Good people, good work

Photo essay: Visiting the National Iranian American Council, NIAC, in Washington, DC

by Jahanshah Javid
27-May-2008
 
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NIAC and NED

by Suspicious of NIAC (not verified) on

Yes, NIAC has done good stuff too. But they are liberal hawks who pursue the same goals as the Bushites. Otherwise, why would they get over 200,000 in three years from the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) for "promoting democracy" in Iran, using the "civil society"? We all know what NED is and what its mission is. So we better look deeper and don't get too much carried away by NIAC's nationalist (and sometimes racist anti-Arab) rhetoric.


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Zion speaks the truth, just look at Iraq

by Anonymous8 (not verified) on

"There is only one thing that can start the war, and that is if and when the US and her allies get incontrovertible evidence that Iran is in verge of attaining nuclear weapons, or even worse if a nuclear bomb is used somewhere, a dirty bomb say, either directly or indirectly. Only if the West is left no option, facing the utmost dire situation possible. "

Iraq had many nuclear weapons ready to shoot and was about to invade Washington. Iraqi ships were ready to invade Los Angeles and New York and Iraqi planes were bombing Tel Aviv. Iraq had also completely surrounded and embargoed America. There was no other choice, it was "utmost dire situation".

US and "her allies" just want peace and security, Iraq wasn't leaving them alone so they did a "self defense" against it. Same with Iran.

Listen to me carefully Zion, you are a freaking genius!


Mehdi

I love NIAC bashers

by Mehdi on

"Yes, thank you for your response Mr. Talebi but..."

Just how polite they are. Makes my heart warm. Zion, why don't you talk about Israel Lobby for a bit now; how great it is; how it manipulates American government and gets away with murder, literally? Why don't you investigate them a little? Why don't you put them under microscope like common criminals - the way you are doing with NIAC? What are your true intentions? What scares you about NIAC? What is so different about this organization that makes you so afraid and upset?

masoudA, would you inspect and investigate the MEK the same way? Do you care that they are representing themselves as the ONLY voice of Iranians on Capitol Hill right now? You are not concerned about that are you?

Q explained it well.

NIAC should not engage much in discourse with such people whose intentions are not to learn or improve things. What drives such people absoluetely insane is the prospect of NIAC's goals materializing - a prosperous Iran and Iranian community. So even if it is just for the fun of seeing that, let's do it! Let's have a prosperous community!


Zion

Mehran

by Zion on

I was not about to add anything in this thread, but I read your line of argumentation where you said:

`... I would be happy to see another dozen NIAC-like agencies ... who can successfully fight for ... prevention of dropping bombs on Iranians for any reason`

I believe you are making a mistake here. No matter how many reasons you might have to distrust the American or Western administrations and politicians, you are mistaken in thinking that an American or Western attack in Iran is being actively persued by a group of policy makers or what not, and that it would be thus urgent to stop them. This is a common mistake most of you are making. This is not the case. Listen, in the past 30 years the regime in Iran has given more than enough excuses for such an act, if there ever was a will for that. It never happened. You all point to the Iraq war, but that is not relevant to the case of Iran. Think about it, if there was such a plan, then Iran would surely have been attacked shortly after the Iraq invasion. The people you guys suspect had much more power then, the public opinion was very much in favor of the war in Iraq, and given the presence of American forces on the ground, an excuse could have easily been forged to start a regional fight and then escalate it to a war and invasion if there ever was such a will. This never happened, and it is much less likely to happen now, given the change of public opinion about the war, and the much weaker position of your suspect groups. Most of what you see and percieve as a prelude to war, is deliberate tactics exploited by the Western powers to handle the situation and prevent the Iranian regime from getting too reckless, and to keep them under control. If they might sound frightening, that is precisely why they are being used.

None of this is meant to say that the war with Iran is not a seroius possibility. It is, but not for any such childish reasons and theories. There is only one thing that can start the war, and that is if and when the US and her allies get incontrovertible evidence that Iran is in verge of attaining nuclear weapons, or even worse if a nuclear bomb is used somewhere, a dirty bomb say, either directly or indirectly. Only if the West is left no option, facing the utmost dire situation possible. If it ever comes to that, then a million NIAC working in unison can`t affect the inevitable decision in Washington one bit. So NIAC and other groups like them can`t really prevent a war if it ever becomes a real possibility tomorrow. In the mean time, they are wasting their resources against a non-existing challenge today.

Unfortunately, however, they can increase the real danger of the war and its sole cause. By pressuring the US now, whether with good intentions or not, whether deliberately or not, whether honestly or not...I am not accusing them of anything here, either way it is not really that relevant ... by limiting her maneuver powers to control and limit Mullahs` activities, effectively they only embolden the regime in Iran in their persuite of their dangerous agenda. That is, I repeat, the only real cause for a war.

Please realize the gravity of the situation, and consider this eventuality. Think it possible that you might be mistaken.


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Re: Mr Talebi’s response

by Azadiii (not verified) on

I am not going to respond to your entire response on this thread since we are going to get into a lengthy discussion with endless manipulation of fancy words without any outcome but I am going to argue against your logic as that is the easiest to demonstrate and reach a solid conclusion. Your logic:

“Logic - the Fallacies that abound never cease to stun me. If A sounds like B and B sounds like C it does not mean A=C. so if the IRI says the sky is blue. and we happen to advocate for the sky being blue. it does not make us an advocacy group for the IRI.”

