In old Persia, there were no indoor bathrooms; instead, people went to public bathhouses to wash themselves. From early morning to mid-morning was merchants’ turn to bade and be ready for business, then was the turn of women and children who used the bathhouse from late morning to late afternoon, next came the farmers who went to wash themselves and be ready for the supper.
One early morning, Truth and Lie independent from each other decided to wash themselves. First came the Truth; he undressed and hung his clothes on a nail and went inside to wash himself. Then came Lie and saw Truth’s clothes hanging from the nail, he saw an opportunity, went inside and quickly washed himself and walked out dressed in Truth’s clothes. The legend is that, from that day on, Lie dressed in Truth’s clothes goes everywhere but Truth who refuses to dress in Lie’s clothes is naked and ashamed to go anywhere.
Joseph Goebbels, Hitler’s Minister of Propaganda famously said: “If you tell a lie, tell a big one.” For audacious lies are more likely to be believed; no one would believe that anyone is brazen enough to tell such a big lie. The article written by Graeme Wood and published on March 9, 2020 issue of The Atlantic Monthly is a case in point.
In this article, the author based on a number of Iranian officials infected with Coronavirus and bizarre estimations put the number of infected Iranians somewhere between 600,000 to 6.4 million; he eventually settled on 2 million infected. This article was published on March 9, 2020, less than three weeks after the first Covid-19 case was discovered in Iran. By the author’s calculation, therefore, there must have been between 30,000 to 100,000 infection a day. This is far beyond the rate of infection anywhere else. Notice that, as of this writing, the official numbers stand at 78,000 infected with a little more than 5,000 death.
A Lie this big, from a publication that prides itself as a prestigious analytical magazine, is unexpected, to say the least. True or not, the article is nothing less than propaganda aimed at destabilizing Iran. To understand his bizarre calculation, one does not need to go any farther than the magazine’s own editorial orientation, a believer in American exceptionalism and advocate of regime change in Iran. An example of magazine’s editorial orientation is seen on May 6, 2018, in a published article by Reuel Marc Gerecht titled:
“The Nuclear Deal Keeps America From Confronting Iranian Aggression: Once Trump is out Washington can get serious about the regime’s misbehavior.”
Notice the clear promotion of American Exceptionalism in the language and use of cliché: “Iranian aggression.” The term ‘Iranian aggression’ here is a contradiction; if anything, it is the United States that has carried more aggressive acts against Iran than the-other-way-around. Later in the article, the author, in direct reference to American Exceptionalism writes:
“Contrary to what Barack Obama often suggested, the West is special, and it’s the anchor for a moral order that keeps much of the world from descending into a Hobbesian state of nature.”
Later in the article, once again, the author emphasizes the moral superiority of the West:
“Americans and Europeans as the ultimate good, more important than, say, corralling and defeating the Soviet Union; stopping a savage, aggressive, weapons-of-mass-destruction hungry tyrant in the Middle East; or thwarting the Iranian regime’s quest for the bomb.”
The ethnocentric language and use of words like “savage,” “aggressive,” and “weapons-of-mass-destruction hungry tyrant” clearly defy any pretense of objectivity, or for that matter, journalistic impartiality. At this point in his writing, the author is no longer a journalist, but rather an ideologue who is propagating a specific ideology. So much for a 163 years old publication that sits on the right of the political spectrum and considered to be a solid example of American Journalism.
At this point in his writing, the author is no longer a journalist, but rather an ideologue who is propagating a specific ideology.
Graeme Wood, a proponent of regime change in Iran, often writes about Iran, fancying the imminent collapse of Islamic Republic. To make his point, without mentioning the widespread rumor that circulated before the parliamentary elections in Iran, the author gives this explanation for claimed Iranian officials’ lie.
“Why would Iran lie? On February 21, Iran conducted the latest in a series of sham elections in which only government-selected candidates could run for office. To show disapproval, many Iranians refuse to vote, and as participation has dropped, the appearance of electoral legitimacy has dropped as well.”
“Iran’s government told its people that the United States had hyped COVID-19 to suppress turnout, and Tehran vowed to punish anyone spreading rumors about a serious epidemic. Forty-three percent of Iranians voted, unaware that the outbreak had already begun. Quick action could have allowed quarantines to be put in place.”
There is a certain amount of truth in this statement, in fact, there is a relation between Coronavirus and elections in Iran, but not the kind that the author describes.
