|
January 28, 2002 * I asked you not to publish rubbish about Pahlavis Dear Mr. Javid, Once I sent you a message via my very respected friend... asking you as a correct publisher not to take side and especially not to put on your site rubbish and nonsense comments about Pahlavis. ["Shah bee Shah"] Now I see that you are the real instigator. As a faithful reader of your site I am deeply disappointed by your article. You think you know everything and you are the most knowlageable wiseman. So be it. * Oon doreh o zamooneh gozasht Dear Dr. Madjidi, ["Too much, too fast"] All I did was express an opinion. I do not think I know everything. That's why I publish the grandest monarchist features and opinions one can imagine. I do not agree with them, but I respect them and I BROADCAST them through the internet. I let readers be the judge. You, on the under hand, have no respect whatsoever for people's opinions, except for those who please you and your cause. You think people should either say nice things to you or shut up. I will not shut up. Oon doreh o zamooneh gozasht... Respectfully, * Impartial publisher Dear Mr. Javid, Thanks for your response. What I would like to point out is the impartial position of a publisher and the standard of a reliable site. I do agree with you that freedom of expression has to be respected totally. I personally am known to all who know me for my tolerance. I wanted to remind you that your site is popular and it is worthwhile to keep it up at a good standing. Sorry for taking your time. Good luck, * That's what makes it fun Dear Dr. Madjidi, I'm human and I have opinions. Even though I am the publisher of iranian.com, I don't see any problem with expressing my views as long as those who oppose me are also able to express theirs. A look at things published in iranian.com shows that pretty much everybody -- and I mean every point of view -- has been represented. My views on the monarchy or the Islamic Republic or ... will not stop me from publishing things I disagree with. That's what makes it fun. All best, * Learn how to tolerate each other Dear Mr. Javid, It was quite positive that we could exchange our views about your site. My only hope is that after such a sad period that our homeland has borne, Iranians would learn how to tolerate each other and work together for the sake of rebuilding their country and have a better future. With best wishes, * People must judge I think that you should publish all other opposing views if we are going to understand the true meaning of tolerance and democracy. ["We are awake"] No one in right mind would support the Pahlavi dynasty. However, they were part of our history, and our job is to be critical about their role in the Iran of 20th Century. Thus, Mr. Kadivar's article, and similiar articles should be published without any hesitation, or consideration. People, the readers, must judge in the final analysis. * How dare you ridicule the declaration of Korosh-e-Kabir? Dear Mr. Javid, With due respect to you for airing your opinion so openly (Shah bee Shah), in the first instance, I should also praise you for admitting clearly that your self-interest comes before the interest of Iran/Iranians ( your own quote "I don't care that much about Iran, and especially its politics, as much as I care about publishing"). Now you have made your position crystal clear. ["Shah bee Shah"] SO - for a man who has admitted to having had a privileged life during the Shah's regime; then has revolted against that regime (for his reasons!) and has supported the Islamic Republic, and has even changed his name in order to appease his Islamic masters; and now has, apparently, lost his faith in the Revolution and (even) Islam; AND for a man who DOES NOT CARE ABOUT IRAN, how dare you ridicule the declaration of Korosh-e-Kabir? If you don't care and don't know where you stand in terms of Iranian politics, and if Iran and her history and glorious past does not mean much to you, then how dare you pontificate about the vices of one system and virtues of another for Iran and Iranians? I have left the Islamic REPUBLIC of Iran and am now living in Europe, in a country with constitutional monarchy, and I can tell you Mr. Javid, when I think constitutional monarchy (especially in comparison to many republics, including that of Iran), freedom does certainly come to my mind. The point is, as you yourself have confirmed, the Iranians of today are much more politically-aware and are quite capable of seeking and holding on to a democratic system, be it in the form of monarchy or else. So, now that you do not care about their future, spare the people of Iran your advice and leave the decision to them. I can assure you they will make the right decision. Best regards, * Fascination with cylinders and, columns Next to "Nothing is sacred" please add "Everything Tongue-in-cheek." I loved the "Shah bee Shah" piece; it cracked me up, especially the stuff about the cylinder. What is this national fascination with cylinders, columns, and pillars? Some sites boast none (like bi-setun) and some make up for it with forty columns (like in Chehel- setun). All this must be an embodiment of the proverbial pastime of politicians to favor the human rectal orifice with inserts that plunge deep (ta dasteh foru kardan). Beware of those who market such products as the suppositories of love, or enemas to rid us of corruption, which the Resolute Nation is called upon periodically to experience at the hands of physicians claiming the best of intentions in wanting to minister to the nation's ills. * Outcome is up to them Dear Mr. Javid, ["Shah bee Shah"] I am sorry that you do not care for Iran. I understand that as editor your first concern is to have people participate in this forum, but that does not absolve you from "caring" - you can and should weigh in with your beliefs. As to Mr. Kadivar's report ["We are awake"], he for once laid out the facts of the celebrations, and also reminded us that we do have a history and civilization we should not forget. In addition, he is right in reporting on the media, the British, and the forgotten benefits such as schools, tourism etc. - that were planned at that time. Nobody remembers that Mrs. Parsa, a dedicated Minister of Education, was executed by the Khomeini regime. Nobody wants to look at all the horrors of the past 23 years! Everyone tries to give some kind of benefit to the "moderates" of today's Iranian regime. Where is moderation except by lip service? As to Reza Pahlavi, what is wrong with his using his name recognition to bring attention to what is going on in Iran? A referendum by the people for the people is what Iran needs. The outcome is up to them. The only criteria should be free elections, with an international oversight committee to implement this. What happens then nobody knows today, but it sure cannot get worse. And that is my humble opinion, as an Iranian who cares. Sincerely, * King Kadivar Here's three points for the letters section. Very good editorial by the way. ["Shah bee Shah"] Soldiers in the Iranian army were ordered to grow beards for the kitsch embarrassment and waste of public funds that was the shah's "celebration of Iranian civilisation" in 1971. Why? So they would resemble their ancestors as depicted in countless ancient stone carvings. Nuff said. ****** I don't think Reza Pahlavi should be king. Cyrus Kadivar should. He's got a catchy name and hangs out in Paris cafes. That's enough for me. ["We are awake"] ****** While we are on the subject, I have to share this email from my friend in New York with Iranian.com readers:
* That era is part of history Dear Mr. Javid: Mr. Kadivar's article was one of the most recent interesting pieces in your site ["We are awake"]. I don't understand why you are offering an apology for publishing it. ["Shah bee Shah"] To me it did not "glorify" Pahlavis and was only an interview report clarifying some facts. We like it or not that era is part of history and we can not ignore a section of our history just because we do not like it or do not agree with it. Journalists, despite their personal beliefs, should be impartial on what they publish. Thanks. * New generation of Iranians Wow! Baba damet garm. For a "disinterested" Publisher you did one hell of a job with "Shah bee Shah"! It took the words out of my mouth and saved me the trouble of writing in to explain the same about confusing nostalgia and justification for the past ("We are awake" - which I did enjoy as good piece of oral history). Please ponder the following or add it to the failures of democrats and republicans in Iran. Why were the democratic aims of the revolution usurped? One of the principal reasons was that there was no proper thought for what came afterwards. We as a nation were so caught in the heat of the revolution that no consideration was given for the future. Those who came to question it were silenced by the need to keep united but even well meaning people kept saying let's get rid of him or HIM (who is now often called Ooon Khodah Biamorz by the same people) first and future will take care of itself. Well it didn't. Reza Pahlavi has picked up on the same politic of not talking substance and has made unity his only motto. But be warned that it could later be used to usurp hard gained freedom (and we had a 'referendum' about the Islamic Republic as well). As an émigré, I can only hope that the same mistakes are not repeated. From what I have observed of the new generation of Iranians in Iran, they are much more self-reliant and aware. For a pessimist I am actually for once optimistic that they will not want another Guardian, be it Shah or Supreme Leader. I think it was Phillip Roth who said in one of his novels (American Pastoral) something akin to the following : No delusions are more familiar than those inspired by nostalgia. And now I shall await the barrage of patronizing e-mails from Shah-Allahies. Regards PS: I like the way you inspire these debates. Go on, keep making trouble. Nothing should ever be sacred other than human rights. * Not over yet Mr. Javid, I have followed your track from Jomhuri Eslami's Barnameyeh Aftab TV days. I have seen you converting from a hard core hezb olahi to a do khordadi to a democrat these days. I think you "Motohavel Shodan" is not over yet. ["Shah bee Shah"] I am not going to argue to you about the form of future government in Iran. I am happy to see that you have passed the Khatami era ."Band nfetan ra az Khatami borideid". I am asking you to trust the Iranian people. Let them decide their future path in a free democratic "Referendum". Between you and I, I think Reza Pahlavi stands a pretty good chance. I would love to see another Spain in Iran. Won't you? Be omid Azadi BM * Make sure the show is not stolen I just finished reading "We are awake" you posted about the Jubilant Jashn 2500 saleh and saw a few of the photos on Irans slow internet connection. WOW what a story, nicely written but a bit too longy. Would make for an interesting book on how the party was put together, even a recipe for those who want to put such bashes together. And then read your response ["Shah bee Shah"]. The begining way too funny. Enjoyed the humor, and the end, your dead right Who yerns for yesteryears and plus one thing lets say that Reza Pahlavi turns out to be a good guy there is no promise the next one in line will. So its Republic all the way from us on the inside. We just have to make sure that the show is not stolen when the time comes and for that we need good organization. But just wanted to say it was a good response on your part and keep up the great work as a serious but fun loving open minded journalist. Best Regards SS * Loved it I'm only 17, my parents are both Iranian (father from Chaloos, mother from Ahvaz) and was born in the United States. So bare with me if I show any arrogance, I just love world politics and history but correct me on anything I've said that is wrong. I'm not exactly sure what these "democratic monarchists" want, but in my eyes wouldn't it make sense to have a country more like Britain? Where the government is democratic and the only role the monarchy plays in it is a as a role model? I sure hope this is what these "monarchists" want because democracy under a king is an oxymoron. Personally, I loved Cyrus's article ["We are awake"] for its cultural and historical benefits, also for the fact that life was a bit better in Iran that it was now. So to me, it would be nice to see Reza Shah come back to Iran, but not as the leader of the country, just as its king, but until things change in Iran I don't see that happening. * The aim of the celebration I enjoyed reading the latest article "We are awake" by Cyrus Kadivar. very well done article. The celebration in the Persepolis was indeed a proud moment in the contemporary Iranian history. The aim of the celebration was: to re introduced Iran to the world community, as a country with long history and civilization, as an oppose of just being a newly founded, dime a dozen country, drawn by colonial powers with hand full of petrol dollars! It is ashamed that the regime's opponents and western press used this prestigious event to settle score! It is quite common for countries and dynasties to hold celebrations to mark some important traditions or events. When one considers that the current regime in Iran, spends over 100 million dollars a year, on a shipisho hezbollahi terrorist in Lebanon and god knows where else, which does nothing but to take Iran's name and image down the tube, then any amount to resurrect a good image and name for our country is clearly justifiable, specially if it is miniscule 22 million