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Friday,
March 2, 2001
* Get Eminen
After reading the short piece about how Eminem
wins awards for his freedom of speech and the Iranian journalist gets punished
["Here
& there"], I thought, "Hang on
a minute. This could be turned into something positive."
As crazy as it may seem, Eminem is the most powerful
man on earth, opinion wise. As soon as he says one word the world suddenly
takes notice. So why don't we as a community ask of him to write about
all the abuse that's going on in Iran? After all it's not like he would
be censored or get killed over it.
He could potentially bring the eyes of the world
onto our country and encourage the seed of change into faster growth.
Of course there is no telling whether he would
accept the challenge but wouldn't it be interesting to hear what he has
to say about the mollas' after the way he humiliated half the music industry
and the American President?
Shirin
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* At last
At last a well thought-out discussion of the revolution that does not
blame any number of conspiracies and Western powers ["Surprise"].
The eternal truth of the world is unexpected results.
Mark Cooper
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* We all lost
I was about 10-years old when the revolution happened. Even at that
age I was in middle of everything ["Surprise"].
I almost died twice in 24 Esfand Square and Maydan Shahyad area. I remember
that no one back then knew the reasoning behind it all, but the revolution
became an entertainment center for the people, especially young people.
A good source of excitement like no other they knew.
I am saddened for losing the Rahimis ["The
general's widow"] as well as the ones who were killed by the government
like the Farrokhzads, and our war heroes, and the 17-year-old Mojahedin
Khalghs & Cheerekhaa, Basijis and many many more. All these people
died for what they believed in & none of them really won. We all lost
because THEY WERE ALL IRANIANS >>>
FULL TEXT
Eliot Salehi
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* In France too
I would like to draw your attention to the following regarding Behrooz
Parsa's article, "I'm
the Shah here": I read the article with great attention, and I
believe every word he said. I would't go as far as to say the generals
were gods everywhere in Iran but such power abuse must have been common
in a totally bureacratic country Iran had become... I personally had a
similar experience but in a democratic country, the country that claims
to be the country of human rights >>>
FULL TEXT
Darius Kadivar
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Thursday
March 1, 2001
* Non-sensical utterances
I was saddened and deeply sorry to read the letter by an unknown face,
AA,
accusing one of our finest poets outside Iran of stealing from Ahmad Shamlu
["Baar-e
digar, Bahman"]...
Now that you have printed Shamlu's poem as well, could someone come
out and tell us which part of it has been picked by Dr. Nooriala, apart
from the fact that both poems are written in Farsi and use a lot of plural
forms of words ending in "aan"? >>>
FULL TEXT
Hushang Mansurian
Hacienda Heights, CA
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* Old-fashioned jaahels
I read the article written by our so-called compatriot, Mr.Siamak Baniameri
on"Art
of Kissing". I was tremendously shocked because all I found in
his article was an exaggeration about himself and other things that are
closely related to him, like his father, and on the other hand, beating
what can be considered as Iranian traditions.
I know that many foreigners who are interested in different things related
to Iranians, spouses of Iranians and tourists who like to travel to Iran
check your website in order to become more familiar with our rich culture,
but you have introduced Iranian men as old-fashioned JAAHELS >>>
FULL TEXT
Annonnymouss
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* Persia is dead
Let's settle this problem once & for all, the name of our country
is IRAN not "Persia", and we are "Iranians" not "Persians".
The reason is pure & simple: there is no country called "Persia"
in the year 2001. So please set your clocks & renew your calenders!
If any of you Persian lovers show me a map (not a 1910 map!) with a
country named Persia in it, I will take back all of my words. Persia was
a country consisting of Iran, Afghanistan, Bahrain, parts of Iraq , Pakistan
, Tajikestan & ....., so open your eyes & accept the reality --
there is no Persia any more. Persia is dead
AA
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* No poetic rite of passage
I am writing in response to the article, "Not
going back". I truly appreciate this author's opinion on what
Iran has become. I have read many of the letters sent to this website in
regards to Iran now. I feel that those letters have somehow romanticized
and "prettied-up" the Iran of today.
Has Iran really changed from what it was during the time of Khomeini?
We need to still maintain hope that we will all one day return. But to
what? The story "A man without a country" rings a disheartening
familiar melody >>>
FULL TEXT
Noosham
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* You animals
Mr. Moniri is very correct and to the point in his
response to Ms. Amini ["Thy
father's sins"]. It seems that after 22 years, she has not grown
and still is the same "young and idealist" person!
You were animalistic. The violence that Iran has been subjected for
22 years was brought about by the violence you people committed in 1977-79.
You cheered when members of "ancient regime," Kurds and Baha'is
were murdered but you only cried foul when mollas turned against you >>>
FULL TEXT
H. M. Jalili
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* Sorry for Reza Pahlavi
To those who have misread the essence of my article ["Thy father's
sins"]: I am truly sorry for Reza Pahlavi to have followers who
are illiterate, live in the past, have not studied a single word of Iranian
and world history and -- yes -- they still wish to annihilate individuals
for their beliefs.
I do suggest to all of you to stay where you are because the Iranian
people do not want the likes of you to be part of their lives. And I hope
Reza Pahlavi will bring some sense to his followers although it might be
too late >>>
FULL TEXT
F. Amini
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Wednesday
February 28, 2001
* Power of unity
I would like to appreciate the initiatives of the author of "Petition
by one" for encouraging over one million Iranian Americans to
write personalized letters to their senators and congressmen in order to
oppose the regulations of fingerprinting and luggage searching of Iranians
at U.S. airports. This is a highly effective and extremely productive campaign.
