February 2 2002
* I want to be alive to celebrate VICTORY
DEAR readers,
I am a 40 year old woman. Mother of two of the most beautiful children. I have everything
to live the best in the United States. I left my country 16 years ago and had no
choice. My life was in danger. For what is happening in my country at this time,
I can't stop thinking about my people. How much suffering. Where is the justice?
Why no one help them? ["Iran
next?"]
Stop this religious government and bring the freedom back to our homeland. I hope
I don't go crazy. I want to be alive to celebrate that VICTORY.
Sara
* What should we do?
I read Mr. Zangeneh's article "Iran
next?" with great interest and was actually hoping someone would bring
up this topic especially following President bush's "State of the Union"
speech the other night.
I do have to say that I agree with part of Mr. Zangeneh's conclusion that striking
Iran will prolong the demise of the Islamic Republic. But I don't believe that "tightening
the sanctions" would resolve anything but a greater hardship on the Iranian
People.
The main question remains, in that, if US decides to strike Iran, what should our
reaction be? Should we lay low and let things happen or do we need to do something
about it. For myself, as I stated above, I oppose any strikes against Iran, but have
not come up with an answer as to what should we do.
I was hopping someone may have a good idea on this subject.
Hope to hear from you folks.
Thanks,
Mehdi Amini
* Let them know you support intervention
While I agree that the current regime of Iran is completely ill-suited to rule
Iran. I don't believe that U.S. military intervention would "prolong" their
rule. ["Iran
next?"]
The single best thing that the U.S. could do for Iran at the moment is help to work
with responsible democratically minded individuals who wish to see the overthrow
of that worthless theocracy, and replace it with a democratically elected party which
works for the best interests of Iran.
The people of Iran have to realize that freedom and modernity is not going to come
easy. They need to mobilize themselves, even at the underground level, to do away
with the current system of government and reign in a stable and lasting democracy.
They also have to stop hating Israel and involving themselves with the affairs of
Arab neighbors and go on to focus on modernizing the country and advancing its development.
The Shah may not have been a good ruler, but I believe the Islamic "Republic"
of Iran was even worse.
Wake up my fellow Iranian-Americans! Write your Congressional representatives and
Senators and let them know your dissatisfaction with the current position of the
U.S. with relation to Iran. Let them know that you support intervention in Iran to
dispose of the IRI and help put in power a system of government that will be beneficial
to our brothers and sisters back in Iran.
- Cia Tahmasebi
San Diego, CA
* The only hope
Mr. Zangeneh's assertion that the ruling mullahs in Iran are instigating an attack
against Iran in hopes of crushing reform may have some merits ["Iran
next?"]. However I would like to suggest that it is entirely in the
interest of the United States as well to crush reform in Iran, purely out of self
interest (i.e the need for potential adversaries inherent in the "missile defense"
corporate welfare program).
One reason that Mr. Bush included Iran in his "axis of evil" remark in
the State of the Union speech may have had to do with the fact that lately Iran has
been cast in a positive light (for the most part) by the mass media, therefore the
need for an escalation of the rhetoric was in order.
My point is that Khatami is just as much a nuisance to the US as he is to the conservative
mullahs, perhaps even more. The only hope for a positive outcome in Iran at this
time is for Khamenei to put aside his personal ambitions and allow reform to accelerate
at a much higher pace, despite the fact that the US may attack Iran..
Shahram Mostarshed
* Why Iran all of a sudden?
A letter I wrote to the Washington Post:
Dear Editor:
As an Iranian-American, I am disappointed in the President's State of The Union address.
I went to bed the night before thinking that at last after 20 years the icy relations
between the U.S. and Iran were thawing, to wake up to headlines in the Washington
Post including Iran in an "evil axis". ["Iran
next?"]
The President's speech writers took a word from Reagan's evil empire speech about
the then Soviet Union and added a word from one of FDR's speeches about the WWII
axis countries of Italy, Germany, and Japan, and came up with the term we are going
to hear a lot about in the next few months. Why was Iran included all of a sudden?
Didn't Iran actually support the U.S. war on terrorism in Afghanistan by even stating
they would assist any U.S. pilots that may be shot down during the bombing campaign
and which may have sought refuge in Iranian territory? Didn't Iran's foreign minister,
Kamal Kharrazi just shake hands with Colin Powell a few weeks ago at the U.N.? Iran
was added in the President's speech because of their support for the Palestinian
cause, and their outrage at Israeli policy towards Israel's second class citizens,
the Palestinians.
Any country that says "boo" to Israel has to accept the fact that they
will be branded a terrorist or evil. A nation cannot be branded evil-- people are
evil and commit evil acts. Isn't Sharon evil for allowing the killing of innocent
women and children with U.S. supplied F-16s? I wouldn't mind seeing Israel added
to the axis-list in his next State of the Union address. If there's no room in the
list, we can remove Iran from it.
Sepehr Haddad
* My question is simple
When Ayatollah Khomeini called the United States "The Great Satan" many
laughed at his comment. These days however, many may even agree with him. At his
state of the Union Address, George Bush Lashed out at three countries including Iran
and referred to them as the "Axis of Evil" ["Iran
next?"]. This at the time where Iran has been fairly cooperative to
the relief efforts in Afghanistan and has held a relatively low profile during the
years.
Such a comment during such times is similar to trying to wake a sleeping wild
dog by poking into his eyes with a stick. It was unnecessary and unfounded. What
prompted bush to make such comments are allegations that Iran may have helped rival
leader in Afghanistan to stir up instability in the region. In addition there was
a recent seizure of arms to the Palestinians that was allegedly sent by Iran. In
fact there hasn't been any evidence for any of these allegations. What bothers me
about the second incidence is again the one sided support for Israel that the US
has shown time after time.
My question is simple. How come it is perfectly all right for the Israelis to buy
US made F-16 and kill innocent children with the two Ton bombs that come with them,
but when the Palestinians want to purchase arms to defend themselves, that is called
an act of terrorism. What happened to the phrase in the US national anthem "Liberty
and Justice for all"?. United States never really reveals any information about
the source and the credibility of the allegations it makes. In fact there isn't any
evidence that confirms or denies any involvement by Iraq, Iran or North Korea in
the September 11 incidence.
It seems like Mr. Bush has really not learnt his lesson about the catastrophe of
the September 11. Not once did his administration looked deeper in the to problem
trying to figure out what generated so much hatred from a bunch of psychopaths to
commit such a horrific act. Not once did the administration asked why was this act
not committed against Canada, Sweden or even the United Kingdom. Could it be because
of the one sided support that the US has given to Israel?. Could it be because the
US is always trying to bud in to every countries problems and try to portray a big
bully?
Let me ask you this. If Iraq had invaded Iran wouldn't every single one of us try
to drive them out of our country by any means? I bet that Iran would have sixty million
suicide bombers ready on stand bye to defeat the enemy. When Palestinian children
grow up seeing their loved ones massacred by Israeli (American made) planes, tanks
and guns, out of a pool of a thousand, it wouldn't be hard to find nineteen who are
willing to kill themselves to take revenge.
With his latest comment Bush has not only gone too far but he has irritated a few
of his allies including the Europeans and the Arabs. It is very evident that his
administration loves war. Lets face it was GW who signed the bill to allow every
Texan to be allowed to have a concealed weapon. That means that the person in front
of you or behind you in a grocery store can be packed with a 357 and lets hope a
look, or any minor thing doesn't irritates him or her. This is a president who is
backed by and probably supported by the gun industry. What better way to make create
more jobs in those weapons factories by showing them off in a little conflict like
Afghanistan or any other conflict in the regions.
George Bush better consult with the only level headed advisor in his cabinet, Collin
Powell, before reading another one of his speeches.
Babak Peyvandi
* Opportunity to get rid of these vermin
I have to respectfully disagree with your entire concept that the mullah's tyrannical
reign would be prolonged following a US led strike ["Iran
next?"]. You obviously have only been reading the state controlled media,
and not been in contact with the ordinary citizen that views these mullah's the same
as the west does.
Our compatriots witnessed what can happen when the west decides that a "lawless
regime" endangers the security and sovereignty of the world: THEY WILL BE ELIMINATED.
God willing, the same fate will hold for the mullah's as it did for the Taliban.
Our fellow countrymen are waiting for this exact opportunity to rid themselves of
these vermin! It is time we play the hardball game, as it is the only activity these
tyrants understand and fear! ZENDEHBAD IRAN!
Regards,
Babak Kalhor
* My fear
Shariar Zangeneh ought to be congratulated for his beautifully written and informative
piece ["Iran
next?"]. However, I would suggest the following for consideration:
I have found through many scores of living experience that to be completely effective
one has to be genuinely fair and, as far as possible, accurate. To appear unfair,
or worse inaccurate, endangers the intended impact of the message and give ammunitions
to the very people one justifiably tries to attack. As an example I have problem
with his assertion that "The 23-year reign of the Ayatollahs has been a resounding
failure in every imaginable aspect....."
Please allow me to elaborate. A clear distinction has to be made between the reign
of the Mullahs and the efforts of the Iranian people. There is no question that wherever
the Mullahs have been in control, or even marginally involved, the result has been
a catastrophic failure.
However, the past 23 years through the efforts of dedicated Iranians, we have witnessed
a universal education with a literacy rate above that of Turkey and India. No small
feat! We have seen the distribution of power (Gas and Electricity) to unbelievable
corners of the country.
We have seen, after the demise of Khomeini, the enormous success of the Family Planning
resulting in a population increase rate of only 1.25, the lowest anywhere in the
world. In construction industry, including Pipelines and Refineries of all sorts,
the achievements have been remarkable. We have done away with the complete reliance
on International Contractors.
(On a slightly different field we should remind ourselves that over 60%, yes sixty
percent, of all the Kuwaiti Oil Well fires were extinguished by the Iranian experts?).
I could go on and on with the list of achievements, none anything to do with the
Mullahs, but a lot to do with the Iranian people's true ingenuity.
My fear is that his sweeping statement (quoted above) will give rise to some Mullahs
or their scant supporters to claim some or all of the people's achievements and thus
give Mullahs some mistaken legitimacy.
Mr. Zangeneh is correct in his analysis of the Chinese influence. However, with the
lack of a land connection to Iran and the chines maritime weakness, theirs in Iran
is always going to be a second rate commercial influence. It is therefore not the
Chinese influence that we should worry so much about but rather the loss of the U.S.
influence.
This is particularly true when you consider the substantial European investments
in Iran to the eventual detriment of both the United States and Iran. The Mullahs
in an attempt to counter the Americans are giving the store away. Not a week passes
by that you do not see a new project financing undertaken by one of the European
countries. In economic matters allies are as dangerous as pseudo adversaries, if
not more so.
Sincerely,
Hashem Farhang
* Chilling
Excellent piece of writing ["Iran
next?"]. Especially interested in the part about the nuke. Chilling.
Evan
* Smacks of tyranny
Thanks for the nuggets ["Iran
next?"]. I do agree, Bush saying "If you are not with us, you are
against us" smacks of tyranny.
Fortunately, in the U. S. , it's a 4 yr or 8 yr tyranny ( except in the days of FDR
which lasted 10 yrs- not 15yrs or 37 yrs!).
LOVE,
Uncle Parviz
* Does he know where I-ran is
"The United States of America will not permit the world's most dangerous
regimes to threaten us with the world's most destructive weapons," said Mr Bush.
["Iran
next?"]
