VOA标准英语2009-Israel's President Supports Iran Protesters

Israel is weighing in on the Iran crisis. While one elder statesman has come out in support of the reformists, other Israelis are taking a more cautious approach.
　
Israel's President Shimon Peres pauses during a meeting in his residency, 21 Jun 2009

Israeli President Shimon Peres expressed support for anti-government demonstrations¹ in Iran.

"Let the young people raise their voice for freedom, for a positive policy," said Mr. Peres. "Let the Iranian women, who are a very courageous² group of people, voice their thirst for equality, for freedom."

Peres, whose office is ceremonial, said he hopes the demonstrations will bring down the Islamist Iranian regime, which Israel believes is seeking nuclear weapons.

"And I really don't know what will disappear first, their enriched uranium or their poor government," he said. "Hopefully the poor government will disappear."

Other Israel "Unfortunately, at the moment, building nuclear weapons is a given," said Israeli analyst³ Dan Schueftan, who says Mousavi might have more success in convincing the West that Iran's nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. On the other hand, he says, the world understands the threat posed by incumbent⁴ President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and that serves Israel's interests.

"Everything evil and repulsive⁵ about the Iranian regime is reflected in the personality of Ahmadinejad, so in that context he's better for Israel," he added.

Many Israeli observers believe that with the current leadership in power in Iran, Israel can make a stronger case for economic sanctions and possibly military action against Iran.

1 demonstrations   

证明( demonstration的名词复数 )； 表明； 表达； 游行示威

参考例句：

• Lectures will be interspersed with practical demonstrations. 讲课中将不时插入实际示范。
• The new military government has banned strikes and demonstrations. 新的军人政府禁止罢工和示威活动。

2 courageous   

adj.勇敢的，有胆量的

参考例句：

• We all honour courageous people.我们都尊重勇敢的人。
• He was roused to action by courageous words.豪言壮语促使他奋起行动。

3 analyst   

n.分析家，化验员；心理分析学家

参考例句：

• What can you contribute to the position of a market analyst?你有什么技能可有助于市场分析员的职务？
• The analyst is required to interpolate values between standards.分析人员需要在这些标准中插入一些值。

4 incumbent   

adj.成为责任的，有义务的；现任的，在职的

参考例句：

• He defeated the incumbent governor by a large plurality.他以压倒多数票击败了现任州长。
• It is incumbent upon you to warn them.你有责任警告他们。

5 repulsive   

adj.排斥的，使人反感的

参考例句：

• She found the idea deeply repulsive.她发现这个想法很恶心。
• The repulsive force within the nucleus is enormous.核子内部的斥力是巨大的。