Archive - Oct 18, 2009 - Article

Seeking Refuge

At the tender age of 17, Mahdyar Aghajani produced the critically acclaimed, top-selling album, Jangale Asphalt (Asphalt Jungle) by Iranian rapper, Hichkas. Taking an art form that sprang from the streets of New York into their own hands, Mahdyar and Hichkas teamed up to create a uniquely Iranian Hip Hop sound, with Mahdyar incorporating traditional Persian instruments and tonalities. Yet, Hip Hop is forbidden in Iran, and the authorities there soon came looking for Hichkas and Mahdyar. Hichkas remains in Tehran, but Mahdyar fled the country. He spoke with me a few days ago, from Paris>>>

Obama's deal is no deal

The hardliners in Iran, for example, are in dire need of improving their international image, so as to be able to annihilate the reformists who are rightfully challenging their rule; mend relations with Russia, which were badly damaged as a result of their recent disclosure of a second nuclear facility in Qom; and thus avoid the possibility of further UN sanctions, which could truly jeopardize their grip on power. The West led by the United States, on the other hand, is in dire need of stability in the Middle East; Iran’s assistance with the situations in Iraq and Afghanistan; and a steady flow of oil and gas. Thus, a “grand bargain” can be said to be in the making>>>

The Orange 'n' Torange Girl (3)

The Paries within the oranges and toranges perished as soon as the Prince gave them what they had requested, until one torange was left. He did not want to respond to any request coming from the last torange for fear of never having the chance to meet an Orange ‘n’ Torange Girl alive. He was quite upset and didn’t know what to do. Ultimately, the Prince remembered his last feather and decided to seek assistance. He collected two pieces of wood a few meters from the wet bank, rubbed them together with great force, kindled a fire and burnt his last feather to call me>>>

هوس ٥

هر انسانی در بخشهایی از زندگی نیاز دارد از چیزهایی که برایش تکراری شده اند بگریزد. این نیاز امشب ستار را به خانه ای بسیار بزرگ و وسیع که بسیار هم کهنه و کلنگی بود در جنوب شهر تهران کشانده بود. اینجا یکی از قدیمی ترین پاتوقهای او بود. جایی برای نفس کشیدن. جایی برای تفریح و انجام اعمالی که درست یا غلط در هر حال به مذاق حکومت خوش نمی آمدند و همین امر سبب شده بود چنین مخفیگاه هایی در سر تا سر کشور برای مردمی که لحظه ای بدنبال خوشی و فارق شدن از شر و شور دنیا می گشتند ایجاد شود>>>

خیمه شب بازی‌

قصه‌هایت همه در ظاهر خوب
ابتکاری مرغوب
دست اول همه از یک گفتار
وعده‌های سر خرمن بسیار
ولی‌ افسوس که از قوه به فعل
از زمین تا به فلک فاصله است >>>