Friday,
June 30, 2000
* Joan of Arc?
Googoosh is not just a singer/actress, she is an idea/way/thought. We
see ourselves in her. She is a bridge to the good days, good times meaningful
cries, kindness.
GOD bless you Googoosh since you cann't be a regular person and - the
biggest power chose you to be the "Joan of Arc" of Iranians and
all others who seek peace and love.
We know you have a mission and we know you're powerful enough to carry
it home. Your reappearance will be the start of the biggest event for Iran
in a century -- without lies and politic games but rather with the message
of love and understanding. Thank you for being Googoosh.
Emil E.
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* Hit dog will always bark
Unfortunately, blind-ignorance and emotionalism seem to go hand-in-hand
(globally) and even in our 'modern' world today, we still 'kill the messenger'
for what we don't want to face. When terminal medical diagnosis is given
to a patient, the patient 'turns' on the doctor or when a teacher reports
a child's poor academic performance, we state the teacher is the reason.
Consider yourself in good company regarding the unfortunate negative
remarks you received regarding your article ["Let's
face it"]. I can understand constructive criticism or an intelligent,
rational and well worded objection to your point of view; but, to threaten
someone for their perspective is evidence of their inability to effectively
communicate at the least >>>
FULL TEXT
Patricia Jones
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* Not freethinkers
I read Mr. Gholi's letter accusing me and I wanted
to congratulate you on your free press. I also would like to let you know
how unfortunate I think it is for our people to be so distant from freethinking.
I am accused of being a member of a political group, although I have
never believed that any political group, past or present, has had good
intentions toward our people and our country, inside or outside Iran.
I hope there comes a time when our people respect differences in ideology,
religion, and race without accusations and killing one another and elect
their representatives in a peaceful manner.
My only hope is that these accusations would stop and we choose a peaceful
and intellectual path to debate ideas -- a path closer to love rather than
any kind of censorship and taking of human lives.
Sheema Kalbasi
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Thursday
June 29, 2000
* Essense of agony
While I enjoy reading most of Mr. Hosseini's articles, I was especially
touched by his shortest piece, "The
truth sets you free." It encapsulates the essence of the "agony"
that pervades the lives of so many of us in diaspora, and perhaps most
importantly, hints at the hope of coming to terms with our recent past,
and the harrowing prejudice we have been subject to, while still celebrating
our rich idenitites >>>
FULL TEXT
Bijan Pingili
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* Stupid
I cannot stop laughing at Mr. Cyrus Raafat's stupid comments
on Afghan refugees in Iran.
First of all, dear sir, what gives you the right to speak for the entire
people of Iran, giving views on a matter you barely know about, since I
presume you have never lived in Iran?
I think you are just trying to imitate these narrow-minded Westerners
who have found it funny to blame their own problems on poor immigrants,
who for their large majority, contribute to the growth and to the prosperity
of their country, without asking much in return.
And please refrain from stupid comments like "I would give 35 cents
to every Afghan male to go back to his country". Who gives you the
right to say that? I challenge you to go and live there in their conditions.
Let's see who's the strongest.
Sorry man, but you are a shame.
Mani Shahrokni
PS: if you think it is so easy to remove the Taliban from power, why
don't you go and try with the Islamic Republic?
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* Mollas & worse
This is in response to Sheema Kalbasi's "Buried
ashes". First I have to say that unfortunately I have worked with
the creators of 30th of Khordad (Mojahedin Khalq). You sound like you are
one of them.
The history of "anything but the Shah" is not going to be
repeated. People of Iran are much smarter and have the experience of over-night
revolutions. Iranians know that they do not want the mollas, but they also
know that they do not want another version, if not worse, of mollas.
Why don't we just let the people decide their own fate? I and all the
Iranians I know are sick and tired of Rajavi and the Mojahedin and their
slogans like "Iran Rajavi, Rajavi Iran". They still do not get
the Iranian people's message: NO MORE DICTATORSHIP. NO MORE SHAH, KHOMEINI,
COMMUNISTS, RAJAVI, ...
B. Gholi
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Wednesday
June 28, 2000
* Intolerant
I agree with you all the way on the 13 accused [Jews] in Shiraz ["Let's
face it"]. But I want to add that as a nation we Iranians, in
my opinion, are rather closed-minded. We are nowhere as tolerant toward
minorities (non-Muslims, non-Iranians etc. ) as say, the Americans. And
that really annoys me. Actually there are many other aspects of the Iranian
culture that really bugs me but I won't go into it.
