A few of my thoughts

I find the series of remarks by President Obama regarding Iran quite confusing.

First, on Friday, June 12th, the day of the Iranian vote, President Obama stated he was pleased with the "robust debate" and the possibility of change in Iran.

To me, this seemed extremely naive. Both Presidential aspirants, Ahmadinejad and Moussavi, were selected by the Guardian Council, who in turn are controlled by the Supreme Leader, the Ayatollah Khamenei. The Supreme Leader, I suspect, would never allow anyone but his handpicked candidate to become President. Democratic process and change were never a possibility for Iran in this election.

Then, the Administration very carefully chose their words about the result. Mr. Obama continued to talk about democracy in Iran and respecting the Iranians' choice of President. Huh? He did mention being troubled about the violence he saw on TV. Vice-President Biden had "doubts" about the vote, and Secretary of State Clinton hoped that the election was the result of the "genuine will and desire" of the Iranian people.

The State Department then voiced concerns about "reports" of violence. I guess Hilary Clinton doesn't watch TV.

In defense of these cautious words, President Obama stated he didn't want the Iranian leaders to accuse the U.S. of "meddling". Of course, the Supreme Leader accused the U.S. of meddling anyway.

Now, President Obama has come out much more forcefully against the Iranian vote. Why now? It's been a week.

I suspect this turn-around is due to the bad press he has been receiving for his perceived lack of strength in this matter.

I must say that this is unsettling to me. I prefer someone in charge who doesn't change his actions according to popularity polls, who determines what is the best course and goes for it, who doesn't parse his words.

Strength of character is preferable in a leader, especially the leader of the free world.