"Iran cannot yet decide whether it is more Iranian or Moslem. Future Iranians need to cope with this dichotomy. Perhaps the reemergence of some degree of the nationalist, pre-Islamic legacy will moderate Iran's more zealous Shi'ite side."
The future of Iran as we know it is in flux, this is critical time for Iranians to exert the most influence on what Iran of tomorrow will look and feel like. Understanding ourselves, our history, ideas and ideals will help us make better sense of the deluge of news, information, propaganda and emotions coming at us, and temper our views and responses.
"Iran is easy to swallow but hard to digest", writes Graham Fuller of Rand in his 1991 book with same title as this article, subtitled 'The Geopolitics of Iran'. Iran cannot yet decide whether it is more Iranian or Moslem. We see this dichotomy in the Green movement, in daily course of Iranian life, and in our conversations about events and the future. Perhaps looking at Iran and Iranians from outside in can shed light as we struggle for a democratic Iran:
As proud bearers of an ancient culture, many Iranians nurture deep feelings of superiority toward their neighbors that border on cultural arrogance. This syndrome is also recognizable in other states that can demonstrate unbroken cultural and political continuity directly back to ancient and great civilizations, such as India and China.
The extraordinary continuity of Iranian history and sophisticated civilization has provided Iran with a multifaceted and tangled national experience and the legacy of a particularly rich and complex national culture. But Persian culture also betrays a profound schizophrenia, born alternatively of an innate sense of superiority stemming from a magnificent imperial past and rich culture, and a nagging sense of inferiority and even insecurity derived from Iran's experience of abject conquest and foreign domination at the hands of Greeks, Arabs, Turks of all kinds, Afghans, Russians, and Western powers.
The Persian world is baroque, on the one hand revealing a sense for the extravagant the has produced a magnificent artistic heritage; on the other, it has evolved a subtle, labyrinthine approach to politics that reflects historical insecurities of life under fickleness and sudden death of absolute monarchy and foreign subjugation.
The experience of domination by powerful British and Russian empires predisposes Iranians to feel that they are never masters of their own fate but rather subject to the wiles of foreign manipulation. Events never have simple explanations but rather reflect the existence of unseen political forces at work behind the scenes manipulating reality. An historically-created suspicion and xenophobia is reinforced by the psychological makeup of Shi'a Islam that emphasizes an environment of suffering and injustice as the inevitable price of commitment to the true faith. A suspicion and arrogance toward the external world is thus coupled with a driving determination for independence and non-involvement with foreign powers- thereby placing a premium in a world often dominated by harsh external forces that have attempted to dominate Iran.
Western powers often operate from the advantage of superior strategic power in their dealings with smaller countries- a situation that grants the powerful the luxury of operating through the direct and open expression of political intentions. But such powers will find themselves frustrated in encountering an Iranian political style born out of relative historical weakness, requiring it to operate through a range of hidden agendas and multilayered purpose.
Iran is destined to remain prickly and difficult power for western states to deal with, a state intent upon establishing its own hegemony in the region -- in a political environment in which Iran perceives itself to have few if any friends. Yet its long civilization and richly endowed national capabilities suggest that Iran could well emerge as one of the most advanced states of the Middle east in years ahead.
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It may not be practical to eliminate or prevent words
by oktaby on Fri Jan 15, 2010 07:54 AM PSTlike Zionism, Anarchy or Communist...mainly because they are nebulous and easy to throw around. In my earlier comment I tried to separate Internal & External issues & mingling of the two. To argue the gravity of the crimes & regressive nature of the IRR is purely a partisan, not an intellectual or logical activity. The followers of this regime are guilty by association, but they are also its victims.
OKtaby
I think we should ban the
by AsteroidX on Fri Jan 15, 2010 03:04 AM PSTI think we should ban the word "Zionist" from IC. It just ruins discussions.
According to you ?
by YMJ on Thu Jan 14, 2010 10:48 PM PSTYou guys continue you'r rhetorics, wont get far.
You people say things without posting a single source for any of it! It's ridiculous and so obvious that you are zionists and NOT Iranians!
