ring through once again. How far out of touch can republicans get? Can I vote for Obama again now, or do i have to wait 3.5 more years?

actually, apart from usa citizens, very few people in the world would view the usa as "the beacon of freedom" and bringer of democracy, least of all iranians, who have us to thank for the god-awful shah regime. supported by usa, it wasn't terribly democratic , was it? i don't recall people here belllyaching about it too much, and demanding freedom for the oppressed iranians. the main difference was that the shah was OUR dictator, and the current regime in teheran ISN"T. the same goes for saddam - no one wants to remember the many years of snuggling with him. so, let's ease off on the self-congratulatory sentiment and hypocrisy, ok?

in fact i think i see more democracy at play in Iran than was in US streets when we should have been protesting the Bush/Gore results,

I have warned people for years, if the USA goes into Iran or bothers them we will have a serious war on our hands!

Most Americans do not understand the religion nor the culture of the Middle Eastern countries. They do not realize that Wars have gone on for centuries and will continue to go on.

We are going to cause a global war soon. Most of the people see us as "the ugly American"
Most Americans do not respect the cultures of other peoples. They think because we send money to foreign countries they should love us. It usually goes into the hands of the leaders not the every day people.
So America get educated. They do not want us in their countries,nor do they want our Christian system!

We must but out! We can not own the world. We sure can start a war, by running interference. I lived as a Christian in Iran. I lived in India, so I know from the natives.

A free election does not guarantee peace. It does not guarantee better relations with the US. It does not guarantee respect for human rights. Hamas was elected fairly...just because the people have a choice does not mean it will be a pro-US choice. Many of the naysayers are operating on flawed assumptions. I agree with Kennedy 100%, we need to stay out.

this is iraninan buisness only,noone else especially us.where were all you good people who when saddam used your chemical weapon on iraninan people and you said nothing.where was mr mccain who all of sudden loves iraninan people when rumsfild was shaking saddams hand for killing iraninan and was not too long ago when mccain sing a song ,bomb bomb bomb iran.so all you who fell bad for this nation,please stay out of it.they will take care of themselves,they always did and will.

so I sit and I see what is going on with theses protests in Iran and realize that the best thing for the US, to do is stay out of it. We don’t like any other country in our business, So we should stay out of theirs

Ok whatever...how would you feel if we were not free and others stood by and watched our liberties trampled on...Oh wait, thats happeneing to us, as well, by Obama and his socialist party.....We shouldnt do anything directly but at least Obama could give the people his support instead of being his usual spineless self. He has the spine of a jellyfish. Yet, he has no problem telling Israel, one of our few allies over there, to do what he says but he cant tell dicatators to let freedom prevail . You liberal bedwetters have a screwed up view of reality. You dont know what reality is...just living in your liberal world of stupidity and ignorance!

If it's a human rights issue, then I suppose we'll be interfering with China and North Korea soon, huh?

Whenever a conflict like this arises in some foreign nation, be it Iran or Iraq or North Korea or wherever, why is it that this question always arises? I'm speaking of the question of "What does the United States think they should do?" When I have an argument with a family member, do I want the guy that lives 2 blocks away to come to my house and tell me how to handle it? No of course not. I wouldn't be a responsible, independent adult if I did.

If Iran is to become a true democratic nation, if they want to change their government, they must do this on their own. They must take ownership of their own problems and solve them together as a nation. Democracy means that the people rule, and such a government can only be established by the people. Without a true revolution, the people will not value their government. The things that you value most are those that you earned with your own sweat and blood.

And if we were to help, I'm sure we would want some sort of influence in the region or in the way the new government is established. History will always repeat itself.....think Platt Amendment people. If you dont know what it is, Google it, it would be a direct parallel.

This is for all the dumb americans like Daniel Nelson who seem to think that US should go meddle in other countries affairs.

You guys have been screwing around with these countries for the last 60 years for your own benefits. Stop doing it. Bush rigged elections too but you did not do anything about it. Did you see other countries complaining when bush rigged elections? Just because you want to rape the country off its oil and the president wont let you do it, you guys want another guy for the job who will let you drain their country.

You guys got involved in numerous coups in the Islamic world for your own benefits like oil. You orchestrated many assasinations and coups of leaders elected through democracy. Remember Mosadeg? You guys need oil and money. Please put a lid on your greed. DONT MESS WITH OTHER COUNTRIES.

don not interfere in the affaits of a sovereign state huh?? ok then.. for those who believe this way should then silence their hoorors of human rights violations arounnd the world... let genocide take place... let the worlds poor die of disease and malnutrition..let the drug lords grow and make their drugs in their soverignn nations... so on and so on... if we are to believe in soverignty..then we need to take the good with the bad and mind our own business

For those of you who think we need to go stick our noses in this, think for a second... If we were going through a simiilar ordeal & there was unrest among our population, how would you feel about China or Russia stepping in & telling us how to resolve our problems?

I agree we should stay the hell out of this. By getting involved we are imposing on another sovereign state without invitation or just cause... Is the US in any direct danger because of this?

We are not the election police. We are not the humanity police. And we are not the morality police of the world. For far too long we have acted as though we are, which in many ways is the reason that terrorist organizations & some nations in the Middle East hold negative views of the US. While we have a responsibility to stand by our allies & defend our interests, we have no right at all to meddle in another nation's internal affairs.

Please sit back. It 's not the US but the UN that can be helpful. The UN was pretty helpful when we were defending IRAN against the iraqi invasion in 1980. We want a RE-election under UN supervision

Dan and others who feel this is a human rights issue and we need to go in and make things right.... well then why aren't we in myanmar and china and sudan and kenya and .....

Think about our civil rights and vietnam protests – both rife with human rights abuses and violence. How would we have felt if Iran or anyone dare stick their noses in our business?

Mr. Kennedy is right. We need to stay out ... .

the first time we got involved in irans politics was when we were instrumental in the over throw of a legitimate govt. we helped install the shah. it has been violence and blood shed every since then. i think that US citizens should continue to help iranians via the internet. world citizens helping other world citizens to tell the truth and disrupt the current dictatorship. the US is the last country that should be throwing stones. we have a long history of supporting brutal dictatorships and indirectly causing the torture and murder of millions of innocent people-all in the name of corporate greed.

What Mr Roberts follow up question SHOULD have been was "So, I guess everyone can shut up about Darfur, Zimbabwe and all other hotspots where the citizenry are being trampled upon both physically and politically - after all they are simply 'internal matters of sovereign nations'. Should we disband the UN too? No more sanctions for bad actors! North Korea has every right to point their missles at Hawaii if they want to? " Very shallow reporting - typical.

Dan, there may be a generational shift but the president of Iran was involved in 1979 as a student in taking the hostages. The new generation may want change but don't underestimate their solid foundation of anti-western beliefs. Fundamental change does not occur in 30 years...especially where religion is involved.

Are you people nuts? We can't even run our own elections properly here! Just ask Gore, Franken, or just about anyone in Florida ...

Anyone who says that we should interfere is not thinking with their brains. If we take a side, then we doomed the side we are supporting by allowing the hardliners to say we are interfering and taking sides. How stupid are you people. We don't like people in our business and I would say that every congressman and woman, every senator would yell bloody murder if Iran put their two cents in our election so to all of you Hippocrates, sit back and please just shut up. We would be much better off.

I think that our country should stay the hell out of this... it's not up to the US to deal with everyone else's issues! We have enough problems here at home that deserve attention. Maybe we'd be better off if our government was as concerned about domestic issues.

It is nothing less than hubris and arrogance for Americans to argue that we should say or do anything to support any movement in Iran or any other country. Those Americans who think we should interfere, how do they feel about foreign governments when they try to interfere with America's internal affairs? Shouldn't that standard work both ways?

I agree. We need to keep out and keep our comments generalized. Give 'em (the current regime) enough rope, they'll hang themselves w/o our help. There was a wonderful article, on of all places, Al Jazerah on-line, yesterday that gave insight into why this has happened and how the cleric have boxed themselves in a tight one w/ limited options for the cleric and the ultimate decision maker himself.

I agree that is it disrespectful to Iran to meddle in their election affairs. They are not asking for our help. Generally, helping or advising someone who does not ask for it or need it is a display of arrogance and pity. Interfering with Iran's internal affairs would imply that they don't know what they are doing and that the US is better than them, which is not an image that the US needs. That image is so 2000-2008. It's time to show respect, not pity.

When this same thing happened here in America back in 2000, nobody gave a crap. So, why now?

Moorhead Kennedy is absolutely correct. We need to change this attitude of trying to control other countries affairs. That is this country's business, and the right of its people should not be circumvented by other governments, any governments. Granted, Iran is a very aggressive country not seeking peace with anyone, especially our friends in Israel, or any other nation. It is very possible that the election was tainted, but that was also a rumor circulated here in the USA a few years ago. This is the very reason that our recent leadership has alienated us from the entire world. We need to stop bullying other countries and try to attain some semblance of peace through dialect so that we can gain some respect and take some of the pressure off of our citizens who travel and live abroad. This past attitude of controlling WORLD affairs is no different than street gangs and cartels trying to control the flow of drugs in the streets of America, which is where we should be applying our efforts.

We should remember there is no such thing as a-nanny-mouse and never has been since the beginning. Your government is peering at you now as you speak and we aint in Iran.

We will never be able to influence peace in the Middle East. Their core values are the polar opposite from ours. We live different ways of life and there's no problem with that. We need to quit playing the World Police role and quit spending billions overseas when we have enough problems here at home.

This is a very sensitive situation. I really feel for the Iranian people and I pray for their circumstances which is causing loss of life. This is their election and I as an American sure wouldn't want other countries to be involved in our elections and/or disagreement of outcome. I don't think we should interfere as most likely it will come back to bite us. Let the people of Iran work this out. Unless this evolves in to a very violent and chaotic situation and their Government pleas for assistance then we should cross that bridge and evaluate where we may need to be involved at that point.

There is another lesson here too, it was not that long ago that many in this country were calling for the bombing of Iraq which would have killed many of the innocent people these same people are demanding that Obama do more to help now. If we had listened to the forces in our own country that wanted to bomb Iraq (see John McCain's singing career) there may never have been the uprising we now see. When you are directly threatened (WWII) you should react, but when you are not directly threatened (YET) it is frequently best to stay out of trouble and let people sort things out themselves. History proves my point again, and again, I am just wondering when my fellow Americans will begin to remember history. Not holding my breath waiting for it.

To bad this guy is not in government now. He is right, this is none of our business. What if other countries had tried to interfere in our election, when Bush stole,highjacked or whatever he did the election from Gore, what would we have said?

It is absolutely imperative that the people of Iran be the pivotal force towards moving their country towards a democracy; a domocracy, I might add that will be nothing like what we in the US experience because of THEIR cultural beliefs and customs, but that is THEIR choice.

Colonialism will never work; it does nothing but create animosity in the citizens of these countries towards the US, Great Britain, etc. Let the Iranian people voice their movement. They are strong enough to fight for change, just like the founding fathers of this country were...stop this superiority approach.

