Thomas P.M. Barnett :: Weblog

OP-ED: "A Different Iranian Revolution," by Shane M., New York Times, 19 June 2009.

Piece goes on and on, but some good bits.

One is:

... the election does reveal a paradox. There is strong evidence that Iranians across the board want a better relationship with the United States. But if Mr. Moussavi were to become president and carry out his campaign promise of seeking improved relations with America, we would probably see a good 30 percent of the Iranian population protesting that he is "selling out" to the enemy.

By contrast, support for Mr. Ahmadinejad's campaign was rooted in part in his supposed defense of the homeland and national honor in the face of United States aggression. Americans too-long familiar with the boorish antics of the Iranian president will no doubt be surprised to learn that the best chance for improved relations with the United States perhaps lies with Mr. Ahmadinejad. But Mr. Ahmadinejad is perceived here as being uniquely able to play the part of an Iranian Nixon by "traveling to the United States" and bringing along with him his supporters--and they are not few.

Been saying this in briefs for years, to a lot of shaking heads (both directions).