Letters * Support iranian.com * FAQ * Write for Iranian.com * Editorial policy July 23, 2002 This month's archived letters by subject PART II See Part I To top * I've got lots of amazing secret documents I am ready to correct you and your sameblood people's visions to religion. It dosn't seem fair to prejuge something without knowing all the facts. What you were trying to prove has failed already (100 years ago). I am not a fanatic Moslem at all, but I've got lots of amazing secret documents that will help you look into this kind of sect more deeply and you' ll be aware of the fundamentals of Bahaism as well. Don't hesitate to answer my email if you are enough of a free man. Thanks, KA To top * So, what should we think of religion? I am an American Bahai. I liked the sincerity of your article [Heechee kam nadaaran] (of course, you are speaking out for the Iranian Bahais, my brothers and sisters - so why shouldn't I like what you have said). I'll try and be brief: You say you can't make much sense of any religion (excuse me if I am wrong). I understand that statement. It is difficult to do so, especially in the society we live in today. So, what should we think of religion? There are and have been for centuries, those who would rule the world by material means. Why?, because to control the world and reap its wealth is the goal, or should I say, almost religious belief of the corrupt. We find this in all realms where control exists; politics, banking, dictatorships, yes and in religion. You might say it is like painting the great edifices black; hiding the reality of the essence of their beauty. Religion is like a great restorer. An individual, such as He Who revealed Islam, comes to a part of the world where the sickness of corruption is at its greatest level. He realizes that it is not the bodies that are sick, but the spirit. And so He delivers teachings to guide the spirit of those who seek healing. But this individual, He is like a great doctor. He understands the real root of the sickness and applies his healing message for the future. This healing lasts for centuries in most cases; and it is through these healings, or revelations, by touching the hearts of mankind, that mankind is able to advance spiritually as well as materially. The evidence of this is before us. Mankind, unguided by perfect knowledge in basic matters, such as love, equity, fairness, justice, etc., just goes about using anything he can to destroy and become powerful. But that which he develops, no matter how advanced it may be, cannot survive without a perfect law, or Guide. Today, for example, we see much hatred for my government, because my government has forgotten its spiritual principles, instead turning over the concept of this land to the corrupt bankers, a well known fact, bankers who have caused great difficulties for all mankind. And we see innocents being killed daily, by those whose objects are revenge and power. This is not the world that God has intended for us, or the acts of the noble creature God created. So I can understand, with all the "realities" we must deal with, the stress we must bear, the fight we must mount in order to barely survive, or to support our families, how difficult it is to feel that religion is making any serious contribution or can win our belief. Unless one is well founded, it would be hard, under these circumstances, to believe that there is a God, for He seems absent unless one can understand what is happening in the world, and what its outcome will be. We must look beyond ourselves and be detached from the world of mankind. Our focus must be on God. This is even difficult for Bahais at times. When one cannot free himself from the daily difficulties of life, especially when they are getting darker day-by-day, it is difficult, whatever your religion may be, or whatever your personal philosophy. As to mine; you know, here in America, folks have little understanding of Islam, or Judaism, or Buddha. It was something, for the most part, that none of us ever learned about. In fact, these are not even understood to be a revelation, but just a movement, or another religion. The greatness of their Founders, their Prophets is not acknowledge due to the establishment of the Church. But men forget quickly the religious names espoused by our former warriors, and into battle Whose name they prayed to. As you have intimated, it is a sad thing that we see injustice only in certain areas, and not in all. For example, right now, here in America, there has been a great deal of news concerning the Arabs. And this has been nationalized to make them look bad. At the same time, there is caution regarding the conduct of the Jews, though there has been some news about them. There are those who claim this current difficulty concerns religion; and that may be true. But as we often say here in America, follow the money. I believe it concerns who is going to control the flow of oil. But who am I. But I tell you, this Internet, has gone a long way to opening up matters and issues world wide. I am very happy this has happened; that I, for example, can read your thoughts, and you can read mine. I see now a new generation arising to speak out about the evils of the world. This makes me very happy. In America, there is a battle of words going on about the injustice of our tax system, and the control of our government. We are able to voice our opinion and not rely upon a newspaper to carry our feelings without editing. So there are many good things happening and the evils of all shall be exposed. Does this not demonstrate in many ways that there is a master plan for the human race? Good night, Mr.. Javid: why I am staying up so late I do not understand. But a friend emailed your article as an attachment. You have probably received thousands of emails from the Bahais. God will reward you, I assure you, for your thoughts and concerns. Guy Shannon To top * Can only be overcome by education Dear Ham-vatan, I must say that was an interesting commentary about a very sensitive topic close to the hearts of many of your ham-vatans known as Bahais [Heechee kam nadaaran]. I can tell you first hand that I am just as proud to be an Iranian as I am a Bahai. In my son's International festival I was the only Iranian parent willing to represent Iran in lieu of the aftermath of Sept. 11th events. Having been the subject of religious persecutions has not diminished my love for my heritage and culture and neither has it extinguished my faith in Baha'u'llah and his religion. The teachings of the Bahai faith is what makes the Bahais optimist and peace-loving people who have no room for hatred in their heart. Prejudices of all kinds have plagued humanity throughout the history and it has always been fueled by the personal agenda and gratification of a few and the ignorance of the masses the latter of which can only be overcome by education. That is why I must send you my sincere gratitude for having done your share. May the God whom you worship bless you for your audacity and sincerity. In the words of Baha'u'llah; "The Earth is but one Country and Mankind its citizens." Dr. Marjan Khavari Rogers To top * Older pictures of Miss Iran Can you please help me find older pictures of Miss Iran (older than 1966)? I'm trying to find a picture of Elahe Azodi for my mother. Thank you! Nadja Ben-Shams To top * People used to call me Sag Babi Thanks for your recent article on Bahais [Heechee kam nadaaran]. I have lived in the U.S for 22 years and all I remember from Iran is that people used to call me Sag Babi and not even Bahai, while walking to school. I wish our compatriots thought the way you do. Thanks for your support and understanding. Ramesh Roshan To top * Still I want to see Isfahan I passed by your site and I came accross a seemingly heroic and yet unnoticeable comment on the attitude of an Iranian towards other Iranians who are Bahais [Heechee kam nadaaran]. I am a Bahai from Philippines. I would like to share to you the unheared stories that are currently happening in the Philippines regarding religion... and my story towards it. Catholic is the state religion of the Philippines. I grew up as a Catholic. My house was near a catholic church. I have befriended a protestant and I also attended their church. In the curriculum of the Education system of the Philippines, Islam is not much studied. There are no available Quran in the libraries and the Muslims are known to be staying only in the Southern part of the Philippines. It has been implanted in the Filipino students brains that there is no other religion that will be saved except Christianity. Many do not agree. Many are researching about other religions but the scarcity of available materials made them fall to other Christian sects. It is just like reshuffling a card where each card represents a Christian sect. Unverified accusations by some Christian religious teachers against Muslims and Buddhists made the situation of non-Christians worst. I was attracted to the Bahai faith whose teachings are new and are the opposite of the negative attitudes of my co-Christians towards other religions. I was informed about the oneness of God and their recognition of other major religions that exist in the world. Their views as I see it are compelling. The vastness of the scope of their teachings encompasses all kinds of thoughts. Hypocrisy does not exist. Inhuman and illogical practices do not exist. I learned to accept the Prophet founder of Islam because of the Bahai faith and I came to know that the founder of the Bahai faith came from Iran. I have concluded that the fulfillment of the prophesy of the old testament's prophet Isaiah was done through the Title "Glory of God" or Bahai faith where Elam was mentioned as His dawning place. Elam is an old name related to Persia and Persia is the old name of Iran. Iran became dear to my heart. I wished to visit Iran one day. If only Iran opens its country without danger to the Bahais I think that most of the more than six million Bahais all over the world will visit Iran and will bring the Ministry of tourism of Iran to flourish. The founder of the Bahai faith was exiled by the Iranian Government to Israel and He died there. Now I have to go to Israel if I want to have a pilgrimage. Still I want to see Isfahan, Tehran and other historical sites in the Bahai history. I love Iran. I do not have any hatred in my heart towards Iran. I understand why the Iranians are against the Bahai faith and I believe that time will come when they will learn to accept the truth that the Bahai faith is proclaiming then persecutions will stop and the beginning of the idea of abolition of any form of prejudice towards other beliefs will start in Iran. I want to learn how to speak Farsi. I know one Farsi song and one chanting in Arabic. I am a Filipino. Ironical? I have a lot more to say but