The Iranian Non-Election

Michael Ledeen over at the National Review Online is reporting that the Iranians had a record breaking series of municipal elections this past weekend. Apparently, of 7 million registered voters in Tehran, approximately 70,000 actually showed up to vote. Not a good turnout at all.

This is an example of why an invasion of Iran probably won't be necessary. The nutjobs of the theocracy have let out just enough rope for the people of Iran to hang them. Once the citizens of Iran see the improved lifestyles and standards of living in the newly reconstructed Iraq, they will move against their government. They are smart people with enough freedom to be able to organize and execute a revolt.

This is why the distinctions of diplomacy are important. In Iraq, there is no hope of even a protest non-vote. Saddam has an absolute stranglehold on the country and is pillaging the nation for resources to build WMD. In Iran, we have an unstable theocracy that is trying to provide something for its people and, while they are still a state sponsor of terrorism, they are trying to slowly integrate themselves into the world community (the past instances of attempted reproachment with the US is evidence of this attempted reintergration). Iraq is going to require a military solution; Iran is eventually going to bring about its own end. Our being able to make the distinction between the two is going to be vital to navigating the problems of the Middle East.

The Iranian non-vote bodes well for the ultimate US plan to stabilze the Middle East. It shows that the Iranians know the value and importance of a peaceful protest against the government. Now we know the real feelings of the Iranian people. It's time to start making the world safer.