BOOK

DariusK and Ehrami

I do not want the old regime back for many reasons, the most recent one is;

In order to solve the Iranian crisis, Prince Reza Pahlavi launches an appeal to the international community and especially to Europe.

Why does he appeal to the international and especially European community? Why not make a strong credible, passionate appeal to the Iranian people in Farsi not in French. I have nothing against France and being well versed in its culture but you are trying to change a strong regime in Iran people in Iran speak Farsi. Imagine during the revelution, Khomeimni's tapes arrived in Iran in French.

Anonym7

Thank you for your kind comments regarding me. That said, I Beg to differ. Monarchists are NOT Fascists to begin with. Some may be dictatorial in their mindset at worst but certainly not Fascist.

And as far as the comment in question is concerned what does an anonymous comment prove ?

As far as IRI Supporters and Revolutionaries are concerned THEY ON THE CONTRARY Did Exactly What This poor fellow has simply vociferated in words.

Need a Reminder Of What These "Islamic Democrats" Did in 1979 ?

Farrokhro Parsa, Hoveyda, Bakhtiar

//www.holycrime.com/images/Bakhtiar-Hoveyda-FarokhroParsa.jpg

Officers of the Army

//laiusolibrius.free.fr/index.php?2006/12/14/85-execution-revolutionnaire

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfOXJWyBXdo&feature=related

General Mohagheghi THE IRANIAN STAUFFENBURG ( NOJEH: THE WALKIERIE OF IRAN)

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ydsa8fGSMwY&feature=related

And EVEN DESPITE THAT Reza Pahlavi says he Opposes Vengeance and will not call for Capital Punishment for these Traitors and criminals who are running our country.

If You think Fighting the IRI is a Boy Scout Picnic for Reza Pahlavi and his followers then you are wrong and naive.

Best,

DK 

regarding the Monarchists (to Kadivar)

Kadivar, to be clear about what is being discussed, I usually paste a short statement from the person whom I am having a debate with.
As for the rest of what you said, I have always respected you, because I believe you are sincere, have a good heart, and are interesting.
Regarding Iranian Monarchists, we disagree .... you respect them in general and I don't. I am not going to get too analytical about it, but you differ a lot from the Monarchist/FASCIST who said this:
"I only wish that Mohammad Reza Shah had rounded up and executed all of these Arab-parast gangsters, especially the Indian. "
(see for yourself: //iranian.com/main/singlepage/2008/i-hear... )

Unity in Diversity

Dear Compatriots:

I urge you to overcome prejudices and to detach yourselves from emotional statements. At this critical juncture of our nation’s history, it is vital to overcome historic divisions, think beyond the past and present to the future, and to find common values on our path towards political modernity. History can provide guidelines in search for peace, prosperity, and a better future for us all. Iranians can learn from their rich history and examples set by other civilizations, as it is only through unbiased search for a better future that we can identify shared values. As Iranians of all political strides believe in democratic ideals, we need to engage in open discussion and internal dialogue free from cynicism to unite along shared common values. Cynicism and apathy are not the answer today’s challenges facing our country.

While at times humans can agree to disagree, the unity within our nation is the precondition for building a free democratic Iran that can prosper in peace through trade and commerce. Rebuilding Iran requires the support and cooperation of Iranians across all political strides. One cannot and should not rely on a leader; every one of us is a leader who needs to do his/her part in the rebuilding process. Leadership does not begin or end with the person at the helm of government. It is rather an awsome responsibility that rest with us all.

Prince Reza Pahlavi is first and foremost an Iranian who has contributed new innovative ideas to the political dialogue. It is incumbant upon every Iranian to read his books and articles, and listen to his speeches, as well as views expressed by other individuals and leaders. Through presentation of new ideas, Iranians can identify and select the best political platform.

Politics does not necessarily have to be defined as a zero-sum game, with ultimate winners and losers. It can be a win-win game, if we learn to tolerate diversity of opinions, learn to compromise and accept differences.