Babak
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* Respected film producer
Ali
Abbasi, featured in the Nostalgia section, was one of the most respected
Iranian film producers who started his career in the mid 60's with some
light comedies with Sepehrnia, Motovasellani, and Garsha who were very
famous as a comedy group and continued until shortly before the revolution.
Here are some of the better films Abbasi produced:
- Panjereh (1969), directed by the late Jalal Moghadam with Behrouz
Vossoughi, Gougoush, Nouri Kasrai.
- Faraar az Taleh (1971), also directed by Moghadam with Behrouz Vossoughi,
Nilufar, Davoud Rashidi.
- Tangnaa (1972), directed by Amir Naderi with Saeed Rad, Nouri Kasrai.
- Tangsir (1972), directed by Amir Naderi with Behrouz Vossoughi, Nouri
Kasrai.
His office, Saazmaan-e Cinaamayi-ye Payaam was a meeting point for good
actors and directors.
Mahmoud
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* Not been ignored
I truly appreciate your daily news update. I have always benefited from
the insight, articles and even the way you inspire your readers. I am in
and out of the country and therefore, not able to enjoy your vivid diligence
for a fine work on a day to day basis. I am writing this only to mention
that you have not been ignored and I value your continuos work to keep
the Iranians informed!
Mosen Vakili
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Tuesday
June 27, 2000
* Don't click here
In response to Iram Fatima Vakil's letter ["Flabbergasted"],
please remember that morality is highly personal. If you are offended by
such web site links, then exercise your right to not click on them. Totalitarianism
begins with insignificant complaints such as yours.
While you waste time complaining about racy photos offending Iranian
sensibilities, Iranians by the millions are fighting to survive against
tyranny and torture. Please, please, please find something more meaningful
to do with your time!
As for the The Iranian's use of banner ads and links, I just
hope they are revenue-generating so that we continue to benefit from this
site and service!
Shokooh Miry
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* We all need reassurances
Thank you, Najmeh, for all the great articles you write for The Iranian.
In particular, "Tehran's
good side" proved so refreshing, especially after having read
a recent article ["Buried
ashes"].
You (and Abraham Lincoln) are right, plus, sadly enough, some Iranians
abroad seem to get stuck in a "state of denial" no matter how
much Iran improves.
They don't see anything positive about Iran, in apparently an unconscious
attempt to convince themselves over and over that choosing to live outside
Iran has been the right thing to do. We all need reassurances sometimes.
AT
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* Origin of Iryan
In reply to the question
about the origin of the name Iryan, I believe it is derived from the name
Ir or Iri, which as I recall is the name of a tribe or a branch of Aryans
that arrived in the plateau that now bears the name of Iran.
I have no source for this other than a faint recollection from a seventh
grade geography class in Tehran in the early 1960's. I believe some of
the seventh, eighth and nineth grade Iranian geogrpaphy books of the epoch
may provide a better answer.
Guive Mirfendereski
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Monday
June 26, 2000
* What about non-Jews?
I have no comment about the content; however, a few technical points
on "Let's
face it": At one point you say: Their religion or even political
belief should matter very little. I don't understand. It should matter
little to who?
You say the Shiraz 13 are on trial because they are Jews, period. Do
you realize that you are (correctly) questioning the 2nd Khordad front?
I have no serious problem with your article since it serves the purpose
of human rights. However, it would have been much better if there was more
emphasis on the execution of non-Jews since Jews have already received
a lot of attention by everybody, especially powerful Western media who
usually shamelessly ignore others.
Ramin
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* Blame Moscow and Washington
Don't blame Iran or Iranians for the problem of Afghans ["Not welcome"].
It's the Soviet Union/Russia and the United States who created these miserable
conditions for the Afghans. They should pay for taking care of these refugees
not Iran. They should give shelter to these refugees not Iran.
Iran has done much much more than its share by taking care of the consequences
of the filthy policies of these superpowers. It's amazing how shallow your
article is in this regard and outright shameful how some so called Iranians
have reacted by questioning the Iranian people's hospitality.
A.K. Daftari
Seattle, Washington
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* Flabbergasted
I just visited your site and was flabbergasted to see "The Position" suggested in the Beyond
Iran Web section. Its content is downright outrageous.
If you call yourself an Iranian magazine then you should be well aware
that Iran is a Muslim country with a majority Shi'ite population. How can
you publicize such immoral things on your site?
