But this is not about intellectual honesty regarding facts but rather one about, should I say, obligations... or maybe intellectual decency. What is it that we are obliged to say, if we are to speak of Iran? Perhaps it would be best if we did not speak at all.
Our own government is the greatest danger facing the Iranian people, and all the options they have attempted to protect themselves from us (including liberal democracy) seem to have failed, for all groups, whether they be women or workers.
So, are we obliged to acknowledge that the Iranian state is run by authoritarian mullahs? Setting aside the consideration of whether such a statement is true (i.e., assuming it is), what is the value (or purpose) of such an acknowledgement? It doesn't help the Iranian people, does it? (I believe it doesn't since it adds, even if unintentionally, to the drumbeat for war). So, given our record, but also our philosophy, I think we are obliged not to say anything critical of the people and their choices, **right now**.
--ravi