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* Aunt:
- Letter that was never sent
*
Bush:
- The chimp might not agree

- Demeaning to monkeys
*
Censorship:
- Not exercising true journalism

- A lot of hypocracy
- Censorship, just like in Iran
* dAyi hamid:
- Made me very happy
*
Diaspora:
- Only we understand

* Food:
- Baaghaalaa broke my wife's tooth
*
Googoosh:
- Nothing before Googoosh
*
Heroes:
- Ganji's crimes against humanity

* Homosexuality:
- Homosexuality & Islam

- Adam & Eve, Not Adam & Adam
*
Identity:
- Half/half kids

* Iran:
- Compromised values
*
The Iranian:
- Not like Iranians I know
*
Iranians:
- Origins of Persian fur

- Hairy Iranians not funny
*
Iran-U.S.:
- Typical politician

- Wishful thinking
- National interest
- Where have you been?
- Optimisim in foreign policy
* Kurds:
- Reality rarely seen

* Palestine:
- Depths of man's depravity
*
Subscription:
- Savab daard
*
Persecution:
- Treating Kar like a criminal
*
Persia:
- Iran-Iraq similarity irritating
*
Persia, Iowa:
- First Iranian cowboy

- I've wondered about it too
- Knack for writing
*
Prejudice:
- Feeling of being jailed
* Racism:
- Welcome Daryl

- Thank god for women's freedom
- No monopoly on Iranianness
- Terrorize women if they date other races
- Nothing to condemn or condone
- Soaal-e saadeh
- Best disinfectant: Free debate
- THE most racist people
- Showing a new reality
- Example for all
- That's not racism, bro
- Everyone has some prejudice
- Turn off your computer
- Iran has seen worse throughout history
- Controversial opinions open eyes
- Unfairly burnt
- Blamed for holding a mirror
- Pedestrian ignorance
- Make something good out of it
- Guess who's coming for dinner
- Enjoyed it, but...
- African man yes. Iranian, no
- Bunch of hypocrites
- Mixed bunch
- Have you an ounce of "sharm"?:
- Love in front of prejudice

* Relationships:
- Shooting from the hip

- Crazy chauvinist weirdo
- How does she know?
*
Religion:
- Worst Muslims

- Chashm
*
Sadaf Kiani:
- I have an idea

- Nothing special
- Wish it was a different topic
- Read Freud
- He's a fan
- Beautiful words
- Zeebaa va lateef
- My birthday is coming up
*
Satire:
- Bee adab
*
U.S. elections:
- G.W. Bush, aka Imam Zaman

- Broken record for the Republicans
- Misled by Democratic Party
- Get over it

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Thursday
December 28, 2000

* G.W. Bush, aka Imam Zaman

It was such a delight to read Dr. Ameli's attack against Clinton and Gore ["Misled by..."]. I foresee a great ambassadorship for the Doctor.

Too bad Clinton and Gore were not in power back in the 70s and 80s otherwise the good doctor would have blamed Watergate, Iranian revolution and the Iran-Contra Affair on the Clinton presidency.

Why doesn't Dr. Ameli come out and say it straight: George W. is the 12th Imam.

Ramin Tabib

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* Broken record for Republicans

Dr. Ameli where in the hell did you get all your info ["Misled by..."]? You must be Rush Limbaugh's number one fan.

You claim to be non-partisan. Holy shit! I wonder what you might have said if you were partisan. The sad thing about your comments is that almost all of them are false. You sound like a broken record for the Republican Party.

Your response would carry a lot more weight if it was not full of subjective and wrong information.

If you know how to really check information, you will realize that even if you did not count the votes in Chicago, Mr. Nixon would've lost the 1962 election, but then again you don't know how, do you?

Aref Eghbalian

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* Welcome Daryl

I read some of the comments about the photo of Ms. Ovissi and her husband ["Drawing the line"]. As usual we are very hot tempered people and go to extremes. While an interracial marriage should not attract this much attention, it is clear that we are still far from there.

First of all let's welcome Daryl to our community. I am sure he will find people that are capable of opening their mind and I am sure once he gets to know the Iranians in person he will see that in spite of obvious prejudice most will be able to overcome their prejudices >>> FULL TEXT

Kavir

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* Not like Iranians I know

Your site is very nice and thank you for it. But the cover picture looks very little like the Iranians I know or like to know.

Roya

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Wednesday
December 27, 2000

* Thank god for women's freedom

In response to Bahram ["Terrorize women..."] and Mr. Yamini ["Iran has seen worse..."]:

Nothing but goodness and love can bring love. Women are just as deserving of love and fulfillment as men are, and everyone on earth should thank god that more and more women have the freedom every day to find love and fulfillment. The more women can love, the more love there is on earth.

I am all for Iranians marrying Iranians, but I resent your defense of these oppressive and chauvinistic cultures in the name of perserving Iranian culture and nation. Your ideas are a disgrace to all Iranian men, to Iranian culture, and to humanity. I'm just waiting anxiously to hear the responses of Iranian men who read The Iranian >>> FULL TEXT

Dokhi Fassihian

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* Typical politician

Mr. Amirahmadi ["Optimism..."] in the typical manner of politicians did not answer one of my questions. His argument for optimism in forgien policy has no substance and does not even mention what effect the terrible events in Palestine and Israel portend.

