I will never forget the images of Pope John Paul II arriving in Poland in June of 1979. The Pope descended from his plane, kneeled, bent and kissed the ground of his beloved homeland.

The Pope arrived as a pilgrim, news reports said. The Polish people saw more, perhaps a glimpse of freedom in the offing where their historic contributions and ties to the world were once again recognized as Polish, not as a Warsaw Pact satellite of the communist USSR.

Something similar is going on now in the Islamic Republic of Iran. After an historic election in which the chosen candidate of the ruling elite was challenged, the results were announced mere hours after the paper ballots were cast, and current Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad declared the winner.

Some say the Iranian voters’ ballots were not even counted.

Reports of unrest due to concerns of electoral fraud continue, although foreign media have been barred from Iran.

Many of the supporters of the rival candidate for President have taken to the roofs and shouting, “Allahu Akbar!” which I’ve seen translated as “God is the Greatest!” and “God is Great!”

Without a doubt, there is continued opposition to the hard line polices of President Ahmadinejad, which many in Iran believe do not reflect the country’s history and traditions.

It has become a staple of the ruling council to denounce protesters as incited by the West, mostly the UK, two of whose diplomats were thrown out of Iran. The UK responded by giving the heave to two Iranian embassy personnel. But, the Iranian government raised the ante on the UK yesterday and detained many members of the diplomatic staff assigned to Iran in violation of international law.

What remains an issue is what actions may be taken in solidarity with the aspirations of Iranians by supporters of freedom around the world.

First, one must caution forbearance.

If many take up the rhetoric of the far right in the US calling for swift, strong action against Iran, there will be a backlash against the protesters in Iran. Such is already in the offing as the media have been closed down and the government tries to spin the whole thing as a plot by the West, pointing to such rhetoric in support of its claims. Those which make such harsh statements and urge imprudent action give aid and comfort to the enemies of freedom in Iran.

So, what then, for those worldwide who support the Iranian people’s return to the world community and to again recognize Iran’s past contributions and continuing ability to contribute to the world at large?  I offer several ideas.

We could tie a green ribbon ‘round the old oak trees. Green is the color of the party of the opposition in Iran.

We could join in solidarity with the aspirations of the protesters and go onto our rooftops or just go outside and shout or say; “God is Great!” at midnight Tehran time (about 2:30 p.m. CST [+4 GMT]).

And ask that peace be with our Iranian brothers and sisters.