Rumblings in Iran

In recent weeks, Iran has seen a wave of student-led protests against the country’s theocratic leadership. The uprising has similarities to protests of several decades ago that led to the fall of Iran’s Shah, and it is this historical precedent, argues New York Times columnist William Safire, that should lead the rest of the world to take today’s demonstrations seriously. For the US to engage or appease the Iranian government would be a mistake, undercutting demonstrators' goals and giving Iran time to develop its own nuclear bomb. Instead, Safire writes, the Bush administration should continue to voice support for the country’s internal opposition, while encouraging outside pressure from the international community. Perhaps such an approach will enable Iranian dissidents to change their government without direct American intervention. – YaleGlobal