First of all the correct induction of the above in first order logic is not A=C but A sounds like C. which is absolutely correct and one of the basic rules of logic, the computer you are using to read this is built upon the very same principle. Second if A sounds like C and the effect of the sound is the same then it is very plausible to ask whether A is C or something similar. If A wants to become distinguishable from C and demonstrate it is different where only the sound and its effect are the evidence present then A MUST change its sound and hence its effect. That is where human rights, pressure on IRI and condemning its crimes come into picture and above all advocating for dialogue with Iranian people and not IRI which is not the representative of Iranians. Being only anti-war is the necessary element but not sufficient especially when alone it gets aligned with IRI’s sound and easily could fall pray to their intentions. I hope you and your colleagues do understand this delicate issue if you are truly seeking to help Iranians and their causes, let them be in or out of Iran.


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Sorry to bore you with another long piece..

by BK (not verified) on

Jamshid, very well put. You pretty much nailed my feelings on this discussion word for word. I’m not sure if I care for this attitude from several contributors here, that conveys that message “if you don’t like NIAC don’t ask any questions and go form your own group” or that “NIAC should refrain from responding to critical comments” or words to that effect.

I thought central to the ethos of living in a free society and the right to freedom of expression is the right to question issues, people, groups that may very well have an impact the way we live and how a society functions. The whole point of having articles here is to both inform and stimulate discussion and engage input from different view points and engage . Btw, just to be clear, I don’t mean Mr. Talebi here, but rather several other contributors whose patience with others seems to have failed them on this occasion.

Indeed I’d like to express my sincere thanks to Mr. Talebi, regardless of whether one agrees/disagrees with his points, for putting in time and effort to try and to answer so many questions. It is very much appreciated.

As for NIAC in general, I don’t go round throwing unfounded accusations at people or groups, at least not until I have some semblance of tangible evidence. And as I have no such evidence regarding NIAC, for now, I will take their word as to the sincerity of their actions for the good of the Iranian people and their interests in general. In the long term, I will my make my own judgement as to their motives, based on their actions.

I’m an Iranian with NO affiliation to any political party or interest/pressure group or lobby. In fact, I don’t have strong political leanings one way or another, primarily because no one single group has a monopoly on being right on every single issue, all the time. And quite honestly party politics (as important as it is) and politicians often bore me senseless.

My main concern is and has always been the welfare of people in Iran and principally the protection and preservation of their Human Rights, as outlined by the UN charter of the same name, to which Iran is supposed to be a signatory. I long to see Iran one day become a truly free, democratic, prosperous and successful nation that puts the well being of ALL its citizens at the forefront of its existence and celebrates the many wonderful and diverse cultures and traditions of the ethnicities that have flourished in this ancient land.

I don’t really care what kind of regime rules Iran as long as it adheres to the vision I outlined, but I fear I have seen precious little of that in the regime presently ruling Iran. In fact, the very opposite has been the case.

I won’t rehash what I stated in my previous comment, other than saying that it takes TWO sides to have a confrontation. While the USA certainly bears its share of the responsibility for the increasing tension between the two countries, judging by the events of the past 30 years, the main reason why we are where we are is due to the intransigence and the palpable hostility of the Islamic Republic towards the West.

I fully take Mr. Talebi’s point that NIAC, as an American based organization, directs its focus on the USA. It’s good for NIAC that in the US it is afforded the freedom to lobby the government to change course. The question that remains (for all of us) is: who is going to lobby the Islamic Republic to do the same?


Natalia Alvarado-Alvarez

Aye! Saram dard mikoni

by Natalia Alvarado-Alvarez on

Now, I understand, why my parents kept their children away from politics.

I really need a mini vacation now. Galveston sounds really good.

Solh va Doosti (paz a vosotros)

Nadia (AKA)


Fred

Omissions

by Fred on

NIAC communication director says: “CASMII is its own group with its own decision making” Essentially creating the impression that there is no connection between the two organizations, and yet according to their own websites that is not so. Alex Patico is listed as co-founder of NIAC who is also listed by CASMII as a board of director’s member.  There are other omissions in the craftily worded reply of the NIAC’s communication director, like the fact that Mr. Parsi started his career by working for one well known Mr. Amirahmadi  also the fact that his second employer, congressman Ney, is currently serving time in a Federal prison for reputed Islamist Republic related graft.  There are also pictures of Mr. Parsi and Siamak Namazee of the Islamist Republic point of contact company Atieh Bahar available on the net while visiting religious sites together in Iran. There are other tidbits that hopefully will come out in the legal process that has been initiated by the group. Till then fudging the known facts are not that helpful.


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Just to bore everyone with another long piece

by BK (not verified) on

Jamshid, very well put. You pretty much nailed my feelings on this discussion word for word. I’m not sure if I care for this attitude from several contributors here, that conveys that message “if you don’t like NIAC don’t ask any questions and go form your own group” or words to that effect.

I thought central to the ethos of living in a free society and the right to freedom of expression is the right to question issues, people, groups that may very well have an impact the way we live and how a society functions. Btw, just to be clear, I don’t mean Mr. Talebi here, but rather several other contributors whose patience with others seems to have failed them on this occasion.

Indeed my sincere thanks to Mr. Talebi, regardless of whether one agrees/disagrees with his points, to put in the time and effort to try and to answer so many question. It is very much appreciated.

As for NIAC in general, I don’t go round throwing unfounded accusations at people or groups at least until I have some semblance of tangible evidence. And as I have no such evidence regarding NIAC, for now, I will take their word as to the sincerity of their actions for the good of the Iranian people and their interests I general. In the long term, I will my make my judgement as to their motives based on their actions.