The fact that we are further away from recognition of Israel than before does not seem to occur to him. I ask Mr. Amirahmadi once again what is he, as president of this American-Iranian Council, going to do about all the setbacks to democracy taking place in our country?

I think a mere acknowledgement of these things would do a lot to win our confidence.

Setareh Sabety-Javid

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* Misled by Democratic Party machine

As a non-partisan 'call it like it is' observer, I am compelled to ask, have you ever heard of the U.S constitution, wherein there is an amendment referring to the Electoral College ["And the winner is..."]. I am disappointed to see that like some people, you have been effected by the misleading and inaccurate statements spread by the Democratic Party machine.

The fact of the matter is that it was the same people like Jesse Jackson and Bill Daley who tried so hard to fix this election by manipulating poor inner-city African Americans, who had never voted before, couldn't care less about Bush or Gore, or the issues, and had no intentions of voting in this election >>> FULL TEXT

Dr. Kambiz Ameli

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* Feeling of being jailed

I went to see your work ["Never to repeat"], on the last day of the exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Photography in Tokyo. I really liked it very much. I was very much impressed by the last scene of the tombstone, the temple bell and the AZAN. I couldn't stop crying. It was a beautiful combination >>> FULL TEXT

Sima

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Tuesday
December 26, 2000

* Wishful thinking

Here we go again. Mr. Amirahmadi's recent article, "The time is now", with its predictions of an imminent thawing out of the frozen relations between Iran and America, reminds me of the famous quip "Denial is not just a river in Egypt."

Certain Iranian scholars in the American academia who have apparently seen Mr. Khatami's face in the moon, have started anew. Attempts to portray the state of things in a manner which has no basis in reality >>> FULL TEXT

Shahriar Zahedi

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* National interest

I read Dr. Amirahmadi's article ["The time is now"] with much enthusiasm and interest... There are, however, at least two theoretical points in Dr. Amirahmadi's otherwise excellent analytical piece which I think need further discussion.

The first regards his assertion that "Tehran and the Iranian public have come to increasingly realize that working with the U.S. will mean recognizing its global interests and leadership." If this development is true, then I hope it does not imply that Iran is willing or should be willing to subjugate her interests to those of the United States >>> FULL TEXT

Poopak Ta'ati

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* Where have you been?

It is understandable that Mr. Amirahmadi as President of the American Iranian council is eager for better U.S-Iran relations ["The time is now"]. After all most of us who live here would like to see that happen. Most of us were delighted to see Khatami get elected and the parliament turn over to the reformers in what must have been the first true elections held in our country.

But I am shocked to see Mr. Amirahmadi's total blindness to the set backs that have taken place since the parliamentary elections in Iran. 'Dialogue of Civilizations' seems in the face of the shutting of publications and the imprisoning of free thinkers and students to be more an empty promise than ever >>> FULL TEXT

Setareh Sabety-Javid

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* Optimisim in foreign policy

In response to Mrs. Setareh Sabety-Javid's letter, "Where have you been?", I do share your concerns, and your criticisms are noted. However, my article ["The time is now"] focuses on U.S.-Iran relations, not domestic matters...

In the context of domestic politics, however, that phrase and the corresponding idea of "dialogue among Iranians" remain mere propaganda. Again, just like you, I am also disappointed. But unlike many, I was never an optimist about that particular reform process >>> FULL TEXT

Hooshang Amirahmadi

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Monday
December 25, 2000

NONE

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Friday,
December 22, 2000

* Worst Muslims

Let's admit it. Wwe Iranians aren't the most obliging Muslims. Out of all the one billion adherents of Islam, Iranians adhere to Islam the least. The majority of us don't pray even once a day let alone five, and most of us drink alcohol...

The Islamic Republic didn't help our faith. It damaged it. If there is another revolution it is very unlikely that the young women of Iran would wear a scarf or chador on their own free will. They view the Islamic Republic as an Islamic state, even though it's not >>> FULL TEXT

Reza Shiraly

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* No monopoly on Iranianness

Mr. Racial Cleanser ["Iran has seen worse throughout history"],

There are those of us who think being Iranian should not have any religious or ethnic or racial criterias. Feeling like one is enough. And certainly no one has a monopoly on the definition of "Iranian".

You can certainly be gay and be Iranian. Certainly our history has had its share of gay and khaajeh personalities. You can also be a Jew or an Armenian and be Iranian. And guess what? You can be a woman and marry a Black man and still be Iranian >>> FULL TEXT

S. Mashadi

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* Terrorize women if they date other races

This controversy about Iranian girls having sex with Negro guys ["Drawing the line"] is a serious problem. Most Iranian girls regret dating these Negros after they do it for a long time and become tainted and rejected by the Iranian guys. It is the surest way for someone to lose his or her racial identity...

Most Iranian girls I've known when I lived in the States were not decent and many of them dated freely with Negros, and all the rest. The real concern I have is that Iranians need to understand that our women need to get terrorized the same way an Arab or a Paki would treat his sister or cousin for dating anyone outside their races >>> FULL TEXT

Bahram

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* Not exercising true journalism

This is related to Ali Parsa's letter "A lot of hypocrisy". I completely agree with him. He said it all so well. I am very glad that finally someone brought this issue up.

