Letters

February 2005
February 2 | February 8

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It's not only Arabs who try to misrepresent our history

In response to Fatema Soudavar Farmanfarmaian's "The other terror":

Dear Madame Farmanfarmaian,

Thanks for sharing with us your thoughts and information on the Persian civilisation and its contribution to the world community. I've read with a great interest several of your articles in Iranian.com . Unfortunately it's not only Arabs who try to misrepresent our history and heritage.

For some reasons Hindus living in the US (amongst others) also like to consider us (e.g. fareed zakaria, and that's a Muslim one) as inferiors by tagging us "Arab". I remember having been invited to an American-Hindu family for dinner and upon arrival to the place, the host tells me: Oh, it's good you are here, we have other friends coming, and they know well your culture, they have lived couples of years in Saudi-Arabia. And these were a couple, both with a Ph.D. and working for a prominent company in the US. I don't know if it's ignorance or unconsciously deliberate from their part >>> Full text

Farhad M.

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America's aggressions upsets me

In response to J. Javid's "Chasing liberty":

You know what the truth is? No one cares, really no one. Deep down I'm worried, concerned, amazed at all the stupidity, and pissed off more often than anything else, but when it'll come down to it I probably don't care enough to do anything. You know why? Because I won't be affected directly.

The worst scenario is that America or Israel (I don't know what the difference is) will fully attack Iran with bombs and soldiers on the ground dragging Iran into a bloody war not unlike Iraq or any of the previous countries America has attacked practically every five years. The question is that will this in any way affect me or any member of my family? No, not really >>> Full text

H.

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Cheraa English?

chand saali hast keh site shomaa ro mibinam.dalilesh ham vaazeh hast, maghaalehaayeh khubi daareh va az hameh mohemtar music site aali daareh.vali chizi keh man nemifahmam ineh keh vaghti keh faghat kamtar az 15% tamam iranihaa (baa khodeh Iran) english baladan, cheraa esrar daarin faghat beh ingilisi sohbat konin va benevisin!!!???

vaallaa beh Khodaa digeh az mode oftaad un zamuni keh hameh miraftan english yaad migereftan ruyeh chesh ru ham cheshmi va az in kaaraa. ageh kasi edeaa mikoneh keh iranieh pas farsi harf mizaneh, uni ham keh fekr mikoneh keh haalaa $10 bishtar behesh midan ageh english harf bezaneh, bereh bezaneh.vaaghean az maast keh bar maast.

Zendeh baasheh har ki keh vaaghean Irani hast.

Khodahafez...

Yek chizi...midunam keh nemizarin in mail ruyeh site vali bedunin keh hameh vataneshun ro barayeh yek daftarcheh kuchikeh abi rang nemifrushan.!!!

Oldtimeblue

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Strange opinions

I read Ms. Azam Nemati's article "I'll show you Persian!" and Mr. Pejman Akbarzadeh's reply "Misconceptions about PERSIAN".

I live in Switzerland. The main languages are French and German. In German-speaking provinces all people know our language as "Persisch" and in French-speaking provinces all people know it as "Persane". "Farsi" (Arabic version of "Parsi" is unknown).

Also when people wants to speak or write about history, culture and art of our country mostly use "La Perse" (French for "Persia") or "Das Persien" (German equivalent of Persia). Needless to say that most of the people confuse IRAN with IRAQ. It's clear. Because these names are very similar in European languages. Most of them think Iranian people speak in Arabic >>> Full text

Shahryar Peyrovani,
Geneva

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Remembering a world far away

I just wanted to thank you again for all of the work you put into this site. This isn't as random as you may think. My husband's grandmother died a week ago, and like me he didn't find out until a few days later (Wed. night). When I came home from class, he was sitting on the floor, listening to Moein's songs on his computer -- off of iranian.com.

If I were a better person, I'd write Ms. Nemati and thank her for her efforts in putting together music features. But I know I'm not that person. Instead, I'll pat myself on the back for having the good manners to thank you for all your work. You make us laugh, cry and remember the times that were dearest to us in a different lifetime, in a world that sometimes seems so very far away.

