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December 28, 2001 * Feeling freedom I find John Mohammadi's comments missing a vital issue ["Don't get left behind"]. Many approach the reform movement in Iran as a pure engineering project which in an ideal world would have progressed faster but in the unfortunate real life may take longer than we wish. Consequently, while we may not be happy with the speed, if we wait long enough and keep our "dandoon" on our "Jigar" sooner or later modernity will step in and we will live happily ever after. Such arguments include emphasizing on facts such as gradual nature of social changes, the high cost of revolutions and the deep wounds of hundreds of years of dictatorship in our homeland. While some of the above are valid points, the truth is that, in many ways, social reforms are different from engineering projects. One major difference comes from the involvement of human nature. The human element brings a lot of uncertainties. Suddenly un-linear factors erase the very predictable picture we had portrayed in our engineering thoughts. In an engineering problem a brick can wait for a long time without any radical changes in its characteristics. Human beings can't. They lose motivations and become depressed. They lose their hope. Their spirit comes with no guaranty. They may love today and hate tomorrow. They make no promises. Even if they do, they don't always keep their word. Sometimes while being alive they feel dead. If they get depressed -- no matter how many achievements you show them, they don't buy it. The truth is, sometimes, feeling freedom may even be more important than being free. In our society, while freedom may have had a leap, the feelings have not. Growing expectations have left lagging achievements far behind. Motivations have an expiration date, so does the reform. Therefore, "Nooshdaroo" is only a blessing if it arrives early enough. An important difference between leadership and management is the fact that while management deals with complexity and decision making, leadership requires motivating and maintaining the spirit. Reform Leaders (read managers!) look at themselves as managers. That explains why the keep disappointing us. The reform path is not a smooth one, it's quite understandable if its requires driving slower every now and then. While praying for faster progress, let's understand the trade-offs. Let's stay hopeful, we may still arrive in time... * He's ALL WE'VE GOT Thank you for publishing John Mohammadi's article "Don't get left behind". And thank you Mr. Mohammadi for voicing what I believe is the only wise way of looking at the political environment in Iran. It would be a good lesson for us Iranians, who have lost so much to infighting, to make a lesson of what happened in America since 9/11. At the time, George Bush's popularity was somewhere near the 47% mark. As soon as the attack happened, his popularity reached above 90%, and has stayed there since. I have seen this happen time and time again. Americans realize that the tip of the arrow, where it counts, has to be strong, if anything good is to be anticipated to happen. I have been to Iran several times recently, and agree with you full well that the people of Iran do not need nor want another revolution. The students who are screaming in the streets against Khatami are only allowed to do so under reforms that he has introduced. No, he's not perfect, but, under these conditions, he's ALL WE'VE GOT. * Hedayate Safih Christmas is the time of the year when playing charades, solving puzzles and doing jigsaws become a popular pastime during those boring family gatherings. So the timing of Shahriar Zangeneh's article ["Cannot win"] was spot on. The choice of his puzzle, however, was not. No offence intended Mr Zangeneh but your choice of a 'no win' situation is but a small component of a 'Grand illusion' that majority of Iranians have chosen to miscomprehend. This includes all the voters who took part in the previous general elections and cast their votes in favour of or against any presidential candidates. So, in line with the season's traditions, let us play a little Christmas charade: It consists of two words. The first word begins with V and rhymes with the surname of a famous Iranian novelist whose well known works include one named 'Blind Owl'. The second word begins with F and rhymes with another word which means "insane". Did you get it? No, it is not "Hedayate Safih" as the clues would suggest. Yes, you are right it is the good old dreaded "Velayate Faghih" Strangely, VELAYATE FAGHIH is closely synonymous with HEDAYATE SAFIH! Let me explain. The 'Master Catch 22' is not in the constitution of Islamic Republic but lies in the core definition of the Islamic State, as prescribed by a number of clerics from the Qajar era and was later implemented by Khomeini and his