I have to drive home now. Thank you for listening to me. Warmest greetings, Lon Milan Cambodia To top * Prove to the world they are not evil Please do not publish my last name, I am going to Iran for Eid, LOL. I have lived half of my life out of Iran, but have followed the news on Iran daily. Almost all Iranians, including me do what ever it takes to keep our "Aberoo" in public, in and out of Iran. Aberoo is part of our culture. One of the first things we teach our children is about Aberoo. Now, how can the people of Iran sit down and don't do anything when George W. Bush Aberooye Iran ro bord. He branded the tag of "Axis of Evil" on Iran. Now when 6 Billion people in the world hear the name of our great country, on the back of their mind, they think Terrorists, Evil, Bad, Ugly, etc. It's unbelievable how fast news on Iran travels on the internet, especially after the events of September 11th. I have set up my Yahoo News to instantly send me any news on "EVIL", you wont believe that since January, 100% of them were news about Iran. The people of Iran must ask their government to prove to the world that they are not evil, and there is only one way to achieve that, it's by becoming friends with the United States again. In this day and age, after 9/11, you are either with the USA, or you are a relative of Osama Bin Laden. How can the people of Iran, especially the 60% who are under the age of 30 can let Mr. Khamenei destroy their future by not letting the Reformers reach for the wealth of America. Do you know how fast the 30% unemployment in the country decreases the day Iran and America shake hands? Do you know how many companies are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to invest Millions of dollars in a stabilized Iran? Mr. Khamenei, what are you doing to our great country? Let the Reformers do their job for the sake of our country, for the sake of our Javanan, and for the sake of our Aberoo in the world. Mr. Khamenei, it's time to open our country to the open market, let our oil bring wealth and technology to our country, we have way too many smart people in Iran who given the chance could make our country the next Japan. Ok, back to work. Houman To top * Surprised if they were even a blip on the radar screen I just wanted to express my sincerest thanks for bringing this issue to light [Heechee kam nadaaran]. Very little is known of the human rights atrocities committed against Bahais. In fact, I would be surprised if they were even a blip on the radar screen. It is refreshing to hear a non-Bahai Iranian is the one who is advancing the effort to bring this issue to the forefront. Please accept my deepest gratitude and appreciation in your attempts to champion justice and dedicate yourself to truth through your journalism. Sincerely, Anisa Khadem Czerniejewski Public Affairs Intern U.S. Embassy Santiago de Chile To top * Putting down your own You can not praise another religion such as "Bahai faith" by putting down your own [Heechee kam nadaaran]. If Islam is just angry faces, violence, chador, stoning, revolution, martyrdom, blood and...then obviously you do not have enough knowledge about Islam and you have no right to give your opinion or judge about any other religions. My dear author, It would be better if we all be open minded about many issues around us (I agree with you) such as religions but please for the sake of your grandmother, if you do not agree with something, go and do research about it and then make a statement based on fact. Islam is also a very growing religion in the world. Mooness To top * Satire at its best I loved this piece ... Very sharp, very funny, and very much to the point [Omberian visa requirements]. This is satire at its best. Mehdi should write more! Anoush To top * Photos of poverty stricken people Dear Iranian.com, Do you know in all honesty, I am a bit sick and tired of some of these Iranian guys (cissy guys), who have spent almost all of their lives in Europe and U.S., particularly in California, U.S., going back to Iran to be spoiled by their grannies and take a little camera to take pictures of the south of Tehran and other deprieved places of the country. If one likes taking photos of poverty stricken areas / people, why not take a little drive down the road to Mexico or even better if you have got the guts and the balls, have a drive into Watts of L A !! So have a think about it, taking photos of this kind , definitely does not make you any more superior and no more intellectual than the poor people in these pictures. This is not aimed at N. Davoodi in particular, but to all who think alike. S.Breheny. To top * No more rich ex-ministers left to interview? Mr Kadivar, It sure was a sad situation [executed Bahai couple], but please, wake up it's 2002 now. Is there no more rich ex-ministers left around, for you to interview? Shaw Breheny To top * Fragrance of the "CHE'LO" is hitting me hard Baa Salaam -e- Garm: Thank you, so very much, for sharing the beautiful pictures of the "Nazri" with us. Picutures 1, 6, 10 and 12: The fragrance of the "CHE'LO" is hitting me hard. Pictures 7 and 8: Beautiful ladies in the "CHAADOR". Picture 9: "BE'ZAN HAAL KUN, PESSARAM, DE'MET GARM" Picture 6, 10 and 11: Warm-hearted people always ready to give a hand. Picture 13: A pretty little girl with a happy face. Is the grin on her face for being in the picture, or the "NAZRI"? I wonder. 4 and 5: NO with capital letters. Baa Aarezoo-ye- Movafaghee'yet for you. ISSA Las Vegas To top * Iranian before anything else I am writing this letter in response to Jahanshah Javid's article "Heechee kam nadaaran". First off, I must say that I am impressed by the stance of the article and the support that it has recievied. I'm going to give my insight on the current situation of Bahais in Iran and from the harsh treatments that have been inflicted upon them. First, you have to understand, that originally Bahais were treated like scapegoats, meaning just as the Nazi's blamed the Jews for their problems, the Muslim population of Iran, misguided by the preaching's of a some-what "cult" felt the same way toward the benign Bahai community. Now, I ask of you this...an 8 year war with Iraq that took the lives of millions, the killings of thousands more, a war-torn country with a tumbling economy, and who's to blame now? The Bahais? I myself, as I've made it obvious, am Bahai. Now, the notion that Bahais are not Iranian, upsets me greatly. I was tucked in my mother's arms for days, on the back of a pick-up as I was smuggled out of Iran, 14 years ago, and to this day, I consider my self to be Iranian before anything else. Your religion, you can change it every other day, it's your nationality that is in your veins. My uncle was a POW (Aseer) in the Iran-Iraq war for 10 years, meaning that the same war that the akhoond's started in the name of Islam, was the war Bahais fought in. Maybe, it was against our will, Bahais don't believe in violence and killing, in fact, to hold a gun in your hand is considered sinful, but we opted to protect our families and our homeland, Iran. I won't get into my own personal suffering, I won't mention the Bahais who were killed after the revolution, some burnt to a crisp while alive infront of their children, but I will say this, we are just as Iranian as any other non-Bahai Iranian. Also, for me personally, I don't care what your religion is, you follow your path and faith, and I will follow mine, and we'll see who gets to heaven first. But, my only objection to the Islamic community, and no disrespect, but only attack another religion if you can defend your own, and only scorn another religion, if you practice your own. By that I mean, don't say Bahais are Najess, or that Jews are children of Satan or whatever if you can't explain why thousands have died in the past 10 years, because "Muslim's" decided to strap a bomb's to themselves and take the lives of so many innocent civilians. Or, if your gonna (for Muslim's out of Iran specifically) drink up every other night, get laid by prostitutes, have your daughter's dressed like whores that sleep around, eat your haram food, drink your alchohol, and do more sinful acts, don't attack another religion saying that they are bad...!! Now, like I said, I let people practice their own religion, and don't care what religion they are, but, just for fun, let's compare and contrast the Bahai faith and Islam. I'm not putting any bias into this, it's all truth... Bahais are non-violent people, who don't believe in war, killing, and death... While Islam's greatest moments are the wars that they fought in, the thousands that were massacred, and actually look forward to death, because some "akhoond paay-e mambaar yeh zeree zad-e" that you'll go to Heaven. Anyways, I'm going to cut this short, the article "Heechee kam nadaaran" was a great article, that spoke volumes for the situation of Bahais in Iran, and the path that we all must take to accept the Bahai community. Thank you... Sincerely, Sepehr P.S. Zendeh Baad Iran Zameen... To top * I personally consider them a source of pride Point well taken and I am proud of you for speaking up [Heechee kam nadaaran]. I would like to add that their beliefs are no different. They exactly the same beliefs as all the other religeons, except they practice what they preach in a very systematic and democratic way. As a non-Bahai I am proud to say that I have had the privilage to know many of them. They are suffisticated, peaceful and effective. Most if not all have devoted their lives to god and their faith. They believe in god (very much so) and have the utmost respect for other religions. I promise you and all that with a little open mindedness and curiosity each and every one will grow to respect them. I personally consider them a source of pride for our country and feel ashamed that the world is recognizing their essence before we do! Shirin Afrasiabi, MD To top * I hope the answer is yes Dear Mr. Baygan, This is respond to your article "Can we say 'Who needs Norooz?'". When I started to read your article two things grabbed my attention: A) Use of the stamp that has the picture of the royal crown, hinting that the article is about the issue of monarchy B) The way you started your article and setting the stage for the interview. Given both A and B above something immediately confused me and I have to apologize if I did not spend enough time to find the answer to the question that bothered me all through your article down to the very last letter of the last word: Was this interview with Reza Pahlavi? Or was this truly just a friend that you unnecessarily introduced him in a misleading overture as if he was a prominent figure or if he was what made you to keep his name confidential, since he did not have the formula for the next atomic bomb? I hope the answer is yes, the interview was with Pahlavi. In which