Same Old, Same Old

What does the re-election of Mahmoud Ahmadenijad mean for the relationship between Iran and the U.S.?

On Monday U.S. President Barack Obama said only that the U.S. respected the sovereignty of Iran and the election was theirs to decide.  

But his vice president Joe Biden spoke out on Meet the Press.

“Our interests are the same before the election as after the election, and that is we want them to cease and desist from making a nuclear weapon and having one in its possession and secondly to stop supporting terrors.”

Still, questions linger as to whether Obama’s neutral tone is having a positive or negative effect on the current protests in Iran.

A Fox News Analyst and Middle East expert says that Mousavi protestors could benefit from President Obama’s political influence.

“I think these Iranian protesters are risking their lives and a strong statement from this president who no doubt is popular throughout the world and has tremendous political capital around the world. Many of these protestors, I’m sure, would like to see the president of the United States expend some of his tremendous international political capital on their behalf.”

Al Jazeera English spoke to an economist specializing in the Iranian economy.  He said waiting it out will lead to better negotiations between the two nations.

“The less disturbance there is, the better it is for the continuation of negotiations between the two sides. Now, I don’t believe that Obama would and/or should rush into congratulating someone whose presidency is being doubted by a wide group of the population and contenders until it is settled.”

However, some media are saying that regardless of the outcome, relations with Iran will not be easy for Obama. The U.S. has not had a relationship with Iran since 1980, but a reformist victory may have broken the ice according to Peter Kiernan at the World Politics Review.

“...a reformist victory would have made engaging Iran an easier political sell….the prospect of a second four-year term for Ahmadinejad is a setback for the Obama team.”