India, Jan. 15 -- What is happening in Iran today is disturbing on many counts. First, the protests on the streets have turned into a spectre of violence and arson, and the government has stepped in with a force that has killed over 500 civilians. Second, it has created a situation where superpower involvement is imminent, turning Iran into a flashpoint that could spill over its borders. Third, it sets a dangerous precedent in which the US President is brazenly inciting people to "take over institutions", a direct meddling in the affairs of a sovereign country. And finally, the protesters are seeking regime change, not reforms.

They lack a roadmap for resolving the issues confronting them, which could plunge the country into a long cycle...