Iram Fatima Vakil
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Friday,
June 23, 2000
* I supported Shah's return
I am not Shaban Bimokh. But I participated in the uprising to bring
the Shah back. And I did not care who paid for it or who did it. But I
was one of the crowd. Do you want to know why?
On one of the last days of the Mossadegh government, in Koocheh Berlin
off Lalehzar Avenue in Tehran, the Islamic hooligans threw acid on the
face of my eight-year-old niece and my sister, ruining their faces for
the rest of their lives. My sister could not bear her predicament; she
committed suicide. Do you or Mr. Rafat understand the pain in our family?
>>>
FULL TEXT
H.H.
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* Small-mindedness
Nemattullah's
letter brought tears to my eyes. He is not quite right in his assertion
that we treat Afghans like Americans treat Iranians. We treat them worse.
Our historical hatred of Afghans is only second to that of the Arabs.
With a thousand and one bonds that exist between our two nations, our hatred
can only testify to our small-mindedness. A big nation strives to swallow
others and make them its own, no matter what the creed, color, religion
or even language may be.
It is the worry of puny nations that always seek purity and isolation
and cannot lend a helping hand even to neighbors in need lest they lose
everything >>>
FULL TEXT
Massud
Alemi
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* Better observer than grown-ups
I truly admire the ability and style of Ms. Fakhraie. I don't think
her articles belong to the children's section. In fact
her ability to critically and elegantly express her observations of the
social and personal issues is outstanding, and certainly much better than
those of many grown ups ["Tehran's
good side"].
I think her articles deserves to be where they appear now. At the same
time, I don't think her observations about the goods and bads of the current
Iranian society is biased, or unrealistic. Perhaps, you have not been in
Tehran recently.
Merhdad Valibeigi
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* Az Seyed Ali natarseh
LOL, Kofi bayad bereaghseh, az Seyd Ali [Khamenei] natarseh :-) ["Kofi Annan
busts the move"]
Khosh Teep
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Thursday
June 22, 2000
* One-sided view of Afghans
I read some letters
from Iranians about Afghan refugees who lived in Iran. First of all
I must say that I am an Afghan and I am 22 and I have lived in Iran for
more than 10 years. I finished high school in Iran and I know a lot about
Iran.
But I feel sorry when I see someone saying that Afghans must leave Iran
because they are a problem for Iran. They say Iranians are hospitable but
if you ask an Afghan who has spent a few days in Iran he would give you
a negative answer.Why?>>>
FULL TEXT
Nematullah Mohammady
Maidstone, England
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* Fussy
You didn't send a special email about the feminist
Iranian women who were freed on bail, but made such a fuss about Googoosh
["Khosh
oomadi"]. Oh well...
ZM
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* Age has nothing to do with it
I have taken offense to the categorization of Googoosh as a middle-age
woman past her prime who should just stay out of the limelight to save
herself the embarrassment of looking foolish ["Khosh
oomadi"]. Stay home and watch Britney Spears's belly button on
MTV then.
I happen to think middle-age women are much more attractive, beautiful,
and capable than any women in their twenties. They are confident of who
they are, and boy is that intimidating to the men who want to control them.
PLEASE! >>>
FULL TEXT
Anahita
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* Let's produce better programs
I am a radio & TV guy myself but
I totally understand and clearly can see the frustration of Sadaf while
listening to the radio or watching TV in the U.S ["Yekshanbeh-ye
Irooni".
Those who cannot fulfill their financial obligations through commercials
and/or sponsors, should NOT put the burden on folks who just want to listen
or watch for a few hours. Let's produce better programs and people will
help automatically.
Mohammad Ali
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* Loaded with feelings
I just wanted to tell you that I found your black & white pictures
of that "sandoogh-e nooshaabe" (although it seems to be a "tasht"!)
simply fantastic ["Taabestoon"].
I don't know how to put it, but it was so loaded with feelings and memories.
The picture says it all. thank you for making my day. :-)
AT
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Wednesday
June 21, 2000
* Childish
May I suggest that you create a "children's section" and post
Ms. Najmeh Fakhraie's articles there. You must be very desparate for articles,
if you are letting them appear on your front page. I am mostly referring
to "Tehran's
good side" which lacks good taste and judgement.
I lived in Tehran for 27 years and it has never reminded me of drug
addicts, homeless children and rude people. What exactly is Ms. Fakhraie
comparing Tehran to? Could it be the United States in 1855?!
