Iran's Election

The result of the disputed election in Iran is a shame. When early in 1979, the American backed Shah wanted to forcefully introduce western elements in Iran, his miscalculated steps backfired. The ensuing revolution took Iran on a completely different path, straining its relationship with the US. We all remember the details of the incidents surrounding those years in Iran. In the course of those events, what emerged was an Iran ruled by Islamic hardliners. Surprisingly, today the pendulum has swung to the other side. Despite warnings from the government in power, the young generation of today's Iran are back on the streets again. This time they do not want a sweeping overthrow of their government. Neither are they openly demonstrating against the Islam Republic, the shadow government that runs the show in Iran. They are demonstrating in demand of a fair election, and nullify the result of the obviously rigged election they just had. Unlike in 1979, when the protesters wanted to chase out the puppet government of the west, this time, they are embracing the attention the West is giving them. And the availability of elements of technology, like cell phones with camera, is helping to capture images that are instantly seen around the world. The supreme leader, Khamenei, in trying to back Ahmadinejad may draw the wrath of the people to such a degree that it may shake the very foundations of the Republic. Another thing could happen is the demonstrators giving up, resulting in another tenure of Ahmadinejad. Which ever way the wind blows, it is the perfect time for Iran to ratchet down its international tone, and join countries like Egypt in stabilizing the Middle East. Iran's hostility towards Israel and its open pursuit of a nuclear dream is isolating it in the region.