dollars. Finally it was not 2500 years celebration that caused the revolution. The two biggest factors that contributed to the events of 1979 were: 1) Shah's relentless insistence in raising price of oil at the time that economies of west were in heavy recession with no sign of recovery and more importantly 2) the concept of "Islamic Green belt" as envisioned by U.S and it's allies to counter the soviet influence in the region and to de stablize the U.S.S.R. This policy ironically has been pursued, encouraged and continued until the recent tragic events in New York. Only time will tell if there is a shift for a new policy! * Stepping in It is a brilliant idea that you stepped in regarding Mr. Kadivar. ["We are awake"] This is not so much about him and you guys not agreeing on one issue, this is more about you to talk and express yourself while posting it on Iranian.com so people don't have any illusion on whether you actually exist or this Jahanshah Javid is just a fictitious character. ["Shah bee Shah"] It is always a good idea to have a picture(not really a physical picture, but throwing something in, specially in Farsi) to associate with the person, in this case you. * Thanks for the nostalgic apologia The 2500 Anniv. celebrations occurred within a couple of years of the establishment of the Rastakheez Party and abolishment of other political parties in Iran ["We are awake"]. Had the Shah been more interested in promoting a genuine multiparty sytem, instead of lavish costume parties to impress foreigners and legitimize his cult-of-personality foreign-intalled regime by associating it with the Achaemenians of yore, then perhaps we wouldn't have the IRI today. But thanks for the nostalgic apologia anyway. * More true to character In last paragraph of your piece ["Shah bee Shah"], you wrote: "So be it. I don't care that much about Iran, and especially its politics, as I care about publishing." The sentence would have been more true to your character, if it were:
With best wishes, * REPUBLICAN means ignoring HISTORY? Dear J.J., I read your comments on Mr. Kadivars article ("We are awake") with amusement, since you are asking questions the reply of which is already published on your own WEB SITE? today!!!!! Please go to IRAN MANIA of today. There is an article under the tittle of (ENIGMA of REZA PAHLAVI) by un-named writer. You do not need to wait for more answers, the writer has given it all to you. Amusing & at the same time what an amazing coincidence! And by the way, being REPUBLICAN means that one has to ignore the HISTORY as well? Best regards, H. Hakimi, * We have a shah already Dear Jahan-'shah' (no wonder your interest in the topic) I enjoyed reading your article ["Shah bee Shah"] in response to Cyrus's (again what a coincidental 'name') ["We are awake"]. Your points are all valid. Only a month ago I read "Enigma of Reza Phahlavi" in Iranmania, wrote to the editor and he kindly agreed that he should have pointed out that the article was sent anonymously and was not the site's policy. This was corrected very quickly. However, I am still unclear about one thing. Do the monarchists actually pay for these articles to be published for them? Or are they keen to exploit the 'democratic' geneorcity of the hard-working publishers of 'Iranian Times' and 'Iranmania'? I sincerely hope that you DO actually charge them and put it into an account named 'for a DEMOCRATIC secular Iran'! Has anyone read Reza Phahlavi's book? Please somebody send some reviews! We are all dieing to know if he is also keen to share with us his good memories of the 'Jashn-ha-ye-2500-sall-e-shahanshahi'. I was about 12 then and was the star of a school play in North Tehran. I was a top student so I was chosen to be 'Cyrus-the-great'. [May be I should have scanned my photo of the play, published in the then Tehran papers, and sent it to you with this email!]. It was about how Cyrus freed jews, led by 'Prophet Daniel', from Bablylon. Daniel (saved from the lion's den) is buried in Shush, Iran. I have named my son after Daniel, in order for him not to forget his roots, but also to be able to assimilate easily in his host country, the same way as our names were chosen in Iran. A lot of what we write here is Nostalgia. The Jewish people around the world gather every Passover and pray 'next year, in Jerusalem, free!'. We Iranian exiles even do not do that. But you are right. The people inside Iran would say, as the Rashti joke states: "mA shAh nemikhAhim zirA ke yeki dArim"! [We don't want Shah ... because we have one already.] Dr Sa'id Farzaneh, * Don't get defensive, push for referendum Yeeehaa. At last acknowledgement ["Shah bee Shah"] that there actually are a few monarchists somewhere. At last a discussion about Shahanshahi on Iranian.com and all the mud slinging that goes with such topics. Now all my articles on that anti-Pahlavi manifesto], the issues about our flag], and even detailed replies to our "intellectuals" might come to light on this web site as well. Clearly if there is to be a referendum on the subject (in other words a peaceful transition from theocracy), and under international supervision as well, there will have to be a very convincing argument put forth by the monarchists. Republican's and some others will be dead against these arguments, but in the end there will be a vote in the ballot box (which is what Democracy is about), and I for one will accept the will of the majority. One can assume with so many experts with nation building experience in the monarchist fold, as post graduates in the best universities of the western world (and many of them top of their class as well!) these argument will be smart, well articulated, and have some weight to them when they are put forward. But, people, there is no referendum on offer! And there won,t be unless there is a unified voice demanding it. Are we expected to start the campaign for staying with the Republic (minus the theocracy) or even a return of Shahanshahi before an election date is announced? For the zillionth time!, the referendum is not about Reza Pahlavi, it is about the people of Iran, a respect for their wishes whatever it maybe, a means to unite as Iranians as opposed to various ideologies and going past the IRI terror, deceit and wasting of our national time with good-cop/bad-cop games. Had the revolutionaries made good of their mandate to end Shahanshahi in Iran that probably would be end of that institution, and we would not be in exile discussing history. If there was not such irresponsible anti-Pahlavi propaganda about the $billions spent on 2500 celebrations (or stolen by Pahlavi's), but instead criticism of the $20m actually spent ["We are awake"] or enquiry into the accounting methods or personalities that came to such a figure, there would be ample old men like Mr. Ansari to reflect upon what they did, why, and defend any mistakes in the court of public opinion. But the country is in a mess, millions of Iranian's (many of whom lay the very foundations of modern Iran) are in involuntary exile, our most popular artisans are in exile, possibly a million Iranian's are dead (not to mention Afghanis and Iraqis and Russians) after the uprooting of our national culture to implant a new one (be it Republicanism, Islam, Marxism or a mishmash of whatever). All to answer the question: "what qualities -- reasonable qualities -- can you ascribe to monarchy as a system of government? 