Let us embrace unity in diversity for a free democratic Iran,

Behshad Hastibakhsh

Mahmoud thanks for being honest

I respect your honesty. I wish Reza could be as honest as you. No one knows what he stands for. "Freedom" and "Democracy". These are but mere words. I think JJ has more experience in those two subjects than Any Pahlavi. 

Also, what if one of the options on that referendum was say "Islamic Republic" or "Islamic Dictatorship" or "Monarchy". It's senseless....

If voting itself is democratic then IRI's elections = democracy. The choice of an heir to a throne is not representative of democracy. Now if Reza wants to use his name to talk about human rights. That's fine. GOOD for him. But I'm tired of him sneaking in these weird comments like "sure, I'd accept the throne." Who the HELL wouldn't. Lifetime supply of food and fun on the dime of the people.

It takes a real man or leader I should say to say "NO i will not take a leadership post. People in Iran deserve better." But Reza in my opinion has no shame. Why should he? We're supposed to feel sorry for him and his dad. I do feel bad about the cancer but that's it.

I personally choose Constitutional Monarchy

Which is the underlying message anuways.  Have a referendum and let's all vote.  Whichever, with the most vote wins. Period.  Cant get any more democratic than that!

S T O P !

You people can't even have proper dialogue with each other! Just like you could not 30 years ago, and look at the bloody mess you all caused then! Shame on you then, and shame on you now. You have not developed at all! This is not about the Pahlavi's, this is about US; about our needs and wants.
All I get from most of your writings is that you are all damaged ! Still stuck in the past.

Anonym7 So ?

Why Do you first try to make a nice approach and then you address to me in the Third Person "Kadivar Say's ..." as if you wanted to lynch me or make me feel guilty ?

So What if There are People who are fanatics and More Royalist than the King ? That is true in all Parties including Republicans or Mossadeghis. I said what I think about Shahollahis in my previous posts so why should I explain all over again all the time ?

I've come across Iranian Monarchists who are Totally the Contrary of what you are depicting here. If you think that the LA TV's are representative of what Constitutional Monarchists think you are wrong.

But I don't despise these Shahollahi's either. They deserve Respect for many have been families of Soldiers of officers of the Imperial Army who were executed and for them they are hanging on to some hope. I don't agree with them when they call for Vengeance but I understand them. Same thing with Revolutionaries who have had martyres in their family. You cannot change their minds but their own children may think differently.

If you think that the bazaris on LA TV would run the country if the monarchy was restored your entirely wrong. If you read or listen to what RP says without prejudice you will see that he does not at all share the same vision.

But as far as I am concerned I don't have a problem to demonstrate with them or speak with these people. Their opinions won't change mine or Ma Liberté de Penser like you say. All Political parties rely on die hard supporters even in democratic countries when they want to encourage people to demonstrate or when they have to distribute pamphlets and propaganda for their own parties. So why blame them ? Look at ALL the BS Pro Hamas and Pro IRI propaganda you read from their supporters on both Iranian TV and on the internet.

The Real Truth is that those who attack monarchists on grounds that they are enemies of Iran and democracy have nothing to offer but the same old Liberal Leftist rhetoric that is more of a political correct stance amongst most Iranians due to their lack of imagination and open mindedness. MARGE's Comments Right Below is the perfect example of what I just said. ;0) They cannot offer strong arguments against Reza Pahlavi or the former Queen except by expressing either jealousy or hatred and then when the monarchists hit back in self defense, they complain for being attacked in the same way or call them warmongerers.

Well All these so called Leftist Tear Jerkers remind me of those who pretend to be "cool" by listening to "World Age Music" but hardly understand music nor listen to good music. Thats how you get people who run into the first opportunity to shout their enthusiasm for a Satellite Launch by the IRI but don't evaluate the pro's and con's. Same thing with all the Pro Hamas Tear Jerkers.

So in the balance I think I still have maintained my Liberte de Penser ...

I don't even think that RP is particularly charismatic nor that he has always been subtle or has not made mistakes. But I trust him more than I would trust ANY other Iranian politician in the current Iranian political Arena. And having followed him all these years in the press or in his writing and seeing that he is ready to do all in his power to bring the voice and sufferings of his compatriots to the ears of the World Press and Leaders is something I find respectable.  

