Drumbeats of war... again!

To Iranian-Americans from a war veteran


Balatarin
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Drumbeats of war... again!
by Vahid Naraghi
19-Oct-2007
 

On September 22nd, 1980 when Saddam's air force bombed all major airports in Iran, including Mehrabad International Airport, I went to the roof of our home in southern Tehran and watched the black smokes rising to the sky, with shock and despair. I never forget the sad and helpless feeling of that moment; my beloved country where I was born and raised was under attack! Suddenly, I remembered all the invasions that Iran (or Persia) had suffered throughout the history and I had learned about in school; the destructions, devastations and bloodshed that would follow.

I was a teenager at the time and was (and still am) so proud of my country's rich history and culture. So, I felt like I had to do something, and that I did. The following days, I signed up to join the army and during the next two and a half years I spent fighting off Saddam's forces in front line trenches in south and western parts of Iran, along with tens of thousands of young volunteers and regular army who courageously and selflessly defended the mother land and prevented Saddam's forces from further advancing inland and in fact kicked them all the way back to behind international borders, despite all the support Saddam enjoyed at the time from the west. Sadly of course, in the process, countless number of these young Iranians, including some of my close comrades were killed or maimed or captured.

Every Iranian village or town which was liberated from occupation, had been leveled to ground by the dark forces of aggression. I could not help but feel endlessly sad witnessing the devastation, as if they were my own home and neighborhood. I remember when we arrived in Khoramshahr after its liberation (BTW, before liberation the city was called Khooneenshahr, literally meaning Blood-soaked City, as so many had lost their lives defending it), there was only ONE building still standing! One! EVERY other building in this previously beautiful port city on the Persian Gulf had been burnt and destroyed to dust, apparently with direct order from Saddam! As if the dark forces intended to send us a message of their cruelty and hatred towards our land and people.

Today, I feel lucky to be still alive and tell these stories. That was my fate, but ironically, these days, I feel the same as I did on that Summer morning 27 years ago. I now live in California and don't intend to join the army any time soon(!), however, I can fight against possible military invasion of my country of birth once more, this time using my pen, instead of a gun! The point is, if I oppose any kind of military attack against Iran, it's not just a rhetoric or an intellectual gesture, it's because I have experienced and lived through one, with blood and flesh and still have nightmares about it every now and then.

Now, 27 years later, we hear the drumbeats of war....again! One has to have lived in outer space in the past few years, not to hear those drums and not to know that Iran is being threatened on a daily basis, and there is a growing danger of another mischief by the dark forces, and this time, by their masters, themselves! Likes of Rumsfeld who provided the material and training of chemical weapons to Saddam so he could use it against our people (and incidentally, many of whom are still suffering a gradual painful death), are now planning and threatening to take action directly against Iran, rather than through their puppets such as Saddam. And as usual, the corporate media in the U.S. are in the process of numbing the American people with their venoms into accepting yet another devastating war, and laughingly enough with the same exact excuses: WMD! What did it stand for again? Weapons of Mass Deceptions??!!

If you feel angry, disappointed and helpless about this situation, you must know you are not alone. But, the only good news is, there are in fact many things we can do about it, peacefully, legally and safely! They range from participating in peaceful anti-war demonstrations and writing to the editorials of the local or national newspapers to writing to or meeting with your congressperson and senators demanding them for actions against a war with Iran. Although, individual actions are useful and effective and highly recommended, in my view, the most effective of all are the organized actions. If you have read or heard about the effectiveness and influence of AIPAC on the U.S. politics you must know what I am talking about! The conclusion: We, the Iranian-American community, must have our own AIPAC!

The good news is we do! As some readers may already know, NIAC (National Iranian American Council (www.niacouncil.org) is a grass root organization founded by several extremely hardworking, honest and knowledgeable Iranians, dedicated to encouraging Iranian-Americans to participate more actively in the local and national U.S. politics in matters related to their community and beyond.

The members regularly meet with key congresspersons and senators and try to educate them about Iran and Iranian Americans and their contributions to American society, in hope of persuading them to take more rational positions when it comes to Iran and Iranians. Recently, NIAC's extensive lobbying helped water down an anti-Iran resolution passed by the Congress. What matter is more important at the moment for our community than a threat of war against our country of birth, where most of us have friends, families and loved ones and a lot of us visit regularly?!