cohorts. Velayate Faghih, in short, means that the supreme leader has the full right to seize the mind and the matter of his subjects. This is the right that, in Islamic jurisprudence, is only accorded to a leading cleric in his dealings with those followers who are either 'under age' or INSANE and hence cannot make decisions for themselves. But in Islamic Republic of Iran, this privilege is extended to the whole nation (for reference see the scholarly works below)*. Now the Grand Puzzle is this: How can a nation of imbeciles elect a president in a free election? Those who took part in any election in the IRI, particularly the last two, were inadvertently submitting to the notion of being treated as mentally inadequate by their supreme leader. The idea of Republic under Velayate Faghih is simply a sad joke or putting it idiomatically - Catch 22. * ref: M. Haeri-Yazdi, Hekmat va Hokumat and M. Ajoudani, Mashruteh Irani. - both of these publications are banned in Iran. * Gandhi-ji's dream Dear HajMirzaKhan, I read your article: "Where's the Muslim Mahatma?" at the "iranian.com". I must say that I do agree with the basic points you have made on the futility of the actions of Osama bin Laden and his likes. I also am an admirer of Mahatma Gandhi. A few points unfortunately dismayed me. You wrote:
I think it is worthy to note that: 1. Gandhi-ji's violent death was brought about by a fanatic Hindu not a Muslim. 2. "Mohammad Ali Jenah, the Father of Pakistan, robbed India of a joyous independence". A few points on this. - India, or more accurately British India was cobbled together by the British (a colonial arrangement). The notion of Freedom by the embracement of a union brought about by invaders is sort of an oxymoron. Would you not agree? - Perhaps the Muslims should have foregone their freedom to please Gandhi-ji. - It may seem ironic but I think none other than Mr. Jinnah completed the realization of Gandhi-ji's quest for freedom. Please let me explain: You see Gandhi-ji's dream was for the freedom of an enslaved "people" when it should have been freedom of an enslaved "peoples". - It was the British who "ungraciously" robbed many peoples of their freedoms for close to two centuries. Kind regards, * Homesickness not unique An a non-Iranian American and occasional reader of your fine publication, I am very grateful for the insight your writers and letter respondents provide me, of the thoughts and sentiments found among Iranians at home and abroad. Regarding the homesickness described in the article and in letters ["Deltangi"]: these feelings are not unique to you, folks. I live in New York City, which I do love, but I miss my home state of Tennessee. My wife is a Pole, born in the old Soviet Union (in land taken from Poland after the Second World War); she misses Poland, and even the little Belarussian town in which she was born -- a place she most likely will never see again. A place doesn't have to be perfect to be deeply missed; and it isn't disloyalty to one's new home to miss one's old place (nor does every facet of the new home HAVE to delight equally; I can get tired of rampant materialism at times, too). The only difference I can see between your contributors and myself on this matter is the political situation that makes it so difficult for an Iranian to be either one place or the other as the heart pulls -- and that's a shame, long overdue a cure in my opinion. Hopefully it won't continue to be the case for long. * Typo? Excellent article that touches all of us ["Deltangi"]. I only wondered about one thing- the 800,000 tooman pair of sneakers you had one when you went to iran. Wow, like to think that this was a typo or I would implode! Ali Parsa Editor: It was a typo. There was an extra zero. * Walker's mission For the folowing two reasons, I am reluctant to join the choir that already has tried and convicted the American Taliban, John Walker Lindh, for treason or other charges. ["Let him go home"] First, Walker, the hippie road-warrior, had joined the ranks of the Taliban and was fighting the forces of the Northern Alliance at a time when our own government was pumping out millions of dollars of American taxpayer's money to the Taliban regime. What Walker was doing in Afghanistan became a problem for our government only after we declared a state of hostility against the Taliban. What one may think of September 11, it was not a legislative act which by itself could have criminalized Walker's activities in Afghanistan, and ex post facto at that. Second, I am not quite sure if the American Taliban in reality was not an American spy, gone deep in the service of country, whose uncovering was an unfortunate and unintended development and perhaps yet another failure of intelligence on our part. If he was indeed an undercover operative, for the government to acknowledge this would be embarrassing at