Iran is appearing to be a democracy. The opposition is tolerated. It is a good show for Mahmoud. A nice mask.

The electorate is a bit of a puppet in my opinion. The 'sudden' rise in recognizable opposition was very odd. Whether it was due to a 'parallel' government that began with the successful defeat of the moderates in 2005 or simply an unexpected endorsement by the inner circle of authority; it was odd.

Suddenly, people were everywhere opposing the existing 'regime.' It appears to be more of an uprising than an election and I do believe the Iranian people were sincerely attempting to reclaim their country. They have many reasons to do so. The sanctions. The threat of aggression against their country due to the increased nuclear tensions. A promising speech by a new American President.

Regardless, with a movement the current Iranian authority could not contain completely and world pressure to allow people to express themselves within the country, the 'appearance' of a democratic process also served Mahmoud as if there was hope to the world for a 'new' Iran with a new priority in freedom, inclusion and peace. That is not the case. Today, Iran is more determined to have its way. It is stimulating nuclear threat to the region.

Supporters of reformist candidate Mir-Hossein Mousavi, some wearing green as the color of the party, gather on the streets protesting the results of the Iranian presidential election.