Yeh there were a few that stuck their nose in during the civil war. Profiteers mostly.

Guys we support what I call "selective democracy", when it is in our interest we put up with dictators and tyrants even we financially support them for example Hosni Mubarak of Egypt, King Abdullah of Jordan and Musharraf of Pakistan.

So I say let's keep our hands clean and stay out of it. Let's not get all righteous about this.

I understand the need to not interfere from a government standpoint but from the humanitarian stand I think that Americans and others around the world who are helping Iranian students get information out of the country through technological means is admirable.

I do believe that if the government were to start bringing tanks out and military equipment then the US should lend support somehow through a third party anonymously.

I concur! Stay out of it.

It is absolutely imperative that the people of Iran be the pivotal force towards moving their country towards a democracy; a domocracy, I might add that will be nothing like what we in the US experience because of THEIR cultural beliefs and customs, but that is THEIR choice.

Colonialism will never work; it does nothing but create animosity in the citizens of these countries towards the US, Great Britain, etc. Let the Iranian people voice their movement. They are strong enough to fight for change, just like the founding fathers of this country were...stop this superiority approach.

American intervation in Iran hahahahaha did they interfere robbed Al Gore??????

I have to agree with Mr. Kennedy also. When did the United States become the ruler of the planet?

Why do we continue to force our beliefs on other countries? We don't have to share their point of view but neither should we force ours on them.

I do agree they need new leadersip, the guy is a nut, but it is up to them to make it happen, not us to force it on them.

The US REALLY needs to mind it's own business and pay a little more attention to it's own country...we continue to dump millions into other countries while this one goes belly up.

We should not intervene here, we should keep quite and a low profile. People bogging here do not know or understand that if US starts meddling, the establishment in Iran will take that as excuse to crackdown forcefully the demonstrations and many could end in jail and or killed. I think Obama is proceeding in a very intelligent way.

I agree with Mr. Kennedy. No matter how you look at it, we are unable to "bring" democracy to a foreign country. By definition, this change must be led and implemented from within–by the people, the constituents that are represented by that particular polity. If the people's will is not being heeded in Iran, it's because things haven't gotten so bad that they choose to change it. As hard as it may be to sit idly by, it's up to them to decide when to embrace democratic values. That's not to say we can't serve a humanitarian need (providing refuge for the persecuted, offering aid, etc) but we must not interfere with their political affairs. To do so would serve our own nationalistic needs and preempt the establishment of any true democratic movement that may take place from within its borders.

"America is supposed to be a beacon of freedom" – then where were we/are we in relation to all of the atrocities in Africa? Why aren't we going into Myanmar or North Korea? Why do we sit by when China beats some heads? Another point – why do we waterboard and rendition people that we deny due process? That's not very "Beacon of Freedom"esque, is it?

It has been proven time and again that the best thing we can do in the Middle East is stay out of it, except in the case of Israel – then we need to pressure them to stay out of as much of it as possible. The Islamic world needs to approach modernizing on their own terms, or we just end up the scapegoats.

To everybody who says Iraq worked – yes, it did – for Iran. If all violence stops tomorrow, Iran still wins. There is no turning that around now. The one check on their domination in the region – Saddam Hussein – is dead now. We have to pull out some time, and when we do they back the majority sect – their sect. They win.

Not that this is all bad. We are a convenient scapegoat, but their people aren't stupid, or overly bloodthirsty. Their mullahs either. They know we can kick some serious butt when we feel like it. What we have to do is get out of their way.

Help Palestine establish itself. We keep Israel inside their borders, condemn all acts against people who are minding their own business. Let Oman and the UAE shine as the beacons of Arab countries using their money to better their populace, instill a middle class. We have shown time and again that we don't understand the Arab world, and everything we do there pretty much backfires. Stay away from anything that angers them, let them modernize themselves. If they can't do it by the time the petroleum runs out that's their problem.

If we're meddling with their affairs all of the time, we just give their upper class more ammo to point people's anger at the US instead of where it belongs – their own upper class who denies them roads, schools, hospitals – the infrastructure to make their countries and people rise up. The oil money pouring into these countries is huge, and it's just going to their rich while the rest of the people live in third world conditions. It is deplorable – but it's not something we should address.

If we are the world's watchdog, there are other places that need more watching (Africa). I vote that we're not – and so does the Monroe Doctrine. I'm sick of pouring money down the drain -into no-bid contracts for Halliburton and Arab contractors who blow up their own work so they can build it again. I'm sick of American kids dying to secure a situation that means zero for us. We should be chasing down OBL, capping him and his cronies and going home – and he's not in Iraq. I don't know that he's ever been there, and we're pretty sure he's not there now.

The US should concentrate in solving their own problems at home. Stop interfering in someone else's business. Whoever appointed America as the savior of the world?

At this point, the best thing we can do is observe and let the situation play out. The Iranians (Persians) have a long history of being able to govern themselves, well beyond the existence of the US of A.

As a nation, we don't understand the region, it's politics, it's religions or it's culture. We tend to focus on the negatives. We supported the Shah, we supported Saddam, some of our most respected people even supported Hitler. We're not the last word on who is a good leader and who isn't...

Remember too, the opposition leader is not exactly a proponent of our idea of "freedom". For that matter, I'm not sure we could get a consensus in the US of what "freedom" means, particularly after reading some of these posts.

This is the approach that cause Mr. Kennedy to become a hostage in the first place. President Carter was a very hands off psudeo isolationist and thats what let the Irainians know they could over run our embassies and take our citizens hostage and not have any reprimand. Thank God Ronald Regan had a different approach, one that the Irainians obviously feared or Mr. Kennedy would most likely still be a hostage.

A couple of things:
1. This discussion is NOT about if Americans should CARE – it is about whether or not we should take ACTION. Everyone supports democracy in Iran, the question is how can we act (or not act) to support the wellspring of democratic passion in the streets.

2. How can we best support democratic passions in Iran? If we were to act, what would that action be? More importantly, how would those actions directly support or hurt democracy in Iran? First, military action is foolish. Democracy, by its very nature, must come from the people and not an external entity. Second, covert support would backfire – see 1979. Third "tough talk" about how wrong the situation is would backfire. The hardliners would dismiss the opposition as an "American Puppet" thus killing the whole thing. Go through our election history to see how socalled "communist sympathisers" or other candidates that could be tied to foreign undesireables have been crushed electorally. Fact is, our OFFICIAL support or action discredits them in the eyes of the rest of Iran. Based upon these facts Obama is playing it as he should – uninvolved.

3. The point is how best to support the situation. That means how best to empower the people to make their country more democratic. In this case, that means to do nothing at all. Any link between the protesters and official US policy would taint and discredit their whole effort.

4. One last comment. I am so sick of the partisian garbage in this country. If I hear any more comments that draw upon partisian stereotypes I am going to scream.... People need to deal with real life and not the fantasy land divisions dreamed up by Palin, Limbaugh, and Gingrich....

Sincerly,

A Registered Democrat and 8 year US Army Veteran....

Okay, the last time we got involved with another nations issues it got us where we still are, Iraq. Its not up to us to dictate the inner workings of any other nation. I understand the human rights issues but still, its their country and their crisis. I mean come on people do we not have enough going on here as it is. We need to sit back and let Iran work out Iran, and then we can deal with who ever is left when the dust settles. It sounds harsh but thats the reality of it. Alot of us here may not like what we see but we must respect their coulture and the way things are done their. What works for us is not always whats best for others.
-VV

I agree with Moorhead Kennedy. It is difficult to see our friends and relatives die in Iran, but try not to react emotional. I have read an article in the hard-lines news paper yesterday. The hard-lines manipulated Obama's speech and published it in their newspaper, Keyhan. They already made connections between president Obama's speech and the protests. I was a student in the protests in tehran in 1999. One of the reasons that they could suppress that protest was making relationship between the students and the United States. Please be very careful about what you say and word usage. Iran is a barrel filled with nitroglycerin now. A small mistake can explode it and that will cost millions of lives and in the worst situation WWIII. Only human rights organizations and NGOs should speak out loud and condemn this violent behavior. If you care about Iran and your friends and relatives who live there, please shut up.

For all of you who keep drawing analogies between this election and the Bush election, you have no idea what you're talking about. The Bush election was decided in exactly the way the constitution laid out through the electoral process. Grow up.

It's an internal problem, let the Iranian people sort it out themselves. We can just watch and pray, but we musn't stick our noses where it doesn't belong.

Listen to someone that's been there.

We need a President who lives by his campaign promises: don't meddle in other nations' internal affairs. Our concept of human rights does not work everywhere! The West has messed about the Middle East long enough. Trying to sort out Iraq and Afghanistan is already costing far too many American lives, and the American tax payer a bundle.

Don't we have enough problems of our own? Let's tackle those ... and listen to people who understand the world at large; to wit: Moorhead Kennedy.

As an iranian i would like to thank many of you for your support.
Americans are great people and are loved and admired by majority of iranian people.we are not crazy fanatics who hate USA,this is a picture that mullahas and Ahmadi Nejad want you to believe.reality is far diferent than you might even dream!!!watch the daily show with john stewart that aired last night online.See for yourself.
Any American who visits iran knows that.
I believe current policy is great(non interfence)unless regime resort to absolute repression to silence people then the whole world should react and NOT recognise Ahmadi Nejad as president and treat the regime as totally illigitimate.

You cannot interfere in a sovereign nations internal affairs. A country belongs to its people if the people want change they must bring change themselves. They must believe in it for themselves and if it is necessary to fight they must fight for it themselves. Just like American colonists fought the British empire and the French Revolution against the monarchy, freedom comes from within. It takes sacrifice and it is difficult, but when it is truly won it will last.

When did the US become the new USSR (Russia)? Are we now going to start pushing democracy on other countries as Russia did once with Communism? This whole thing is Iran's problem and we should leave it to them to take care of it. The US has a problem if sticking it's nose into things that it shouldn't, and then when things go wrong when we do, we wonder why it went wrong. If they need our help they will ask.

We have no right to stick our noses into anyone's election. Has everyone forgotten about Florida and Ohio? I live in Ohio and I can honestly say, I am not sure my vote counted. Until the US can clean up it's own act, we have no business pointing our finger at anyone. But, I am happy to see the protesters and people speaking out in Iran!
Maybe we should take a lessone from them and take it to the streets as well.

We need to stay out of Iran's electoral process and get involved in the Minnesota debacle. Those people deserve to have two Senators; the US deserves to have 100 Senators. Hey GOP – let our people go! Let John McCain worry about Minnesota – he knows very little about foreign affairs.

Did Iran attempt to interfere with our contested election of 2000? No, and we would have been morally outraged if they had. We have a HUGE track record of meddling with the Middle East, and even though some of it has even had good intentions, it has left a legacy of high-handedness that the locals resent. I have served in Iraq, and have no intention of being sent to Tehran to shove "democracy" down someone's throat. Their system works in its own way. Let them solve it.