many levels, and yet fairness requires that Walker, the intelligence operative, not be made a sacrificial lamb. This explains why the White House is reluctant to indict him and every effort is being made to soften his image as a misguided youth who will be most valuable as a cooperative witness. Possibly, a change of identity will send Walker out of the criminal justice system and onto an honor roll. In the war against terrorism, President Bush has warned, we as a nation should expect to do some unpleasant things and deal with some unsavory people. Walker's mission, which began in the Clinton era, and his unveiling along with his treatment could well be the first illustration of that admonition at work. * Struggle between impulses I really enjoyed your article ["Let him go home"]. Implicitly, the ideal for the human being, at least in Western culture is for a high degree of internal consistency. In reality, I believe that human being is comprise of many contradictory tendencies and in the struggle between these impulses, we grow into more thoughtful people. You look like you've had a good journey on the road to greater understanding. * Friends , relatives went through same changes I just wanted to say that I quite enjoyed your article on your revolutionary past ["Let him go home"]. I was a little young to make serious choices about the revolution, but I have a number of friends and relatives who went through the changes you describe. And I certainly went through many of the emotions you describe. Your message of compassion for John Walker (is it just stunning irony that a Taliban supporter is named after hard liquor?) was appreciated as well. Merry Yalda (that'll take some getting used to), * Fohsh-naameh Dear Mr Javid: I'm suprised of using "kalamaate rakik" in your article ["Let him go home"]. Please watch your language! And do not change iranian.com to a "fohsh-naameh". * I understand I visit this site daily (and I mean several times per day). I used to have the notion that you were some Iranian Jew with an "agenda" - sometimes from the type of articles published or the way (I personnaly viewed) you portrayed Iran with material on hanging, stoning etc. Sometimes I hated your guts so bad that I was glad you were far because I would've done serious damage to your face... literally ;-))) My opinion on what you went through during the early days of the revolution is that I understand you. When people are young, they are idealistic, and "think" that drastic change is for the better. That is why I blame the condition of Iran under the current regime to "educated Iranian" who "thought too much of their abilities". Shekameh ma Iroonia por bood... trust me... when you look back and compare us then and now and compare us to the Arab states we were fine and Iran had a bright future. The Shah did make mistakes but who doesn't? We just did not give him a chance. We just plunged oursleves into a system that we knew nothing about... we "just wanted the Shah to leave" and most people who were staunch supporters of the Revolution or the Islamic Republic truly regret it. However it is something that we brought upon ourselves and we have to bear the consequences, and try to change it ... but not like before with violence for the sole purpose of sparing Iran and Iranians the trauma. As for the religion issue where you associate Islam to your bahaviour... I would like to mention that Islam is part of Iran just as much as Iran is part of Islam. It is wrong to associate Islam with the events in Iran because this religion has nothing to do with what is happening in Iran. What's happening is the direct consequence of people who twist the Islamic values for their own ends and benefits. Just like the communists used the concept equality/community and ruined nations in the process, OR the United States uses the concept of democracy to destroy other nations. I am believer in Islam, and have tremendous faith in G-d, however I am a staunch Monarchist. . . and would love to see the "King" (whoever it may be) back. So one could be religious and does not necessarily need to follow the "fools in Qom and Tehran". What you went through is what goes through the mind of a young and ambitious mind that wants to "make a change"... that's fine, its part of human nature. But look at what your experiences have taught you and where you are now?... You are part of the "mature" revolutinary process and this site is proof of that. You have probably brought together more ideas and people now than if you stayed part of the so-called "Islamic/Revolutionary" news bandits. So good job so far, and keep it up. Regards, * Eager to read the book I read Hamid Dabashi excerpts on Iranian Cinema Past, Present and Future with great interest and was surprised to see some comments which and descriptions which I found precise and interesting ["Wonder and magic"]. Cinema