"according to BBC, CNN, Fox..."
by Simorgh on Thu Jan 14, 2010 04:27 PM PSTNo according to Iranian people and anyone who has eyes or ears, or not a complete baffoon as you ymj
It is obvious that YMJ
by Cost-of-Progress on Thu Jan 14, 2010 10:35 AM PSTis clearly a goon for the anti-Iranian regime of the murdering clergy. His tired "zionist" slogan is a repeat of his masters' blabbing -
YOUR LIES FOOL NO ONE.
All of those whom you call zionist have allegiances to Iran - NOT ISLAM. Islam is the adversary, GET it? It has brought nothing but ignorance misery and badnaami for Iran and her people. The few folks (such as yourself) who have been given a labotomy and actually defend this blood cult shall perish in time making room for true sons and daughters of Iran - much like those who are willing to give their lives to rid themselves of your brand of peaceful divine.
hala boro bemir.
____________________
IRAN BEFORE ISLAM - TODAY
____________________
YMJ
by Veiled Prophet of Khorasan on Thu Jan 14, 2010 10:08 AM PSTI support Iran; NOT the Islamic regime. I support the people of Iran and the 6000+ year old culture of Iran. I do not support the IRR or the VF theocracy. Imagine a body that has a sickness. I support the body but not the sickness.I do not support a regime that has so much hurt Iran and my people.
I owe nothing to Islam or the Mullahs. I know a lot of Iranians; they are not paid by US; some of them just got out of Iran; some still live there; all of them hate the IRR. Many are not willing to risk getting killed so they stay at home. But all of them rather have a secular democracy than the VF dictatorship.
You cannot get away with blaming this on USA or Israel. Even if they did spend money which they probably do. It is still a fact that IRR is very unpopular in Iran. People hate it. That is why there are demonstrations. That is why IRR will fall.
You are the only lier & fabricator YMJ and whatever other names
by Hovakhshatare on Thu Jan 14, 2010 10:07 AM PSTyou use. Even a lier should be able to speak without fabricating once in a while. Demonstrations have always been peaceful & police/basiji & rest of IRR criminals have attacked them and people respond. When "the people" attack the police, it is time for that government and police to get lost because people don't want them.
You have not said a single word that is factual, supportable, based on evidence, or even semi-intelligent. Never mind that you have no responses to questions posed to you, or for that matter nothing to contribute to the main topic. What you see here is that your nonsense has no customers and Iranians catch you every time you post your rants. Good riddance.
YMJ = lie = two days i've been on this site. 2 days Shah Gholam?
by Anonymouse on Thu Jan 14, 2010 10:00 AM PSTEverything is sacred.
YMJ
by Onlyiran on Thu Jan 14, 2010 11:47 AM PSTWhen you say:
Given the fact that America had paid agents inside Iran to shoot at people with American made guns (they werent even clever enough to use a different gun) to kill innocent poeple and blame it on the IR.
can you please provide us with your proof for this statement? And please bear in mind that proof means independent evidence, not videos manufactured by PressTV.
Stop lying! The people were attacking police!
by YMJ on Thu Jan 14, 2010 09:48 AM PSTHere are the video.. your just a liar!
"Democrat liberal" LMAO... You know who else is a democrat.. Obama who has increased troops in Afghanistan to over 130,000 troops! Democrat or Republican, America is a warmongering nation. You support America, or you support Iran, no in between.
Stop using IR as an excuse you losers! Its clear you guys are zionists which are using rhetoric and sensationalism.
When police forces in Iran are attacked and MURDERED by the same people you encourage, you fools dont say anything but when the police re'acts, just liek ANYWHERE else in the world (some places, like America and England, its MUCH MUCH worse, with much better weapons and much MUCH less of a crowd )
//www.youtube.com/watch?v=7c-O-wtXj1A
Given the fact that America had paid agents inside Iran to shoot at people with American made guns (they werent even clever enough to use a different gun) to kill innocent poeple and blame it on the IR.
It is obvious you have nothing to say and can't answer questions
by Hovakhshatare on Thu Jan 14, 2010 09:09 AM PSTThat I have posed to all of your IRR employees & agents. So when you repeat sensationalism & rhetoric you must be referring to bigheiraty. Well those who attack defenseless and peaceful people & demonstrators or defend the attackers are bigheirat. Those who defend a foreign beast in their country are bigheirat. What of that is sensationalism or rhetoric?