Best thoughts,

P

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Posers will be posers

In response to Azam Nemati's "I'll show you Persian!":

The debate about Persian as English name for our language could get lost in flame wars and egos. Mrs. Nemati and others have a legitimate complaint about the posers in the US however this should not lead us to as we say in Persian "tisheh beh risheh khod bezanim".

I can understand and admire Pejman's efforts and perhaps Mrs Nemati should not put him down for what he and others like him (inlcluding me) are trying to do. Given their patriotism Mrs Nemati and other objectors would feel different if they had to deal with supporters of Arab Nationalism in their work day in day out like me, and felt it important to put some effort in preserving what you could as an Iranian >>> Full text

Amir Rostam

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An apology

In response to photos of "Desecration of Bahai cemetery in Yazd":

While looking at these pictures I thought to myself when some of us Iranians will turn the corner and become humans? Around 150 years ago thousands of Bahais were persecuted in city of Yazd, solely because of being Bahais. Women, children, young, old; the only criteria for killing was the person's religion and his/her refusal to recant his/her faith.

Before I was cooled down, I was praying for a big earthquake to remove the city of Yazd from the face of the earth. However, after regaining my humanity and logic and eliminating stupid and evil thoughts from my head, I thought maybe writing to you and using your site to publically apologizing to our Bahai brothers and sisters in Yazd and Iran would be a more appropriate thing. This apology is from me, my wife and I am sure hundreds of Thousands if not millions of decent Iranians inside and outside Iran.

Manouchehr Mehrparvar

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Iran went back to its roots

In response to Lawrence Reza Ershaghi's "Islamic Revolution lives":

Dear Mr. Ershaghi,

Thank you for a wonderful article; a unique and very true perspective; and a courageous one for standing up for the truth about the revolution and Iran in the face of all these traitors who call themsleves "lovers of Iran" but advocate military action against their country. Nothing infuriates me more than these despicable people who are mainly living in California! 

I just want to mention one thing regarding your concern for the youth in Iran and how they are victims of western culture instead of being the guardians of our own culture. The same thing was happening in the last years of the Pahlavi regime, even with the specific intention of westernizing the youth and yet there was a revolt against it and the country went back to its roots.

If there is one thing about Iran's history it is its resistance to foreign dominance, whether culturally or physically and its "resilience" in the face of all these storms. So I have no doubt that this latest trend will also pass and Iran will always preserve its "identity". It always has; it Iranianized the Mongols, the Greeks, the Turks, (believe it or not Iranian Turks are distinctly "Iranian" as opposed to Turkish Turks!), it even Iranianized Islam!  

Let me also warn you that you'll be receiving many hate letters attacking Islam and all the atrocities in the Islamic Republic. Some of them may even be outright rude with foul language (I'm talking from experience!) Don't pay any attention to them. They are from the same people who want the U.S. to attack Iran !

Your article was absolutely wonderful and very bold. I wish you the best in all your endeavors. I am proud that Iran has sons like you.

Nahid Shafiei

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Time passes fast

In response to Shirin Vazin's "Yekshanbeh 22 Bahman":

Shirin Vazin's two pages from her dairy about 22 Bahman 1357 was very effective and realistic. This is a part of our past history and shows how things are changing and how time passes fast .

Homa Jam

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Please think -- then write strange things

In response to Sia's "I speak Farsi with pride":

You wrote: "I stand with Ms. Nemati in calling our language Farsi (its' true name)."

Please be aware that true internal name of our language is PARSI, not FARSI. Arabs as they have not "P" in their language changed PARSI into FARSI. If you are looking for true name it's "Parsi".

You wrote: "Gulf and carpet are different because the [Persian] gulf is the official name..."