23 years later, the answer is everywhere in the Iran of today. You just need to take a walk. I believe "dismissive republicans" should not get defensive, they should push for referendum, have a say in the detailed procedures behind this referendum while it is being drafted and when it becomes a reality, make their case. They should not hold Iranian people's wishes for a secular democracy hostage as the mullahs are doing, against the threat of a return to an evil, despotic, self centered, and out dated monarchy. Reza Pahlavi was right in not insisting on his title. In a healthy society, it's the people that decide, and they did 23 years ago. Some now regret it, some not. The more outrageous the claims about the Pahlavi's (without any proof), the more "shamelessly" glorified the Pahlavi's become despite their authoritarian rule in the past. And the more "Sad rahmat beh oon khodaa beyaamorz" and astonishing it appears that they actually managed to make the country strong and prosperous, in a single generation, despite such slanderous and self-serving politicians around, even if it meant for some illiterate people "aqaa baalaa sar". * Stupid and alien "commemoration" The 2500th Celebration was the zenith of the Pahlavis absurdity, and their lack of understanding of a history and culture they allegedly celebrated. Combined with the later infamous "Art Festival" of Shiraz (in which Mrs. Pahlavi invited a Checkoslavakian trope to act naked and rape each other in public inside Bazar Vakil) the Celebration drove the last nails into the coffin of Pahalvi rule in Iran. The stupid and alien "commemoration" in which peacock meat and pheasant breast, imported hot from France, were served to a bunch of waning and decrepit monarchs was no different from Aidi Amin of Uganda's celebration of his rule. At least Aidi Amin had eight English men carrying his throne over their shoulders! The Celebration, Third Worldish and baneful attempt by a man who suffered from an inferiority complex, to present himself as the heir to an imaginary empire, was sick and the laughing stock of foreign press. It was no "public relation" endeavor, as allegedly Agnew (who was implicated in embezzlement later in the US and served time in jail) had said; rather, the celebration was another means of introducing Iranian rulers as a bunch of "rich Arab Sheiks", drunk on petro Dollars, in the West. Come on, wise up and wake up after so many years. You need to end your denial and face the stupidity and shame of the Hollywood orchestrated hackneyed parade on the sacred soils of Persepolis. This may at least show that the Shahallahis (royalists) can think and learn a little. Otherwise, there is no hope for you, not at all. N * I repeat: EEEEEEEWWWWW! I want to join Mr. Javid in his saying "eeew" ["Shah bee Shah"] to seeing monarchy back in Iran, except that my "eeeww" has at least two Ws, as you can see. ["We are awake"] Sometimes a visceral expression of disgust says more than writing volumes about why an historically out-dated phenomenon, such as monarchy in Iran (with its awful record, especially recently) is truly disgusting. This does not mean, however, that I am not going to write about the timely question that Mr. Javid has posed: "Is monarchy also gaining popularity in Iran? Is it more than nostalgia? That's the real question, that's where it matters." In my recent trip to Iran, the answer to this question was indeed on my mind, and I did some informal research on the topic. Hopefully soon I will find time to write about my observations. Till then, I repeat: EEEEEEEWWWWW! With respect to all institutions which belong only to the past, * "Editorial" (?) Enjoyed your January 25 "editorial" (?) enormously! ["Shah bee Shah"] Thanks for that, and for all the other delightful contributions to my daily reading pleasure (and viewing, to not leave out the wonderful photographic features you run). * Attention to brands Gol gofti. ["Shah bee Shah"] Haalaa in tarafdaari-e C. Kadivar az in Pahlavi-haa az yek taraf, tavajohi ke in pesar (Kadivar) be marke eynak va kif-e khaanomhaa va kravaat-o kot-o schalvaare dastdooze aaghaayoon neshoon mideh az tarafe digeh asaabe aadam raa khord mikoneh. Dar hameh "maghaalaatesh" hamisheh tosifi az in ashyaa hast! Hafteh khoobi daashteh baashi, * Your effort is appreciatable Dear Cyrus, ["We are awake"] it is great to see you are trying to clarify the iranian young generation with what we has yesterday and what precious leader we lost. your effort is appreciatable. i have read your articles about Shahid Timsar Sepahbod Rahimi at cried for sometimes. his memories is in our mine(even if i was 7 at that time). we expect you to keep on with your what i call Roshangari. it is great to see there are some iranians'still loyal to the monarchism and their country and i get more happy when i see this quantity is getting higher and higher.thanks to god that reallity didn't remail behind the clouds.it would be better to publish more articles in iranian sites such as iranian.com and www.gooya.com since there are more visitors for these sites unfortunately some of these sites have taken a particular political approach which is following HEZBE BE ESTELAH AZADI IRAN!!! but it doesn't matter.you're english is perfect and you can reflect your ideas about the past of iran and mohhamad reza shah pahlavi and other nationalists.thanks and hope to read more articles from you. you can have more interviews with the family of iran's army who lost their relatives in BIDADGAH HAYE ESLAMI!!! and announce them to us.thanks again. As for "Shah bee Shah", i just read it in iranian site and got really upset of your way of thinking. it is so sad that the iranian society might waste the time to read the untrue, completely khaeenane writings. if you beleive in democracy it doesn't make sense to blame someone for his/her way of thinking. you blame the late shah for nothing.shame on you.you deserve to be apart from your country and not to be allowed to come back. you deserve not to be a farzande an abo khak. i am sure that it is such a waste of time to write you this email since the experince showed that someone like you would not be changed.you are like strict people in their mind.you do not deserve what that khoda biyamorz