YMJ
by Veiled Prophet of Khorasan on Thu Jan 14, 2010 06:48 AM PSTFYI: I am a liberal Democrat. I never watch tv news specially Fox. I still HATE the IRR and the Islamic assholes who have taken over my nation. IRR is the most anti Iranian freak show I have seen. Thanks to freaks like Shariati; Al Ahmad & Golesorkhi it came. It will go thanks to people like me.
YMJ
by Cost-of-Progress on Thu Jan 14, 2010 06:10 AM PSTYou people are despicable.
I'd like to use some "enhanced" Parsi verbage to express my disgust for you people, but I'll withhold for now.
Hows this for sesnsationalizm?
____________________
IRAN BEFORE ISLAM
____________________
More rehtoric and sensationalism from Hova..
by YMJ on Thu Jan 14, 2010 05:48 AM PST"Defending the rapist regime "
- According to BBC, CNN and FOX news? pfff..
Rhetoric! Some girl tryign to get a visa saying she got raped, is no evidence.
Notice how questions remain unanswered?
by Hovakhshatare on Wed Jan 13, 2010 04:50 PM PSTWhile manny and rest of IRR employees and followers keep ranting about everything that is not them?
Defending the rapist regime takes a certain level of bigheiraty beyond even those we are used to from pre-AN IRR.
Nicely put. without pointing to made up or invisible enemies
by Simorgh on Tue Jan 12, 2010 11:38 PM PSTto justify its actions or distract from main problems, IRR could not exist. Their dilemma is 'hanashoon dige rang nadare' and even many supporters don't believe their never ending lies.
It helps to separate and clarify the threats and issues
by oktaby on Tue Jan 12, 2010 07:24 PM PSTExternal-There are foreign hands at play, intent on pushing Iran in a direction favorable to them, and that is not new. For example Neocons typically think war in some form is a good idea and somehow it'll bring Iran to their fold (Bush/Cheney clan). The appeasers (Leveretts, Z. Brezinskt types) figure as long as we get what we want out of Iran, who cares what they do internally and see America's benefit in focusing on what it can get. Neither really cares about Iran or Iranians. In that mix you can fit from far left to far right & Zionists). One could even argue America's inability to formulate a coherent & consistent policy has been the problem, or its pandering to Israeli lobby. All fair point to various degrees of accuracy.
Internal-Regardless which of the above theories you subscribe to, Iranians have a problem on their hands: A brutal, Shi'te ideological, corrupt, regime that they can't take any more. Theis regime, much like external elements, does not care about heritage Iran. It won't go away on its own, and won't accept people's will. It is willing to kill and maime its own population, and even start or engage a war that serves its objectives to maintain power & control.
While the two impact each other, bringing various external issues to justify internal oppression is a convenient excuse to dismiss criticism, round up any opposing voice, deceive masses, and motivae its base as IRR has always done.
The article alluded to this in broader context of Iran's historic experience.
OKtaby
AO, I have to disagree with you. Even a video in S. Lebanon is
by Hovakhshatare on Tue Jan 12, 2010 09:34 AM PSTnot sufficient unless it has close ups because from afar and with beards and basiji clothes they all look very similar.
YMJ (Yek Mard-e Jallaad) continue your crusade against people.
by Anonymouse on Tue Jan 12, 2010 09:29 AM PSTEverything is sacred.
yes, but you haven't proved
by Anonymous Observer on Tue Jan 12, 2010 09:28 AM PSTthat you're not a Zionist. We need evidence, preferably a video of you fighting Israelis in South Lebanon. Otherwise, I think that I have conclusively (by your standards) proved that you are a Zionist.
Anonymous..
by YMJ on Tue Jan 12, 2010 09:25 AM PSTI have conducted so many debates with zionists that i know exactly the next thing that will come out of their mouth.
Most of their arguments rely on sensationalism and rehtoric.
Exactly what you and your chronies are engaging in on this site.