case I do not see the need for the mystery and the tone of the article would have been more persuasive if you had introduced whose opinions are we listening to or reading about. But if your interview was not with Reza Pahlavi, then you broke a few rules of ethical writing and that is not a harsh criticism but a frank comment. If your interview was not with RP then, you should have not set the stage as you met someone in his position or as if the comments are coming from someone like him. I think it is very essential to reveal very early in an interview whom are you conducting the interview with. If this interview was with Jessica Chavez who was the waitress at the restaurant then I care less what she thinks and have no interest even if the restaurant managers sits with you and talks about politics, but if that happens to be RP whom you talked to then we are talking about a character that has given you the audience the way you made us to imagine. Then we pay attention to OK what does he have to say and offer this time around. Your article would have been far more effective if you were honest and forward about the source of your interview as in its current content there was absolutely nothing new or earth shattering or secretive or even important that would require anonymity. You can grab anyone in any chelokababee and they will give you similar opinions these days. So the damage was done by making the following errors : -not revealing your source and acting as if this was a top secret meeting between two friends of which one is very knowledgeable -doing disservice to Reza Pahlavi to create a scene as if you interviewed him -belittling us as readers by underestimating our intelligence as if we care if RP or RFK or GWB will give you an audience -you disqualified the article as a persuasive source Lastly, if the interview was with yourself and there was no one else present then it should have definitely been presented in a different format. I would have enjoyed reading YOUR OWN OPINION, rather than a mystery friend who did not offer anything new, and belittled my intelligence and wasted my good glass of wine. With all respects, Farrokh A. Ashtiani To top * Good not to be totally detached Dear Mr. Davoodi, I just went through your photos of today's photo feature "Nazri" Thanks for the effort to bring back to life some of my old good but also sad memory back onto the conscience level and make me think and analyze them again. My father was a professor and also a religious "haji" who observed most of the religious rituals. And he used to sacrifice a lamb every "Eid Ghorban." He would even make sure that the meat is taken to the southern part of the Tehran and given to the needy. They would buy the sheep and keep him/her in our garden (a very old and large house with acres of land and spaces) for a few days before scarifying him/her. The ritual was endless. The best part was that my brother and I could play with our new pet in the garden. We used to feed him/her and even play with the pet by sometimes getting a ride. This new experience was nice for us the children playing in the garden with our new pet. Then the sad part was the day that they had to kill him/her. As a child I used to even cry for my little "Bozi," the name that I had selected for him/her. I couldn't understand the reasons that went behind my father's action at that time. I only could remember that he was the one who ordered the "bozi" to be killed. I experienced this ritual for about a few years through my eight year. Then the life style changed and the ritual was not practiced. I started analyzing "What it used to be" and "How it is now" for some of us American/Iranians living in America. We need to make those analysis about our rituals and how these rituals change according to our habits or life style every now and then. It gives you a new perspective how you see the world around you. As Mr. Javid said in his radio interview, now the Iranian/Americans have different concerns in this new world that we are living. Our ritual changed and our concerns vary. But, it's also good not to be totally detached from our fellow Iranians and our old rituals by just going through your pictures and remembering the compassionate motives that needs to exist at all time in every society. The comparison would be that here, we have the "Homeless and soup kitchens, and the welfare system" to help the needy and there in Iran we have the "Nazri." I wonder if we have any type of organized welfare system through the government. If anyone has a report on such system in Iran I would like to read it. I am aware that "Bonyad Mostazafin" exist. But, what I don't know is its function and let's say its annual report for instance in a county or "bakhsh." With sincere thoughts, Fatima Farideh Nedjat M.A. Assistant Professor To top * So that maybe we could go back All who put their life on the line [executed Bahai couple] so that maybe we could go back in our own home and be a part of society that cannot react to us as foreigners. PARETHFRE To top * Should be read by all This article by Reza Bayegan [Can we say 'Who needs Norooz?'] should be read by all who love Iran, who are visionaries and courageous, who believe and take action, who are ready to work for a better future instead of letting time pass by with inaction. Shahla Samii To top * All is needed is separating religion from governance As a "lawyer", Guive Mirfendereski is well versed in the practice of "misrepresentation" and has made good use of the art of being selective in the choice of "specific facts" in his "analytical" argument [Give this republic a chance]. He calls the total monopoly of power (and property) by mollas, the "stability of the republican government" in Iran, and gives credit of such "stability" to "presidents" Khamenei, Hashemi Rafsanjani and Khatami, for not following in the path of "putsch by premiers" - because they are all clergy, men of the same cloth!! He fails to admit that the problem with "this republic" is not just abaa va ammameh (turban and robe) and it wouldn't make any difference if there were no presidents - the "republic" would still be "stable", under the prevailing Constitution and rule of terror. Having derogated the constitution of 1906, he shamelessly calls the 1979 Constitution (of Velayat-e-Faghih) "a new political framework, a republic" ! Then, while giving legitimacy to "elections" in the IRI, he goes on to draw parallel experiences between the Republic of the United States of America and the "Republic" of mollas in Iran ! But he conveniently fails to acknowledge that if, after millenia of monarchical system of governance, Iranians have so easily adapted to "this republicanism", why shouldn't they be able to adopt and adapt to a constitutional monarchy similar to that of Spain, for example? He presents (misrepresents) his "facts" in a way to show that elections, changes of political leaders and governments are the exclusive characteristics of republicanism. He fails to notice all those democratic and political dinamism in countries like the United Kingdom or Spain, for example. It should be made clear to the likes of Mr. Mirfendereski that if Iranians are capable of reforming the current "mollacracy" into a democratic republic, they most certainly are capable of living with a constitutional monarchy similar to that of Spain, for example. All is needed is putting the lessons learned from our contemporary history into practice, separating religion from governance and giving the people of Iran the opportunity to freely decide on their choice of the form of state. R. Sardar To top * Passionate and sincere In the article "Can we say 'Who needs Norooz?'" Mr. Reza Bayegan's use of conversational form to express his views is very effective. His writing is passionate and sincere. His political analysis is superb and beautifully articulated. Thank you for publishing this article. Rahmat Meftah To top * Have to give an accounting for their behavior Salaam. After 23 years of being not just a witness but a participant to untold injustices in the city of Esfahan, Taheri has all of a sudden found God?!?! Who does Taheri think he is kidding? The fact of the matter is that Taheri has seen the writing on the wall, and thinks that by switching sides at this late date he will be able to save his miserable neck when the inevitability of the collapse of this wicked regime materializes. Let me assure both Montazeri and Taheri that the first two individuals who will be prosecuted in the city of Esfahan upon the return of the rule of law to Iran, on charges of being coconspirators and accessories to murder and theft, will be these same two individuals who played such a prominent role in foisting the nightmare of the past 23 years on Esfahan and her citizens. Their current antics and hypocrisy do not fool anyone, least of all me. There is a long list of individuals and functionaries in the city of Esfahan who will have to give an accounting for their behavior over the course of these years shortly, and I hope for their sake that God will have mercy on them because I certainly don't think the people of Esfahan will. Va salaam, Hamid Boroumand To top * Victoria last seen in Tehran, 1958 -1959 Seeking what happened to Victoria last seen in Tehran in 1958 -1959. Any information would be appreciated. May be spelled Moussian, Moseian? would be 68 -72 now. THANKS, GARY MINER To top * Mojgan Attarzadeh I need your help to locate my dearest friend whom I've lost contact with during the Iraqi attack on Kuwait. I would be grateful for helping me find her. Her name is Mojgan Attarzadeh, she used to live in Wimbledon - London, with her husband (Karim) and 2 kids (Elham & Ashkan). Originally she is from Shiraz but lived in Kuwait until after her marriage she moved to UK in 1980 - 81. Please if you know anything about her let me know. Nejat Zafari To top * Nothing will return Iran to its glory days -- except Bahai Faith I as impressed by your astute observations, unusual in this age of "political correctness." [Heechee kam nadaaran] I am a twelfth generation American of WASP ("White, Anglo Saxon, Protestant" background). I have been a Bahai for fifty-one years and am married to an Iranian. No, I did not become a Bahai because of my wife. I was a Bahai for nine years before I met her (in England). When I became a Bahai I had only met one Iranian before that, and he was not a Bahai. I am an architect and engineer. What I would like to point out from an "outsider's point of view" is something that for some reason I cannot understand has appeared to escape the mind's of all Iranian non-Bahais. That is, from a realistic point of view, most of the world, especially the so called "western" world views Iran as a backward, quasi-civilized bunch of fanatical "Arabs." Few people, even educated people, connect "Persia" with modern Iran