In order to continue its positive efforts whose results affect all of us, NIAC needs more help and support from our community. There is an estimated one million Iranians-Americans living in the U.S. and I can proudly claim that many of them are extremely successful and wealthy. If all or most of us unite on crucial issues such as this and support NIAC, the impact will be tremendous. There is no reason why NIAC can not be as effective and powerful as AIPAC. Imagine if every Iranian chip in $5 and one hour of their time a month, that's five million dollars and one million hours a month! That will go a very long way in educating the American public, media and the politicians about Iranians' contributions to the world. It's a Public Relation War that we have to win first in order to prevent a real war!

Now, I want you to set aside your political views about Iran for a moment and think about the safety and security of your loved ones still living in there. If you don't happen to have any loved ones living in Iran, think about your kindergarten and elementary school classmates, your teachers, your neighbors and their families. Take some action to prevent another war, regardless of what you think of the current regime or president in Iran.

Do it as long as you are against any military aggression against your country of birth, country of Hafez, Saadi, Ferdowsi and Khayyam. Country of Kiarostami, Makhmalbaf, Shajarian, Ali Daei, Simin Daneshvar, Ahmad Shamloo and many others. Do it if you admire Isfahan with all its beautiful domes and architectures, Yazd with its Fire Temples and Shiraz with its magnificent gardens. Do it if you still remember driving to Shomal via Chaloos road, or you cherish Kish Island and the warm waters of Persian Gulf. Do it for the sake of more than five thousand years of documented history, civilization, art and culture. Do it for the sake of humanity. Do it now, because tomorrow might be too late!

Start today! Go to NIAC website (www.niacouncil.org) and join them and support them in any way you can.

Let's all hope for a peaceful, prosperous and democratic Iran, built by Iranians themselves and not through the barrel of aggressor's gun!


Balatarin
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ahvazi

Khoramshahr :-(

by ahvazi on Fri Oct 19, 2007 06:25 PM PDT

It is amazing that almost 20 years after the Iran-Iraq war Khoramshahr lays in ruins while Beirut and Lebanon are being re-built!

Vahid, Thank you for defending Iran.


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Think about what you're saying

by Bijan - California (not verified) on Fri Oct 19, 2007 05:52 PM PDT

For those who have posted articles advocating a US attack on Iran, are you really that naive that you think the bombs will falls on the "mullahs"? There may be smart bombs with GPS tracking out there but I doubt any of them can sniff out "mullahs". Please pick up the remote and change the channel from Fox News.

Have any of you war supporters thought about the repercussions that you and your family will face in the US? Do you think your children can go to school without facing some sort of physical, verbal, or emotional abuse? Are you not concerned that you will be subjected to violence right here in the US? Any war between the US and Iran is a lose/lose proposition for both sides. As Iranian-Americans, we need to have the interests of both sides at heart as we are bound by affection and obligation to people who live in both countries. Any organization, Iranian or American, that has enough wisdom to avert a war between Iran and the US has my support.


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bush please attack on Iran

by hajiagha on Fri Oct 19, 2007 05:14 PM PDT


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BUsh should attack on Mullahs soon as posible

by hajiagha on Fri Oct 19, 2007 04:55 PM PDT

//cartoonist.hajiagha.tripod.com

Bush please go head and attack on Mullahs, we love you and we are support you, I am former revolutionary guard and I was working for the same mother fucker regime they are bad people and they are never learn to respect to human right and democracy please you are a only hops for Iranian to change this nasty and terrorist regime go head and Iranian will be supporting you


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Tonya, NIAC and CASMII are

by Ml (not verified) on Fri Oct 19, 2007 04:50 PM PDT

Tonya,

NIAC and CASMII are IRI lobbies. They NEVER say anything about the human right atrocities that is going on in Iran, althou as a "voice in Washington" that is something they should be doing if they were truly Iranian and independent. What is their excuse? The "eminent war". But what does that mean? To protest against humn rights violations in Iran is not inconsistent with opposing a military strike. On teh contrary by pressuring teh regime in Iran using teh "Wahsington Voice" they can force it to concede to more freedoms and eventually collapse as teh soviet union did. That is the only effective way to prevent the war, beside the moral necessity of speaking up against what is going inside Iran.
Yet they do the opposite. They want less pressure on IRI, all the time. Well, what does that tell you?
They claim and publish secret papers supposedly written by the Iranian officials to the Americans. Where did they get them if they have no connectiosn to those who wrote the letters and want them as a tool to pressure Washington in favor of IRI interests?

And look ath theor benefactors, Oil industries and notorious officials and activists involved on corrupt busines of the mullahs.

Then there is their obsession with AIPAC and Israel that is a hall mark of IRI mentality.
You want to eb an Iranian-American voice for the benefit of Iranians, why so much obsession with Israel?