T.
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* Deport ALL Iranians too?
Comments by some of the readers about the necessity
of deporting Afghan refugees are very disturbing, to say the least. While
millions of Iranians have taken refuge in countries all around the world,
for exactly the same reasons as the Afghans who have been seeking refuge
in Iran, these readers demand the deportation of Afghans who are apparently
all "violent criminals."
There is not much crime, at least according to Western standards, where
I live. With the influx of Iranian refugees in the U.S. during the past
decade, I have had the opportunity to read about their involvement in criminal
activities, from petty drug dealing, to major drug trafficking, to heinous
murders.
I guess this gives the native people of America the right to demand
the repatriation of ALL Iranians who "are responsible for the eventual
political turmoil within" Iran "by neglecting to remove the backward
and savage Taliban." Well, our version of Taliban, that is.
I suggest these writers read a little bit about the history of Iran
to learn a thing or two about "Persian hospitality." ["Not welcome"]
Mohsen Kashani
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* Por kardan-e jib
Googoosh aamad nah baraaye khaandan balkeh baraaye por kardan-e jib-e
khod va Kambiz. joonesh. Googoosh 20 saal nakhaandeh ast. 20 saal peesh
cheh meekhaand, haalaa cheh bekhaanad? Shaah Maahi-e Iran noon-e qiyaafash
raa meekhorad va ella naneh-ye bandeh behtar az Googoosh meekhaanad. man
ki bilmiram!
Ahmad Osgouee
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* Best news ever
Thank you very much for this news about Googoosh ["Khosh
oomadi"]. I live in Tehran and I told this to about 100 people
and forwarded your news to 48 friends. Everyone said it was the best news
they have ever heard! Thank you very much much again.
Mohammadreza Akbarbaygi
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Tuesday
June 20, 2000
* Wanted in Australia: Googoosh
Earlier this week we heard the news of Googoosh's departure from Iran
and her upcoming Amercian, Canadian and European concerts ["Khosh oomadi"].
Although delighted and ecstatic about the news, I among hundreds of
thousands of other Iranians living in Australia felt outraged and most
disappointed to find out that Googoosh's tour did not include a visit to
Australia.
While we understand that The Iranian Times is not responsible
for organizing Googoosh's tour, we felt the need to speak out and express
our anger and disappointment for being excluded from sharing this experience
with the rest of the Iranian community worldwide.
We sincerely do hope that the organizers of Googoosh's world tour would
at least try and consider including Australia to their list of visiting
countries.
A.K.
Iranian Community - Australia
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* Royalties?
I recently bought a video of Googoosh. I own all her CDs. Do these major
CD and video distribution companies pay her any royalties? Every month
hundreds and hundreds of Googoosh's CDs and videos are sold. Are they paying
her anything?
We claim we love her. But are we honoring her? It is not fair if Pars
Video, Caltex and all other distributors are making money off of her life's
work.
Niloo Soleimani
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* We did not chose the Shah
I would like to thank F.
Rafat for responding to Farah Pahlavi's letter, "Shah's
Return in 1953". There are some good points. I will add some more.
The facts are that we Iranians did not choose our leader (Shah). He
was given to us by the British and then the U.S.. He came back in 1953
by the WILL of the U.S. and for the price of $60,000 and NOT the will of
the majority of the people, unless you call Shaaban Bimokh and his gang
of hoodlums the majority of the people!>>>
FULL TEXT
A.Forati
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* Afghans threaten national security
Bravo, very well said ["Higher
priority for Iranian interests"]! Your expressed opinions were
exactly my same sentiments too!
Although I was hopeing you could have mentioned that these Afghans are
not only a threat to Iran's national security and economic vibrancy, but
they -- all the Afghan people -- are responsible for the eventual political
turmoil within Afghanistan by neglecting to remove the backward and savage
Taliban.
Taliban is not the land of Afghans anymore but Talibanistan! Imagine
if the the 1/3 the Iranian population left Iran after the Iraqi invaded
in 1981!? I'll donate .35 cents for the expulsion of every able-bodied
Afghan male to the border ["Not
welcome"]. Let's see if then they can build a home there!
Cyrus Raafat
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Monday
June 19, 2000
* Can't a Jew ever be a spy?
In your article ["Let's
face it"] you have only mentioned the Jews and forgotten that
there are eight Moslems in custody for the same alleged spying.