and from my own personal experience our education here was very remiss in teaching only "Greek" oriented history concerning Persia. The only thing of significance I can remember about Persia in my history classes was the defeat of Xerxes by the Greeks at Thermopolai. Today people here see Iranians as "thugs" raising their fists in front of the American Embassy in a very barbaric display of gang politics. They do not know that the whole thing was staged, that people were paid and trucked in from the villages. I can understand why Moslem Iranians would consider the Bahai Faith a threat from a religious point of view but as far nationalism is concerned, Iranians should understand that to Bahais, whether they be from Iran or America or the Solomon Islands (Yes, there are Bahais everywhere), Iran is the cultural center of the Earth. Nothing, not Islam, not Christianity, not the UN, nothing will return Iran to its glory of the Sassanian days except the Bahai Faith and its success with all the peoples of the world. The finest, most intellectual, most cultural people I have personally known were and are Bahais from Iran. Iranians who attack the Bahai Faith or Bahais are simply "shooting themselves in the foot," so to speak. As to the fact you personally think all religions are crap, I can understand that also. I was raised as an Epicopalian but never was very deep in it. I found good in all religions but an awful lot of BS and down right rotten stuff going on that had nothing to do with the origins. If it were not for the Bahai Faith I would still feel that way. Now (and Moslems pay attention to this in particular) I have a great love and profound respect for Islam, with Hazrat'l Muhammed and the Holy Quron even as I turn with disgust from what is happening now in Their name. I came to this only because of Baha'u'llah and the Bahai Faith. The Bahai Faith is the best friend and champion of both Islam and Iran. And this even as both of them are continuing to persecute Bahais, kill them, and steal from them. Donald S. Hawley, Member of the Sons of the American Revolution and member of the Order of the Founders and Patriots of America To top * Special place in the hearts of all the Bahais As an Iranian Bahai living in the US I just wanted to thank you for your unbiased article regarding the treatement of the Bahais in Iran [Heechee kam nadaaran]. It is worth it to mentione that Iran holds a special place in the hearts of all the Bahais world wide as it is the birth place of our Baha'u 'llah and our Faith. Payandeh Bad Khockeh Mogadasseh Iran. Regards Shahin To top * So original WOW...! to every of one your writings... So original... [BURNTOAST] One day, I'd like to hear you speak and see who this person is behind those words. Arefaneh To top * Norooz is not exclusively Iranian In regards to Mr./Ms. KH's letter [Not free to act natural with Bahais], I'd like to ask him/her that what makes him think the publication is wrong? Has he/she investigated to see if Naw-Ruz is truly a Bahai holiday? I hope Mr./Ms. KH has been asking the authorities to change the publication to read "Norooz is a Zoroastrian Holiday." not to read an Iranian holiday. Because Norooz is not exclusively Iranian. As I am sure it will come as a shock to Mr./Ms. KH that Norooz is celebrated by all Bahais around the world from all backgrounds (not just Iranian Bahais). Norooz is one of the 9 holyday on the Bahai calendar. I am sure Mr./Ms. is generous enough to share the celebration of Norooz with others. Next time Mr./Ms. KH tries to write to the authorities, he/she should consider asking the authorities to expand the entry for Norooz, rather than asking them to "fix the mistake!" A request to expand the entry to read "Eyde Norooz is a Persian, Iranian, Kurdish (including Iraqi, Turkish), Afghani, Zoroastrian and Bahai holiday" would be more appropriate. Tooraj Enayati To top * No one needs to feel sorry for Bahais, but... In response to the letter from Nazy [Because there religion is a load of crap], I'd like to say that how nice for Nazy to think that there are people who give a damn about Islam. But clearly she thinks no one gives a damn about Bahai and she can go on calling their beliefs crap. As you said Bahais send their youth to provide service in remote places and countries. Bahai take all the hardship and bad mouthing for the love and unity of mankind. They endure all the hardship and suffering for the love of God. Yes, lady no one needs to feel sorry for Bahais. But I do certainly feel sorry for you who by your words condone the denial of basic human rights to Bahais in Iran. Everyone in every society deserves to have the basic human rights. Please don't allow your hatred and jealousy of Bahais make you say otherwise. Because speaking up for the wronged ones and asking for justice is the right this to do. It is what make a person a human! Tooraj Enayati To top * Bahais believe in the truth of the Quran I am writing this in response to the article by Jahanshah Javid titled: "Heechee kam nadaaran". I will begin by pointing out that I am a Bahai and was raised in a Bahai family in Kenya, and I currently reside in the U.S. I think, to any fair-minded person, the persecution of Bahais in Iran is not only grossly unjust, but is also not in keeping with the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad which Iranian Shi'ite Muslims persecuting Bahais try to use as a justification for their actions. In the Quran it clearly states that there is to be no compulsion in religion (Quran, 2:256), and that God guides whom he chooses and leaves straying whom he chooses (Quran, 16:90-93). If one were to follow any religion through compulsion or out of fear of persecution then that would not constitute true and sincere belief. I think it is quite clear from both the letter and the spirit of the teachings of the Quran that believers cannot, in effect, play God and persecute others for what they believe if it differs from their own understanding. Indeed, among the many Muslims in the world (over a billion) there is no universal agreement on the meanings of the words of the Quran. Different sects follow different interpretations and different leadership but this is not used as a justification for persecuting others in the manner that Bahais have been and continue to be persecuted in Iran. For example, the Sunnis (who make up the vast majority of Muslims) do not recognise the Imams, while from a Shi'i (and Bahai) perspective there are numerous (indirect or symbolic) references to the Imams in the Quran. Bahais believe in the truth of the Quran and the teachings of the Imams. After the Prophet Muhammad, the Imams are considered the most learned and the most distinguished among the people, and the revealers of the teachings and commandments of God. For a Bahai to disbelieve in any aspect of the teachings of Muhammad, a Prophet of God, is to disbelieve in God. From a Bahai perspective, a believer by following prophecies of the Quran and prophecies of the Imams are able to recognise the prophethood of the Bab and Baha'u'llah, and the divine teachings they brought. The following unofficial link has a number of references from the Bahai writings relating to this. In a sense, the Prophet Muhammad, the Holy Imams, The Bab and Baha'u'llah are all one soul and one spirit, as they are all messengers of one God and the revealers of the teachings, commandments and attributes of one God, according to the requirements of their time. Even if there are differences in the interpretation of the Quran, which, perhaps, is not surprising given the mystical and allegorical nature of many portions of the Quran (and other Holy Books), that is no justification for the persecution of Bahais. I don't think Muslims would accept as just their persecution by Christians because Muslims accept Muhammad as a Prophet of God (who is foretold in the New Testament) while Christians do not. Likewise, Christians would not accept as just their persecution by Jews because they accept Christ as a Prophet of God, the Messiah (who is foretold in the Old Testament), while Jews (followers of Moses) do not. In the Quran itself one will find many references to earlier prophets like Christ, Moses and Abraham. Likewise, in the Bahai writings one finds many references to Muhammad, the Bab, Christ, Moses, Abraham and other earlier prophets. Certainly, all the major religions (including Islam) accept that prophets have appeared bringing new teachings that superseded those of earlier prophets. Likewise, Baha'u'llah brought new teachings many of which replaced those brought by the Bab, as the Bab himself intimated would happen. One can claim to follow any Holy Book or other system of belief but the truth of one's nature is ultimately reflected in one's actions and not in what one may profess to believe in -- this applies to everyone, including Bahais. That truth (of one group persecuting another because of their religious beliefs) is not a pretty one. However, as troubling as this is, I think, to many Bahais it is probably not entirely surprising. Looking further back in the history of the faith, it was foretold that many of the Bab's enemies would be the divines and that the Bab would be martyred, events that did come to pass -- the Bab was killed about a century and half ago in Tabriz by a firing squad of hundreds of soldiers. It was also foretold that Baha'u'llah would be exiled, as did happen, along with many other injustices he had to bear at the hands of the authorities. As long as a climate of Islamic fundamentalism and hatred exists in Iran, its manifestation in the persecution of Bahais (followers of a new religion who constitute a small minority), unfortunately, becomes a possible if not inevitable event. Aziz Mboya To top * Compellingly The piece called "Can we say 'Who needs Norooz?'" Was a joy to read. Your writer outlines his views compellingly and with impressive clarity . My thanks to you for printing it. Jasmine. M. To top * Looking for any excuse This is in regards to the comments made by K.H. titled..."Not free to act natural with Bahais" I have an understanding of what you are talking about.... But, understand this too, that Bahais celebrate their own New Year like a holiday, just as Iranian Muslims celebrate No Rouz, and I don't know... some Islamic holiday. Bahais have the same thing. It just happens that Bahais celebrate their own New Year on March 21st too. It's not to say that they are trying to claim No Rouz as their own. That's not the case. That was simply a matter of miscommunication on behalf of the school's part. You just generally having a hatred towards Bahais so your looking for any excuse to attack them on any level... Oh, and how Bahais don't distance themselves: I have Bahai friends, including family friends, and they have MANY Muslim friends. The reason they distance themselves with