The World is Watching, but Should not be Caring

Iran.

More than just a sneaker made by Steve Jobs.

This political hotbed has turned into a media darling for coverage following thier most recent elections. The followers of former Prime Minister Mousavi insist that the election was rigged, and that there's no way current President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad could have won re-election, especially by so convincing a margin. There are protests in the streets. People are wearing green to demonstrate their spirit for Mousavi. Rallies are formed by both pro-government and pro-reform factions.

And it doesn't really mean anything.

Imagine this scenario: We go through a hotly contested election here in the United States. At the end of it, a new President is put in office. He has promised to be a complete about face from the previous administration. He's swept into office on a sea of good feeling and the promise of change.

Oh wait, we did that.

Okay, imagine this scenario: Barack Obama cannot actually enforce any policy without first consulting the Pope.

Iran may be a democracy, but only in the sense that your High School was a democracy. Elections were held, supporters came out to hotly defend their candidate for President of the Student Council. But at the end of the day, when all the votes are tallied, you're still not allowed to do anything the principal says you can't.

The country of Iran has popular elections, true. However, it is Ayatollah Khomeini who holds the title of Supreme Leader. He and the Guardian Council form Iran's ruling elite. The position of President and his cabinet are merely there to enforce Khomeini's policies and put up a figurehead front to the public. Mousavi would be no different. Even if he were in office, there is nothing he could actually influence or change if Ruhollah Khomeini does not wish it so.

So it's all well and good to want to investigate Iran's political process to make sure everybody's vote was tallied correctly. We should always strive to make sure democracy means representation for the people and by the people. However, in the case of Iran, never forget that their democracy is the lesser form of government. It is the religious leader and his unelected council which hold the true power.

Meanwhile, as we focus on that, North Korea is selling weapons. Can we please focus on North Korea now?

Following Win, Riots Erupt in Iran

TEHRAN, Iran – With the final announcement made, hundreds of thousands took to the Tehran streets to riot in celebration Sunday night following the Los Angeles Lakers NBA title win.

Dozens of fans from the rowdy crowd were arrested after police declared the gathering an unlawful assembly, the police chief Saeed Leilaz said.

Several police cruisers were damaged as rocks were thrown and bonfires were set in the street. Press TV reporter Amir Mehdi Kazemi said he heard gunshots at the rally and at least one person, a boy, appeared to be injured by the gunfire. Reinforcement officers were called in from throughout the city to help disperse the crowd, Leilaz said.

Looting was prevalent in Tehran.
Here, teenage boys break into a Foot Locker store to get the new Kobe shoe.

Downtown celebrations lasted well into the morning hours in downtown Tehran, a city known for rabid Laker fans. This phenomenon first developed when Lakers star Kobe Bryant - best known for his community service work off the court - came to Iran to introduce basketball to the children there. Tehran residents held Laker-watching parties throughout the playoffs, even giving a significant boost to the satellite television industry.

The brazen and sometimes even angry confrontations in Tehran — including stunning scenes of masked rioters tangling with black-clad police — were described by Leilaz as spineless. "It's not easy to stand there when cowards in the middle of the crowd are throwing rocks and bottles at them," Leilaz said. He commended his officers for showing restraint despite "a lot of provocation from a number of knuckleheads," he told a crowd of reporters through an interpreter. "They're just mimicking the kind of bad example set by fans from the States," Leilaz said.

In 2000, after the Lakers won their first NBA title in 12 years, fans rioted outside the Staples Center, burning police cars and leaving more than 70 vehicles damaged, many at nearby auto dealerships. At least a dozen were injured.

Lakers fans riot in LA following 2000 title win

For Los Angeles, it was the city's first NBA championship in seven years, and the franchise's 15^th overall. For the Lakers players though, it was a redemption win after falling to the Boston Celtics in last years finals. It was also the 4th NBA championship for Series MVP Kobe Bryant, and 10th coaching title for Phil Jackson. Two teams battled through the 2009 Finals, providing three close games in five chances, but even with that attempt at parity, it's clear that the Los Angeles Lakers were just a giant step above the Orlando Magic.