You seem to forget that three Moslems were executed for the same crime
in the past. It is very strange no voices were raised for that anywhere.
For those who know the real picture of international politics and the
Jewish-controlled media, your story does not cut any ice, though it is
very effective with an average Western hilly billy.
The sort of irresponsible, sensationalist media hype coverage like yours
hurts the national interests of Iran and adds to the suffering of average
innocent Iranians who have nothing to do with the government of Iran.
Simple questions: Can't a Jew ever be a spy? Should Jews be untouchable?
Are Zionists superior in the way they hammer messages in our heads every
day? Shouldn't the in each country be respected?
These are the issues you should answer to your conscience and forget
the hype.
H. Rismani
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* Only one?
Am I the only one who thinks Googoosh ["Khosh
oomadi"] is not only tacky but in all likelihood personally responsible
for the egregious consumption of eyeliner/mascara by otherwise sane and
lovely Iranian women?
Sarvenaz Sheybany
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* Vel kon digeh!
Baabaa shomaa ham koshti maa ro baa in Googoosh baazi ["Khosh oomadi"].
vell kon digeh!
Saeed D.
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Friday,
June 16, 2000
* Nice way to start a war
Letter to CBS television's "60 Minutes":
I watched your show on the supposed "Iranian Defector", and
became very incensed - even furious at the thought of Iran having been
responsible for the PanAm bombing ["Iran
Defector Talks To 60 Minutes"]. Frankly, I thought it appropriate
- even at this late date - for the US to take strong military measures
against Iran consequent to the "proof" which you offered.
Lo and behold! It turns out that your supposedly unimpeachable source
is a fraud and that the story you presented was - in all significant respects
- false ["Iranian
Defector Called an Impostor "].
Nice way to start a war.
As for similar stories on your network and on others (e.g. "The
Insider", Peter Arnett's several falsifications, etc.) it will be
interesting in the coming weeks and months to see how your managers "spin"
this one. My guess is that we'll just have to keep an eye on the "Columbia
Journalism Review".
Y'all have a nice day out there in infotainment land, and do check out
your sources - and your source checkers - a bit more carefully.
Now let's just hear this one read out this coming Sunday.
Not likely.
Bill Phillipson
Woodway, Texas
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* "Iran Pride" vs. Nike?
As a professional graphic designer and someone who has had more than
a few battles over copyrights and ownership of images, allow me be the
first one to warn Iranians for International Cooperation (IIC) and their
visual communication designer, Siamack Sahafi, that their new "Iran Pride" logo WILL most
likely draw the attention of Nike.
Adding a green dot on top of Nike's established red "swoosh"
is hardly creative enough to be considered an independant work of art and
it may result in a lenghty (not to mention expensive) legal case. A case
IIC they may easily lose.
Since the intentions are commandable, I strongly recommend they re-do
the logo before the large multi-national with hundreds of lawyers on staff
picks it up. Perhaps some of the legal minds who read The Iranian Times
could also offer some guidance.
"eyeranian"
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* Misguided generation
I'm not Iranian, but I know and believe that what Aytollah Khomeini
did was not something any ordinary person like our own selves can do. He
gave Iran its freedom and showed them the light. He made Iran so powerful
that today it is one of the only countries that actually survives without
support from the superpowers, and only looks up to the Almighty for help.
And today two decades after the revolution, the new generation is a
little misguided ["Three
years later"]. They says they want freedom, but don't they realize
that they got thier freedom 20 years ago, when thousands of Iranians gave
their lives? And now they have to maintain this freedom and not let the
enemy misguide them with petty things.
The younger generation has to understand that all the sacrifices that
were made were for a purpose and that the war is still not over; the war
is still on today and to make sure that all the people who were shaheed
their blood does not go to waste. It is important that this new generation
keeps the spirit of the revolution alive.
Iram Fatima Vakil
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* What the hell?
What the hell is the point ["Sisters"]?
Don't waste my time.
Hamid Atabakksh
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Thursday
June 15, 2000
* Immediate public apology
Letter to CBS television's "60 Minutes" producer:
Dear Mr. Hewitt,
I am writing this letter to protest the biased and inaccurate reporting
concerning of an individual (an alleged Iranian spy) who was interviewed
on a recent "60 Minutes" program without a background check ["Iran
Defector Talks To 60 Minutes"]. Professional journalists like
you are supposed to maintain integrity in their jobs and be independent
and responsible. Accuracy in reporting is a critical element in responsible
reporting.