done to put iran (not your country) in such progress that most of the countries in the world desired to get a chance to have him aa their leader.shame on you.you are intentionally a good freind for this terrorist regime(jomhoury eslami). at the end i wanna say we, the young generartion of iran are waiting for someone to bribg us back to our glorious past and at that time. iran is still not your country as anybody who close his/her eyes to the reallity; he is not iranian anymore and at any time. * Shah Taliban can dream on As one of your loyal readers I have read and liked some of Mr. Kadivar's articles in general. But the one I saw with the pictures of the crowned cannibal and his wife ["We are awake"], I just ignored. You should not wonder whether other opposition groups do not exist. There is a simple explanation for why you hear more from the Shah Talibans. The majority had insider information (specially the Jews and the ones who were their friends) and left Iran before their beloved cannibal's dynasty collapsed and cried all the way to the bank with their dollars at the exchange rate of 7 Toman per dollar. I am not one of those who likes to stereo type but it can not be a coincidence that every time I have run into one of these people and investigated their background somehow they were from "old money" and came with money. I have met so many of them for the past 23 years I have lived here and have never run into one that had worked as hard as the rest of us to make it here. I also, happen to talk to many educated Iranian who have recently left Iran and reside here or Europe and am amazed that they defend the current situation in Iran (not the political leadership) and tell me how Tehran has been rebuilt or how much more opportunities for women there are. I have not met anyone who is nostalgic for monarchy. Because of my involvement with Iranian community I interact with people with different views and not once have I come across the educated people who have worked hard to get where they are to say that they are nostalgic. They all want democracy and freedom to vote. The Shah Taliban can dream on while they live in their push Paris or Beverly Hills villas but, the crown cannibal took your dreams to gave with him. As one Iranian opposed to the idea of a bored rich and not so bright prince running my motherland, I will go back home, take up arm and fight to make sure he does not lead my motherland. That is a promise. * One more time Damet Garm for this article. ["Shah bee Shah"] One more time ready to say " Marg bar Shah". Bacheh Abadan * PS - I am NOT a monarchist you're not even worth an objective dialogue! Your understanding of a democratic system is as deep as the commies' understanding of communism! ["Shah bee Shah"] Off the bat rejection of constitutional monarchy implies lack of tolerance for opinions of the opposite side! Lack of tolerance for opinions of opposite side is the violation of the most sacred principle of a democratic setting. And you advocate democracy!! Don't be a dick head! PS - I am NOT a monarchist. * Hard to accept It is very hard to accept Reza Pahlavi, his aunts, uncles, and a bunch of Kase Lisan va Bale Ghorbanha (relativs, and pets) get back to power. It goes to say, what have we really learned after twenty two years? I agree "Shah bee Shah"! * Denounce French Revolution anniversary too? It's amusing how a celebration of 2500 years of Persian history was viewed by some as "a waste of money" or the "Devil's Festival". No doubt then that these very same should normally denounce the 200th anniversary of the French Revolution, or the Dome built in the UK for the year 2000. It is quite revealing that those that were so quick to condemn every single action of the Shah, whetever actually negative or positive, are now silent when it comes to mentioning the mullahs' deeds. 23 years later, while students and teachers protest against conditions that are worthy of a bankrupt state, there still are persons who can't see any of the actual contributions the Pahlavis had provided for Iran. Facts are ignored, more empty partisan rethoric is shouted. Maybe 23 years of islamic economical, political and cultural destruction haven't been enough for them. While "freedom" may not be what comes to mind when thinking of monarchy, it is wise to remember the Shah's words about the "freedom" that was sought: "To those who are asking only for freedom, we ask, you want the freedom to do what?" What freedom can come from embracing a violent and fanatical theocracy? All my hopes and wishes to the youth of today who are struggling for a better Iran. Sincerely, * Disgrace to real Iranians We would not even enter your welcome page (unwelcome) let alone do business with you. You need to remove the embarrassing picture from your front page. It is a disgrace to real Iranians. If Sorry for bothering you. I just take my business where else. I do not appreciate your kind of people who support the blood sucker of Iranians. DM * Your site is very KIRI Your site is very KIRI. U should name it khominisuckingball.com. As long as pimp site like urs indirectly kissing mollas' asses fucking Islam will fuck Iranians. * Reza Pahlavi is his own man It was very interesting to read Mr. Amini's comments, not so much for its content but more for its old and tiered criticism of the late shah's regime ["I will watch his every move"]. It is fascinating to see that there are still some die hard old revolutionaries left who still hold on to the same old rhetoric as though nothing has happened over the past twenty two years. Mr. Amini and others like him should realize that there are intangible things in every nation's life that can not be measured by dollars and cents. His criticism of the 2500 years of our monarchy celebrations and its cost is one of those. I don't deny that there were poor people before the revolution, but did that had to prevent us from celebrating our 2500 years of solidly recorded history? I think not. In this great nation that we live in, namely America, there are homeless people virtually on every intersection in every city cost to cost. Yet America celebrates its day of independence with lavish fire works that costs millions and millions if not billions of dollars every single year. Is America wrong to do it. Obviously not, the sense of pride and solidarity that Americans feel every 4th of July can not be measured in dollars and cents. America is not alone in doing it. Even the old so called champion of the poor and oppressed soviet union used to spend millions every year on their revolution's anniversary. Now why on earth shouldn't have we as Iranians celebrated a milestone in our nations recorded history? These things can not and should not be measured with dollars. But if you insist, let me give you a few points to think about. I am sure you can