However, I would like to suggest that such personal initiatives not be
considered as a substitute for collective actions such as petitions >>>
FULL TEXT
Kamiar Kallaantar
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* Commendable approach
I would like to commend Mr. Mirfendereski's approach toward bringing
discrimination against Iranians to the surface and even sharing it with
the rest us via this forum ["Petition
by one"]. I am hoping other Iranian - Americans will follow suit.
My bad experience in the past has been with the Iranian haters and bashers
in the United States Congress. I applaud the efforts to keep terrorism
in abeyance.
I would be the last person to impede those actions. However, actions
such as the following can in no way be attributed to countering terrorism.
Searching, photographing and fingerprinting an 85-year-old handicapped
grandmother coming to visit her grandchildren. Fingerprinting, photographing
and searching world-renowned athletes, scholars, artists. Fingerprinting,
photographing and searching 4-year-old children coming to visit their relatives.
What makes these actions even more ludicrous is that since it was necessary
to obtain a visa, these Iranians had to complete an extensive background
and security check prior to coming to the United States. These are simply
systematic acts of discrimination against Iranians.
Masoud Neshat
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* Get your priorities straight
Not to disrespect or belittle the comments/concerns of the readers,
BUT does it REALLY make a difference whether or not Americans say Farsi,
instead of Persian? Or whether or not Iran is "Iran" or "Persia"?
["Bring
back Persia"]
My point is, with all of the country's problems and present issues,
the last element of concern should be titles. This energy could be better
utilized in other, more meaningful areas. In my opinion.
Who really cares what Americans think or say anyway? Let us, please,
discuss and concern ourselves with the real issues facing our country and
people: hunger, illness, degradation of culture and environment, drug-use,
and poverty (in general) -- there is not a single letter addressing any
one of these issues. What does that say about the priorities and mentalities
of our fellow readers?
Sara Moussavi
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* Semantics
An important consideration in the choice of an official name of a country
is whether or not it is a reflection of that country's culture and heritage
["Bring
back Persia"]. The choice of "Persian" versus "Iranian"
cannot erase the parts of our history that trouble us, nor can it distance
us from the problems we confront as Iranians or Iranian-Americans today.
We'll always have a little explaining to do about what our ancestry and
culture mean to us, and these are discussions that we should embrace rather
than try to circumvent with semantic stratagems >>>
FULL TEXT
Cam Amin
University of Michigan-Dearborn
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* Fallen heroes
Twenty-two years after the brutal murder of Generals Rahimi, Khosrodad,
Naji, and Nasiri by the barbaric low-life savages (revolutionizes as some
call them), the memories of all these fallen heroes are still alive in
our hearts and our minds ["The
general's widow"].
I salute each and every member of Imperial Iranian Armed Forces for
their bravery, patriotism and honor. Surrounded by all the chaos, betrayed
by treacherous politicians, they stood their ground firmly and defended
the country and the constitution and paid a heavy price for it, a price
most of us will never pay!
Zendeh Bad Iran, Payandeh bad Artesh Shahanshahi Iran.
Quincy Irani
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* Lots of kids
Though I enjoy Saman's cartoons very much (at least some of them ) I
do not agree with his view points ["Kings
are for kids"]. Some 75 million Britons are all kids chasing their
tails! >>>
FULL TEXT
H. Hakimi
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* Wrong information
Obviously, Eli has not spent much time in Iran and has written what
she was told before traveling to Iran ["Not
going back"]. Many women including myself wear make-up and colorful
scarves or rousaries.
More women work than they did before the revolution. Some 52% of university
students are women! We have 2,000 Americans visiting Iran every year. This
figure is obviously much higher for Germans, Italians and Japanese.
We have more than one soap opera on TV and they are not all about religion
or Imam Reza. Eli must have liked that one so much she didn't want to see
the other five channels.
Is having soap opears like The Bold and the Beautiful that important
to a nation? What do you learn from them anyway? You could read a book
instead.
True, the economy is not good, but there have also been improvements.
Hedieh
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Tuesday
February 27, 2001
* No ordinary congressman
Mr. Mirfendereski did the right thing contacting Barney Frank ["Petition
by one"]. But Barney Frank is no ordinary congressman. If he was
my congressman (which he used to be) I too would certainly write to him.
He is not just a Democrat. He is a very open-minded, outspoken and liberal
Democrat. In fact if you live in his constituency, all your life you won't
ever feel like a foreigner.
While I would much rather take Mr. Mirfendereski's approach I would
like to point out that those of us who live in ultra-Republican constituencies
do not have a Barney Frank to write to. He is literally a needle in the
hay stack of the Congress. If only all of Congress were Barney Franks!
>>>
FULL TEXT
Setareh Sabety
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* DON'T bring back Persia
I'm not sure how many times I've come across this 'name' argument but
it never seems to go away ["Bring
back Persia"]. Every time there is negative news from Iran, you
get someone making an argument to change the name back to Persia.
Not surprisingly most requests come from Iranians abroad. I feel for
them. I've been there. (I was in college, here in the U.S. during the hostage
crisis. It wasn't fun!) But the reality is that Reza Shah asked other nations
to call the country Iran, because Persia - at that time - represented an
old and backward nation >>>
FULL TEXT
Sassan Behzadi
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* Persia small part of Iran
This is an opinion and every opinion is valid ["Bring
back Persia"]. But Persia is derived from the word Pars, or Persis,
as it was known to the ancient Greeks, and has a narrow and specific connotation.