I’m an Iranian with NO affiliation to any political party or interest/pressure group or lobby. In fact, I don’t have strong political leanings one way or another, primarily because no one single group has a monopoly on being right on every single issue, all the time. And quite honestly party politics (as important as it is) and politicians often bore me senseless.

My main concern is and has always been the welfare of people in Iran and principally the protection and preservation of their Human Rights, as outlined by the UN charter of the same name, to which Iran is supposed to be a signatory. I long to see Iran one day become a truly free, democratic, prosperous and successful nation that puts the well being of ALL its citizens at the forefront of its existence and celebrates the many wonderful and diverse cultures and traditions of the ethnicities that have flourished in this ancient land.

I don’t really care what kind of regime rules Iran as long as it adheres to the vision I outlined, but I fear I have seen precious little of that in the regime presently ruling Iran. In fact, the very opposite has been the case

I won’t rehash what I stated in my previous comment, other than saying that it takes TWO sides to have a confrontation. While the USA certainly bears its share of the responsibility for the increasing tension between the two countries, judging by the events of the past 30 years, the main reason why we are where we are is due to the intransigence and the palpable hostility of the Islamic Republic towards the West.

I fully take Mr. Talebi’s point that NIAC, as an American based organization, directs its focus on the USA. It’s good for NIAC in the US it is afforded the freedom to lobby the government to change course. Question that remains (for all of us) is: who is going to lobby the Islamic Republic to do the same?


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JJ, Are you really sure??

by Salar (not verified) on

First of all let me say I genuinely want to know the answers to these questions and perhaps make you think a bit more on this issue and not trying to give anybody a smack. According to your own stories and pictures you showed us right here, in the previous phase of your life you used to be, for the lack of better words, “bache Hezbollahi” for many years in the beginning of the revolution. You explained right here that you were so convinced and deep in this ideology that it even caused you to name your own daughter in accordance with your then beliefs. Nothing wrong with this as we all make mistakes and get over zealous over what at some point in our life feel deep conviction for. But could it be that you are making the same mistakes again, this is the beginning of another phase, can an you truly say you are sure this time around that these are GOOD PEOPLE and GOOD WORK? Just for a second let’s assume that you and other like you are not right, then you have given a free platform to these people for their highly questionable intentions and causes. Are you sure 20 years from now you would not feel the same way you are feeling about your previous phase. Please take a good long time to think about the implications of such conviction now and if you are still convinced and sure about your judgment of these people then more power to you and good for them.


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4 Points

by Mehran from San Ramon (not verified) on

1- Lets get rid of dirt first - Babak Talebi gave Zion the benefit of doubt and Zion proved himself not deserving it. Zion thinks that Iran's revolution was hijacked by the Mullah’s because Iranians as a whole do not ask the right questions and end up getting cheated. Like that is not the case in the analytical USA where people are fouled into voting for the wrong presidents on a regular basis. 4 years ago the nation was united to attack and destroy Iraq based on lies to US citizens who never asked the “right” questions. Zion on the other hand is constantly digging for dirt on NIAC and we shall not miss him a bit and neither his “type”! Jamshid , for the record, you are being naïve!

2- NIAC has the responsibility of getting involved in these forums to gain the trust of the IA’s who do not have a chance of personally interacting with them in person. This may be the only way for many IA’s to interact and gain the trust and understanding needed to bond together to reach goals. Let the naggers nag!

3- Just for a moment have a crazy assumption that NIAC is in fact an agent organization of IIR. As much as I regret what has happened to Iran in the past 30 years and wish that it changed tomorrow, I would be happy to see another dozen NIAC-like agencies from the corrupted IRI who can successfully fight for preserving of the Persian Gulf name and prevention of dropping bombs on Iranians for any reason among other valued and needed activities that they do.

4- All of you who insist that NIAC should try to focus on IRI’s human rights and “criminal behavior”, are asking them to waste their resources. They should in fact state their position on the subject, but I don’t remember the last time that IRI changed the way it does business without coercion from a real threat. In reality US will only put Iran under pressure for it’s human right issues if it sees a gain for herself. Don’t forget that in Washington, policies are made around what is good for Americans, not for citizens of IRA_ (complete with N or Q).
That is why Neocons are so far stopped from attacking Iran because there is a real concern that America will be harmed more than it will gain. And tell me again why NIAC would have any success convincing the congress that US should seriously threaten Iran over its human rights? What is happening in Iran, my friend, is our business, what is going to happen to Iran by AIPAC, and US, well, we need NIAC. Once again Jamshid and the like, you are being naïve!

Good night to all from San Ramon!


jamshid

NIAC

by jamshid on

I read Mr. Talebi's response carefully. I liked some of his answers. I didn't like a few others.

However, when I got to the part where he wrote "... indicates that you (Zion) don't deserve (a response) ...", that made me really pause. I went back and read all of Zion's comments in this thread. He was very polite and simply asked questions that ALL Iranians as well as Americans should ask from any "advocacy" group.

Zion made some valid points in his last comment. I missed all of them when I was reading Mr. Talebi's response, but when I went back and read it again, I found all of Zion's points to be valid.

Now hold on. I know some of you may think I am "against" NIAC. That is not true. I and a few others are simply asking questions. There is nothing wrong with asking questions as long as they are not accusations.