can be regarded as a aubversive art and medium and is described as such by the author with great talent nevertheless he omits to say that the previous regime did however create Kanoun notably thanks to Empress Farah whose goal was to promote the intellectual development of children and from which someone like Kiarostami graduated. That cinema was a popular entertainment is obvious to me nevertheless an aspect that the author at least in the excerpts published at this tribune does not entirely acknowledge is the contribution of the television in spreading and encouraging the access to films with channels like NIRT but also the number of films mainly American shown on national television and dubbed in Persian and also programs such as tributes to great film directors. I particularly remember the tribute to Charlie Chaplin after his death. Contrarily to the author I don't think that under the Shah Cinema and television was used as efficiently for propaganda purposes. True there was the famous interlude before a films projection on the Shah and Pahlavi era where people were expected to stand up with the National Anthem and most movie theaters had the pictures of the Shah, the Empress and the crown prince above the screen. A film which the author omits to talk about in this introduction and which played a great role socially speaking and which lifted a taboo on sex, politics and religious superstitions was the famous series of "Daie Jan Napoleon" Uncle Napoleon. The success was such that every Wednesday people would leave work to watch the evening show. Beyond the controversial film Guv "The Cow" many films actually inspired by Italian neo-realism were prized often in Iranian film festivals by the Empress who was sensitive to promoting young talents regardless of political considerations. I should also note that the Iranian Left also played a role in promoting Cinema d'Essais in Iran, this was a short lived period after the triumph of the revolution where Russian films ranging from Eisenstein's "Potemkin" or Alexander Nevski were shown on television with a social critical analysis of movies. As for the rest I am eager to read the book which appears to be very informative and interesting analysis. Regards, * I beg you To all Iranian readers: IT has been fifteen years since I last tasted "Lavashak" and "Goje sabz." I beg you all to let me know where I can find these products. I have seen the "black" lavashak sold in Iranian stores- they are unfortuntely not genuine-not only do they stain your teeth but they are very acidic. So please if your aunt, grandmother or someone you know makes the real lavashak please contact me. Also, "Goje Sabz" or as it is known in other parts of Iran as "Aloche Sabz" are out of sight in the US. Why can't a freaking business man import the damn seed and plant it here in the US. I remember eating them back in Iran with salt. Please let me know- it would be a great New Year's present. * Club X around the world Interesting piece on Club X ["Club X Agreement"]. I came across Ishan's website a while ago, and thought you may find this interesting,(how cheesy can this get!); Here is an excerpt;
Ta... * Got an accent. So what? It is great that you appreciate and feel proud of this mystery man you saw on TV ["Magical mystery man"]. However, you seem to think that speaking English without an accent was his greatest accomplishment. You need to get rid of this hang up. There are many educated Iranian who are quite eloquent and can be extremely influential and happen to have the accent (frankly I am very proud of mine because it distinguishes me as an Iranian) For the record, not everyone thinks the young generation is lost. My 15 year old is a Spelling Bee champ, reads, writes and speaks Farsi and is learning Japanese and will be leading his team in the upcoming Japan Bowl competition in February. He is taking advance courses for college despite being in 10th grade. He is proud of all Iranian who are successful regardless of whether they have an accent or not. * I'm proud of you I really enjoyed your article ["Anaar"]. I really think we as Iranians in the US need more of your positive attitude in order for us to have any hope for future. I don't mean to disrespect your parents or anything. But generally speaking, many of the older generation still live in the past (20 some years) and have not realized the facts and realities of our time. Iran is our homeland and nothing will change that. We should not just abandon it because the situation there is not perfect for the same reason you would not abandon your parents if they got sick!! A religious revival is something to be proud of and don't let the negative attitude of people affect it. At the same time, it is absolutely important that anything you do should NOT be out of some kind of sudden impulse or infatuation for that would lead to