While it would have been politically easy and acceptable for Obama to ridicule the Iranian government given their record on human rights and confrontational foreign policies, he chose instead to act like a statesman.
 
Obama didn’t compromise on any principles, or tolerate any unacceptable Iranian policies. Instead he reached out to the general Iranian public and offered a message that touches upon our common humanity.
 
This is what real leaders do. They are determined on bringing people together rather than exploit differences. They make it difficult for extremists to recruit followers. In fact, they serve their constituency better by reducing tension and increasing their chances of protecting interests.
 
I am a critic of the Iranian government on matters of human rights and responsible governance (like I am of all Middle Eastern governments) but I found that George Bush’s approach provided them with potency while Obama’s approach is denying it to them. He is telling them that there is no room for hostility if you really want to advance your people’s interest. 
 
I have always believed that the way we choose to deal with our critics or adversaries should be a reflection of who we are not who our adversaries are.