Persian Gulf is an officcial name. OK. Persian language is an official term too. As I have pointed out before Persian Language Academy in Tehran has an announcement that our language's Englis name is PERSIAN, not FARSI. Also all international Radios & TVs in the world have "Persian Service" not Farsi Service" (eg. BBC. VOA, DW, etc)

You can not compare Iraqis/Mesopotamians and Turks/Anatolians with Iranian/Persian because their countries ONLY in the ANCIENT had that names but PERSIA since 600 BC until 1935 (with present borders of Iran) has been the Western name of our country. PERSIA does not belong to just ancient time. Also in 1959 Mohammad Reza Pahlavi confirmed that both terms (Iran & Persia) can be used in Western language. Islamic Republic did not reject that. So it's legal too.

You wrote : "You get the picture. And why is it called an English-Persian dictionary? Because of people like Mr. Akbarzadeh who refuse to refer to their language by its' true name..."

I never heard such strange point !  I am 24. Those dictionaries have been written by the greatest Persian language scholars before me. I repeat FARSI is not true name of this language. Also if any nation wants to use the native name of its language we have to change most names. You, in Persian, should say Zabaan-e Polski , na Zabaan-e Lahestaani, Zabaan-e English, na Zabaan-e Engelisi !!! Please think about the subject and then write such strange things.

And finally perhaps you wish to read these articles:

-- Persian or Farsi? by Kamran Kamran Talattof
-- Fársi: "recently appeared language!" by Ehsan Yarshater

Thanks for your attention.

Best Regards
Pejman Akbarzadeh

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We'll make Iran heaven again

In response to Lawrence Reza Ershaghi's "Islamic Revolution lives":

Dear Dr. Ershaghi,

It seems to me you have been so far away from this god-forsaken hell that you do not know ANYTHING about the country khomeini has made for us. I live in this hell among millions of others who pray for the demise of this evil regime day and night. for the past 26 years we were constanly persecuted by a corrupt regime that interferes into our smallest privat matters, ranging from going to toilet to how to make love to our wives.

i have daily contacts with ordinary people from all walks of life and i can give you my word that 99 percent of them hate this regime. even some of my friends who work in revolutionary organizations hate it. be sure that the complaint of the people who talk about the social injustices of this regime in the taxis and bread lines are not "gibberish of the dillusioned iranians in exile" as you put it. please come back to this hell and live here not just spend a few weeks like a tourist >>> Full text

Pulniro

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Still prefer a tyrannical state

In response to Lawrence Reza Ershaghi's "Islamic Revolution lives":

Dear Lawrence,

I agree that Islamic revolution still lives and I am sorry to hear that. With all due respect, I believe you have no idea about the value of freedom to free thinkers. Iran is not a free and democratic country.

The idea behind Fatima Medical University is likely to separate genders based on non-adoptive values of 1300 years ago and not to promote gender equality! If devoted Iranians who value freedom, prosperity, and justice for all had only 1% of freedom you have in this country, unlikely tyranny could have survived in Iran.

It is unfortunate that technocrats who have experienced the liberty in the West, still prefer a tyrannical system of governance for their fellow citizens. Hopefully via an Iranian Renaissance the rule of religion ends soon!

Hataw Sarkawt

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Who's doing whom?

In response to Farhad weblog's "Notes from an Iranian boy":

I just finished reading the "Updates" section of the Iranian.com. I came across Notes of an Iranian boy and it really got me. I mean I've been reading a lot about the "American attack on Iran". I've talked to friends either in person or by phone and haven't found that many who have an IQ above 30, who like this idea. Yes, this is my take of it and I don't think people who have half a brain in their pumpkin can really agree with this stupid idea.

I also talked to many Iranians in Iran. I was just there. Again, not many, actually no one who I consider intelligent thought the attack was a good idea. Yes, there were some, especially those who wanted better blue jeans and easier access to Metalika, without knowing who the hell they are. But I can only recall one person who thought any help would be welcomed, even if it is in form of an American attack. He was the same person who thought the Islamic Republic was also a good idea! >>> Full text

Hamid Bakhsheshi

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America not what it's all cracked up to be

In response to Amir Nasiri's "1979 things that went wrong":

Greetings From Canada!

