[SampleMan]

If Iran is simply totalitarian, why was she not simply executed?

Because it didn't suit their purposes.

Now ask yourself how you could write the question you did. Totalitarian is not synonymous with draconian (although in Iran it is). Totalitarian means that the government is not subject to the will of the majority, nor constrained by natural rights constitution.

Are you wanting to make an argument that Iran's judiciary is independent?

[Talisker]

Because it didn't suit their purposes.

Exactly - it was making Obama look bad.