Jahanshah Javid, I do have a lot of respect for you as a person. However, your work as a true journalist, at times is very questionable >>> FULL TEXT

Babak Aminian

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* First Iranian cowboy

I liked your article ["Persia, Iowa"]. It's really a curious coincidence to see a town in U.S. called Persia. It's really a incredible to imagine that a compatriot immigrated to the U.S. in 1882. This is really incredible and heart-warming.

I must note that an area southwest of Paris is also called Persia and the streets are named after the names of Persian cities, like Isfahan, Mashhad, etc... I believe that that the area was inaugurated when some Persian king visited the King of France (Louis XIV?).

But in the case of Persia, Iowa, that really sounds strange and facinating. So this guy was probably the very first Iranian Cowboy.

Darius Kadivar

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Friday,
December 22, 2000

* Worst Muslims

Let's admit it. We Iranians aren't the most obliging Muslims. Out of all the one billion adherents of Islam, Iranians adhere to Islam the least. The majority of us don't pray even once a day let alone five, and most of us drink alcohol...

The Islamic Republic didn't help our faith. It damaged it. If there is another revolution it is very unlikely that the young women of Iran would wear a scarf or chador on their own free will. They view the Islamic Republic as an Islamic state, even though it's not >>> FULL TEXT

Reza Shiraly

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* No monopoly on Iranianness

Mr. Racial Cleanser ["Iran has seen worse throughout history"],

There are those of us who think being Iranian should not have any religious or ethnic or racial criterias. Feeling like one is enough. And certainly no one has a monopoly on the definition of "Iranian".

You can certainly be gay and be Iranian. Certainly our history has had its share of gay and khaajeh personalities. You can also be a Jew or an Armenian and be Iranian. And guess what? You can be a woman and marry a Black man and still be Iranian >>> FULL TEXT

S. Mashadi

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* Terrorize women if they date other races

This controversy about Iranian girls having sex with Negro guys ["Drawing the line"] is a serious problem. Most Iranian girls regret dating these Negros after they do it for a long time and become tainted and rejected by the Iranian guys. It is the surest way for someone to lose his or her racial identity...

Most Iranian girls I've known when I lived in the States were not decent and many of them dated freely with Negros, and all the rest. The real concern I have is that Iranians need to understand that our women need to get terrorized the same way an Arab or a Paki would treat his sister or cousin for dating anyone outside their races >>> FULL TEXT

Bahram

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* Not exercising true journalism

This is related to Ali Parsa's letter "A lot of hypocrisy". I completely agree with him. He said it all so well. I am very glad that finally someone brought this issue up.

Jahanshah Javid, I do have a lot of respect for you as a person. However, your work as a true journalist, at times is very questionable >>> FULL TEXT

Babak Aminian

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* First Iranian cowboy

I liked your article ["Persia, Iowa"]. It's really a curious coincidence to see a town in U.S. called Persia. It's really a incredible to imagine that a compatriot immigrated to the U.S. in 1882. This is really incredible and heart-warming.

I must note that an area southwest of Paris is also called Persia and the streets are named after the names of Persian cities, like Isfahan, Mashhad, etc... I believe that that the area was inaugurated when some Persian king visited the King of France (Louis XIV?).

But in the case of Persia, Iowa, that really sounds strange and facinating. So this guy was probably the very first Iranian Cowboy.

Darius Kadivar

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Thursday
December 21, 2000

* Nothing to condemn or condone

I personally can not think of any reason why Maryam and Darryl's picture would be posted on this site.

By the way, congratulations to the newly weds. May they pave the path of prosperity with their love. If they did not give consent to having their picture posted on the Iranian, then that's a whole other foul issue on its own...

If genuine admiration exists between a man and a woman, then their marriage will prosper as it will perish if there existed reasons other than the aforementioned. Either way, this matter is nothing to condone or condemn. It is an arcane force between a male and a female and only time will tell if it were to prove effete or immortal >>> FULL TEXT

Reza

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* Reality rarely seen

A simple thank you to Rasool Nafisi who shares - even revels - in the spirit of Oraman ["People of Oraman"]!

With his lyrical prose and keen photographic eye, Dr. Nafisi depicts a slice of reality rarely seen and appreciated by those of us who most need to understand - city dwellers, who are caught up in the hustle-bustle of self-important lives.

The Kurds of Oraman - as well as their guest - remind us what is real: hospitality and grace amidst life's trials and tribulations.

Haleh Vaziri

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* Only we understand

I can't express my feeling about the poem by Mahrokh Pourzaynal ["Gham-e bahaaraan-e Iran"]. All I have to say is that I could not stop crying once I finished it & unfortunately I am @ work.

That was a piece that does not come around very often & only we, the immigrant generation would feel thru our hearts. T

hank you for printing it. Doorood bar all of you.

Eliot Salehi

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* Origins of Persian fur

Making fun of hairy Iranians is a shameful activity ["Persian worrior"] ["Hairy Iranians not funny"]. Don't you understand? Don't you know how much money we spend on Nair, razors and cream, laser operations and other hair removal methods? Don't you know our history of hair? ...

