Current Events

Good Interview!

I think that they both did well. Though questions were asked and they were answered. You may not like the question or answer but this is how its done in a real demcoracy.

در کشوری که

در ایران کشوری که یک مشت بی ناموس و فاسد و بچه باز که اکثرشان فقط سی چهل سال است به دین اسلام پناه آورده اند عناوین آیت الله،  امام جمعه، و دکتر و مهندس را از آن خود کرده اند، این دخترک عصبی آمده و از این مرد بازخواست میکند و گویی خود را اوریانا فلاچی گروه حواریون مریم رجوی در سوئد میداند.  این مرد در قالب قانون اساسی گذشته ایران وارث تاج و تخت پدرش است،  حالا نشستن و از او اینگونه سئوال کردن چیزی غیر از تف سربالا نیست. بجای این مزخرفات باید فقط در مورد اهداف خود این مرد سئوال شود و اینکه برنامه اش چیست وغیره..........این مطلب بنده را یاد خاطرات دوستی انداخت.  یکروز در کاخ مرمر بودیم و در آن ساختمانی که وزارت دربار در اختیار داشت که باهری بعنوان معاون وزیر دربار بود و مرد شریف و تحصیل کرده افای پرویز مرات فرزند مرآت معروف که هدایت در نوشته هایش و خاطراتش در پاریس به او اشاره میکند نیز حضور داشتند و بعد از ظهر بود که گفتند شاه و ملکه به دربار میایند.  باری شاه آمد و ملکه هم با ایشان بود و همینطور آقای علم وزیر دربار و یک کنفرانسی قرار بود انجام شود که شد.  بطور اتفاقی یک دوساعت بعد ماروی دستگاه جدید الورود آی بی ام اطلاعاتی را دریافت میکردیم که شاه ناگهان با علم وارد اطاق شدند و غیر از ما سه نفر فرد دیگری در اطاق نبود.  شاه با غضب به علم گفت"یکمشت گاو ابله بی سرو پا را دنبال خودت جمع کرده ای که این مملکت را به نابودی خواهند کشید و اکثرا کارشان کاسه لیسی است"،  سپس دستور داد همه را بیرون کنند بجز آقای مرات.  ما آنروز نفهمیدیم جریان از چه قرار بود، ولی شاه بطور آشکار نگران کیفیت و قابلیت مدیریت افراد دور و بر خودش بود.....باری یک چای خوش رنگی در آن بعد از ظهر آذر ماه صرف شد و محل را ترک کردیم

از خاطرات حسین نشمه کش،  کاردار سفارت ایران در لندن   

Re the questions

Dear Souri, I'm not questioning your support (albeit conditional) for him, but I'm rather trying to clarify my points! I understand many of our fellow compatriots' frustrations with IRI's barbaric rule and its consequnces, and that many would rather take a chance at a secular alternative even if not turning to be a democratic one -- heck, can't be worse than this! So, at least they can go back, right?! But considering the price that is to be paid for realization of such an alternative (revolution, war, civil war...), I'd rather make sure about the nature of the alternative before joining the crowd! What if the crowd goes ahead without me?! At least I I'd that I've done my best! For, IMHO, IRI is on its last sorry leg, and sinking deeper and deeper in multifold crises!

With regards to the first question, my emphasis is not on RP to condemn his father for 1953 coup, but rather renounce the coup itself! You see, there's a difference, which shows his committment to democratic principles! The other point which is of utmost importance to me, is not about why he declared himself a king 30 years ago, but whether he rescinds that claim or not -- e.g. sitting on the fence to see where the waves take him, if he could revive and climb the throne, otherwise, settle for presidency or something! I used to play king and vazir with friends and cousins when I was about five. But I don't see necessary for me or any of my playmates to rescind our declarations because none of us have any hereditary relation to any royal family, nor does any of us have a claim to or are advocated by any monarchist association -- e.g. Anjoman Padeshahi Iran!

IMHO, he dodged the question so he can keep his claim to the crown for a rainy day! I may seem sceptical, but I find that ambiguous at best, and dishonest at worst! With regards to his Shahollahi fan base, he can't change them and he can't shake them off either. It's a package deal, without them, he'd have to compete for power like any other figure in our politics! hence, it doesn't matter what he claims to believe in, his support base know him as a king, want him as a king, and turn him into one if they get the chance! Just look around you and see how his supporters deal with dissent -- e.g. calling the interviewer with derogatory terms such as "porn star," while she has done nothing to deserve such an abuse! Now, imagine how they would treat the opposition if they get a hold on power! 

