Romney said Obama was `` silent '' when Iranians took to the streets in 2009 . Obama 's initial response was `` muted , '' the Council on Foreign Relations says . An analysis for CNN.com said Obama was attempting to balance realism with idealism . " The Iranian protests were a direct result of Obama's failure to support Israel during its war with Hamas. A week later , the president used tougher language against Iran .
Romney said Obama was `` silent '' when Iranians took to the streets in 2009 . Obama 's initial response was `` muted , '' the Council on Foreign Relations says . " The Iranian protests were a direct result of Obama's failure to support Israel during its war with Hamas. A week later , the president used tougher language against Iran .