Iran's Reformers (2)

State Dept. update:

We heard immediately from a State Department official involved with Iran policy who objected to the blog, saying that it did not reflect the U.S. government's true efforts in support of Iranian reformers. Here's the official's email to me in full:

The United States wants a positive and cooperative relationship with Iran. We want the regime in Tehran to improve its record on democracy and human rights, as well as alter its behavior in a number of other critical areas, including nuclear weapon development, state support of terrorism, and destabilizing activity in the region.

Iran's domestic human rights record remains abysmal, and it is getting worse. The government continues to commit serious abuses, including summary executions, disappearances, torture and other inhumane treatment. This record has summoned severe international criticism. The Iranian regime severely limits freedom of speech and the press. The government has shut down scores of news outlets, stifling a free press and limiting political discourse and challenges to the status quo.

We recognize that many Iranian activists and civil society organizations are striving to build a more democratic, inclusive and prosperous future for the citizens of Iran. The United States and other members of the international community are fully supportive of their brave efforts.

Given the clear aspirations of Iran's younger generation, we hope that some day Iran will become a powerful force for peace, prosperity and democracy in the Middle East. President Bush addressed this personally when he said on September 13, 2006 that "I would like to see more cultural exchanges. I would like to see university exchanges. I would like to see more people-to-people exchanges. I know that the more we can show the Iranian people the true intention of the American government, the more likely it is that we will be able to reach a diplomatic solution to a difficult problem."

The State Department is developing programs to support those inside Iran who want greater freedom of expression, greater rights for women, and broader freedom of the press. Americans share the Iranian people's vision for a prosperous, peaceful and democratic Iran. We are committed to supporting their efforts to achieve their goal.

U.S. law requires an extra step in the granting of visas to anyone from a country officially designated as a state-sponsor of terrorism. This review process and it's timing are out of the hands of the State Department.

--By Scott MacLeod/Cairo