come up with more on your own. Most people put the cost of that celebration somewhere between 500 to 600 million dollars, the actual amount was much less but say it was 600 million dollars. Now what was it spent on and what did we got in return. First of all, a big portion of it was spent on improvements in Shiraz and Takht-e-Jamshid and other sites. Building new roads, facilities and face lifting the sites and etc that are still there. The famous tents are still standing after all these years and could attract millions of tourism dollars every year that is if we had a sensible government. Second of all we got billions of dollars of free publicity around the world, there was virtually no news paper or magazine anywhere around the world that didn't have some kind of a report on the event. If our ministry of culture or the tourism authorities wanted to put simple adds in each of these news papers to introduce and promote Iran as a tourism destination, they would have to spend millions. And that was just for simple adds. We got extensive coverage of the event along with historical explanations for free. If you look at the united nation's data on tourism you see that the number of tourists coming to Iran before and after the event shows a big improvement and continued to rise until the revolution. All these people brought money into Iran. And finally the shah did a great deal of dealing and personal diplomacy with all those leaders or their representatives around the world. If the late shah wanted to visit them each in their own countries, It would have cost a great deal. Now was everything perfect? Of course not. Should have they used more of the local resources for food and entertainment? Sure. But over all I don't think we as a nation lost a great deal of money over it. Now to be fair to Mr. Amini, he has some valid criticism of the late shah's regime. There should have been more freedom. Not because most of his opponents were Jeffersonian in their thoughts but because freedom would have exposed them sooner. The ban on some books was just ridiculous. None of the books that were banned were of much substance to begin with and had they were readily available to the public, they wouldn't have attracted a fraction of the audience they did. But these are history. Regardless of all the criticism, some valid and some not so valid, to the late shah's regime the fact remains the same that Iran under the Pahlavies was in a better shape compare to its pre and post Pahlavi era and even compare to the most countries around the world with the exception of Western Europe and North America and Japan. It is not like there were not any political prisoners in Eastern Europe, Soviet Union, China, South East Asia, South and Central America, Africa and the Middle East and Iran under the shah was an exception to the rule. I don't intend to white wash the mistakes made by the late Shah's regime, I just want to put things in perspective. Because sometimes we forget the world we live in. But regardless of what we may think of the late shah's regime, none of it has anything to do with Reza Pahlavi. Reza Pahlavi is his own man. He has his own vision and plans and should be judge accordingly. I encourage Mr. Amini and all those who think like him to follow Reza Pahlavi's every move. For I am sure the more they watch him the more they realize he is the best hope for democracy in Iran. So Mr. Amini, please go ahead and watch his every move. You will be pleasantly surprised sooner than you think. * No one trying to make things better Dear Mr. Amini, ["I will watch his every move"] Thank you for your concern about Iran and Iranians, your criticizing is ok as all Iranians are perfect in this one, but what you could suggest if you really are concerned. Probably you are one of the "mojahedin e khalgh" which fantasizing your always in honeymoon leaders or you receive allowance from the "allah's regime in Iran". What you really want for the next regime in Iran, which of the opposition leaders you can introdiouce to people who has a clean bottom? which person in this world you know that before coming to the power did not say good things to people? You know, you are one of the ( KENARE GOAD SITTING) people, if you could understand what is going on in politics and what troubles comes up by the other politic fellows, you would think differently. The point is many people think they know more than others and they do better than others, no one is trying to help others in making things better, we are selfish. * Democracy is away of life Shahla Samii wrote a beautiful article ["What could lie ahead"]. She touched on the importance of morality to a society that can live together in harmony, instead of revolting against its own government. She touched on the importance of having values, and therefore, a sense that one's own life is meaningful. She mentioned the importance of family to all of this. And then she touched on what materialism can do to all of this. I call these things to your attention, because Iran is not the only country to struggle with this clash between modernization and materialism verses a healthy society based on values and principles. Iran is not the only country where repressive religious leaders insist they are the answer to our social troubles and attempt to rule the masses. Between Christians, Jews and Moslems, the building pressure threatens the world with unholy war. My sense of this is like earthquakes trembling in one center after another, until nothing is left but devastation. Democracy is not a form of government. Democracy is away of life and social organization which above all others is sensitive to the dignity and worth of the individual, affirming the fundamental moral and political equality of all men and recognizing no barriers of race, religion, or circumstances. Citizens assuming responsibility for their own institutions and laws is an expression of democracy. Only highly moral people can have liberty, and therefore, only when children are prepared for democracy, can there be a healthy democracy. Unfortunately, we do not have one bible for democracy. It concepts and history are spread in many books. However, democracy is the only chance for liberty and world peace, because it over rides all human differences to manifest justice for all. We must, must, address the importance of morals and principles for democracy, if we are to have democracy and theocracy. We must educate for this way of life before we can manifest this way of life. Forgetting this, the democracy of the United States is no longer the moral leader of nations it once was, and Israel definitely is not a model of democracy to follow. Carol Seaton, * Freedom to choose Ms. Sabety's emotional article ["Don't ask, don't tell"] and the first reactions to that article, advocate an aggressive struggle for human rights in Iran. Yet, ironically, she has failed to recognize one of the most important human rights: the freedom to choose. The freedom to choose to fight, or not; and the freedom to choose how to play a role in Iran's path towards democracy. A few thoughts on that article: 1- Ms. Sabety tells us, "This is how I think others should think too." Need I say more? By the way that sounds familiar! Haven't we heard that from every absolutist ideology and their leaders (be it communism, Nazism, or the absolutist version of Islam)? 