The Lie that Goes Everywhere
In late January 2020, a rumor began circulating in Iran’s social media that there had been 300+ coronavirus-related deaths in Qom. The rumors came along with a warning that crowded places such as voting stations are the least safe place from virus. From then on, different news organizations and other media outfits have been busy speculating about the number of infections and death in Iran.
The first report about Coronavirus in Iran came from Mujahedin-e Khalgh; the cult-like organization that is struggling to be relevant in Iran’s political landscape. Known for its occasional fabrication of news about Iran the organization circulates its propaganda among Western press, and those who are eager to write negative news stories about Iran. MEK also controls a large number of social media accounts that it uses to spread rumors and propaganda against Iran.
On February 26, a week after the virus was first discovered, the organization reported 750 Covid-19 related death in Iran. Six days later MEK put the number of deaths at 1300 and by March 26 according to MEK the number had reached to 11,000, that is about 1300 death a day. Another six days later, MEK reported 16000 death and as of this writing it stands at 24,000. Even in countries that at one point were the epicenter of the virus such as Spain, Italy, Great Britain, and the United States, where the number of deaths had reached beyond 10,000, the daily death record rarely reached 1,300. Unless for some mysterious reason laws of science ceases to exist in Iran, the numbers are wildly exaggerated. However, the lies did not stop here; on April 7, 2020, Jerusalem Post put the number of infected persons at half a million, more than that of the United States, the latest epicenter of the infection. From this point on, western media ran away with the story. Fox news quoting MEK claimed that Iranian officials knew back in January of the spread of Coronavirus but did nothing about it.
On March 12, two weeks after Covid-19 was discovered in Iran, Washington Post published a satellite image of what it claimed to be a mass grave in Behesht-e Masuomeh. On March 12, Haaretz quoting MEK reported 1,800 were deceased. Around the same time, Benjamin Netanyahu came up with a video as proof that Iran was covering up the Covid-19 related death. Later it was discovered that the video clip was fake and taken from a television series by Hallmark titled “pandemic.” These wildly exaggerated reports were widely circulated in US media blaming Iranian officials for gross negligence. Exaggerated reports of death and illness continued until early April. It all but stopped when it became clear that their prediction of unprecedented and astronomical deaths in Iran did not materialize.
And this was the story of the Lie that went everywhere, as for Truth, no one has seen him anywhere.
Iranians are the best doctors.. Iran even beat America at the ICJ.
Tomorrow, they’ll say Iranians can’t cook rice if the Adelson/Saudi sponsored regime change cucks and fake Soros “Iran Lobby” let them.
How many Iranians have Siavash et. al.’s policies killed so far since forcing the breaking of the deal unjustly? Thousands.
How many innocent Iranians were shot and killed by ruling criminal mullahs during the protest in month of November ?
Please answer the question so I don’t have to keep repeating.
Thanks,
None. Zero innocents were shot and killed. All blood is on your hands.
The above comment is an example of FAKE NEWS.
Thanks for demonstrating one sample of fake news.
We have expression in Farsi that says “liars are short in memory, or liar is forgetful”.
Not long ago you said that criminal mullahs revealed the correct number of innocent protestors whom they shot and killed. Since then I keep asking how many did they claim ? You were silent all this time.
Now, you’re completely deny it.
Agreed, every single Iranian harmed since you caused the breaking of the JCPOA is going to be another ounce of pain you will feel before it is all over.
I repeat my question until I get a correct number of victims you promised to reveal.
Reuter news agency reported 1500 protestors were shot and killed. Over 7000 protestors were arrested and detained in prisons. Some of them are going under torture to come on state control T.V to say that they are remorseful.
Eye witnesses says over 4000 were shot and killed.
You claimed you knew the correct number of victims.
How many innocent people were shot and killed by ruling criminal mullahs in Iran during uprising of my people in the month of November. ?
Dorood bar jenabe Hosseinzadeh, another good article and a nice short story.
All governments lie or tell half truth, but what is slightly different in Iran’s case is that the Iranian foreign controlled opposition (noisy fascist Reza Phlavi monarchists and MEK terrorist cult) are even bigger shameful liars than the governments.
