Iranians fight for freedom at home

IRANIAN President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is expendable. He might not see the big picture, but his political future is tied to the enlightened self-interests of ruling religious authorities.

Iranians chased away the British, overturned the Shah and Ahmadinejad is just as politically fungible. If his departure is required to settle a dispute with no end in sight, then he will be gone.

Current upheaval can be traced to blatant corruption that tainted Iran's recent election. Stir in elements of religious tension and competition — a test of religious wills and profiles. Another ingredient is the country's demographics, and the restive power of a young, educated and globally connected population.

Rick Steves, the highly regarded travel author and public-television host, captured a telling moment in an op-ed piece he wrote for these pages in June. He described the surge of relief among passengers as the plane lifted out of Islamic Republic of Iran into free airspace.

"Iranians want to be free without leaving home. But I believe Iranians want to protect their culture even more than they want to gain their freedom. Today we are witnessing a country evolving on its terms without Western influence as it strives to have both."

Free without leaving home. And free to define and nurture their own futures.

These deep passions about home fuel resistance to outsiders around the globe. They also empower crowds to face down armed security forces and risk their lives to live freely at home.

Election fraud and sectarian bullies inspired a response that will not be put down.