Iranian leader demands US apology

First let me offer a little background on US-Iranian relations. Please read this before you say "They blew up the WTC, they ALL hate us, ALL Muslims are bad", because the plain truth is that they aren't all bad. Most in the Islamic world, even most people in Iran envy the U.S. and our freedom, technology, and way of life. The young people especially have internet, iPods, and like western culture and wish to come to the U.S. It's only the radical extremist few that want to destroy us, themselves, and all humanity. The following is a quick summary of why we have beef w/ Iran written by Two Sentz contributor Chuck:

In 1954, the US funded and aided a coup to overthrow the democratically elected Mossadeqh government in Iran. This was due to the government deciding to nationalize the BP fields and pipelines in Iran, which would have cost British Petroleum BILLION$ in revenue. So, with help from the CIA, the coup was successful, and Shah (King) Reza was installed as absolute ruler.

From 1954 until 1979, the Shah brutalized the Iranian people, and held onto power (with generous military and economic aid from the US) with an iron fist.

Then, in 1979, The Ayatollah (who had been in exile by the Shah), with overwhelming popular support, staged a revolution, and took the American embassy (and everyone in it as hostages).

The Islamic Revolution of Iran, and the rise of the Ayatollah, was a direct response to American involvement in Iranian affairs. We supported and backed a brutal dictator, and the people of Iran HATED us because of it.

Now, why did we do it? 1.) To protect and preserve BP's profits in the Iranian oil fields 2.) To maintain a 'friendly' Iranian government that would provide a buffer against Soviet Russia to the North.

That's the history of Iran, and why they hate us. It's not for 'our freedoms' or because they're hot headed Muslims, or some other such bull. Think about it. What if the roles were reversed? How would you feel it Iran funded and supplied arms to a coup attempt to overthrow the US government, and then supported a puppet for 25 years? Would you support a revolution to overthrow him? Would you be angry at Iran for injecting themselves and their interests in our internal affairs?

Now, hopefully, you have a better understanding of Iran, and why we need to talk to them, and stop saber rattling. Especially considering the fact that there is a large moderate faction in Iran that is eager to normalize relations with us.

Hopefully that served to educate some of you and you can cool your temper on your hot-headed comments. Iran has heard Obama's call and their President has responded with this:

Iran's president has responded to an overture by the new US president by demanding an apology for past US "crimes" committed against Iran.

"Those who speak of change must apologise to the Iranian people and try to repair their past crimes," he said.

The Iranian president welcomed the possibility of US change, but said: "When they say 'we want to make changes', change can happen in two ways".

"First is a fundamental and effective change... The second ... is a change of tactics. It is very clear that, if the meaning of change is the second one, this will soon be revealed," he said.

"If someone wants to talk with us in the language that [George W] Bush used... even if he uses new words, our response will be the same that we gave to Bush during the past years".

Relations between Washington and Tehran reached new lows in recent years over attempts by the US and its allies in the United Nations to curtail Iran's nuclear programme over fears it is trying to build nuclear weapons.

So where does that leave things? Well, at least the response from Iran was speedy and more positive than negative in my opinion. But should Obama apologize to Ahmadinejad for events that took place which neither of he nor Ahmadinejad were involved in bringing about? I don't think so. But neither side should ignore the facts of the matter either. If the real goal of the U.S. is peace with other nations then this is yet another step in the right direction. No one is suggesting turning a blind eye to what Iran does, just simply starting a dialogue and creating an atmosphere that can help reverse the deteriorating coarse of relations. As the saying goes: "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer."

Again, from Chuck:

Here's how Obama handles this:
Don't talk to Ahmadinejad. He's a puppet, anyway. Talk directly to the REAL power in Iran, the Ayatollah. Hold talks with him, and you show the Iranian people that America knows where the power lies (thus illustrating to them how they are NOT a true Democracy), and you completely disregard the crazy bigot who can't take a crap without asking the Ayatollah, anyway.

From Melanie:

Here's a good place to start: let women work again. We've seen this time and time again: one of the best ways to improve a country is to let women go to school, get an education, and get a job. Until that happens, there's little hope for real, substantive change.