Among other reasons one major reason for that is that these groups are spoiled children of fascist factions in the US or Islamofascist Kingdom of Saudi Arabia…., so they have less degrees of freedom to tell the truth. Case at hand these groups have to tell lies to push the sanctions/regime change at the same time they have to justify actions of their patrons such as MBS the butcher:
“Pro-Sanction Iranian-Canadians Attend Town Hall by Saudi Funded TV Channel”
“London based news channel Iran International, which is believed to be funded by the Saudi Royal Court, organized a town hall event with Reza Pahlavi, the former crown prince of Iran, on Nov 1, 2018 — only days before the Trump administration reimposed the second round of sanctions on Iran targeting the Iranian banking, aviation and oil industries, among many other sectors. The event was held at the Newseum in Washington, DC.”
https://www.icjournal.ca/post/pro-sanction-iranian-canadians-at-town-hall-by-saudi-funded-channel
“Iranian foreign controlled opposition”
Omeed
“Uncle Napoleon” is a phrase used in Iran to refer to a belief that FOREIGN plots, particularly British, lurk behind all bad events.
“‘My Uncle Napoleon’ by Iraj Pezeshkzad
Source:
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/opinion/william-armstrong/uncle-napoleon-syndrome-in-iran-and-turkey-86846
You blogging here on behalf of your dear shahzadeh is an imaginary thing as well, you are only an abdarchee of our dear shahzadeh and occasionally clean shahzadeh’s horese and dine with his donkeys. You following the clown prince is also imaginary:
“Son of deposed Iranian Shah calls for U.S.-backed regime change” :
https://www.politico.com/story/2018/12/13/trumps-anti-iran-push-boosts-a-royal-outcast-1063441
You being a pathological liar is although a lie, you are telling the “Truth”:
“Pro-Sanction Iranian-Canadians Attend Town Hall by Saudi Funded TV Channel”
https://www.icjournal.ca/post/pro-sanction-iranian-canadians-at-town-hall-by-saudi-funded-channel
the fascists in that Saudi funded meeting are also imaginary!
China, Russia, Syria and Arab terrorists supporting, funding criminal mullahs to kill their oppositions too.
In uprising of our people in June 2009, China provided mullahs devices to cut off and silent their cell phones so oppositions won’t be able to communicate with each other. Russia also have big army base in city of Hamedan.
So what ?
You’re missing the point.
What bring the million Iranians on the streets is NOT foreign powers from outside, as you and Dai Jan is thinking.
Oppression, poverty, misery, and destruction of Iran by fascist regime of criminal mullahs brings million Iranians onto streets for protest, NOT foreign power. Hope you get the point.
POWER TO THE PEOPLE
You are missing the point:
Fascist racist monarhists with strong connection to islamofascist Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will only increase the misery of Iranians and EMPOWER patrons such as MBS and those that have been killing millions throughout mddle east through wars in Iraq, Yemen etc.
Fascist monarchists who have been staunch supporter of maximum pressure even during
Did you get the point Omeed.?
PEOPLE and only power of people inside Iran is important, NOT foreign powers.
Forget Dai jan napoleon. Iraj Pazekzad made a comic book from mentally ill person, just to entertain people. It shouldn’t be your source of education for any political debate. It is good ONLY for entertainment and nothing else.
It is Iranians inside Iran who get shot and killed by criminal mullahs in month of November. They’re the ones who make decision about their future, NOT someone who is sitting thousand miles away (including me) and says “lengesh non”. Or some Americans who can NOT even find Iran on the map.
I believe in power of my people inside Iran. I am sure they will throw Islamo fascist regime to the dust bin of history soon.
Ruling criminal thugs in Iran have wanted to expand their “islamic revolution ” throughout region. Everybody knows that except you. They were sending their agents to Mecca to provoke other pilgrimages against Saudi government. They went there and had rally. The rally led to death of over 400 innocent pilgrimages. Saudi government kicked them out. Then conflict started.
Their adventure for exporting “Islamic revolution” did NOT end in Saudi, they went further. They provoked rebels (Hotti) in Yemen against their government. The provocation led to death of thousands innocent people.
NOT only that. Mullahs were sending our youth to Syria to implant their agenda of “wiping Israel off the map”. Our youths are getting shot and killed for Mullahs’ ambition.
We always have high respect for Saudi because it is birth place of our prophet Mohammed.Persian Golf Arab nations also have high respect Iranian people.
Below link shows their respect for Iranians and Iranian king.
https://www.google.com/search?q=عکس+یادگاری+امارات+شیخ+خدمتگزار+اعلیحضرت&sa=X&biw=1756&bih=897&sxsrf=ALeKk03WcTtByrI1A9dCotP_Ts92iQz9Og:1587504057345&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=5xhazE6P12slMM%253A%252CVVGcNRV_3xACCM%252C_&vet=1&usg=AI4_-kTgbskdjzY28ZltROjFL7EDmdm6JA&ved=2ahUKEwjohKu7ufroAhWNuJ4KHUmQAhIQ9QEwAnoECAoQCQ#imgrc=AIEg3-afOuD9IM
Siavash says: “PEOPLE and only power of people”
Now you talk like a populist revolutionary! 🙂
I had seen revolutionary corrupts e.g., Rafsanjani, Daniel Ortega …. who became sociopath frauds but this is the first time I see a sociopath fraud supporter of aristocracy has become a first class revolutionary populist fraud of fascist flavor!
