Yesterday we posted Nasrallah’s speech that described the Arab revolts as popular uprisings. Well here is an Obama speech saying much the same thing, his statement to the Iranian people for Nowruz, the new year, two days ago. It’s great. Note his celebration of the Arab movements, reaching for “values that are universal, the freedom of peaceful assembly and association, the ability to speak your mind and choose your leaders.”
Then note Obama’s condemnation of Iranian leaders and his appeal to the Iranian people that could easily be edited into a condemnation of Israel’s oppression of the Palestinians and an appeal to the people of Israel and Palestine. The uprisings “are not unique to the last few months.” No, there have been many intifadas. “Governments have a choice in their response.” Yes, they don’t have to divide people racially. “Young and old, men and women, rich and poor, the Iranian people have been persecuted.” Goldstone used the word persecution in his great report, now being discussed by the UN Human Rights Council. There are “hundreds in jail,” Obama says. Make that thousands of Palestinians.
“The world has watched these unjust actions with alarm. These choices don’t demonstrate strength, they show fear. The future of Iran will not be shaped by fear.” Yes and the Israeli government operates out of fear, and then wags the American dog to stand up for it at every turn.
