Never expect a diplomat to propose a solution: know that he'll negotiate a compromised settlement between any two parties he can. Motive and disposition are secondary concerns to the agents of the United States Department of State, who have often singlehandedly resisted efforts of Washington lawmakers and executives to depart from convention and gamble on democracy. The department has a rich history of choosing the comfort of status quo over the great unknown of progress, from opposing General Douglas MacArthur's breathtaking transformation of Japan from military dictatorship to capitalist epicenter between 1945 and 1952 (they preferred a governmental "reshuffling") to inventing euphemisms for rogue states in 2000 ("rogue states" itself a euphemism for "brutal, openly hostile dictatorship"). If you're a murderous autocrat and want to be treated as a perfect gentlemen, phone up Foggy Bottom. The department is a favorite foil of progressive rightists - and admittedly, an enjoyable scapegoat.
Which makes a report entitled Iran: Voices Struggling to Be Heard an oddity to have come from the agency whose current undersecretary, Richard Armitage, referred to the theocratic police state as a "democracy." (PDF format here.) [Normally State's reports on despots' human rights abuses are more detached.]
An excerpt:
The Iranian people have a long and sophisticated tradition of expressing their views and their feelings, whether through art, literature, film, news media or the political process. Today the courageous voices of the Iranian people are being stifled as they call for their rights, beliefs and needs to be respected. In response, the non-elected elements of the Iranian Government hierarchy are rebuffing these calls and attempting to extinguish the voices. Recent experience shows an upswing in repression by the regime, but also a determined resilience by the Iranian people as they struggle to define their own future and exercise all their human rights. For every voice that is silenced, more call out for freedom....Youth represents the future of Iran. Yet the regime’s vision of the future clashes with the dreams of young Iranians, who have the most to gain or lose. Their continued support for reform through whatever peaceful means available sends a clear message. They will make their voices heard.
Glad to know Foggy Bottom is offering to listen. State has made encouraging intimations before that have turned out to be chatter - but then again, State has gotten away with saying far less on the subject. This is uncharacteristic, to say the least. Roger Simon ought to be impressed. Did Michael Ledeen sneak into Colin Powell's office?