Faramarz's Latest Rambling

It's not a pretty picture

But it's not as ugly as you paint it. It's not that 80 or 90% of the Iranians live the way you say. Firstly, those who have lived and are living in small towns and cities are not as effected to the current sick economy of Iran. Tehran has the largest division of wealth within the country, and it's understandable. Secondly, the oil and gas reserves can not answer to the demands of Iranians, even with this high prices. Those countries that have a refinery benefit from this not those who sell the oil Raw. Iran under sanctions can not built the desired amount of refineries so goes out of her way to built them in neighboring or generally other countries. Yet they are mostly for political purposes and strategic benefits than economy.

Things are not rose, but not as dark as you put it either. somewhere in between is where we stand. It's easy to lose hope, especially going to Iran for a longer period than a touristic trip.

Remember that the third world is struggling in general. Iran a bit more because of the pressures and sanctions. The corruption and inefficiencies are all over the third and developing world. Economies historically change, especially for the third world but what remains is the social gains of a country. It's almost impossible to grow naturally as a society being oil rich and in the middle east. We Iranians think that things should be given to us. Freedom, good government, European life without us working for it. We should know by now that those nations who stand together in the times of tough, ultimately win their wants and needs. Since no one has given that to them, no one can easily take it from them either.

It is not our government alone (I am not taking the blame from them, but hear me) but our cultural attitude also that keeps us a bit behind. I have written in more detail in my past two articles and I think it's a very important factor. T

This could be a long discussion and many questions and issues can rise by my comment, I know that, reading my articles might help (not trying to promote) understand where I am coming from...

Those who search for easy answers and look one dimensional, economical angle towards Iran, might forgo the major factors and realities that lay ahead.

Get real

Iran has approximately 25 years of wealth in form of oil and gas left.

The vibrant youth of Iran are experiencing 17% unemployment.

Something like 11% of women between ages of 18-40 in large cities are involved in prostitution; there is no work for women and these poor souls need to feed their children. 11% is a HUGE percentage.

The vibrant youth who graduate from universities can not afford to even rent an apartment in large cities where the supposed jobs are. 50% of youth live in their parent's home because of this.

So tell me, if you don't have a place to live, can't afford to support a wife and family what else matters?

Granted there is that 5-10% at the top who live a very nice and comfortable life. What about the other 90-95%?

I just cannot stand people who supposedly love Iran but hail their support from their computers in their homes in U.S. and Europe.

For a country with as much oil and gas Iran has sold in the past 50 years, and its social and economic state, the only descriptive word is a shit hole. An Islamic shit hole. It may some how become THE place in the future; miracles have happened. I am not holding my breath.

dar no omidi basi omid ast

And remember that the economical prosperity is not a guarantee even for those countries that you see them well off. We in Iran have gaina great social and political experience that is priceless to our future.

Unlike you I don't see Iran in the dark. I see a regime that has many components of dark (khoshk maz-hab va sona'ti) but more importantly I see a vibrant people and youth. The Iranians are awaiting the investments and in no time the country will be back in the economical track. Politically, we the people need to realize what it is that we want, define them clearly then strive to reach it. Regardless, politically and socially with this same IR we the people have been able to be a pole in the region. We need to ask ourselves how to fight the anti Iranian forces, internally and externally. If we leave one alone then back to square one. History tells us that.

Looking at the positive, eventhough at times it's hard, Iran is not as back as we would assume under a religious regime. That shows that people have not sat quietly and I have no reason to believe that they ever will. This is better than anywhere else in the region!

Let Nothing Grieve thee, O Land of Ta (Tihran)...

... for God hath chosen thee to be the source of the joy of all mankind. He shall, if it be His will, bless thy throne with one who will rule with justice, who will gather together the flock of God which the wolves have scattered...

Ere long will the state of affairs within thee be changed, and the reins of power fall into the hands of the people. Verily, thy Lord is the All-Knowing. His authority embraceth all things. Rest thou assured in the gracious favor of thy Lord. The eye of His loving-kindness shall everlastingly be directed towards thee.

The day is approaching when thy agitation will have been transmuted into peace and quiet calm. Thus hath it been decreed in the wondrous Book.—Bahá’u’lláh Kitab-i-Aqdas

Regards,Mona

Iran would be prosperous and strong again

I agree with Tahirih whole heartedly, Iran will be prosperous again; we will learn to be democratic when we let go of our Islamic fundamental identity and leap forward toward unity and harmony.

Didn’t Iran survive Arabian invasion and governance for almost one thousand year and didn’t Iran revive after three hundred years of Mongol domination. We recently fall pray to our own ignorance when we a backward retarded mullah promised us heaven and amazingly we all believed in him, we kind of deserve it; we have done it to ourselves, but again this will pass and I do believe in Bahai optimism and forward looking, what else is there to hope for.

Be well my countryman,

Nema

Mr Fateh we love Iran , and we have not given up on it!!

Please read what we have been reading about Iran . This passage was writen in1875 by Abdulbaha, older son of Bahaullah. We believe in his words and future of Iran:

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Iran's future is very bright, but...

It will take time and also there are prerequisites that we need to fulfill before reaching that station.Listen to what Abdulbaha ( Bahaullah's older son ) said over 100 years ago:

God willing this all will pass and we will return to our glory.

Tahirih

Countries like the U.S. Germany, Brazil...

Mr Fateh, Brazil isn't that far from Iran :) Just wanted to mention making a correction to that list. Brazil is a messy country, not similar to US, or even Spain.

I guess countries like the US are ahead, not 20-30 years, but far more than that, depending on what we compare about! Unfortunately the current regime is not moving anywhere good. And the huge oil revenues are wasted. That is a crime against the Iranian people, all Iranians. Oil is sold at more than $120 and it goes to property prices and inflation, not for development, education etc etc. This is CRIME, just crime!

Only Iranians Can Be This Irrational

Dear Faramarz,

I share your view of a dark and bleak future for Iran in the near future.  These days may be remembered as the days of comfort for what it lies ahead.  It is possible that if the regime survives, Iran will deplete her precious resources and Iranian will be stuck with only Isalmic chert-o-pert in 10 years.

I wish I could disagree with

I wish I could disagree with you..but all the signs are there. Unfortunately, the Islamist being so vested in the status quo are in deep self-denial; that is the only way they can function; it is how they cope with their guilt.

Also, there will be a shortage of food and water globally in which Iran is not prepared to handle.

Sam's Club, Costco Limit Rice Purchases
//www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/04/23/sams-club...

As Australia dries, a global shortage of rice

//www.iht.com/articles/2008/04/17/business/17...

//www.iht.com/articles/2007/10/23/business/ri...

Rice Producing nations cut exports amid shortage
//www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?story...

Understanding global rice crisis
//www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/content/apr2...

The reality is that this

The reality is that this regime has taken Iran back some 50-100 years.

Really!?

Thanks for sharing your so optimistic view of the future for your beloved Country. I am assuming, from your name at least that you are or have been at some point in your life an Iranian. It is so good to see how proud of your heritage you are.

The stupid Mullahs will be gone but no matter who is ruling the Country, you have no reason or right to trash it in public like this. I am assuming you are probably an educated person, but have no common sense.

Big Shame on you.

Amen, Mr. Fateh

Amen, Mr. Fateh