He specifically named Iraq, North Korea and Iran, and spoke of an "Axis of Evil"
threatening the world's peace. He said terrorist training camps still existed "in
at least a dozen countries", but did not give names.
Well, the great man spoke again! George Bush. The president of the civilised world!
made another great speech and the people of America applauded and sang God bless
America! How fantastic!
Listening to his speech and reading it later made me feel so angry and depressed
at the same time, that I thought of writing to you and ask the readers wheather they
feel the same?
Why doesn't he stop blaming I-ran for everything? Does he even know where I-ran is?
Does he know that the people who blow up the world trade centre were NOT from Iran?
Does he know at all that Iran had nothing to do with September the 11th? or he is
stupid?
I am sick and tired of all this really!!I think the part of his speech about Axies
of evil must have been written by Ariel Sharon himself! what do you think?
I think Iran had handled the situation brilliantly after September the 11th, and
it is unfair to be picked on by a great big bully like America all the time.
Nila
* Must never be a consideration
I have received 60 E-Mails thus far from the most kind and wonderful people ["Death of a
saint"]. Your allowing me time and space to be heard is the kindest
from all hope offered me by any friend . So many of the folks ask specific details
of his last months etc.
I feel many are suffering as well to some degree (as a matter of fact at least
20% state they are or have considered sucicide) I have taken hours answering all,
I want everyone to know that sucicide is not only the answer, but must never be a
consideration.
If they knew from someone such as myself and how they effect family , they could
see the devastation and possibly feel it , thus helping them somewhat to keep these
thoughts very distant... I think it would also bring us who fail to tell those we
love so dearly just what life without them would be , and just how having them in
our lives makes it all worth while.
Just as President Nixon said to Mr. Kissinger before conseding to impeachment..."Henry
do not ever be too proud to get on your knees and ask god god for help" , "nor
should you ever be too proud to show your love to those who are your life" Don't
wait until tomorrow, it might not come for you both, and here there are no second
chances...
Mrs. Ajudani
* I admire your courage
Dear Mrs. Ajudani:
Thank you for being extremely open and vulnerable. I admire your courage to speak
about one of the most difficult topics: suicide, especially of a loved one. ["Death of a
saint"]
What instantaneously evoked in me as reading your piece was that having the utmost
opportunities to go anywhere in the world is not an indicator of our happiness or
contentment. One might be able to set foot anywhere on this planet, but not be able
to tolerate entering one's inner home.
I hope you are not feeling guilt/shame/or blame towards yourself and God bless.
Kind Regards...
Leila Farjami
* The "why?"s and "If'"s
The perplexity that we are left with in such moments as the painful fact of the
suicide of a loved one is at least as powerful as the pain that we experience ["Death of a
saint"]. The "why?"s and "If'"s go on forever hunting
us and we seem to not be able to accept the idea that there are secrets that people
do really take with them to the grave!
The finality of such an act is painful enough without the contemplation of the
possibility that it would not have taken place if your loved one just met the right
person, heard the right words, smelled the right smell, saw the right things and
perceived the world differently on that day and was encouraged to go on for another
day!
I wish Mrs. Adjudanit all the patience and the courage in the face of such a painful
loss! Camus once said that the essential nature of suicide is the only existential
question of value!
Vaik Yousefi
* Level heads should band together
Sir/Madam,
I am an average American wishing for nothing more than peace in this world. I have
but one question to ask of you. Is it the mullah's desire to destroy Israel? If this
is the case, shouldn't the level heads in Iran band together to stop this nonsense.
Why can't there be a take over there? The radical clerics need to go so that the
beautiful minds of the Iranians can be free to run their country.
Good luck to you in your struggle!
Dumptchk
* I am proud of whatever I did
Dear Mr. Javid,
. . . ensuing our [email] conversation ["I
asked you not to publish rubbish about Pahlavis"], I saw some of your readers
have written very impolite and even insulting words about my person and false accusations
about my professional life. This was too far outrageous.
Please inform those readers that I am proud of whatever I did during my time in office.
I left Iran three month after the revolution without a penny and started to work
as a consultant in France for 20 years. Now I am retired and work voluntarily for
The Mihan Foundation
If anyone wants more information about my past, he/she can click onwww.
mihanfoundation. org
With thanks and best wishes,
Abdol Madjid Madjidi
To top
* "If some people do not agre..."
It seems that some of us just cannot bear alternative thinking. The attacks against
your remarks on the Kadivar article show up this weakness, on the part of those who
are in high dudgeon over your tweaking the Pahlavi regime ["I
asked you not to publish rubbish about Pahlavis"]. There are letters which
are actually accusing you of being a traitor, simply because you have put forward
arguments which are anathema to them.
When he dreamed up his infamous but doomed single-party system of single-minded sycophants,
initially called Rastakhiz, the Shah actually said (and you can read it in quotes
of the newspapers of the time, newspapers who would not have dared quote one letter
of it wrong), "... and if some people do not agree with this, they are traitors
and can leave the country".
Farhad Diba ["28th
of Mordad"]
To top
* Let the people speak!
In response to Abdol-Majid Majidi, ["I
asked you not to publish rubbish about Pahlavis"]
With due respect to your letter to Mr. Javid, I sincerely ask you îLet the
peoplespeak!" If as the former head of the planning organization (sazman
Barnameh) and one of the key functionaries of theold regime, you alongside
others inpower had had an ounce of guts to stand up and had spoken against censorshipand
lack of freedom of the press among other things, we would not be here today.
Mr. Javid has spoken his line whether agreeable to you ornot. All the power
to him that as theeditor of a very popular online magazine he has created a site
where allIranians can speak their mind, from the far left to the far right.
If Towfigh were allowed to be published during the reign ofhis majesty, if
it had beenpermitted to use satire against the late Hoveyda and even the Royal family
andhad not been banned, if othernewspapers, journals and books were not censored,
maybe we would not be heretoday.
You did not speak out nor did any one of your friends. Your imperial highness
only allowed certainnewspapers to go under print. Iremember, a good friend
of yours oncetold me that as a translator of a certain book, he had to change
words which had certain connotations andmeanings not liked by their highnesses. At
the end, his book was banned frompublication.
Let us be fair. Withall its suppressive nature, today inthis Islamic
Republic and to the creditof Mr. Khatami and the many brave journalists, we
have had one of the brightest eras in Iranís history regardingfreedom of the press.
More books andjournals have been printed, published and translated than anytime during
thereign of Mohammed Reza Shah and Reza Khan.
Let us be fair. Today, Iranian films are praised and acknowledged worldwide.
For the content and message theydeliver. During the reign of hismajesty,
Iranian films were a handful of disgustingly cheap creations both inform and in content.
Let us also be fair. You and others touched Iran cosmetically. Yes, I
say to Mr. Kadivar and others as well; that the 2500-yearcelebration of monarchy
was a farce, a fiasco. For a celebration, which was supposed to glorify
the PersianEmpire, every single item was brought in from overseas including the tents,
thefood, the gifts, etc. etc. And who werethe guests? A long list of
deposed andcorrupt ex-kings and so-called royalties.
And let us not forget the coronation of his majesty. People who attended these
events and themany lavish parties imagined that they are in the 1900 Russia, during
the timeof Nicholas III who much like his imperial majesty, ignored the people and
thecommoners and finally was toppled. Outof touch with reality. Out of
touchwith the ordinary people.
And let usnot forget the half naked theatres in the middle of the holy places in
Shiraz during theShiraz Cultural festivals promoted by her highness, the Empress.
Iranian people were not ready forthat ëArt nouveauî that maybe you andI
have been exposed to. I was a schoolgirl in her highnessesí school JeanneDíArc.
For over 6 months we were takenout of our classes, leaving our studies to go practice
dance for her highnessesbirthday party!!
These were wrongand foolish, actions out of touch withthe majority of the people.
So why notcriticize the Pahlavis for all theabove and more?
Mr. Javid and I and you must have the right to speak, tocriticize and be criticized
and express our opinions. If J. Javidís stance haschanged and for the better let
us not bash him but give him a round ofapplause. Akbar Ganji worked in
theinfamous Ministy of information, but today he is a hero because he rose aboveeverything
and exposed the beastly nature of the regime and because of it, he is in prison
now.
We should express our words, but we mustbe civil towards one another. We mustuse
language that is acceptable in the framework of respectable press. But to say
that we are not allowed or he isnot entitled to criticize, in my opinion is another
real proof that many of ourdear monarchists, including yourself have not truly learned
what democraticpractice is all about.
Drop the royalties. Drop the titles. The Monarchysystem was overthrown in 1979.
Acceptit. !! I do not even think that RezaPahlavi himself likes
these ridiculous and out of style titles. Only his followers do not want to
ever giveup. But sooner or later you all have to come to terms with it, if you want
tolive in this real world and not in a world of illusions. There is no more
going back inhistory.
We must give more credit to our people. Especially those who have lived under
acruel and despotic theocracy. But letthem decide their future form of
government. Surely they have enough sense evenif they are exhausted not to accept
anything less than a democraticsystem.
In this very crucial times, we must only look towards thefuture, hopefully a bright
and better one, but above all we must advocate freedom of the Press
which isthe essence of a civil society. I sayto you and others,
ìLet the people Speak"!!!
F. Amini
* What good?
Dear Mr. Majidi, ["I
asked you not to publish rubbish about Pahlavis"]
In regards to your blind, and possibly vested, loyalty for the Pahlavi family I ask
you only one simple question. In lieu of the billions of dollars that have been stolen
from the poor people of Iran to preserve the remnants of this family, what good has
been generated towards the people of our motherland?
Mansour Fahimi
* Familiar with Freedom of Press?
Having lived in the West for so long, I am certain Dr. Madjidi is familiar with
the concept of Freedom of Press. ["I
asked you not to publish rubbish about Pahlavis"]
I am also certain that he has seen or read "editorials" in Wall Street
Journal, Le Monde, New York Time... where the editor takes a position on a certain
issue. There, in the "Editorial" section, the journals editors are not
expected to remain "unbiased" and without the discriminating powers of
intellect.
Somehow, Dr. Madjidi, to my surprise, has confused the required "unbiased"
position in reporting news with the needed "opinionated" stance of an "opinion
column" or "editorial" written by the journals publishers, editors
and writers.
Regards,
Mehdi Mirmiran
* We really miss them
Jenabe Aghaye Abdol Majid Madjidi, ["I
asked you not to publish rubbish about Pahlavis"]
It was great to hear from you after a long time.i was not even 7 at the time of
horrible revolotion.i made some researches and got some guides for this from my father
for whom i have lots of respects since he introduced me the politicians and political
area of that time.after reading lots of books,magazines....
it becomes clear and more clear that most of the politicians of that time were
loyal to iran and their king.it is really heartbreaking once we hear of what we had
at that time, about the progress our country was making day by day under the supervision
of shahanshah and knowledgableministers like you.god bless mr hovaida and other martyrs
of imperial government.god may bless martyrs of imperial army.
we really miss them.we need more patriots to participate in the popular sites,write
their ways of thinking about the past of iran.we need them to write more.we need
them to introduce the pahlavi era.again i appreciate your comments on iranian.com
site and don't become upset with the traitors comments about HIM reza shah pahlavi
and i expect to read more about your memories of the glorious days of iran. best
regards for the iranian nationalist
Kambiz Rezvani
* Echoes of a disturbing past
Jahanshah Javid has many outstanding qualities. Making convincing arguments, however,
is NOT one of them ["Shah
bee Shah"]. If I were to choose a leader behind whom I could rally,
no matter what cause he wished to champion, Jahanshah would not be my first choice.