When I counted the responses in this blog it went somewhat like this:

Against intervention: 152 (82%)
For Intervention: 33 (18%)

What it tells me: We seem to be getting smarter (maybe it is those wheaties in the morning).

GI Joe – Are you part of another CIA experiment on LSD?
Don – Our DUTY to invade? … Were we declared the “enforcers” by the UN? (I need reference please)
Mc Cain comments? – Why do you think that the cadaveric candidate lost the election?
Human rights violations? Before you look at the soil in someone else’s rear, look at your own hole first … Guantanamo, human experimentation, use of forbidden substances during war, incarceration of innocent individuals (see innocence project), denial of habeas corpus, violation of international treaties regarding detention and imprisonment of aliens, spying on US citizens, denial of treatment to critically ill persons, assassination of foreign leaders, … just to name a few.

Kudos to Soldier, Sazzad, John, Dan, Roger, Mike, Lindy, and so many others not listed because I got tired of counting.

Off topic, but I love that I can express my opinion here without concern that a group of jack-booted gorillas will kick my door in and beat the snot out of me or drag me off to be shot in some unknown place. Long Live Freedom.

There is no point in getting involved with Iran. They are a muslim theocracy. Thier laws and rights(lack of), Are based on the koran. they will never know western style Democracy. It makes no difference who the president of Iran is. I would like to see the people riot, and protest about the religion which is holding them hostages. But they will not. They are brainwashed, Just like the Christians are in the USA.

Our government officials need to refreain from commenting and interfering in this country's political situation. This is one fight we don't need to stick out noses into. And so far, Prez Obama and others haven't made many comments, despite Iran's rants that we are "meddling."

We can't solve every world crisis and it's better if this one is resolved by Iran's own people. I'm sick of losing innocent young lives to Middle East oil interests.

I'm reminded of the Golden Rule. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

The USA would not accept other nations interfering in our election process, no matter how obviously flawed. We must treat Iran in the same way or further reinforce our image as hypocritical moralizers.

If the Golden Rule isn't good enough, look at the track record. Every time the USA meddles with some other nation's elections/governments/rebellios/coups it always comes back and bites us. A previous poster mentioned Bin Laden and Saddam. Don't forget about happened when we sought to 'free' Korea and Vietnam. Failure...expensive failure.

We must learn from history. Do not interfere.

It's not up to us to decide what is best for other countries. They don't have to have fair elections if they don't want to or anything else. Who made us the police of the world? They have every right to do what they want over there and if the people of Iran don't like it they will change it themselves. We should be worried about bigger issues and not spread ourselves too thin over the world. For once I wish this country would put as much effort into it's own affairs inside it's own borders as it does overseas.

Bubba, I used your very same argument when Saddam Hussein invaded his 2nd neighbor, at that time Kuwait. Ie, that if we sit and do nothing, where will the aggression lead...especially given the history of WWII.

One major problem with your argument in this case though - Iran has not invaded anyone. How in the world is the current Iranian leadership just like Hitler, when they haven't launched an invasion of anyone?

I agree they are very corrupt and their support of terrorism is indefensible. But, I just don't see this as another Hitler.

Americans have an EGO beyond their huge bellies. Stay out of other peoples countries. How many in here screaming for human rights when they support torture of captive prisioners in our own land. Do you really care for human rights? Where are the balls to face China for instance? Not one sign of outrage because we owe our pants to them. Or Darfur? There are plenty of places on Earth that could use our charity without waging a war. But then they suddenly change the motto. Shame on you all, our arrogance is what brought us here.

I WAS IN THE EMBASSY ON 14 FEB 1979 WHEN IT WAS TAKEN OVER THE FIRST TIME. THE FACT THAT I WAS IN COMMUNICATIONS MEANS THAT I SAW A LOT THAT THE PUBLIC
DID NOT SEE OR FOR THAT MATTER, UNDERSTAND. I ALSO
THINK THAT WE SHOULD KEEP OUT OF THE IRANIAN POLITICS AND PLACE OUR INTENTIONS TO HELP OTHERS WHERE IT
WILL BE APPRECIATED , DO MORE GOOD. ENOUGH OF IRAN, IRAQ, AND OTHER COUNTRIES WHERE OTHER COUNTRIES HAVE BEEN AND HAD TO LEAVE IN MUCH THE SAME SHAPE IT WAS
PRIOR TO OUR ARRIVAL.

What I think is being often overlooked here is what "President" actually means in Iran. It's not like our Presidency where our elected leader pretty much runs the show. Iran's President has little power compared with their Guardian council and the Ayatollah in particular. Anything their president does or undoes in Iran can be easily overruled by the theocracy above him. Further, what I think is being overlooked is the religous component, the dogma in Iran is that the government is an extention of divine power itself. It's not just meddling in the politics of another country, but meddling in their religous beliefs (that as westerners we have VERY limited practical understanding of) as well. Can you imagine all this commotion and uproar for someone who has the general power equivalent of the Speaker of the House?(no offence to speaker Pelosi intended).
The facts are these: EVEN IF we were to interfere and the BEST POSSIBLE outcome were to occur, and we help oust Ahmedenajad, it would do NOTHING for the deFacto situation. The Ayatollah would still be in charge and his word would still be the final authority in Iran. No change in ultimate Iranian policy would be realized whatsoever.
Those that cite Hitler and WWII are just rediculous in my opinion: at most there have been 9 tragic deaths in this uprising. 9. To compare this with the massive atrocities commited by Hitler and the third Reich is an insult to the memory of the millions, let me say it again MILLIONS that died in that conflict both before and after we got involved. Get some perpective, WWIII this is not.

The people claiming we should interfere in Irans elections don't understand is this is EXACTLY like a Domestic Dispute.

As every police officer knows when you come into a domestic dispute like this and try to resolve things 9 times out of 10 BOTH parts will turn on the officer.

The same thing is true here. If we try to interfere or take sides then BOTH sides will blame us for meddling. The only way to not be blamed is to let them work out their own problems and hope for the best.

The only reason for ANYONE in the US to wants us to meddle is so they can keep Iran ticked off at us so the country can be used as a boogieman to scare Americans during election time.

This is truly sad - however, we must remember that neither the "winner" nor "loser" stands for democracy - both are basically cut from the same cloth and support the supreme (Islamic) leader of Iran and his authoritarianism.

Until the people of Iran wake up and decide they want "true democracy" - not just re-counts - there's not much any other country can do - except to protect themselves vigorously against the security threats that this tyranny poses.

In addition, we as a nation have enough in our plate, our economy is staring in an abyss. Everytime USA interfer the world condemn us and blame us for everything. I hope we won't be blame by the world community because we choose to be bystander instead of active participant.

Let the people of Iran determines their own change without any help from us, they would be better as a nation because of it.

Before the civil rights movement blacks where being discriminated in this country. How would you feel if the USSR had influenced policies or invaded the US to make sure that people's rights and equality are respected.

Iran is a sovereign country. They will have a revolution if they want it, this is no business of ours.

To Jay in Denver
If you look at the continuing lineage of the face of the Republican party, Rusty LIMPbrain ooops Rush Limbaugh, Palin, McCain, Joe the Flounder, I think it becomes pretty evident there is little hope for a cure for Republican mental midgetitus.

History speaks for itself folks – Israel took out the nuclear reactor in Iraq under Saddam Hussein's regime in 1981 and then again bombed another nuclear facility in Syria in 2007. I will NEVER put it past Israel to take out the nuclear facilities in Iran. The IDF forces are probably the best in the world. For such a small country as Israel to defend herself against all of her neighbors during both the six-day war in 1967 and then again in the 1973 Yom Kippur war, let's face it, Israel knows how to protect herself. Also, let's not forget – Israel is a Nuclear Power state herself. And for all you non-believers out there that need more proof – May I recommend you watch the movies – 'Munich and 'Raid on Entebbe'? Israel is the Holy Promised Land, and believe me when I say the G-d of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob has his eyes on Israel and will ALWAYS PROTECT HER... The Iranians don't quite know with whom they're fooling with. Even if the Palestinians do not see eye-to-eye with Iran, you still have the Hezbollah terrorist organization in Lebanon. Hezbollah is a terrorist organization supported by Iran. A nuclear warhead dropped in that region would wipe 'em ALL OUT... And oh, by the way... let's not even talk about Israel's crushing offensive against Beirut, Lebanon and the Gaza strip...

The US reputation in the middle east is so bad, it's like a poison touch. If we were to endorse Ahmadinejad, that might be about the worst thing that could happen to him. Seriously, we have enough trouble as it is, with an economic disaster due to the looting by bank/investors, the seeming conclusion of US auto production, trade and budget deficits and high levals and getting higher, all while fighting two wars against intractable insurgents half way around the world. Let someone else step up to the plate to defend their idea of democracy and fair government. The only ones who could would be the EU, and you can bet they won't.

If one wants a clear reason why John McCain is not president today, apart from his lack of understanding of economics, what was going to happen in Iraq, his support for Bush in his failure to capture Ben Laden in Afganistan, and his now extreme and retarded right wing views, is his lack of experience in foreign policy despite being in the Senat for over a quarter of a century (especially with respect to Iran) and the history of the Middle East. One has to ask the following question.....what will John McCain do if the Mullahs crack down a la Tiananmen, invade Iran?

Yes. Let's not get involved in the domestic affairs of Iran. Let us express hope and support for freedom without meddling in their business.

Freedom and truth will find its way through human expression and experience and not by the will of government....free men and women choosing their own destiny is the best path.

My hopes and prayers are with the people of Iran.

Perhaps those that think we should intervene should ask: Should we have expected the United Nations or Iran to intervene when Bush stole the election due to Florida's mistakes. Give me a break. Idiots who think we should be the parent to all the other countries in the world are fundamentalist more evil than the Taliban.

Anyone who wants to help Iran should take a flight to Tehran and take up the cause. Of course that would make you insurgents and the US state sponsors of terrorism. A US propped up government will have less legitimacy than the current one does. Comparing OUR revolution to theirs is apples and oranges. We were a colony, they are a sovereign nation.

Ahmadinejad or Mousavi there is no difference, they are 2 sides of the same coin. Is mousavi pro-western? I find that laughable if you have followed his carrer during the Iran-Iraq war. He has already said he is for going ahead with the nuclear weapons program. If anything, Iran will become stronger under him, a stronger enemy for the US and Israel without a doubt. This is not a true revolution in Iran, not until the Guardian Council and the corrupt clerics who have been feeding of the carcass that is Iran get thrown down from their lofty heights and get stripped of their secret Swiss bank accounts filled with hundreds of millions stolen from their people. No the Iranian people are not ready to do this, so there will be no revolution.