you is because you're no different then an akhoond, when your that ignorant... Thank you... Sepehr To top * Funny and sad I read and enjoyed Mr. Mehdi Nasrin article [Omberian visa requirements]. it is a great essay. there are really truth in it! It is funny and sad to see how countries look for a reason to justify their political stratogies. Regards, Alireza Abouhossein To top * Good and bad will burn together Hope you're doing well, I wanted to know is it possible to add the feature of printable version in your articals and letters so we could just print the words only and not all the pictures with it. By the way, I've read your letter about Bahais and all the respones [Heechee kam nadaaran]. We all know that Mullahs hate them but is there anyone there who can honestly tell us why? I think because Mullahs think some of Bahai leaders are too close with Western and Jewish policy makers, and as you know Iranians always hate those who are tied to foreigners now whether this accusation is true or fales I'm not sure but I know one thingh for sure: If that's true then good and bad will burn together. Reza To top * Best response Jahanshah Jan, Damet garm, best response one could send to such dumb ass guy [Surprised at your ignorance]. You made me laugh and proud at the same time. Although, with all your coolness, I would do some thing about the name though :) Thanks Mehrdad Mehranpour To top * We understand you Dear Ada, [He wrote me beautiful love letters] I felt very sorry when I read your letter in Iranian.com. Even though his wife doesn't know who you are , she knows there had to be someone before her. She just doesn't want to talk about her. There are many kinds of cultures around the world. We have common things as well as differences in our culture. It is as strange for us to know how "simple" and "easy-going" you were in your LOVING and CHOOSING as it is sad for you to know how hard hearted the Iranian men are. (Not that being simple is a bad thing... It may harm you when your party is complicated) It could happen to an Iranian-American lady as well as it happened to you. When I was in Iran my boyfriends dropped me several times just because of their family. So don't be sad. We understand you and wish you a better boyfriend/husband. Just forget it. And please don't think all Iranians are the same. I didn't and I found a wonderful one and married him! Peace, Mandana To top * Please Please let me know My family met an Iranian lady who has had a very tragic life... in short, she has just moved to the US and she needs a job. The catch is that she has a neurological condition that makes her somewhat disabled. But she has the determination of 10 people combined... not to mention the fact that she is in desparate need of the money. Do any of you know someone looking to hire a person to work for them doing everyday tasks? She lives in the Woodbridge, Virginia, area. Something like helping out in a store. Please Please let me know. Regards, Mahsa To top * I do appreciate your frankness I read your "Heechee kam nadaaran" article in The Iranian and enjoyed it very much. I do appreciate your frankness. I am from Iran, from Baluchestan Province. I had a classmate in primary school with the same names as yours. Were you used to live in Baluchestan? Regards, TS REPLY: I am from Abadan. -- Jahanshah Javid To top * Keep your thoughts to yourself and just act respectful Dear non-Iranian married lady, [You frustrate me] Thank you for you comments about Iranian men. I am happy that they try to hunt any game they see; keep it up boys.Well, the point is that if you are married, you should not go around and be very commentive to other guys you know. Not only Iranians, but any MAN will take that for the wrong reason. So dear, next time you see a man, keep your thoughts to yourself and just act respectful as a married woman should do. Unless you have other things in mind that you are not telling us. With a lot of love for you, Kambiz, THE IRANIAN MAN To top * Insulted with vague and unsubstansiated generalities A terrorist group blowsup the WTC and suddenly all middle easterns are suspected of terrorism. When Tim McVeigh blows up a building, his act of violence finds no reflection on caucasian men as a race. Some Iranian men make asses of themselves, and we all have to pay the price by being insulted with vague and unsubstansiated generalities made by an "educated" woman [You frustrate me]. I wonder, would this "educated" woman pass the same judgements on white men if they made rude gestures toward her such as those made, toward her, by the Persians she has come across? Or does she believe that such acts are as unlikely to come from western men as there are acts of violence? It would be educational to take a look at the statistics of rape and battery, in western countries, and by western men, when it comes to talking about men "forcing" themselves on women. And, rightfully so, it would be quite insulting if I assumed that every caucasian man is a wife beater or a rapist, or rather, I would look simple and sound uneducated at the same time. It may be wise to use the same web-site to ask women or men of any race, about any warm, caring and respectful friendship they may have established with Iranian men? M. Airomloo Berkeley, CA To top * What are the stats? I'm usually content to be the silent reader, but this article was able to overcome my usual indolence [You frustrate me]. Before replying, I checked the calendar. No, it isn't April first, so this is probably not a joke (or maybe it is some weird manifestation of humor. The address, goldenflowereyes@yahoo.com seems a bit fishy!). If it's not a joke, then I have a question for the beautiful author of the article: What are the statistics she is basing her generalization upon? How many Iranian men have been the source of this type of unsavory experience for her? Regards, Maziar P. Nezhad To top * Absence of any critical commentary I could not agree with you more [Illusion overdose]. I worked in LA last summer and noticed the absence of any critical commentary regarding Iran's political situation. It's almost as if Iranian television fears the mollahs from LA (which is ridculous). You're a very clear and talented writer. Amir Ali To top * I feel proud of you and her Dear Jahanshah, You have probably forgotten me; I contributed a couple of poems to your website a few years ago [Ancestors, 1979]. These last few years have been rather hectic as I have gotten married (finally), begun to feel at home in my new environment, tried to build a successful business, and so on. In all that commotion, I lost sight of The Iranian, and only recently began to read and enjoy it again. I'm amazed at how much it has progressed! I want to say that I'm really glad that you wrote "Dear Solitary Donor" I remember when I was very young, my father gave me a collection of stories on the generosity of a few anonymous individuals, and how deeply the book affected me. In a way, both you and that special women remind me of that book. I feel proud of you and her. With best regards and wishes, Fred Shahrabani To top * People who feel sick about these programs Dear Leila, [Illusion overdose] I read your article, dated on July 19, 2002, in The Iranian, with great interest. I have always felt that the content of the broadcasted programs by the Iranian satellite TV stations, are essentially mirroring the social, cultural, and political characteristics of the people of our homeland. Cause "if there are no consumers, there will be no services", the most essential rule of trading. I am sure there are people who feel sick about these programs. I think Iranians in general love to be on the edges. Other they are the most decent people in the world, or the worse criminals. Other they are extremely engaged in social, cultural, and political issues or love to watch the doctor on Shabkhiz's TV for hours and hours. Either they are well-educated or have been unemployed for years and are waiting for the right moment to make the greatest business in the history. To become a millionaire on one single night. Anything between the edges does not exist. Anyway, it was nice to read your article. Keep on going. Arash To top * Oppenness or irresponsibility? Dear Madam, I have read your article "Harming whom?" on the Iranian.com. I agree with your logic, but hope you will agree with me on the following point. When materials of the type "Sarvenaz Diaries" are written, the standpoint of the author and the publisher should be unambigously clear on the following: If these are actually the diaries of a woman who has visited Iran, then the true identity and biography of the author should be made clear to the readers? I do not know of any author specially in Western culture, who has written diaries under a pen name, specially when they imply that an entire nation has been demoralized. If these are fiction stories, then it should be clearly mentioned and the name of the series changed accordingly. Certainly oppenness is not a justification of irresponsibility. Sincerely, V. Karimipour Associate Professor of Physics Sharif Unversity of Technology Tehran, Iran. To top * Ignorance, ego and self righteousness Sasha, I enjoyed your words [Why do you blow yourselves up?]