Jahanshah, however, has a great heart and that is why I think he is going to excuse
the present transgression of mine. But going back to my contention that Mr Javid's
arguments lacks consistency let me start off a with a sore point: the motto of Mr
Javid's publication - "Nothing is sacred".
What Mr Javid really means is this (putting it in Orwellian terms): Nothing is
sacred but, certain things are LESS "not-sacred" than others!! In other
words, if you have got any thing really vile and foul to say about the monarchy and
in particular, the Pahlavis, it is perfectly fine. After all nothing is sacred. But
if you were to extend the same compliments to the spiritual leader(s) of the Islamic
Republic, well, they are a little "less" not-so-sacred than others. So
beware! You may risk being "democratically" censored.
Sadly, Mr Javid's habit of contradicting himself is not limited to his motto.
The very title of his latest editorial, ["Shah
bee Shah"], directly negates the cry for "freedom" that immediately
follows it on the next line. This is the typical slogan that you would see on the
banners of the marching mob on the streets of Tehran some 23 years ago.
The same slogan that would have been spat on to your face by the froth-mouthed
"pasdars" of Evin prison. Is this what our freedom loving editor wants
us to believe as the way the future should be? Mr Javid's emotional outburst in response
to the cover article ["We
are awake"] has many familiar echoes of a disturbing past.
It is full of the type of sentiments of the late seventies Iran that plunged the
country in to a whirlpool of confusion and despair. In his own words Mr Javid admits
that "we" know what "we" don't want but "we" don't
know what "we" want! Is it not exactly the same state of mind that "we"
had 23 years ago and "we" all know what happened next? Twenty-three years
on and NOTHING seems to have changed as far as Mr Javid's "we" is concerned.
One of Mr Javid's outstanding qualities is his honesty. I suppose he would agree
that there is a little bit of his Islamic past still left in him that is unleashed
from time to time. And that is precisely what makes his publication so exciting!
You may not have approved of the celebrations marking 25 centuries of the monarchical
rule in Iran back in 1971, but regardless of one's like or dislike for monarchy,
Cyrus Kadivar's article ["We
are awake"] was an excellent piece of investigative journalism.
Regards,
Parkhash
* I don't even own an Armani
Dear Jahanshah,
I wanted to thank you for the storm we created together ["We
are awake", "Shah
bee Shah"]. It's amazing how an article about an event that took place
30 years ago can lead to such a lively debate. For the record I think this is a healthy
debate which will allow people to get off their chests anything they like. My readers
should continue to criticise my writing and if they want to attack me or my views
they are welcome.
What worries me is how deep the wound is even today and how we can still feel
divided. From my part I will read all the praise, insults and criticisms with an
open mind. I will write and hope others will write regardless of their backgrounds
and persuasions. I am not rewriting history as much as revisiting it.
Maybe when I've exhausted my travel through a world that fascinates me I will
take up painting. I'd love to paint my childhood in Shiraz but maybe when I'm older.
But for now I will write and write so that at the end we will have a huge landscape
of something resembling Iran: past, present and future.
I also wanted to acknowledge Ms Settareh Sabety's sharp pen ["Stay
away from courtiers"] and hope nobody will ever ask her to put down
the pen. Nobody should do that. As for being a courtier, I don't even own an Armani
suit!
Best wishes,
Cyrus Kadivar
* A special personal treat
Mr. Javid,
After reading your article "Shah
bee Shah", I had one question: Do you treat all your writers and their
subjects with the same amount of ridicule or was that just a special personal treat?
Unfortunately this kind of journalism leaves a bad after taste with any future
contributor to your site.
Thanks for showing once again why "az ham bizar va farari hassteem"
N. Nikou
* We have the right to change our mind
Dear Jahanshah,
Though I don't agree with you, I would like to congratulate you on publishing
the best Iranian web site I have come across so far. I check out your site every
day and look forward to reading the various point of views.
Democracy is all about being able to tolerate different opinions and if we can
not practice it here in US, we will never be able to do it in Iran. So please continue
the great work you are doing. Now, with regards to Monarchy and Reza Pahlavi, unlike
you I am very happy to see Reza Pahlavi working so hard to bring about a referendum
in Iran. I support his efforts 100%.
Like you, I must admit that I am doubting the value of Monarchy in Iran. I used
to be a monarchist after the revolution, but more an more I am questioning the value
it will bring for Iran. We all have the right to change our mind, don't we! So I
would like to find others like myself who are supporters of Reza Pahlavi, but would
rather have a republic in Iran. Reza Pahlavi could be the leader/president to bring
about democracy. He could run for a few terms and leave it to the rest to take on
the responsibility.
Thanks again for all your efforts. Please keep stirring us up.
Kiana
* People in Iran should decide
Dear Mr. Javid,
I did not read Mr. Kadivar's article "We
are awake". Unfortunately, I have too many believers in monarchy around
me and I am sick of them all. Though I read your article ["Shah
bee Shah"] and loved it, the Iranian people who live in Iran should
decide what they want to do with the country.
Also, I don't believe you do not care what happens in Iran, after all the name
of your magazine is Iranian and you go out of your way to find Persia, Iowa!! ["Found
it"]
Keep up the good work.
N
* Wasted youth in "Dooaa ye komail"
This is SO sad: ["Shah
bee Shah"]
"So be it. I don't care that much about Iran, and especially its politics,
as I care about publishing. I care about the thrill of watching Cyrus Kadivar, his
opponents, and everyone in between, voicing opinions and expressing feelings about
whatever they please, no matter how bad, dumb or distasteful some of them might seem,
to me, or anyone."
If you don't care about iran then why not setting up a porn site you'll make more
money than now and in the same time you can satisfy your regrets for all those
wasted youth that you spent in "Dooaa ye komail" instead of having fun
with your girlfriend!!!!
It seems that you regret that more than regretting what has happened to our people!!!
At the same time you are having fun with your web-page in what ever way one can describe!There
are student's and lately teachers who are being tortured because they care.
Maybe that's why the islamic republic hasn't finished you yet (you know what i mean
you worked with them!)you are no danger to them becouse you realy don't care!
Reza
* I just would like Iran to be aazaad
I had a gut feeling that I should check your site today. I don't know why, but
something told me I should. Lo and behold, when I read your "Shah
bee Shah", I knew then that that was the reason why.
Man AZ KHANDEH MORDAM. I couldn't stop laughing, hell, I'm still laughing.
You know something, I'm not really on anyone's side. I just would like Iran to
be aazaad. You know? No bull shit government.
You piece was funny for a lot of reasons. One of them is that something like this
was LONG OVERDUE. I wish I could pinch some of these people and tell them to wake
up. It's like talking to Rip Van Winkle, enah tooh kheeyaleh khodeshoon hastan. hehe.
Cyruseh bandeh khoda kheyilee beekaareh ["We
are awake"]. Kee enghad vaght daareh keh aksaayeh beh oon gondegee befresteh
beh shomaa. Nakoneh fekr mekoneh keh maa hameh mesleh oon beekaareem? Nazdeek bood
kelaasamoh miss konam, my computer couldn't handle all the glorifications of the
magnificent Peacock.
Anyways...
Mitra
* Traitors_and_comrades. com
It was the first time that I read thoroughly a series of correspondences on your
site. I was so disappointed on the way you are handling a site which carries my country's
name, IRAN. (I'm sorry that I can't call it our country, because as you clearly indictaed,
there is no fact showing your interest in my great land, Iran) ["Monarchy"]
You are a group of psychologically challenged individuals who can only be 'someone'
when you are just a few. Your fear of fading in a bigger Iranian community and your
complexes would push you to care more about your nonesense than my dear country ["Shah
bee Shah"]. Of course you should not be privileged to be called Iranian.
Your rhetoric and your biased views are so off that they don't deserve even an
answer. It is more ridiculous when you call yourself a publisher! Be chenin 'publishing'
baayad shaashid! My dear fellow citizens have been victim of so called 'roshanfekr
namaa' (light head!!!) for the last 25 years. Don't you think that you have already
made anough damage by kissing and licking Khomeini's ass as your leader 'Imam' !?
We won't forget that what all of you so-called oppositions (against Shah) have done
all these years.
I know that your sick brains immediately start to put an stamp on me to call me
against or pro someone. That is how twisted minded you are. Here I don't talk about
Shah being good or bad. I am talking about my mother land, Iran. I'm talking about
how a group of sick people like you ruined this country and keep doing it.
There is NO difference between you and a pscycho who rapes his own mother. Today
is time to put ALL differences behind, stop weakening each other, and have only one
common goal, i.e., Iran and only Iran. You keep fighting with each other wasting
all these valuable rersources (money, internet, media, meetings, political contacts,
and so and so) to serve your complexes. You are scared that someone else might get
the power not you.
It's not about you, it's about Iran. It's sad! You 'roshanfekr namaa-haa' don't
get it, do you? How truly Molaana said: aanan ke nadaanand va nadaanand ke nadaanand,
dar jahl-e morrakab abaddoldahr bemaanand.
Please consider changing your site name to www.Traitors_and_their_comrades.com
(yes, with a capital T).
Shame on you.
Kamran Irani
* Imam bee Imam
Mr J. Javid,
I am so disappointed about your article ["Shah
bee Shah"] . How about Imam bee Imam? Why you are not writing about
your Imam? Iran had an honor, power and good economic at the Shah times , shame on
foreigners who wants to reject it .
Payandeh Iran, Javid shahanshahi Iran
F. Pirnia
P. S : To talk Farsi, dos not mean that that person is Iranian.
* Certain things I just cannot accept
Setareh Sabety in her article["Stay
away from courtiers"] has again well articulated her views which are
ardently anti-shahanshahi, anti-Pahlavi, pro-certain aspects of the revolution (though
anti-theocracy), and presenting one aspect of the "Iranian mind" and what
the revolution was all about. Though she or readers who agree with her do not "trust"
the Pahlavi's, can they "trust" the Iranian people enough not to obstruct
a referendum under international observation?
Should their world view gain majority vote, I for one, would respect the will of
the majority, and will not undermine the "Republic" in it's secular, democratic
aims. In fact if an Iranian Republic allows the opposition to speak (no other Republic
in Islamic world has managed to offer this), I would even help out by offering positive
criticism were appropriate.
Of course there are two sides to every story, I implore upon the readers here to
at least acquaint themselves with Reza
Pahlavi's legacy and enigma from our point of view. It is only an enigma if one
is stuck in the tired old revolutionary
imagery that was required to destroy the ancien regime by the revolutionaries
and their allies.
One wonders, if Reza Pahlavi gains a majority vote, in other words the Iranian people
reject our Pahlavi haters and actually feel proud of the over-the-top and kitsch,
megalomaniatic celebration of our pre-Islamic past, and applaud the organizers ability
to generate so much public relations and world awareness for Iran with so little
money, would the majority be respected by Setareh Sabety and those who share her
view? Or will we have to put up with CIA/MOSSAD conspiracies, MI6 intrigues, and
cries of I didn't have enough money to put forward my view?
I believe Reza Pahlavi's worry is far less with chaploos courtiers (that he rejected
when he praised Spanish style monarchy) and much more with those that do not accept
the will of the majority and even take to arms to force their views on the rest of
us.
To be honest; there are certain things I just cannot accept. For instance the degrading
primitiveness, misplaced self-righteousness, nauseating bigotry, sanctimonious hypocrisy
and shameless corruption of the Mullahs. If they truly had the majority behind them
I would have voluntarily chosen to be in exile and make no efforts to return home.