For example, in the last few years, NIAC has been repetitively questioned about its lack of concern on the human rights issues in Iran. NIAC is slowly correcting this by getting more involved with human rights issues. They still have ways to go, but the point is that those "questionings" had and still is having a positive effect in NIAC's activities.

Also voicing one's opinion should not be confronted with silencing that voice. As an example, I wrote that NIAC could become a true representation of the majority of Iranian-Americans, and not just a minority, if and when it additionally pressures the IRI to change its criminal behaviors.

This can be done right here in the US by means of serious human rights campaings against the IRI in parallel with anti-war campaings against the neocons.

Does this analysis make me a warmongering zionist neocon? Yes, according to the IRI and its supporters! And no, according to 90% of Iranians who oppose this regime AND oppose war as well.


Natalia Alvarado-Alvarez

Perhaps.........

by Natalia Alvarado-Alvarez on

However, I was impressed on how Mr. Talebi handled the inquisition.  It explains, part of the reason that NIAC continues to grow in membership.

Very well done indeed.

Solh va Doosti (paz a vosotros)

Nadia (AKA)


Q

NIAC / Mr. Talebi, I hope you learned your lesson

by Q on

Let me be frank with you. I would not have gratified these people with your time and effort of "answering" the "concerns."

In your post, Mr. Talebi, you were under the mistaken impression that these critics are genuinely concerned about the things they ask about, that they had a real question and would be open minded in their judgements.

You have now taken a step in the direction of legitimizing exchanges where you are expected to be "proving your own innocense" after random accusations get made.

These people have already made up their mind. They are simply looking for post-facto justification to bring you down. These questions are not about their content. Now that you have taken the time to answer them, there will be more and more intrusive questions.

This is an act of vigilante desperation. It means they have nothing on you, and they are hoping by continuously putting you on spot, making you act defensive and making false accusations that you will eventually fall for some trap... either give away some piece of information they can use against you or you will say something stupid by accident (or something reasonable that will be twisted) that can be used against you.

These people aren't average "skeptical" Iranians. If they were, they would call you up and have a conversation with you, or at least quietly contemplate your words before rejecting them, instead of public accusations that are google-able.

Don't play this game. This is Washington, we are talking about. If you want a friend, get a dog.


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To all… and Mr. Talebi.

by bijanam (not verified) on

Thanks for taking the time and so sincerely and open mindedly (at least in appearance) answering reader’s and skeptics questions.

Mr. Talebi, I consider myself politically illiterate and bow to your vast knowledge of the field and sincerely admire your anti-war position and your intentions to make the voice of IAs heard in American politics.

I have no clue what is the difference between a lobbyist group and an advocacy group. What I am struggling with is, if you are advocating “no war” and “no sanction”, does that mean you are supporting IRI’s position in their rights to Nuclear power, and their stance against the west? If not, are you proposing an alternative means of dealing with IRI’s position? You will excuse my simple mindedness, but if in a confrontation you (with all noble intentions) only tie one side’s hand without controlling the other side, it gives the appearance that you are trying to help the other side (or even being paid by the other side).

Fair is fair. I know many who read this post will judge me as pro-war, but, nothing can be farther from the truth. As an IA I despise what has happened in my homeland and strongly oppose the islamo-fascist ruling of the clergy. I am not a NIAC member, and as much as I admire the slogan:

"Promoting Iranian-American Participation in American Civic Life"

I have my doubts about validity of such slogan if the mission of the group is only to protect Iranian (IRI) interest at the price of American interest. NIAC’s mission will be validated as peaceful only when they apply equal efforts and energy on both sides of a conflict to deter war.

Best regards,

May we all live in peace


Abarmard

Zion

by Abarmard on

Jesus Christ man! Put your political agenda aside for a moment to at least fool those who agreed with you in the past!


Natalia Alvarado-Alvarez

Hmmm.........

by Natalia Alvarado-Alvarez on

I do believe that NIAC believes itself to be an advocacy organization rather than a lobbying group. I was sure, I read that on this thread.

 The reason some on this thread get a little fustrateted with certain individuals, is because they keep asking the same questions through out the web-site. Some are simply not looking for understanding.

 

*******************

So, now some are concerned about IRI not having a lobbying group in Washington. This is getting more interesting by the minute.

Solh va Doosti (paz a vosotros)

Nadia (AKA)


Zion

Thank You Mr. Talebi

by Zion on

First of all thank you very much for taking the time to respond and for providing answers to the questions that I had. I think I see the situation much more clearly now.

I highlight the points that finally answeres my main questions, and my personal conclusions, for anyone interested:

Board is not elected (very few non-profits allow BoD elections)...`

voting. YES. before we decided to get into US-Iran policy Iranian-American members of NIAC voted...`

but the voting was never for the election of the board, which

`...gives us direction. Our staff implements the mission.`.

It is also interesting for me that the voting stopped afterwards.

But then Mr. Talebi also has said:

`Our Members can change our mission.`

Which I find confusing and contradictory, since elsewhere he repeatedly says:

`don't join if you don't agree with us.`

Added to the policy in which the board is not elected. The main reason why it is not elected is also given as:

`...done this way to protect NIAC from an organized effort to Hijack the group.`

In response to my question about the term `National` Mr. Talebi also added:

...no-one in DC or with political knowledge thinks what you think it means Zion.

I wonder how Mr. Talebi knows what I think it means. I merely asked the question if there was a specific reason this title was chosen, and gave some examples of what I meant by a specific reason.