. I have found myself in the same situation once or twice. Once about twelve years ago when I had just met my then girlfriend (now my wife) she took me to her family re-union to meet everyone. She is a blonde American from Texas and her family are church-going Methodists. After I had been introduced to just about everyone, this cousin of hers, a man about 45 years old, walked up to me and asked me "do you know that the only way your sole can be saved is through the blood of Jesus Christ?" I didn't have a glass of wine in my hand but I'm sure the plate of barbecue and beans was shaking in my hands and I'm so glad he didn't end up wearing that food because I may have ended up not being married to the most wonderful woman I have ever met in my life! Ignorance is found in all countries but when you mix it with ego and self righteousness.... Be well. Ben Bagheri Dallas, TX To top * Far worse than any Iranian Dear Golden Eyes, [You frustrate me] As an Iranian man, I should apologise for my countrymen's bad behavior. But, I don't agree with the generalization that has been made here. In my years of living here in the States, I have seen and met men (American men) far worse than any Iranian, but that doesn't make it right for me to judge all Americans the same way. I have so many Iranian friends who are men and none have such attitudes, even as beautiful as she may be. So, perhaps you may want to reconsider who you are friends with. Mehrdad To top * I'll make sure to stop in Persia I have lived in Ames, Iowa, for 22 years, and I knew and wondered about Persia, Iowa but never found time to go in to the town and ask around. Thanks for the articles [Found it, Persia, Iowa]. A friend emailed me your recent article and I found your 1996 article about this town. Next time I drive to Omaha, I'll make sure to stop in Persia and buy some postcards. Nazanin Imani To top * This lady is full of herself As an Iranian woman I get the distinct feeling that this lady is full of herself and I don't know what has made her such an expert on Iranian men [You frustrate me]. First of all, I will be willing to bet a $100 that no intelligent and sober Iranian man would make a pass on someone who mentions she is married with two kids (unless as we Persians say "she is itching for it"). I work and interact with hundreds of Western educated Iranian men and have never experienced a rude "come on". Every man has been polite enough to thank me for telling him that I was not interested in going out with him. I truly believe that unless a woman is trashy looking and gives the impression of wanting to be screwed no intelligent Iranian man would come out right and make such an absurd remark. This lady is dying for attention by giving us the bull shit line about all other men giving her compliments. Take your frustrations and your small mind to people who care. Iranian men are too classy and too good to do such improper acts unless you give the impression that you are a good "one time screw". Don't you think for a second that I am jealous. On the contrary, heads turn any place I enter so I am very familiar with men and women complimenting a good looking creature. Azam Nemati To top * 2 Persian words: sangeen, najeeb What is your discretion in printing articles? [Editorial policy] I would think that although there is freedom of the press there is also discrestion in printing written works.. I mean this article entitled "You frustrate me", was a waste of time and space. (Piece of written crap) I should say about her opinion on Iranian men, is broad based generalized and ignorant especially the weak attempt at flattery of iranian women to say hey I just shit on all your fathers brothers cousins and I am in love with you women (mardeyaye irani tofe natanz neestin but thats our problem) and that all iranian men give her attention and will not stop talking to her and trying to have sex with her and what is her proffesion exactly? Oh and by the way returning to your closing statements in your article I speak 6 languages have lived in 4 countries have a graduate degree and I am extremly beautiful and married with a child. However when men give me the attention that you are so suffocated with, I act sangeen and najeeb, and then they know better. Try learning those 2 Persian words and using them. SheilaPSYCD To top * European delegation's visit to Iran Dear Editor, I am writing you this letter in regards to the recent visit of the European delegation's visit to Iran. It is astonishing that coming from the free world where they have "free' "democratic" press, the idea of publishing that three strands of hair showing in place of two is a movement towards democracy (BBC article) and actually publishing it and not being embarrassed is a gift in itself. But all that aside here are my top 10 reasons why the our distinguished guests are visiting Iran: 10) To witness the training of the palastenian, Iraqi, and afghan security forces and see if they are up to par to combat the democratic, three strands of hair showing, freedom loving people of Iran. The comparison will be between that and the "Black Friday" performance of 1979. 9) There is something about rafsanjani's pistachios that keeps them coming back for more...especially the salted ones. 8) No better place to vacation than "Shomal" this time of year 7) They heard about a dancer that was jailed for dancing and realized he was out and wanted to see first hand just how good of a dancer he really is. 6) Since the earthquake occurred...they are wondering if the properties have now dropped so they can "invest", buy the land and "rebuild" in the areas effected. 5) Being good institutions, are there to report the status of the money in the swiss bank accounts and in whose name they should really be should s*** hit the fan 4) To brag about their respective country so that in the event of "retirement", they would choose the respective country to reside and bring their money. 3) Gillette currently holds the monopoly in shaving...wanted to pitch an ad campaign with regards to Braun electric shaver (Much faster on the way to the airport), french after shave, and british cologne to fit right in with their democratic, freedom loving brothers in EU 2) Had a bet going with regards to who is and who is not bald under the amameh with the queen of England having a good stake in the pot and wanted to know the answer before they disappeared for good. And the number one reason why the EU is visiting Iran: 1) Nothing says we care like "Ich Leibe Dich", "Je T'aime", and "I Love You" in person for the great service this regime has provided for the EU in the last 25 years. Bob Danielzadeh To top * Father's blood, mother's patience Dear Golden Flower Eyes: I read your article couple of times [You frustrate me]! I'm going to start my comment to your article with the word "Nigger"! I'm pretty sure you have heard this word before. I went through a friendly conversation with my Black co-workers about this word and also saw a program about it. What they say is Black people are allowed to use this word and even call each other "Nigger". But a Middle easterner or Caucasian like me cannot use that word to Blacks. What I'm trying to say is, you are not an Iranian woman. You've never been in Iran and never dated an Iranian man; so you are not in a position to judge Iranian men. Please kindly stay out of the way and let Iranian women judge Iranian men and next time, when an Iranian woman starts bitching about Iranian men, patiently ask her two simple questions: 1. What do you think about your father? 2. What did you do for an Iranian man? I give you my own answers to these questions: 1. My father is a great guy -- so is my brother. Two strong Iranian men whom I'm proud of. 2. I personally did nothing for an Iranian man. How can I expect him to do me a favor? In the end I have to tell you that I'm a very strong independent Iranian woman who has her father's blood in her veins and her mother's patience in her soul. Sincerely, Tannaz Ebadollahi To top * What's there to understand? We are tall, dark, and handsome What the hell does that mean? [You frustrate me] One's ego is respectable? And if you do respect the Iranian Man's ego, what the hell are you so bent out of shape about? What's there to understand? We are tall, dark, and handsome. Isn't that tattooed in your psyche as a little girl? On top of everything, we're successful, incredibly smart, and damn good linguists. Not to mention rich! So, what's the problem? Do you want a man who will take no for an answer? Do you want a man who will bow his head and walk away at the fist sign of rejection? What kind of a man would that be? I don't know who you're married to and what kind of a father help raise you, but in the real world women want a man who?s strong. These are signs of strength. Maybe crude and unrefined at times, but that's pretty much the jest of it. There is a big difference between being sure of yourself and being full of yourself, I agree. If the self-confidence takes a turn for harassment, then you need to do something about it. That "something about it" is not to write to a forum, but rather to contact whom ever in charge and report the moron. Don?t sit there and bash Iranian men for your inability to take care of the matter. We are strong-minded, very assertive, extremely confident, and have paid dues in this country unlike any other nationality. So, to sit here and here this garbage from you, Miss golden whatever, is a bit tough to swallow. Get on with your humble self and next time, please, leave a real name on your article not this golden glower crap. Wanna talk about being full of yourself. Hamid To top * They need to hear such stories I just read the article titled "Who are you wearing that perfume for?" on iranian.com. Thank you for bringing such deplorable stories to our attention. I am in tears. It's so sad and heartbreaking to read such stories. It makes me so angry that such criminals as Ms. Rashidi's ex-husband get away with so much. As it was said in the article, this is a problem all over the world, and has no borders. It's time for governments to do something serious about such criminal acts. I hope that the International police catch this horrible man someday. It is so brave of Ms. Rashidi to be telling her story like this, to bring awareness to the world. She has taken a tragic incident in her life and is able to turn it around and bring awareness about violence against women. So many women are living in similar situations, they need to hear such stories in order to realize that they are not alone in the world, that many women have been in similar situations and have been able to save themselves. Abused women need to know that they have to get out while they can, and before it is too late, and to always report domestic abuse to the authorities. Unfortunately many women being physically and/or psychologically abused may not be aware of it and may not know that there are resources available to them (in North America and Europe at least), to help them. Best of luck to everyone & Thanks A F To top * It was me who was irresistable This is for that lady (not Iranian). Hi, I am an Iranian man living in England . I used to feel the same way [You frustrate me]. Every woman I met, wanted to jump me, their mouth would water after just saying hello to me. Sometimes I could see they were undressing me with their eyes, not to mention their body language. I used to think what's going on, these women must be sex starved. But over the years I was assured that it was me who was irresistable, and there was nothing wrong with these gorgeous girls. So there you go. This is not a race thing, it's about being gorgeous, and others noticing you. I must say now that I'm more matured I don't get so much obvious attention, but hey I'm still bloody gorgeous! Who do you love? Abbas Ramez To top * We must learn tolerance Regarding your article on treatment of the Bahais in Iran [Heechee kam nadaaran], I should say I mostly agree with you. I don't really believe in any religion -- all I care about is Human Rights and Democrecy and the only way to achieve them in Iran is by educating people. The plight of Bahais in Iran is just one reason why we haven't had anything but dictatorship in Iran. People simply don't know how to respect other peoples beliefs and Ideas. We must learn how to tolerate thoes who don't think like us or we are doomed to have oppersion and dictatorship in Iran forever. Long live