But with bickering on issues that have nothing to do with the referendum under
international supervision, the isolated Hezbollah minority in Tehran and Baalbek
will just sit there doing whatever they have been doing all this time, and play the
bad cop to the KhatamiÇs lot and their desperate efforts to keep some sort of political
future in a country whose time they have and are wasting.
Referendum for Iran under international supervision. This should be the rallying
cry behind all those who have had enough with the mullahs.
Amir-Khosrow Sheibany
* Hanooz khaabi!
I really admired Setareh Sabeti's response ["Stay
away from courtiers"] to Cyrus Khadivar ["We
are awake"]. She is right on the mark when she says the Iranian People
should not be reminded of 2500 Years Ceremonies of 1971. Some of the readers have
claimed that the Revolution had nothing to do with these ceremonies. I would like
to point out many scholars have pointed out that the Shah's arrogance and spending
in 1971 helped to alienate him further and further from the people of Iran and the
anger the people felt toward him grew considerably after 1971.
Mr. Khadivar, hamvataneh Khosh Nevis, do you know that the Iranian people were
not even invited to those ceremonies? Do you know the food came from you beloved
Paris, Maxim Restaurant, to be exact? Most of the guests were the European leaders
and Politicians. The Shah cared more about show his wealth and power to these people
than for his own people. The Iranian people have suffered a lot during the past 23
years, myself included.
We don't need to be reminded in detail about the ceremonies that led to unrest
and revolution in our beloved land. Mr. Khadivar seems to love history and so do
I. But the ceremonies of 1971 is not something I would like to think about. When
I think of that I think of its consequences and the revolution that devastated my
country and its people.
Mr. Khadivar seems to know a lot of detail about the 2500 Years Ceremonies, but
he doesn't seem to analyze the effects of the festivities on his country. In 1971,
Mohammad Reza Shah said " Cyrus Assoudeh Bekhab Keh Ma Bidarim" while standing
around the ruins of Old Persia. Now sitting in the city of Los Angeles I would like
to tell Mr. Khadivar." Cyrus, Motasefaaneh to Keh Hanooz Khaabi!"
Ali-Reza Kasra
* Simply Reza Pahlavi
Dear Mrs. Sabety, ["Stay
away from courtiers"]
First, there is absolutely nothing wrong with your prose and writing style. As far
as I am concerned it is high time that Iranian women express themselves as and how
they wish. I for one do enjoy the zest and flora and fauna of your prose.
Your writing is sincere and comes from the heart and that is where it derives its
power. I do not always agree with what you say but I like how you say it and the
fact that you do stand up for your beliefs which is rare amongst us Iranians.
Second, it is true that there is a great element of the past and history surrounding
Reza Pahlav'i's campaign. Part of it is simply his last name which has a historical
connotation. But he has never tried to draw legitimacy from history. He calls himself
simply Reza Pahlavi and speaks as any Iranian citizen. He does not disavow his father
or grandfather for there were achievements as well as mistakes but the future is
his main preoccupation. The past is always brought up by his denouncers. The whole
response that Reza Pahlavi has so far got from his opposition is centered around:
The 28th of Mordad, the promiscuity of Ashraf Pahlavi, Savak, the financial corruption
of the court etc.
These are all issues that whether right or wrong, Reza Pahlavi had no control over.
There is hardly any discussion or debate on what he actually is saying or proposing.
The dialogue is always about the past and as a result we miss the future.
I would love to see someone like yourself actually setting Reza to task on the substance
of his program.
Best Regards,
Mihandoust
* Trying so hard to misrepresent
Once again, Ms. Sabety has found another excuse to show her true colours, like
a "maare zakhm-khordeh", and spew venom at Pahlavis and monarchists ["Stay
away from courtiers"]. I am not going to dignify her repetitive, tiresome
and cliche nonsense by responding to them - because, no doubt, the readers of this
medium can judge for themselves.
Ms. Sabety is so shamelessly blinded and defiled by her irrational antagonism
towards Pahlavis that she even dismisses the liberation of Iranian women as
a sign of Western influence!! The irony is that this is from someone whose
ultimate pride has always been her having shopped, having been educated and lived
in the West.
Why is Ms. Sabety trying so hard to misrepresent Mr. Kadivar's essay ["We
are awake"]? All Mr. Kadivar has done is to make available a document
about a historical event to, mainly, young Iranians who otherwise may not have had
the opportunity to read/see and judge for themselves as to what it was all about,
good or bad. Now, where is "chaaploosi" about this?
Finally, the inference from the uncompromising "Opinion" of democratic
and secular-minded Ms. Sabety appears to be that in her Iran of tomorrow, we should
expect another Madraseh-ye-Alavi and anothe Sadegh Khalkhali - this time, the constitutional
monarchists being the targets and Ms. Sabety(s) being the "cheer leader(s)"
.
Perhaps it is time that the educated and liberated Ms. Sabety (with a secular history
of her own!) added TOLERANCE and MUTUAL RESPECT to her vocabulary.
With best regards,
Maral Beheshti
* Oh really!
Again another apologist polemicist -- but one who is much more arrogant and patronizing
than our own, eloquent, Cyrus Kadivar ["We
are awake"] -- who feels he should step up to bat for the ancien-Aryamehr-regime.
This distinguished gentleman has chosen to use a "behaviorist psychological"
approach to politics. Mr. Sheibany ["All
are not equal"] in his patronizing attempt to critique.
Mr. Sheibany, is under the impression that if he claims that creating Aghazadehs
is human social behavior that makes it both necessary and good. Oh really! Let me
see what else is human social behavior, hooligans being rowdy at English football
games? Or Fraternity boys gang banging a drunk sorority girl? Or state organizations
torturing their own youth? And you know if making Aghazadehs is really a human social
behavior that cannot be helped, then so is breaking them.
As long as there have been icon builders there have also, thankfully, been iconoclasts.
Not all human social behavior should be tolerated. Some old notions become intolerable
with time. For example the hejab. I was told by a friend of my mother that her grandmother
never left the house for twenty years until her death because of Kashf-e-hejab. At
the time that woman could not tolerate giving up that social and indeed religiously
sanctioned behavior.
With the incredible quirk that embodies the fate of women in our nation, her daughter,
in turn, refuses to leave the house with the Hejab under the present regime. So,
what was tolerable social behavior yesterday may become intolerable tomorrow. Only,
not everybody is at the same page. So some social behaviors last longer in some groups
than others depending on a myriad of variables, including age, economic background,
education, even taste etc...
Reading Mr. Sheibany's use of pseudoscientific, behaviorist reasoning to back
an essentially fallacious and elitist view of the world, conjures up visions of old
Nazis in exile in South America talking in whispers amongst themselves-in black and
white a la Hitchcock.
Setareh Sabety
* As Bob Dylan once said
I just want ot say that I loved "We
are awake". That was one fascinating piece. Keep up the goos work. Or
as Bob Dylan once said: "Keep your head up and carry a light bulb".
Mr. Kadivar´s idea of this interview was a great idea. Nice work.
Peace and harmony,
H.B.
* What else for $22 million?
Dear Mr Kadivar,
Thank you so much for writing this article ["We
are awake"]. It was eloquently written and completely necessary in order
to right some of the wrongs brought about by the same old tiresome false accusations
and exaggerations about the Shah's reign. The fact that critics and the media wildly
exaggerated the total cost of the 2500 years festivities by some $25 - $450 million
is intriguing.
The fact that as far as possible Iranian resources such as dress designers, artists,
builders and airlines were used was commendable. So to was the fact that this single
festivity encouraged the building of schools, roads, telecommunication networks,
airports, television stations and hotels and boosted tourist and other industries,
not to mention the encouragement given to individuals to do up their homes, shops
etc so that they could share in the sense of pride.
What else did the Iranian population and media want for $22 million?
It is interesting to note that for as much as the Iranian people have criticised
one of their greatest leaders, they do not seem to acknowledge the hypocrisies of
others who have done them more harm than the Shah would ever have been capable of.
If the Shah could have done all this in this period of celebration, imagine what
the future could have held and if he had a chance to rule when the cold war had ended.
I agree wholeheartedly with the honourable Mr Ansari when he claims that His Imperial
Majesty was a true patriot. Many who actually came into contact and worked with the
Shah reinforce this view. That is why articles like this must be written and repeated
and repeated and repeated until everybody knows and finally acknowledges these facts.
This great man cannot and must not remain the most misunderstood leader of the 20th
century. A man who was described by a foreign dignitary as someone who combines the
virtues of our great Kings Cyrus, Xerxes and Darius (this is no simple compliment)
deserves more than that.
I truly hope that one day in the near future we Iranians as a nation having gone
through the worst degradation and fall any nation can suffer can all together offer
His Majesty the gift of our words and deeds so that he knows that his noble deeds
and aspirations for Iran were not in vain and what he and his father before that
started (bringing Iran out of the darkness) we as a nation can revive, "extend"
and "preserve" so that he can rest in peace, knowing that the Iranian people
have woken up after 23 years, are wide awake, "and will always stay awake".
Once again thank you.
Kind regards,
Laleh Sheybani
* Cut the umbilical cord
I have respect for Mr. Kadivar ["We
are awake"]. He is of the younger generation and probably very sincere.
The courtiers I talk about are of the generation before him. I do believe he, maybe
unwittingly, wrote a piece of revisionist propaganda. If he had interviewed some
opposing views then it would have been more balanced.
I, for one, would be more interested to know where those 1500 detainees of Mr.
Nassiri are right now than how Alam found the fabric shop in Paris to sew the tents.
There is too much of the past surrounding Reza Pahlavi. He needs to cut the umbilical
cord if he wants to stay true to his own message. It is not Mr. Kadivar that I have
a problem with but the blurry eyed vision of those too in love with the former Shah
and the ancien regime to see clearly their mistakes.
This losing sight of reality is what I am warning against. Mr. Kadivar, because
he grew up here in the West and no doubt away from any court is not himself a courtier
-- but back in Sadabad you never know. It is his flowery view of the most blatant
public relations gaffe in our history that is harmful to a country trying so hard
to redefine itself.
It is not so much that Mr. Pahlavi should shut any one up but that he should clarify
his stance vis-a-vis the history of the nation he wants to lead to a referendum.
Also those who were in positions of power before should have the foresight to step
down and let the young man do his thing, no matter how great the urge to vindicate
themselves.
What I do see out of all this talk of things past that our monarchist friends
have become more civil in opposing us. It used to be a year or so ago that they would
send threatening emails. That proved to be a mistake. They have now come to the coffee
table and are willing to talk in a civilized fashion. Mr. Kadivar has always been
civil and polite. I have nothing against him personally. If I appear a bit harsh
it is the nature of how I write. I cannot help it. The monarchist loved it when I
used this very same pen to denounce Khatami( see IranMania) or the intellectuals
in our community ["Don't
ask, don't tell"] but they never like it when I use it to criticize
the Pahlavis ["Diana
not", "Stay
away from courtiers"].
I have made many enemies and hurt some friends but I will keep writing about my
reactions to everything because it is about time we Iranian women said it like we
feel it. I am tired of posing and politesse. I am tired of Khanumi. Three thousand
years and millions of soft spoken Khanums is enough--it is about time we had one
who is loud. I am a lat. I trace my heritage back to Mahvash and Qamar Khanum (of
the t.v series khane Qamar Khanum). I just want to say it the way I feel it. That
is my religion. That is my country. And that is my passion.
