The U.S. can help Iranians in their struggle against repression

The killing of Iranian demonstrators by the Islamic Republic's operatives is a grim reminder of ongoing repression in Iran ("Iran Clamps Down on Protesters," Dec. 29).

What should America do about what is happening in Iran?

Iran has vast human and natural resources and will remain a leader in the Middle East. Leadership can be for peace and justice, or it can be for perpetuating self-interests. The current regime represses the rights of Iranians but continues to exploit the genuine aspirations of the people of the region. Iranian people reject this hypocrisy; they have resolved to first tackle the problem of dictatorship at home. Their struggle is independent of external forces, is nonviolent and nonideological. These qualities are unique in the history of the Iranian democratic struggle.

The Obama administration can regain its credibility in the region by demonstrating its own integrity while helping to expose the Iranian regime's true intentions:

• Support the self-determination and freedom of all people of the region even when U.S. allies, such as Egypt and Israel, violate these principles.

• Insist on respect for human rights and freedom of political prisoners independently of the nonproliferation issue; do not compromise on human rights for political gains.

• Engage the Iranian dissidents in exile, who represent this movement. Nobel Peace Prize winner Shirin Ebadi and filmmaker Mohsen Makhmalbaf exemplify those who have emerged as credible opposition voices abroad.

• Support the political refugees; many are forced into exile by persecution. Give them refugee status and allow their lawful opposition to the regime.

• Internationalize the regime's isolation: Lead Europe, Russia and China in pressuring the regime to stop its repressive behavior. Military action or indiscriminate sanctions hurt the people and will harm their democratic movement.

MEHRAN ARBAB
Franklin Park