There was much passion in Amir's column and I was enlightened quite a lot.... I hope. I'm not aware of what it was really like in Iran during 1979 as the internet had not arrived and only selected news ever gets into the U.S., as much as they like to claim, freedom of information is alive and well there.

Once I find something in a column that bends or distorts the truth, it becomes American to me. This is a very common problem in the U.S. and I think Amir has taken up the habit.

For example, he provides this comparison between the U.S. and Iran on about 6 different areas of interest, one being the "unemployment" comparison. Before all Iranians melt in envy, perhaps they should consider the following points that are not shown in the Forbes report; >>> Full text

T. Nazar
Canada

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Myopic approach

In response to Omid Parsi's "Our only hope is America":

Dear Omid,

That is a very interesting take you have on the origins of islamism and its impact on our nation. But think carefully about what you are supporting here, you are encouraging one form of extrimism to be replaced with another one. As bad and shameful that you think it is to be under the constant shadow of an Islamic mafia, you tend to completely ignore the level of activity demonstrated by Modernizing Reza khan and the pahlavi dynasty.

Are you really throwing your support behind a government who has by far the most advanced nuclear technology and capabilities in the world, to take over a country, where the seeds of such sophistication was planted by non other than the USA and it is allies in the region? And does it not bother you that They already have declared and pressured their way into the community, to gain such Legitimacy?

You are taking a very myopic approach, when you suggest that there is only one way to confront the current crisis in iran and that is Surgery. Have we already exhausted all other options and now we are facing our only way out?

It is a naive suggestion to place our fate in the hands of those like "chalabi" or "allawi", two very well-know spies to lead the country on the path to democracy and freedom.

I would like to call your attention into what was said immediately before the war and invasion of iraq, and how it was justified and now take a look at how far they have come along in successfully completing the mission. Time and time again it has been said that all the economic problems the nation is suffering are due to, The war in Iraq, among other factors. The war that we did not Have to enter into. Now you are making the same case for an all out invasion of iran, A much needed surgery that our people have to pay the unnecessary price for....On what grounds? Why must we make a sacrifice for absolutely no good reason? Not a single sentence in your article provides a legitimate evidence for such a case.

Your entire commentary portrays a burning desire to oust the mullahs and it is solely based up on political rhetoric not imminent and practical logic. Worst yet, you are not even proposing a refrendum on this issue, to see if you at least a slight majority that is on your side. You may be surprised by what this supposedly "incapacitated" population have to say.

Kyle Saghafi

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You sound more like an Israeli

In response to Omid Parsi's "Our only hope is America":

Next time you decide to pretend that you are a patriotic Iranian stop talking so much about "Hizbollah ".   You sound more like an Israeli that is still licking his wound from getting kicked out of Lebanon by Hizbollah than an Iranian that is concern  about Iran.

Mojgan

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Mind your own business

In response to Soheila Sharzard's "Boycott cafe":

I've read the boycott cafe article and the first thing, which crossed my mind, was: why didn't she mind her business! She went to the cafe to enjoy a meal. As she herself mentioned those guys were not trying to bother or learn her what about they were doing! I think her curiosity ruined her time and appetite  .If she wants to blame someone that person is she herself.

Fereydoon soleimani

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Revolution lives on terror

In response to Lawrence Reza Ershaghi's "Islamic Revolution lives":

It is ironic for some Iranian named "Lawrence" to lecture the rest of us on "westernization", or as his numerous hollow heros would have put it "westoxification"! Stick to law school in Chicago, and in a country that permits you to express your opinion fully and freely.

This revolution lives on, because it is based on terror, and executions. Lift those two elements, and allow just one true free election, and this so called Imam legacy will be turned up side its head. It is not just Northern Tehranis that crave change, there is a genuine desire for change across the board, across Iran, and across generations.

It is rare to see a Law candidate hizbollahi in the U.S. But than again this is the beauty of the U.S to even allow educated thugs to express themselves.

