Current Events

Sometimes you've got to pull a bad tooth...

I know we disagree there and I'll leave it there too.
Just a small note, though: I don't harbor apathy towards my nation's fate, it's actually the opposite...

Re optimism

Dear Parham, that's where I disagree with you, for no amount of hatred I may hrbour for IRI, can justify apathy towards my nation's fate, let alone wanting to see it bombed!

I'll also add this

and I know it won't really make me popular -- but somewhere, I think a nation that still follows people who glorify mass-murderers without flinching that much perhaps deserves to receive bombs on its head somewhere. Maybe that will make it wake up.
Shoot me, but many times I've felt that.

Arj jan

Sorry you feel your intelligence was insulted, it was not my aim. But yes, I do think those who think there is a peaceful solution to all this are only counting on a long shot. I don't advocate violence (though at times I think it's needed), but I don't see these blood-sucking creatures go away just like that. I would love for all this to end peacefully, but somehow given the situation, I don't think that's the more likely scenario in removing the bastards.
In any case, again, I don't think the "Islamic Light" faction will be those who will do it. I think it's the other way around. They'll just prolong it.

Re optimism

Dear Parham, calling me an optimist, pessimist or trendy... is one thing, but specualating about my willining or unwilling helping of IRI is another! Indeed, I'm of the opinion that people (apparently you included) who advocate violent means of confronting IRI actually do help prolong IRI's lifeline, since it thrives on violence!

I asked you specific questions with regards to how and by what means is this violent (or otherwise) defeat of IRI that you are predicting supposed to thappen. Yet instead of addressing the question, you utter generic slogans and bring up a parallel between Khatami and Gorbachev which I never suggested in the first place, and to tell you the truth, insults my intelligence!

Grass Roots /Community Organizing

is certainly  one option, as far as organing an alternative to IR.

The best thing about it is that you don't have to 'create' anything. All these communities of resistance and grass roots connections, that already exist in Iran, and have carried out all these protests for the past decade, are there. They just need to be more organized and in a sort of a structured connection with each other. That's all.

Arj aziz

I know you are not (at least willingly) taking sides with the IR. I have no idea how this thing will come to an end, like I said, it could be either one or a combination of those things I mentioned. But I also know that expecting this thing to end in a peaceful, non-bloody way is really shooting for the stars. I'm not saying it won't be possible, but it's probably one of the most unlikely scenarios; except somehow it has become trendy to think that it is a big possibility. I don't know, perhaps it's all the comparisons between Khatami and Gorbachev (which btw, didn't hold one bit if you think about it) did it -- but I know these bastards won't just pack up and leave all by themselves -- especially as you mentioned, there is now a big Sepah standing in the way too.
What I know is, it's really mostly our duty to make this system fall apart before it takes the best of us or causes unrepairable damage, either directly, or by making it come from the outside.
Again, in any case, I don't think the "Islamic light" crowd inside will lead to its downfall. I think they're there to prolong its lifeline.

Re optimism

Dear Parham, I guess you did not get my question! I 'm not advocating any support for IRI, and never have! That said, and the fact that IRI would sooner or later be weakened and isolated to the point of a fool scale failed state with about over one millione well-armed pasdars and Basijis (some of whom are willing to go on suicide missions), $300M/day oil revenue, sensitive military and nuclear installations all over the country..., is a given! The question is, how do you expect the final moment to come about?! Is it going to be a sudden change of governments and IRI officials at all levels be replaced by new, secular democratic elements in a matter of days, or even weeks, with no residual pockets of resistance through out the country? If so, who is going to manage such a colossal task? What orrganization, inside or outside the country is going to carry out such a mission?! If an outside force is going to undertake that task, who will be their collaborators and what connection would they have with the movement inside Iran?!

Predictions abounding

Hey folks you are gonna put prophets like me out of business. In this economy it is hard to get a job as is. How dare you try to take over my job. Please stop predicting. That is my job. Are you going to pay for my bills now!

Arj jan

By everyone wanting true democracy, not any other washed-out fake version of it, that's for sure.

In fact, what you describe will most likely not lead into a disintegration of the current system -- quite the opposite, it might even strengthen its grips.

The final solution will either come through single instance (or likely a combination) of the boycotts, civil disobedience, possible war, uprising, and/or every other mean possible.