2- By comparing the situation in Iran to "Nazi Germany when the Jews were being sent off to Aushwitz" the author trivializes the Holocaust. 3- Ms. Sabety believes that "[r]emaining silent in the face of so much blatant abuse of rights is collaboration. Especially if you live abroad and have nothing to fear." The author is insulting millions of Iranians inside (even though to a lesser degree) and outside Iran who have chosen not to go "on a rooftop and scream at the top of [their] head about this regime." Many Iranians inside and outside Iran have chosen other ways for achieving their democratic goals (educating the people, cultural activities, advocating tolerance and pluralism, etc.), and in this way have contributed to the current reform movement in Iran. Is their role in bringing about change in Iran less important than Mr. Amir-Khosrow Sheibany's (who supports Ms. Sabety's article and bashes "velayat-e faghih" in 3 lines and writes "I also volunteer my life & liberty in pursuit of the above, if this is requested by Reza Pahlavi, the only leader I would trust my life with"! [doesn't that sound familiar? Great sense of humour by the way!]). I doubt that. 4- Do not get me wrong. I do not mean to suggest that nothing should be done in the face of the current situation in Iran, nor am I the one to remain silent. But to decide what kind of sacrifice (if at all) other Iranians have to make for their country is none of our business! We have NO right to decide what kind of sacrifice others ought to make, nor are we in a position to judge how important a certain sacrifice (for example not going back to Iran) would be in the life of others. I cannot agree with Ms. Sabety's conjectures, false analogies and fallacies. Ms. Sabety's article is as presumptive as claiming that since most of the references in this article seem to point to Ms. Sohrabi and her writings in Iranian.com (special references to "young women"; "supposed scholars of history writing about shrines"; "students and tachers of history, who write about Iran all the time"; "writ[ing] about a concert we went to"; "claim to have a right to bash Reza Pahlavi"; and I guess the "research trip to Iran") this is an article written by a PhD Candidate in History at Boston University who is jealous of a PhD candidate in History at Harvard University! Regards, p.s. I should point out that I have not met Ms. Sabety or Ms. Sohrabi and do not know any of them personally. * Don't hear analysis about Iran I think your article on "Don't ask, don't tell" was fascinating. I have been recently interested in social and cultural studies. I often feel that social/political journalist and writers have a wonderful tool (their pen) to influence and educate people which in turn can make all the difference in the world. I often have been amazed how i don't hear much of analysis about Iran and its people from our writers. Though, make a note that I consider myself a fairly typical Iranian with limited exposure to Iran's news and articles. However, i still expect to hear more either direct or indirect through my friends about how things are and what should be done. We have to have a circle of feedback and analysis for almost every unjust, unfair, non-sense events or comments made by whoever in Iran to develop more awareness which I believe by itself would constitute a change. I feel very sad about the fact that our journalist/writers in Iran can not utilize their pen but that should not stop us from doing our share. To make it short. I admire your work/ article and I hope it influences our writers to do more towards enlightening us, our governments, and people. God Bless You, * We need to support every voice I appreciate your candid opinion and remarks in the article "Don't ask, don't tell" . Basic human rights are being violated in Iran every day, but people seem to be so tolerant, so patient, so accepting of the IRI and so called "democratic" government of Khatami. They settle for small victories and don't realize that the country is going one step forward and two step back. It is ironic that people complain about lack of alternative opposition in Iran when they themselves fear to point out the faults of the repressive forces in Iran. It takes guts to speak up against the cruel IRI. All those who have opposed the IRI seriously have been eliminated one by one. Reza Pahlavi is putting his life on the line to oppose the IRI so vehemently. I truly appreciate writers like you who are standing up for truth in spite of the fact that your life is impacted by it. We need to support every voice that is condemning the cruelty in Iran, rather than oppose it. I also appreicate the forum that iranian.com is providing for all voices to be heard. I wish for a day that we have true democracy in Iran. Regards * Start of something good Dear Setareh, Thank you for the article "Don't ask, don't tell". I hope, now, more people would write about things that matter more, as you have mentioned in your letter. If more Iranians living abroad were more critical of the present regime in Iran it could make life for them just that much harder. Thank you again and hopefully this is the start of something good as far as article at Iranian.com are concerned. * Unexpected moments of laughter I would like to let Saman know that my friends and I enjoy his sense of humor and admirable talent very much. His cartoons have brought many unexpected moments of laughter for which I am grateful. Best Regards, * Priorities :-) It is a relief to see that liberal and fine arts students ["Learning to...?"] everywhere have their priorities straight :-) Regards, * Kheli khaaye daaree Damet garm. Kheli khaaye daaree. I loved that report about interrogation. ["Admit it"] Ramin * Keep reading i don't read the iranian every day but ur story caught my eye and i read it and it was excellent! ["The holy land"] loved the teachers' comments! :-)))))))))) also brought back memories of the books i used to read... in high school we made a screen play out of 'oldoz va aroosakeh sokhangoo' and i played yAshAr :-) it was so much fun! i wonder if i can still act?! always wanted to give it a shot again! u know... maybe u pick really hard books to read! (kundera can be a real pain in the butt! :-))) my favorite writer is raymond carver... i worship him... he's