CIA and FBI officials investigated that alleged Iranian spy ["Iranian
Defector Called an Impostor "]... As an Iranian, I request an
immediate public apology >>>
FULL TEXT
Mohammad Ala, Ph.D.
Professor of Management
Director of Productivity Center
California State University, Los Angeles
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* Interesting Iranian names
I just read your article on Iranian names ["Delband
o Delavar"]!! Very interesting. You may like to know that I have
two boys names Delavar and Sardar - Delavar is now 8 and Sardar is 7 and
when Delavar was born I wanted to give him an Iranian Farsi name and my
father chose that name and also for my second son. I have not seen or heard
their names anywhere. Everyone always comments on their names.
Mariam Nahavandi
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Wednesday
June 14, 2000
* Don't forget Azar-Yazdi
I read the story "The
donkey's gone!" I also checked the book on the Amazon website.
I believe the story is a word by word translation from one of the stories
in a book written by Mehdi Azar-Yazdi. Mr. Azar-Yazdi wrote a series of
books titled "Gheseh-haaye khoob baraaye bacheh-haaye khoob"
(Good Stories for Good Children).
As far as I know, he wrote seven such books, each of which is adapted
from a classical book in Persian literature and re-written for children
in an easy- to-understand prose in Persian. Two or three of the books in
the series won UNESCO prizes, and in my opinion, each of them is a masterpiece
of children's literature.
It is curious that Mr. Azar-Yazdi's name is not at all mentioned on
the cover of the book you have on your website. I believe that Mr. Muhammad
Nur Abuds Salam is committing a fraud by claiming that he has translated
and adopted the stories from Persian.
Nima Aryan
Editor: The introduction to the book does mention that they are based
on Mehdi Azar-Yazdi's adaptation. The excerpt has been amended to include
this fact.
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* Why, for God's sake?
In your latest issue you have a feature about "women" titled
"Sisters".
What for God's sake are you going to say by showing two women in their
pajamas! I impatiently followed the links to read the main article! But
surprisingly I saw the phrase "Page one" at the bottom of the
last picture.
I think readers of The Iranian expect you, as a well-recognized
Iranian online magazine, to publish articles or pictures that make some
sense, not a private photo album of two sisters before breakfast! The fact
that the pictures were taken by the publisher makes the issue especially
more annoying.
Maryam
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Tuesday
June 13, 2000
* Wonderful way to start a day
As I eat a bit of breakfast and look over the latest news in my daily
issue of The Iranian Times, you won't be surprised to know that
I'm often saddened and disappointed by the latest turn of events as the
forces of democracy and change face yet another obstacle.
Sometimes the setbacks are so great that I ask myself why I care about
what goes on there anyway, since reading it sometimes makes me angry and
ruins a perfectly fine morning.
But then I read the Rumi ghazals and the magnificent translations
by Ms. Houshmand and it's like sunshine warming my body and lifting
my soul.
I can't help but smile at the beauty of the poems, especially as I read
the translation to help me with a word or two that I didn't get and then
re-read the Persian original. It's really a wonderful way to start a day.
Reza Shadmehr
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* You're free, but not funny
Making fun should make sense, shouldn't it? Your cartoon [of President
Khatami] didn't make any sense. The only thing we have learned from
freedom -- especially the Western kind -- is to make fun of key people
and officials.
As a pro-2nd-of-Khordad person, I believe the freedom we fought for
and achieved was meant to help us focus all our constructive forces to
build the millennium we have been longing for for such a long time.
This isn't in line with aimless destructive forces which tend to deteriorate
the situation or mock sincere, understanding individuals who are trying
to lead us to our sanctuary.
You are definitely free to express your ideas etc., but your cartoon
was not funny; and I expressed my idea because I am free, as well!
Mehrdad
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Monday
June 12, 2000
* Meritorious cause? YES
Whereas, having carefully and repeatedly read Poopak's Taati's piece
with enthusiasm ["Long
way to go"], I do find several points as presented therein that
reflect the truth; nonetheless, I must disagree with her tone of despair
and absence of specific recommendation for improvement with respect to
those activities that pertain to the promotion of Iranian Americans in
the US.
Yes, she is correct in characterizing Iranian American associations
as young. Such associations, are, however, quite numerous and dynamic,
and each with a sustained level of momentum, supported by hundreds of compatriots
who provide their expertise, experiences, funds, etc. on a pro bono, in
cognito basis to benefit the rather young Iranian American community, a
community that has just begun to feel the taste of diaspora.