You are Free to think otherwise. I am even Ready to applaud You if you Run for President if that is your deep conviction. But Don't try to teach me about what being a monarchist is. TO US LOYALTY MATTERS for We do Not Belong to the HEZBEH BAAD like Most Of You Out There in Cyber space.

Cheers,

DK

.

Whoever Reza Has Hired for this PR campaign = GOOD JOB

This idea of choice - fantastic. A+++++++

We have the choice of what? Reza's leathery fat face OR the droopy hairy IRI faces.  This is now labeled as democracy. 

You know what? I think the Greeks stole this concept of democracy from Iranians. We are clearly very democratically minded! Look at these Pahlavi threads. If you disagree with Pahlavism you are automatically IRI. That's what I call DEMOCRAZY. Bravo.

Vive le Petit Prince Pahlavi.

Bisou! 

Liberty de penser for Iran, DK?

Kadivar says: "A Knight Cannot Betray ..."

DK, don't you know that many of Iranian Monarchist are very reactionary, don't you know that many of them are outright fascists.
If Iranian Monarchists come to power, and you happen to be in Iran, the majority Monarchist will get rid of the ones who enjoy 'Ma liberté de penser' (including DK the Knight) first chance they get.
I am afraid you have to become the king if you want liberty de penser for Iran under a Monarchy.

The Opposition (????) should

The Opposition (????) should come up with Farsi substitutes for Opposition and Secularism so that Iranians can even begin to warm up to them. After all Farsi is the language of the people Opposition is trying to librate. And what a language.

Also some lessons from the 2500 years of Iranian history would not hurt so that all the examples are not from French or other western cultures. Iranian identity and pride is what was lost to the Iranians during the time of the Shah. It seems like the Oppositions is going down the same slippery slope.

Anonym7 Because A Knight Cannot Betray ;0)

Cause It Would be Against My Oath of Loyalty to the Round Table:

A Knight Remains Loyal To His King and Queen Even if they Do not Deserve the Title ;0))

Eh Oui ! ...

That is One of The Rules of Chivalry in Camelot :

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCUY2OLZTz8

TODAY ONLY UNITY !

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYrbxqTjV5g&feature=related

So Lets Not Delay the Celebrations ! ;0)

DK, why not you, instead of Reza2?

DK, not that you are very wise, however among the Iranian Monarchists your are the wisest, you are liberal, and unlike majority of them you don't seem to be totally controlled by American and Israeli ultra right, ....., you are also well educated (unlike many Monarchists). Why not you for shah if people want to go for monarchy?

To Hooshie

Dear Hooshie

Thank God almighty these bunch by no means represent the views or opinions of the majorty of people of Iran, not even the educated ones.

These bunch are mostly regime sympathizers, cronies and lackeys on the payroll in Canada mixed in with left-over narcississtic Commies and Tudehees with inferitory complexes who fled Iran yet still beating their chests for the Islamic Republic as long as it remains anti-American excuse me anti-Imperialist.

BEEORZEH (Not So) to Paraphrase Kennedy ...

First of All I don't think you deserve to call yourself BEEORZEH. I welcome Quesitons when genuine and sincere. Intellectual discourse is nothing to be ashamed of or guilty for.

That said:

To Paraphrase Kennedy, I am tempted to answer you by saying

"Ask Not the Crown What it Can do For You But what You Can do for the Crown"

The Crown is Not About Reza But About Our Unity a little Like the Knights of the Round Table if you will where Every Iranian can be an architect of this Unity for Democracy and a democratic future for Iran. 

//www.france24.com/en/20090209-the-interview-reza-pahlavi-exiled-son-of-the-shah

It may sound silly but its reflects the attitude that the Iranian Diaspora needs to have othewise they are simply looking for excuses for their own lack of incentive and activism.

Action with no Preperation or Support can have no efficient meaning. What do you want him to do other than try and inform the international community on the choices and possibilities for change and insist on Civil Society and Resistance without Violence.  

