Let's wear a silly French hat for a minute

You and I are sitting at a Parisian cafe. We're talking about life, love and loss over a cup of coffee.

I pick up the newspaper at the table next to me. It's called Le Parisien, and in the international section I find the most interesting article. (Scroll down to article IRAN: ARM WRESTLING CONTINUES)

Since we both can obviously read French now, we start talking about it.

Apparently the situation in Iran is deteriorating, as 7 prostestors have been killed in clashes with the Iranian government, the challenger to Ahmadinejad has called for a nullification of the election results from earlier this month, and western journalists are being heavily sanctioned.

If you've watched any news recently you'll notice that the American press is relying heavily on internet blogging and tweeting to obtain information from inside Iran. (This could be the first case study of new age journalism.)

You'll also notice that the election's results are heavily contested by outside international groups, and by the reformist Iranian sentiment. It is noted that the election was performed using paper ballots, and the results were post before the polls closed, a feat which America can only marvel at.

The results given by the Iranian government give Ahmadinejad a 33% margin of victory over Mousavvi. Winning handidly in nearly every area, including Mousavvi's home town.

I do wish to make the implication that this election is fraudulent. Without any international oversight, I can safely make this implication.

Beyond the results, the intense clashing of the protestors and government forces continues. With 7 dead protestors, this is no laughing matter. The rallies and organizations are happening daily in the Tehranian streets.

A situation like this happening in America, would result in nearly twenty-four hour coverage, and every talking head on TV spewing their liquids on the screen.

President Obama believes that most of the publicity surrounding Mousavvi is disregarding his political leanings. It is valid to to postulate that Mousavvi holds much of the same as Ahmadinejad's political positions.

However, going even further into irrelevance over this Ahmadinejad vs Mousavvi is that as the President of Iran your power is limited to what the Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, instructs you to do.

As an Islamic theocracy, Iranian governance is ultimately up to Khamenei, not Ahmadinejad or Mousavvi. For his time in office Ahmadinejad has been the willing puppet of Khamenei. So would Mousavvi be the Iranian "Obama". I doubt that.

Overall the situation in Iran is terrible. Factoring in the relative insignificance of the election results it becomes just depressing. Iran is obviously unstable, and attempting to develope nuclear capabilities. What should America do in response? Should we get involved in a sovereign countries electorial process?

Aiya, let's go back to our coffee.