I want my children who are so aware of my sense of personal loss about Iran to
someday look at my writings and know that they're Mom was not a victim who lay silent.
I like Cyrus, some of my best friends are monarchists like him. I wish I was in Paris
so I could say this to him at a cafe in Trocadero.
I would ask him however, to do a story, even for once, just for sport, from the
other side. He will find plenty of senior gentlemen and women who live very difficult
lives in the cities of Europe, who would give him a different view of the ancien
regime. He can call me for their numbers. Maybe trace some of those 1,500 detained
by Savak and see if any of them are around what a great project that would be.
Anyway I just wanted every one to know that I have nothing personal against Mr.
Cyrus Kadivar and that I am happy that the monarchist reaction, with the exception
of one or two, has been most civilized this time around. Maybe this is a sign that
we Iranians can reconcile and hold a dialogue between ourselves.
Warmest Regards,
Setareh Sabety
* Old bats of the Pahlavi cave
The article by Mr. A.H. Sheybani ["All
are not equal"] is yet another piece of valuable evidence of the failed
and archaic "Shahanshahi" thinking that permeates the Pahlavist camp in
their so-called attempt to justify the Grand Agha-Zadeh's grab of Taj-o-takht. The
type of thinking that knows it all, better than everyone else and just like "gorbeyeh
morteza-ali", can justify anything based on "that is just the way things
are" and therefore let's continue being/doing the same garbage.
The author asserts that it is a "human social behavior" to create an agha-zadeh
and therefore we must continue supporting and allowing it. Is it also a "human
social behavior" to have phenomena such as Sha'ban Bi-mokh, Savak, torture,
grand theft, embezzlement, incompetence, and sheer stupidity? Maybe we should all
give up on the slightest hope for improvement, for justice, for freedom and political
maturity, for preserving the rights of all people, and just support Pahlavist notions..
errr I meant "human social behavior" since "the majority of our young
are inexperienced" and presumably extremely naive.
The old bats of the Pahlavi cave generously donate their time now to shed some light
for the rest of us idiots. Even 28-Mordad was a pure movement of the people and any
other characterization is "is based on hearsay and CIA publicity". Enough
said! With all due respect to whoever is deserving of respect and apologies to others:
Lotfan Tashreefeh Shahanshahi-toon-ro Bebarin va Dareh mobaarektoon-o Bezarin!
Aref Erfani
* If it walks like a duck
I will be commenting on the current debate generated by Mr Javid in full. However
I would like to query one point regarding "All
are not equal" . I am not defending Ms Sorabi arguments ["Royal
blue vs. the rainbow"] and have already criticized her writings and
other similar pieces for their inaccuracies and innuendoes. It is a dangerous time
for our country and the following may be a small point but I am at a loss to understand
how can one say there was no coup in 1299.
The Qajar king was not overthrown but coups don't necessarily have to result in removal
of the monarch.
Looking at actions rather than words, on the 3rd of Esfand 1299 Reza Khan e Mir Panj
took control of Tehran as the commander of the Cossack Ddivision and issued a decree
which started with the famous words 'Hokm Meekonam', then proceeded to declare martial
law and arrest all the ministers in the legal government of Sepahdar with the exception
of the prime minister (some of the 'rejal' whom were arrested such as those who signed
the 1919 treaty may have deserved to have been put under arrest, you could even argue
that they deserved worse - namely that they should have been tried for treason but
that is not the point here).
If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, then I am afraid it is a duck. If
someone brings about the violent or illegal change of any government albeit a wretched
one, then it's a coup.
Regards,
Rostam
* Have we not learned anything?
I am writing in response to Nagmeh Sohrabi's piece regarding Reza Pahlavi ["Royal
blue vs. the rainbow"]. In her article she espouses that Pahlavi has
somehow insinuated that the people of Iran are not dignified or are infantile and
need a leader to guide them.
I am curious to know exactly where Ms. Sohrabi gets her information... because if
Mr. Pahlavi has truly said these things... he is sorely mistaken. The people of Iran
are the one's who will determine the future of their country. They must have a right
to self-determination and as far as I know, the only thing that Mr. Pahlavi has espoused
is that there should be a national referendum in the country so that the citizens
of Iran can decide for themselves, once and for all, the type of government that
THEY want.
In this article Ms. Sohrabi also happens to mention viable alternatives to Mr. Pahlavi,
one of them being the Islamist Nationalists or Melli - Mazhabi. Have we not learned
anything from the past 23 years? Have we totally forgotten the history and track
record of people like Mehdi Bazargan and Ibrahim Yazdi? Iran is a multicultural,
multilingual, multiracial country... how can Islamists govern such a diverse nation?
The European Enlightenment did not occur in a vacuum and it was the result of 200
years of struggle...it did not just happen and was not something that was inherent
to the region or to the people. Iranians need to do their own struggling but when
WE use forums to spew forth our complex's i.e "I was not born with a silver
spoon in my mouth" it discredits what we are actually saying.
Monarchists are not in anyway helping Mr. Pahlavi and the path that he is trying
to make towards having a secularized state in Iran, his biggest supporters also seem
to be his biggest downfall because they have not learnt that pluralism and civil
society need to be learned and should be an integral part of any "civilized"
country.
I am not interested in a merry go-round history for Iran either, but I will be damned
to sit back and watch the likes of such insipid misogynistic men, such as Ibrahim
Yazdi, come to power in Iran. A social democracy is what we need and if that entails
a constitutional monarchy than so be it.
If that is backward thinking than I think that someone should tell that to Belgium,
Holland, Denmark, Sweden, Spain, and Greece.
Merci,
Samira
* In good hands
It was once again a pleasure to read Naghmeh Sohrabi offering her succinct political
opinion and analysis on the future of Iran ["Royal
blue vs. the rainbow"]. The idea of a 30-year old unmarried female production
manager being the next leader of Iran... or better still, a group of female writers
who write for an internet magazine (oh wait, but they DO write about 'everything
you could imagine')...wow.
Imagine the sheer brilliance of such a political solution! I guess all our problems
are solved. I mean, forget about Reza Pahlavi and his rich cronies-we have 30-year
old unmarried female production managers and magazine writers waiting to take the
helm. What a relief to know that the future of our country is in good hands.
Ahhh... I can finally get a good night's sleep.
NN
* I am not so sure any more
Reading the most recent anti-monarchist articles, I have to admit, has made me reevaluate
my thinking on the matter. I used to think that there was little chance of a monarchist
(absolute or constitutional) revival in Iran's future. Now I am not so sure any more.
Mr. Faz Rasti's piece, ironically subtitled ["Man...
some people"] was the worst, but not the only offender.
It had many faults from poor grammar and discontinuity to incoherence. But it got
much worse by using an extremely crass and lewd language. Does the use of such language
buttress one's arguments? Do we learn anything new by reading such base words? It
is just rude and self-indulgent. It is not a matter of being overly prudish, but
we would do well to follow the lessons we learned from our parents about public decorum.
Indecency in public language is often an indicator of a boorish mindset. This article
is so bad that if I were of a conspiratorial mind, I might suspect that it was actually
written by a monarchist under a fake name as a very slick and clever trick to discredit
the anti-monarchists. Ms. Sohrabi's piece "Royal
blue vs. the rainbow" was much better, but that is hardly a compliment.
Her article is a polemic.
Polemics are not necessarily bad, but I counted no less than five different fallacies
in her piece and I am not a logician. We all make occasional mistakes in our arguments
but this is too much especially considering that she had written some good articles
in the past. Her main argument seems to be the elitism of monarchists and Iranians
abroad.
Let's assume that she is right. In that case, badly argued opinions such as hers
actually promote the need for elitism instead of refuting it. An easy way to add
credibility to an idea is to criticize it poorly. In the end, no one seems to be
arguing for an absolute monarchy. That is the good news. We all seem to acknowledge
that the future of Iran ought to be a democratic one. I am not a monarchist. It may
very well be the case that kings everywhere have become a superfluous appendage of
the state.
I don't, however, really care whether we have a republic or a monarchy. The important
thing is that government must be democratic, constitutional and pluralistic. The
bad news is that achieving all that, contrary to what many think, is not easy and
far from a foregone conclusion. It starts with cultivating the proper qualities in
ourselves. A government can not be much more virtuous than the people it represents.
After reading these recent articles, it seems that we still have some ways to go.
Regards,
Ali Kazemi
To top
* I agree, but
Dear Reza,
I fully agree with the content of your letter ["Man...
some people"] but I must say that your language is really disgusting.
If you use words like "Stupid", "Shit", "I suck your cock"..
that does not mean you are more correct or serious.
To me it just show that you are outrageous, emotional... consequently unreliable
and out of balance. This is the language of "Mollas" and loompans not serious
political or social discussion.
A reader
* Code of speech
There are many issues and topics in relation to Iran that cause many of us to get
very emotional and passionate and angry. However to encourage debate, dialogue, discourse
and change a certain platform and code of speech is required. ["Man...
some people"]
Do not get me wrong, I too feel that those folks who are still talking about the
Pahlavis and their possible role in future Iran in the same manor as before must
be very unobservant people. The revolution was a reaction to the Pahlavis after all.
But my dear friend, don't you think by personal attacks, rude comments and character
assassination of the various contributors you are not encouraging democracy and civil
society either. . .
Doost Azziz in a true democracy, which I have strong hopes that Iran will become
soon, every one even religious Iranians must have a say... I am a very liberal person
and the intolerance among many Iranians bothers me greatly, especially from Iranian-Americans
who have seen the great gifts of tolerance in this society despite of it's many short
comings.
Intolerance to different political views, to rights of various ethnic groups, to
the rights of women, the narrow interpretation of people's role based on predefined,
archaic and conservative definitions of social, political and sexual roles in society.
But I do not give up and curse at the world and Iranians, please lets have a dialogue
and foster change. Name calling is not the solution.
Hirad Dinavari
* Too harsh
About the article "Man...
some people":
I think you guys are too harsh on Mr. Kadivar ["We
are awake"]. I thought his account was entertaining and at times informative
albeit slightly biased. It wasn't world-class journalism but nobody's perfect...
Afshin Afshari
* What a great waste
Dear Sir,
What saddened me most reading Dariush Kadivars article ["We
are awake"] was the fact that a very substantial amout of Iranian people's
money was wasted on a party entertaining not only a bunch of freeloaders (royalty)
but also some common thieves and murdurers... the likes of president Ceaucescu of
Romania and his wife, president Marcos and his wife Imelda and last but not least
the guest of honour Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia.
Oriana Fallaci wrote in one of her books that during her visit to Ethiopia she
saw the despot emperor throw pieces of bread out of his car and the hungry people
had to fight with wild hungry dogs for the bread. What a great waste.
Kamran
* Shame on him
Faz Rasti is the one who should be ashamed. ["Man...
some people"]
Mr. Kadivar reported on an interview, and there was nothing to laugh about ["We are
awake"]. The celebrations were an historical event. All countries, even
the friends of Faz Rasti, the Democrats in America, have excessively expensive celebrations
and life styles, while there are thousands of hungry and homeless around them. What
was done then in Iran is still available for the benefit of the mullahs.
Corruption of the mollas is of course not on Rastiís mind!
Dr. Madjidi is an honourable and good man ["I
asked you not to publish rubbish about Pahlavis"]. He was never rich, and
after spending time in prison in Iran, barely escaping being executed by the bloodthirsty
Islamic regime, losing his wife in a car accident, he has led a very modest life,
working for a living to survive.
