The image of young Iranian supporters of opposition leader [and probable election winner] Moussavi may have created the image that Moussavi is a progressive. Although less reactionary, delusion and rhetorically offensive as Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Moussavi is still a conservative.

The Angry Arab, as usual, explains it best:

He is a man who suddenly discovered the virtues of democracy. When he was prime minister back in the 1980s, he presided over a regime far more oppressive than Ahmadinajad’s. And why has no Western media really commented on his rhetoric during his own campaign: the man kept saying that he wants a “return” to the teachings of Khomeini. I in no way support a man who wants a “return” to the teachings of Khomeini.

Of course, this should in no way undermine our support for the brave Iranians marching in the streets. Even though Moussavi may not be a liberal, many if not most of his voters are and they simply went for the more liberal between a bunch of conservatives. This is due to the fact that before running for president, Iranian candidates must be approved by a council of reactionary mullahs. It is no surprise that those who promise a strong with the system do not pass muster.

Those Iranians in the street are the hope for a more liberal Iran. Moussavi may not be the best man to lead that effort, we should keep that in mind, but he is all we got. We have to support the lesser of two evils in the hopes that Moussavi will eventually lead to an opening in Iranian democracy that will allow real progressives to run.