I really don't know who my true Persian jaddo-aabaad were (like some 1,400 years ago) and how hairy they were. But I am fairly certain that somewhere along the line some sheikh inserted his genes into my lineage and thus gave me the beautiful 100% Persian fur coa >>> FULL TEXT

Asghar Pashmak

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Wednesday
December 20, 2000

* Soaal-e saadeh

Yek soaal-e besyaar saadeh az Nariman Neyshapouri: Aayaa ishaan midoonand keh saakenaan-e sarzamin-e Iran az bish az 30 ghom va nejaad-e motefaavet tashkil shodeh?Dar in soorat manzoor ishoon az "Iranian racial characteristics" chist? Besyaar jaaleb ast keh ishoon khodeshoon raa "racist" nemishenaasand!

Zartosht, az Italia

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* Best disinfectant: Free debate

I applaud Mr. Javid's courage and respect for free and open debates ["Drawing the line"]. The right to be heard only matters when it is granted to those with whom we disagree. Perhaps the most unpopular ideas deserve the most lattitude in being aired.

Race relations is an explosively tough issue. To tackle it , it takes a lot of intestinal fortitude. But not to address it is arrogant and in many ways oppressive. My experience is that the best disinfectant against bad ideas is to allow them to be debated -- freely.

Tony F. Soltani

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* A lot of hypocracy

I know you will ot print this but I just have to get it out of my chest. With all due respect for you, I think you are exercising some hypocrisy. As a person who admires you for a lot of good work to provide a forum for Iranian-Amricans I am compelled by my conscience to offer you some constructive criticism. I do my part even though you have often choosen not to print what I sent you because you personally don't agree with me >>> FULL TEXT

Ali A. Parsa, Ph. D.

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* Censorship, just like in Iran

Dear Nariman,

Your point of view of there being absolute censorship by the iranian.com is validated and true. I am usually one who accepts all different opinions and as a law student am most definitely used to two, three, or four sides of an issue. It really disturbs me that there are indeed people who call themselves "progressive liberals" yet who reject freedom of ideas and expressions WHEN THOSE IDEAS CONTRADICT THEIR VIEW POINTS. I know now that there is nothing redeeming in the iranian.com, and am saddened by this fact, because just like the censorship laws during the pre and post-revolutionary Iran, this gentelman has brought this archaic notion to something like this >>> FULL TEXT

Cyrus Raafat

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Tuesday
December 19, 2000

* THE most racist people

RACISM IS WRONG. Plain and simple. It's old news. We Iranians are THE most racist people on the planet. Please don't deny it ["Everyone has some prejudice"].

We even put each other down when we want to join families. As if the other family is below us. This has always been the case.

As a kid born and raised in Abadan until Saddam decided to bomb us, I hated Arabs, specially Iraqis. But when I went to Shiraz and witnessed what our own people are doing to the Abadani families that fled to Shiraz, I was shocked.

There is too much hatred among ourselves. I am not even Muslim, but if you are, go read the Koran, it says all humans are equal.

Bardia Bakhshandeh

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* Showing a new reality

In response to the judgments made about publishing a picture from Maryam and Daryl on Iranian.com ["Drawing the line"], and its follow up articles, I just wish to point out that we need to separate the two.

Publishing a picture of these two beautiful people, was an act of marvelous journalism. It was a silent way of shaking up people and making them see a new reality.

In my opinion, the follow up articles should not be seen as having anything to do with Maryam and Daryl. They reveal the prejudice of its authors and the problem of racism among some Iranians.

Having separated the two, I think the editor of Iranian.com has done the right thing to publish racist points of views as well as those opposing them. This type of open journalism is what attracts many people to iranian.com.

My only hope is that people are courageous enough to reveal their identities when they write a letter. A coward does not deserve to get publicity for his points of view.

Poopak Ta'ati

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* Get over it

It was sad to read your editorial ["And the winner is..."]. Clearly, it is a partisan view of the recent U.S. election. I do not want to discuss any partisan politics here.

Instead, I am writing this note to remind the writer about the fact that there is no absolute election. In fact, this issue has been studied extensively in statistics and many mathematicians have spent a lot of time developing algorithms to better understand the dynamics of elections.

Like any "noisy signal" the entire sample must be manipulated and not a very specific part of it. The Supreme Court ruling simply affirmed this mathematical fact.

So, get over it.

Omeed Alaverdi

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* Hairy Iranians not funny

You actually published this article by Siamack Baniameri ["Persian worrior"]? If this is supposed to funny, let me tell you it is not! If this is serious, well then there is much more to worry about than this article being published.

Not only does this article make fun of a great empire, but it puts down every hairy Iranian and Iranians in general. I could get into the specifics of the article to point them out, but I do not know where to start!

Please do one thing, DO NOT PUBLISH ARTICLES LIKE THIS. This article was not humorous, if that was the intent. And I hope it was not real!

Thanks for listening to a concerned reader, regarding the content of this page.

Saied Delagah

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Monday
December 18, 2000

* Example for all

You are a beautiful couple ["Maryam & Daryl"]. Let no one ever interfer in your lives and may you have a wonderful life together. If only more people were like you and open-minded about the unity of mankind, there would be a lot less violence in the world. May you be an example for all of us.

Congradulations.

Parisa Sarraf

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* Have we become spinelss?

"... haghighat dar zendaan enferaadi voojood nadaarad."

