[2 Important Updates] SPENGLER:

In Wonderland, Alice played croquet with hedgehogs and flamingos. In the Middle East, United States President Barack Obama is attempting the same thing, but with rats and cobras. Not only do they move at inconvenient times, but they bite the players. Iran's presidential election on Friday underscores the Wonderland character of American policy in the region.

America's proposed engagement of Iran has run up against the reality of the region, namely that Iran cannot "moderate" its support for its fractious Shi'ite allies from Beirut to Pakistan's northwest frontier. It also shows how misguided Obama was to assume that progress on the Palestinian issue would help America solve more urgent strategic problems, such as Iran's potential acquisition of nuclear weapons.

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Yesterday's death toll is eight, killed by pro-regime militia; more protests expected today.

UPDATE. According to Iran's state TV, the Guardian Council has decided to recount all votes. Of course, that's no guarantee they'll count them right this time, but in any case it's a good sign the ayatollahs are listening to the people on the street. Who would have thunk it only a few years ago, eh?

UPDATE II. Iran's Guardian Council clarifies: it won't recount all votes, just the disputed ballot boxes.