Are they each perfect? Absolutely NOT. Are they striving to follow a
meritorious realistic cause? YES, absolutely >>>
FULL TEXT
D. N. Rahndi, Ph.D.
Professor of Chemistry
Pace University
New York
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* Need to relate
Professor Taati is right in saying that organizations dedicated to advocacy
for Iranians have not been able to gain enough legitimacy among the Iranians
abroad ["Long
way to go"]. This is only partially due to the inability of these
organizations to come up with an agenda that attracts all Iranians.
The problem is that Iranians are a heterogeneous population divided
along several lines of ethnicity, class, politics, language, religion,
and gender perspectives. Even our common denominator, i.e. the love of
homeland (nationalism), is not immune to this diversity of affiliations
>>>
FULL TEXT
Akbar Mahdi
Associate professor of sociology
Ohio Wesleyan University
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Friday,
June 9, 2000
* Disloyal to a loyal servant
I wonder how Mrs. Pahlavi can justify her husband's disloyalty to his
most favorite and loyal servant ["The
fall guy"]. Did he feel that Hoveyda was also endangering the
country like Dr. Mossadegh or jailed him so that he may save himself by
sacrificing those who served him?
By the way, would it not have been better if the Shah had stayed in
the country trying to save his regime? He knew he was going to die soon
so what better than staying on? And even if he had been killed by the revolutionaries,
he would have been a martyr in the eyes of his people? Was he too scared?
F. Rafat
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* Ashamed
I am ashamed at the way Iran treated and repatriated these poor Afghanis
["Not
welcome"]. Most of them had come to Iran as war refugees, worked
hard in the construction industry to feed their families and survive in
camps. I myself am an Iranian with a refugee background, and I am very
sensitive to this issue.
These people will probably face enormous problems back home in Afghanistan.
They are going to a country still at war. I know Iran is facing an extremely
tough economic situation, but treating these people this way is not going
to help Iran's economy or image.
One more thing: there are an estimated one million Iranian refugees
in Turkey.
Mani Shahrokni
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Thursday
June 8, 2000
* Ghesseh-haaye khoob
When I was a kid in Iran, this was my favorite book ["The donkey's gone"].
I think I must have read it at least fifty times. After many years I was
able to have one of my family members send it to me, and funnily enough
I was reading it about a week ago. I still enjoy it and I'm now thirty-two-years
old which doesn't quite qualify me for "Ghesseh-haaye khoob baraaye
bacheh-haaye khoob" as a bacheh!
Joonevar
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* Sweet & simple
May I tell you that I felt tears in my eyes when I read your essay ["The window"].
That was so sweet and full of Iranian feeling. I love the way you write.
It is simple, sweet and you can feel it with all of your heart. I am always
looking forward to reading more of your sweet essays.
PT
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Wednesday
June 7, 2000
* Afghans are human like us
Please be informed that just the photos of the Afghan refugees were
by me and not the introduction ["Not
welcome"]. I'm a photojournalist, I like social subjects. My main
purpose in choosing this subject was to help the Afghan refugees by showing
their pains to people all over the world.
I have no problem with the Iranian government and I live in Iran and
I'm happy about it . But I have seen the pains of these refugees and their
poor life and it is my job to reflect it. Afghan refugees are humans like
us. Nobody has shown their life in Iran but I wanted to >>>
FULL TEXT
Ali Khaligh
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* Persians should care for themselves first
Let's not get to carried away with the treatment of Afghans in Iran
["Not
welcome"]. Iran has been one of the most hospitable countries
in the world, accepting the largest number of refugees anywhere in the
world in the last decade. This is despite the internal, external, and economic
problems that we are all familiar with.
Therefore, comparisons with Germany are a little out of place. Out of
the millions of Afghans who have been accepted withing Iranian society,
a few hundred, possibly thousands, are being returned due to unlawful entry.
These people make good subjects for Ali Khalighs' photographs, although
such scenery is not uncommon across, Iran, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Turkey
>>>
FULL TEXT
Mehran Mirshahi
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Tuesday
June 6, 2000
* Iranians deserve justice too
Last Sunday the news program 60 Minutes did an interview with
Ahmad
Behbehani, who is supposedly a former top Iranian intelligence officer
and dean of Iran's terrorist activities in the past. Behbehani has fled
Iran and is now in Turkey. He alleges that Iran masterminded the bombing
of Pan Am 103 which exploded over Scotland more than a decade ago...