Do You expect him to take an Airplane and Land in Iran only to become another useless martyre like Bakhtiar ? Evne De Gaulle had to Flee to London and organize the Resistance.

Sure I can understand your impatience and frustrations, WE ALL have been through this time and again. The Reality of the matter is that with no support from You people and by that I mean EVERY DEMOCRAT AND EVERY PATRIOTIC IRANIAN should do his or her share to make suggestions and take part actively in some sort of support for an Iranian Solidarnosc.

The Diaspora CAN PLAY A MORE ACTIVE ROLE. Why do you have Mehreghan Celebrations or gathering for HAMAS Victims in San Francisco, NY or elsewhere but to Demonstrate When Ahmadinejad Visits NY is such an impossible Task ?

Who is speaking about even Crying Out JAVID SHAH ? This is about CIVIL SOCIETY AND SUPPORT FOR IT. That is what RP is trying to do and he has grown up and matured in the process like all of us.

He is Realistic, He doesn't claim to have all the answers not even when it is in his speaches. He simply is saying lets Work Together.

This is Not Just Propaganda, Every Movement needs advertisement and make speaches as these. So did Obama and McCain during their campaigns.

But this is not an Ordinary Election he is trying to win, but Free Iran without bloodshed if possible. Who today has been so open to critics and accusations of all sorts as this Crown Prince ?

I Call it STAMINA !

Stop Whining and Try to organize demonstrations outside Iran top start with just like the Bloody MKO manages to do so. Why Can't We DEMOCRAT IRANIANS DO THE SAME AND MORE LEGITIMATELY ?

Show the International Community that We do Count and refuse behind the Curtain talks between foreign governments and this treacherous regime.

This is also the opinion of prominent members of the Iranian Diaspora at large: 

//iranian.com/main/blog/darius-kadivar/npr-rethinking-iran-perceptions-u-s-iran-relations

The Road is Tough and maybe sinuous and long but we need to Start Somewhere and RP happens to be in the Public Eye for more than 30 years and now has reached an age of reason and maturity where he and his generation which included me and probably you and others are aware of the dillemas and realities of our country.

Its not going to happen with a Magic Rod !

De Gaulle Was Alone too in not so different circumstances. But he would not have achieved with the Volunteering of brave and courageous people both inside and outside Iran.

Reza on Obama ( Who is just a Year Younger than RP):

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jat-gSBdtRs&feature=channel

THAT is what his message for UNITY is all about. Its Not just about Showing Off.

Its Time to Wake Up.

He May Lose in the long Run or Maybe will Win with our Help but At Least he is Trying Genuinely. And its Not just about the money for Resistance is more about Stamina and coordination of actions between all concerned. If We all believed in this approach we could make progress and make it become a reality.

But It is Up to US all to make help Crown Democracy Be it a Republic or Constitutional Monarchy and not the contrary.

Unity and Transparency is the Key and RP has been more than transparent in his book as to where he stands on all crucial issues from Human Rights to Democratic values and vision of institutions to sustain them.

If you have a better idea I welcome it but Whining and shouting ones head off just for the sake of emptying Our Oghdeh Won't Get us anywhere.

Best,

DK

Like who cares... Time to move ON!!

The article should be called: "Time to move on"..

Nobody cares what Reza "ghasr talaee" has to say!!    We know he has an IQ of a chimpanzee. He lost millions of dollars that really belonged to the iranian people, but his family took as their own anyway. Not unlike corrupt leaders in countries like Ghana. He has never been successful in any business despite having money and being comfortable.  Iran and iranians have moved on and they need something else. Preferably a person that is successful in business having started from zero and someone who is an achiever.  

//www.irannostalgia.com

irannostalgia.com

your true color!!

Your true color finally came out.You are nothing more than a Shah apologist.

Dialogue indeed!

