All eyes in the International community, especially those in Washington D.C. and among those G-20 countries including the United States and the EU, are closely watching events as they unfold in Tehran, Iran. The unrest and civic protests as well as some arrests and violent deaths resulting from clashes with the police due alleged voter fraud resulting from president Mamoud Ahmed Ahmadenijad’s victory over challenger Hossein Mousavi, have left many of the more reform-minded, youthful, and many feminists with a sour taste in their mouths. This is especially crucial because Iran is one of the world’s major oil-exporting countries and a continued escalation of tensions could lead to conditions which might destabilize financial markets and send the price for a barrel to an all-time high.
The irony of this unrest cannot go unnoticed because it was in December 1979 that a popular “Shia” Imam by the name of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeni led the overthrow of the corrupt, pro-Western government of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahalavi; ushering in what has been referred to as “The Islamic Revolution.” Now it seems as though history might repeat itself with Supreme Islamic cleric Ayatollah Ali Khameni’s support of President Ahmed Ahmadinejad. This is even more intriguing because Ex-President Mohammad Khatami is one of the challengers to Ahmadinejad, and one of his daughters is a supporter of Mousavi. Not only that, but Khatami is the leader of the Supreme Ruling Council who essentially are the power behind Ayatollah Khameni. Also, in this same June of 1989, protestors were killed at “Tiananmen Square” in Beijing, the People’s Republic of China for wanting Democratic freedoms and reform.
The game of wait-and-see for President Obama’s Administration must be wrenching as nerves are tense with a heightened sense of urgency, trepidation, as well as anxiety because the situation is so uncertain and unpredictable. Even the bookies in Las Vegas don’t know which way to call this one. As the old saying goes, “The enemy of my enemy is my friend,” but also, “It is easier to deal with the devil you do know than with the one you don’t;” and therein lies the dilemma or paradox. For now, all the White House and the State Department can do is watch “CNN” or “YouTube” and order out for pizza; lots and lots of pizza!
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
June 18, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