Touraj Touran

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You are in the minority

In response to Lawrence Reza Ershaghi's "Islamic Revolution lives":

As usual, you are voicing the rhetoric of the much loathed mullah's. In laymen's terms, meaning language only you and your uneducated and un-elected ilk can comprehend, your head is so far up a mullah's rear that you can get a bird eye's view when he delivers his bankrupt sermons to other ‘lost' individuals such as yourself.

For your information, the laws of Economics play a central role to sustaining the contentment of a society as a whole, a concept which has obviously escaped you.  This means the ability of the populace to put a roof over his family's head and to be able to provide food to put on the table. History has proven your jaded take on the revolution to be wrong. The people are far poorer today than under Pahlavi Iran. As an example, you can view the Per Capita Income of ordinary Iranians today (Under $2,500), and compare it to the PCI under the Monarchy (Nearly $9,000).

If you cannot digest the significance of this disparity, I will break it down for you even further: Over $6,000 of disposable income lost due to the constant mismanagement and rampant corruption you always seek to propagate. In reality, who cares if conservative families can send their daughters off to university when they cannot find jobs after graduation? The only jobs you can offer are as Prostitution Analysts in Rafsanjani & Khamenii's franchise of nationwide brothels. 

In summary, you and your outdated concept of Theocracy are the minority. The vast majority of Iranians, not Palestinians or Lebonese Shia who have been imported as thugs, loathe you and the mullahs you represent. They dream of a secular state in which they do not have to worry about Habib & Ahmaqollah harassing them on a daily basis. Rest assured, the noble people of Iran know who is with them and who is not (YOU!). When the time is right, the people of Iran will exact their well-deserved vengeance however they see fit.

Babak Kalhor

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You deserve, and can do, better

In response to Yasaman Rohani's "Cheating partners":

Normally I turn my nose at stories that show women's weaknesses but I felt the deep sorrow form the first few lines.

I never give advise because I do not accept them myself. However, I always share my wealth of experience with people and relationships where I have been the judge. I have also been asked for years to write about the pitfalls most of us encounter but refuse to learn from.

First of all, one should never divulge at length in one's past because at some point if you become attached to this person you will begin to have visions of what he or she has told you and that may be very painful.

For example if he tells you he loved a girl (and gives you description of her looks) and goes in detail about what they did (which is really in bad taste) initially you may be flattered that he is being honest but later on it will make you angry or jealous >>> Full text

Azam Nemati

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The land of oppression needs people like you

In response to Amir Ahmadi and Hassan Alizadeh's "Baaykot-e khabari":

Zeh Neero bovad mard ra rastee
Zeh sostee kajee zayado kaastee


Congratulations on your successful completion of the historical tour-de-monde. Your article certainly is sad -- that under the British guidance the Islamic Republic has brought itself so low to the sewage gutters of history so much that they refuse to allow anything that would motivate the young men and women of that country. They know well that their number one enemy is the youth of Iran.

Of course they don't want you to have a tribune, because you will be talking about the world and your experiences and the freedom that you felt and touched and your healthy and self-confident attitude, and most importantly you were planning to talk against the drugs! Well, all of the above are in direct conflict with the tenets of the Islamic Republic and those of the British ambitions in Iran >>> Full text

Farrokh Ashtiani

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Hybrid fasion

In response to Pari's "It's not Iranian fashion":

Dear Pari:

I too am a Iranian-American (now residing in London, UK) who was born and raised in the West. I couldn't help but feel sadden over your racist, shallow and narrow-minded approach regarding the Iranian Fashion Show in Europe. Actually, I found many of the outfits were unique and interesting to wear.

On the contrary, these designers are not reflecting only Arab or Pakistani designs, but instead they are using a hybrid mix of the vast and beautiful cultures within the borders of Iran (Pari, that includes Arabs who live in the south of our homeland, and ethnic Pakistanis who live in the border between Iran and Pakistan) >>> Full text

Sanaz

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Show me Aryan

In response to Bahman's "Forget that PhD":

Thank you for the suggestion about studying in some Persian Gulf countries. Seems like you know me very well (better than myself) and are certain of my pro-Islamic feelings. You have also seen my weblog and read my entries on the famous fight against National Geographics re-naming of the Persian Gulf and the islands. Those would certainly make me pro-Arab!