It won't come through holding one's breath. It will not come through feeding the monster even more either.

Dear Hooshang: Any void, will be quickly filled

By the forces Leading the anti islamist regime Revolution.

This is why we want these forces to be of progressive nature, representing the will of our people, the working people. But the forces of reaction have had 94 years to learn never make the same mistake. That is precisely why we have the homegrown version of Fascism, the islamic fascism in place, the same way as the chileans had Piochet in place. This fascist beast would fight hard and ruthlessly to prevent the formation of truely independent labor unions along the lines of economic demands, let alone political demands and formation of solid links between the working people and their own, independent political party. Our fascist  enemy is actually quite strong and united, yet has lost it's popular support, so militarily quite week. The question is, can people of Iran single handedly confront islamist regime militarily?   

"Personal business must yield to collective interest."

Dallas Cheer Leaders should welcome him and hug him!

He can go back and say that he saw not only Mehdi, but all his concubines and touched them too. He might then cool down on ordering arrests. 

Peace and prosperity for Iran!

Juan Cole

Is currently considered where it counts as one of the most discredited pundits of the Libyan situation. FYI

How about some realism

As  an assessment of the balance of forces in today's Iranian society, and IR's increasing limitations and liabilities (internally and externally). 

There are at least two options: one, IR's removal by Iranian people, two: its removal by outside forces, or maybe a combination of both. In either case after IR's removal a void will be created in the country. We need to make sure that this void, this transition to democracy is as civil, non-violent,  participatory and democratic as possible. My two cents. 

Re optimism

Then please enlighten me as to how you suppose IRI will be replaced by a democratic system and by whom?!

Re Optimism

Now that's downright pessimism! Disintegration? That's the scenario pro-IRs have been circulating, that if there's violence, there will be disintegration -- which needs a whole debate on its own. But the other fallacy here is that what you're referring to as "opposition inside" is really that, meaning an opposition. That's the other thing the pro-IR crowd has made everyone believe and it's totally false. That crowd inside is not an opposition, it's just a bunch that will align people with the Islamic Republic again under the pretext of freedom and what have you once things get awry.
Sorry, but I won't buy that theory one bit. It's all an ambush.
And by the way, if there's any disintegration, it's now that it's happening. Under the IR. And it will get worse under the IR.
Again, my opinion.

Re optimism

Yes that is why this cynicism is not doing any good. People do need to work together. Peaceful change is the best option as is possible. But requires putting away the "my way or the high way" attitude of some here.

Re optimism

Dear Parham, if anything, I'd be cautiously optimistic, with an emphasis on cautious! IMHO, there are two possible scenarios for IRI's eventual demise; one being a somewhat peaceful, smooth transition, and the other a violent, bloody war that could pretty much result in disintegration of our homelnd. Since it can not be expected from IRI to voluntarily relinquish power on its own, the remaining peaceful possibility is for both the opposition outside (by applying pressure) and inside the country (by offering an alternative to IRI's defective forces) to chip away from its base of support. Breaking all ties with the opposition inside, IMO, would eliminate the chance of a gradual, peaceful demise of IRI and would push the situation towards a head-on collision which will result in bloodshed and possible civil war! For the would-be defecting forces of IRI do not trust, much lass desolve in, a foreign residing, secular opposition. Now, do you still think I'm an optimist?!

برای رفیق روزبه

//iranian.com/main/news/2011/09/19-0

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//www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sn6rukyPEjI&feature...

One more thing

about disrespect of Iranian leaders by Americans. I remember an interview of Mike Wallace with the Shah. Wallace pretty much called the Shah a petty dictator. Made very offensive statements about him. 

At one point suggested "Shah was going to have SAVAK go after him". It made me sick to hear it. You may all watch the "interview" on Youtube. This goes beyond AN; Shah never denied Holocaust. Nor did he do the stuff IRI did.

What do you people think of that. Was it right for Wallace to treat Shah like garbage. If I were Shah I would have walked out and told him to *** it. Who is Wallace to treat Shah that way? Fine AN is a denier what was their excuse with the Shah.

Simorgh

If I recall the Bollinger issue with AN was in 2007. That is 2 years before the rigged elections. Yes if it had been post 2009 I would agree but it was not. Therefore your timing is all off.

