www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16307790/

What does this mean for Ahmadinejad's policies?

What, if anything, should the US or the west in general do about this? Should we stay out of it and let the trend continue or should we try to get involved to try to perpetuate problems with Ahmadinejad?

I think a wait and see attitude is in order.

Thoughts?

I think he's going to try and see his big plans through before he loses anymore power. So, waiting to see what happens may not prove to be a healthy thing.

Thats what politics come down to. Economics!!! If the Iraninan economy was doing better Ahmedawhatshisface may have done better

Then what should be done in your opinion?

I think this is a very big development and I am not sure that we should really do anything at this point. If the people are already upset with Ahmadinejad's policies, then I would be wary of interfering as it seems ot be going in a direction which is favorable to US interests. It seems the Iranian people spoke in the latest elections and if he wants to stay in power he needs to change some of his stances.

Well, I have no doubt the Iranian people are worried silly that he's gonna get them nuked by Israel. But Dom, I honestly don't know what we could do short of maybe sending Valerie and friends in. But I'm not sure I trust many of them any more than I trust him.

Sorry, maybe I'm just too tired to give this one the attention it deserves tonight. If I've got time, I'll come back tomorrow and give it more thought providing the kids don't get in for the weekend first.

Perhaps if economics is the issue then keeping the sanctions enforced is in order. Although I read that Russia is supporting weaker sanctions, and it was about the same time as the results from the recent Iranian elections were posted.


This brings up another point as well. For those who say that the people of the ME do not want, are incapable, or are unwilling to have a democracy; this seems to undermine their argument. In Iran the people are speaking through the ballot box and it is their democratic will which is causing the Iranian leader problems. I realize that their religious leader has a lot of power, but this is a democracy which is evolving. I think that many people in Iran want a fuller democracy and they want their voices heard. It may not be the same style of democracy that we have, but again, it is evolving into a more democratic state and has since the death of Khomeini.

I wouldn't have said this at one time. I have somewhat changed my views on this. Maybe someone who understands Iranian politics better than I do will explain it better.

We may have more in common with them than we think.

Dom you postulated the correct approach wait & see. & you ended with the correct assumption.

We may have more in common with them than we thought.

I CANNOT over state this. Iran will benefit more in change by allowing & trusting in the better natures of ourselves as shared humanity than demanding punitive responses especially there.

Iran is an ancient place & the people there are a cultured & aware people. They are known alone for fantastic film making. What is going on there is a testament to the better nature of man. They are struggling against the Islamic Revolution & what place they have on the world stage. The president has been slapped down especially after his stupid holocaust denier conference. Iranians are not stupid. They see through the crap & through their election process they are challenging the authority.

Iranian politician sobers hard line of president

It's time to think wider.....

Do you think that this shows that democracy can work in the Middle East and that the people, at least in Iran, want democracy?

I think it is not only a good development for Iran and the world, but that it shows that all the people saying that Muslim culture cannot handle democracy are wrong. I get tired of hearing how people claim that Muslims do not want democracy. Like they somehow believe that they (the Muslims) need a powerful figure to tell them what to do because the common people are incapable of governing themselves. Muslims in the US don't have a problem with voting, why are they so much more enlightened.

I am sure I will get a "Dom, you don't understand Muslim culture, they will never want a democracy" (I can find posts to that effect if it is doubted that it has been said), most likely from a person who is not Muslim themselves. Maybe it is just that the same people saying this are underestimating the people of the Middle East.

Maybe it is just that the same people saying this are underestimating the people of the Middle East.

In essence this is the standard perspective to think from.

The principles of this country are not unique to us, they are the shared foundation of all humanity.
& the world is not unaware of this. It's almost like we need to pull back from having to prove ourselves & Trust that we are aligned with a deeper shared harmony.