It refers to a mountainous region to the northwest of the Persian Gulf,
where the city of Shiraz and province of Pars (of present Iran) and the
Achaemenid palace, Persepolis, are situated.
Using the term Persia or Persian corresponds to the small part of Empire
of Iran. This word may help to describe a certain kind of product or species
such as Persian Rug or Persian cat, but certainly would be insufficient
and unprofessional for describing the country >>>
FULL TEXT
SB
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* Farsi creeping into English
There appears to be a concerted effort by some Iranian-Americans to
arbitrarily replace Persian with "Farsi", as the English name
of the language spoken by the majority of Iranians. As such, the word "Farsi"
is slowly creeping into American English as a de facto replacement for
Persian, and given that American English is the dominant form of the language,
it is not unreasonable to assume that the use of "Farsi" will
soon spread to other forms of English if this farce is allowed by Iranians
to continue unchecked >>>
FULL TEXT
Arash Alavi
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* Very good at shouting
I am so sick of people trying to deceive themselves on this forum that
Iran has been anything different but a one-man show for the past 22 years.
He is not called the Shah but the Supreme Leader.
Let's just lift our heads out of the snow and not pretend that no one
can see us just because we don't see them. They have tortured more, killed
more, destroyed more and will continue to do so -- that is there agenda
inherent in their ideology because they think they are defending the "Right
Cause"! >>>
FULL TEXT
Sepehr Sohrab
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* Destroying Shamlu
Mr Nooriala it is obvious that you have no talent in poetry and frankly
your poem sucked ["Baar-e
digar, Bahman"]! Although I have to admit it is not any of my
business to ask you to quit poetry at once but I strongly forbid you from
DESTROYING (I couldn't find a stronger polite word) SHAMLU's poem. for
god's sake keep your hands off of his poems. I'm not being rude or anything
I'm simply telling the truth.
The Shamlu poem I am referring to is KHATAABEYE TADFIN (or kaashefaan-e
forootan-e shokaraan). I'm also sending you a
copy of the poem as an attachment. Compare specially Shamlu's poem
with this part of Mr Nooriala's poem: "aasheghaan-e shakibaay-e aazaadi
, monkeraane mosamame edaam" to the end.
AA
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Monday
February 26, 2001
* Made fools of most
In response to "Paradox",
in a way I admire Khomeni too. He made fools of most of the Iranian population
by making empty, unrealistic promises, that not even a child would believe.
Let's see, he made Iran become the laughing stock of the entire international
community, made you all look like idiots, and is still praised by some
of the uneduacated fools who followed him, and his revolution led to the
demise of Iran into a third-world country >>>
FULL TEXT
Maral S.
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* Kings are for kids
As a 27-year-old, I have witnessed a revolution, a war and don't have
a single nice thing to say about the present regime in Iran. The only thing
I can say is that I was physically and mentally abused by a system that
should be tried for inhumanity.
However, I have been fortunate enough to find freedom elsewhere, and
make the best of my life. With that in mind, I find it extremely difficult
to understand that some people still talk about "having a king"
in Iran! >>>
FULL TEXT
Saman Albaloo
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* No more, no less
In response to Farid Moghadassi's article on Andre Agassi, thank you
["Just
don't do it"]. I had a good laugh and can now conjure up other
ways in my mind Andre can identify with being Iranian on center court.
For those who wonder what Andre's stance on his ethnicity is, here is
a hard fact. On a recent PBS special on "The Armenians," who
do you think was on there talking about his Armenian background? You got
it, Andre.
So it's not a question of why he won't admit his origin, he denies it
altogether. Maybe his real name is Agassian, I don't know.
Enjoy Andre for the tennis player he is, no more, no less.
Ali Towfighi
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* Bunch of pothead brats
I just can't believe that you made such a comparison between the Googoosh
concert and a bunch of pothead brats who don't know a thing about music
["Better
than Googoosh"].
Backstreet Boys people like u don't value our music and singers. It's
a pitty that our young genaration has to be so depressed to listen to the
likes of the Backstreet Boys. Just because we are in the U.S. doesn't mean
losing our identity of heritage.
Suntana
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Friday,
February 23, 2001
* No comparison
While I respect every person's right to their opinion, I find a disturbing
double-standard in the author's treatment of history ["The
general's widow"]. It is utterly abject to treat General Rahimi's
story with such emotion and sensation while the by-orders-of-magnitude
less guilty and less-deserving-of-execution Dr. Fatemi receives an oh-so-sorry-it-happened
mention sprinkled with the "dasto-del-bAziyeh AryAmehri" to his
widow. How convenient and liberating >>>
FULL TEXT
Aref Erfani
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* More Iranian than most
Elaine Sciolino is a renowned expert on Iran. I consider her more an
Iranian than most Iranians. Recently, I have heard a few derogatory comments
about her works, in plural. I personally will halt effective immediately,
association, affiliation, and contributions in any manner to any organisations
that are the self-serving rogue origin of such comments and strongly urge
you to as well >>>
FULL TEXT
Amir
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* Far from pretentious
I know some of the guys in the paintings by Mani Gholami ["Happy"].
They are art students. You are right. These paintings are very close to
that hidden world of Iranian "in-door" life. In this sense they
are far from the pretentious style of other Iranian contemporary painters.
Sourena Mohammadi
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* Qovat-e qalb
Faghat meekhaastam begam keh shomaa behtareh keh bedaaneed that kesaani
mesleh man hastand keh daayem montazereh nevesh-tehaayeh shomaa dar Iranian.com
hastim ["Sadaf Kiani"].