freedom, Ali To top * What more can I do? Dear Amir, [See below: If you see an iranian man do NOT smile] Yes, you are right. It was unfair for me to characterize all Iranian men based on the few here in my locale [You frustrate me]. I am truly sorry. Agressiveness and persistence is not a bad thing. I encourage you to pursue a woman if you like her. Sometimes it works out....like me and my husband.:) The Iranian men here were born and raised in Iran --- not 2nd generation American/Iranian as you thought. These Iranian men are not thugs or "luts." They have many good qualities like intelligence & determination. I am frustrated because it has been 4 years(for me) and they have never accepted the SPECIFIC words, "No, thanks. I have never cheated on my husband and I never will." This is not an exaggeration. Sadly, we are stuck in a vicious cycle here because the older Iranian man has been here for over 20 years and has the power over our jobs and salaries. When a batch of new Iranian men (single and young) come in, the same thing will happen. The young men quickly dislike the old man and they try to taunt him by flaunting their youthfulness and singleness with me. Then the old man will screw them and all the young men leave. Another batch come and the same thing happens. I'm tired. I can't leave this vicinity because of my family. The younger Iranian men try to persuade me to take the older Iranian man to court. But I can't do that. He is much too powerful. That's why the young men themselves quietly leave this state with their tails between their legs. Most sadly, the old man's American wife accepts her husband's behavior and doesn't interfere with his "amourous pursuits." I'm sure she does not want my pity. I appreciate your tips and have learned much by them! However, if I do exactly as you say I will seem to be discriminatory to Iranian men. How can I be nice and smile to everyone except to the Iranian men and not look racist? (I've already told them I will not have an affair. I act professional and serious. I do not flirt. I don't go to bars. What more can I do?) Golden Flower Eyes To top * If you see an iranian man do NOT smile I think it's unfair to characterize Iranian men as a whole [You frustrate me]. There are many many more who don't fit your stereotype. As an Iranian man, when I get the slightest hint that the person I am talking to is not interested, I jam. I personally have never ever persisted ever, and none of my brothers have ever done such a thing either. When I was in Iran I almost never came across men who didn't get it when a woman wasn't interested. Unfortunately, I think what you are refering to is seen mostly among the 2nd generation, born or raised in the good ol' USA, or in Europe. In Iran men who behave like you said are called "Lut" which in farsi means thug. So here are a few hints and some generalizations to get you started: -if you see an iranian man do NOT smile. Because, in iran a woman doesn't smiles at a man unless she is interested in him. -Don't be nice, don't be friendly. Because in iran women are cold and serious unless they are interested in a man. -if you see an iranian man, don't look at him for an amount of time that he realizes that you are checking him out. Because in iran when a woman looks at a man or stares at a man she is basically saying "you are not bad looking so why don't you come here and chat." -don't start a conversation with an iranian man, unless you are interested in him. Because in iran woman never start a conversation to make friends, if they start a converstaion they are interested in being more than friends. And believe me there is no iranian man who wants to have a conversation with a woman unless he thinks it's going somewhere (a generalization). There is no such thing as women and men being buddies, platonic pals in our culture. (They simply treat each other with respect in a professional atmosphere, but they don't become buddies or begin pointless conversations.) The thing is in iran, over the past 1300 years, women had to be very very subtle in signaling a man, so something as simple as a brief smile, or a breif stare, was the cultural norm for letting a man know that they're interested, Or, they would comment to a man on something to get a converstaion started and that would tell the man that she is interested in him. -Be very very specific, like " I have someone else in mind", "I am not attracted to you", " I am not looking for any men tonight...this is friends' night out", etc. -if he persists don't be nice, don't be rude either (no cuss words), but definitely say something he doesn't like to hear. To get him to buzz off, in iran women say: "where did you get those Ugly pants", "boy what are you carrying a tub of lard around for" (meaning you're fat), "with that face you would definitely make it into america's most wanted", etc. In Farsi, this technique is called "matta-lak" which in english is equivalent to teasing or rediculing. Most women in Tehran, shiraz, and other iranian cities are excellent at coming up with the most stinging comments when dealing with thugs, and you should try it too. Sincerely, Amir P.S. If an iranian man is at a bar, or a club he is not there for a friendly conversation with a bored woman who isn't interested in him. To top * All men are not equal This letter is in regards to the recently featured article "You frustrate me". I would just like to bring up one simple point. I am so frustrated with generalizations, not just about Iranians but in general. How can the author claim to be an educated woman and yet make such unjust generalizations? All men are not equal. All Iranian men are not alike. Just because the men that you have met were aggressive, does not justify categorizing all Iranian men as such. Making such stereotypes perpetuates discrimination which leads to acts and comments of hatred towards a group of people that are completely unjustified and undeserved. I would like to hope that so called educated people would display their intelligence through positive and open-mindedness. When you make comments about Iranian men, you unconsciously insult our fathers, uncles, brothers, and friends. For that, and for every Iranian man that I have come across that has inspired me as a woman and as an Iranian, I take offence. Next time you decide to write a commentary, use some comment sense, research, and open mind and I desperately hope that the money you spent on your "education" was not in vain. Yours very truly, Laleh To top * Mardomi daarim ke az saltanat bizaarand SAALRooze mashrootiat nazdik ast.mardom-e jahaan be yaad daashte va daarand ke baraaye jaanitarin afraade bashar ya'ni rejaal va nezaamiaan-e Aalmaan-e Hitler-i maahhaa mohaakemeye norenberg tashkil shod va behtarin vokalaaye modaafe' baraaye jenaayatkaaraane Nazi bargozide shodand va hamchenin hame be yaad daarand ke dar Iran, hokoomathaaye dictator-i va khodkaameye Reza khaan va Mohammadreza Pahlavi, tanhaa bar zedde bayaane vaagheiaat va andishe che khoonhaaii ke bar zamin narikhtand,bi edaalati,toghife khodsaraaneye mardom, mahkoom kardan va lajan maal kardane aanhaa dar anzaar va mahkoomiat ghabl az mohaakeme va bargh aasaa boodan-e mohaakemaat va nadaadane haghe defaa' baarhaa va baarhaa mavaade enteghaade mahaafele khaareji va daakheli gharaar gereft. afzaayeshe sarsaam aavare vahshigarihaa va khoshoonathaaye saba'aaneye avaamel dar ra'se aan shah-e khal' shode va bi etenaaii be koochaktarin khaaste mardom va khaabe khargooshi-e regime-e Pahlavi, khod barangizandeye mardom bar alayhe regime-e Pahlavi bood.harkas inhaa raa ketmaan konad dar vaaghe be taarikh doroogh gofte ast.shah-e makhloo' migoft:hameye mellat-e Iran baa hezb-e rastaakhiz movaafegh hastand,tanhaa chand tan divaane be mokhaalefat baa in hezb barkhaasteand.. Didid ke ghezaavate taarikh va amalkarde taarikh be gooneii digar bood , sarnegoonie regime-e pahlavi baa etehaad va etefaaghe bi nazire mardome saraasare Iran va hamdelie aanhaa bood ke kaare regime-e pooshaalie pahlavi raa saakht. etehaadi ke tamaame gheshrhaaye mardom a'am az kaaregaraan , keshavarzaan va kaarmandan, daaneshjooyan, baazarihaa, zan, mard, pir va javan va hattaa sarbaazan va daraje darane artesh ra dar bar migereft. Emrooz baa vojoode Hokoomati CHENIN ZAALEMAANE VA TAAGHAT FARSAA baaz ham mardomi daarim ke az saltanat bizaarand va kaar be jaaii reside ke mashroote va ghaanoone asaasiash ke zamani khoon mellat raa be joosh miavard emrooz esme bi mosammaaiist. Adam baayesti bi ensaaf baashad ke eddea konad dar hokoomathaaye reza khaan va mohammad reza maa parlemaan daashtim,mashroote daashtim va ghaanone asaasi dar in keshvar ejraa' mishod! 23 saal az dar ham shekastane regime-e khodkaameye pahlavi migozarad,digar shaansi baraaye tajdide saltanat mojood nist, Marom GONAHE ESAARATE IRAN VA IRANI RA DAR HOKOOMATE ZOLMAANIE JOMHOORIE ESLAMI BE GARDANE PAHLAVIHAA VA ATRAFIANESHAN MIDANAD. EMROOZ MARDOME IRAN CHESHM BE CHEM-ANDAAZI AZ VATAN DOOKHTEAND , RAHAA VA AAZAAD AZ HAR KHODKAAMEGI VA ESTEBDAAD,BAA MARDOMI SHAAD VA MOSALLAT BAR SARNEVESHTE KHOD. AYAA MITAVAN BARAAYE DAASHTANE IN AARMAAN BAR CHASBE HAAMIAANE JOMHOORIE ESLAAMI VA GHEIRE RAA BEZANAND?NA,IN TOHMATHAA DIGAR KOHNE SHODE VA DASTE HAAMIAANE PAHLAVI DIGAR SAALHAAST KE ROO SHODE AST. Arjang Tehran To top * I can't help but stand by Iranian men I just read the article, from Golden Flower eyes, titled "You frustrate me". As an educated, single Iranian woman, who has spend the greater part of my life living outside of Iran, I must say that given all of Iranian men's faults and mishaps, And no matter what us so called "Western-educated Iranian women" say about Iranian men, it does not mean that you can take advantage of it. Even though at times we may be a little frustrated with Iranian men and their characteristics, when it comes down to such comments as this I can't help but stand by them. I also have to mention that she has been able to describe one of the fundamental characteristics of Iranian men, their ego is what defines them and sets them apart from all other men. Even though their ego gets the better of them some times, but they still have an unmatchable charm, allure and charisma. The comment she made with reference to married women, is uncalled for. I know that to most men the thrill of it all is in the chase, and initial persistence, I am certain most of them know where to draw the line. As for Iranian women, we do like to play hard to get, which is our trade mark I suppose, on occasion, and I'd like to emphasize that, occasionally we are known to give Iranian men a hard time, make them chase after us, sort of, but of course we all agree that Iranian women are well worth it all. Most of the time it has paid off for Iranian men to be persistent and their perseverance is a sign of their interest and their intrigue, but when she is actually worthy. In