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 and, consequently, submitted
Iran to one of the most reactionary, repressive and destructive regimes
in the history, these so called democrats are now claiming that nobody
in Iran wants the monarchy. Based on what evidence?
The simple point is that if they are truly democrats, why should they
oppose the most basic principle of democracy, namely holding a free referendum
to allow the people of Iran to decide their own choice of government?
No one, including Reza Pahlavi himself, is claiming that the former
regime (or monarchy for that matter) was/is perfect. But isn't it somewhat
dubious, to say the least, that the article "Citizen Pahlavi"
was focused purely on criticising and negating monarchy while failing even
to mention the shortcomings of the Islamic Republic!? How can any one with
a grain of common-sense, objectivity, decency, conscience and love for
Iran, be so blatantly blind to what the current regime has done to Iran
and the reputation of Iranians in the eyes of the world?
Just look at the Iranian society today and the extent and depth of corruption
and depravity therein. Look at the life of Iranian women and their calamitous
standing in the Iranian society. Look at the state of the country's economy
and the scale of poverty (in a potentially rich country) and the gap between
the haves and have-nots (albeit this may suit some Iranian Americans, since
they grossly benefit from the status quo).
Look at the extent of deprivation and unemployment among Iranian youth
(especially graduates) and the consequential detriment this does to them
in particular and to Iran's future in general. I am not even going to mention
the lack of human rights and civil liberties in Iran.
I would now close my comments by saying that it takes a brave, courageous,
intelligent, selfless and truly Iran loving man like "Citizen Pahlavi"
to put Iran first and, notwithstanding the barrage of criticisms, just
or unjust, from various groups, take such a stance at this crucial moment
in our country's history and call for unity of all Iranians in order to
free Iran from the current hell.
It is a shame that some Iranians never learn from history and the mistakes
of the past, and always place their personal interest before that of Iran
and all Iranians.
F. Behseresht
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