As to the late Shah -- he spoke perfect English and French, and he certainly was
well educated and well mannered, something Faz Rasti lacks. Shame on him.
Shahla Samii
* My preferred villain is Saddam
All sorts of adjectives are used to describe the last Shah; ìbrutalî, ìoppressiveî,
ìcorruptî are just a few of them. The misguided people who call him ìkhoda biamorzî
are quickly reminded of the ghastly crimes committed by Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.
The people who so like to insult someone who died 22 years ago seem to ignore the
simple fact that the last Shah long ago ceded first place on the podium of villains
, if ever he was in first place.
First prize is awarded to the so called Islamic Republic, which has excelled in savagery,
economic sabotage, corruption and social oppression, amongst others, and has shown
outstanding achievement in reaching new depths into which to plunge the long suffering
Iranian people. In awarding this prize Iím please to say that the Islamic Republic
is continuing its excellent track record which shows no sign of abating.
Anyway, youíve always given too much credit to the last Shah ["We
are awake"]. My preferred villain is Saddam Hussein who has survived
by gassing whole villages, and indiscriminately shooting anyone who whispers anything
against him or his family. Its only the RAF and US Air Force patrolling the skies
of northern Iraq that prevents him from exterminating the Kurds.
Whatever the Shahís sins, I donít remember him doing anything like that. Ah, but
then maybe nostalgia is making me forgetful.
Lets face it, the last Shah was a real SOB! His brutal regime built hospitals, schools,
universities, factories, roads, send thousands abroad to study, provided jobs, emancipated
women, and encouraged social progress! What a catalogue of terror!!
And then to make things even worse he didnít allow political freedom to democratic
forces like The Tudeh, or Mujaheddin, or Khomeini to govern the country. Terrible!
Thank god the Islamic Republic allows (some) political freedom. Okay, so everything
else has been taken away. A few newspapers get shut down, editors and journalists
and MPs thrown into jail, students beaten up and every now and then a few intellectuals
get murdered, but hey, thatís the rough and tumble of politics.
Okay now, end of time out, lets all go back to insulting the last Shah. Like George
Orwell's sheep in "1984" lets all bleat together: "marg bar Shah,
marg bar es-ra-il, marg bar am-ri-ka . . . "!!!
La Leche
* Trying too hard to impress
I recently read the article "We
are awake", regarding the celebrations that happened at Pasargad/ Persepolis.
There have been various estimates at how much was spent on the celebrations. Overall,
the celebrations drew criticism from many of the Western countries that it was supposed
to impress.
In my opinion, the main problem with the celebrations was that the Pahlavis were
trying too hard to impress the rest of the world, in particular the West, and afterwards,
Iran was viewed primarily as a "Wanabee".
The millions of dollars that were spent on the celebrations were primarily a waste
of money that could have been put to use more effectively elsewhere, and it also
paved the way for criticism from many of the Shah's critics.
If Iran is to have respect from the world community, it should be on merit and it
has to be earned; it can not be obtained by spending millions of dollars on empty
celebrations.
In essence, the celebrations at Persepolis were a representation of the Pahlavi regime...
nothing more than an empty fascade that happened to have the fortune of being in
power when tremendous petrolium reserves were discovered in our homeland.
Ironically, it was lavish expenditures such as these celebrations that lead to the
overthrow of the Pahlavi regime, and paved the way for the mullahs to take power
in Iran.
In hopes of a better future for our homeland.
Hooman
* Definition of traitor
Dear Xerxes Darius, ["Dummies
for democracy"]
I admire your interest in books and paging through one-Democracy for Dummies.
However, I totally disagree with your conclusions. You sound like you believe
that democratic systems have no tolerance for traitors and you only refer to the
fate of one person -- John Walker ["Let
him go home"]. If you keep looking through more books you will find
that; first, no system has tolerance for traitors, but it all depends on what the
definition of traitor IS-recall Bill Clinton's philosophy?
Second, by definition dictartorships get rid of their adversaries quicker than
democracies. The bottom line is that traitors have far more chance of going scott-free
in democracies- the irony of democracy. Although I prefer democracy, I adamantly
oppose democracy being at the mercy of hypocrisy where politicians get away with
anything by shrouding themselves in flag, religion or any dogma in the name of democracy.
I appreciate if someone could tell me which French philosopher said "Oh democracy,
what atrocities are committed in your name."
In case of John walker, I dispise Taliban, but why anyone doesn't consider the
fact that when that young man joined Taliban the latter were in bed with the U.S.
and they still would be if Osama had not bought them. Of course the latter was also
a hand-picked ally of the U.S. at one time, as we know. So, please ask yourself what
Talibans had in common with democracy and pray that democracy does not associate
itself with such a group anymore.
Finally, I agree with you that in democracy everyone should have equal chance
to express themselves, and in real government of the people, for and by the people
there is no room for people who do not give a damn about anything and do not believe
in participatory democracy. Democratic systems will keep paying increasingly high
price for harboring those who do not understand, appreciate and preserve democracy.
If such threats to democracy continues unchecked democracy could self-destruct. History
has shown that no empire has survived after their foundations have cracked beyond
repair.
A.Parsa
* We don't have it
Unfortunately, we are a stubborn, arrogant, selfish, inconsiderate, superficial
and intolerant bunch of people. We don't have the kind of unity, sense of community
and tolerance needed to better our lot whether at home or abroad. Since we can not
think of ourselves as a collective, and all we hear is me me me, then better go on
and take care of yourself. Try extricating the notion of going back "home"
to Iran out of your head, because it will NEVER happen.
The underlying reason for it is that we hold our personal opinions and beliefs
above and beyond the one thing that should matter most and never be compromised and
that is Iran. How can you people complain of lack of democracy, when you can't tolerate
a simple discussion you disagree with in a forum such as cyberspace?
This is how you are with no power sitting in front of a computer, imagine what
you will do at the helm of a government. You don't know what pluralism and freedom
of expression means. Until that day arrives we are like any other ex-patriot from
the third world, a group of silly and highly opinionated people that seem to know
everything about anything but can't come to terms with ourselves.
Payandeh Bad Iran.
Afshin D.
* Put aside our petty differences
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Mr. Kadivar for writing such a poignant
and awe-inspiring article about the "Jashnhaye 2500 sale" ["We
are awake"] Thirty years ago a great king, HIM Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi,
stood in front of the tomb of the greatest king of all, Cyrus the Great, and assured
him that the glory of our past shall be revived once again. This was meant to instill
in the Iranian nation pride in our history and heritage and to regenerate our nationalistic
fervour.
Unfortunately, as with most of his other endeavors, the Shah's intentions were misunderstood
and the great fete which he accomplished was shrouded in a cloud of controversy.
However, those of us who have studied and reveled in the glory of our past, realize
its importance to the survival of our national identity. It is vital to our survival
to truly know our history, revere it and pass on its importance to future generations.
Once we accomplish that, no power, foreign or domestic, can meddle in our affairs
and manipulate our emotions, the way they were able to do 23 years ago!
Let's put aside our petty differences for one moment and instead of focusing on the
insignificant objections which were hurled at the celebrations, consider what the
Shah really accomplished by staging this event. He reiterated to the whole world
that Iran is a land with a rich culture and the true cradle of civilization. Really,
which other nation can boast of having a leader 2500 years ago who spoke of human
rights and even wrote a declaration to make it the law of the land? The Shah wanted
the world to realize this and to consider Iran as a force to be reckoned with, and
not just another middle eastern country with oil!
In His Majesty's own words which are immortalized in his book "Answer to History":
"Our identity and heritage are our greatest advantages, the essential foundations
from which everything else can be recovered and without which all will be lost. "
Let's heed the call for unity!
Be Omide piroozi
R
* Reality won't remain under the clouds
I really had a hard time, reading the comments of my compatriots against our past.
let me tell you in this way, our people in iran are suffering from this regime. our
brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers have been under torture. many of them have
been executed since 23 years ago , and now we are using our pens just to criticize
a man, a nationalist and a loyal to iran soil for nothing. it has been clear during
the past 23 years that he was following a way to reach our country to a respectful
paid the ultimate price.
he fought the west and oil companies just to keep the inflation 0 or to a very low
economists know this better. he fought for his people and at the time their support
was needed, it was gone for the reactionary people who destroyed our country, our
culture, our strong we have to focus on future and the the exact time, the poisonous
articles are publishing in a site, iranian. com just to blame our past, our glorious
past. let want to criticize it?
you don't want to come back? ok let me write 20 reasons for that:
1) we shouldn't come back, because under the shah's regime we were selling each oil
barrel for $35, at this time, after 23 yeras we are selling it for $11(if officials
are honest which doesn't seen to be). we should be nice and fair, but shah was not!!!
2) we had a dollar for 7 tomans in our pockets, now it gets 800 tomans and this makes
more sense!!!
3) cause shah was a close friend to the west (although they didn't remain loyal to
him)and since west is the symbol of evil(don't forget the old slogans) he was not
right!!!
4) cause we don't care for the western-educated army as we are very nationalists!!!
5) since we are opposite to a weak leader and shah was weak in killing his poeple,
that addes one more negative point in his career!!!
6) since shah was trying to make our culture closer to the western style and our
young generation completely hate USA to make it as the ultimate desire, (don't forget
the saying of that majlis representative'child!) , that makes him traitor to his
homeland!!!
7) because shah was against the BAZZARIES society and tried to limit their functionality,
and since these peosle are very worried about our compatriots, he was not a good
leader!!!
8) because it was usual for the students to come back their homeland after finishing
their education since they didn't see that much difference, but now, they hate to
be back and this has become an ordinary thing, also a solution to the rapid-growing
population rate in our country!!!
9) cause iranian passports were appreciable around the worlb, but. . . and this is
even better for us!!!
10) because shah and his followers were not loyal to their homeland and kept on pushing
the nation towards civilization, but today we have been thrown back to 1400 years
ago. also we shall consider that a compulsory word is always blamable!!!
11 )cause the women were free to put on their desired clothes, but today they have
to put on almost a unique form of dressing and this made them easier to be distinguished!!!
12) because under shah's regime the security arrested the communists and other left-wing
followers, but today our nation with any idea opposite to the regime, are arrested
and put in the jails and this make our nation stronger, not to become spoiled!!!
12) because these many families that have been destroyed in the past 23 years, were
living aimlessly in their homeland!!!
13) because our people didn't even know what coupon means, but today they should
memorize all its numbers and this make their brain and IQ more thinkable!!!
14) because our people were extrimists and said, "why our country is not like
farnce or usa", but today they desire for their homeland to be like Dubai or
Kuwait!!!
15) cause lots of contructions were made at that era like many stadiums, dams, schools,
universities and so on and now every 20 years a stadium are built and every 23 years
a dam is constructed and this prevents the BIRAVIYEH constructions!!!
16) because Reza Pahlavi has announced that he will take any responsibility that
the nation gives him, but he should be tougher!!!
17) cause if shah was alive, Iraq didn't dare to even look at the iran's soil, but
after his gone we experienced a war in which a million died!!!
18) there are more to say, the hearts are broken, the honesty have gone, there is
no strong country any more, but there are alot traitors alongside the terrorists,
saying a unique sentence: "Iran should not experience its great past anymore".
they keep on their sayings, keep their eyes open to reallity, do not go and search
in the libraries of theri past. but we shall be positive. the reallity won't remain
under behind the clouds. we are looking for a time to show our capabilities, but
this time under a same roof, Iran's sky.
