Clinton on Iran

A few weeks ago, Bill Clinton made some controversial statements on Iran that've attracted a barrage of ridicule from right-wing pundits. Here's what he said:

"Iran today is, in a sense, the only country where progressive ideas enjoy a vast constituency. It is there that the ideas that I subscribe to are defended by a majority."

"In every single election, the guys I identify with got two thirds to 70 per cent of the vote. There is no other country in the world I can say that about, certainly not my own."

Right-wingers misconstrued Clinton's comments as praise for the mullahs in Iran. But if you listen to the full speech, it's clear that Clinton was not talking about the Mullahs. Rather, he was referring to the progressive parties that have indeed won resounding majorities in Iran's elections - but which have been denied any real power by the junta of theocrats that holds final sway over the Iranian government.

Clinton is right. Most Iranian citizens are progressives who crave reform. But their voice has been stifled by the clerical regime.

They need our help.