This is Akbar Ganji writing about the serial murders suspects held in solitary confinment. Did he know that he himself would be in solitary confinement when he wrote this? Is anybody reading his book ["His red-robed highness"]? How come no one ever comments? Are people scared to engage in political discourse? Have we lost all our political spine? >>> FULL TEXT

S Mashadi

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    * The chimp might not agree

I was highly amused by your satirical depiction juxtaposing George W. Bush and a chimpanzee. It was creative and quite funny, albeit the chimpanzee might not agree.

I'd also like to state my disappointment with Mr. Mehryar Tabib, based on his condemnation of the aforementioned satirical analogy. As an Iranian presently living abroad most of the time, I have utmost contempt for Mehryar Tabib. His disposition as henchman for a wicked foreign political figure (in this case George Bush) is appalling...

What ill will does George Bush (the son) have toward our nation? Well, we have at least four years to find out! >>> FULL TEXT

Farshad Zarrabian

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* I have an idea

My name is Nastaran. I am 13-years old. I was born in Iran. When I was eight, I went to Australia, and when I became 13, I came to Texas!

I really like your stories ["Sadaf Kiani"]. I wish I could write like you. Every week, my mom and I sit down and read a Farsi book or something interesting so that I wouldn't forget this wonderful language!

One day my mom told me, "I've got some really interesting things you can read on the Internet." Then I went and there were your articles. I really like them. I hardly ever go on the Internet just to read farsi things, but lately I have and right now, I registered for iranian.com.

Please write more because I have started to run out of things to read! I've got an idea: make your own site and every week add one or two new things.

Nastaran

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Friday,
December 15, 2000

* That's not racism, bro

... Now, any common sense, informal, non-scientific survey taken of Iranians on the subject of marriage to Blacks would reveal an overwhelming disapproval. There's no question about that -- it's not even something you can argue. You could do a completely randomized survey and you'd get the same results...

There's nothing wrong with wanting to preserve one's Iranian culture and Iranian racial characteristics in one's offspring. That is absolutely not racism. It is human nature and it is normal >>> FULL TEXT

Nariman Neyshapouri

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* Everyone has some prejudice

I have now been witnessing the arguements about this "controversial" picture ["Maryam & Daryl"] for the past I-don't-know-how-long and frankly, I am getting pretty tired of it...

... Everyone in this world has some prejudice towards something or someone. Some people are more bigoted than others. Yes, racism is alive and well, but all over the world. So let's just ignore these idiotic and ignorant folks that can't handle even a picture of a bi-racial couple, people, and move on.

Lastly I just want to say one thing that no one else has said, and that is CONGRATULATIONS! to the lovely newlyweds. I hope you have a wonderful life together and 'paayeh ham digar pir beshavid'. Keep your head up and good luck! >>> FULL TEXT

MM

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* Turn off your computer

I am writing in regards to Mr. Yamini's letter to the editor.

Mr. Yamini writes: "What will come next in your photo gallery? The picture of an Iranian gay homosexual couple OR the picture of an Iranian gay homosexual couple who have adopted a Black little girl OR "

YES! I hope The Iranian DOES continue to challenge our views by presenting the beliefs and lives of all Iranians. And if you are offended or disturbed, then turn off your computer!

Shokooh Miry

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* Bee adab

My initial reaction to your pictorial comparison between President-Elect Bush (or anyone else whom you may have treated thus) and the chimpanzee was one of a deep sense of outrage, and disgust, which very quickly melted into a heap of sadness (to the brink of tears).

I had to ask myself the question "What would cause an Iranian - assuming you are one - turn the back on all the morals, 'adab', discretion, integrity, temperance, and depth that is such an integral part of our culture, and give way to such defilements of the soul as you have partaken of?" >>> FULL TEXT

Mehryar Tabib

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Thursday
December 14, 2000

* Iran has seen worse throughout history

We Iranians have an ancient and rich history that is not going to fade away just because of an isolated case of an Iranian girl marrying a Black man ["Maryam & Daryl"]. Iran throughout its histories has been exposed to worse kinds of situations.

I think that the Iranian girl who has decided to marry an African-American has absolutely every right to do as she wishes but she cannot impose her choices on others. What will come next in your photo gallery? The picture of an Iranian gay homosexual couple OR the picture of an Iranian gay homosexual couple who have adopted a Black little girl OR ... How much more absurd can it become? >>> FULL TEXT

Mohammad Ali Yamini

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* Nothing special

Thank you for Shahriar Zahedi's "Daastaan-e anbeh"!!! Up to this moment, and through reading other people's cheering reactions to Sadaf Kiani's articles, I have been thinking is it only me who doesn't see anything special about them? Now I see it's not just me.

Faramarz Kaviani

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* Chashm

I was looking at the photo-cartoon titled "Seasons Greetings from Kheineken", where a hijab-wearing Iranian woman is displayed with a distorted male face and a beer bottle tucked under the garb.

It may appear funny to some, with it's computer graphic software-generated image using a photo of an actual person, what appears to be a Muslim woman in Islamic garb.

I personally find this "piece of art" to be very offensive and is a complete mockery of hijab-wearing Muslim women in Iran and elsewhere! Please do not post such insulting art work on your website in the near future.

Adnaan

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* Demeaning to monkeys

Regarding the comparison between George W. Bush and monkeys in the Anyway section: Very demeaning to monkeys.