Kambiz Rezvani
To top
* GOOD for them!!!
To those who criticize the late Shah of Iran,
I bet it would have made you happy, had the late Shah of Iran instead of the 2500th
anniversary of the Persian Empire, celebrated the the invasion of Iran by the Arabs,
the birthday of Mr. Lenin, Marx, Mao, the leader of Albania et al of which many of
you became followers of!?!
To those of you who find fault with the treatment of the terrorists (e.g., those
who attended for FREE the academic Institutions that the late Shah of Iran constructed
and instead of paying back their dues they chose to assassinate the Iranian Military
officers and civilians) by SAVAK, I would say GOOD for them!!!
If fact the only criticism I have of the previous regime is that they did not allow
the late General Khosrowdad et al to put down the subversion!!!! Believe you me,
they do much worse to you in the good old USA if you gun down a US service man!!!!
Siamak Dastangoo, D.Sc.
* Not such a crazy idea
I have been giving a lot of thought to the idea of holding a referendum in Iran and
asking people whether they want Reza Pahlavi to be the next king. I am beginning
to think that this is not such a crazy idea after all. Look, by default, this is
the most democratic thing we can do for our beloved mother land. ["Monarchy"]
Because, well, what could be more democratic than asking people whether they want
something or not? If they say no, well, then we donÇt have to do it. No harm, no
foul. The idea is fantastically simple! It is so great, in fact, that I have decided
to volunteer my name to be added to the referandum. I mean, these people are already
in the booth, voting.
Now we give them even more choice: Do you want Reza Pahlavi to be your next Shah?
No? OK. How about Saeed Ganji? No? OK.Fine. No problem. You can go home and relax
now, because you are now living in a democracy, and that's what people do, under
a democracy. They take stupid referendums all day and then go home and relax.
Sincerely (kinda),
Saeed Ganji
* Come together
As one guy from new genaration of iran, have to say what wrong is with you people.
I undrestand we have gelorius history or oldest culture and etc....but that was
past! what do we have now? Our persia won't survive by Monarchy , Islamic Reppublic
or Mojahedin. At this time we have just one way to choose ,which is Repubblic of
Iran.
Dear compatriots , think just for moment ,please about what is going on to our
poor and dissaperd citizen inside the country and really wake up.
People like Mr kadivar are sitting in coffe shop in beautifull Paris and dearming
about monarchy,because they think they can become rich again by oli money, and "nane
ghandom bekhoran ,kamar zarin bebandan va tazim shah bekonanad".dude, this time
we are awake.
Lets come together and side by side find one solution for out homeland ,otherwise,
Iran or Persia wont'be on the map anymore.
Talis
* Shah was not as savage
I have never supported the king before. However, after years of experiencing this
prehistoric regime, I feel bad that the Shah was not as savage and inhumane as the
current leaders of the country. If the current government is the best Iran can produce,
then long live the king.
Bariai
* Just out of curiosity!
Hello, I hope you're doing fine, I have two questions and a comment,i appreciate
it if you anwser them; First, what does Reza Pahlavi do for a living? (Just out of
curiosity!)
Then, correct me if i'm wrong; isn't "Iran" what's left from what was
once called "Persia"? Comment: The "Persians" may advise the
Italians to call themselves "Romans!!
Have a good day.
Sepideh x
* At least Reza is trying
You keep talking, at least Reza is trying and he is the best option. I have the
highest respect for His Father and His Mother. My wife is Persian and she could not
disagree with you more. But everyone is entitled to their opinion and that is the
difference between Reza and the Mullahs.
Tim Haskin
* Left high and dry
I am tired of all the rubbish these monarchists write (i.e. "All
about freedom") about the Pahlavi regime and their aspirations regarding
the future of Iran. I am the child of a monarchist. My father was mentally tortured
to death by the revolutionaries after Shaah escaped from Iran.
My father and his friends who were staunch supporters of the good-for-nothing
Pahlavi regime were left high and dry by their beloved king and his pleasure-seeking
family who preferred the luxurious life abroad to staying in their own country and
defending their own people.
Can you imagine that?! The monarch saves his skin and leaves his own supporters
in the hands of torturers and executioners. That coward-king did not even have the
courage to stay and fight for his principles (if he had any).
I am writing this letter from Iran and I want to tell you that you monarchists
have no place in our society. You are sitting pretty in your towers of ivory and
keep barking from outside Iran. Why don't you have the guts to come to Iran and fight,
like any other freedon-seeking Iranian, for democracy?
It is because you are all cowards. My father and his friends all died for being
loyal to a bunch of ass-holes like you but we have learned our lesson. You are non-existant
in the minds of Iranians who are pushing the country ahead towards a Democratic Republic
of Iran. For the first time in our history, we wish to get rid of dictatorship, be
it theocracy or monarchy. It is high time you realized this and shut up.
Persia Lover
* Draw this
CAN SOMEONE PLEASE DRAW THIS ["Your
site is very KIRI"]. A PICTURE MIGHT BE WORTH A ...
Guive Mirfendereski
* Do not tarnish the image
Please consider having a more strict editorial policy so that trashy letters with
titles as "Your
site is very KIRI" do not tarnish the image of your magazine.
Best,
Mahyar Etminan
* Beginning of the end
These are incredible! They are the front
and back
cover of "Booyeh Khoobe Gandom" the song
that Daryush sang in the 70's, and I think it was the beginning of the end... If
this song didn't start it, it sure helped feed the "anti shah" student/college
movement in Iran.
The front cover of the record itself, as you can see, says "not permitted for
broadcast in radio or television...." I happened to have 2 of these records....
On an occasion, I presented one copy to Shahyar Ghanbari, the song's lyricist...
He was so surprised!! He signed my copy with the kind words you see on the picture.
Finally, Mr. Ghanbari refers to this song as "Booyeh Khoobeh Gandom," not
"Booyeh Gandom," as we all refer to it. He should know; he wrote it!
Behrad
* I felt a relief...!
I enjoyed your article "Mr.
Masoud". I would have been in the last grade in Babak school when Mr.
Masoud's son (Abolghaasem?) was killed in the Abadan Petrochemical Plant fire. As
for Mr. Shaayesteh, do you remember his famous sentence? "Hemmat nemikony rahaash
kon" as he used to say in his peculiar accent when you goofed up answering a
question.
Have you heard anything of Mr. Parastaar lately? Yes, he was really the "epitome
of terror". I happened to poop in my pants once because of him! I was in grade
2 in Kamaal-almolk elementary school in South Bovaardeh and he was the assistant
principal as well as the grade 2 teacher.
I badly needed to go to wash room and couldn't wait a few minutes until the class
was over to go home. Although I was so scared, I had to ask for his permission to
go. He was standing in front, busy looking at a piece of paper in his hand, with
a very serious face while chewing gum with tiny but quick bites. His silence had
made the class dead quiet.
Everybody was waiting for that happy second when the bell was struck, to race
out of the school. I hesitantly stood up and slowly and shakily walked to him. It
took me only a couple of steps to reach him, but it seemed to me like a damn long
time. I looked up at his face that showed not a single sign of change, as if I was
not there at all.
I raised my trembling hand and was about to say "ejaazeh", then he,
without looking at me, instantly said "nakheir". I was so scared and jumped
up 'yek vajab', then quickly and desperately returned to my desk which I shared with
two other students. And after a few seconds, I felt a relief...!! My classmates next
to me were wondering what that awful smell was!
Maybe that was the only time I didn't race out after the bell. That day I walked
home lonely, sadly and slowly. A friend of mine asked me if my dog had died because
I looked so sad, and I only shook my head "no".
When I got home, quickly entered through the back yard door, dropped my school
bag on the ground and jumped right in to the eastern wash room at the far corner
of the yard. My mother who was working in the kitchen, saw me through the window
and noticed something was wrong. After all, other than a few times that I used that
wash room to bathe the dog and puppies, the only other person who used it was Mash
Raheem our gardener. When I was out of the wash room, I saw my mom was standing at
the kitchen door looking at me curiously.
Now after more than 35 years, from time to time we talk about it at family get-togethers
and laugh.
Shahryar Chehrenegar
* Not "vahye monazzal"
This is kind of a response to Ms./Mr. Persia Lover's article, "Look
at the evidence". I think your friend was wrong trying to prove to you
that the documentation you have is faulty. Although the book you quoted from is not
"vahye monazzal"(!!) but it is accurate enough to be trusted. Plus the
fact that many other parallels and Hadith can point out to the same results as you
found.
What I am amazed about is your friend's naivete. Someone who tries to argue about
a subject as sensetive as this should be able to take historical perspective into
account. The problem is, you are arguing a 19th and 20th century issue against 7th
century evidence, and she is trying to defend 7th century facts in face of the 19th
and 20th century concerns. For the society in which prophet Mohammad brought the
Islam, the laws he brought, the actions he took, like daring to ban the burying of
infant girls or give inheritence rights to women, was indeed progressive.
The fact that at the same time, Iranians had Azarmeidokht and Puran, two ladies,
as their rulers, shows that the issues were not universal, but specific to the Arab
society. So, your Arab friend was right in arguing that prophet Mohammad, in his
own time and in his particular historical perspective, was indeed much more progressive,
and kind of a "feminist" supporter, than one is lead to believe.
Whether his meassures and actions were in line with our "modern" standards,
of course, needs no argument.
Khodadad Rezakhani
* That was a nice one!
This is a comment on the document "Look
at the evidence" by Persia Lover. That was a nice one! I knew that women
are considered as second-class citizens in Great Religion of Islam (!!!) but I didn't
know that there are actually so many evidences in Quran.
So what I don't understand is, how some people defend Isalm saying that in this
religion women are equal with men and they have absolutely the same rights as men!!!
I don't think so...
Keep up the good work Persia Lover.
A Presian Girl
* Incorrect and false traditions
Dear Persia Lover, ["Look
at the evidence"]
Regarding your article on the Iranian.com web site. Is your intention to insult Islam
and women regardless of their religious background, or is your intention to truly
discover the meaning of Islamic teachings.
First of all can I inform you of your reference are not exceptable by all Islamic
scholars. This is because the Hadith Collection of Sahih Bukhari contains a large
number of incorrect and false traditions attributed to the Holy Prophet of Islam.
Second it is important to inquire about religious issues with the scholars of that
religion, so that any misconceptions are explained in proper.
I seem to recall that it is in the Holy Bible that states:
Then the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man."
Genesis 2:22.
If you are Christian you donÇt need me to explain that according to the teachings
of Christianity and Judaism woman was made from man, and it was because of her that
he was condemned by God and thrown out of Heaven:
The woman said to the serpent, "We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,
but God did say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the
garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die'." Genesis 3:2
When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was... pleasing to the eye, and
also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to
her husband. Genesis 3: 6
Even in Judeo-Christian religious text woman from the beginning has been made in
to a creature of trouble and mischief.
But then you might not be a Christian or Jew; you may even be an atheist. Well lets
look at the atheist society. Most of the Latin/ South America, Africa, Far East Asia
and the Oceana continent, we find that a woman's worth is calculated by her appearance
in beauty, or her wealth. Little attention is given to her presence as a mother of
a family or a wife. If she is a mother she has to be a successful business woman,
or if she is a wife she must have out done her husband in all aspects of life, other
wise she hasnÇt lived. There is more pressure on woman out side of Islamic system
of life, to not only bear children, be wives, and to bring half the income of the
household.
