Dear Reza

You should not be titled HIM, however you are a leader

Share/Save/Bookmark

Dear Reza
by hirre
12-Jan-2011
 

Dear Reza Pahlavi,

Please accept my condolences on the death of your brother Alireza Pahlavi. I’m a 27-year-old Iranian and I have not been so much interested in Iranian politics until recent years. When my father was a little younger than my age he protested against the regime of the shah hoping for a better future. At that time he was very convinced by his ideology which he later regretted. Today many Iranians are in his position. These are people living in the west with scars from the past, somehow regretting what they have done but also trying to support “the green wave”. However some still live in doubt.

The hundreds of thousands (if not millions) of people that are in my father’s position, both outside but also inside of Iran, tend to listen to different intellectuals providing thoughts and discussions about the current situation in Iran. They are also, like me, interested in different strategies that must be implied in order to introduce democracy in a split country.

It is natural, and also required that a democratic party or organisation has its own leader. Obviously a democratic party or organisation would be crushed if it would exist in Iran, however there isn’t a reason why there can’t be such an entity outside of Iran. What I personally would like to see is if you could travel to different countries in Europe, e.g. Sweden, and arrange conferences, meetings and public speeches. The issue could e.g. focus on what you, together with us (me, my father’s generation, students, politicians and so on), could do in order to build a democratic platform in Iran. I know that there is a lot of information on your website and you do this in the USA, but I strongly believe in face-to-face meetings, e.g. on a public square, especially in Europe for historical reasons. Also, since you together with the rest of the Iranians are against the Islamic republic of Iran, I strongly advise you to deliver your message directly to their ministers and leaders who visit western countries each year. You can hold debates with them on different issues, e.g. economy, human rights and so on. Why not invite a minister that is responsible for “social welfare” and point out the flaws? The critic would be aimed against the regime, and not on the individual.

There are a lot of intellectuals outside of Iran, especially in Europe, who probably have some prejudice left from the shah era which they perhaps can associate with you. By holding these forums you not only challenge their thoughts, but also unify them since they also believe in democracy. By holding these events in different countries and by emphasizing the democratic message, the people outside of Iran can unify under a strong image (your image). If people outside of Iran can forget their differences and learn how to forgive and understand that people are different and that people can change, then there is hope for change in Iran as well.

Many Iranians outside of Iran are unified under the “green wave”, however there is no strong leadership behind this message. In my opinion you have demonstrated what needs to be done in each and every one of us, namely, a change. If we can not change ourselves, we can not change the future. That is why, in my opinion, you should not be titled HIM, you are an exile Iranian like us, however you are a leader, which many of us are not. So let us not only spread the democratic message as individuals, but also through you to all Iranians and politicians around the world…

“Striving for success without hard work is like trying to harvest where you haven't planted.” -- David Bly

Sincerly

An Iranian

Share/Save/Bookmark

Recently by hirreCommentsDate
Divorce, Iranian Style
2
May 10, 2012
Fearless Iranians From Hell
2
Jan 03, 2012
Israeli/jewish lobby groups
35
Dec 27, 2011
more from hirre
 
Dr. X

princeofyazd

by Dr. X on

Since we are making light of usernames, I must ask you if you are really a prince or if this is a self given title? Or maybe you are the artist formerly known as Prince?

On RP's credentials, I did not ask what he has done for Iran. I dont expect him to be able to do any more than the rest of us. I simply asked, what are his qualifications for being chosen as a King, President, etc. for Iran. What has he accomplished? For example maybe if he had been the CEO of a large succesful company, you could make the case that he is skilled in finance and economics, and that could translate into successfully running an economy with vast resources such as in Iran. When I used the example of public service to move up the political ladder, I was not implying that in the current scheme of things that would be realistic in Iran. I was making the point that RP has no qualifications to speak of. I know that if I were to apply for a position, I would have to submit a resume and have my qualifications reviewed. I could not simply state that my father held the same title, so that qualifies me.

He has faced as much hardship as the many thousands of Iranians that were displaced by the revolution, you say? Yeah I remember the days following the revolution, when he took a night job at Denny's waiting tables and drove a Cab in DC during the day to put bread and water on the table for his family. Please....your comparison is an insult to the hardships and struggles that many Iranians endured following the revolution. He has not had a real job a single day in his life, and being a guest speaker does not count.

On Reza Shah, Britian indeed supported his rise to power. He received military supplies and money to pay the wages of his soldiers. General Ironside was reporting to the British War Council on such actions, as the goal of the British government was to halt soviet penetration into Iran. I dont think Gen. Ironside was funding the overthrow of Ahmad Shah Qajar out of his own pocket without the British government giving approval. I do think Reza Shah did some good in terms of organizing and modernizing Iran. But he ruled with an iron fist, and he sought to preserve the throne for himself and his son while eliminating anyone who could possibly challenge his rule.

Why do you suggest we need a king in this time of Iran's history? Monarchy may have had its time, but we are past that. We need to progress, not go backwards. You suggest politicians with limited terms have personal ambition to move up the political ladder? Well at least it is comforting that they can be voted out of office if they dont deliver. And I hope you are not suggesting that a King does not have personal ambition. Look at all the wealth that the Shah accrued while he ruled. Personal ambition is part of human nature , but its much worse when that person is King for life and has final say over all matters.

