Originally Posted by Max2147

How does doing nothing help Ahmadinejad?

The United States can't have a positive impact on the outcome in Iran. There's nothing in our foreign policy toolbox that will give us the desired result. Therefore, it's all about minimizing the damage, and doing nothing is the best way to do that.

I know that saying "we aren't able to do anything" offends the American psyche, but it's better to admit a truth you don't like than to pretend that something false is true.