President Obama has struck the right tone in his public statements, calling on Iran's government to stop "all violent and unjust actions" and making clear that Washington and the world are watching.
And he is right to avoid becoming more deeply involved in Iran's post-election political crisis, both practically and morally
How many American experts, officials or members of Congress have been to Iran in the past 30 years?
It is Iran's 66 million citizens, not tough rhetoric or token assistance, who will determine how events in the country unfold. Recognizing this, it is not only unproductive but dangerous for the United States to play too visible a role in Iran's domestic disturbances.
The United States encouraged Hungarians in an uprising against their communist leaders in 1956, only to watch as the brave individuals who chose to stand against their regime were killed mercilessly by their own government because they lacked sufficient internal or external support to succeed.
If the American people are not prepared to offer real help to the protesters in Tehran's streets -- up to and including military force to ensure that they win -- it is profoundly immoral to urge Iranians to action from the sidelines.
Those who truly want to see political reform in Iran would do well to stay out of the way. Republicans are on the wrong side of another issue.
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