On June 15th, the streets of Tehran choked with marchers protesting the recent Iranian Presidential elections. Estimates indicate that between one and two million people walked through the streets that day, and it was the largest protest in Iran since the 1979 revolution which overthrew the Shah. Although the events in Iran signify a country in transition, the United States must be cautious in its engagement of Iran and remember the lessons of our recent history.
Since 1980, when the United States broke ties with Iran, banned American exports to the country and expelled Iranian diplomats following the hostage crisis, Iran has had a long history of reckless, irresponsible behavior. The United States has often hoped for improvements, only to be disappointed. In 1997, Mohammad Khatami, a moderate cleric, won Iran 's presidential election. Clinton called the election hopeful, but insisted that ties were not possible until Iran renounced terrorism, opposition to the Middle East peace effort and weapons of mass destruction. Ultimately, all attempts to improve relations with Iran failed when they refused to abandon support for these activities.
Today, we know little about Mir-Hossein Moussavi, the man supported by the protesters, but our experience in the late 1990s should remind us that even with a moderate President, Iran has demonstrated no interest in either reducing support for terrorism or abandoning its dogged pursuit of nuclear capability.
Although the validity of the election is in question, Iran ’s violence directed at toward the protestors is appalling. Over the past few years, I had the pleasure of participating in the House Democracy Assistance Commission. The mission of the House Democracy Assistance Commission is to promote responsive, effective government and strengthen democratic institutions by assisting legislatures in emerging democracies. I traveled throughout the world to assist countries attempting to build stable, prosperous democracies. I personally know the challenges in building a stable government through fair, impartial elections. Now, as I watch the Iranian regime pretending to hold such fair and impartial elections only to violently put down peaceful protests is outrageous. I condemn them.
Protesters in Iran have courageously taken to the streets, risking and losing their lives to demand free and fair elections, rather than the political sham in which they have been living for decades. Although we must move cautiously, these uprising represent the most exciting development in the Middle East in decades. Even political leaders in Europe, specifically French President Nicolas Sarcozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, have talked about the moral imperative of supporting the Iranian people.
I remain profoundly disappointed in the President’s lack of remarks after the initial protests. As we prepare to celebrate our own nation’s independence, I worry that the President’s desire to reach out to Iranians and other nations with questionable intentions is causing him to turn a blind eye to the efforts of people working towards democracy. America must always support free and fair elections throughout the world and remember those who are responsible for our own democracy.
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