According to AFP, Mr. Gates, who is also a former CIA director, said that the example of mostly peaceful uprisings posed a problem for the Iranian regime that might become more acute over time.
“Because the behavior of the militaries in Tunisia and in Egypt … contrast vividly with the savage repression that the Iranians have undertaken against anybody who dares to demonstrate,” Gates explained.
The AFP added, “Describing himself as “an optimist about these changes,” Gates said it could take months or years for the unrest to play out but “a process of change has begun” after decades of “frozen” political arrangements.”