Dana Jalali

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Wednesday
December 13, 2000

* Controversial opinions open eyes

I read your squabble with Termeh Rassi ["Drawing the line"]. I agree with you that controversial opinions open our eyes to the wrongs that sprout in our community. Whether or not they are signed is irrelevant. You reminded us by publishing the letter that indeed there are Iranian racists that are alive and thriving in cyber space. That reminder, however hurtful to the people, involved is rendering a service.

Now if someone did not ask the persons involved permission to publish their picture that is another problem ["Maryam and Daryl"] >>> FULL TEXT

Setareh Sabety

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* Unfairly burnt

I was very surprised to see the iranian.com print that letter from iraani ["Married a Black man?!!"]. Although I completely agree with both T.R. and J.J.'s points of view ["Drawing the line"], I do hope that the letter was first brought to the attention of Maryam and Daryl before it was published >>> FULL TEXT

Keyvan Kazemi

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* Blamed for holding a mirror

With enormous respect for Ms. Rassi, I think she has set a bad precedent by what is basically a manifesto condoning censorship ["Drawing the line"]. Why is Ms. Rassi punishing the messenger for the message? Iranian.com's editor is being blamed for holding up a mirror in front of the Iranian community and exposing its racism ["Married a Black man?!!"].

Ms. Rassi states that "It's often very difficult to straddle the line between freedom of expression and censorship - and in most cases we should err on the side of freedom of expression, but not in this case." Why not this case? >>> FULL TEXT

Ramin Tabib

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* Pedestrian ignorance

Just finished reading your back and forth with Termeh Rassi about someone commenting on an Iranian woman's marrying a black man ["Drawing the line"]. Then I reread the comment ["Married a Black man?!!"] and my first thought was: how disgusting. The dry and vile sentiment stopped me but for a moment. What shocked me is that somewhere within I could understand where all that hatred was coming from. I think we're all trapped in that understanding, men and women, all of us...

I don't feel sorry for Maryam and Daryl for being a subject to all this unwanted exposure. They knew what they were getting themselves into when they crossed the boundary. It is the warped, twisted and vicious that deserve my pity >>> FULL TEXT

Massud Alemi

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* Make something good out of it

I enjoyed your comments about racism among us ["Drawing the line"]. I have no doubt that we Iranians are racist, not only against Blacks, but also against Arabs, Afghans, Indians, Turks, Usbeks, and....

Why don't you use this opportunity to interview some Iranians about this issue and write about it? I know a family who disowned their daughter because she married to a Black man! I recently met a young Iranian who has no relation with his family in Los Angeles, because his girlfriend is a Black-Hispanic.

JJ might have made a misjudgment in publishing that picture ["Maryam and Daryl"], but let's turn the table and make something good come of it. Let me know, If I can be help.

Ali Sajjadi
Publisher
Par Magazine

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Tuesday
December 12, 2000

* Guess who's coming for dinner

In response to a letter by Mrs. Ynaky,"Bunch of Hypocrites". Back in the 60's there was a famous and controversial movie called "Guess who's coming to dinner?" In that movie a White girl from an upper class family falls in love and decides to marry a highly-educated Black surgeon from a hard working Black family.

Both the parents of the boy and the girl had concerns about their marriage. Their concern was not because the parents were racist but because the young couple had to face all the ignorance and hostility of the society they had to live in >>> FULL TEXT

Max R.

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* Homosexuality & Islam

I don't know where you get your concept with regard to Islam's position on homosexuality ["Adam & Eve, not Adam & Adam"].

Homosexuality is not mentioned in the Sharia as transcribed by Mohammed (there are many modified versions) and during the whole of period of the Khalifate Empire, when Arab Islamic culture was at its height, homosexuality was quite tolerated, and there is much great Arab literature describing love between men that is testament to this >>> FULL TEXT

Laith Al-Doory

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* Iran-Iraq similarity irritating

The fact that Iran's name is very similar to that of Iraq is really irritating to me. As long as you live in Iran you may not have any problem with it but once you go abroad you will find out that we Iranians are considered Arab just like Iraqis...

I think it is high time Iran changed her name to Persia and let the world know that Persia is not a name of a country in myths. It is a second name for Iran and we Iranians are not Arabs and do not speak Arabic. This is a matter of natinal identity and it should be given due consideration >>> FULL TEXT

Siyamak T.

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Monday
December 11, 2000

* Wish it was a different topic

Sadaf Kiani's response to Shahriar Zahedi's "Daastaan-e anbeh" >>> FULL TEXT

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    * Read Freud

    I read some of this gentleman's other writings ["Daastaan-e anbeh"], and, they are all concerned with similar issues. I wish he would read some of Freud's work. He might find the answers to his problems in the pages that deal with sexual pleasures caused by bowel movements.

    Emad

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* He's a fan

"Daastaan-e anbeh" was so funny. I first thought Sadaf Kiani wrote it herself! I also read Sadaf's reaction. She's right: he must have read many of her works! He's so affected by her style! I think he is a fan of her works too.

Sepideh Banihashemi

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* Made me very happy

I am a guy from Iran who lives in Sweden and I do not have much contact with other Iranians because I live in a small community and I am the only one from Iran here.

The other day when I was online I saw your article ["Khob... digeh chetori?"] and it made me very happy. It is great to be able to read your articles in Farsi.

Mohsen Karrabi
Sweden

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* Enjoyed it, but...