------------------------------------

Dear vildemose, I'm saying that he defended his father's coup as "legal" and "constitutional." Hence, should've been asked about his opinion on legality (or lackthereof) of his father's actions after the coup up to his downfall. On the other note, I don't put my faith in any man, but don't blame those who do for doing so! I just try to make my point, that's all!

Can't wait till you delete your "comment," by yourself

(as you always do) in a few minutes!

For anyone who could read English:

When one makes a simple observation about a vast mutitude of organic, genuine leaders (as opposed to pseudo, sham) inside Iran, that are consistently dismissed or overlooked in here, you could either dismiss or support it.

But you don't have a single point to make on that, do you? Just your usual cynical "Na'Mehrban" personal attack, followed by a deletion of your comment by yourself!

Taark Adat Mojeb Maarz Ast?!?

My hypothesis

It is obvious that the West (America + EU)  can and will direct the attention of the opposition to one or another "nominee" whenever it  serves their purpose. Even though, the purpose is only to scare the Iranian government.

In the same trend, people like RP sometimes become important and find a lot of room for expression (conference, interview...etc) and some other times they are kept at the back screen for another rainy day.

Even RP himself may be (or not be) aware of their plan. Meanwhile, this is always the people (a nation) who find their own way to the group or the movement (hence the leader) of their own choice. This, is a fact!

As you can see, America can't force its will to the Iraqis. RP or another leader, if the people of Iran don't want them, they will reject them, sooner or later.

My hypothesis

You scream so loud you can't hear anyone else.  

There are tens, hundreds, and thousands of other leaders

Like Majid Dari inside Iran.

Bus Drivers that actually shut down Tehran by their strike (Mansor Esanlo, Reza Shahbi,...), Sugar Cane workers (who also had a massive strike), numerous other leaders and activists from Students, Womens, National Minorities movements.

Thus the question becomes: why is it that such an amazing multitude of organic, genuine body of leadership inside the country forgotten and dismissed, in favour of RP or exiled Greens; so called leaders that have SPENT ALL THEIR ADULT LIVES OUTSIDE OF IRAN, WITH ZERO CONNECTION TO IRANIAN PEOPLE AND THIER DAILY STRUGGLES? Could it be that:

A) This site is a closet Monarchist (most often no so closet) site?

B) These figures (RP, exiled Greens) are "leadership nomination for an invading foreign military force?"

C) Taark Adat Mojeb Maarz Ast!

D) Fill in your hypothesis

"his composure and

"his composure and grace!" 

Like father like son: stoic, forthright, civilized, intelligent, and thoughtful. Also enjoyed the flashes of humor.  I like him. 

I (too) wonder at the "porn star" comments.  She is just doing her job and such uncivilized attacks certainly do not further the cause of Reza Pahlavi, if that is their concern.  Suggestion: get off your knees.  Hand kissing days are over.  (If you like kissing hands, go run to the Islamic paradise and kiss Comrade Khamenei's hands.)

She does need to s l o w  down and listen to her subject instead of scrolling her prepared notes, so that there can be meaningful exchange.

For example, the issue that Arj brings up, the fact that the Shah did violate the constitution after the counter coup that was necessitated by late Mossadeq's equally unconstitutional actions is a very important subject and must not be whitewashed.  If we are to learn from the past, as Reza Pahlavi agrees, we need to understand the reasoning process that informed that change in direction.  (It is understood that the operating value system was Iranian nationalism.)  

So she had an opportunity there to examine "practical" framework that informs his thinking in dealing with contingent conditions and crisis when he validly brought up the global and internal conditions of the "last half of 20th century" in context of glancing back at his father's reign, instead of harping on his father's actions.  The fact is that the deep geopolitical conditions -- as far as Iran is concerned -- really haven't changed that much: we remain a Prize and some far flung lizzard's "crown jewel" designate.  What are we to expect from Reza Pahlavi? (c.f. "President" Obama ...)

He also needs to answer under what condition, if ever, will he throw his supporters to the wolf c.f. that poor Hoveyda and the martyrs of the Iranian Sepah.  That must never _ever_ happen again.  it is simply unacceptable.  She missed that one, too, and I'm sure the namar'ee ones in Iran would be quite interested to know his thoughts regarding that matter.

Good Point, Ari!

