and they had six different opinions as to what the heck is going on over there.

Some facts however to keep in mind.

History has clearly taught us that meddling in Iran's internal affairs, or even cheerleading those in Iran who we see as "moderate" and pro-western, invariably does a lot more harm than good.

All four candidates in the Presidential election are in fact very much establishment candidates, each with the blessing and approval of the ruling Guardian Council. The idea that one or another of them is somehow a wonderfully progressive moderate (by our definition) who will abandon Iran's nuclear ambitions, embrace peaceful relations with Israel, and magically turn Iran into our friend and ally is wildly delusional.

Most Iranians, like most people everywhere, want more freedom in their daily lives to run their own affairs as best they see fit, but they're also proud of their country, they're proud to be Muslims, and they want and support strong leadership like Ahmadinejad, even if they disagree with many of his expressed views. There is no question that Ahmadinajad enjoys strong support across many segments of Iranan society, especially among the working classes, in rural areas, and among traditional Iranians. Iran is a very sophisticated society but also a very conservative one. The young yuppies wearing jeans in northern Tehran, and carrying signs with slogans written in English, are the exception, not the norm, in this country.

If enough Iranians want more freedom, and are willing to fight for it, then Iran will have more freedom. But only Iranians can decide this, and outsiders should not choose sides and support factions in the struggle.