Since I haven't read the book and Ms. Erhami has not made clear if the atributed "solutions" are quotes from Reza Pahlavi,or her understanding of his views, it has to be said that to form a "dialogue" means to strive for an inclusive mode of behaviour,and in this case, as opposed to conflict or war. By branding the one you oppose as"mullahs' regim", the protagonist is taking the biggest element out of the equation, unless, Reza Pahlavi believes that by inviting the Europran governments to establish a direct and active dialogue with that section of the Iranian nation who opposes the institution of Islamic Republic, a national dialogue could be reached and then the IRI would just vanish by itself!

30 years has passed since the establishment of IRI, during which they, single handedly, fought a war longer than the Second World War and were not defeated- look what happened to the aggressor! and inspite of decades of Western sanctions, led by America, more than 70 million people have managed to feed themselves without facing famine or diseas.

Many people in the West, former Iranians included, don't like IRI's foreign policy,but go to the whole of Moslem world and see what you hear. Now, if you were an strategist, would you opt for the support of the secular European elite instead?

Still, it is everybody's right to dislike IRI or even hate their guts but if you're advocating "dialogue" please learn its rules!

how about Darius shah (to tofan)

Tofan says: "The son of the late Shah is growing increasingly irrelevant.."

I agree with you Tofan. How about a new monarchy headed by Darius Kadivar? Among the monarchists he is the wisest, he is liberal, he is not totally controlled by American and Israeli ultra right, ....., and he enjoys french music.

Cheap Jibes

With such lowly and uneducated taunts in a civil discourse the islamic republic will happily rule for another thirty years, if not longer:

“the reformist and student movements inside Iran where their leaders have the wisdom and the IQ that rates ten folds of what this brat ever will have.” Toofantheoncesogreat 

“the IRI is as fake as the Shah in terms of a lasting solution, the U.S. doesn't have a lasting form of government either mind you...”

Hamid Y. Javanbakht

"He is no longer a sad little exiled prince. Hooray! "

I Have a Crush on Alex Trebek

 "Did his editor give him a black eye after reading the first draft delivered by his ghost writer "

Ostaad

"Reza (the grandfather), Mohammad Reza, Aunt Ashraf, and all the others were passionate advocates of democracy, but I am truly encouraged that Reza wants to restore Pahlavist democracy in Iran."

AnonymousMard

"Ahmad Shah, That was the last dynast of the Qajar who, unlike his father and grandfather, was enlightened and sincere. But he had a problem, a big one, his last name was Qajar."

Kurush

To DK: People want ACTION not BOOKS

What is this now? his favorite pastime activity, writing books?

May Reza Shah the Great rest in peace. He was a courageous Iran-loving soldier who built modern Iran, alas, his grandson has not inherited even a single gene from him.

FYI/RP in French Media

Thanks Tina,

Clearly The Iranians in Europe are Much More Supportive and Understanding of RP than Some of our compatriots commenting nonesense here.

By the way take a look at these other reviews and links

Reza Pahlavi New Book (A TIME OF CHOICE) Q&A With French Media

And

Paris MATCH Coverage on Reza:

 Issue of Paris Match: Reza Pahlavi And Iranian Filmmaker Arash T. Riahi see's Reza Pahlavi as Great Opportunity for Iran and its Democratic Movement.

And Related Blog on Arash T. Riahi's movie

Cheers Tina Jaan and Hello to Queen Beatrix ;0)

//iranian.com/main/blog/darius-kadivar/pictory-shah-king-and-queen-holland-1959

DK

Ahmad Shah

That was the last dynast of the Qajar who, unlike his father and grandfather, was enlightened and sincere. But he had a problem, a big one, his last name was Qajar. Everyone saw in him, unfairely, those things for which the Qajars were hated. So he travelled to Europe and waited for the poeple to ask for his retrun and restoration of the Qajars. It did not happen. Reza Pahlavi likewise. the man has not even been in Iran for 30 years, but like Ahmad has fantasies of restoration. It is truely sad that humans can not conjur up enough courage to call it quits, mene mene tekel upharsin & exit gracefully!

When did the Pahlavis become democrats?

We know that Reza (the grandfather), Mohammad Reza, Aunt Ashraf, and all the others were passionate advocates of democracy, but I am truly encouraged that Reza wants to restore Pahlavist democracy in Iran. It's also refreshing to see that Tina Ehrami has officially come out as a Pahlavi publicist.

