United States Avoids Taking Stance on Iranian Elections
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The Iranian elections have attracted international criticism based on allegations of fraud in regard to the winning incumbent candidate, Ahmadinejad. The United States has been slow to take a position on the outcome of the election.
Vice President Joe Biden said on "Meet the Press," as reported by the Voice of America, "Is this the accurate response we are getting? Is this the result of the Iranian people's wishes? The hope is that the Iranian people – all their votes have been counted, and they have been counted fairly." He continued, claiming that these allegations could not yet be proven, or disproven, because of the lack of information.
Former Under Secretary of State Thomas R. Pickering told the New York Times that the United States has limited options, and may be forced to accept Ahmadinejad’s victory despite the suspicious circumstances. This, according to Pickering, would greatly hinder the newly invigorated diplomatic relations between Iran and the United States.
At least one person continues to be optimistic regardless of the alleged fraud. One senior official told the New York Times that the recent election activities could serve as a wake-up call for Ahmadinejad, who may protect himself after his suspected cheating by allowing a closer relationship with the United States.