I suggest you do some reading as well. I dont claim to be an expert, but I have done a fair share of reading. I wasn't around during the time of Reza Shah and I dont think you were either. But certain things are fact and you cant put your own spin on them. One of those is that Reza Shah's rise to power was supported by the British govt. (not just Gen. Ironside), as was his son's.


SOS-FREE-IRAN

Our Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi faces major obstacles

by SOS-FREE-IRAN on

Dear Hirre,

Your suggestion for the Crown Prince to visit Europe and arrange debates is good. He has attempted to do this, however, he is prohibited in Europe from making speeches. For example, he wanted to give a speech in Germany but the German Gov't banned it. In America, despite attempts to get him on mainstream television and in big universities, unfortunately there is censorship. If you can find a way around it, do it.


princeofyazd

Naivette Dr. X. Naivette.

by princeofyazd on

Dear Dr. X...(I hope that doesn't stand for expert):

Are you serious in your comments? I find your "facts" about our great nation's history are based more on emotion and popular conjecture than on the events which actually transpired.

First, with the Pahlavi's being installed by the West...this is untrue. The facts say otherwise. Reza Shah wrestled power away from the British-supported Qajars and Ahmad Shah was deposed. It is true that Reza Shah had the support of English General Edmund Ironside but the general went rogue, acting without any consent and against the wishes of the British cabinet in London and the British legation in Tehran. This fact is documented and accurate. Ironside was simply tired of seeing innefective leadership in Iran and as a military man, he was drawn to Reza Khan's personal strength. Reza Shah built an army from the ground up and regained Iranian sovereignty from British backed tribes and supressed several rebellions, included the one in Arabestan. This was a very big deal at the time and has had lasting effects to this day. It is fair to estimate that Iran would have continued to lose more territory as had occured during Qajar rule had Reza Shah not assumed the throne. So don't say that Reza Shah was "put in that position by the West" That is not accurate. In fact, it was the West that forced him to abdicate the throne in 1941. He was a great leader who did much for Iran.

By the way, as Prime Minister, Reza Khan did make a serious attempt to pass a resolution in Parliament to create a new Iranian republic similar to Turkey's new republic under Kamal Atatürk at that time. But it failed miserably after opposition from the Mullahs because they worried a republic would be too secular and further treater their influence in Iran. It was then that Reza Khan assumed the throne as Reza Shah Pahlavi. So thank the Mullahs and not the West.

You ask what Reza Pahlavi II has done for Iran. Well, what do you expect? He was barred from his homeland when he was 17. He faced as much hardship as the many thousands of Iranian families who were displaced by the revolution and them some. He lost his father just a year after losing his country. There were international assasination squads targeting members of his family. Dr. X, what do you expect?

During the Iran/Iraq war he made a serious offer to fight for the Iranian air force, not as a King but as a soldier. His offer was rejected. Since then he has upped the ante and has been proactive in pushing for reform in Iran. He is even proposing democratic reforms. In his book "The Shah's Last Ride" American author William Shawcross leads readers to the point that had the Shah had another decade of rule and had his son Reza assumed the throne, Iran was poised to moved toward a more democratic system with greater freedom. But it was still a developing country in the 70s and had not reached that point.

You mentioned that politicans move up the political ladder and earn their way to leadership. That's true in the American sense but what you want is for a politician in Iran to move up that system (which is oppressive and exploits both people and their Islamic faith) and earn the Presidency? Don't you see how nonsensical that is? When this government falls, an entirely new system will have to be put in place. I am not suggesting that Reza Pahlavi become the sole ruler of Iran. What I know is that monarchy has been a part of our culture for over 2,500 years and it does have a place in a future Iranian government. Builing a new system of government tailored specifically to Iran's needs will take at least a generation t create and we will need something familiar to the Iranian people to help guide us along the path to demoratization. This is exactly where Reza Pahlavi and Shahbanou Farah can serve Iran.

No one is suggesting that any one person be thrust upon the Iranian people. Not even Reza Pahlavi is suggesting this. But the Iranian people, the decendants of the Persians need their king during this challenging transition toward a new Iran. It is the way it has always been, it is engrained in us, and it is the way it will always be. That will never change. Stop looking at the Shah and seeing Reza Pahlavi. Look at Reza Pahlavi and see the Shah. He is just a keeper of something very dear to our great history. When he is gone he will be replaced. But in the meantime he has a duty to his country. Unlike a politician who uses personal ambition to move up the political ladder, the king has no choice but to lead. That's the difference between the Shah and a President. And this is the 21st century. Monarchs aren't ruthless or tyrants anymore. They can't afford to be if they want to keep their power given social media and communication.

