Others counter that more forceful words of support would be counter productive, that there is no evidence the opposition movement wants U.S. support, and such conduct would create a bad image of U.S. meddling.
One thing that has struck me, though, is the photos of the protesters. Why are so many of them carrying signs and banners in English?
If the opposition movement didn’t care about world support, particularly from the U.S., why would they bother to use a foreign language on their banners? And of all the foreign languages to use, why English?
I think the protest movement has answered the question through their actions. While they may not want meddling (that is, us choosing their leaders for them), they do want our support in helping them obtain the leaders they have chosen.
It is becoming clear that the opposition in Iran understands that without world support, including from the U.S., they are doomed. Otherwise, they would keep their signs in Farsi and other domestic Iranian languages, and would not be Twittering and e-mailing people in the West
The Iranian regime also understands the importance of world support, which is why they have revoked visas for journalists, forbidden filming on the streets, and cut internet and cell-phone access.
Everyone seems to understand that this drama is being carried out not just on the streets, but also in world opinion. Everyone except for the Obama administration.
What doesn’t Obama understand about “Where Is My Vote?”
UPDATE: Juan Cole at Informed Comment reprints a report from someone at the Tehran rallies, confirming the increasing use of English on protest signs:
There are new signs as well. Written in English, “Where is My Vote?” …. Another: 2 x 2 = 24 million, a play on the bogus economic measures touted by Ahmadinejad during the debates, now updated to reflect the equally dubious election results.
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Related Posts:
He Who Cannot Stop Talking, Is Silent On Iran
Avoiding Doom In Iran
Is A Free Iraq Coming Home To Roost In Iran?
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