But forget all that. Seems like you are quite well-versed in the Ancient Iranian languages, and unlike you, I will not dismiss your education. I would just love to see an original or translation of one of those instances where Cyrus or Darius or Xerxes have referred to their empire as Aryan. Would really appreciate it.

Khodadad Rezakhani

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Contributes to powerlessness

In response to Sharif N. Mafi's "How to liberate Iran":

While the author's very sharp and very Iranian sense of sarcasm is well in evidence, I question the appropriateness of applying it to such a grievously serious topic. I find myself with absolutely no sense of humor when it comes to the possibility of the U.S. government invading Iran and bombing its cities. And I honestly wonder if pieces like this do not contribute to the public's very palpable sense of political powerlessness and to the false albeit popular belief that such an invasion is inevitable.

Respectfully,

Omid Arabian
Los Angeles

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Truly remarkable

In response to Fatema Soudavar Farmanfarmaian's "The other terror":

Just to thank you to have created a moment in a critical time where such articles can be published and enjoyed by many. A truly remarkable article from a knowledgeable and well informed character. 

Abdy

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Should not consciously challenge your impromptuity

In response to Mandana Zandian's "Ravaan pareesh":

Mandana ye aziz:

I have reviewed your book, and of course this "fresh out of the oven!" poem: Diaspora.

I believe I expressed my opinion on the noticeably different path your poetry is exploring. Risking redundancy, I would like to see the sincere spontaneity of your old work in the new. As you are experimenting with new ideas (i.e., subject matters, choice of words and somewhat a different vocabulary, etc.), it is my belief that you should not consciously challenge your impromptuity. Rather, you should constantly look back and reevaluate the direction your work is partaking.

I still enjoy your work and wish you continued success.

Jahangi

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Ubiquious nostalgia

In response to Mandana Zandian's "Ravaan pareesh":

Mandana's poem is saturated with imagery of an ubiquious nostalgia... it's realistic and heart-felt by any immigrant who has plunged into a crevice in-between nostalgia for his homeland and his struggles to establish a new one. I congratulate Mandana for her pure words.

Leila Farjami

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Sick

In response to J. Javid's "Chasing liberty":

Your poor camera! It had to tolerate that baboon and take 140 something shots... I just couldn't watch him and had to turn the T.V. off. I liked your photo essay.  But I just read the captions and did not look at the pictures. It's too early in the day to get sick!

Sima

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Too quick to judge

In response to Jim S's "Slates wiped clean":

Hello Jim,

Before you decide if you should read this email to the end let me reassure you i don't want to be one of those who intent to direct your attention to the topic of the differences that exist among educated and non educated iranians.

However, there is this discomforting element that sort of lurks in the depth of your comments in the last few paragraphs. you are trying so hard to hide your anger by not even admitting it. (let's be honest, you are obviously upset about this) that in your prediction you are making the assumption that your children will definitely be accepted by those who constitue the significant portion of the amercian public. Why you would be so sure of that accept it as a fact, i have no clue.

Perhaps you are turning a blind eye on how some groups of people in this country, usually with a very strict background (same as that guy who approached you and your wife while strolling), who would never ever lend their generous and complete support behind a marriage between an american woman and a foreign man and no matter how happy the couple are together, they simply never give them their blessing and always harbor a deep resentment. what i am trying to say is that such a disgusting attitude exists in every culture, all over our planet. In some cases, event our own government won't recognize the legitimacy of such a marriage, for reasons that are beyond the scope of our discussion here.

You are viewing the IRI government in the same light that someone else may be looking at our government, for precisely suffering the same grievances, which have become more pronounced in the recent years. Not that i am trying to support the treatment you received in iran while visiting, but are you even aware of the irrational behavior and unreal claims that we have made so far against people of other nationalities, for various rediculous reasons? Can you honestly tell me if such cynicism can be any less hurful and disrespectful when compared with what IRI has decided to adopt towards foreigners?