He is absolutely right on many points.
A. It matters very little who is President in Iran. The President is a total puppet of the Religious mullahs, in any event.
B. Protesting the election only plays into Ahmawhat'shisname hands. His only platform seem so be that the U.S. is always trying to interfere and he is against U.S. interference. Why help out his case by interfering?
C. This is the fight of the Iranian people. They are a sovereign nation. You can bet if they call us for help and we help them, they will hate us and condemn us for helping them.
D. Their doesn't seem to be any military elements that supports the disenfranchised group. So, it is only a matter of time till Ahmawhatshisname wins.
E. They are not our friends like Great Britain, France or Germany. Why should we provide help to people that our not our friends?
F. It would go down in history, as yet another chapter of U.S. meddling in Iran.
G. In short, express a general sense of misgivings, but no more. The Iranian people need to earn their own freedom. It will be valuable to them if they do. If we give it to them, they will somehow twist it into a humiliation that's been imposed on them..

I agree. Stay out of it. We need to stop worrying about everyone else's business and worry about our own. There is something definitely happening in Iran, but we need to let that develop on its own, without interference.

Want to fix something? Fix 9% unemployment.

The kids can thank their parents for bringing these nuts to power nearly 30 years ago. We should stay the heck out, and if they kill each other – sad as it is – so be it.

It's an absurd ignorance to suggest Mousavi is a quest for freedom and Ahmenejad is the anti-freedom candidate.

These conclusions are being drawn by people who apparently have no information at all about Iran, save commentary thats based on other commentary, finally causing them to draw their own 'independent' conclusions...talk about hook in mouth.

I'm always a bit dismayed about how people draw conclusions in this manner. It's foolish to say the least.

If you knew more about the situation, you might conclude that neither candidate represents freedom. Or the contrary, that both candidates represent visions of a free Iran, within the context of their own culture.

Why would being held hostage to the U.S. world view be freedom? Why would being independent of the U.S. be considered lack of freedom? Subservience is freedom? Independence is totalitarianism?

Frankly Iran is like most democracies,a burgeoning middle class and jobs and wealth = reelection. Bad economy means the opposition is looking better....maybe enough to win, sometimes falling short, but usually a bad economy helps the 'out of power' faction.

Translating that into quests for freedom is so much gobbledy gook.

The key issue here is not "cautious diplomacy" but rather a violation of human rights, which is so apparent that even Obama's daughters could see.

The Obama Administration is standing back to see what is going to be the outcome of this crisis and then take sides with the victor of this battle. At the end of day, the outcome of the elections will not necessarily have a huge impact on the Iranian government's stand on nuclear energy. However, they will, as leaders of the free world, carry the stain of being totally oblivious to human right violations for until the end of time.

How refreshing to hear an intelligent opinon voiced by a reliable source. these statments could not have been more accurate, understandable or reasonable.
Are there more people out there with similar minds. Oh, of course, we have President Obama and his Administration.
How amazing that President Obama is doing exactly the right thing.

The US has no business or even credibility talking about free and fair elections after what happened in the 2000 and 2004 elections. Americans sat back and let their own elections get stolen right from under them. how could they chastise other countries for rigging elections? hell, at least Iran has paper ballots!!!! cant say that about america. so aleast you COULD go back and recount them. I wish we could do that here. who really has better election processes? iran or america?

I am amused at what some of you folks wrote. The U.S. is the democratic almighty of all the Worlds, and therefore we should shove it down others throat. If an election outcome is not to our liking, then it was not a fair election. Bush vs Gore ring a bell? I never heard anyone in Iran, Iraq, or wherever for that matter, protesting and demanding a recount. It is so easy for some of you to sit back pass judgement on others, while under this false sense of freedom and democracies. Wire tapping ring a bell? For those of you that skip history class for the gym; Iran had a democratic government that we overthrow because he did not do what we want him to. Now we are saying to these very same people that we want to bring democracy to your country.

A special on the French freeing us; there would not have been any G. Washington, Jefferson, and the likes. The freedom the past men and women fought and die for, does not equate to what these folks in Iran claim they are fighting for. The freedom you site that the Iranians want that many sought centuries ago is ludicrous. These new generation don't want nothing more than the right wear tight clothing, expose themselves in public, gay & lesbian bars, strip club, mtv, and likes. In other words...GARBAGE.

Stay out of the internal affairs of Iran. Let them acuse us of interfering if they so desire. For once this country needs to keep its big mouth shut.

A note to "To Sarah": Your own post lacks antecedants to the pronoun "they" and modifier "their." This recalls a saying about people who live in glass houses.

I wholeheartedly agree–it's important to say, or not say, the right things at this point. Regardless of our reaction, I think most Iranians clearly understand our general position: we would like reform in the country, improved civil liberties, scaled back militarism, etc. But when we express that thought in the middle of their turmoil it is certain to be seen as meddling, and will ultimately produce a backlash in one form or the other.

To think: we can learn from past experiences, respect the history of a country and people, and understand their political institutions–even when we disagree and before we cultivate our foreign policy. Hasn't been done enough in recent times.

I love how the Republicans are all in favor of "free and fair elections" in Iran and are trying to act as if they've cornered the market on supporting democracy. These are the same people who went all the way to the Supreme Court to stop the recount in Florida in 2000 and who have done all they can to suppress votes in state after state where they control the legislatures. Please.

So seat back and watch the fanatic government killing students one after the other.

Why should we care?!

And then there is the fact both candidates are EVIL. How many thousands were executed when the guy who came in 2nd place was PM of Iran? oh yes, just as many as the current president. both hate the US, GreatBrit and France and will stop at nothing to use the Iranian Military Machine to mingle in our affairs. Let the Iranian people figure it for themselves.

sazzad
you are sooo very right!!!!!!!!

Although I believe things are somewhat different in Iran today than they were in 1979, I totally agree with Mr. Kennedy. Besides, even if Mir Hossein Mousavi is successful in getting another election and wins, the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is the one in charge and he approved the election results initially. This is no win situation for Iran and the United States. Moreover, there is no way that we, as Americans, would have allowed another country to interfere in Bush v Gore.

To Justine:

Involvement does not mean "taking over." Help does not mean "invade."

What I am sure the US WILL do is converse, have meetings, and learn about the Iranian situation first hand. As a result, we will give our opinion internally and hopefully help them.

To all: So many comments read "we don't need to stick our noses...etc"

Yes, we do. If I see a burglar break into my neighbour's house via the bathroom, and a woman is in that bathroom, I'm still going straight to that bathroom to help that woman. It is very simple. We are not nations, we are all people. The US must and HAS to be involved.

I'm glad to see so much support for what Moore is saying. We sit up here on the 49th parallel and watch CNN perpetuate the myth of America being the bearers of peace to the world (a gift that is given to it with M-16s and Hellfire missiles). The rest of the world sees through this. The American government is not the white knight of the world. It's the nosy neighbor you wish would stop knocking on the door everytime a strange vehicle travels down the street. You know, the one that drives you to leave your curtains shut on that side of the house.

Would someone please refresh my memory on how Iran interfered with our election in 2000 after Bush fraudulently stole the election from Gore?

Maybe we could lend Iran a team from ACORN under the leadership of Jimmy Carter. They have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to running backwards elections.

I completely agree with Mr. Kennedy. In our present global structure, sovereignty is arguably the most important element of a state. Iran has its soveregnty and that needs to be respected. In any of our debated elections, did Iran or other nation's try to interfere?? How would we, as American people, have felt if the UK had demanded a recount when Bush won instead of Gore?? Simply put, unless it directly threatens our vital interests, their politics are none of our business. Let us stop trying to pretend to be all-knowing and give the Iranian people the respect and dignity they deserve: let us trust that they can deal with their own problems in their own way.

I remember Iraq- we intefered and that changed our country forever. Some said we should, others said we should not. I remember the protests in our burning streets during a war and which saw death on a college campus at our own hand. We would not have appreciated foreign interests jerking us about for their best interests. This is the struggle of Iran for self determination and the kind of government they wish for themselves. We should remain respectful of that struggle and the sovereignty of that nation- even if we disagree with it. And if that time comes when many of us do not agree with the direction our government is taking us and we take to the streets against each other I hope others will do the same for us.

Our Republican folks here are keen that we poke our nose in Iran and other nations and spread their kind of democracy: Stealing elections, divide the nation based on race, wealth, and hypocrisy, spread guns (even in national parks through a credit card bill!!!), total disregard for our finest men and women by sending them to missions which are based on lies, etc. etc.
Please you Republicans: if you believe so hypocritically about freedom and liberty, give up the senate race in Minnesota. Don't steal that one too knowing your records.

Lynanne M. Reed wrote: No other country took part in the US Civil War… it was ours to figure out, and we did.

Ms. Reed, you should brush up on your elementary history books. The Confederacy used Bermuda as a stopping point when running domestic goods to England and returning arms to the South. Though there was no actual participation by England, the Monarchy did provide support to the Confederacy which most likely prolonged the war and led to more deaths and casualties than necessary.

Mr. Kennedy has experienced it first hand. If it is not the people, the current government can act unkindly with the US citizens currently in Iran – North Korea's imprisonment of the reporters is an example. Iran's view of the US may have changed but irrational and uncontrolled mob reaction is still not predictable. The US should keep away from any direct support until help is requested by a credible agency – the UN may be the best medium to make such request based on humanitarian grounds. The US in its present economic crisis is wise not to get into monetary involvement now and even in future without economic benefit for the US. Gone are the days, we had money to throw around to save other countries only to face change of political cliimates and suffer criticism for involvement.

I agree with Mr. Kennedy whole heartedly! We need to mind our own business and stop telling the world that the United States is going to push our values onto any and all countries. In the old testement of the Holy Bible, the various groups who are today known as muslim supporters hated Christians and would kill anyone who didn't believe as they did. This attitude has NEVER changed, and this hate is taught in Islamic schools throughout the world today. So how would we EVER think that we could go into a country with these basic beliefs and change their attitude and make them a country with freedoms like ours? We need to spend our time and efforts helping those in this country who are out of work, who need to be trained for a different job, and can live in a free society without going crazy and killing their neighbors because they don't worship the same way.

We don't need to be messing with Iran. We need to be focused on fixing OUR country right now.

I wish every American would read a book called "All The Shah's Men" or at least look up "Operation Ajax" to better understand why Iranians distrust the US. They know their own history, but we don't know ours.

I say we meddle behind the scenes and push the people of Iran to continue harrasing thier government. Maybe even push them to attack Ahmadinejad. Remember here, that it is suppose to be a government of and by the people....we seem to forget that. I hope Iranians can make it happen. Fight for the cause my brothers!

Stay out of it, let it play out, and respond in kind. I think most of us are tired of being the worlds policemen. There are many countries that have oppressive leaders.. we cannot get involved in all of them.. and when we do we are accused of doing it for alterior motives. Our record in that region is miserable with Iran and Iraq.. Leave well enough alone and see how it plays out.
I dont see anyoen helping us when things are bad.

I believe we as a nation should allow other nations to determine their own fates...we had to fight for our freedom from England, with much blood shed being a result. We have enough problems of our own in this country (crushing debt, medical care for all, economic downfall, hunger, etc.) and we should focus on our problems. If foreign countries want our help, they'll ask for it.

Why do we continue to push our will where it is not wanted? Those people do not need nor want our arrogance,and I cannot blame them

I totally agree with Mr. Kennedy , for us to stay out of their elections . It should be their citizens to resolve there unresloved issues either with their elections or leadership.