Ravesheh neveshtehaayeh shomaa vaaghe-an beh del meesheeneh va daleeleh
asleesho ham nemeedoonam. Please please injoor neveshtan raa edaameh daheed.
Man dar Dallas, Texas hastam va goftam shaayad qovateh qalb begeereed keh
bedooneed dar injaa ham taraf-daar daareed keh bi-sabraaneh montazereh
nevesh-tehaayeh jadeedetoon hastand.
E. Salehi
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Thursday
February 22, 2001
* NOT Enrique Iglesias
I thought I should bring to your attention a mistake regarding Enrique
Iglesias and Googoosh's song "Baavar Kon'". This
performance is not by Enrique Iglesias but by an Armenian artist called
Vatche who resides in Los Angeles. and recorded a CD of "21 European
Favorites" in 1998 (Talpete Ent.). The song "Bavarkon" is
#21 on this album consisting of many Italian, French and Spanish songs.
Anonymous
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* Better poem
When I read Esmail Nooriala's poem "Baar-e
digar, Bahman!" I wrote something better >>>
FULL TEXT
Aria
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* Big deal!
I love Tennis and Andre Agassi as a tennis player. I don't know if he
is really offended by his father's Iranian origin or not ["Just
don't do it"]. Big deal!
For God's sake his father moved to the U.S. about what? Half a century
ago? Married an American, had kids! And Andre became such a great athlete
in America. He has never been in Iran and most likely he will never go.
Let's just admire him as one of the greatest tennis player ever and
let him deal with his origin himself. And let's not be offended by his
choice.
Maryam
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* Unusual talent
Sadaf Kiani's works
are excellent. She is an extraordinary writer whose works reveal unusual
talent.
Mehran Shahidehpour
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* Hooked
You guys are doing an incredible job with this site. My husband, even
though he is American, is totally hooked on your site!
Sholeh Cooper
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Wednesday
February 21, 2001
* Buoyancy of spirit
These painting ["Happy"]
have the quality they do, most likely because they are painted from family
photos. People posing for pictures tend to put on their best smiles...
they want to be remembered in a certain way. The paintings also have an
"innocent" or "naive" quality to them because of the
childlike brushwork. Overall they do have a certain buoyancy of spirit.
Yasmine
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* Sad, in a way
I just read you little article about Persia,
Iowa. I, too, am from Persia, the Iowa town. I, too, am a journalist
by training. I spent a few years as a farm magazine editor and the past
20 working in corporate communications.
When I was growing up in Persia, it was a nice, active town (1954 -
72). There were three grocery stores, a hardware store, two gas stations,
two farm grain elevators, a lumberyard, two barbers, three bars, etc. The
town had a school high on the hill >>>
FULL TEXT
Chuck
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* Stop and say hi sometime
Hello! We remember you. We were looking on the Persia web site and saw
the pictures that you took in Persia, Iowa. And that is where we are from.
Stop back and say hi sometime -- if you are passing through.
Jennifer Crozier
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* Divided we fall
A well meaning group of individuals formed a group for the benefit of
the whole. But it seems their disunity brought about by the probable clash
of opinions and egos might put an end to a great effort ["Power
of one"].
May I suggest that these individuals of capacity take cue from a certain
persecuted and outlawed religious minority in Iran and learn from their
administrative principles of respect, sacrifice, consultation and unity
>>>
FULL TEXT
Faryar Mansuri
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Tuesday
February 20, 2001
* Will not look the other way
Ms. Fariba Amini indicated ["Monarchist
fascists"] that I have not grasped the essence of her article
["Thy
father's sins"]. Nonsense. Revolution, as it turned out, was a
massive criminal act and a treason against the Iranian nation. This catastrophe
was committed by the former revolutionaries and their blind supporters.
I will not look the other way for the sake of dialogue. As far as I am
concerned, until this fact is acknowledged, there is nothing to talk about
>>>
FULL TEXT
Khosrow Moniri
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* Your idea of a good leader?
Mr. Moniri ["Shah's
mistake: Didn't shoot rebels"], I just hope there are not many
Iranians who think like you do. Why are you filled with such haterd towards
your own people and towards freedom? Your idea of a good leader is one
who imprisons and shoots his opposition?
Shady
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* Join Persian Watch Cat
I am a member of Persian
Watch Cat, like six hundred other Iranian/Americans and in that capacity,
do not represent the group or speak for the group and only represent myself.
There have been many letters published in Iranian.com recently both
pro and against actions of PWC. I don't want to bring yet another view
to that discussion, but only try to encourage Iranian/Americans to join
PWC >>>
FULL TEXT
Bardia
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* Ghalam-e saadeh vali shegeftaavar
Khaanome Sadaf Kiani Abbassian,
tabrik migam bekhaatere in ghalame saade vali shegefte shomaa. va yaa in
aakhari "Paalto
khaakestari" ke manro cheghadr teshne sarmaa va barfe emsaale
tehraan kard - haminjaa beonvaane jomle mo'tareze begam ke neveshtehaaye
shomaa betarze gharibi baraaye kasaani ke dar vatan nistan haalo havaa
va shoore digei daare chon khode shomaa engaar hesse nostaalogike ghaviei
daarin! >>>
FULL TEXT
Reza Kazemzadeh
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* Gross me out
Ayyyyyyyyyyyyyyeeeeeeeeeeee! Can we have some more decent recipes ["Persian
cooking"] that someone might want to make, like some of the normal
khoreshts, some cookies or something. Gross me out.