YMJ a/k/a Mehdi, a/k/a/....
by Anonymous Observer on Tue Jan 12, 2010 09:17 AM PSThow come you know so much about "Zionists"? Very suspicious! No one else on this site seems to know so much about everything "Zionist". I would go out on a limb and say that you're a "Zionist" yourself. Prove that you're not!
Sargord, I don't hide that I despise IRR, and everything it
by Hovakhshatare on Tue Jan 12, 2010 01:45 PM PSTrepresents and stands for. However, it is not me that goes on IRR or related websites and write the kind of things you do.
I certainly don't pretend to be a military or some other fictional character. Nor do I try to make logical arguments in defense of one of the most repressive regimes on the face of this planet by all national and international measures.
Even now, have you participated in the topic of this blog? no, you've come to attack me , as other IRR agents and supporters with various names do.
I'm an Iranian and consider you, IRR, and islamic system the enemy of Iran, Iranians, and my heritage and speak in that context without hiding or pretending. You come here to talk and have an opportunity to say whatever you want, right/wrong/indifferent/accusatory/defamatory/partisan....But you and the system you defend has taken away those rights and everything else from Iranians. If you so much as utter anti-regime stuff in a major site in Iran, you'll be in jail so fast that'll make your head spin. That's what you represent sargord. And when questioned your response is all the same. You run or reiterate IRR propaganda.
Now what is your business here?
Sensationalism and Rhetoric.... the Zionist way..
by YMJ on Tue Jan 12, 2010 09:12 AM PSTHova,
IRR employees? Apolgists?
You clearly dont know me to say the LEAST. Secondly, you keep hiding behind the "IRR GOON" "IRR EMPLOYEE"
When in FACT you'r the one who is most likely and Employee of the zionists and on a mission to create discord amongs REAL Iranians who are here to obtain information on what is happening.
All you do is spew hate, which is a common tactic of zionist propagandists.
Hova
by Sargord Pirouz on Tue Jan 12, 2010 08:58 AM PSTYou're the one that operates on blind hate. There's never anything of substance in any of your posts.
It's just "IRR" and cheerleading for the end of the regime. You've nothing more to offer to the discussion. Boorish.
The biggest problem with IRR employees & apologists
by Hovakhshatare on Tue Jan 12, 2010 08:48 AM PSTor followers, is the key requirement of absolute obedience, ignoring all that is not what they are/see, or blind faith. So commenting here is just another form of delivering to their HQs, or Jihad. No sense trying to win them over. It is a futile attempt. All they do or can do is string statements together. As their position or actions are not defensible and they know it or believe it is ok because it is jihad.
Where is my Zoinist pay check YMJ
by Veiled Prophet of Khorasan on Tue Jan 12, 2010 08:26 AM PSTSince you know so much about Zionists and are in contact with them I ask a favor. Please remind them to send my my paycheck. It is getting cold in the winter and I need to pay for heating. Hot air from you and the other IRR agents it not sufficient.
soft warfare = imprisoning 33 mothers
by Anonymouse on Tue Jan 12, 2010 08:05 AM PSTEverything is sacred.
Its very clear from the two days i've been on this site
by Anonymous Observer on Tue Jan 12, 2010 07:58 AM PST"Its very clear from the two days i've been on this site"
cut the crap, will you, "Mehdi"...we weren't born yesterday, you know.
So its OKAY to Label me??
by YMJ on Tue Jan 12, 2010 07:54 AM PSTKhomeini was exiled by an American puppet known as Reza Shah, so you'r point is like a 2 year olds.
The fact is, this site is filled with parasites who are engaging in a soft warfare against the Islamic Republic of Iran government.
Are you denying this FACT?
Its very clear from the two days i've been on this site that there are MANY MANY Israelis(zionists) which are acting liek they are Iranian, so that they can propagate over the net.
The zionists actually have a PAID organization known as the Jewish Internet Defence Forces (JIDF)
So kid, you dont understand what is happening.
Iran is in state of a cold war against Israel and America.
Clearly Iran is not capable to have the same media reac as America and Israel.
A TRUE Iranian who wants to see his country independent, wouldnt play into their hands like a puppet.