Kennedy is right on this one. It is time to let them do some self determination. No one is kiiding themselves into thinking they'll end up with any more freedom than they had before the election. But we need to stay out of their process. There is enough resentment against the US in that country already. Anything we do will just be perceived as more selfserving meddlling, which is what it would be at this point. If this begins boiling over into armed conflict that spills outside the country then reconsider. But at this point it should be hands off.

dan,
In case you haven't noticed, the supreme leader of Iran isn't your generations, and isn't familiar wit the term 'human rights' I can only assume that you are someone who thought that we should sacrifice blood and empty our treasury to 'save' a little wealthy, oil rich nation from its self appointed ruler..... I MIGHT have supported the war after the fact if oil dropped to $10 a barrel,... not $140 like last summer,... the oil rich nations are punishing us for not paying attention.

Hey – here's a guy (Mr. Kennedy) who embodies a true "conservative". Keep to your business America and certainly don't presume to be the "fix it" specialists for the rest of the world. That kind of arrogance has only hurt our standing and our ability to lead.

We are far better off to stand by and allow this to play out. The hard line Clerics and Politicians will still accuse the U.S. of inteference but let's not give them any grounds to make the case.

As Reagan policies helped bring down the Soviet Union, the young people in the Islamic world see President Obama as an indication the U.S. is truly capable of change and a force for good in the region. Let's keep it that way!

If we state obvious facts in our news (i.e. "They announced the election winner in hours, but haven't done a recount in days" etc.) then we're okay. But this is their business. They (Iran) want respect. The best way to show that (and earn their respect back) is to let them evolve themselves. Whether for the positive or negative (in our perspective), then we can re-engage politically based on their outcomes.

To interfere in any other way would go a long way into America's less than perfect reputation of trying to run the world.

Funny, we are sooooooo concerned about interfering in the internal affairs of Iran, yet we give them a pass when they meddle in the internal affairs of Iraq, Palestine, Israel etc... with their state sponsored support of terrorism. Oh, wait, supportiing terrorism in another country is hmmmm, wait, yes, it's providing aid and comfort to freedom fighters, right? So we should just sit back and ignore the state sponsored terrorism world tour the Mullahs are on and bury our heads in the sand? I do hope we get involved so some of the people on this board do leave for good. Maybe Iran might be a good first place to try to settle down with the family. Have a nice trip.

As a canadian I will tell you. KEEP YOUR NOSE OUT OF IT. Haven't the United States put their nose in enough problems and caused more? Let President Obama take care of this. He is going about this the right way so far.

If we were willing to go after Saddam merely because we didn't like him why no Iran's "President" as well??? The guy is severely evil and misguided. The fact that nobody has bumped him off yet is an absolute miracle.

I love the people arguing about human rights. In this country we have people being exploited everyday in the workforce. We have illegals being murdered for the color of their skin and being exloited for their labor. We have gay tax paying citizens that are denied the right to co-exist with equal rights and we have hunger, poverty and denial of access to education for blacks.

Their argument is we need to go into another country to save them from human rights violations.

Listen up, clean your own house America! Pass immigration legislation. Allow gays and lesbians equal access to rights. Allow for healthcare reform LIKE EVERY OTHER ADVANCED NATION, then tell me how we need to save the Iranians for freedom.

To all those who are suggesting that we get involved in a hostile country's national elections to ensure they are free and fair, I'd suggest that we first petition our government to set an example with a friendly government, namely Saudi Arabia. There are no national elections in Saudi Arabia!

I completely agree. Let the Iranians figure it out. Even if there were a good reason for interfering, we wouldn't be gaining anything. The opposition candidate doesn't seem all that different from Ahmadinejad. My guess is we'll still be dealing with the same Iran at the end of the day. Remember Ayatollah Khomeini is the real man in charge, so these elections are a farce anyway.

Mr. Kennedy is absolutely right. Leave Iran alone. That is their problem. We've thousand problem in our hands. News media is focusing too much.

I sincerely hope US will listen to the voice of professoinal wisdom and stay away from Iran. The sooner the US will stop getting agitated over fair or unfair election in Iran, the better before we begin to hear of WMD. The US can no longer afford more of her youths to waste for other countries. Iraq is still taking the children of America. U S of A, STAY AWAY FROM IRAN!!!!!!!!

As a hardcore Republican, I have to disagree with Mr. Kennedy. I think that in order to bring peace to any other country in the world, we must wage war against its people first. Because without war, peace would be meaningless.

I agree 100%

Well said, Mr. Kennedy. We need to keep our sticky little fingers from poking others in the eye.

Sit back, grab some popcorn and just watch. Things will shake out the way they should without any help from us.

Isolationism rocks. If we leave them alone, they'll leave us alone. It's so crazy it just might work!

Only not...

To William, who references WWII history as if he was an expert, you are correct – we did have a policy of isolationism "until our interests were at stake". By that, of course, you mean when Japan bombed Pearl Harbor in an attempt to cripple our Navy in anticipation of an eventual invasion, right? Thank god we didn't...I don't know...try to step in and stop Japan from attacking China, or maybe let Hitler know "Hey! If you roll tanks into Warsaw we're probably gonna knock you around a bit!" Think what might have happened – maybe a few minor military operations (Operation Polish Shield) could have prevented the worst armed conflict in the history of the world.

But no...turn the cheek, let them resolve their own issues as we did. Excellent idea, because that has worked so well for so many other countries. Like...umm...

And to those who have the audacity to say "I bet no one in uniform is saying we should take action", keep that card in your hand. Mr. Obama never wore a uniform at all, and he's the head of our entire military – I'm just as qualified as he is to weigh in on this subject, if not more so.

The US is already interfering. It's called the Voice of America which is being beamed by satellite into the homes of the Iranian people. The Voice of America network is funded by the US government and is telling the Iranian people that their elections have been rigged and all sorts of unfounded allegations. 40 million people voted in the Iranian elections and demonstrations by protesters (even though they may number hundreds of thousands) doesn't prove the elections are rigged. If another country were to beam propaganda into US territory, the US would have shot down their satellite but the Iranian government has to tolerate US meddling in its affairs because of the US's military might.

"All that is required for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing." Thanks to Obama and men like Moorhead Kennedy, few good men only belong in the the Corps. If we did like Obama and Kennedy wanted we'd all be speaking German, Russian, or maybe Chinese in the future. No doubt Obama and Kennedy would've turned blind eye to the Holocaust and Hitler.

If they want help in this matter, let them be the ones to ask for it. You don't just go over to someone you think is choking and give them the heimlich without asking them if they're choking first...

With 10's of thousands out in protest, I think they're getting their message across just fine. People need to fight for their own rights once in a while, its healthy.

What's going on in Iran is complex. There is a power struggle at the top levels of government. It's really between Rafsanjani and Khamenei. Ahmadinejad and Mousavi are players to some extent and proxies to another. So far this has not been a call to topple the government. It is a call to shift its priorities, policies and programs.

This is not revolution; it is evolution – which is always a slow process. The US may want to accelerate it but there is no way we can. We have two choices: act or observe. If we observe, Iranians will proceed at their own pace. If we act we will give hardliners an enemy against which they can unite the country to their side. We will actually stop Iranian progress! It doesn't even matter what the nature of our "involvement" is. Whatever we do will be seen as interference in domestic affairs and generate backlash.

You show respect to a sleeping bear by letting it sleep, not by poking it.

When the Iranian people sort this out to our liking, we can ask for their help in reversing the ACORN tainted election last fall.

One last thing on partisan stereotypes:

1. The Lincoln Administration (Republican) is responsible for the creation of the IRS

2. The Nixon Administration (Republican) gave us the EPA

3. FDR (Democrat) gave us the GI Bill and the successful prosecution of WWII

4. Woodrow Wilson (Democrat) got us through WWI

5. And Andrew Jackson (Democrat) is the only president in history to ELIMINATE the national debt – that is eliminate ALL federal debt not just balance the budget (both parties have frequently balanced the budget; Jackson ELIMINATED ALL national debt).

The bottom line is that the more the US interferes the more it will strengthen the very forces it seeks to diminish. Let this issue be about Iranian hardliners vs. Iranian reformers, not Pro Iranians vs. Pro Americans (the kiss of death for any protester momentum).

Why can't educated people see this clearly??

Has anyone thought to ask whether either of these factions even want our support? Neither side wants to viewed as sympathetic to the US or any western philosophy. We need to sit back and wait until the dust settles and deal with whoever remains in power. The west can only hinder this process.

We should absolutely stay out of Iran's election. President Obama is doing the right thing by not interfering, and John McCain and the Republicans are all wrong. We cannot and should not police the entire world. Every country does not have to be like America. We have enough problems of our own to solve.

For all intents and purposes the election in Iran is to elect a puppet or figurehead for the ruling clerics. The president of Iran has little or no power to institute change. If anyone thinks Iran has a democracy they are uninformed. IIran is a theocracy run by a group of clerics. There is nothing done that does not have their direction and approval. At least the women of Iran have the right to vote, unlike some of our so-called friends in the region.
We need to stay out of Iran's internal business.

I've seen some compare this to Hitler in WWII, or to the French intervening in our Revolution. Well, I believe in WWII the other countries requested our assistance. We sent that assistance as materials for the war. Once we were attacked, we then jumped in with both feet.

I also believe that we requested France's assistance during or Revolution, but I could be wrong.

I would not have an issue with assisting another country stop an invader, or another country's citizens (a viable opposition government) overthrow their leadership.....If we are asked to do so. Stepping in when not asked is not the thing to do. In the first Gulf War, we stepped in when asked by Kuwait. We went as far as to get Iraqi forces out of there, and less able to attempt to do it again, then stepped away.

Same thing we should do in this case, *if* we are asked for assistance. Give that assistance, and then step away.

Amen, Mr. Kennedy...we have our own issues to resolve here, within our borders, and being protrayed as "the watchdog" of the world will eventualy bite us in the @ss.

As much as we would like to interfere, even the opposition supporters would not want us to. They have all been indoctrinated to believe that all of their problems stem from meddling from the U.S. Yes, the U.S. has meddled in their business and they ALL resent it. Iranians in particular need to take care of their own business. They are not fighting over democracy. They are arguing over two candidates that don't really have an iota of difference about them. So, it's all very ridiculous really to see them standing up for absolutely nothing. If they wanted real change they would amend their protests to include the one gray haired fool who has all of the power because the idiot citizens believe he is their eternal salvation. They have been taught since childhood that to oppose the supreme leader is to oppose God. Until this ignorance is erased they will get exactly what is coming to them, which is what they have been getting for 30 years. It all seems silly to us for a priest to be in charge of 42 million people, but U.S. has it's own powerful religious leaders who are able to affect electoral outcomes because the people blindly follow whatever they are told in order to make it to the big house after death. Can you say Mormons and Proposition 8?