I will repeat:

• Why did he invite the guy in the first place? A big mistake.
• AN is not a dictator and we both know it. That is Khamenei. The charge proved Bollinger does not know anything about Islamic Republic. The right thing was to say: AN is a bus boy for a dictator.
• It would have been fine to take him to task over the holocaust. That would have been a proper charge and should have been made.

Nevertheless a host should not attack his guest. Why invite him at all? I hate AN but it made me feel very odd.

Dear Arj

I think you're being just too optimistic, and I know where optimism has led us before! I'll just summarize my opinion in that for now.

VPK RE: Bollinger

1. I actually thought Bollinger's dressing down of Ahmadinejad was pure class. The look on Ahmadinejad's face when after Bollinger's opening speach was priceless. I actually thought Bollinger was restrained and treated Ahmadinejad more courteously than he deserved given the bloodshed of 2009 following the rigged election result. I can not understand for a second why you woukd think he should have been giver a better reception. Also to.be fair to Ahmadinejad he was given a full right of reply which made it worse. Bollinger just gave Ahmadinjead the rooe by which to hang himself ( metaphorically only, unfortunately) with his stupid remarks that there are no gays in Iran; his clumsy justification for denying the holocaust and high number of executions and denying all knowledge of.political prisoners held captive in Iran despite the names being read out to him. The jerk realised that this was not Iran and the Terrorist propaganda machine which helped sell his images as champion of the poor in Iran could not help him in a democratic country. Ahmadinejad was left humiliated and reeling like the mad dog he was

Re Musavi and Karubi

Dear Parham, I personally do not believe that the game is over, hence would not rush to take Musavi to the court! How do we know he may not have a chance to redeem himself? After all, Mandella was a leftist militant who was labled by the Americans as terrorist. Not that I compare him to Mandella, but for nearly two years, Musavi has been denied a chance to declare or modify his positions. I would not count on what he says at the moment for it wouldn't be under normal circumstances. Nor do I count on slogans as much as deeds in the heat of the action. I do not consider him the leader of the popilar movement, but rather one of the players, hence do not have to agree with his views to acknowledge his contesting of the rule of VF. That's all I see in him as one of challengers to the otherwise undisputed rule of Khamenei and VF! Therefore, I reserve my judgement with regards to his treason until IRI is fully defeated!

P.S. with regards to "majority," I did not say that he has the support of majority, but that he is defending the rights of the majority of Iranians who want free elections. Haven't you heard of the saying; "har gerdi gerdoo nemisheh, vali har gerdooei gerd mishe?" He does however have a base of support, but I doubt if it is anything near the majority. As they say, "yek-cheshm dar shahre koorha padeshast!"

FYI/Moussavi next to Gaddafi's Defecting Sidekick ;0)

BBC Report: Mir Hossein Moussavi next to Gaddafi's Defecting Sidekick ;0) 
 

And Yet I will give Your PREEEEEEZIDEEEEEENTEH MAHBOUB the Benefit of the Doubt:

DEVIL's ADVOCATE: Mir-Hossein Mousavi 'involved in massacre', says report

Take Care "Democrats" ...

Pro Moussavi Supporters Try to Discourage Pro Pahlavi Supporters In Rome Rally 

LOL

Re: Bollinger

This guy Bollinger has to be a prime idiot. He managed to make AN look good! First why did he invite AN in the first place? Then insulted him just to come across as a bully.

• Bollinger was wrong. AN is not a dictator nor was he then. The VF is the dictator and it showed how little the guy knows about Islamic Republic.
• Bollinger was the host of AN. In most traditions you do not invite a guest to insult him. No matter how unpalatable the guest.
• This was the first term of AN. Before the fraudulent "elections". Therefore AN was considered to be far less controversial than is now.

The right thing to do was:

• Not invite him in the first place.
• Retract the invitation after the fact.
• If none of the above then treat him with respect.

Instead he managed to apperar as a bully. A bad host and an ***hole. Great move by the University.

Why: because he got scared by objections to AN. But had no backbone to retract the invitation. Hence got the worst of all possible results. 

The ignorance of these big wigs never fails. Sarcasm: did he get paid to make AN appear good? He did what no one thought was possible.

Dream On ... as if You had the Luxury of a Choice ...