I would like to add there are a few other factors which can be added to the factor of revolution you have mentioned. 1. The fact that it turned out to be a failed revolution or a "hijacked" revolution played a decisive part in producing individuals who were interested in politics. In a way they were involuntarily drawn into the world of politics. 2. Times have changed. With more information came more informed generations that were not willing to put up with the social and political status quo. Mass media such as satellite TV and Internet played the most important role in spreading the much needed knowledge of the outside world. 3. The explosive population growth and Iran enjoying the largest number of young people is another great factor. That also led to a greater number of more educated Iranians than the seventies. University campuses have historically been hubs for political activism in our country. 4. The historical mass exodus of Iranians in the past three and a half decades and travels back home of the members of the diaspora for visits also had a huge impact on those who had stayed behind. 5. Finally, let's not forget the fact that the totalitarian rule of IR which deprived Iranians of all their basic human rights could not be tolerated by the Iranian youth who have very little use for religion and its superstitious nonsense.

He is a force

There is no question that he has followers and influence. He appears to be using his influence for a democratic goal. The time of ruling dictators is OVER. He appears to understand that very well. The only people who don't realize that are people who keep hating him for that possibility. 

Roozbeh jon, please stop taking trips to Karbala, in every blog

This debate is about RP and his point of views.

We are debating this very subject right now.

This is not the first time you come to a blog for talking of another subject. This is calling "perturbation". That is why, some of the readers call you a propagandist.

I have lots of respect for you and like to read what you say, but please  have more consideration for the time and interest of the other users.

You can always blog about Mr Dari, this sit is free for you.

What is this conversation? What are you suggesting? That Ms Alinejad should go to Iran (eventually Evin) to interview the real activists?

BTW, don't ever forget that you too, are a resident of the West. A very active IRI opposition, maybe, but still a resident of the West! Try to always remember that

Nothing New...

I feel bad for the guy, he has been answering the same questions for the past 30 years! 90% of the questions in this interview were the same old questions… I know this was a big opportunity for Alinejad to prove herself as a journalist but her manner in this interview was unpleasant and unprofessional. A reporter should be unbiased and fair but when you consider yourself as representative of a group (representative of new generation of iranians or green movement) than you  you going to have a  judgmental approach to the interview and this makes your interview more like an interrogation. I think the lack of  her experience was evident in this interview.

I couldn't agree more RG. I

I couldn't agree more RG. I know there are great leaders languishing in Iran's prison but unfortunately we don't have access to them.

There is no harm in interviewing those we can. Interviwing them does not make any of them a leader but it's good to hear from those who were at some point part of the IRI's cadre. Ganji was a co-founder of IRGC? NO?? I like to hear his thoughts on the revolution and his support of Khomeini....that's all I'm trying to say...

A state of war only serves as an excuse for domestic tyranny.--Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn.

Vildmose, here the words of a potential "leader" for you...

 Mr Majid Dari, -nobody here has probably even heard of him- a student who was imprisoned post anti government demos in 2009 and now banned from ever completing his university course, sent this defiant letter out of prison. Read it for yourself and tell me isnt he quite something? Someone with courage and clarity of mind and purpose and energy to be proud of and follow? wouldnt you like to listen to him being interviewed rather than a bunch of west residing had beens or old regime cast offs , all middle aged to elderly with dubious pasts and background?

Yea, she can interview soroush, ganji, RP, Mousavi, rajavi, whoever. All I am saying that they have all failed the leadership exam, one way or the other. The best any of these figures could wish for is a leadership nomination by an invading foreign military force....

"Personal business must yield to collective interest."

Dear RG: why should she be

Dear RG: why should she be restricted to interview only those who claim to be leaders or wannabe leaders.? She can interview anyone she wants. 

 A state of war only serves as an excuse for domestic tyranny.--Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn.

vildmose: Soroush and Ganji are not claiming....

The leadership of "green opposition". Mousavi is ,although he repeatedly denies it, just the same way as RP does. It makes one wonder if either of them knows what leadership is.

I for one give them both a pass as far as leadership thing is concerned. Although I'd selectively agree with and support any of their individual demands for reform and civil liberties in Iran, likewise with "any" other opposition figure not covered here......

The true leadership which  could take our nation out of this current mess (by reform or revolution...) I have no doubt is currently incarcerated in one of many prisons of the islamic republic, and has nothing to do with eiter  pahlavi or VF dynasties...   

"Personal business must yield to collective interest."

Shame on you

Shame on you who call such a brave and intelligent woman a "porn star" look a like.  You and your kind represent the chauvinism and intolerance that is ruling our country today.  RP is a good man and deserves to be heard.  She is polite but inquisitive and direct, the way a true journalist is supposed to be.  Good job Massih.

