Apology to Iran

The New York Times reported that Iran's president, Mahoud Ahmadinejad, urged Washington to apologize for its actions toward his country over the past 60 years. Most Americans, upon hearing of this statement, would ask, "What should we apologize for?" Well, for starters, we should apologize for past actions in support of the former monarch of Iran. We should apologize for the actions of the CIA in twice thwarting popular revolutions and an opportunity for the creation of a democratic government in Iran. We should apologize for policies that lead to control of the country by Muslim clerics. Any student of the history of relations between the United States and Iran can find many more reasons for an apology from the United States. An apology would go a long way towards improving diplomatic relations and, thus, creating an atmosphere that could possibly deter Iran's nuclear ambitions. An apology would indicate that the U.S. was willing to abandon its past behaviors as a colonial overlord when it attempted to replace the United Kingdom's role in Iran. An apology would be beneficial in many ways.

The problem in getting an apology for Iran is that most Americans are unaware of our history in Iran. The Bush administration went out of its way to paint Iran as a villianous nation, part of an Axis of Evil. Yes, Iran's government has done despicable things in support of Islamic fundamentalist causes. But, our past actions could be considered despicable as well. The only way we can get past the past and address the future is by a reconcilliation that begins with an apology. I predict it will happen, after an apology is preceded by the right kind of publicity. Otherwise, it will be politically hard to do. Well, there's precedent. Nixon went to China. It is not inconceivable that Obama will go to Iran. Remember, you read it here first.