Demonstrations in Iran will tie the West's hands

There is something positive and empowering when hundreds of thousands of people take to the streets to demonstrate against a repressive government. This is what is happening in Iran. Fed up with a lack of freedom and an election that may have been rigged, people are risking their lives to protest against Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

While it is good to see people seeking more freedom, the end result is highly uncertain. Ahmadinejad, who is backed by Iran's real power, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, may survive the unrest and choose to crack down on dissidents. He might also accelerate Iran's nuclear program and be less influenced by the West. After all, why should he listen to Western leaders who want him to give up Iran's nuclear program when those same leaders eagerly rooted for his downfall.

There is also the matter of opposition leader Mir Hossein Moussavi. He might be the leader of the anyone-but-Ahmadinejad camp, but he is certainly no friend of the United States, Israel, or Europe. He is a supporter of the Islamic Revolution. He does not have Ahmadinejad's hard edges, but he is no cheerleader for a more liberal society. He is also not likely to slow or halt Iran's nuclear program.

The unrest in Iran might also prevent the international community from imposing stronger sanctions against Iran. A hostile international community is likely to embolden the regime as well as rally some Iranians to support their government.

So, while we admire those Iranians who are risking their lives seeking more freedom, it is imperative that we not get giddy about the future of Iran. .