So before you ask "How far Islam has gone in humiliating women", let's
look at everything correcting, and stating authentic traditions, and lets look at
the amazing progress Islamic laws have made for women and all of mankind. I seem
to recall remembering watching a television programme in London, that informed us
that up to about one hundred years ago, a woman was not allowed to own any form of
property when she was married. She had no right of inheritance, she was not guaranteed
a quality education, she was not allowed to work and etc, all this in Europe.
"And women shall have rights similar to the rights against them according
to what is equitable."
The Holy Quran Surah 2: 228.
Reza Vedadi
* Funniest article I have ever read
My friend,
This was the best and the funniest article that I have ever read ["Kababism"].
Thank you for sharing these wonderful thoughts. I laughed so much that I think I
... This was great!!
Thanks
Bijan Aria
* Your loyal Kababist
Hilarious, awesome, right on the money - an iconoclastic and a pragmatic approach
to ìismsî ["Kababism"].
I have been in the school of Kababism for the last 2 decades or so. It is so Zen,
it is so contributory, it is so compassionate, it is so attentive, it is so suffi-ic,
and it is so charcoalistic!!
Hajji Firooz was a Kababist in the closet. However, he couldnít voice himself in
those religious days. He used the charcoalistic effects of Kababism to demonstrate
his belief system through song and dance for Persians. They never caught on. I am
glad you have now indoctrinated the 21st century, yet the best version of Kababism.
Keep-on Cababing. We are with you all the way.
I would like to take this opportunity and introduce Her Hotness the Pepper as companion
& worshiper to your Gojeh Ezaafeh. They have had a long inconspicuous relationship
for years nested in Salad Shirazi ó why not bring it out in open. They love to heat
up & burn together.
Your loyal Kababist,
AAF
* One funny bugga
Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed reading your article on "Kababism",
in times like these it's great to read an article about religion that actually brings
a smile to your face instead of the usual hooha written by every 'expert' who wants
to give their five cents worth.
Anyhow as they say in Australia you are one funny bugga! and I look forward to
reading more in the future!!!
Gotta go my kebabs are burning.
Shads,
Faramand
* Here's my way
I am glad that you are alert to KABAB-UNICATION as is expected from a true Kababist
["Kababism"].
I am responding to your question of Peppers! If you are in California, then you'll
have access to variety of Peppers. If, you don't have the ACCESS -- matter not, worry
not.
The best pepper is our own good old Felfel AKA Beevar -- I mean the tall & slender
ones. Should you wish, you can include the Jalapeno, Serrano and any others in your
Pepper-list. Just remember to group them in Kind when Jabbing -- see reason below.
Here is the way I treat my Beloved Peppers.
1. Prepare a marinade of Olive Oil, Lemon/Lime Juice, Garlic Powder.
2. Wash your Peppers and with a toothpick tattoo some torturous pinholes in their
tall and slender or in other cases fat & chubby bodies.
3. Marinade the tattooed Goddesses in your Maejoon -- leave for 20 minutes.
4. You can skewer the peppers on a thin wooden skewer.
5. Do not skewer them on the same Seekh with the gojeh's, as they require different
Jabbing Temperature & timing -- They do, however, prefer to join the Gojehz on
the same bed, upon your choosing, a bed of Rice or Naan or whatever.
One important Note: I skewer all my Kababs unto wooden skewers, simply because the
metal skewer's reaction to heat may adversely affect the taste of Kababs -- A Grande
Sin -- oops, I used obsolete wording.
Besides, the wooden skewers are disposable and easier to serve as you don't have
to un-seekh the Kababs before serving. Moreover, the Kababs pass-on the heat to each
other (Their way of cosmic connection) and they can do that better as long as they
stay intact on their skewers. Please leave them together until their last parting
moment.
Plus, Have you noticed lately, people would like to do their own un-seekhing - it
is becoming a fad! No Kidding.
Regards
Arman Fuladvand
Your Staunch-Loyalist-Kebab-Lover
p.s. I wonder how much researched you endured in choosing the nomenclature for KABAB
-- as oppose to Kebob or Kabob and so on. I am curious to find out the reasons behind
your version of it.
p.s. 2 My email server is down. I was so intrigued by your Kababism that I felt responsible
to immediately act upon fellow Kababist requests. So, I opted to use my normal email
address in sending this reply. Otherwise, I would have waited till the server that
carries my surname email was operational.
* Longing to be named Joojeh Kabab
To my new spiritual master, his worshipful excellency, Kabab of all Kebabs, Chelo
Kabab Sultani, His Highness Gojeh Ezaafeh Drood, Finally it has happened!!!!
I, formally, and ashamedly, known as Kourosh but now longing to be named as Joojeh
Kabab-e ba Ostokhan ba Salad, wish to inform you that after reading your manifestation
of our newly ordained faith KababismÇ strongly desire to humbly and absolutely whole
heartedly give my stomach to this beautiful and great tasting religion.
Only reading this beautiful piece managed to bring tears to my eyes and water
to my mouth. Even my friend åDavidÇ who is a farangy, after reading it has converted
and is calling himself åFileMinion KababÇ and I canÇt wait until I preach to my Russian
friend åBorshÇ about this wonderful faith.
Well I have to go now as I can hear the Azaan being read aloud from my local Caspian
Restaurant, beautifully recited by Leyla Froohar. Please keep up the good work and
May your kabab always be excellent, may your coals always be glowing, and may you
never run out of somagh, noon or doogh.
Yours truly,
Joojeh Kabab-e ba Ostokhan ba Salad , BSc (Hons)
Kourosh Namini
* Why waste web space
What exactly is the point of this article? ["Velcome
to Air Afghanistan"]
I will not complain about the fact that it is insulting to our neighbors to the East
and that it belittles the proud employees of Ariana Afghan Airlines. I have a high
tolerance for humor and can handle my friends making comments about Iran and Iranians.
The only problem I have with it is that it lacks content. If one is to write an article
to get a good laugh, (s)he should put some thought into it. This article looks as
if the author typed whatever came to mind without an attempt to make a point or sense.
I honestly don't see why space is wasted on publishing something that really doesn't
deserve any web space. I would have loved to see a few more of Saman's cartoons in
its place.
Thanks!
P.S. Iran Air is no quality airline either. I flew Iran Air in 2000 and my bus ride
from Isfahan to Ghazvin was more comfortable and staff more courteous.
Abbas Soltani
* Prejudiced against Afghanis?
Why are we so prejudiced against the Afghanis? ["Velcome
to Air Afghanistan"] If we treat people who share our Iranian culture
and history with us in this way, just because they were unfortunate enough to be
refugees in our country; how could we expect Western people to treat us better as
refugees in their country?
Please tell me,
Zahra
* Inspiration has been floating my boat
In regards to your essay about poetry ["Making
poetry public"]; I can understand your view of communication yet as
a seemingly more experienced writer than me, you have no sound definition of what
a poem is. A poem should not have any limits and labels of "silly", "good",
or "bad".
What is right and wrong is what our philosophy d'jour happens to be. Society has
created conformity for reasons I have explained in my piece "Should have Done
Laundry". Who says that SLAM poetry is not real poetry??? Do you think someone
regarded the Ghazal system of poetry in ancient Persia as "good" or "bad"???
I would think about it.
Of course studying and being able to write classical forms of poetry and standardized
systems will help expand the poets' individual writing style. Yet, as long as the
"sense" is expressed then the poem is created. Following linear patterns
of writing can help the poet express the "sense" in a way to it's truest
form. However, knowing rules can help but they don't always have to be followed.
All you need is inspiration.
When you write, you lay out a line of words. The line is a miner's pick, woodcarver's
gouge, a surgeon's probe. You wield it, and it digs a path you follow. Soon, you
will find yourself deep in new territory. Is it a dead end, or have you located the
real subject? You will know tomorow, or this time next week.
You write it all, discovering "it" at the end of the line of words.
The line of words is a fiber optic, flexible as wire; it illumines the path just
before its fragile tip. You probe with it, delicate as a worm.
Then again, I'm only 21 years-old and have only taken a "Inroduction to Poetry"
class at a community college. I read W. Blake and Kaufka once in awhile. So inspiration
is the only tool that has been floating my boat.
Mersedeh Khozin
* Another point
Regarding to the point mentioned by Mr. Pejman Akbarzadeh about our language which
is Persian not Farsi ["Pahlavi:
Persian not Farsi"]. I would like to add another point, our language is
Parsi and after Arabs domination because of not having "P" pronunciation
in their language they called it Farsi and I believe even Iranians should call it
Parsi instead of the Arabic pronunciation of Farsi.
I would also like to mention that: the name of our country is Iran and all the countries
around the world and the United Nation acknowledged this name for our country, Persia
was the ancient name of Iran like many other ancient countries such as Italy, Turkey
and etc. Now Pars or Persia is name of a province in Iran and unfortunately called
by the Arabic pronunciation,"Fars".
Thanks for your attention.
Arash Mandegar
* Bahram Beyzaii
My name is Renee Atallah. I'm a fourth year student in dramatic arts in the Lebanese
university. I'm preparing my DEA and the subject I chose for my studies was a play
by the Iranian playwriter Bahram Beyzaii.
For this reason I need very badly his address or any contact with him or his daughter(I
think her name is Niloufar and she lives in Paris). It's urgent and I would be very
thankful if you can help me in it.
Thanks a lot.
Renee
* To continue our education
HI THERE FRIENDS AND FELLOW COUNTRYMEN,
My wife and I are both MA holders in English language and literature from the University
of Tehran and we would like to pursue our higher education in an American university.
We have a three and a half year old daughter. Unfortunately in Iran there are no
ph. D programs for English literature and the only country where we can study is
the US, but financially we do not have the means to do that.
Please assist us if possible: w'd like to come to the U. S. to continue our education
because as you know there are no good opportunities in Iran for education, specially
in our fields of study. Therefore the donation of a scholarship or some financial
support would potentially enable us to study there. Is it possible for you to assist
us and show us what we can do?
We would like to thank you very much in advance, and wish you success. We are looking
forward to hearing from you soon. Your fellow countrymen from Iran.
Yours Sincerely,
M Azizi
F Khonamri
* Samanou?
Can anyone out there give me the recipe for Samanou?
Thanks
Mahyar Etminan
* Bi panah dar Bulgaria
BA SALAM MAN TINA AHAVAN HASTAM AZ BULGARIA.
NEMIDANAM CHEGONEH SHOROO KONAM.
MAN ADRESS SHOMA RA AZ INTER NET PEYDA NEMODAM VA KHAHAN KOMAK AZ SHOMA HASTAM.
MAN VA DOKHTARE KOCHEKAM BI PANAH VA BI MASKAN DAR IN KESHVAR GARIB MANDEHIM VA BE
ONVAN YEK ENASAN VA YEK HAMVATAN AZ SHOMA TAGAZA DARAM BA MAN TAMASS BEGIREID
TINA AKAVAN
* OZGAL
I am President of the Organization of Zorastrians, Gilanis, and Lors (OZGAL).
We are a new organization seeking new members, as well as contributions for a new
magazine we plan on publishing.
If you are interested in becoming a member of OZGAL, or alternatively if you would
like more information on OZGAL, please write me at the address below.
In addition, we are seeking writing contributions for our new magazine; in particular
any articles relating to Zorastrian culture as well as the history of the Lor tribes
would be welcomed by OZGAL.
Thank you.
FK
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