These are all the signs of IRI lobby forces.
SImple common sense, really.


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Thank You for your Sacrifice. Iran is Pround of You

by Uncle Irany (not verified) on Fri Oct 19, 2007 04:39 PM PDT

Dear Vahid,
We as Iranians (not Israelies) are all proud of you and the likes of you who defended our motherland in spite of multiple enemies collaborating to defeat us. USA, Brits, Germans, Israelie, and all other forces of DARKNESS were working together and supported Saddam. You and the likes of you showed our enemies both in the 80's and again in 2006 in LEBANON that when young Iranians take control, world is their playground. That is why Iran WILL be a SUPERPOWER soon.

Zendehbad Iran and Irani

UI


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Do you really want to stop an American Attack on Iran!?

by An American (not verified) on Fri Oct 19, 2007 04:39 PM PDT

Then, take on the streets of America and chant "Death to Islam and Death to the Islamic Republic!?" Chant, "The Mullahs Must Go!? Once millions of Iranians show up in front to the White House and repeat those words, then I promise you America will NOT attack! Furthermore, the mullahs will get the hint that it's time for them to pack up and leave!? But, then again where are they going to go!?

The problem is not with America! The problem is with Islam and the mullahs.

PS--- Mehdi, Khar Khodeti!


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mehdi

by Tonya (not verified) on Fri Oct 19, 2007 04:31 PM PDT

Why do you live here then.  There is nothing even remotely antagonistic about my asking you this.  I simply don't understand why you live in the US. I'm assuming YOU have air conditioning.  I'm assuming YOU buy gasoline for your vehicles.  My husband lived in Germany after leaving his HOMEland and before coming to the US.  It was his choice as a decision for a better life for himself and his family.  He became a US citizen.  He argues the merits both pro and con of most every situation regarding Iran and the US... while always holding his love for his country UTMOST in his heart.  You  have so many choices... so many places to go... but I can only ask you to please respect us... and the country that YOU chose to live in.  Complain... vote.... protest.... argue.... all you want.  But please don't insult just to vent your frustration. Germs?  Why do you punish yourself by living here? 


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Ironi...??

by Tonya (not verified) on Fri Oct 19, 2007 04:23 PM PDT

Are you anticipating a republican office again?  And if you think a Democratic one, why do you think this way.  It's about the only damn hope I have for diplomatic negotiations.  Not that it's an absolute certainty with ANYONE but do you think the "pubs" have got a chance???


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Mehdi

Thank You! I just donated

by Mehdi on Fri Oct 19, 2007 04:22 PM PDT

Tanks very much for the informative and peace promoting article. Also thanks for introducing the NIAC. I just joined and donated! It is beyond incredible to me that some people actually believe that Bush, Cheney, CIA along with other well documented criminals are actually interested in democracy and freedom when they try to mobilized their war machine! How uninformed and stupid can one be? I guess in 1979 these criminals put mullahs in charge for the same reason ha? Did they take out Shah also for the same reason? Is that why Jimmy Carter walked into the Guadaloupe Conference and with no preamble said, "Shah must go?" Did they support Shah all those years for the same reason? Did they put Saddam in for the same reason? Did they then take him out for that reason? Just how blind can you people be? God help us with such low level of education right here in the greatest "land of democracy." Why would we expect anything else then from people like Ahmadinejad who has been born and raised in an admittedly environment of complete ignorance? I don't think these "people" really belive Bush and their criminal cohorts. I think these animals are just happy to see bodies torn to pieces - especially if they belong to those who such vermins consider "enemy." They are lost dark sinders of souls who have lost everything along with their decency. Sitting in their aircondition condos, instead of doing something for the people of their country, are supporting a bunch of criminals who intend to take Iran back another 20-30 years ONLY so that they can milk it for another couple of decades and benefit from cheap oil prices like they have in the past 28 years or so (until recently). And they have the audacity to claim that they do this because it is good for Iran - because Bush in his infinite wisdom, woke up one fine day and decided mullahs are bad and there should be democracy in Iran!!! How stupid can you be to believe that? Vahid jaan, damet garm! Sorry if I am full of disgust for these germs who call themselves human. I can't help it.


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Please, no more war

by ironiLover (not verified) on Fri Oct 19, 2007 04:10 PM PDT

I hate violence/war of any kind. you can't teach the dead people and I wish the war mongers find something else for their entertainment.
I am afraid to say that in the near future (2008 elections), a much stronger violence (military action) is expected for Middle East, especially for Iran! I hope my prediction is wrong. If it happens,it probably means lot of nasty situations for Iranians out of Iran too. I vote for peaceful anti-war demonstrations of any kind, media, congressman, churches and etc. There are still many anti-war, peace loving people around USA who can help to stop the war in Middle East. merci vahid keh inghadr beh feker irani. we love you.


