Bad policy on Iran

The July 15 editorial "Staying the Course," like the Obama administration, once again misses the point on Iran. First and foremost, the recent protests in Iran are protest against a theocratic, totalitarian regime rather than disputed election results. The latter provided an avenue for the former but the protests are and always were about more than a disputed election.

Not understanding this or in my estimation flat-out evading it, Obama's way is to rationalize the bad policy of "meaningful dialogue" with a totalitarian government that's done nothing to earn it.

Does the international debating society, I mean community, really think another threat of sanctions is going to change the disposition of the Iranian regime? If they're ready and willing to fire bullets and tear gas on their own people, it's fair to conclude they don't care about the economic hardships that sanctions will place on them.

The theocratic government's goal in Iran is nuclear weapons, and they are laughing all the way to getting them with an open and welcoming hand from the Obama administration granting them legitimacy irrespective of their disposition. Obama's decision to stay the course with unsound policy has done nothing to protect U.S. interests or help the Iranian people.

Using these recent incidents to take yet another jab at Israel, the only country in a hostile region to recognize freedom and individual rights, is also shameful. My deepest sympathies go out to the Iranian protesters and their plight. It truly is lamentable that the leader of the free world's priorities lie in coddling a totalitarian government rather than standing up for their oppressed people.

BART DONNELLY
Mount Washington