Last point...you mentioned "what the IRI has turned out to be" and "if the revolutoin had deliever what it promised". You also claim that the Pahlavi's were put into power by the West. Well, what about the IRI? Wasn't Khomeini housed in France where he began his call to the Iran's to revolt against their regime? Wasn't it a pair of French journalists who first called him "Ayatollah"? Didn't he recieve piles of money from Western governments to fund his movement to distabalize Iran? The answers to all these questions is yes. Despite the popular rhetoric and accusations between Tehran and Washington, the fact is the the IRI was conceived by the West to secure oil and to prevent Soviet expansion into Iran. So don't act like it wasn't.

I engourage you to read more about our country and look to see the sources of information before you accept anything as fact.


default

Memorial Ceremony For Shahpour Alireza Pahlavi on January /23 /2

by arshan on

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRJJ9lgLFho  Memorial Ceremony For Shahpour Alireza Pahlavi on January /23 /2011


Dr. X

princeofyazd

by Dr. X on

I have to disagree with you. What makes Reza Pahlavi any more qualified than anyone else for the position you are suggesting? Simply that his father and grandfather were put in that position by the West? I think that is hardly fair to many others who may be much better qualified to lead. What has RP accomplished in his life other than being an outspoken critic of the Iranian regime? Politicians who we vote for generally work their way up, start as mayor, governor, senator, etc. Or perhaps some have been CEO of very successful companies. What does Reza Pahlavi's resume consist of?

You make the comparison that Iran because of its current situation, would have been much better off under Monarchist rule. The pahlavi sympathizers would not be making such a comparison if the revolution had delivered what it promised. Apparently there were serious problems, but instead of getting better, those problems magnified under the IRI. So does that mean we should say Shah was good? Maybe in comparison he was better, but why are u drawing conclusions based on what IRI has turned out to be?

Why cant we come to a conclusion that we need to move forward? Instead of propping up kings and queens, or Ayatollahs who rule for life...why cant we vote people in and out of office to limited terms? Even your hero Reza Pahlavi is saying that it is not going to be ONE person who is gonna come riding in on a horse to save Iran, but you are saying HE IS. Many kings throughout history have turned into tyrants like that. The people around him keep telling him he is so great, hes a god, etc, that it goes to his head.

With all this said, if somehow Reza Pahlavi is able to go back to Iran in a new democratic govt, and people VOTE him into office, I have absolutely no problem with that...but not for him to be forced into office any other way.


benross

How come you know HIM to begin with?

by benross on

Show me your flag. We talk later.


princeofyazd

Dear HIM Reza...

by princeofyazd on

Dear "An Iranian"

I coincidentally am also a young 27 year-old Iranian living in the United States, away from our homeland. I have never benefited from the Shah's regime and my opinions are solely shaped from careful research and education about our nation's rich history.

While I find some of what you have to say constructive, I can't help but feel your points are truly a veiled attack on HIM Reza Pahlavi II.

You write of "intellectuals" and how they should be a part of the change in Iran. But it was intellectuals who recieved scholarships from the Pahlavi Foundation and then vehementely attacked Mohammad Reza Shah. They bit the hand that feeds them and now our generation is living in the wake of their trechery.

Despite whatever failures of the Shah's government (and don't forget the many successes like rights for women and negative unemployment) such failures are a moot point given the gargantuan failures of the oppresive theocracy currently in Iran.

Reza Pahlavi is the third generation of the Pahlavi dynasty, one which unlike it's predecessors the Qajars, did much to develop and lay the foundations for modern Iran. Even today's government is functions from this foundation, specifically the civil code from Reza Shah's reign. You say that Reza Pahlavi II should not carry the title HIM. Frankly, given the tragedies befallen his family and how today the "name of Iran" is mudd (referencing Samuel Mudd), his title is more of a liability. But at the very least, his family has earned that title based on their service to Persian and Iran and he should keep it.

It will not be a Moussavi who helps Iran rise from her ashes. Democracy is not fit for every nation. This point will anger many but let's get real. Most Euprpean nations don't have a democracy in the American sense. Perhaps a form of democracy that takes our history into greater consideration will be best for Iran. If you read "Winds of Change" even Reza Pahlavi II says something like "Iran will not be saved by one man parading on a horse waving a saber". But I disagree. I think that He is that man. That only our Shah, a 2,500 year-old human symbol of our history can save our country. But our Shah can rise up only if he is thrust up on your hands. God knows the media is biasedly against our country and it's history. This is the same media that praised Khomeini and called him "ayatollah" and made him apprear to be our savior when he ways really a savage.

But if you want to rely on intellectuals and ignore our history then go ahead...just don't expect anything to change.

Long live Iran...

Sincerely,

"Another Iranian"


DelilahNY

Well said, (edited)

by DelilahNY on

If people outside of Iran can forget their differences and learn how to forgive and understand that people are different and that people can change, then there is hope for change in Iran as well.

 If we can not change ourselves, we can not change the future.

Beautiful, clear transparent prose. It isn't about your specific strategy, it's about your struggle, your compassion, and your quest for wisdom.

Indeed are the sins of the fathers suffered on the children. Anyone who desires revenge on the Pahlavis can let go now 

It is done.

RIP  Alireza, Leila and Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, and those who were the victims of his dark side.

_____________

It is the plastic screen that unites it is the plastic screen that tears apart.