Finally Mr. Talebi might find it useful to work on his tone a bit. It is not that professional for the director of community relations to address some one who has shown interest in their council and has taken the time to ask a set of respectful and detailed questions about its policies in such a revealing manner:

`Though many of your comments indicate that you don't deserve it, I will give you the benefit of the doubt and try to answer some of your questions.`

(You are being very gracious sir. How can I ever deserve to thank you for it?)

It might also not be a good idea to resort to such language:
`...former student leaders who now work for VOA` (The VOA?! The VOA is now part of a conspiracy against you as well. Voice Of America?!)

`neo-con websites...MEK/Neo-Con cabal...`

(Do you expect to be taken seriously with such mentality? Well, to be fair you failed to mention `Zionist tails and horns`, so that is an improvement in the right direction.)

Thank you again for clarifying many of my questions. It did help me make a better and more informed understanding of your council. Unfortunately I personally have come to trust your council and its motives even less as a result. (I know it will probably make me a much less deserving entity, at least in your council`s view. I think I could live with that.) I am also sure that there are those who do agree with you and will want to join you.
I wish them and you good luck in all your advocacy activities.


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Thank You, Thank you, Thank you!

by Mehran from San Ramon (not verified) on

Dear Babak,
You have certainlly proven the grassroot nature of NIAC by your response and I can't thank you enough.

Honestly anyone who can not differenciate between NIAC and other so called political groups, should not be missed as a member by NIAC!

MUCH OBLIGED.


Babak Talebi

I am always impressed by the ability of so many of you...

by Babak Talebi on

... to write so much. I'm going to try to join in on that.

Sometimes I really wish we IAs would devote one tenth the amount of time we 'talk'/'fight' about politics ACTING politically. Go register some voters. Make some calls for your candidate. Call your member of Congress about your issues. I know some of you do - and I commend those of you that take the time.

I can't read every comment but I've written six pages worth of responses on other threads - search 'Babak Talebi' and cut and paste relevant sections here. The links provided by Karim S were also very good. Go to the "NIAC FACTBOOK" banner on the right side of our homepage. Also - any other questions - email me (btalebi@niacouncil.org) and ask. just promise to post my complete response on here along with your question. (This turned out to be far longer post than I anticipated)

NIAC was founded in 2002 in response to 9/11 and a lack of any national organization besides the MEK. for 4 years, we did not enter the international policy debate. In late 2005 as the war-drums were beating louder our members (1200 or so then) demanded we do something - and our board hesitated and debated this for a long few months. The fact was, NO other group existed that would pick up the anti-war mantle on behalf of our community and NO other group existed that had the expertise or professionalism to engage in the debate effectively (and yes, we DO have the expertise).

We then took a vote of our members and with overwhelming support (upwards of 90%) they asked that we advocate for peace and we oppose sanctions and war. So we did. We hired a Legislative Director and prioritized our Hill advocacy work.

These attacks against NIAC did not start until we got into foreign policy - mainly because we have been successful. Since Jan 2006 we have doubled our membership and our annual budget also doubled to about 780k in 2007. Now we have a full-time staff of six (hiring two more soon) and 4-5 interns each semester.

At our conferences we have had individuals like Sen. Dianne Feinstein, Rep. Harmann, Moran, Watson, Tancrado, Ellison, Conyers, Gilchrest, Flyntt Leveret, Lawrence Wilkerson, Hans Blix, and dozens of others. 100s of media apprearences. scores of meetings with Congressional staff. dozens of in-district meetings by our members w/ their members of Congress. dozens of workshops to activate individual IAs to act. and 600+ articles about events in DC that affect our community that no-one else reports on. We have truly affected the debate in DC and there are many who really hate us for that.

That's politics. Its a contact sport. We knew it when we got into it.

Another main point. Not all Iranian-Americans will agree with us. NO organization has universal support. Look at the elections - not even ALL Democrats agree with each other. Even in the 'unified' Republican party, 25-30% of Republicans are still not voting for McCain in their primaries (see Idaho-last week). for example, there are about 6 million Jewish Americans, yet AIPAC has only 90,000 members. so we do not expect universal support, nor universal affection.

What we do expect is suspicion (usually healthy), questions (we will answer), honest discourse (from most) and SUPPORT (from those who agree with us).

Quick hits:

NIAC is an advocacy group (501c3) not a lobbying group (501c4) or a Political Action Committee (PAC - donates to candidates)

NIAC represents our members who reflect the majority IA opinion (see Berkely poll and others)

NIAC is an iranian-AMERICAN organization that deals with US foreign policy without dealing with internal Iranian politics. we are not an opposition group, even as we oppose almost all things that government does. If you don't understand the difference - then you just don't understand the difference or don't want to understand the difference. still confused? ask me in an email.

Human Rights - We have done more to bring attention to this issue then most groups who claim to be Human Rights groups. We did a confrence on Capitol Hill in July 2007 with Human Rights Watch and Amnesty Internaional. They are the gold standard. They consider us legitimate. (or do they work for the IRI too?) One more thing... what kind of Human Rights, Civil Rights, immigration Rights do you envision if war does break out. This is why we highlight and prioritize the war issue. That is the #1 threat to all Iranian-American rights and human rights for our family members inside Iran.

Sueing HD - its not up to us to prove our innocence. its up to him (and his neo-con enablers) to provide evidence to back up his ridiculous claims. Unlike in Iran, you can't publiclly lie about an individual or organization without repercussion. lies are lies. read our point-by-point response to each of his 'claims'. (link is in the factbook)

HD v NIAC. This is David v Goliath - but HE is Goliath. Ever consider why his articles only appear on neo-con websites? (Frontpage, Human Events, NewsMax). He only appears on Shahi LA TV programs. And there is not a single article with his byline previous to 2007 (Google it). who funds him? in fact who funds the MEK? you want to bet who has more money? NIAC or MEK/Neo-Con cabal?