I agree with Mr. Kennedy. This is Iran's democracy at work. The people spoke. They feel cheated. They are rising to the occasion to challenge the election. They are standing up for themselves. We do not need to get involved everytime there is some unrest in other countries. Let the Iranian people fix their own problem. The USA cannot keep getting involved in things that is not its business.

I would agree with Mr. Kennedy. Lets worry and take of our own for once. Let the Iranians figure it our for themselves.

Of course we should stay out of this. The United States loves to put itself in the position of nation building and playing world policeman. And now you're in another war that was based upon lies, and that you cannot win.

I say let Iran implode itself. There is no reason to get involved. The world knows that Iran is led by a Dictator – it's up to their people to free themselves – same with North Korea unless they launch a bomb at one of our allies.

For those in favor of us getting involved in their election, how would you have felt as Americans if some other country would have forcibly interfered during the U.S.'s "disputed" election between Bush and Gore?

We really should keep out and keep quiet.

This is not like Poland or Ukraine or even Lebanon, where words from a president and assistance was welcomed. There is too much history here between our two countries. To get involved strengthen the regime.

And in any event, we should not pin too much hope on Mr. Mousavi, who was PM during the 1980s. He was approved as a candidate by the Mullahs and was one of the founders of Hezbollah.

To Maryam...do you realize the hypocracy of your own post. You want taxpayer money and US involvment, but you also mention you want to deny equal rights to gay americans. You stated you are an Iranian American. I seem to remember a time when most Americans didn't want to give you any access to our great nation. Now you want to deny that to others yet have us do what the Iranians themselves will not.

Freedom and democracy only succeed when the seeds are planted by those from within. If you want to intervene in Iranian politics, then you should move back to Iran and commit yourself to that end. I am tired of sending our money and spilling our blood for people who would just as easily burn our flag and drag our children through the streets.

If the Iranians want freedom (again) then they themselves need to demand it from their government.

I don't believe isolation policies ever helped us in the past. We practice this policy while Germany committed genicide. I think it's important to let the people of Iran know, we are on their side against oppression of any kind. But certainly we are a voice and not a hammer.

bye bye Agaddis

Was the Iranian govt trying to interfere the Gore-Bush election?

because we got robbed then....so why should we feel like we have to interfere when our vote didnt count in our own country. not to mention it will unite enemies for a common cause against the US.

Human rights were being violated in another part of the world. Almost 20000 died and NOBODY even bothered to raise a voice. Do we say that US should only interfere in countries where it needs a regime change and not in others where ordinary people get killed?

~What makes this whole issue really scary is the NUKES...the little crazy man and the NUKES.

As much as we think Iran needs to be disciplined and all, my opinion is that it's their country, their government and their everything. Americans or anyone interefering is simply foolish!
We are not the world police. World policing has cost us our money, lives and values. Why not let Europe take on an issue or two. Let them spend their livelihoods and taxes on other countries. Why US or Canada?

Obama gave a great speech in Cairo that strengthened the world and I believe that's what shook these people to action. But that was through no interference or meddling. So, I am sure we can do lots without actually interefering.

I agree with Mr. Kennedy 100%. This is the man who actually was in the midst of one of the worse hostage taking incidents ever. 444 days is a long time. If he don't understand Iran, I don't know who would.

I agree that US should not stick their nose into other people business (Iran) but that doesn't mean US cannot help from within
As long as Obama Administration can help and make sure that Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and all other social networking is up and running at all time, We can help them a great deals by using online tools.
Even Iran cracks down on social networking site, people will is much stronger and people will find a way to communicate.

I am amazed when I read these comments. My personal opinion is that people are making comments and judgments on based on events of the past. I do not at all see the events taking place now similar to the events of the past. These people are pissed because they were robbed of their vote. They are trying to stand up against an oppressive government. The United States has long supported the pursuit of freedom abroad and Iran should be no different. This is a Huge opportunity. I fail to see how anyone cannot see that. This situation has brought us insight into the people of Iran in a way I do not recall seeing before. It also seems that people are quick to think that "involvement" means sending troops which is pretty simplistic thinking. Technology has already shown us that there are ways of working with this situation without direct "boots on the ground" involvement. It would be hypocritical of the United States to Not support Freedom and Democracy here when we have long rattled sabers for it elsewhere.

Let Iran figure out what Iran wants. USA has done enough damaged to this country. When Iranians were asking USA for help to bring about democracy in their country, USA sold itself out for oil, and because of that Religious Revolution was sucessful. Iran has a second chance to have a free country, but however they define freedom is up to them, not up to USA. Enough with shoving American version of freedom down the rest of the world's throat.

Stay out, don't put your noses in other peoples business. Now if DC would just follow that rule here we'd be in much better shape.

No more interference with other countries and no more foreign aid, either.

How would have US liked other countries interfere when Prez Bush stole the election from Al Gore. Is it not our arrogance that we want to preach what we do not practice?. As far human rights are concerned, Why do not we go and interfere in China and do something about human rights. What did we do after Tinaman Square? It is absolutely being a hipocrate when we talk about human rights. I agree with Mr. Kennedy.

I agree with Kennedy. We should not interfere because it will only make us look bad in the eyes of the Iranian people. Even though there are protesters asking for help from the US, I'm sure that as soon as we get in there that opinion will change and we'll be the great Satan again. Plus I'm tired of getting blamed for all of the Arab worlds problems. Most Arab countries are worried about Iran but don't get involved because they are waiting for the US to do something. Once we actually do, they'll praise us in private and badmouth us in public which increases the Arab worlds hostility to us. Lets just stay away and let this play out.

Right On Moorhead Kennedy!
If the US had stayed out of Gaza elections, then the people would have held Hamas accountable. Instead, Israel and the US are the common enemy. US and Israel cut off government funds, fomented a civil war between Fatah and Hamas, then Israel invaded Gaza and used illegal white phosphor.
When will the US learn to stay out of it?
Darfur and Sudan is a completely different situation. It is not a stable country with democratic processes. It needs military control until a local government can be established.

We haven't heard a word from Spain, France, England, Russia, China, Japan, Italy, Denmark, Germany, Norway, etc.

For heavens sake, we can't even decide an election in Minnesota! Why should Iran listen to us?

I swear some of you have no political sense. The absolute worst thing the US could do right now is get involved in ANY way. Why do you think the interior minister has already tried to bring us into the mix by accusing the US of interfering in the elections? The only way these oppressive regimes can stay afloat is by waving the idea of an external enemy who poses a threat and uniting the people against that threat...People in North Korea are convinced that the US is the reason they have no food or electricity..its never the governments fault, its the evil westerners. I would go so far as to say that there are many dictatorships, oppressive regimes, etc that have had their reign extended or still exist because US meddling has kept them from collapsing upon themselves. Leave Iran ALONE! If we are lucky and the people have reached the extent that they are willing to fight to cast of the chains of the council of guardians, if not then this uprising will be viciously put down, leaving anger and remorse and setting the stage for the true upheaval. Any involvement by the US will justify accusations that these uprisings have more to do with external interference and not the Iranian people demanding change.

Dunno wot to say really but all i know is that they need support and they need it quickly,and to those who are sayin like its nona our business and woteva ya bettera know that its called a support for human rights not interfere as Kennedy the wanker said !Shame on those who are afraid of helpin others,doesn make a difference to me,Iranian,Iraqi,African...etc.Lets call it all Human and not saying my country saying my earth.Lets say we as all the nations not just as english or an american.now Mr.Kennedy please do me a favour and go back to your sad corner !

Maybe we should try something different and stay the heck out of it for once... We've made enough of the world angry with our "helping." Let them figure it out for themselves. It's almost an insult to the Iranian people to suggest an interference. They're just as capable as we are. Unless the people are asking the world for help, let them handle it. I have faith in the Iranian people to do what they need to do.

Why doesn't the US interfer in Saudi Arabia then? If so many on this thread wish the US to interfer in someway with this Iranian election, then where is the call for Justice and freedom for the citizens of Saudi Arabia? What about Zimbabwe?

Generally I agree with Mr. Kennedy.
The more the US asserts itself in this matter only provides the "old guard" with more ammunition to try to use the US as a scapegoat for all of Irans problems, and also problems in other parts of the Mid-East.
The US should mind its own business for the most part in this matter. The US President should only limit himself to say that the US supports completely fair and democratic elections that represent the true intent and will of all voting citizents in Iran. The way I see it, part of the beauty of what is happening is that the true "nature" and intent of the current Iranian leadership (Ahmadinejad, "Supreme" leader, etc) is finally being revealed for the entire world to see. Either way this election turns out, the legitimacy of those currently in power in Iran will be rightfully called into question, not only by the people of Iran, but by the rest of the world. The US and other countries in the world can then decide afterwards how we choose to deal with the next government that represents Iran afterwards...and if it DOES turns out to be all the "old bosses" then I think their credibility will be *severely* damaged with just about all respectable countries.

Look people this is a very simple answer. How would we as Americans reacted if during our election there was an uprising and China or Russia would have come in and started handing out suggestions? HELLO. We as Americans would have jumped all over them. Bottom line, sometimes civil wars are good. We had one, if you don't remember, and look at the outcome. LET IRAN HANDLE IRAN!

LOL!! Some folks just can't comprehend what they read. Mike, I said Obama "sees" America as the Gestapo thus his do nothing mentality. He's only brave enough to attack flies. LOL!!!

Stay out of foreign affairs. When the US can learn to manager their own problems then we might think about educating others. Come on...what makes us think that we can just tell the rest of the world what they can and cannot do. One question....does anyone do that in our elections? Do you think every nation was happy with the results of our own election? Did they jump in and make waves? I'm not sure I have facts to back it up but I'm thinking no. America....mind our own business unless there is a direct and eminent concern that our welfare and safety is at stake!

Iranian Freedom? How about American Freedom? At the rate we are going, Iran will one day soon surpass us in the freedom to exercise our individual rights.

Hey Daniel Nelson,
You must be a very young idealist. Listen, here's a tip .. the best way to "keep the peace" is to keep our nose out of it. No country including ours wants another country trying to micro manage others. If they Iran wants our help they'll ask but until then it is none of our business.
D

We had to live with our unfair results 4 years ago, they will have to deal with theirs as well.

There is no reason to interfere – and thankfully Bush is no longer in office because he would have used this as an excuse to invade and get the oil. Obama has a much more diplomatic approach by staying out of it so far. Thank god we finally have some brains in the white house! God Bless!

The American Psyche just can't seem to take the fact that the world doesn't want it's 'help'. You have a pretty dire track record of 'helping'. In fact almost every country you have tried to 'help' has ended up torn in bitter disputes with more bloodshed and less stability than before.

Why can't you just leave everybody else alone? Your country is falling apart around you so perhaps you might consider doing a little housekeeping before starting any election campaigns in someone else's country.

These people are not asking for our help. If anything, what we should be doing is suggesting a new election with an independent entity to certify the election and its results as fair and representative of the people of that country. And if Ahmadinejad is the winner, so be it. It's time the US maintained a non-judgmental, quiet and dignified neutrality while this country works out its own political woes.