disappointment. If what we do is based on rational/positive thought nothing can damage our faith and resolve. I share your attitude towards Iran and plan to go back also. But I did grow up in Iran and was in Iran during the war and my older brother was killed in it. I was too young to go to war and they caught me after I made a fake ID. I actually did go to the training camp until they found out about my real age and sent me back (My uncle told them about it!). I was only 15 and it was the last year of the war in 1987 or 1988 so I did not get to go and defend my country as the war ended the same year. I finished high school in 91 and came to the US in 92 to study and did go back to Iran and spend 7 months there in 99 and 2000 and plan to save up enough money to start a business in Iran and go back for good. I'm telling you all these to let you know that what you're doing is not crazy and there are others with similar views. We need to have hope for our future and we are the ones to determine our future. We cannot sit here and expect someone come from the moon and fix our country for us. I don't pay too much attention to discouraging crap some (older) people with loads of baggage from the past or the ones with questionable political agendas have to say about our great country. Iran is a beautiful and great country with all of it's imperfections. I'm proud of you and wish you all the best, * What counts is the heart Dear Hassany, ["Sorry, no elevators"] I read your article and have this to say. Not everyone out there is ignorant and selfish. I once had to consider the concept of marrying a man with a physical disability. I have thought long and hard about this and I know for a fact that I would. It's not the arms or the legs that I want to spend the rest of my life with, it's the heart. That's what counts. For every ignorant and selfish person you may have come across, I'm sure there are selfless and caring people that you have yet to meet. Have faith, and don't give up hope. * Sacrificing all human and national values This is a message regarding a picture published on the "Iranian" website on November 23, 2001 entitled "Roodaar of the day". The text following the picture is so outrageous and insulting to at least- the 41 iranians killed by this gentleman's father-that I wonder how and why the Iranian editor of this website permitted himself to put it up on his website. Mr. Javid is prepared to sacrifice all our human and national values for the sake of his personal freedom. Shame on you Sir, for insulting millions of Iranians by your ignorance. * Stealing from the Shah? I was wondering if you knew anyone who has made headlines by stealing $99,000,000.00 (USD) from the Shah of Iran or the Government of Iran, I was also wondering what the reward is for information on where this person is, and the capture of this individual. I believe this happened somewhere around 1988-1991, although I may be incorrect on the date. If you could let me know about any of this information I would appreciate it. Are there any newspapers online about Iran that are translated into english, that has a search where one can search for the article related to this event. In addition, If you know the correct name of this individual please send that to me too with anyadditional information that maybe helpful. If you do not know anything about this where can i start to find out about it? My research paper is close to being due Thank you, veyr much * Cancer diagnosis zane daee man motaasefaneh saratane rahem dare albate ba tashkhis pezeshkan tehran . man mozahem shoma shodam ke lotf konid javab azmayesh zir ro bekhonid va nazareton ro braye man e-mail konid e-mail man : kamal_qd@hotmail.com Age: f / 59 History: Spotting in a menopause women physical exmination showed endophytic ulcer in cervix. Specimen: Cervical ulcer biopsy. Gross: Received specimen consists of three pieces of grayish firm tissue measuring 1.2*1*0.5 cm in aggregate. Summary of speciemen: 6/1 micro & D I agnosis:cervix, ulcer biopsy-invasive squamous cell carcinoma. Thank you * Iranians in Austin? Is there an email list specifically for Iranians in Austin, Texas? i'd like to be notified of Iranian events in Austin only. Please advise. Thanks, * U.S. embassy in Tehran My name is George McKinney. I was an embassy staff member in Tehran when it was overrun on February 14, 1979. I am trying to locate, purchase (if necessary) the Time magazine dated February 26. There are some photos that I would like to obtain, mostly the one where we are lined up at a wall inside the embassy... Any assistance would be appreciated. Also, any other photos of embassy staff from that first takeover... * Info on Mithras I would like to know if there is any periodical on Mithras. And how could I get it and or any book on Mithras? Sincerely,
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