Following President Trump’s historic capture of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, Iranian citizens have overwhelmingly stood with the Trump Administration, while Democratic leaders have sympathized with the well-known terrorist.
Iranian citizens have begun protesting their government, after the regime admitted to shooting down a civilian plane. Iranian law enforcement has attempted to stifle the voices of protesters critical of the government. President Trump has very clearly expressed his solidarity with Iranian protesters who have become victims of an oppressive government:
To the leaders of Iran - DO NOT KILL YOUR PROTESTERS. Thousands have already been killed or imprisoned by you, and the World is watching. More importantly, the USA is watching. Turn your internet back on and let reporters roam free! Stop the killing of your great Iranian people!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2020
After the overwhelming condemnation of President Trump’s foreign policy decision, which undeniably left the world safer, the majority of Democrats are silent on this human rights violation by the Iranian government. The only 2020 white house hopefuls to speak in support of the protesters thus far are former Vice President Joe Biden and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).
Trump’s reckless policies have needlessly endangered our interests in the Middle East. But none of us should be under any illusions about the Iranian regime, and the Iranian people — like all people everywhere — have the right to peaceful protest. The world should support them.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) January 12, 2020
People should have the right to peacefully protest in any country, including Iran.
— Amy Klobuchar (@amyklobuchar) January 13, 2020
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi undermined the righteous motivation of the protesters in an interview with ABC News:
Nancy Pelosi dismisses protests in Iran against regime, "different reasons why people are in the street"
— Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) January 12, 2020
Sad. It shouldn’t be this difficult. pic.twitter.com/xa9oOKrRSY
Iranian citizens are certainly justified in their criticism of the government, and such protests should not face repercussions from law enforcement. As self-proclaimed champions of the right to protest, the silence from the majority of mainstream Democrats is deafening, and shows their true priorities. These protests present an opportunity for Republicans and Democrats to come together in support of a people oppressed by an authoritarian government. Democrats, led by Speaker Pelosi, seem to be passing on this rare chance to not only embrace bipartisan unity, but to do what is right for the world by standing with the Iranian people.