Iran Javid Fulton
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* Oy vey!
Oy vey! That is positively the UGLIEST supermodel I have ever seen ["Shiraz"].
Nariman Neyshapouri
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Monday
February 19, 2001
NONE
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Friday,
February 16, 2001
* Document your complaint
Dear Ms. Sabety ["Punch"]:
There is not a day in the hallowed corridors of our schools that some kid
does not bully another one. While there are a ranger of permissible reactions
to this form of intimidation and harassment, I believe, you should be documenting
your talk with the school officials in writing, setting forth your complaints
against the students who bother your daughter, the teachers and administrators
to whom you have complained and their response, or lack thereof >>>
FULL TEXT
Guive Mirfendereski
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* He's just a child
Racism is nothing more than fear ["Punch"].
The boy is reacting to what he sees and hears in his home and you justify
his actions by your reaction and violence. He is just another child...
in the first grade!
Kids say mean things. If your daughter was in high school or a little
older I would understand your concern, maybe, but shit! I can't imagine
how confused and terrified your daughter must have been at your reaction
>>>
FULL TEXT
Sheila
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* Monarchist fascists
It is obvious that Mr. Miniri ["Shah's
mistake..."] has not grasped the essence of my article ["Thy
father's sins"]... As for your statement that the Shah's only
mistake was not to get rid of more "rebels", this shows the true
face of some supporters of the monarchy whose dictionary definition is
Fascists >>>
FULL TEXT
Fariba Amini
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* Petty little things
It was interesting to read the response from Persian Watch Cat (PWC)
["It's
official"] and their threat of lawsuit and how they think their
reply should have been in the features section, etc, etc.
Do these people and others realize that Iranian.com, and for that matter
any other site, has editors and it is the sole choice of these editors
to decide where each subject fits? >>>
FULL TEXT
Hossein
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Thursday
February 15, 2001
* Shah's mistake: Didn't shoot rebels
I normally don't respond to a bunch of anti-Shah people who after 22
years still blame the late Shah for everything that went wrong with Iran...
The late Shah was a gift that my countrymen never understood. I will
agree that he was weak in one aspect and guilty of one crime and that was
not to shoot the rebels and their supporters when he could >>>
FULL TEXT
Khosrow Moniri
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* New proposals
Now I understand why we had so much fuss on this very productive proposal
of Mr. Mirfendereski. People just don't get it. Well, to clarify the situation,
I would like to state the following supplementary proposals:
-- All Jewish Americans who have any problem in the U.S., please contact
Israeli embassy in Washington, DC >>>
FULL TEXT
Hamid Estahbanati
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* He's Armenian
I read your article regarding Andre Agassi ["Just
don't do it"]. I thought Agassi was Armenian. I realize there
are many Armenian people who reside Iran However, many people usually associate
Iranians as Muslim and Armenians as Christian. Perhaps, if Andre is Christian,
this may be an explanation as to why he doesn't identify himself as Iranian
>>>
FULL TEXT
Magen
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* Barber
I am a barber in Bettendorf, Iowa and have never heard of Persia,
Iowa! Are you still there?
J. Heath
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Wednesday
February 14, 2001
* Paradox
Merci, Setareh Sabety, for mining the essence of the revolution, and
holding it up for all of us to admire its brilliance ["Inspiring
revolution"]. It has been buried for so long beneath resentment
and anger and frustration- all justified. But when has revolution ever
yielded instant, perfect results? Which philosopher was it who extolled
the easy virtues of revolution? Of self-actualization, even? >>>
FULL TEXT
S. Shirazi
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* Peoples' religious values
Your article in The Iranian is very entertaining, if not sad,
because it is based on the real miseries of my countrymen ["Can't
we get along?"].
However, I must say that I think you are mistaken with regards to your
view of the separation of church and state. The true definition of that
means that people are not given power to dictate their version of religion
through state powers because only of their religious/churchly status. Otherwise,
of course a society's religious values will certainly be reflected in its
governmental policies >>>
FULL TEXT
Reza Iranvej
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* It's his life
Regarding the article about Andre Agassi ["Just
don't do it"], ... it's his life though, he can do what he wants.
He can say that he is German or Australian, why should we care or stigmatize
him for what he choose to do? If that is what he desires, so be it. We
cannot dictate his life or make him feel contrite for how he chooses to
live >>>
FULL TEXT
Sasha Tooryan
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Tuesday
February 13, 2001
* Inspiring revolution
The chronology of the early events that shaped the revolution ["Memory
lane"] ... reminded of why I first supported the revolution...
The memory of the Iranian revolution should be an inspiration for the continued
struggle for freedom and justice in our country, like the French Revolution
in Europe many years, and indeed decades, after the Reign of Terror >>>
FULL TEXT
Setareh Sabety
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* It is time
On the eve of the 22nd anniversary of the Iranian revolution of 1979,
the Islamic regime is celebrating its victory while dozens of individuals-intellectuals,
journalists,writers, activists, men and women are incarcerated in Evin
and other prisons ["Happy
anniversary"]... It is time for Iranians to hold hands and shout
to the world that enough is enough. The time has come for Iran to be free
of hatred, extremism, and violence >>>
FULL TEXT
Fariba Amini
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* Why should we believe Pahlavi?