S T O P !

So what if he us writing a book to make money? Why is making money negative ?
You are at best ridiculous, obviously still stuck in the past. I agree with all of Reza Pahlavi's views, just as I do with Akbar Gangi's and many others. THERE IS A THIRD MOVEMENT IN IRAN which should not be ignored, A SECULAR MOVEMENT; based on human rights. This group needs to be recognized and made into the party sytem in Iran, just like the "reformists" or the "conservatives". It is the only way to evolve without having another stupid bloody revolution. Help this movement, stop making it about Reza Pahlavi, or someone else and more about the Iranian people.
It's not about him, it's about us!
Please learn from the past so we could all move forward, and grow from it. The sooner WE support OUR movement, the sooner OUR goverment in Iran will.
W A K E U P P E O P L E ! I love you, but you drive me crazy at times.

BTW take a minute and read the following:

//www.payvand.com/news/09/feb/1101.html

Whatup with HIS righ eye on the cover?

Did his editor give him a black eye after reading the first draft delivered by his ghost writer - must have been the same dude you wrote Enghelab-e Sefid for his dad?!!!  After all he comes from a long line of authors full of good ideas for countries far away from Virginia.

Bonjour! Reza is making progress!! He has "visions" of Iran

He is no longer a sad little exiled prince. Hooray! Tune in next year. Reza will make contact in an airport with an Iranian blogger and it will be on MSNBC.com - Whoooo strides. 

Bisou! Mwah

When People Believe in Something

For the Iranians, overthrowing the Shah was like the American colonies gaining independence from the British, from their perspective a very proud, hard won moment in their history. Then you got the Iran-Contra, and got to see the dark underside of world politics and shadow elements of control, and if you dig deeper one realizes that while the surface has changed, many of those who worked for the previous regime stayed to work for the next, the Iranians have a very meticulous system of democracy in place already, however it doesn't exactly conform to western models, which has it's strengths and weaknesses. They want to keep the culture intact, the soul preserved, the identity unique. The 'crisis' is one of allowing the culture to be organic and naturally self-regulating, not artificial, rigidified, or imperialistic in nature, but from within, emergently...the key is to promote 'emergence' in terms of self-organization, bottom up, not just top down...lots of countries have to learn this new concept. The Shah was removed from power for various reasons, which actually weren't entirely his fault, he became quite the nationalist...which posed a threat to certain vested interests which wanted to keep the middle-east backward (Wahabism, among other forms of fake Islam...oil, diversify folks, if everyone is thinking the same then somebody isn't thinking.) However it was a good things did change, its a matter of cultivating a new vision of their future, without forgetting their culture.

We need the native creativity to flourish, the IRI is as fake as the Shah in terms of a lasting solution, the U.S. doesn't have a lasting form of government either mind you...human complex systems and social ecology is a whole new field which eventually will revolutionize the way people think about governments in the first place, don't follow the E.U. model, all forms of fascism are simply not viable forms of civil architecture for our evolving, adapting, innovative, species.

//www.cmp.caltech.edu/~motrunch/Teaching/Phy135b_Winter07/MoreIsDifferent.pdf

The bloggers, writers, artists, philosophers, spiritual warriors, human rights defenders, and imaginative entrepreneurs will be what changes Iran...in that sense we could look to nature for inspiring models, how will humanity organize itself over the next 1000 years, not just secular "democracy" and pointless "freedom", yes we need those processes, but they're not ends in themselves, our people aren't nihilists, they live with purpose and passion, we simply need to promote diversity and competition.

The current flag will stay because people have at least something of their own, (even though its really not), the power of belief triumphs anywhere.

RE:Tina Ehrami

"The son of the late Shah exposes his vision of a different Iran which is democratic, secular and integrated in the international community."

The son of the late Shah is growing increasingly irrelevant, and there is not a single idea that he has written or said that has not been already planned by the reformist and student movements inside Iran where their leaders have the wisdom and the IQ that rates ten folds of what this brat ever will have.

He is trying to make more money. Now by writing books.