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Malicious monster is unleashed

by Iran_Novin (not verified) on Fri Oct 19, 2007 04:10 PM PDT

This religion debacle in the region stinks and it is sad. The future looks more gloomy there than rosy. And, west is risking very high since own created malicious monster is unleashed. The only constructive solution is to empower Iran in becoming foundation for a secular progressive society in that region.
The best solution for Iran is to surprise the entire region and world. The best surprise is to announce internationally of peacefully becoming a modern secular federal republic in six months and have United Nations to oversight its transition and Iranian military in preserving the integrity of country.
Its domino effect in the region will keep Iran safe, secure, and prosper internally and internationally for a long time.


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IRAN = NEW IRAQ (freedome is only indigenous)

by no_name (not verified) on Fri Oct 19, 2007 03:43 PM PDT

There is no secret that the neocons want to duplicate their Iraq work in Iran. And like Iran, there were Iraqis who thought Americans were going to bomb them back to stone ages to bring them democracy.




Just watch Gingrich on Charlie Rose show, he publicly mentions (with a smirk) diving Iran and creating a secteraian war between Persians, Kurds, Turks, etc.




The path to self-determination is through indigenous democracy.




IF YOU THINK BOMBING IRAN WILL BRING DEMOCRACY YOU HAVE NOT BEEN WATCHING THE NEWS OR YOU ARE A NEOCON/AIPAC AGENT.




DON'T LET FALSE RUMORS DIVIDE US. I LIKE TO SEE ONE SHRED OF EVIDENCE ABOUT NIAC IRI CONNECTION. CURRENTLY THEY ARE THE ONLY ORGANIZATION IN USA WHO HAS GIVEN US A VOICE IN WASHINGTON. SHOW ME ANOTHER ONE AND I'LL BE GLAD TO SUPPORT IT. FOR NOW NIAC IS THE ONLY VOICE WE HAVE HERE.




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I am an Iran-Iraq war veteran too

by Gholam Ali Gameeshabadi (not verified) on Fri Oct 19, 2007 03:32 PM PDT

I was also in the front line during 1985-86 period. I was injured during one of the human-wave assault on the Iraqi forces. AT that time both Iran and Iraq were stagnated in the war of attrition where twice a year the forces of Islam would form a massive humane wave mostly composed of the very young Iranian kids in the hope that they would capture Keerbala. This was the fist stop on the way to Qoods (Israel!)

During one of these events a bunch of us stayed behind and as a hobby we took care of the resident female donkey. While in action, an Iraqi RPG 67 was fired towards us which upon impact blew the donkey into two parts with the back part still attached to me.

After that event, I lost my legs. As far as I am concerned, it is the mullahs who brought those miseries upon us. I am all for an American assault on the mullahs.


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evil islam is our problem

by fouladvad (not verified) on Fri Oct 19, 2007 03:11 PM PDT

I was in front line and was shot several times lost my left hand ,deaf on one ear,captured by the army of Saddam ,raped and tortured by them,lost many many friends but finally managed to scape and free some of my fellow soldiers although most of them never made it because of their injuries and intense heat ,but let me say something about the present situation of our country:
The main problem of our beloved land is the evil islam and the Terrorist Mullahs are the representative of this killing machine and after 1426 years of misery and nothing but misery and we have to get rid of this only cause of Iran's destruction by any cost.


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Were You Really There?

by Vahraz (not verified) on Fri Oct 19, 2007 02:55 PM PDT

Khoramshahr is on the bank of Arvand Rood (Arvand River) and not the Persian Gulf...which brings into question the veracity of this article...as one would assume that you would know this simple fact if you were actually there as you claim to have been. Note that I am not challenging the merits or the point of your article, just your claims of personal experience.


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I totally agree with

by damavand (not verified) on Fri Oct 19, 2007 02:44 PM PDT

I totally agree with hamvatan. I find it sickening that an Iranian (or as he/she claims) would be perfectly OK with seeing his compatriots (man, woman and child) ravaged by US forces just so that he can step over their bodies, enter MY land and enjoy his so called freedom.


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Masoud

by Tonya (not verified) on Fri Oct 19, 2007 02:14 PM PDT

Pleasse forgive the misspelling of your name.  In my excitement to post, I was not careful to check.


