I found this article on NPR News. It states the reactions of the Arab world to the reactions of Iran's election (in other words, the regional reactions to Iran's reactions):
First, the article shows an example of "ordinary Arabs" outside of Iran showing support for the reformers. They are protesting how the Iranian government dealt with these reformers. I found it interesting that many of these "ordinary Arabs" were Iranian expatriates. These individuals do not seem worried about Iran's reaction to their "disloyalty" to the nation. Maybe they were secure in their position in their new nation, and felt more free to protest Iran from this new position.
Next, the article mentions the tendency of other Middle Eastern nations to be more cautious in their responses. It seems that they didn't want to choose a stance too quickly. They must have feared "choosing the wrong side" before finding out who came out on top in the elections. Reasons for this seem to be: 1) other nations feared that interfering in Iran will spread its unrest to their governments, and 2) the desire to sit back while Iran "self-destructs"
I also found it interesting that one of the men who was interviewed didn't want to give his name. This must be a common request (if people even choose to give information to international sources at all). It seems that international media has been receiving info from the most secure, confident, and sneaky sources. I would like to know what the people who are too afraid to speak up would REALLY say about the election. Maybe we will never truly know until the unrest in Iran dies down a little, and until the government stops (corrupting?) the ability to speak freely.
In the meantime, many individuals (as well as entire nations) will continue to wait until they know where the other side truly stands before speaking up. This tendency to "react to reactions" is an unfortunate drawback that eliminates the ability for a more free political system.
While it is understandable that neighboring nations may not want to involve themselves in the Iranian government issues for fear of bringing unrest to their own country, I wonder what else they stand to gain. If the Iranian government were to fall, what good would result for these neighbors? The location of Iran is important to the oil trade and I would assume that its stability would be more ideal than its fall. Thus one would assume neighboring nations ought to help if possible. Additionally, danger aside it is refreshing to hear someone speak out again the government for in the spirit of self expression. All to often westerner audiences are only presented with the notion that people of this area are all too willing to conform and maintain their silence. The present danger is clear, yet opposing viewpoints are often tightly contained. The risks people of the region are taking to express their opinions may be the sign or a new era of people and changes to come.
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