I think that it is very sad that after twenty-something years of struggle
for independence and freedom, the events that happened in Iran have not
touched some of us at all... When Khomeini came to power he did not say
that he would lead the country toward another dictatorship, but in reality
he did... Now , why should we believe Reza Pahlavi? >>>
FULL TEXT
Mashaiee
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* Compare now and then
"Thy
father's sins" lists a series of "errors" and mistakes
by the monarchy as reasons why Iranians are facing the present Islamic
Republic. But just go down that list. Compare any item on that list with
what has happened during the Islamic Republic. It has all been hunderds
of times worst during the rule of the mollas >>>
FULL TEXT
Dario
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* Culture clash
You know, I can't help but think much of the antipathy towards Mr. Mirfendereski
stems from a basic culture clash. His thought processes and use of language
are very Western... Because his use of language is superior, it is easy
to feel he is being condescending... especially if you are insecure >>>
FULL TEXT
Yasmine
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* Just like Judas
Mr. Mirfendereski ["Power
of one"] is free to exercise his First Amendment rights in the
United States. However, thankfully, his opinion does not mirror that of
the majority of Iranian-Americans. He also does not reflect their interests.
Unfortunately, he appears more like Judas.
Either Mr Mirfendereski is representing an anti- Iranian interest group
(for unknown rewards), or seeking the media publicity (for whatever purpose).
I sent Mr. Mirfendereski a private e-mail responding to his article
a few weeks ago, stating "my friend, you can run but you can't hide
forever".
I strongly recommend that you see Fellini's "Bread and Chocolate".
Hopefully, that may enlighten.
Masoud Neshat
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Monday
February 12, 2001
* Just like those intellectuals
It is rather sad and demeaning to see that some Iranians, despite living
in a democratic society and calling themselves "Iranian-Americans",
are so narrow-minded and shallow (or shamelessly self-righteous and hypocrite)
that have become totally blind to the facts and realities that are abundantly
clear and transparent to the entire world ["Citizen
Pahlavi"].
These Iranians, including the editors of The Iranian, while claiming
to be the advocates of democracy, are, contrarily, so subjective in their
dogmatic viewpoint that seems incredible. Just like those so called intellectuals
who in 1978/79 sheepishly followed Khomeini >>>
FULL TEXT
F. Behseresht
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* Referendum
Albate bayad zamine ra faraham avard, javv-e azadi-e sokhan ra negahban
bud, pishnevis-e qanun-e asasi tahye kard. Mardom mas'ulan Jomhurye Eslami
ra az khod bedanand va hamkaryeshan ra jalb konand va ehterameshan ra negahdarand.
Ba ishan zeddyat nakonand. Magar shomar-e ma'dudi ke bekhahand dar moqabel-e
khast-e Mellat beístand. Referandom ra bayad az masúlan-e
dowlat khast ke anjam dahand. Amma mardom bayad dar sahne bashand >>>
FULL TEXT
Dr Shodja Eddin Ziaian
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* Doth protest too much
Me thinks Mr. Guive Mirfendereski doth protest too much ["Power
of one", "Shocked
and saddened"]. Warning that those who do not jealously guard
their legitimate civil rights in the U.S. risk being unfairly singled out
for mistreatment due to their ethnic/national origin is not "trivializing"
the Japanese internment experience, it is learning from it >>>
FULL TEXT
John Mohammadi
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* More poetic
Let me offer a more poetic version of Friday's (Feb 9, 2001) quote of
the day (Een hameh khar hast o maa daareem peeyaadeh meereem -- There are
many jackasses around but we're walking.)
The other vesion goes like this: "Piyaadeh raah ravad-o khar beh
een faraavaani". This is part of a verse which I cannot remember in
full right now, but will send it on to you as soon as I have it.
There's also a similar line: "Faqih-e shahr chonin goft bikh-e
goush-e hemaarash (his donkey) / Keh har keh khar shavad albateh mishavand
savaarash."
Hossein Shahidi
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Friday,
February 9, 2001
* Setting a bad example
Let me start off by expressing my profound disappointment in the tactics
of our new anti-discrimination group, Persian
Watch Cat (PWC). It's board members and executive director have discredited
themselves and the group at its inception .... My advice to the PWC is
to allow people like Dr. Mifrendeski to add to your debate, to learn from
his legal and political training, and to use it in your fight. And I do
hope cooler heads prevail at the PWC. I do not doubt the sincerity of all
involved. But I do hope the PWC realizes that so far, it has set a very
bad example >>>
FULL TEXT
Shahla Farshchi
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* Unprofessional
I am ashamed. Ashamed as an Iranian, ashamed as an American. I do not
know much about the Persian
Watch Cat (PWC), but what I know is very sad... I need to be defended
when I get fingerprinted at an American airport, but I rather be fingerprinted
than have a group of unprofessional madmen try to help me by yelling and
threating to sue newspapers! >>>
FULL TEXT
Ramin Kashi,
Graduate Student of Physics
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* Each for himself
Regarding "Just
don't do it", Some of us can and some of us can't. The ones who
can, do not want to be part of the big melting pot and want to stand out
as individuals. Those who can't, would more rather be part of that great
melting pot that has made U.S. what it is today. Some of us want to and
some of us don't want to >>>
FULL TEXT
A. Shemirani
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* Children of Imam Hossein
In his response ["Pacific
Islam"], Mr. Tehranian has not addressed Mr. Mahdavi's central
argument, that Shi'ite Islam by nature is anti-pluralist ["Minority
rule"] >>>
FULL TEXT
Asghar Massombagi
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Thursday
February 8, 2001
* Freedom & responsibility
Freedom of any sort is not freedom if it fails to protect the rights
and freedom of others. Freedom is prophylactic, in that it is protection
against those who wish to take away our rights. Some people think of freedom,
let's say freedom of speech, as an open door permission to say whatever
comes to their minds >>>
FULL TEXT
Khodadad D. Sharif, Esq.
