[Sigaba]

Originally Posted by Richard

I just saw on the news where he's just dis-invited the Iranian ambassador to the White House Fourth of July activities - if that doesn't show the Iranian government we mean business, I don't know what will.

It is interesting how the folks at The Huffington Post are presenting the president's handling of events in Iran. Jennifer Loven offers this account of the president's comments during yesterday's press conference. The original story is here, below is the first portion. (The rest is equally bilious.)

Obama condemns violence against Iran protesters

JENNIFER LOVEN | June 24, 2009 12:13 AM EST | AP

WASHINGTON — Dramatically hardening the U.S. reaction to Iran's disputed elections and bloody aftermath, President Barack Obama condemned the violence against protesters Tuesday and lent his strongest support yet to their accusations the hardline victory was a fraud.

Obama, who has been accused by some Republicans of being too timid in his response to events in Iran, declared himself "appalled and outraged" by the deaths and intimidation in Tehran's streets _ and scoffed at suggestions he was toughening his rhetoric in response to the criticism.

He suggested Iran's leaders will face consequences if they continue "the threats, the beatings and imprisonments" against protesters. But he repeatedly declined to say what actions the U.S. might take, retaining _ for now _ the option of pursuing diplomatic engagement with Iran's leaders over its suspected nuclear weapons program.

"We don't know yet how this thing is going to play out," the president said. "It is not too late for the Iranian government to recognize that there is a peaceful path that will lead to stability and legitimacy and prosperity for the Iranian people. We hope they take it."

Obama borrowed language from struggles throughout history against oppressive governments to condemn the efforts by Iran's rulers to crush dissent in the wake of June 12 presidential elections. Citing the searing video circulated worldwide of the apparent shooting death of Neda Agha Soltan, a 26-year-old young woman who bled to death in a Tehran street and now is a powerful symbol for the demonstrators, Obama said flatly that human rights violations were taking place.

"No iron fist is strong enough to shut off the world from bearing witness to peaceful protests of justice," he said during a nearly hourlong White House news conference dominated by the unrest in Iran. "Those who stand up for justice are always on the right side of history."

In regards to the rescinded invitation, what is the sound of a hand patting its owner on the back? Source is here.

No Iranian diplomat had accepted an invitation from U.S. diplomatic posts abroad to attend embassy Fourth of July parties, according to the State Department.

Department spokesman Ian Kelly told reporters that... no Iranians have accepted, and he indicated that the U.S. saw little reason for them to, given the political crisis over their disputed presidential election.

Way to show 'em, Mr. President. That'll learn 'em.

Next thing you know, the president will cut off Iran's access to America's Got Talent and Gossip Girl.

But I'm not bitter.