Archive - Oct 22, 2009 - Article

Still better to be a foreigner

Worse than Shah-era Capitulation Laws Ayatollah Khomeini, the founding father of the Islamic Republic, became a hero and the leader of the opposition to the Shah when he criticized the capitulation laws that granted U.S citizens protection from prosecution in Iran. He claimed in a legendary speech that a simple American cook could commit murder in Iran and not be tried, while an Iranian minister in America could be punished for the most minor offense. In a bizarre twist of fate, in Khomeini's Islamic Republic three decades later, if you are a foreigner your chances of not being tortured and raped are much higher than if you are Iranian. Contrary to what this revolution was about, it is still better to be a foreigner.>>>

The hug dispensers

My ex-girlfriend Sandra got married. Last Saturday, she and her groom Joe vowed to look after each other “in credit and in overdraft” even “when you are grumpy”. It was a wedding filled with humour in a room – in Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre – overlooking the River Thames, with a view of St Paul’s Cathedral, on a sunny (if chilly) day. I stood at the back, pondering how our lives had changed. Well, mine in particular – weddings are a time to navel-gaze. Twelve years ago finding a pair of socks that matched was difficult for me. Today things are no different>>>

شیر زخمی

شاید نتوان برای دیوانه شدن آدمها تاریخ و ساعت دقیقی را تعیین کرد ولی در مورد تیمسار حمیدی، افسر بازنشسته گارد شاهنشاهی می شود با اطمینان گفت که وی در ساعت 11:25 دقیقه صبح روز چهارشنبه 19 آگوست سال 2009 به وقت سوئیس در شهر Lucerne و یا به عبارتی Luzernدیوانه شد. شاید واژه دیوانه، کلمه مودبانه ای برای وضعیت ایشان نباشد، تیمسار دقیقاً در ساعت گفته شد، فروریخت و از هم پاشید و پرپر شد>>>

The Orange 'n' Torange Girl (4)

The Prince recited three of his own poems. Torange loved his poetry and said she could see herself being in love with him and wouldn't mind living with him without any binding contract. However, she needed more time to explore her heart’s desire. The Prince agreed and held her in his arms, his twirling fingers lost in her curls. "I have to leave you here by yourself and go to fetch a set of clothes for you to wear, then I can take you to the city, whether you want to live with me or not." >>>

The Self-Immolation of Neusha

In desperation
He created hope
Out of despair.
He struck matches
And turned into a blaze of fire >>>