So please do not be so quick as to judge some iranians as Bigots, shallow or discrimianting when it comes to your own flesh and blood, ignoring that the same maybe happenning to other's children, at the hands of your own supposedly decent people. If bigotry and discrimination are so awful and unwelcome, Then let's all get together and talk about how such acts hurt Non-american (naturalized) portion of this country on a daily basis under various nonsense justifications.

Kyle Saghafi

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What they would love to happen

In response to J. Javid's "Chasing liberty":

The Bush administration doesn't have a lot of options on dealing with Mullahs. Other words, the Mullahs are sitting pretty for now.

They know that militarily, there isn't really an option open for ground invasion (a la Iraq) or a regime change through military means. And most definitely the bombing of nuclear sites will be a welcome development for the Islamic regime.

1) it will strengthen their domestic control and end all talk and action on the fledgling reform. 2) drive their nuke program under ground and our of IAEA's control altogether. Which is what they would love to happen.

Short of a surgical decapitation strike (i.e. taking out specific top leaders, followed by a coup take over by a skilled military team), there isn't much they can do to harm the Islamic Republic!

I think this last option, though not very U.N. and international-community-friendly is probably the only chance.
My hopes and aspirations on this issue are very similar to yours though.

B

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Saved from total disaster

your website is run from outside. all u ever do is criticise the so called mullah government. what ever way u look at it the revolution saved u people from total disaster and i hope it stays that way. i mean does freedom mean to participate childern in porn films, encourage women to throw away the chador?

dont hate the chador. it is a very muqaddas cloth. it guards your modesty. allah says in the quran "o you who believe, lower your glare and guard your modesty."

u want freedom, secularism? right. what did the central asian republics get out of it? people laugh when u go to a mosque. bars are flooded, no one knows namaz, kalma, teenagers indulging in premarital sex. or in turkey their constitution prevents them from being considered a muslim country.

maybe we do not believe in the hereafter.

Dr Faizan Tariq Tusi

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Attack on Iran will boost mullahs

In response to Mohammad Ali Isfahani's "Ayaa Iran dovomin hadaf-e amrikaast?":

Farhad Radmehrian

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I'm still standing

In response to Azam Nemati's "Get over your anger":

Dear Ms. Nemati,

Salaam khanoom. Thank you for your very unwieldy and rambling reply to "Pomegranates and apple pies".

Here is something that you might want to give a little consideration as it quite possibly could work well in your own life. Abraham Lincoln (the 16th President of the United States) once said that he felt much more comfortable keeping his mouth shut and letting people think that he was a fool than to open it and remove all doubt from their minds.

Oh.... and by the way, you are simply wrong about the word "halfbreed". It most certainly does apply to people, but English isn't you native tongue is it? It is mine, just like Farsi is. Perhaps, I could send you a dictionary....it might help. It often does with illiterates.

I'm still standing,
Lance Raheem

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Pushing toward Atheism and Humanism

In response to Jim S's "Slates wiped clean":

Jim S. is right on the point. The Islamic Republic has brain washed religious minded people that only the Muslims and specially them are the purest people of the world.

I denounced Islam after I came back from my visit to Tehran in spring of 2002. I experienced prejudice in my own country. I was looked at as "Najes" because I was married to an American and my wife and children were Christians. I could also see how much the regular people of Iran (not the educated and enlightened) have been affected by Islamic absurdities and superstitions.

I agree with you Jim that one thing this regime does not realize is that it is pushing people toward Atheism and Humanism which would be the hope for the future. Death to all religions. Long live humanity. 

Grand

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You should be cheering

In response to Updates entry "Boo":

I don't quite understand why you would have a title of "boo'ing" President Bush for his quote "To the Iranian people as you move towards liberty American Stands with You."

This is telling the pro-Democracy students in Iran and the general populace that America support their push for freedom. Unless you don't support a free, democratic Iran then you should be cheering - not boo'ing.