Mr. McCain, I now know why you did not win the election; You would surely have us in a war with Iran.

Also, McCain, where were you when Bush was stealing two elections in this country?

Just in case Americans were forgetting just how much of a war mongerer John McCain really is; folks, he is reminding us now.
Why in the world would we jump into Iran's business?

Some ridiculous opinions here. I love this whole "we should mind our own business" philosophy. News flash people...this is 2009...gone are the days where countries can exist by themselves within a vacuum. Everyone effects every other country whether it be economically or socially. You're trying to apply a 19th century attitude to the 21st century. What goes on in Iran effects us all and vice versa. The same people complaining that we shouldn't do anything at all are the same people who probably bend over backwards for the opinion of other countries. So when it's our business the whole world has a say but if it's the other way around we better keep to ourselves. Oh please. This is a global community we live in...deal with it...wake up to reality.

Thousands of others around the globe championed the cause on social-networking Web sites and agreed to wear green on Monday in solidarity with Moussavi's supporters.

But what is often lost in the outrage is whether Iran would look different under a Moussavi presidency. Watch more about the vote »

Though the 67-year old is credited for successfully navigating the Iranian economy as prime minister during a bloody eight-year war with Iraq in the 1980s, he also was a hard-liner whom the Economist described as a "firm radical."

He, like most Iranians in power, does not believe in the existence of Israel. He defended the taking of hostages at the U.S. Embassy in Iran in 1979, which led to the break in ties between the countries.

He was part of a regime that regularly executed dissidents and backed the fatwa against British author Salman Rushdie.

This guy is dead on. First we helped the Shah terrorize Iran, then we helped Saddam kill them by the 10s of thousands. Aside from all that, the Iran's are finding out that they gave all their freedoms away to a bunch of rag heads who believe that death a wonderful frolic with 72 virgins!!!. I've always wondered what the women get when they die !!!

The Iranians now get to fight to get their freedoms back. NO ONE can do it for them.

I am proudly Canadian. Canada does a wonderful job at minding it's own business. I guess that's why we have the best financial system in the world and the best health care, and Canada is also considered one of the best places to live. America can learn a thing or two from us!

Good on Mr. Kennedy. I was a Peace Corps volunteer in Iran in the 1970s. More than once I saw our CAI ambassador, Richard Helms, parading around Tehran, protected by six foot four goons. To Iranians these arrogant (and ignorant) displays by the Amerian foriegn policy establishment symbolized all that they did not like about our blatant interderence in their affairs. President Obama has taken a small but useful step in acknowledging in so many words that our interference in Iran was wrong. Now we should follow it up by keeping our mouths shut. The best was to doom the efforts of the reformers would be for our poorly informed loud mouth politicians to visibly support them.

Looking back in history there has been alot of examples where the US had gotten involved when they should have stayed out. An excuse that is used as a arguement to get involved is World War 2. Germany invades Poland and no one helps. That has been the justification for many involvements in other countries affairs. The fact is even with good intentions the involments have rarely had a positive effect. Granted there have been moments in history where involvement was good, but the difference was it was sought. Show the respect we would like shown, let them choose thier own way.

We should keep quiet and stay out of their mess! We should silently pray for the 'liberty and freedom' of the Iranian people and hope that the clerics fall fate to their own means. It will not benefit us to take action that will alienate this country more than they think about us now. For many years, I was a 'liberal' thinker and supported Amercian taking action in the global community. After 5 decades of seeing how they act, react and treat us............I say we should keep to ourselves and let some other country try to solve the worlds problems. We have enough on our 'plate', here in America, to be bothered by those outside our country. Let them solve their own problems and we should only react unless we are attacked. They chose their stupid government in the late 1970's, let them overthrow it now or reap what they have sown.

The election process has absolutely nothing at all to do with human rights. The treatment of protesters does. A recent article says that only 52% of US high school students in the cities studied actually graduated. This seems to explain the complete lack of critical thinking skills people on blogs like this display.

The US should stay out of the issue of whether the election was fair or not because that is an internal issue that has to be resolved by the government and the populace, however the US *should* express concerns about the treatment of those protesting the elections and/or trying to bring about reforms. That is the human rights issue (at the risk of belaboring the point, but making sure the shallow thinkers have a chance of getting it).

it's up to a country's people to stand up for what they believe. whether the outcome is for the better or worse, we should not have a hand in it. we've been through our civil war. let them have theirs.

It is just mindboggling to hear people demand that we 'do something'. What would their response have been had any other country on the face of the earth, whether considered our great friends or not, had tried to weigh in on details of the events following election day 2000 in this country, when our institutions were working through the process of determining who won the election? They would have been screaming bloody murder about 'foreign interference'! Why such hypocrisy?

The worst thing we can do is to express our support for the people we want to see win. They would be dead in the water the minute they were seen as being supported by the US. It would be like a democratic candidate having David Duke hold his arm around him and say: "I really think this guy is right and you should vote for him". If you really support them; shut up. If you are a senator from Arizona who don't care about them and just want to make some political hay here at home ......

In "People's War, People's Army," Vo Nguyen Giap stated the US would not win the Vietnam war because Americans do not understand the oriental mind.
We currently do not understand the Arab/Persian/Muslim mind. Do we think we are truly qualified to answer this? No!

How would the US have felt if Iran had decided to interfere in the fruadulent 2000 election ?
We have no moral high ground here. The most productive thing to do is DO NOT INTERFERE.

I agree with Mr. Kennedy's opinion that the US should not interfere. I am concerned about the violence and the civil rights violations, but I think that more effective change would come from better diplomatic relations with Iran than what we have now.

Don't mistake good diplomatic relations with agreeing with their policies. I don't see that as being weak. Civil negotiations seem to go much further than hostile ones do. The current results from Iraq should be a good example of how good intentions do not lead to a good outcome.

Kudos to Mr. Kennedy.

who gives a crap! hopefully Iran destroys itself and we can get more free oil

Need help?No problem. We'll fix everything. Be right there. First lets fire up the printing press and print some more worthless cash so we can pay for this. HELLO Mc FLY!! We are broke people!!!!!! Wake up!!! If you can't afford to buy, STOP going shopping!!!!

I can't understand why McCain wants the US to condemn the Iranian election when he SHUT UP his mouth when Bush stole the presidency from Gore. Good thing Mccain is not the president.

We should not interfere. However those morons are already saying that we are. So it is almost like "Why not"? We do nothing and they attempt to implicate us saying we're enciting unrest...so why NOT just interfere? Bottomline is the country is 3rd world. Look what happens when they have an election. I don't know any more than the next guy but if what I am reading is true (85% of the country voted, they use paper ballots, and apparently they were all counted, by hand, within hours? come on), it is obviously a joke. Then, people protest peacefully and these govt sponored groups go out in civilian clothes beating men AND women to pulps and fire into crowds? Iran deserves zero respect. Until they can act like a civilized society, they'll be treated like the 3rd world country they resemble.

Don't forget that Iran does have a polical election system, though not perfect. Iranian's democracy and freedom might be way ahead of US's closer friends like Saudi Arabia. Nothing is abosulute!

What to do, what to do, what to do...

There is no reason for the US to get involved. Why should we spend another dime on another country and their problems. We need to fix our own problems here at home first.

Yes, the people of Iran need to solve this on their own. Why is it the US is always 'expected' to save the day, just to have the same people we rescue, try to kill us in a few years.

Americas Foreign Policy needs to be revamped and rethought. Don't always jump into a fight, let the people of Iran solve this, and maybe the ties, no matter who the leader, will be stronger.

We are a free demoratic country ! I hate what you went thru in 1979 but that is completely different than what we are seeing there now. We should do every peaceful thing in our power to make sure they have the same freedoms as we do. It sounds like you are a quiter sir .And we are not a nation of quiters.

Actually allot of educated Americans out there, thank you Poli Sci profs. Anyways most Americans no little or nothing about Iran. This all actually started back in the early 50's see " Operation Ajax". This will explained why the Iranians dislike the Americans so much. Two check out the history of Iran 1975 thru 1979, our support faded for the Shah under President Carter, whom by the way was not known for a fantastic foreign policy . As for The clerics and Ayatollah Khomeini, guess who's idea it was to bring him into power and out of exile? It was our own intelligence agencies view to stop the support of the Shah fearing he was to vulnerable. They believed the clerics would return and a civilian government they could handle would take over, well we see what happened. Now that is what I call mettleing!

Let us place ourselves in the shoes of the Iranians. Wouldn't we resent them if they interfered in our controversial elections? I didn't see them bother us when it came to "The Hanging Chad." Let the UN do it's job, instead of relegating it to a secondary body.

And let us not fall into the trap that Ahmadinejad has created, let him not lure us into actively interfering with Iran, because then the crazy dictator gets what he wants, and we yet again demonstrate our lack of restraint and understanding of the middle east. Thank you.

I think some of you are making some rather absurd jumps with Moorhead's logic.

When France helped us win the Revolution, we officially asked them for help and were already at war. It was one nation helping a colony revolt. The people of England weren't revolting.

We were supporting the Allies (before entering ourselves) during WWII because they were, well, our Allies. We did the same thing in WWI before entering (an anti-German president helped that, too). We didn't immediately enter the war because we had no direct reason to.
During the beginning of WWII, we were dealing with the depression. During WWI, our country was still very isolationist.
It wasn't an issue of "better stay out of their business."
The Lusitania sinking was an excuse, and the Zimmerman Telegram was a direct reason to join the open fight against Germany, Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire (WWI).
It was only a matter of time before we went to war with Germany & Japan in WWII, FDR new this. The bombing at Pearl Harbor was the push we needed to actually declare war.

Some people want us to support the students or proclaim the elections a fraud.
While we can come to the basic, logical conclusion that they were, you have to look at things from a real world perspective:
There is no actual, hard proof that the elections were rigged. Getting involved in a foreign affair that has nothing to do with us (directly) based off of assumption and gut feeling isn't the most intelligent thing to do.

We cannot be a 'beacon of freedom and democracy' by interfering with another country's politics. If the Iranian people want democracy and freedom, they must fight for it.

Wait a minute – after what we went through in 2000 with the supreme court picking Bush for President – we would think we'd be competent in helping Iran?

How quickly the silly forget! We ended up with the obvious worst candidate and it cost us and the world quite a bit.

We should get our own house in order before we start preaching to anyone else.

Why is it that no one came to our aid when our own election process was tainted when Bush declared victory over Gore? Was it because we did not protest enough or was it because it was no one else's business but our own? more than likely the latter. Change can only be achieved from within, not from external forces with vested interests.

Praise Mr. Kennedy,

Leave those people alone, let them fight their own fight because their victory will be much sweeter if they themsleves fight for it. They don't like us, they don't want us there and we need to get out......that goes for South Korea,Japan, Germany and wherever we might have a base. How dare we force a new democracy leadership upon them. Lets remember, wasn't Saddam some sort of freind to us at one point? Look how that turned out.