my role model and a cheer to read... give him a try... especially these stories: feathers, cathedral, what we talk about when we talk about love i keep reading these stories over and over again to remind me of the genius he was... Anyway... ur story was awesome! Shadi * Try this Try warming up to Homer's epic, The Odyssey, by reading The Odyssey, retold by Robin Lister, Illustrated by Alan Baker. c.1987 (paperback edition published in 1994 By Kingfisher, New York. I read this version recently when I participated in a book discussion group as a tutor for new adult readers called Oklahoma Connections: Sharing the Joy of Reading. ["The holy land"] "Oklahoma Connections is a humanities-based project that takes adult literacy students beyond the basics of learning to read to discoveries about cultural ideas and human insights that come from reading and discussion. The program is sponsored by the Oklahoma Humanities Council, the Oklahoma Department of Libraries, and the Oklahoma Library Association through its Let's Talk About It, Oklahoma project. Connections programs bring together humanities scholars, librarians, literacy coordinators and tutors, and adult new readers in a casual spontaneous setting to discuss books and ideas." Student, Dick Lukinbill, said this about Connections:
Actually, I read The Odyssey, in English for the first time as an undergraduate student at Damavand College, a bi-lingual women's college in Tehran, while I was trying to learn to read and write in Persian. Or, there is always the Coen brothers film, O Brother Where Art Thou, also based on The Odyssey. With best wishes, * Talking about ourselves It was just great. ["The holy land"] It is great to finally hear some people talk about what they find difficult. I too am horrible in English ... but generally in the Iranian community you don't hear people honestly talk about anything "negative" about themselves :-) Thanks for publishing that article. * Times is a success, no? I gotta tell you. You have a heck of a lot of talent. Totally enjoyed this article. ["The holy land"] Everytime you write it is a bit of a surprise and has something new. Though, you know, not everyone is as impatient and easily bored as you are and it is ok to repeat the same things if it works. After all the Times is a success, no? * Not going to regular Here you are again, fascinating. The word holy land captured my interest, and I couldn't even guess what you are about to explain under that topic, but I knew it is not going to be the regular difficulties that the world is experiencing). * Old Hadaf classmates My name is Ehsan Malek. I am looking for my old classmates in Hadaf school on Sepah / Pahlavi st. from "amadegy" till 2nd grade, and from 3rd grade till intermediate grade 1 in Farhad school in Iran Street/Farahe Shomali, and after that I went to san't louis elementry school in apadana st. I look forward to your reply! * Reza Rahimi I am trying to locate an Iranian friend of mine: Name: Reza I would really like to get back into contact with Reza. If anyone has any recent information about him I would be grateful if you could contact me at: John F. Harvey, john.f.harvey@usa.net Thank you. * Tintin in Frasi Do you sell or know wgere I could buy Tintin (TaineTaine) books in Farsi. I collect them in various languages, and I looking for the farsi translations. Thanks * Release Shirazi Jews I an American was married to an Iranian who was Jewish from Shiraz. The Iranian Jews were here for thousands of years and lived together in peace. When I was married my husband and partener for 19 years talked highly and wonderful about the Iranian people and culture.I love America and love the people of Iran. With the wars my husband couldn't look at the television to see the destruction of the beautiful country of Iran. I was the one who wrote to Mr. Holbrook of the United Nation for Mr Khatami to go to the meeting to get closer to America. My main objective is to see the the Iranian Jewish people get released in Shiraz since these people are innocent. Thank you for your kindness answering my letter. Sincerely, Dorothy M. Lee * Write about "Inspiration" I noticed your fine magazine for the arts and literature of Iran. I am emailing you because I am looking for native speaking language experts to contribute a short 300 word article, on the meaning of the word for "Inspiration" in their language of expertise. This is for inclusion in an art book I am writing entitled "The Spirit of Inspiration". I would like to have at least 50 different languages represented in the book, I have 40 so far. I was wondering if you have any suggestions, tips or leads on where I could find contributors in the Persian language? I thought you may have some tips since your magazine does such an admirable job of displaying the arts and literature of Iran. The article would include aspects of the following about the the nature of inspiration; the definition, etymology, how it is expressed in the arts and the authors personal insights and experience. I have created a detailed submission guideline with a sample article which you can view at this URL; //Humanityquest.com/Themes/Inspiration/ArticleGuidelines/ Thank you All the best * Pahlavi: Persian not Farsi Dear Prince Reza Pahlavi, Hello and I hope you are well. I have seen the word "FARSI" in place of "PERSIAN" in your articles ( in your web site) for the official language of our country. As you know "FARSI" is the internal name of our language but PERSIAN is its English and international equivalent. For example the internal name of GERMAN LANGUAGE is DEUTSCH, but we never use DEUTSCH in place of GERMAN in English; or native term of GREEK LANGUAGE is ELINIKA but always in English we say "GREEK" LANGUAGE not "ELINIKA" LANGUAGE. If you notice to the terms of the Dictionaries that have been written by several great Persian scholares (eg. Dr. Aryanpour, Dr. Baateni, Dr. Amid , etc.) the title of all of them are: "ENGLISH-PERSIAN DICTIONARY" not "ENGLISH-FARSI DICTIONARY". Meanwhile FARHANGESTAAN (the Academy of the Persian language and literature in Tehran) in an verdict has rejected the use of the word FARSI in place of PERSIAN in western languages (for several cultural and historical reasons). The adjective PERSIAN (or; persisch, persan, persiano, persiska, ...) has a special meaning in the western languages. Our literature (as one of oldest lagacies) has been known and respected around the world with the name PERSIAN not FARSI. I hope, if possible, you revise in your English texts (in your web site) and please use the corect term : "PERSIAN", not FARSI in your English Texts. If you want to have more information please do not hesitate to contact. Thank you so much for your attention. Truly yours, Pejman Akbarzadeh
|
|
 |
Web design by BTC Consultants
Internet server Global Publishing Group