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Inform me

by Tonya (not verified) on Fri Oct 19, 2007 02:11 PM PDT

I'm reading this incredible article... and several others lately, such as by MousadA... and I'm starting to feel optimistic again!!!!  You go elsewhere and it is so depressing to hear such negativism.  But before anyone thinks I'm sounding condescending (a little joke from elsewhere)... I am asking for your help, your guidance, if you will.  I'm ready to stand in any "anti-war" protest.  I'm ready to spend my nail allowance... I'm ready to put pen to paper...  to support peace.  But I'm NOT a political expert. I hear this support of an organization like NIAC from Vahid and then I hear your criticism.  Where can I go for information (other than it's own self interest website) to form an unbiased opinion?  Where ARE these organized actions? 

"The times, they are a'changin".  I want to help make it for the better.


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If you truly want to help

by Ml (not verified) on Fri Oct 19, 2007 01:44 PM PDT

If you truly want to help Iran and prevent a war against it, you should spend 100% of your energy to change the regime of Iran that is the cause of it, the way it was back in 1980.
The thing you WON'T be doing (if you are honest, that is) is to join the same IRI lobby group like NIAC, or CASMII.

I am of course assuming that this is a true depiction and not, as it rather sounds like, a dramatic propaganda piece for the mullah - lobby in the US.


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masoudA

Dear Vahid

by masoudA on Fri Oct 19, 2007 01:43 PM PDT

First of all - let me thank you for your past services to the homeland.

However - Just as it was the mullahs who caused the attack by Sadam, it is again the mullahs who are instigating new aggressions to our country.   How long are we going to address the effects without taking care of the real cause, the Mullahs ?   From where I am standing nobody is going to attack Iran - but the world will do all it can to defeat the mullahs and Hezbollah.    Whatever you do - don't find yourself standing in front of the mullahs. 

best wishes    


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To Vahid Naraghi

by American 1st Iranian 2nd (not verified) on Fri Oct 19, 2007 01:12 PM PDT

When Iraq invaded Iran (which by the way was instigated by the Ayatollah Khomeini who wanted to export his barbaric revolution to other countries) the world had not experienced the barbaric nature of the the Islamic Republic, yet! Naturally, many Iranians defended Iran while the mullahs sat in the background watching people like you getting mutilated! But, it's a different era now. Iranians inside and outside of Iran and the rest of the world want to see the Islamic Republic gone at all costs. The Islamic republic is a danger to the entire civilized world. America is not Saddam and US will not use the same approach on Iran as it used on Iraq. Iran (despite your love for it, has been surrounded by evil (e.g., mullahs and their thugs). As an Iranian-American, you have two options: you are either with us (America) or with them. If you chose the latter, then you must prepare yourself for the consequences!?


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amirkabear4u

THEY WILL NOT

by amirkabear4u on Fri Oct 19, 2007 12:45 PM PDT

It seems less likely that US attach Iran for several reasons. One is because it seems they are lossing in Iraq and can not afford another cock up. Also Iranians are more likely to put up a hard resistance. This is not a good time for them to attach Iran and they know it too.


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No to NIAC

by Mash_Ghasem (not verified) on Fri Oct 19, 2007 12:43 PM PDT

You can be against any war with Iran, which will set the democracy back for decades, without joining an IRI lobby such as NIAC. NIAC is run by Trita Parsi, a well known protector of IRI's interest in Washington.


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I admire your skills of

by Arash2000 (not verified) on Fri Oct 19, 2007 12:31 PM PDT

I admire your skills of writing and expressing feelings about 1980-1088.
I read 'Life as it happens:short stories' by an Iranian America and it also depicted a clear picture of crimes against humanity committed by Saddam and his supporters.
I draw the same conclusions that people should not accept or stay quiet when some crazies try to do wrong to others.


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My Dear Hamvatan

by ProudOfTrueIranians (not verified) on Fri Oct 19, 2007 12:20 PM PDT

Know that you and likes of you are the true heroes of Vatan. A true Irani does put his country 1st, not his hatred, anger, self-interest. I'm sure there's millions like you in Iran. Forget about the few who make noise or people like me who enjoy living in the west and have no idea what war brings to the hearts and souls of innocent people. We only get to see the abondoned shoe, necklace, destroyed houses. We are alien to Shellshock, Post traumatic war syndrome ..... War is blind and kills all. A true Irani can not justify loss of one innocent life even if it will be in the process of regime change. We just do not have the authority to expend somebody else's life.

I would like to know if the people who beat on the drums of war will sign up to be the first casualties in the frontline fighting Iran regime; Why expend on behalf of american troops?


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