When there is no shame for monarchists to be on payroll of MBS there is no shame for them on how far to go with lies:
“Pro-Sanction Iranian-Canadians Attend Town Hall by Saudi Funded TV Channel”
https://www.icjournal.ca/post/pro-sanction-iranian-canadians-at-town-hall-by-saudi-funded-channel
Omeed jan,
I have a suggestion for you.
Please go back and read history of the world and uprising people around the globe. For example, rally of yellow vest jackets in France, uprising of people in Hong kong… Venezuela ….
Find out what is common among these “social turmoils”. What makes people come on streets to risk their lives. However, in democratic countries such as France, they won’t risk their lives, but in Iran they do.
Please study of crusade and find out what was the reason crusade, which appeared war between Muslims and Christians, took place. What was the underline reason.
What happened revolutions in Russia Oct.1917, China 1948, Cuba 1962, Chili 1973, Vietnam 1975 …….. etc …took place.?
Furthermore, what was the reason Iranians poured onto streets in 1978 chanting against shah and Monarchy.
Once you find out “commonality” among these social turmoils, please come back and inform me.
Thanks,
HIGHLIGHTING MULLAHS’ LIES. PLEASE READ IT THROUGHLY. THANKS
“Exclusive: Iranian officials lied about sanctions hindering test kit import
Iran International has received documents that disprove the claims made by Iranian Officials about the lack of coronavirus test kits In Iran due to sanctions.
The documents seen by Iran International show that Iranian officials received the first offer to import test kits on Jan 25.
On January 25, the “Fardavar Azma Iranian” company, which is the exclusive representative of the Swiss pharmaceutical company “Roche”, announced its readiness to import coronavirus test kits. Roche is one of the largest manufacturers of corona test kits in the world. “Rabet Amin International” and “Sidal Pars”, representing two South Korean companies, also announced their readiness to import test kits from South Korea on Feb 10 and Feb 15 respectively. There is no mention of sanctions as an obstacle to importing the kits in these companies’ responses to the Ministry of Health.
These documents also show that several Iranian companies received orders to import coronavirus test kits from December 24 until late February. Arina Life Science, Fardad Azma Rad, Pishgam Biotechnology, and Viragene are among the companies that have been importing test kits into Iran.
On March 21 the Deputy Health Minister, Alireza Raisi, stated that there was a lack of coronavirus test kits in Iran before February 11. He also blamed the sanctions for hindering Iran’s ability to import coronavirus test kits.
Iran International has received documents that show the Passive Defense Organization Committee at the Ministry of Health held a session on January 25 to follow up on the orders to purchase coronavirus kits, and in this session, COVID-19 was referred to as “Corona Outbreak, A New Virus”.
Recent evidence that Iran International had previously published also disproves the claims made by President Hassan Rouhani about Islamic Republic officials being unaware of the coronavirus outbreak before Feb 19, and shows that in fact, they were aware of it weeks earlier.”
Source:
https://iranintl.com/en/iran/exclusive-iranian-officials-lied-about-sanctions-hindering-test-kit-import
“To date, South Korea has provided Iran with items worth $200,000, including a PCR and a disinfectant pump, South Korea’s embassy in Iran wrote on its Twitter account on Tuesday.
Last week, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries Fund for International Development (OFID), provided Iran with $500,000 to combat COVID-19, according to the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Finance.
Besides, Russia has sent 50,000 coronavirus diagnostic kits to the Iranian Embassy in Moscow, Iran’s Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali announced in March.
Moreover, the World Health Organization sent an aircraft carrying tons of medical supplies and test kits along with a medical team to Iran in early March.
Also, the World Health Organization delivered a shipment of emergency medical supplies and medicine to Iran as part of COVID-19 response measures on March 24.”
Source:
https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/446578/South-Korea-to-send-2m-anti-corona-shipment-to-Iran
Iranians are the best doctors (and lawyers). Iran even beat America at the ICJ.
Tomorrow, they’ll say Iranians can’t cook rice if the Adelson/Saudi sponsored regime change cucks and fake Soros “Iran Lobby” let them.