Letters

September 24, 2004Top

* Merely following state policy against Israel

There has been much noise about Arash's refusal to compete against his Israeli opponent [Proud of what? and The wrong fight]. First of all, we Iranians should be very proud of people like Arash and other high level martial arts competitors from Iran. These people have restored martial arts in Iran and shined on the world competition level, whether it is in Karate, Judo, Taekwondo, Wushu. Keep in mind that this government almost killed the martial arts in Iran, and most high level masters of many styles from before the revolution are living abroad.

It is very unclear whether Arash made this decision himself or not. There is no doubt that he would have won over his Israeli opponent very quickly and earned a very well deserved medal for Iran. The Iranian olympic commitee chairman has stated that Arash was merely following state policy.

I also did not see any clear statement coming from Arash in this regard. If he personally has made the decision, I respect his choice, as it is his values that he must follow. However, if he was forced to not compete, it is just another example of IRI's putting their own politics before Iran's national interests. And by the way, if you look back, this is the same thing that happenned for other members of Iran's judo team in all previous international competitions.

There are many countries that one must boycott if you will boycott Israel, probably one of the foremost of which is Iran itself! Why for example, do we not boycott competing against China, who is guilty of much worse crimes in Tibet and against its own people? Or Iraq or Saudi Arabia or the Persian Gulf countries, who spent a good 8 years and most of their natural resources trying to destroy us, and today do not even acknowledge it?

This policy is a hypocritical one, and one which says I will only condemn crimes against muslims or people that are like me. What is worse, is that it further stifles the dreams of extremely capable Iranians. Look at the opening ceremony, of all the countries of similar background, the most depressed costumes and looks were those of Iran. Why could not they wear something happier and more indicative of their culture? Why does the team of Turkmenistan or Afghanistan get allowed to wear their national dress, but Iranians have to dress in such ugly clothes, and look so unhappy and afraid?

But then what do you expect from an Islamic Republic which is at the full mercy of the dictates of one man chosen for life, and NOT by the people. Is this "Islamic democracy"? If I were Palestinian, I would be more depressed because that people like this seem to be my strongest supporters .

An Iranian

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