Very good interview

  seems to me people who support Reza Pahlavi as king at least on IC, have issue with him being talked to/asked questions like any politician is subject to in the West.   It is pretty amusing, you folks live in West and see how anyone walking in political arena is subject to ANY type of question, from what he wrote/said/did even 50 years ago (look at Ron Paul/Gingrich/Cain) ..... until now, and yet you get upset and focus on the interviewer???

 We should always welcome this type of exchange, with any of the political figures.   Hats off to Masih Alinejad.   I think both Masih and Reza Pahlavi did a good job.   What Masih could have/should have asked is the following:

 People wanted to kiss Khomaney's hand and he let them.   Khoamanyee became a monster much like Khamaneh-ee became a monster, much like his own father did, because of all the Khayeh-Mal people who bow and bend to gain point.   If you don't say right now, that you DO NOT want to be a Shah-Zadeh but an ORDINARY citizen, wouldn't that prevent all the scum bag/leeches who have not done an honest day of work, to naturally rise up and polish your privates to the point that you will believe you are the shadow of god, or his/her rep on earth? 

dear Arj

I agree %100 with the third paragraph of your last comment. You are absolutely right. This is the main objection I have to RP's claim. I have always said that he has to draw a ligne between his own politics and this crowd.

Having said that, I am all with his answer to the question of your second paragraph. Yes, he as declared himself as the future king of Iran when he was barely 20 years old. Given the political situation and the general knowledge of the Iranians on politics, that was a "normal" action from a young and innocent prince. I don't blame him for what he did some 30 years ago.  I am against Monarchism in all its form. Even couple of years ago, I could not even stand the suggestion of bringing back the Pahlavis to the new Iran! Now, I am getting older and wiser :)

I came to the result that there wouldn't be any democracy happening in Iran, if there is not an alliance of the different movements of the opposition. Adding to the fact that, there's not one single Political figure who can speak of demoracy  with such open mind and style that RP does, among all other so called "leaders" of the different organizations abroad (or inside of the country, which is even worse)

On the first subject (first paragraph) of your comment: I can understand at least where he comes from. Although, by no mean, the undefendable actions of Shah are justified, but if we look at it in a cold political observation,  we can admit that RP is right! No matter how odd this may seem, but yes, what Shah did at that time, was "legal" under the frame of "legalization" which he had fabricated through his own wills and the assemblies (majles) of his own. Yes, on that special matter which he had named, Shah's action was legal, like it or not!

On the question of

 "destruction of political atmosphere, turn that into a single party rule (Rastakhiz) and forcing people to be become its members"

I have always heard RP saying that : I agree that many mistakes have been done in the past, especially regarding the freedom of political opinions and expression.

All in all, I repet again, I am not a pro-Monarchist and not an ardent pro-RP, but I am willing to listen to him, now. I think the moment is came to be tolerant and especially very very vigilant (Re the first paragraph of your comment, again :))

RP is really impressive, he handles himself with dignity, ....

maturity, and absolute professionalism!

Given all the tragedies and misfortunes he has faced over the years, one wonders how he has managed to maintain his composure and grace!

I guess it is all due to the training and the environment he was received and brought up!

Arj: are you saying he

Arj: are you saying he justified his father's crimes and defended his dictatorship?? Did you listen to the same interview? I'm not a Shahollahi by any means but that is not what I heard. He was asked about Mossadegh, not the Shah's illegal actions or deeds.  No, you shouldn't put your faith in any man.

 There is danger from all men. The only maxim of a free government ought to be to trust no man living with power to endanger the public liberty--John Adams

 A state of war only serves as an excuse for domestic tyranny.--Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn.

RG: agreed. Who else from

RG: agreed. Who else from the reformers would be interesting subject for interview? Soroush, Ganji?  

 A state of war only serves as an excuse for domestic tyranny.--Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn.

Read Ari's...

....."Good interview" comment

Now in turn a Question for Masih and her likeminds ;0)

Regarding the Formation of the Future National Congress ...

Are you all together or it's separate checks ?

Mel Brooks in HOW Part I: "Jesus..." "Yes" "What?"

;0) 

But Kiddings aside Good Interview thanks for sharing. 

Here is More for your education though: 

Crown Prince Reza on importance of "Checks and Balances" of future regime

Explaining the Concept of a Constitutional Monarchy to a Staunch Republican

Re the defence...

Dear Souri, on the contrary, he is defending his father's actions in this very interview, loud and clear, when he calls them "legal" and in defence of the "constitution!" So, why shouldn't he answer questions about his father's destruction of political atmosphere, turn that into a single party rule (Rastakhiz) and forcing people to become its members?! Was that in defence of the "constitution" too?! How could his answers be even considered seriously! 