In a year's time people in Iran will most certainly massively go and vote in the upcoming elections regardless of what happened a few years ago. So will some of those clueless Diaspora Ones who voted in the previous elections thinking naively that this regime was reformable  ...

SATIRE: The Burqa Republic of Our IRANICAN Dreams ;0)

And we can still continue debating about the "virtues" and "meanings" of having or not a  "democratic mindset" ...

The elections will be rigged as usual, the candidates pre selected but people will conclude that life continues and that against all odds they have to vote ...

And You know what ? Those Back Home will be Right ! 

Because we Diaspora Iranians are a miserable lot ... 

As long as our so called "Intelligentsia" has not done what the French rightly call their "examen de conscience" ...

NIAC’s Hamid Dabashi Denounces Hypocrisy of Foreign Intervention in Libya

Shadi Sadre's Rebuttal of Massoud Behnoud's Endorsement of IRI Constitution

DEATH - VERTISING ? Mehrangiz Kar Claims Husband was No More a Monarchist

All we will have to offer is wishful thinking ...

SATIRE: Evolution of the Iranican Mind ;0

This is true regardless of which political group or ideology claims to be more of a "democrat" than another ... 

To have a democracy Iranians need to understand Team Work ...

But Do We ? ...

Let me make it easy for you ... I'm not a democrat ...

Or more exactly like Irish Philosopher Edmunde Burke I believe that Nations are entitled to democracy ONLY if they can afford it:

Mini lecture on the political philosophy of Edmund Burke (1729-1797)

Stop Complaining Folks ...

COMPLAINING JOMHURYKHAH: What Have the Pahlavis EVER Done For Us ? ;0)

Prove me ( And Burke ) Wrong ... 

I actually would like to be proved wrong ... If you can that is ...

If Not Then go and Greet your PREEEEEEZIIIIIDEEEEEEEEENT MAHBOOB !

You Deserve him ...

FED UP WITH POLITICAL CORRECTNESS: Ahmadinejad is NOT my Prime Minister 

Dear Arj

I believe Mousavi (don't know about Karrubi anymore, as he has apparently changed sides lately) wants a continuation of the Islamic Republic, and the "free elections" you are talking about are to be held under that frame according to him. Which brings us to the starting point, meaning a situation ripe for religious fascism to take over once again.

Again, under a true democracy based on human rights, people like Mousavi who keep honoring mass-murderers past, could only be dragged to court before they could even think about running for a post.

And if such figures still have a base among people (are you sure it's the majority? How?), it's either because there are still people who look into the moon, or those who are charlatan enough to make them look into the moon.

My 2 Drachmas.

Re Musavi

Dear Parham, I do not know who Dabashi is and was not talking about him. However, Musavi and Karubi, whaterver disagreements I have with their views, are in effect imprisoned for defending the democratic rights of our people! I agree that their version of democracy may be far from what I have in mind, but nonetheless, they are asserting, mind you for time being, what the majority of our people demand, and that is free elections. Of course, in democratic free elections their chances of being elected are slim, yet that is for the electorate to decide! Though I personally would not vote for them, their faction, which a is the religious technocrats, will have a base of support in democratic Iran of future and their right to participate in free elections are undeniable.

With regards to Khomeini and his fraudulant claims, I would not put these gentlemen in the same proverbial position for numreous reasons that would warrant a line of discussion on their own! However for one thing, these guys are not considering themselves to be the leaders of people's movement and do not try to determine the political future of the nation, and as they say, they are following people's demands. Moreover, they know that Iranians of today are not the same people who saw Khomeini on the moon! Not that anyone has issued them a carte blanche a la Khomeini to begin with! I agree that they are not a reliable alternative for the current situation, but then nor are the likes of RP and the yesmen in his entourage! Yet IMO, if we are for a policy of national detente and discourse, they deserve a chance to prove themselves and take part in shaping the future of Iran as do RP, leftists, liberals, JM and even MEK/PMOI...

Mousavi, Montazeri & RP!

RP was born into a dynasty and has never held a position in any government, whereas Mousavi helped establish the murderous regime of IR! And that's where the most essential difference lies. Mousavi is still talking about the "Golden Era" of the first VF. Montazeri, on the other hand, spoke against the extremist policies and murders committed by the regime and was therefore alienated.