Attorney at Law
Executive Director, Persian
Watch Cat (PWC)
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* Childish infighting
Itt is true that Dr. Kallaantar, a hard working activist whose goal is
to stop Iranian-American discrimination, was misrepresented by exaggerations
and misunderstandings in Mr. Mirfendereski's article. However, I believe
a counter-response such as the one by Mr. Karimi serves no purpose, and
only further confuses those outside this childish infighting >>>
FULL TEXT
Ashkan Yekrangi
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* Pussies
The editor of Iranian.com has been caught in the middle of a cat fight
between members of Persian Watch Cat ["Persian
Watch Dog"]. Why don't you pussies leave the guy alone? >>> FULL
TEXT
Amoo Sam
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* Am I the only stupid one?
The more I read the letter of Mr. Shahin Karimi the less I understood
what he wanted to say ["Persian
Watch Dog"]. If I am stupid for not catching his points, I would
like to know how many more stupid people, such as myself, are among your
readers? It is depressing to be alone! You know?
I only came to know one thing, and that is, since I have run away from
IRI some 20 years ago, I am no longer considered an Iranian, though I have
never felt intellectual. I want to ask GHOLI, Mr. Karimi's Pasdar friend,
then who am I?
Do I have the right to go back to where I was borne & raised? Are
all of us who opted to stay out of our beloved land, corrupted Westernized
individuals?
Is not his statement defamatory on a grand scale? Should we all sue
Mr. Karimi for his universal accusation?
H. Hakimi
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* Everything your group opposes
Tour letter to The Iranian ["Persian
Watch Dog"] was so reactionary it made me realize why I left Iran
in the first place. I can not stand bigots like you. Your letter is a shining
example of everything your group opposes >>>
FULL TEXT
S. Sabety
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Wednesday
February 7, 2001
* Get real
I have been reading this nonsense about Reza Pahlavi with growing incredulity
and utter amazement! The only explanation I can think of for anyone actually
believing this nonsense is that it must be caused by a very significant
multi-generational gap, an almost pathological case of nostalgia, and either
totally malevolent cynicism or dangerous levels of naiveity!
I mean, how much more out-of-touch can some people get? GET REAL! No
one in Iran would even consider a monarch! >>>
FULL TEXT
John Mohammadi
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* Barely touched the surface
Respectfully, your article "Thy
father's sins" barely touched the surface. You also seem to "leave
the door open" for Reza Pahlavi to "hope". Consider the
followings:
1. Mention of Pahlavi dynasty brings to mind such corruption as drug
trafficking, forced partnership of "royal" family in profitable
companies, totally submitting to foreign powers, forced membership in the
defunct "Rastakhiz," selling of Bahrein Island, deposing the
most favorite populous leader Mossadeq, resolving of parliaments, receiving
of "percentages" on business deals, etc >>>
FULL TEXT
S. Iman
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* We do not value human rights as much
With regards to the recent exchange of words on the fingerprinting of
Iranians ["Power
of one", "Shocked
and saddened"],... if we don't give any significance to our rights
as Iranians why do we expect others to do so? I have often felt critical
of the US stance in international affairs, which is often associated with
a certain arrogance and assumption that US life is in someway superior
to the life of other nationals. But I realize that this is what the US
citizens expect and demand from their government, to protect them and fight
for their rights. They assume –correctly in many instances- that
the other side is doing the same for their nationals. Its sad to realize
we can feel exhilarated by hearing that on the most recent trip to Iran
our friend was not hassled or humiliated by the customs official in Tehran,
as if it is somehow a blessing and not a right >>>
FULL TEXT
Mahmood Kanani
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Tuesday
February 6, 2001
* Need discipline
Reading your piece ["Theater
of deception"], you mention acquiring "civility" in
the school with a smirk. One may feel that you guys might have needed some
"civility" after all, although you seem to want to blame your
rebellion on the school's overblown sense of discipline and racism... All
we Iranians can use some structure and discipline, as we need to enter
modernity culture >>>
FULL TEXT
R. Nafisi
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* Something inherently wrong
I never thought Iranians would be so overly blind and reactionary as
to reconstitute a deposed monarchy ["Our
demands"]. Every Iranian has his/her own critique on the old and
new order, but the overwhelming number of worthy Iranians agree that there
was something inherently wrong with a disillusioned dictator who left his
country on two occasions, with little hope of returning on both >>>
FULL TEXT
Arya Abedin
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* Piece of my heart
Mr Samiei's "The
mirror and the book" is great. The more we stay out of Iran, the
harder it seems to go back. I feel every time I come back from there I
have left a piece of my heart. I hope, one day, there is just "to
meet" and not "to part".
Shady Javan
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* Captivating
Thank you. Your writing ["The
mirror and the book"] captivated me for reasons beyond my comprehension.
I could still smell the morning air when I took that ride 16 years ago.
Zendeh baashi hamvatan.
Ardalan
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* Longer, please
I just read your article ["The
mirror and the book"]. It's good, very good. But too short. Write
a longer piece next time. Stay in the clouds a bit more. It was getting
good. But then you touched down. Write a longer piece next time... please.
