President Obama, along with leaders of other democratic nations, should speak aggressively on behalf of the Iranian protesters who are risking their lives for reform. Those protesters represent the best hope for a real change in our relationship with Iran, and the rest of the Middle Eastern Muslim world.

I have no problem with the president's recent trip to the Middle East, and his effort to improve relations with current Muslim regimes.

But regardless of our diplomatic efforts, the fundamentalist clerics who run the Iranian government are going to remain hostile toward Israel, maintain their sponsorship of international terrorism and continue to develop a nuclear weapons program.

The young protesters in Tehran prove that there's another element in Iran, which is reportedly more pro-Western and open to the concepts of moderation and compromise. These protesters may someday get another opportunity to flex their political muscle, perhaps in an improved environment where opposition candidates have a real chance to win.

But that will only happen if the U.S. and her allies demand that the Iranian government treat dissenters with tolerance and respect, and give future opposition candidates the chance to compete on a fair, level playing field.

The seeds of democracy have been planted in Iran, but they will only take root with careful, dedicated cultivation by the friends of democracy around the world, starting with the United States.

Former State Rep. Bill Huizenga
Zeeland