If we are going to try anyone for the bombing of Pan Am 103, then I
DEMAND, as an Iranian citizen, that the then captain of the USS Vincennes
(his name is Rogers) be prosecuted and indicted in the International Court
of Justice at The Hague in similar fashion, for this tragedy which took
the lives of 290 innocent Iranians. Iranian people deserve justice too
>>>
FULL TEXT
Nariman Neyshapouri
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* Don't question Iranian hospitality
Let us not loose perspective about the Afghan refugee issues ["Not welcome"]...
Let us now put on our objective spectacles and analyze the situation. Iran
is not an immigrant accepting country. In fact Iran is ill prepared to
even provide housing, education and work for its own population. Some mildly
optimistic accounts place the number of Iranians unemployed at the current
time well above 20% in some parts of the country. The Afghans were accepted
as refugees and will always be refugees. That means they ultimately must
be repatriated to Afghanistan to build a life for their family and a future
for their country >>>
FULL TEXT
Dr H. Atabakksh
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Monday
June 5, 2000
* Appalled and embarrassed
I am so very much appalled and embarrassed by the way that the Afgahni
people are treated in Iran ["Not
welcome"]. They work hard for very little money and help the economy
and productivity of Iran. What gives us the right to throw them back to
their country?
As Iranians, so many of us have gotten permission to live and to hold
jobs in the European countries and the U.S. within the past 20 years and
more; why shouldn't we allow our Moslem brothers to live in our country
and to build a future for their children in Iran? What happened to our
compassion?
Setareh Sharif
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* Higher priority for Iranian interests
Although I'm not against any nationalities let alone Afghanis who are
our neighbors and relegious brothers, but yes, they have taken away jobs
from Iranians in Iran, have been involved in crime, ruthless killing of
Iranians as well as Afghanis ["Not
welcome"].
At this time Iranians are struggling with unemployment, lack of food
and drugs and medical care, housing etc. All refugees In Iran, including
Iraqis and Kurds are creating problems. Iranians are hospitable but their
own interest has higher priority.
F. Rafat
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Friday,
June 2, 2000
* Golden bridge
in reference to the upcoming 1000th issue of The Iranian Times, I
would also like to join others who have congratulated you for the monumental
goal you pursued rather single- handedly leading to such remarkable success.
A hundred sincere congratulations.
If I had enough to afford it, I would have awarded you with a small
symbolic golden bridge. You really did a great service by building a firm
and friendly bridge between all Iranian generations on this side of the
water.
Amir Shirazi
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* Other side of the story
After reading eceperts from Tara Bahrampour's book "To
See and See Again", I was wondering why someone doesn't talk to
the family and people that knew Betty Mahmoody [author of "Not Without
My Daughter"] when she supposedly was in Iran with her husband ...
I think Dr. Mahmoody was probably tired of her attitude and was going
to ship her back to the U.S. and who could blame him? Of course he wanted
to keep his daughter, he loved her, but Betty Mahmoody left the country
without permission according to what she wants everyone to believe and
soooooo I wanted to know if Dr. Mahmoody put out a warrant for her arrest
over there in Iran for kidnapping his daughter and taking her out of the
country of Iran. I really wish someone would go there and find out the
truth then write a book about it and sell it in the U.S. too so people
can read his side of the story too! >>>
FULL TEXT
East Syracuse
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Thursday
June 1, 2000
* Not so simple
I'm way too busy to write a detailed reply to Farzaneh Roudi's piece
["Numbers
don't lie"]. It is amazing how many of our intellectuals try so
hard to "make sense" of something so complicated and multi-dimensional
with a short and easy answer often with attention to one or two aspects.
There's no question that the "reform movement" ( I don't necessary
agree with that term either ) has benefited greatly from the support it
gets from the youth, but there are so many other angles and twists to this
phenomenon that trying to establish clues or reasons behind it with such
simple explanations in 100-200 words is a injustice. I Honestly wish it
was as simple as she put it, but it just aint.
P.M.
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* One thousand Times
In a few days you will publish your 1000th edition of The Iranian
Times. Any celebrations or special programs? Send us some interesting
back issues, like the first edition or... Either way I would like to be
the first to congratulate you for wasting your time and your life for the
benefit of the rest of us.
Masoud Modaress
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