F. Abbassian
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Monday
February 5, 2001
* Anti-discrimination news
As a response to Mr. Guive Mirfendereski's two recent articles ["Power
of one","Face
in the mirror"] and his many letters against Persian
Watch Cat (PWC) during the past several weeks and his defending Senator
Dianne Feinstein in his letters and articles, a historical piece of news
by Associated Press is presented for publication >>>
FULL TEXT
PWC Public Relations
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* Scared of a referendum?
I found your article "Citizen
Pahlavi" rather hypocritical and contradictory. Surely a referendum
should allow Iranians to have a full choice of options for the future of
Iran. This is the least Iranians deserve after the years of hardship that
they have had to endure.
For any one individual to decide for the Iranian people is not only
arrogant but totally contradictory to the idea of a referendum.
Should you be correct about the idea of a constitutional monarchy being
obsolete; surely this would give Iranians a chance to voice that opinion
and put the matter to rest forever. Surely you are not scared of the outcome?
Why not let Iranians decide for themselves.
Mandana Ghajar
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* You know what people want?
I am not arguing the merits of constitutional monarchy versus a republic,
Islamic, democratic or otherwise ["Citizen
Pahlavi"]. Neither am I presenting a case for the services that
Reza Shah or Mohammed Reza Shah have rendered to Iran.
Your whole argument is based on: "But why even call for a referendum
when you already know the clear majority just want a secular democracy?
Why even suggest the monarchy as a possible future form of government when
most people have no desire for it?"
You think you know what the people of Iran want before you ask them?
How is your logic and argument different from the mollas? They also think
to know what the people want before asking them.
The issue is Reza Pahlavi says let us ask the people what they want
before we speak for them. That is his biggest strength and what gives him
a unique position.
Kerman01
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* Very true
Thank you for an honest and unbiased editorial ["Citizen
Pahlavi"]. This article is very true and comprehansive. My regards
to people who think and write this way.
Faramarz Kaviani
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* Expected better judgment
Thank you for your coverage of Marziyeh
in this week's music section. It certainly brought back lots of memories
listening to her glorious voice.
However, I was saddened and sorry to learn that she has been singing
for the Mojahedin Khalq. I was aware that she had joined them butu you'd
have thought by now she would know what they are all about and would have
left them if only to save her own dignity >>>
FULL TEXT
Masood M.
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Go to top
Friday,
February 2, 2001
* Personal vandeta
I read Guive Mirfendereski's article ["Power
of one"] and found it highly provocative. It seems that Mr. Mirfendereski
has used his bully pulpit (as a regular contributor to The Iranian Times)
to settle a personal vendetta against Dr. Kamiar Kallaantar-Zadeh... Mr.
Mirfendereski's comment about the PWC leadership being "bigots"
is a fabrication at best and a personal vendetta gone awry at worst. Please
spare us from his future rantings >>>
FULL TEXT
Shahram Mostarshed
San Jose, CA
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* Inclusionary
All in all, I consider Dr. Tehranian's inclusionary and progressive
views ["Pacific
Islam"] as a helpful constituent of the enlightenment that is
taking place in our civil-society (Jameah Madani), and in the larger scheme
of things >>>
FULL TEXT
Farid Marjai
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* Bozak namir...
Bozak namir bahaar miyaad kharbozeh baa khiyaar miyaad.
Please tell the Reza Pahlavi: keep dreaming ["Citizen
Pahlavi"]. It was after all his father's arrogance which brought
the country down.
Where the hell has he been for the last 21 years? They stole enough
money to live like royalty all this time.
Please tell him to shut up and grow up.
Houshang
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* Googoosh $$$
Is The Iranian Times receiving $$$$$$$ from Googoosh to mention
her in the newsletter every day? What is the deal? Why doesn't aby other
artist (Iranian) receive this much attention from you? Just wanted to know!!!
Behrooz Jalayer
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Thursday
February 1, 2001
* Clairvoyance
With all due respect to your clairvoyance, how can you conclude that:
"Given a choice, there's "absolutely" no doubt that the
people would choose a democratic republic rather than the restoration of
the monarchy." ["Citizen
Pahlavi"] Do you base this statement on the latest Gallop-poll
of Iran's political inclanation or is this viewsimply your own opinion
>>>
FULL TEXT
Amir Arsalan Afkhami
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* Misunderstanding the facts
I read an interesting article, "Citizen
Pahlavi", which, if I may would like to comment on few points
mentioned...
We are talking of constitutional monarchy where no one is above the
law, be it the Shah or a peasant. Therefore, the constitutional monarchs
such as; the Queen of England (as you've mentioned) or that of Denmark
or Holland do not rule over their nations. You talk of modern politics
and claim that monarchy is outdated >>>
FULL TEXT
Ahmad Kashani
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* Political activities without permission
This week the Society of Iranian Professionals
(SIP) in Northern California has invited Mr. Afrasiabi to talk about
the "Dialogue Among Civilizations and Iran's Foreign Policy."
SIP supposed to be a non-political organization without any political
affiliation or agenda. But in the last two years this organization has
been working directly with the Islamic Republic of Iran in various capacities;
and it has also been in direct contact with Islamic Republic representatives
in New York, Washington DC, etc. without the permission of its members
>>>
FULL TEXT
Azita Mahdavi
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* Never a Persian
I read the artice ["Marring
me"]. Very intresting. However I must add that as a young Iranian
I will never introduce myself as Persian or anything else just to be accepted
by my wife's family (future wife I must say since I am not married :))
. Best wishes for both Siamack and Varinder
Reza Niazi
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