Should The CIA Meddle In Iran Now?

Two Sides: Mousavi's supporters (left) rallies on Wednesday in Tehran; other Iranians attended a state-sponsored rally on Tuesday. Photos: Getty Images

From CQ Politics:

A half century ago the CIA could bring down an Iranian prime minister with a few rent-a-crowds, well placed payments to key generals and a pliable replacement.

Could it do the same today?

Not likely, but events in Iran have often contradicted the prognostications of Westerners, especially at the CIA.

Read more ....

My Comment: My only disagreement with this article is that it neglects to mention that when the CIA assisted in the over throw of Iran's PM in the 1950s, what finally made the operation a success was the support of the mullahs and religious theocracy. In short .... the religious establishment that rules Iran today was the same religious establishment that assisted the CIA in overthrowing a secular PM in the last coup d'etat.

But as to the question .... should the CIA meddle in Iran now? My answer is no. The U.S. can best address this situation by making it very clear that the the people of the U.S. are in solidarity with those who wish to embrace the ideals of freedom, democracy, and religious tolerance. When Poland declared marshal law in 1981, President Reagan knew that his options were limited to that of moral support and publicity. He was vocal and supportive on every level. President Obama should do the same .... but for reasons that I have trouble understanding, he is pursuing an opposite direction.