[Inonanialry]

Look as if trouble is still simmering in Iran and at least some of the police have sympathy for the demonstrators.

Nine reported killed in Iran protests - Iran- msnbc.com

[diegogo]

Here's a case where President Obama has a chance to influence the course of history and even help himself on a thorny geopolitical issue with mere rhetoric.

All he has to do is utter some words expressing approval of what the street protestors are doing.

Sure, Ahmadinejad will portray this as American meddling in Iranian affairs. That will only strengthen the protestors' resolve. And it might encourage those within the regime who disapprove of Ahmadinejad's course -- we know they're there -- to act to rein in the Revolutionary Guards.

His Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech demonstrated (yet again) that he understands the power words uttered at the right time on the right subject in the right place can have. Now is one of those times; Iran is one of those subjects; all the President needs to do is choose the place.

[Inonanialry]

Here's a case where President Obama has a chance to influence the course of history and even help himself on a thorny geopolitical issue with mere rhetoric.

All he has to do is utter some words expressing approval of what the street protestors are doing.

Sure, Ahmadinejad will portray this as American meddling in Iranian affairs. That will only strengthen the protestors' resolve. And it might encourage those within the regime who disapprove of Ahmadinejad's course -- we know they're there -- to act to rein in the Revolutionary Guards.

His Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech demonstrated (yet again) that he understands the power words uttered at the right time on the right subject in the right place can have. Now is one of those times; Iran is one of those subjects; all the President needs to do is choose the place.

The remarks to encourage the protesters would have to be dead on or we could have a repeat of the Axis of Evil State of the Union speech and have those on the fence go into protect mode. The protesters are far from isolated and I'm sure know that the West supports their efforts. Ahmadinejad seems to have put His bets on force but if enough of the Revolutionary Guards stand down there could be a relatively peaceful regime change. We seem to be on the verge of significant change and with a little luck and finesse it will be accomplished without a blood bath.

In a similar thread it seems as if North Korea could also fall and the combination of major change in Iran and North Korea could go a long way toward peace on two fronts. Taking North Korea out of the arms supply business also could not hurt. A lot of their product seemed to be going to the middle east.

[Kiariitf]

Because of the slightly bizarro nature of the Iranian view of the US (which does make sense in context) any statement the president makes will be used as proof that whatever the government opposes due to our meddling.

Since the current crisis began it has seems to me that the best course of action would be for us to wholly embrace and support the current regime, as that would really screw with their heads.

[Kiariitf]

Reports: Iran arrests activists, ups crackdown - Iran- msnbc.com

[Coellacag]

Here's a case where President Obama has a chance to influence the course of history and even help himself on a thorny geopolitical issue with mere rhetoric.

All he has to do is utter some words expressing approval of what the street protestors are doing.

Sure, Ahmadinejad will portray this as American meddling in Iranian affairs.

Agreed.
Ahmadinejad will portray anything America does in the worst possible light. It's time to stand up and show support for those that are risking their lives to overthrow this vile regime.