their defense (not that they need defending, they do very well without it) I'd like to add that most Iranian men are intelligent, educated, enough to know that she is probably not worth all the credit she is giving herself. Thank you! A F To top * Never read experiences the way you have Dear Brian, [From Brian to Rasool] I thoroughly enjoyed your piece in the Iranian, "From Brian to Rasool." It was a wonderful expression of your travels and stay in Iran of yesteryear. I wish those illiterate and misguided fools who have destroyed that wonderful country over the past 25 years would have never been born. I worked with many expatriates in Iran in the seventies, and had many friends, but I never read or heard anyone's experience in Iran the way you have detailed. I could not have said it as well as you have done it, either. Considering you were in movies and still acting, I love to see a current picture of yours to see if I remember your acting "career", and a little about how you are doing now. Hassan Farzin To top * Eliminate at least 99% of Middle Eastern men I found Katayoun's idea of banning men with hairy arms "Banning hairy men" quite interesting. I agree this would eliminate at least 99% of Middle Eastern men from obtaining visas. How about also asking USINS to ban women with thick and hairy mustaches. I don't know about women from elsewhere in the Middle East, but I'm positive that would eliminate 100% of Iranian women from entering the US of A. Cheers, Ben Bagheri To top * I have done my research Dear to whomever it may concern; I am a very well educated American woman, and I find it appalling the number of Iranian men who come to the U.S. with an increasing appetite for American women. How can a man have so little character that he leaves his wife and disrespects his family by getting himself into an an affair with a woman who he himself looks down upon because she is not of muslim faith... and oh my at the lies we tell "... I have never been married and I want to marry you, but I cannot because of my faith..." Well, please let me know what faith you are talking about that brings you to stoop so low. Please understand I have done my research. Have you? Do you know how many Iranian men have women and even children over here... leaving behind in my eyes a very beautiful Iranian woman. You see it at work, universaties shopping centers, and what you don't know can hurt you. You take advantage of America and then say that you have been treated in a way that is in your eyes prejudicial. You are allowed to get away with many things in America that you would not get away with in your country... so if you want to complain about it here... get the hell out!! Patsy Whitaker To top * Khodaa naneh baabaato beeyaamorzeh I just read your article about the Bahai Faith [Heechee kam nadaaran]. I just want to say: DAMED GARM! May God bless you and your family, father and mother to raise such a kind child. With warmest regards, Siroos Motlagh P.S., learn about the Bahai Faith from the Bahais at www.bahai.org To top * Just a suggestion... Dear Mr. Javid, I really enjoy the letter section. Even if a specific article is not interesting enough, the discussions that follow it make it interesting. So a feature article is good enough if it brings up an interesting or new topic then everybody contributes in the letter section and there you have it.... an interesting forum:) Just a suggestion....could you please update the letter section more often so that we don't end up with hundreds of letters all of a sudden? You used to update them more often (about every other day) and that way the letters made more sense because they were recent and they were gradual. But now by the time letters are published they're about very old articles that sometimes I don't even remember precisely and also they're so many of them that's hard to even scan through the topics. I know you're very busy with the rest of the magazine, but you're going through all these letters anyway. It can't be that much more effort to publish/update them more often. Thanks, Parastoo To top * Don't expect much Mehran khan, [Ladies next] I think men have made such a big mess only because they have had more opportunity to do so. I'm not a historian but from the top of my head the women politicians or leaders I can think of have been the same, if not worst. The destruction of the Americas and massacre of its indigenous people during the reign of Queen Isabel of Spain, piracy and murder of merchant ships and sailors under Queen Elizabeth I, more recently, Madeline Albright, who some say should be in front of an international war crimes tribunal. Isn't the Indonesian President who has invited the US army to kill her citizens a women (note, 3rd world country)? I'm sure there are many more that I can't think of right now. When you think of women, you imagine our mothers and sisters but the women (and men) who become world rulers are a different breed of people. You imagine that if a women becomes a leader she would order every one to hang flowers from their front door so the whole country would look prettier and smell better? To their credit, Mrs. Benazir Bhutto and Indra Ghandi (3rd world countries as well), did as well as any man could but not much changed. So more power to women and equal rights and opportunities to all men, women, black, white, tall, short...everyone. But don't expect much once they get to the top. Of course there will always be exceptions, there are the Nelson Mandela's and Ghandi's of the world too. All in all we get enough male-bashing without having to it ourselves. So go and dig into a nice juicy stake, watch a good game of football (soccer), drink an ice-cold pint of beer and don't feel so bad about yourself. Regards, Amir Alavi To top * Rusted mirror keeps distorting images Thank you for sharing such beautiful words about Iran [From Brian to Rasool]. Unfortunately most of what you experienced in '74 Iran doesn't exist any more. The mentality exists and many of the customs are still carried away but there seems to be an inch of dust on it all. There is a saying in Farsi about "rusted mirrors" and how it is not as brilliant any more. This seems to be the analogy in Iran's atmosphere these days. People want to be '74 kind and '74 forgiving and let go of many hostilities with a simple "man's" handshake, but the rust keeps distorting the images in the mirror. This was a sad reminder of what Iran was and what it could really be. People still push one another through a door way with "taarof", they still insist on picking up checks in a restaurant, they still buy "shirini" (a gift for acquiring something new like a car), they still help their fellow human beings, and they still collect money to fix the boiler, but... Nonetheless, it was wonderful to be taken back to a golden era in Iran when life was simpler and people were so much kinder. Hate and distrust has become the rust on our mirror of every day life. Hamid To top * Bush's "sympathy" for Iranian people Dear fellow Iranians, I am not as intellectual as some of the writers in this site so please answer my questions to the best your abilities. For the last two weeks, I have been wondering about many issues regarding Iran. I am sharing some of these issues with you. 1. What is the reason that all the sudden Iranian people get so much sympathy from president Bush? Wouldn't this stop any movement in the country? Wouldn't some people in Iran be labeled as, "Supporters of America" so they can easily be shut up? Is he really helping Iranian people? 2. President Bush has become very friendly to Iranians while closing the doors to stop their entry to the United States. Does this really make any sense? 3. Among all the US senators, why California's senator hates Iranians so much? Would it be because behind the stage, she is being supported by some rich Iranians in California who are enjoying the current situation in our country? You know what I mean. Three million Iranians outside of Iran have accumulated 400 Billion dollars. We have about 15,000 college professors and many other scientists. Do they have this much money? Certainly those who brought seven Toman-Dollars could not have this much money. My point is, there are some Iranians who are becoming rich as seconds go by. Don't you think these are the people who financially support California senator to lobby against Iran? These questions may not be so clear. My point is, those who enjoy stacking up dollars inside and outside of Iran do not wish any positive changes in the country. 4. My last question, Iran has been found to be the number one country to support terrorism. Why is president Bush so interested in attaching Iraq when his worst enemy is Iran? I just don't know. Please educate me. FR To top * Amnesty International called into question The Palestinian tactic of suicide bombings employed earlier in the year caused considerable debate among the Iranian readers. Now Amnesty International has issued a report condemning suicide bombings and characterizing them as probable "war crimes" and "crimes against humanity." This is hardly surprising since thus far such suicide bombings have been directed nearly exclusively at civilian targets well inside pre 1967 Israel. What is surprising is that Amnesty International came to this conclusion. Over the years Amnesty has been a harsh critic of Israel frequently accusing them of torture and other human rights abuses or war crimes. Much of this has been justified but Amnesty International's credibility as a human rights group has also been called into question by a failure to also recognize human rights abuses on the part of the PA and/or PLO. Now, with this new report Amnesty is regaining authority as a human rights group by recognizing and identifying illegitimate tactics of war on the part of Palestinians. Torture and other ill treatment of prisoners and summary execution by the PA has frequently been ignored by human rights groups in the past leaving the PA/PLO with the impression that they are above scrutiny. Moreover, the PLO/PA which has in the past promoted Amnesty International reports critical of Israel is now distancing itself from Amnesty International and claiming that they are suffering from a pro Israeli bias an accusation they have never made in the past. Sincerely, William Baker To top * Time to be FAIR In reference to your comments about the Bahais, your right [Heechee kam nadaaran]... It is about time that we be FAIR and TAKE RESPOSIBILITY FOR CHANGE. If at least we don't practice these two little and important items, then that country will never CHANGE. GHORBOON GHALAMET... or Computer. Hormoz Hormozi July 23, 2002 See Part I To top RELATED July 2002 This month's archived letters Letters index Letters sent to The Iranian in previous months Email us

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