My view of the Iran situation is that the particular 'ulema/pasdaran/basiij clique now governing Iran is digging a grave for itself with each passing day of unwillingness to compromise, share power or respect the collective right of the Iranians to express their discontent. Beneath the surface, the 'ulema, the business commmunity and many Iranians are hardeniing in their attitude towards the ruling apparat. I think there is likely to be a sine curve of resistance that fluctuates between relative quiet and street action. This will eventually either eliminate this clique or cause a massive change in its policies. I am not necessarily talking about an end to vilayat e faqih, but there is likely to be a change in the manner of application of this doctrine.
I think Obama is doing the right thing in expressing support for the demonstraters while keeping some distance from them. Since I am who I am, I would discreetly provide funds for the opposition, but, that's me.
Most importantly, the action of the Iranian people has made it virtually impossible for the war party here and in Israel to succeed in dragging us into another one of their adventures.
In the meantime, there is something wonderful happening in re Syria. pl