I enjoyed your poem but what did A to Z have to do with your poem? I may be illiterate about modern poetry and I need to be educated. Remember that we are all ignorant except along different lines. Apparently you don't like traditional Persian poetry like the one I sent you. That is my guess unless you tell me otherwise.

Ali Parsa

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Friday,
December 8, 2000

* African man yes. Iranian, no

In response to Iraani's letter about an interracial marriage ["Married a Black man?!!"], what do you care who she married? Do you know her [Maryam and Daryl]? Do you know him? What gives you the right to judge?

And lets not forget that in southern Iran we have people with dark complexions too.

I am a developement-worker and my job has taken me all over the world. Most recently I have been working in Africa, not in Egypt or Marocco where the people look like us, but in Kenya , Ghana and South Africa. As a woman in this day and age, I would rather invite an African man in my life than an Iranian any day.

Sahar Nahrvar
Amsterdam, The Netherlands

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* Compromised values

A few days ago, seven Tehran men convicted of committing a series of drunken thefts and brawls were returned to the scene of their crimes and forced to ride backwards on donkeys in public.

Maybe I'm wrong but I feel we've compromised our values: our Persian sense of honour once practiced by our ancestors and what is considered universal beliefs >>> FULL TEXT

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* Beautiful words

I read "Harir-e-aabi". Mnay thanks for the new work. Your style of reporting your daily life through such beautiful words is visible through all your works (as far as a spiritless engineer like me could understand!!).

I wish you a very happy birthday and loads of years to come and I hope you never get to the point where you have to count the black threads of you hair:))

Arian

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* I've wondered about it too

As my family has gradually moved to the Bay Area from Chicago over the years, I have taken the westward drive on I-80 from the south suburbs of Chicago to Sacramento three times.

I noticed both of these landmarks (Persia, Iowa, and Elburz, Nevada) on two of the trips and had the same reaction, especially to the one in Iowa >>> FULL TEXT

Raman Yousefi

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Thursday
December 7, 2000

* Depths of man's depravity

After reading Edna Yaghi's well-written piece ["Crossfire"], and viewing the gallery of pictures of the Palestinian protest, what heaviness came upon my soul! How hopeless a situation!

Hopeless for as long as people refuse to acknowledge that this destruction is like a vile fountain that springs up from the hearts of ALL the participants. How blind are those supporters of the intifada who are not sickened at the sight of the beautiful, sacred body of that little boy being paraded around to ensure that the flames of hatred keep burning brightly. The curse of the Living God is upon all such, you may be certain. Yaghi's piece ended, " . . his death has become a symbol of freedom . " ASHGHAL! The death of that sweet child is a symbol of the depths of man's depravity, and the loudest wailing call to repentance - nothing more.

Paul MacKinnon

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* Zeebaa va lateef

Sobh-e emroozam raa baa to separi kardam ["Sadaf Kiani"]. va baa to sobham cheh zood ghozasht va cheh khoshaayand bood. baa to aash khordam, taraahy kardam, rooy-e barg-haaye paaeezi paa gozaashtam. baa to beh gol khandeedam. beh yaad-e iraan gereestam. zeebaa meeneveesi. Sadaf jaan, lateef meeneveesi. neveshtanat raa doost daaram. baaz ham benevees. . . doost daarat

SB

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* Savab daard

Regarding The Iranian Times subscription: maa dar iraanim. daraamad ham beh dolaar nemigirim keh bekaahim in ghadar hagh-e eshteraak bedahim. maa faghat do daneshjooye badbakhtim. toro khodaa komak konid.. agar khaastid yek Mstercard baa mojoody $2,000,000 baraaye maa beferestid, savaab daarad. makhsoosan dar in maah mobarak.

Ahang

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* Baaghaalaa broke my wife's tooth

Last week I bought yellow lima beans (baaghaalaa for dam pokhtak) and I used part of it and today I used rest but unfortunately we found three stones inside of our food which broke one of my wife's tooth.

I bought this yellow lima beans from Supper Irving in the city of Irvine (California). I am very disappointed that there is no respect for customers.

I would like to know what kind of response I will get until further action.

Fred Golpa

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Wednesday
December 6, 2000

* Bunch of hypocrites

Thank God we have people like Mr/Mrs Iranni ["Married a Black man?!!"] who still care!

All these people who wrote letters against her, are a bunch of hyporcrates! But then again that's the nature of liberal phonies. If their son, daughter, mother, father, or reletive dates a Black person or, much worse, decided to marry one, they would go nuts!

It is amazing how low some Iranians have sunk in the past twenty years. You have all my support Irani. I wish we had more people like you.

Mrs Ynaky

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* Mixed bunch

Good point ["Unbelievable stupidity"]! Actually if I had seen the picutre out of this context [Maryam and Daryl], I would have thought that they were both African-American (It wouldn't have made a difference to me otherwise, but it shows the stupifity of the writer).

I think people forget that there is no such thing as "Iranian kind". A relatively recent sense of nationality and common history and language doesn't make a race. Iranians, come to think of it, are quite a mixed bunch and I think it is high time that they acknowledge their African and Indian connections along with the much-balyhooed Aryan roots.

Asghar Massombagi

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* Shooting from the hip

In response to the letter "Adam & Eve, not Adam & Adam", nobody is trying to infringe upon your "religious freedom." Nor are same-sex unions about the choice to be gay. You either are gay or you're not. That takes acceptance, not choice. Making a choice to be open about our sexual orientation is a separate, social and cultural matter.

