Why are some people across the political spectrum criticizing the President's stance and tone when it comes to what is going on in Iran? Why are they insisting, pushing and demanding the President change his sentiment?
Indeed, the post-election events that are occurring in Iran are being watched ever so closely by many throughout the world. The righteous indignation's of the Iranian people are being oppressed and beaten back by their government. It is a natural inclination for the rest of the world to cry "foul and cruelty", when the media reports that peaceful protesters are being killed in cold blood by their own government. However, the President is the leader of the United States of America. What he says resonates throughout the entire world. This means that he must choose his words wisely and diligently.
The President's opening remarks during this mornings news conference can be heard and read here.
The following can be gauged from the Presidents opening remarks:
The President once again, chooses his words carefully as he has in the past and does not condemn the Iranian government or incumbent Ahmadinejad for the killings and violence happening in Iran during peaceful protests. Rather, he is condemning these things as purely "unjust actions" that need to stop.
The President never mentions Iranian presidential challenger Mir Hossein Mousavi throughout his statement. He knows that the majority of Iranian protesters, if not all, are Mousavi supporters. In the eyes of the Iranian government; to support the protesters, is to support Mousavi. Therefore, the President supports the peaceful protests that are occurring and encourages all Iranian’s to debate about their future.
Forwarding his stance, the President went on to say that the United States is merely a spectator, who is willfully watching what is happening in Iran and seeks not to be an influence over the Iranian government and/or protesters actions.
The President recognizes that it is ultimately up to the Iranian citizens and their government to decide how the post-election occurrences play out. It is not in the United States best interest to attempt to intervene. To do so, might cause an indefinite conflict between the United States and Iran.
However, the President did call out the Iranian government’s sanctions and blockage of foreign media and says that the government’s suppression of freedom of speech is causing the international community to lose respect for its rule. He furthermore supports those that refuse to let their voices be silenced and appreciates their great courage in doing so.
What more can you ask from the President? Do you want him to declare war on Iran, Senator McCain (Yes you do)? Do you want him to get into a verbal spitting match with Ahmadinejad, Senator Graham? How much more clear can he be in his words, Senator Bond? It seems no matter what the President does or says, it just not good enough for the neocons. They want another neowar in the middle east. That's just not going to happen without probable cause. Lets all listen to the great Henry Kissinger's remarks on how the President is dealing with the situation in Iran, when he says, "The President is handling this well...it's the proper position to take." I applaud the President and his position. So should everyone else.