Well, This is the first time someone has made a valid point. America should look at restructure of its own economy and things related to that. I mean why spend the energy and time on another country when America is currently hurting. I saw a billions dollars going out in DONATION!!! and AID To other countries. DId anyone think that aid could be used to keep people in their homes? I mean why intefere in an established govt's process just because you dont like the President!.. Just let things flow. Iran has its flaws but they will learn to grow out of it...America has to try and find a middle path to restore trade and good friendship with other countries rather than tryign to turn everyone to their way of thinking...

Yay Mr. Kennedy! Finally a responsible voice here on CNN. The last thing Iran needs is another CIA debacle like the one orchestrated by Kermit Roosevelt back in the 1950's that created this whole mess.

BTW, wouldn't it be convenient to have Iran as an ally so that we can finally tap the Caspian oil fields. Hmmmmmm.

War for oil anyone?

We need to stay out of this else we be blamed for meddling which will be fodder for the ones in power right now.

The US had to figure things out for ourselves in our fight for independence – give these people the same level of respect to do what they need to do for themselves.

Take a look at how well any of the past attempts to "spread democracy and freedom" have worked out!

From Vietnam to Iraq every single instance of our meddling in the internal affairs of other sovereign nations has failed miserably. John McShame should realize this better than anyone!

What a right wing tool he has become!

ABSOLUTELY.....we need to stay out.
What makes the US the ultimate world governing organization?
We tout democracy yet our own people don't even elect the president, ask Al Gore how HE feels about that ! Then we go from country to country, in the name of freedom and tout democracy when we continue to show the world that democracy in this country is failing.
No wonder the United States has lost its world credibility.
We need to stay home and take care of OUR own problems. Once things are stabilized here, maybe we can start to reach out and truly help other countries rather than impose our philosiphies on those who do not want them.

Any state that has a Patriot Act should not interfere to propagate Democracy, Human Rights under that act are a farce

people need to cool their jets on iran. im a shia muslim, born and raised in america, and my loyalty to iran lies in that it is the center of my religious world. my equivalent of the christian pope lives there, and he is the leader of all shias in the world, not just iranians. i take offense that people in my own country of america prefer to devour the partial and biased media coverage without doing their own research. first of all they should separate the fact that it is its own sovereign nation as well as the seat of a particular religion. they should also recognize that the majority of the people in that country are shia, and that the problems people have are with the government, not with the religious leaders. secondly people need to realize that iran has good reason to be enemies with america, as there is a well documented history of american interference bordering on criminal. the 1953 coup d'etat of that country's democratically appointed government being just the beginning. america's real interest in iran is oil and power. nothing else. america cares not for iranian democracy and freedom or 1953 would have never happened, and they never would have been bed mates with the tyrranical shah and given him such a huge power base of american made weapons. finally this is all just an opportunity that the west has seized to strike at the "disobedient" iranians. they quietly dont mention the fact that moussavi dislikes america almost as much as ahmedinejad does. ya'll need to read a little and not eat tripe all day long from cnn and their ilk.

This is so pathetic to those sreaming we should get involved they will be the first one's to say Oh No we should of stayed out when things get tough and of course they won't be the ones to fight. An then our sons and daughter will be call murders and be outcast and blamed. Involved in a country that hates us. Not one has mentioned the infamous United Nations let them go in and take care of human rights also do us a favor and get out of NY they are useless.

If we indeed are the "beacon of freedom", lets get Li'l Kim out. No elections ever, nukes being built, people dying of hunger and yet we do not want to shower them with the gifts of freedom!

For crissakes, Iran has had elections and once every 4 years. They are a proud nation, a civilization older than ours!! Ever heard of an adage – Respect begets respects. History is filled with failed examples of US imposing our will on the people – Vietnam, Cuba, Iraq! We take pride in being American and trust me – Iranians take a similar pride in being Iranians! Dont insult them by telling them what to do.

Obama – We are with you on this

Not our problem, not our fight. Let the people of Iran determine their own destiny.

I agree with Mr. Kennedy wholeheartedly. Reminds me of Star Trek's "Prime Directive".

@ Geoff: It's sad to see you have already succumbed to the new world order. And wanting to stay away from meddling with the internal political mechanisms of a sovereign state is not a 19th century attitude. Wanting to interfere in another country is a 19th century colonial attitude that everybody in the world is very very sick of. Tell me: How does the goings on in Iran effect you?

I'm not saying we shouldn't have a vested interest in the goings on of other nations, but they remain 'OTHER' nations. Not colonies, not states, but sovereign territories where our rules, laws and ideals are of no consequence.

@ Monique: From one Canadian to another: You go girl!

We should bomb Iran because Israel wants us to.

Then we can put in a government that does what Israel I mean we want it to.

it's interesting to hear this ex-hostage giving his advise on iran, saying we shouldn't interfere.....but the sad thing is that it was carter and brezinski who help usher in the mullahs- they abandoned the shah- the most important ally of the US in the middle east, and sent gen huyser to keep the army out of the conflict-
it is also ironic that this guy would probably not been taken hostage if his president had helped prevent the era of the mullahs to begin in iran....
so, I disagree completely with what he is saying. the united states, as the leader of the free world, has the obligation to promote freedom all over the world....and, in fact, the young people of iran are asking for help so they can overthrow these mullahs who have oppressed and pillaged iran for 3 decades!

We can't afford to meddle in other countries's business. Let's look back at the Iraq affairs. What good did we get out of destroying Saddam? Is there peace? We wasted tons of money. And now the government of now or later is friend of the US?

President Obama does not wish to speak out on this issue for fear of offending the Muslim community. Granted, he has no problem offending his own countrymen, but he wouldn't dare condemn Iran or their brethren, such as Hamas. However, I suggest that if we really want to investigate electoral irregularity, let's start with ACORN.

As an Iranian and as someone who voted for Mr. Mussavi I compeletely agree with Mr. Kennedy. It's our isssue and it's our responsibility to handle it on our own! you know before Mr. Obama's recent speeches Iranian official were optimistic to his attitude toward Iran and were hopeful to create a way to discuss about matters who were not discussed for 30 years! But now, with Mr. Obama's obvious support of illegal protests they changed their mind and said that finally he showed his true face and revealed his true intention he was hiding behind the CHANGE slogan.
To be fair Iran is not only Tehran and only ten thousands people. 24 millions of people voted for President Ahmadi Nejad and surely they better know how to solve their problems. 13 millions of people voted for Mr. Mussavi but what are we just watching 10 or even 100 thousands of them protesting? It means that all of people seek peace and leave objections to the people in charge, their delegates in fact.
So I hope Mr. Obama change his intonation and talk more impartial about this GREAT election!

We're such an arrogant country thinking that we know what is best for all the other countries in the world when we can't even take care of our own educational system that is going to ruin...out health care is the best and the most expensive so that half of americans don't have it. If we spent the money here in the USA instead of on all the countries that just use us as a bank roll for their own particular uses and give us lip service that they are our allies just to stay on our good side and keep the money coming. We are fast becoming a nation of bankrupt people losing our homes our lives and our way of life...and all of you care about is an election that is really none of your business. It is the business of the Iranian people no one else. So wake up and think of ways to make our country better not someone else's..because the only people in the world that care about the USA are americans.

When Bush stole the election i didn't see too many other nations interfere in that either. Why should we interfere in the election of Iran. It's their business and it's about time the U.S. minds theirs. If you want to interfere in something start at home, and all the rights that are being taken away from us by our own government.

It looks like there is a genuine seed of reform getting started in Iran, and it hasn't cost us anything, and it hasn't taken one American soldier's life.

Leave it alone. We can't afford to interfere anyway.

As I read the many comments regarding this article I'm reminded of Barbara Tuchman's book, "The Guns of August" which is a fabulous analysis of the the causes of WWI and also set the stage for WWII. We do need to remember that those who don't learn from history are condemned to repeat it. American ideals are all very nice but different people (and different cultures) have different idea about what is right, fair, and free. If we insists that we, as a country, decide that we have the right to decide what other people need and if we continue to believe that we have the power and resources to force our "ideals" and will upon others we will have a world war on our hands. And the next time that happens - we won't be around to do an analysis over how it happened. Stephen Hawkins says our only hope of survival is to find a way to get through the next 100 years without blowing ourselves up or destroying our environmental life supports on earth.

I believe that it's up to the Iranian people to decide how their lives will be governed. Iranians aren't like North Koreans who are limited in their educations and access to information technologies found in Iran. The clerics in Iran have a calendar that's counting the days that will bring about a new manner of political governing, it's going to diminish the power, and influence of the Guardians. They're afraid, if we can see it, that means the Guardians see it as well. Who wants to give up unquestioning power over a nation like they have today.

Just another ignorant, uneducated, savage Muslim country.

American elections are not truly free elections because you need millions of dollars to run for president. What if China or another country interfered and demanded spending caps on US elections? Elections are as free as their societies can handle, so let them evolve themselves and stay out of their business.

Please let's not make an argument about getting involved due to human rights abuses. There are many regimes large and small doing much worse with respect to human rights and we don't show any real concern. If we did, we as a nation would spend a great deal of time defending people in Africa to name one. So America if you want to make our mission to help oppressed people than make a list and figure out how to prioritize it because we can't help everyone. It has been our recent pattern to put countries whose stability has an impact on the oil industry at the top of the list.

We don't need to bury any more US soldiers over middle eastern internal squabbles.

EXACTLY! We do not need to interfere in every little international problem. We can't quell all violence, nor should we try. It is up to the people of Iran to make themselves independent, because obviously the Iraq model didn't turn out that well.

We'd still be British if the French had not shown up to help US out.

We'd probably be German too if the american people hadn't been goaded into going to war by the government here. So I mean, you don't want to help your neighbors become democracies? REALLY

because wasn't that the whole point of going into Iraq? lol

I find it incredibly amusing to read how you all think it is our 'duty' to determine who runs a sovereign state. I wonder how you will react when China comes and tells us what we can and can't do? I bet you are signing a different tune then. Course, you only sing for the cause of the moment, don't you?

I hope Obama has more sense than even to begin to comment on who should be elected or if the vote should be thrown or anything about a recount.

I sure am glad that Bush or any other republican is not in presidency now for sure they would be runnin off at the mouth, long before the brain begins to work or even wake up.

We have enough trouble without asking for more like Pence or McCain who have come out and expressly called for Obama to become involved-both are stupid.

Could our memories possibly be this short? We invaded another country to establish freedom and peace only to find anarchy and disorder. We should not pretend to know these people or understand their culture. What we hold dear in our western democracies may be meaningless to others. At times an oppressive religion or tyrannical dictator is the only thing that can keep order. They have every right to live as they choose, even if that choice is to wallow in their own filth.

I just love the way people have these powerfully paradoxic feelings about this subject. They absolutely don't want the USA to interfere in Iran -UNLESS-unless we can help bring democracy to that land. UNLESS...we can undo the religious dictatorship under which the Iranians (quite willingly) now live. UNLESS...interference would somehow magically turn that country into our friend and ally.

Just leave it alone. Stay the hell out. We got enough wars going on already.

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