The Sorbate: 2009 Elections In Iran

Whether Ahmadinejad’s “victory” is legitimate or not is inconsequential. It’s easy for some to look at the Iran election results with a mindset that the United States should intervene for the advancement of democratic ideals. But the truth of the matter is, the situation in Iran is a symbolic transition that we should not interfere with. The election, or “selection”, is over.

Yes, it is clear the likeliness of Ahmadinejad’s victory being an accurate reflection of democracy is slim. However, rather than focusing on demanding another recount for the Iranian people, we need to understand a fraudulent election is not the end-all for the people of Iran. In fact, this is the beginning of what is sure to be a time of historical change.

The Iranian election has been a hot topic the last couple of weeks, with constant reminders every day. (I feel like half of my twitter friends have green overlays on their icons!) The biggest question on my mind is: what do we do about it?

I have heard a lot of people expressing their frustration that the U.S. hasn't done anything to get involved. How can we sit around while innocent people are dying? And I am not talking about changing your timezone to Tehran to confuse the censors - I mean political action by our government. But the question is: what can we really do? The Republicans want President Obama to outright condemn the election results. Take for instance, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who said on Sunday, June 21st, "He's been timid and passive more than I would like." We don't want anyone messing with us. What would happen if Canada decided to tell us how to deal with the Bush/Gore debacle? We would just laugh! And we are on good terms with Canada - we don't even have diplomatic relations with Iran! In fact, when Iran thought we were meddling too much in this process, they had to send a Swiss ambassador to tell us to bugger off.