Another shocker here was his inability to explain why he declared himself a king if he's still waiting for people to decide the future form of governance! His answer was; "well, I was young and my father had just died!" So, and....?! What does that even mean?! Does that mean he still consideres his claim legitimate, or does that mean he has recanted since and rescinded his proclamation?! I certainly didn't get it, for he instead lost his temper and changed the subject!

I'm glad that you like him and put your faith in him, but I can't trust that kind of ambiguity. Especially knowing the Shahollahi crowd and the kind of heinous criminal acts they're capable of justiying, all in the name of "defending the constitution!" I make no mistake, for I know RP's main base of support is the same base as his father's, who are still working hard to whitewash his crimes and blame the opposition and even our people for his shortcomings -- heck, they even go so far as defending a criminal thug like Shaban Bimokh!These folks don't even think that our people deserved Shah, let alone RP! So, who is going to gurantee that they're going to give a damn about what people think and how they vote? They see it as his given right to rule our people! Are you willing to stand up to that mob when they're empowered (even by the slightest chance)? Well. I'm not!

Good interview

One could note that the Pahlavi era did not produce aggressive and demanding journalists that survived in the Iranian press for as long as Masih Alinejad managed in the IRI. Alongside its failures and tragedies, the 79 revolution, in and of itself, had positive evolutionary influences on the Iranian political mindset.

Good one. Can she also interview Mr. Mousavi

with same level of rigour, and ask him just these two simple questions:

1) What does he mean by his declared ojective of  taking Iran back to the "golden age of Emam Khomeini"

2) Why on earth, during his premiership, co-incidently, during the "Golden age of emam khomeini", tens of thousands of Iranian political prisoners were mass executed and burried in secret mass graves around Iran?

Of course, we just have to wait for this interview until Mr Mousavi is released from his "house arrest"  and the reporter, Masih alinezhad can visit Iran again..

"Personal business must yield to collective interest."

Why the IRI has lasted for so long ?

Whatever you like to call it: sad, unfortunate, bad  or anything else.

Our main problem is our ignorance in so many different aspects.

Our so called oppositions  have not been able to put their differences aside after 34 years and still going their own way .

They are so selfish and ignorant and do not like to compromise on anything no matter how much it costs the ordinary people. 

They have not only have no respect for each other but also would do wahtever they can  to undermind the others.

It is so sad to see after 34 years of watching the people being crashed by the barbaric islamic regime the IRI opsitions are still so divided and are so behind.

Az maast ke bar maast.

...

سرکارِ علی‌ نژاد زحمت کشیدند و این مصاحبه را کردند،هر چند که بسیار کم و انگاری با عجله برنامه ضبط شده بود.دلیلی‌ نداشت که جریانِ مصدّق را دوباره عَلَم کنند،فعلاً هدف براندازیِ اِسلامیون است،اگر خبر ندارید،آگاه شوید... مصدّق در سالِ ۴۵ شمسی‌ فوت کرده است ،باید به نسلِ زِندِگان پرداخت .

آقا رضا بد عمل نکرد،هر چند که نسبت بدان چیزی که در پاریس از ایشان شنیدم،چیزی تازه‌ای نیز عنوان نکرد.این گونه مصاحبه‌ها باید به دور از غَرَض انجام شود،بی‌ طرف... که نا سلامتی اسمِ ما روزنامه نگار است و قسم خورده در این راه .اینکه بخواهیم طرف را بپیچانیم و از جّد و آبادِ مُردِ‌اَشْ مطلب به میان آوریم،انگار که هیچ نکردیم،دوباره سرِ همان نقطهٔ اوّل هستیم و همچنان بی‌ حرکت ! قضیه حرفه‌ای نیست .

با سپاس .

Masih was professional and

Masih was professional and asked what needed to be asked. Her style is hers alone and she does not need anyone to tell her what to do.  She is a real journalist.  RP did lose his temper once or twice. He needs to take a chill pill.

Some people like to put him on trial and  punish the son for every single  crime of his  father if they could for simple Schadenfreude. He was not even born in 1953. He was born 7 years after.  I don't think his father ever really discussed the matter with him. We will never know what really happend as far as Mossadegh and his demise from shah's perspective. He is dead.  I see no point in dredging up the past simply because he is his offspring. If your child becomes a criminal ,is it the father's fault or vice versa?

Thank you for posting this Ms. Masih Alinejad. Great job.  I look forward to more interviews such as this one.

A state of war only serves as an excuse for domestic tyranny.--Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn.