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October 5, 2001 * Equally important In reply to "Mass murder": It is a bit disconcerting that The New York Times of all publications would print Petikoff's article, even as paid advertisement. However it is interesting as it spells out how the right wing libertarians think about Islamic Fundamentalism, the Middle East, and the developing world in general. It is equally important to note however that an equally appalling call to mass murder is included in every chant of "Death to America", in massive Friday prayers throughout the Islamic world. Specially since we now know for sure that it has not been merely metaphorical. "Death to America" was never the kind of logic that was subject to discussion or opposition either, so we all dismissed it as a bengin ritual for the poor, powerless and misguided people of the repressed Islamic world. But if there is any hope for democracy and civilized values to take hold in that part of the world, it should start by us taking them seriously, treating them like adults and holding them responsible to their words and actions. In that regard I don't think people who have been shouting "Death to America" in Iran for 22 years are at all innocent or misguided. They would not qualify as victims of "collateral damage" if they were struck by us. As for the ordinary Iranians, to the extent that they choose to tolerate rather fight this kind of logic, they are implicated as well. To the extent that they are not heros, they are not totally innocent victims either. As a civilized nation, we must try to protect ourselves and fight, only when necessary, to achieve worthy objectives. As we fight in Afghanistan to uphold these values, the moral burden of any tragic collateral damage would befall the murdurous Taliban and not us. We cannot act like loving surrogate fathers for all misbehaing "children" around the world. This is particularly important since our defense may not stop at eliminating the Taliban. This week's New York Times magazine printed an insightful editorial titled "This is a religious war", finally the kind of analysis intelligent readers expect to see. This is a far deeper conflict and the masses of people shepherded to hate and take a shot at our civilization cannot be treated as innocents, no matter how numerous and illiterate they are. Omid Parsi * I don't buy insanity In reply to Leonard Peikoff's "Petikoff's article": Dear Lenny, I read your recent musings on a solution to the problems you perceived and I must say I agreed with a lot of what you said until you conveniently left out a few important factors like History and Truth. I am not trying to change your mind, (golly, why would I?) it's clearly hopeless. I don't have an answer. I am trying like everyone to figure out how this could have happened. What could possibly have led to this and why would someone get so angry to do this. I don't buy the religious fundamentalism excuse. I don't buy insanity. I believe it's more about politics and desparation at being kept down. It's manipulation by a few bad people trying to cover it up with something smelly so we won't find out the truth. I would however, like to help you tighten up your argument by adding in the bits you left off, either because you didn't have enough money to buy more space (Lord knows no one would publish it freely) in the NYT or, you just don't have all the facts straight and your justifiably high emotional level at this time, caused your lapse in judgment. Of course I'm just being polite. Think of it as being "Objective" like you are supposedly expert at >>> FULL TEXT * No (big) worries In reply to Leonard Peikoff's "Petikoff's article": I would not worry too much of this becoming mainstream American Policy. Just look at his affiliation. The Ayn Rand Institute is on the lunatic extreme-right fringe of the American political spectrum, and very few people pay attention to their rantings and ravings. I am just surprised that The New York Times would publish their advertisement. Maybe the Iranian should organize a write-in campaign protesting the ad to The New York Times. Karim Pakravan * Sick man Dear New York Times staff, I am writing to you as an European of Iranian origin, but foremost a human being, to express my disbelief and utter amazement at your decision to accept and publish such a abusive, war mongering and hateful piece of a sick man's mind dump in your reputable and respected paper. I hope that you are aware that by hosting such "advertisements" your are effectively providing a public platform to a minority of mindless and short-sighted bigots, in a time when what we need most is logical and objective pursuit of justice. Peace! Kamran Dianat * Passion for hatred Dear Dr. Peikoff, I read with great amusement your paid advertisements in The Washington Post, and The New York Times. I was fascinated by your ignorance, your passion for hatred, and your lack of knowledge about the Middle East. I am shocked how the editors of these papers even allow you to publish such biased information, no matter how much money you spend! As an American who is very proud of his Iranian heritage, may I suggest that you do some basic reading about the history of Iran. A book called "The Lion and the Eagle" written by Professor James Bill is a good start for you. I have noticed that you do have a history of publishing articles without doing your basic research (this is indeed interesting, since you hold a doctorate degree). May I remind you about your passionate writings on health care and the fact that "it is not a right", or how you wrote a letter criticizing the movie Titanic and how it glorified communism without even watching it! These articles are rather humorous and perhaps you can publish them to the joke section of various Iranian internet magazines. If you are ever in the Washington D.C. area, please drop me an email, and we can have coffee together. You would benefit greatly from being exposed to other cultures, and people who are tolerant and respect each other. Last but not least, numerous studies have shown that hatred, racism, and constant thought of revenge increases one's chance of developing cardiovascular disease. Sincerely, Alireza Maghsoudi M.D. * Wake up As a person of Persian heritage when I did become a US citizen, I re-channeled my loyalty in its entirety and exclusively to the United States of America for all great values it stands for. This paid article by Ayn Rand's Leonard Peikoff clearly takes the opposite approach of advocating to divert the US resources for Israel, albeit by rewriting the US foreign policy so that the Israeli interests superseded those of the US. This so called "objectionist" view point continues to take American ideals and twists them around to fit egotistical ambitions in the context of Israel's expansionist doctrine at the expense of disenfranchising over 1.4 billion Muslims to say the least. Well, Mr. Peikoff: Wake up to realize the US does continue to stand for "freedom, democracy and justice for all." That does extend at times to promoting the same theory to all countries. Every American recognizes that bombing and annihilating Iran or any other country to serve your twisted purpose is not the solution. Grant it that officials in those countries have committed many wrong doings. That would give us as Americans even more reasons to take the side of their masses that are oppressed by tyrannical regimes; Israel is not excluded either. To sum up, I feel sorry for those who contribute toward your non-for-profit organization to find their money? wasted for your babbling. I trust the Internal Revenue Service would investigate your organization and other similar ones soon. * Don't lose it If I am not dreaming, it was few years ago when Rob Sobhani the partial Iranian friend was trying to run for the U.S. Senate from Maryland to become a civil rights protector for Iranians in the Washington area. He was on all Iranian TV shows, paid or unpaid, talking about how the U.S. lawmakers discriminate against Iranians and that he was there to rescue us. Amazingly after the New York and Washington incidents somehow overnight he become a terrorisom expert. It's mind boggeling. He never told us that while he was begging for Iranian-Amercian votes. Aside from that, you had to see the first day when Fox News got ahold of him and if you did not know him you would think this guy was born in Oklahoma and Rob is really his name. He said to the Fox local anchor, "We in this counrty had done a bad job and let all the bad apples come into this country... " Oh my god.... Rob jaan, don't you ever loose your esaalat. Don't get confused when some media organization invites you and asks your opinion. Don't lose it. Don't ever forget where you come from buddy. This is not your country even if you carry that U.S. passport or citizenship. You should replay some of your so-called interviews with CNN and see the way you kept saying"our country" and "We... we... we..." like "We should not give visas to everyone." I am so happy you did not get enough votes to run for the Senate otherwise you would have interuduced a bill to deport all Iranina from "your country". * Dispassionate passion In the wake of the Sept.11 tragedy, I came across this site quite by accident, but was hooked up by some of the most intelligent and, at the same time, gut wrenching and soul searching articles I have ever read (certainly including the satire section). For example, Mr. Housmand's article, "Strange new world", is amazingly dispassionate, yet full of passion for all the humanity. I salute him for his eloquence and wish that at least some of the media outlets would draw on your writers' wisdom.I am a US citizen, but born and raised in Poland, have always felt like a Citizen of the World, but your site makes me even more so. Thank you for giving me a new perspective. Regards, * Change and adaptation Noshi ["United we shall heal"] like so many other Iranians who have been in this country for long time complains that they are not yet considered American. The fact that most people living in the United States are immigrants, and because there are no discriminations (I mean legally) and due to everything else this society is known for, does not make you accepted as "American. One who have lived here for a few decades, change his name from Samad to Sam or Batool to Bety, have a college degree, live in a nice neighborhood, even have married to an America, still does not make him or her an American. Having a Green Card or holding a US passport, although gives one certain legal rights, does not make one "accepted. To be accepted, in my opinion requires change and adaptation: Are you willing to be accepted? I means REALLY willing to let go (or let loose) of how you are feeling about your homeland. Are you ready to change your political outlook, and religious standing that have shaped you to what you are? What about your culture and history that you have identified yourself with? What about how you are so quick to distance yourself from rest of the Middle East and declare yourself as Persian. Or how you love to celebrate Noruz, or cook Assh-e Naazri. For us Iranians, it's hard to detach, isn't it? Do you participate in this country's political process? Do you believe in the system? Do you support the policies of the United States? Are you willing to take up arms and fight for the interest of the United States, wherever they may be? How do you feel about your teenager son and/or daughter being sexually active? Do you own a US flag? How much do you know about US Constitution? Do you have any books on US history? Do you go rock concerts? What does 4th of July mean to you? What do you SEE when you see an America soldier? Do you do "American" things ? It's hard to adapt, isn't it? Once you "Detached and did all the "Adaptations, you still wouldn't make it! Because, in order to be accepted, you need to have been from some European origins. And you are not. Consider people from Cuba, Caribbean Islands, Mexico and rest of the Central/South American countries. Are they accepted? Even though they are closer to the Americans in so many ways. What about Blacks? They have lived here for hundreds of years and their way of life has shaped a large part of what made today's USA. Do they feel accepted? Asians are in the same boat. I can summaries it all like this: 1- To be accepted one has to leave behined what doesn't match in the new system. 2- One has to accept what comes with the territory; politically, culturally, and etc. 3- Make sure "they like to accept you as much as you like to be accepted. And the last things: Why would you want to? Perhaps as a matter of convenience! * Moronic response Honestly folks. If I wanted to hear a rant from a freaking hick, why would I come to "THE IRANIAN" to read it? I am referring to the article titled "Get off the fence". Was there a reason you felt the need to post such a moronic response on your website? Not only does this show the divisiveness which exists in the country, it will more than likely infuriate most of the readers of this site, which could cause reduced website traffic. Not sure where the thinking laid on this one folks. Maybe it would be a good idea to pull the article off. * Somewhat irrelevant Dear Roy; Your response ["Get off the fence"] to F. Kian's article, "American Fundamen- talism", was excellent. I found his article as insensitive and somewhat irrelevant at this tragic time in America. You methodically challenged the immature and half-baked ideas of that article as well as the misunderstood notion of what America is all about. I mean, who would be referencing Lenin and Howard Stern in the same article in this day and age? Anyway, I just wanted you to know that Kian's article does not represent the views of the majority of the Iranian people I know. I am an Iranian-born American, and always proud of the fundamental American principals of liberty and justice for all. * Contradicting Dear Setareh, After writing the previous letter ["Don't get carried away"], I thought more about your piece ["We are the victims"] and the following occured to me: Since "As a woman you would rather live anywhere but Taliban's country" ,that obviously includes places like Nazi Germany.Would you have lived there and put up with all the crimes just because the women had all the "rights" , provided they were not Jews or blacks? Accordingly , since apparently for you , the women's right has priority over human's rights , why have you been so anti Pahlavis in your previous writings? Didn't they take the veil off by force and granted so much women's right that caused them so much trouble? Would you have also lived in Pahlavi Iran rather than Bush's America? After all, it wasn't worse than Nazi Germany or Sharon's Israel(including the occupied lands) .Or was it? My point , dear Setareh , is , aren't you contradicting yourself by embracing Sharon and rejecting Pahlavis? Or as you said you are a different person now? As far as the old country is concerned , People living in Iran ,including the women , are responsible for their acts and for their government. They will do what they deem appropriate according to the circumstances.Don't rub it on them , please.In the meantime , you can search the world and find the best places to live , whether it be Sharon's Israel,Nazi's Germany or Bush's America.You already have done so ,and as we say , GOOSHEH NESHIN DELESH FARAAKHAH.Since the human's right is not as important to you , probably there are many more places to choose from. Regards, * We should liberate... America and Co. will Definitely bring Zahir Shah back to power in Afghanistan and the last moves of US and Pakistan show their major influence in the new government of Zahir Shah. Despite hard efforts by Russia, Iran and India, Americans continue to support Pakistan and even provide increasing financial and diplomatic assistence. Again the new government of Afghanistan will probably be a puppet of the US and Pakistan while Iran-Tajikistan will have no influence and no role in the fate of their Afghan brethren. Zahir may pursue secular and democratic ways and for this reason he would not approach hardline Islamic Iran. He definitely will not approach Russia and will escape from the influence of Tajikistan in the political sphere. He prefers the West over Russia and Islamic republics. So he has wants to be a puppet of the US-West along with Pakistan. Only in the sphere of culture he can maintain relations with Tajikistan and Iran. So again there is a great obstacle for the re-unification of Iranians or all Iranian nations because of wrong and useless politics. The only way of bringing all Iranians together is to maintain a nationalistic ideology among all Iranian nations and dethrone Islamic and inhuman states. Islamic Iran has lost a lot of chances of unification of all Iranians. Iran supports Palestinians and gives Iranian money annually to Arabs. But at the same time it had no role in bringing the peace in Afghanistan and had no influence in the fate of the Kurdish people in Iraq and Turkey. Instead Islamic Iran always sold Iranian interests to Pakistan and Turkey and Iraq and other Arab countries. Pakistan by any means has no right to decide about the fate of Afghanistan, since it shares no cultural, national, linguistic and genetic feature with Afghans. The Afghan issue should be the exclusive issue of only two countries of the region: Iran and Tajikistan. This is the internal issue of these nations. Just because of the lack of attention, patriotism, and competence, Iran and Tajikistan emerged as passive and pariah governments which left the fate of Afghans to the enemies of Iranian nations. The only way of bringing all Iranians to succes is dethrone all those cruel Islamic and puppet regimes, raise nationalism among all Iranian nations, support nationalist fighters in Kurdistan, Baluchistan and Pashtunistan of Pakistan, Central Asia in a very legitimate and democratic way. It's clear that in all those countries which have a large number of oppressed Iranians, all these Iranian nations are left without basic human rights, education, economic and social development etc. Only we should voice! The voice of Kurds in Turkey and Iraq, Baluchis and Pathans in Pakistan and India should be louder and be supported by Iranians and Tajiks. We should make their voices reach to the global community. We should liberate them. Amasingly I found that among Pashtuns in Pakistan there are some secular and democratic movements which are very patriotic and nationalist rather than religious. We should support such movements. Pakistan never wants a peaceful Afghanistan, because a peaceful Afghanistan is a threat to Pakistan which has a lot inter-ethnic conflicts. The peace in Afghanistan will be a beginning of war in Pakistan, since there are many oppressed people in Pakistan who are deprived from major human rights and they of course want their independent national states. * Idea I sent this cartoon idea to Saman: Two Afghan gunmen talking to each other while planes far away in the sky are dropping aid (blankets, food , fruits and bread) -- First fighter: Are they carpet bom-in (bombing)? -- Second fighter: No idiot. They are dropping blankets and food to fatten you up before they slaughter you. * The right to live in their land For a Shi'ite Moslem, you sure managed to repeat a number of old worn out Zionist propaganda themes quite well. ["Reality check"] For example, the "Palestinians don't exist" theme which was first voiced by Gold Meir. Here, the claim is that since no nation of Palestine existed previously, then Israel isn't doing anything wrong by denying Palestinian statehood now. Of course, the problem is that even if a Palestinian nation didn't exist, a Palestinian people do exist, who have a right to continue to live in their own homes and lands and not be driven out by Zionist aggression. The other standard propaganda theme you repeated is known as the "Refugee Weapon" myth: If the Palestinians in exile are miserable, it is only because their fellow Arab countries did not accept them and give them passports, not because Israel drove them out of their own homes. Of course, the problem with this line of argument is that other countries are not required to clean up after Israel, even if they are Arabs too. The idea that all the Palestinians should just move to another country and live happily because they're all just a bunch of Arabs is inherently racist, and betrays the tribalistic thinking of Zionists. Among other themes you've repeated are the "Poor Little Israel was attacked" routine, the "Israel's security would be hampered by a Palestinian state" routine, and a few others. And I hate to break the news to you but Israel IS based on religious fundamentalism, and they have killed civilians quite intentionally. Anyway, everyone who has delved into the rhetoric of the Arab-Israeli conflict is familiar with these worn out standard lies. None of them stands up to much scrutiny. * Utterly unexpected Absolutely love the horoscope... it's so witty... and so utterly unexpected. and to start the thing with a Benjamin quote... Who is this Mme Bayaz? She rocks! * Een chiyeh?? With all due respect, een cheeyeh?? what's up with the Horoscope? I though the earlier letter was kidding, but I see now that I was sorely mistaken. This looks more like a bollywood plot than a horoscope for me. When are my lucky days?? What day is good for romance and business?? CHEE SHOD? Let's spruce it up a bit! * Great edge Thanks very very much for your poem, "Shekaf". Your poetry reminded me of Sohrab, with a great edge. I absolutely loved your last line: "I am rain Wow! Great image--I bet this rain is brown. Thanks again, * Language schools in Iran? I'm sorry to trouble you with this inquiry, but I was hoping that you might have information about schools in Iran that offer Persian language courses for English speakers. I have spent time traveling in Iran and taken a limited amount of Persian language instruction through University of Califirnia, Berkeley. However, I feel it would be more productive to learn this language while actually in Iran. Any information you have about how to go about this would be greatly appreciated. Much thanks, * Lion symbol I am a Sinhalease and our flag is the symbol of lion. Iranian flag was a lion one too. can you write about your lion flag. Send us picture of that flag. Wth Metta,
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