Offices/Meetings around the country - We only have an office in DC. no chapters. we are doing more meet-and-greet events around the country (MN, Phoenix, Austin, NJ, St. Louis are next), contact me if you are interested. I also do about 10-15 workshops a year in major cities (Denver, Minneapolis, Austin/Dallas are next).

Logic - the Fallacies that abound never cease to stun me. If A sounds like B and B sounds like C it does not mean A=C. so if the IRI says the sky is blue. and we happen to advocate for the sky being blue. it does not make us an advocacy group for the IRI.

Lobbyists - again - we are an advocacy group not a lobbying group. there is a big difference.

CASMII is its own group with its own decision making. we have simmilar goals. There should be hundreds of groups like CASMII, IAPAC, PAAIA, IABA, and dozens and dozens of others. its a shame there are so few.

'National' - sigh. literally thousands of non-profit groups use this term. We have members in 44 states (including 10 in Utah!!). no-one in DC or with political knowledge thinks what you think it means Zion.

Board/Members - membership is open to anyone. 95%+ are IAs living in the US. don't join if you don't agree with us. Please do join if you do - we need your support. Board is not elected (very few non-profits allow BoD elections), done this way to protect NIAC from an organized effort to Hijack the group. Also, we based NIAC on learning from past mistakes (elected boards lead to in-fighting on minor issues). Board members are listed on the website. (Jamshid) my guess is that the average profile of our membership is: professionals between the ages of 30-55, mostly non-religous, US citizens, grew up in the US, 60k+ income. I don't have stats, this is my estimation based on my own interactions. very anti-Iran-war.

Great Song Darius KADIVAR (thanks for the vid too).

BK - I want to first thank you for your open-minded, coherant, and legitimate questions in this post. first point - I think some of the people on these boards really know each other from months/years of posting. second - IAs can have very legitimate differences with NIAC and not support us. I wish there were dozens of IA groups working on this issue using different tactics. unfortunately - so far, NIAC has been almost alone . the ONLY IA group on the front-lines in DC (CASMII maybe - no paid staff - very diff tactics - same overall goal). hopefully PAIIA will join us soon.

more... absolutely true about the IRI's responsibility on all this. 100%. mutually exclusive arguement from the US' role. NIAC has always included criticicism of the IRI's positions BUT - our focus is on the USA. why? because this is where we live. because this is where we are citizens. because THIS is a Democracy that allows us to voice our opinion and if we dont... we wont matter. As IAs, I think we should have learned over the past 30 years that we have had absolutely NO effect on the IRI. thats reality. those that do, live in Iran. What we CAN do, is to make sure US policies don't empower the IRI and don't limit those INSIDE Iran.

which is exactly what is happening.

US policy is helping Ahmadinejad. its not NIAC. its the sabre-rattling. its the scare-mongering. its the sanctions and the "democracy funding". THESE are the things that are making the IRGC and Ahmadinejad stronger inside Iran and limiting the ability of Iranians inside Iran to fight for a better future. Just ask Ebadi. Ask Kar. Ask Ganji. Hell... even ask the former student leaders who now work for VOA. They will ALL tell you the same thing.

also to clarify - we do not have ANY hostility to the US or the West. But we disagree with policies that are counter productive. In the end - the question should not be: do I feel good about how many sides I attack. the question should be: Am I being effective in changing the direction of reality for the better. Sitting at our desks and complaining about Iran's behavior - is that productive? will that achieve results? will it have any effect? THAT is the important question.

Thank you for a reasoned set of questions. These answers might not have convinced you but now you know the answers. They may have convinced you all the way - then become a NIAC member today. OR only 80 or 90%. then decide - are the points of agreement more important then the points of disagreement? and is there any other organization that represents YOUR voice in DC? then YOU should join NIAC to help set a standard for activism so that other groups see they can survive and thrive. so that 10-15 years down the road you can choose between five or ten advocacy groups rather then having to choose between the IRI, the MEK, and NIAC.

Zion - Though many of your comments indicate that you don't deserve it, I will give you the benefit of the doubt and try to answer some of your questions.

1) why US-Iran policy? b/c if WAR happens, everything else will get worst for ALL Americans including Iranian-Americans.

2) secret corrispondence (alleged) - there was none. Trita worked for the Congressman who was the go-between. He was given a copy. He later played a role in leaking it. Flynt Leverit (former NSC staff) was the one that publicly talked about it first (redacted NY Times op-ed in Dec '06). Then Wilkerson confirmed it at NIAC/NAF conf. in Feb '07 after Rice testified to Congress in Jan '07. so no - there is no "in-between". (search on www.thewashingtonnote.com)

3) lobby - nope. we are an advocacy group (501c3 vs 501c4). AIPAC invented grass-roots advocacy. really. they did. so EVERYONE is copying them including NRA, MoveOn, Common Cause - everyone. why re-invent the wheel?

4) haste??? he lied in Feb of 07. we sued in May of 08. haste? he named random people that had nothing to do with the creation of NIAC - Siamack Namzee. Roy Coffee. Bob Ney - these guys did not create NIAC. I was there from the FIRST ever meeting.

