This isn't about us. It's about them.
Those marching in opposition to the results, especially the students demonstrating at universities, know what future they want for their country. They know whether it is worth it to fight or let Ahmadinejad rule for another term until the next election.
We Americans, on the other hand---We don’t collectively as a people know much at all.
We don’t collectively know the history of Iran or how the government is setup. We don’t collectively know how culture in Iran plays a role in elections.
We who consider our nation to be number one hear reports on Iran after a story on Carrie Prejean and right before a segment on exercises you can do in your hotel room when traveling and many of us don’t think much of the situation at all.
We hear CNN reporting on how the Internet and Twitter have been powering the demonstrations in the streets and on the rooftops and react with fascination but lack the ability to contextualize what the demonstrations really mean for Iran.
So, let’s do the world a favor and gain a better context for understanding or just refrain from offering our input.
Start by following the links listed above instead of your favorite source for news on television, and/or check out these books to increase your understanding:
Engaging the Muslim World – Juan Cole
All the Shah’s Men: An American Coup and the Roots of Middle East Terror – Stephen Kinzer
*And, if you really want to learn something, pick up William Blum’s Rogue State: A Guide to the World’s Only Superpower(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
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