Slater Bakhtavar

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No repect

In response to Azam Nemati's "Get over your anger":

I hope Azam Nemati feels like a real Iranian for launching such an incoherant and vicious attack on the high school kid for his article Pomegranates and Apple Pies.

As the sole living parent of a child of mixed Iranian and American parentage, or in Lance's colloquial English...a halfbreed, I want the Azam Nematis of the world to know that in my opinion the are the lowest form of human excrement existing in the world today.

First, this woman attacks the boy for using the word "halfbreed". She says its used for dogs and cats. Wrong Azam Einstein. Go back to English school. Halfbreed is a colloquial term that was used in the 19th century to describe individuals of Indian and Caucasion blood mixing. So, you owe the boy and apology since it is you who are illiterate, not him.

Secondly, again you tell this boy that he isn't Iranian. If my wife were not dead and you told her that our child were not Iranian, she would forget her manners and she'd teach you just how all inclusive the term Iranian really is. Shame on you. You truely are a beast.....and I mean an out of control animal. You are a racist against a fellow Persian and a child at that. You really have absolutely no dignity at all.   

While I have always had the utmost respect for Iranian women, I can now say that you are the sole exception. You deserve no respect because you are incapable of giving any. I am thankful that I shall never have the displeasure of making your acquaintance. If you ever have the nerve to tell my half-Persian daughter that she isn't just as Iranian as her lovey mother was, then you and I will have some very serious issues to discuss. Oh and by the way, the boy's article wasn't about fruit at all, but since you can't read English very well I can understand how you were confused.

People who are incapable of giveing love and acceptance will never be the recepiants of either. You are absolutly a disgusting excuse for a human being to attack a child. You need to refill your Prozac prescription pronto.

Winston Morrison
NYC

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Sick & confused

In response to Azam Nemati's "Get over your anger":

I think that all of us should be thanking Azam Khnoom for ripping that boy, Raheem, apart. God knows that our community is so completely ignorant that we can't figure out who is and who is not a "real" Iranian without Her Imperial Iranian-ness, Azam telling us from her throne on high. She deserves to be worshipped by us for whipping that child like a dog. I hope she is as proud of herself as I know all of the rest of us 70,00,000+ stong Iranian full bloods are.

Hell, if you start letting these 50% freaks begin thinking that they are part of us, one day they will rule us. Azam was only doing what any other ignorant and uneducated Iranian would do; she was putting that halfbreed in his place. Azam Aziz, please accept the heartfelt wishes of a greatful nation >>> Full text

A. Irani

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A loser

In response to Azam Nemati's "Get over your anger":

This 'she-male' is angry at the entire world for being taller than her, thinner than her, better looking than her, lighter skinned than her, more successful than her, more educated than her (I am sorry, but I do not think an Associates degree from Miami-Dada Community College counts as a BA!), and just simply being more 'Persian' than her Arab-bastardised Abadani self.

From the looks of your post, you are a civilised, educated, and elegant woman, all things Nemati is lacking. I just simply ask you not to bring yourself down to the level of this deranged, and extremely disturbed, OGHDEHI.

Babak Kalhor

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Bombs have no brains

In response to Farrokh Ashtiani's "Iran under siege":

I have always enjoyed Mr. Ashtiani's witty and highly intelligent articles. They are quite thought provoking, entertaining yet raise many good points. I have never watched any Republican's speech including George W. I am not interested I what they have to say. However, I am dead serious and concern since he took office that Israel would surprise us by attacking Iran's supposedly Nuclear facilities.

I despise stupid Iranians (a handful of Monarchists of course) who are pro Bush and want Iran to be attacked. They are stupid enough to think that the bombs have eyes an brains (like theirs) to identify the big shots of the IRI and target them and wipe them off the face of the earth.Do these people realize how clever the mullahs are? Did anyone pay attention to the small leakage of information (pushed under the rug quickly) that exposed the mullahs role in setting up United Sates so they would definitely go to war? >>> Full text

Azam Nemati

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