5) National - we have members in 44 states. 'National' is very common for non-profit names in DC ("National Rifle Association", "National Right-to-Life", National Assoiciation of Manufacturers... etc etc) its a DC thing. voting. YES. before we decided to get into US-Iran policy Iranian-American members of NIAC voted. Just as they did on our involvement in Human Rights last year. Our Members can change our mission. Our Board gives us direction. Our staff implements the mission.

6) I agree that more information is always better and our website is not the easiest to search. But for anyone who wants information, it is readily available. for those who choose just to "assume". well. what can we do? we can't spoon-feed everyone AND still do our work in DC. We have never done a national membership drive - almost all of our members are due to person-to-person contact. attending our workshops. our conferences. seeing us on TV or calling to find out. attending our fundraisers. or personal encouragement from other NIAC members. I wish we did more outreach and we are improving on it - but we also have to prioritize our resources to be effective in conducting our mission - to prevent war between the US and Iran.

If some people are mis-informed about NIAC, we will have to deal with it as best we can or depend on our members and supporters.

7) you are right. Sadly the experience of the last 30 (or even 100) years in Iranian history has made our community very suspicious and afraid of politics. some of that is good and healthy - too much of it is dibilitating. And that's the last thing our community needs right now. I want to thank you for this post and just like BK it may or may not have convinced you. either way - I hope you read my responses with an open mind.

 

Ok - I have spent way too much of my very meager personal time to write this. But I always enjoy a good discussion and a healthy debate - heck - thats why I helped found NIAC. so god speed to you all - and I hope my extra-extra-long post is useful for some of you :)

 

PS. Also a thank you to those of you that responded in our defense and helped elevate the conversation by answering questions. We really appreciate it.

 

Regards,

Babak Talebi

Director of Community Relations, NIAC

www.niacouncil.org

"Promoting Iranian-American Participation in American Civic Life"


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NIAC's Activities

by Yek Kermani (not verified) on

Folks,
I am on their email list, here is an example of what they send me, if this is lobbying for IRI, then more power to them and IRI:

Cheers,
NIAC Email:

Even if you voted in the Presidential primary, I want to remind you that the primary process is not over.

In California, your Congressional primaries are coming up IN ONE WEEK on June 3rd and you should make plans to go to the polls and vote.

In most Congressional districts around the country, there will not be competitive primaries for House and Senate seats, but for Iranian Americans in particular it is important to vote because your publicly available voting record is your political report card.

If you need information about the candidates running for office in your District you can see candidate profiles on NIAC's website.(You can also find your voting location at this link)

Remember, California's Republican Party holds a closed primary which means only Republicans may vote and the Democratic Party holds a semi-closed primary which means Democrats and Independents may vote.

Finally - If you have not registered to vote, it is not too late to REGISTER TO VOTE for the General Election

Happy voting,

Babak Talebi
Director of Community Relations


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Thanks

by Rostam_ca (not verified) on

Thanks Jahanshah for bringing up this album and your thoughts. As a younger member of the Iranian diaspora, I've been so amazed by how little the Iranian community, as a community, has achieved in this 30 years after the revolution. Such a pity esp. that there are so many supposingly "educated people" among us. Don't we ever want to open up our eyes and stop being this self-destructing ?

You know, it's been a while that I've given up on the older generations to make any difference. If there is any hope for Iran's future, of course if Iran is not f* up by then and can actually see a future, it'll be through the young generation of Iran and diaspora helping each other to get her out of this mess.
I really wish you had raised more of the likes of Parsi, and Sajadpour.

BTW, if you haven't read Parsi's book, see this at least: //www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVGqDfX_pgA
Sure it'll touch some nerves in this board :)


Natalia Alvarado-Alvarez

The truth of the matter is.....

by Natalia Alvarado-Alvarez on

that people should be allowed to question any source of information or organization without fear of being labeled. We need to be independent and objective thinkers.

We also need to not label organizations or people, based on nothing.

 We have to be able to  look for the information to gain an understanding and find the answers to our questions. We cannot always expect people to hand us the answers. For one, you might not believe them and challenge them, instead of looking for understanding.

There needs to be a balance........

NIAC is not going to be defeated by mere words.......they are continuing to grow in membership each year.

Like someone said on this thread. If you disagree with NIAC then you need to make the necessary sacrifices and create your own Iranian organization. If Iranians and Iran truly matter to you then you will do the necessary sacrifices.

Solh va Doosti (paz a vosotros)

Nadia (AKA)


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Stop complaining and start helping Iran

by Daryam (not verified) on

It is interesting to read some of the comments here and in some other forums about how some ex-Iranians wish the bombing of our beloved motherland, Iran. They wish the death and destruction of Iranians and Iran because they have different ideas of how Iran should be governed or something else. And if any organizations or individuals are proponent of peace and negotiation, well they must be traitors. Their argument is that they want freedom for Iranians and the country that actually took the freedom from Iranians in 1953 will bring freedom to Iran. What a fantasy! If you necons, Zionists, MEK, etc... care about people in Iran then help them. Be creative in finding solutions. Help a village to setup its first computer lab.
We Iranians are smart and I am sure you all can come up with better ideas than me.
P.S. It matters not what we Iranians think or do to prevent US from bombing Iran. The truth is that if Iran could be invaded easily, it would have been done by now.


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Masoud A

by Not-MasoudA! (not verified) on

You are all negative talk and nothing of substance.

Stop slamming the people who have been and continue to take steps for Iran, and if you really care, do something yourself too!

it's bad enough that you are useless to Iran, you are against people who are trying to save her too?