But, same-sex unions are about gay people's freedom to enjoy the same economic and legal rights and benefits that are constitutionally given to every individual in this country >>> FULL TEXT

HH

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* Letter that was never sent

I don't know if this is going to have a place in iranian.com, but it has some meanings for me every time I look at it. It's a letter that was never sent to my parents >>> FULL TEXT

Shaya Golbabaei

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Tuesday
December 5, 2000

* Crazy chauvinist weirdo

Thank you so much for giving this crazy chauvinist weirdo a lesson ["Grow up, for God's sake"]. All this guy needs is attention and unfortunately he's getting it by posting such disgusting articles on this web site ["Real Iranian girls?"]. (I have no idea where the heck this freak comes from, but I'm sure he's from a very screwed up family).

I totally agree with every word you said in your article. Just like you I moved to States when I was 10 and I have not gone back for past 20 years. But my family and friends did and they all agreed on one thing that under the umbrella of Islam prostitution is very, very common and perfectly accepted and legal.

Mojgan

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* How does she know?

I think it is sad that some people consider their views representative of all women. The comments ["Grow up, for God's sake"] made by Mojdeh about her impressions of all girls in Iran are so prejudicial and disqusting!

She is doing exactly what she accused men of, and degrading herself at the same time. She needs to go to psychological counselling or something, I mean what girl really likes "anal sex"? And how does she know?

Aannuu Chaudry

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* Nothing before Googoosh

I just wanted to tell you the reason why Googoosh, our queen of hearts, is not talking about Ghanbari ["We forget"] and the like: because it's simply not worth it.

I am old enough to remember that people like Ghanbari gained all they have -- fame and experience -- just by working with Googoosh. Before her, they were nothing.

Now as we say in Farsi, they have the salt and break its container. That's why they have nothing in their life.

Ebrahim Majidi

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* Knack for writing

I liked your piece on Persia, Iowa. You have a definite knack for writing, and a sense of humanity, and humor. I don't know what line of work you are in. But I think you should try journalism.

I look forward to reading your column in some newspaper. I have no doubt you'll make it.

Dna G. McIntyre

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* Adam & Eve, Not Adam & Adam

Homosexuals have a choice to be gay or not. Aids is a virus that originated from homosexuals, we have the freedom as Americans to choose to be gay or not, but it is takeing away others freedom.

In religion, we have the freedom to believe what we want to believe in, but when we vote for gays to be allowed to marry legally, that is taking away our religions freedom, by us having to follow the laws of the land and marry the homosexuals, which is going against our religious freedom.

As you read in the Bible, God created Adam and Eve to marry. If he intended us to marry the same sex, he would have made two people of the same sex.

One day everyone will be judged for their actions and be held accountable for them. I hope everyone will be ready to stand before God, when that time comes.

Cusex

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Monday
December 4, 2000

* Ganji's crimes against humanity

I have read Mr. Ganji's so called "revelations" before, and I believe that especially the chapter about the "Resurrection of Evin Prison" is worth especial attention, since more than anything else, it is a tell-tale window to the type of "truth" and "freedom" that the 2nd of Khordad gang are claiming to defend >>> FULL TEXT

Hooshang
Chicago

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    * Treating Kar like a criminal

    As a friend of Mehrangiz Kar I would like to inform you that, apart from awaiting the verdict in the Berlin Conference trial by the revolutionary court, and waiting to be summoned by the public court for another three charges, she is in poor health and very vulnerable ["Second class"].

    It is incredible how fellow-Iranians can make a kind and brave woman like Ms. Kar suffer so much and treat her like a criminal. She lost her health, her career and her money (enormous bail).

    Lucy Bynen

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* Have you an ounce of "sharm"?

You letter ["Married a Black man?!!"] to the iranian.com about Maryam Ovissi and Daryl Pendleton caused my do-rageh blood to boil [Maryam and Daryl].

You disgrace yourself by claiming to speak for anyone but your own racist self. I for one, have known the incredible courage and sensitivity it takes to engage in an inter-racial relationship >>> FULL TEXT

Persis Karim

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Friday,
December 1, 2000

* Love in front of prejudice

In response to Iraani, I can't help but find it interesting that a person living in America, a country that is a melting pot of ALL cultures, would be insulted at a person who has put LOVE in front of PREJUDICE [Maryam and Daryl].

With divorce at an all time high, I am very happy to know that two people are willing to commit to something as sacred as marriage!!! Regardless of RACE, COLOR or CREED.

Daryl Pendelton

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* Half/half kids

Qtipp wrote "Another spoiled, rich, half/half kid who takes pride in the fact that she has 'Indo-European' blood in her who will marry some rich, fat doctor."

There's a projection that's no less ridiculous than the original letter. You might want to think about the fact that half/half kids have had a first-hand look at the challenges involved in a mixed-race marriage and have suffered prejudice from both sides, not just one.

Zara Houshmand

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* My birthday is coming up

In response to Sadaf Kiani's piece about her birthday ["Harir-r Aabi"], she forgot to mention what kind of food she ordered for her birthday. I am also very curious to know if anyone brought her a cake and if she liked it.

My birthday is coming up in about six months and I will definitely inform everyone of my feelings.

Hamid Ageorlo
Toronto

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