I Ran So Far Away

We should have seen the situation in Iran coming. However, it has become habit for those of us in the West to think that everyone in or near the Middle East is an extremist crackpot. The videos and photos we are seeing are reminders that the vast majority of people in Iran are, in many ways, just like us in the West. They want a level of freedom that makes it possible for them and their families to live decent lives. After many years of being pressed into corners by the leaders of their country (most of whom are extremist crackpots), the people of Iran are sensing an opportunity to escape from the corners into which they have become trapped. As we see what is happening in Iran, we all seem to struggle with the fact that the people in Iran will not be successful in their quest for freedom without outside assistance. What can be done to provide assistance that will not make if worse for the people of Iran?