You're promoting the neo-cons mentality and trying to get my family and our people killed under the US and Israeli bombs

shame on you!


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I read most of your

by MARYT1 (not verified) on

I read most of your comments. I do not know Mr.Parsi but have you read
their websites and have you participated in their campaign? I am not their member but they just send me their e-mail concerning Iran or Iranian agenda. They write letters to Congress too. When they have an agenda, they prepare two opposing letters and ask you to send it to your representatives. Like should US attack Iran? Or US should not attack Iran. Well as a free person I will sign the letter which suits my opinion. That is how they gained popularity. I have been living in USA for over 30 years. I was reading Mojahedin papers, Mali’s paper leading by Bahktiyar and finally watched various TV programs all aim at changing Iranian Regime. I also talked to so many young Iranian both raised here or those who are emigrating from Iran. I found out that all these so called political groups are talking from their own point of views and do not accept any one beside their own way of thinking.
And as you all know there is no change all these thirty years. Our situation in the US though has been deteriorated. While I am worried about Patriot act which can take me in jail for no reason and keep me there for ever, I saw that the Iranian political groups in USA praising Bush administration for calling us evil and great threat to the human kind. When approved Iranian visa's got rejected for no reason in American Embassy, I wrote one of the leaders to ask for help. There is no reason for denial, I said. The person on the line started lecturing me that they are not doing any favor for any one. I said when a child from Cuba was here and they wanted to send him to Cuba have you observe the demonstration The exile Cuban did in behalf of that child? There was a visa application, Labor certification, and approval all the way to the embassy and they rejected them on no ground. Why this political leader does not do anything? Why should IRI's action burn these innocent people who dreamed of freedom and living in USA for almost 5 years? Of course there was no help what so ever. Then one day I got this letter that some Iranian got treated badly and if I feel he should not I sign the letter. I did. I sign the letter against sanction and war too. You can also go to NIAC site and sign a petition for the war. That is the beauty of it. You do not need to agree with them, just get involved. Isn’t time for us to act instead of just talk about issues? Who cares who the president of this Group is and what their agenda is? We are living here and with the Neo-con's we need some strong protection, we need an organization that we can go to write to, that can make a difference for our lives and our rights to be in this society. If we can help those helpless in Iran then that would be an extra bonus. With the Iraq example I do not think any one with right mind can think "if Bush or the new US president attack Iran there will be heaven there."
My assumption is that all Iranian groups who claiming that they want
Iran's best interest probably they do. Only their method might not be the right one. I do not think labeling different groups will bring any fruits either.

My 5 cents thought is

Think, investigate and choose the right group or organization which benefits your rights to live in the society you are.


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A few words on the discussion

by Ali S (not verified) on

holdddd onnnnn.

1. NIAC bases its stances on surveys it sends out to all its members. If you want to change their stance, become a member of the lobbyist group and you get a vote.

2. How can you expect NIAC to alter Iran's behavior when it is based in the United States and Iran lacks any form of effective lobbyist activity. You want NIAC to change Iran's behavior? By doing what? Screaming loudly and crying? No, we can influence the United States, so we will work through the United States. If we want to influence Iranian policies, we should move back to Iran and enter politics there. OH WAIT.

3. If suing for defamation is "silencing the opposition" then the courts won't rule in favor of it. But there is a huge difference between voicing your opposition and making unsubstantiated claims. Defamation certainly is not voicing your opposition.

4. If you don't like NIAC's activities, feel free to establish an alternative. Nothing's stopping you from creating an Iranian lobbyist group dedicated to increased sanctions and threats toward Iran. A group willing to make the lives of ordinary Iranians economically terrible while they patriotically take a stand against the evil Iranian government in their comfortable homes in the United States. Go ahead, keep sending the ripples of pressure down onto the common Iranians.

WITH LOVE,
Ali


masoudA

Annanymous !!

by masoudA on

you say:

They must be doing something right.  otherwise why would some of us who are US citizens and have been here for more than 30 years and gone from hostage crisis through 9/11 support them?  $250/week perhaps ?  I don't know what your agenda is - but whatever it is - you are too pedestrian to defend it by your vague posts.   What am I to deduce from your post ?  just because some support him - he is OK ?  what if like the mullahs he succeeds to bring a herd of Sineh Zans in front of teh US District court? theat makes him OK ?  no dear - what you need - at least here - is clarity and logic.   These open forums are not a place for Herding to illustrate support as IRI does in the streets. 

You also say: Besides, why should they apologize for being able to capture the support of Iranians?   don't try to create false images - the Iranian commuynity that I deal with - considers Trita Parsi a joke of a traitor.   If you don't know that - you have not been following. 


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Zion, what are you trying to prove?

by Mostafa khan (not verified) on

NIAC is probably the most open and honest Iranian organization in history!

Anyone can make up rumors about someone else who chooses to be open.

It is vicious and abusive of you guys to make these attacks without even having proof.

You are trying to make a case on rumors and gossip which even if you succeed will be guilt by association! That's very weak!!!

Ensaf dashte bashid doostane aziz.


Zion

Dear Mehdi

by Zion on

Unfortunately our tails are too thick and too long to fit between our legs. But I am happpy to see that your style of showing your love is approved by the censors of this thread. Evidently NIAC is a sensitive and dear issue close to their hearts. Not surprising given the voluntary advocacy ad campain for their council. What won`t good people do for love and peace! Always nice to see love and friendship flourish. :-)