LettersApril 2007 PART 2 -- PART 1 April 26 He was trying to put us at easeOn Roozbeh Shirazi's "John McCain bombs it": I simply must protest Roozbeh Shirazi's attack on the character of our Vice President. Dick Cheney does not shoot friends in the chest. Dick shoots friends in the face. And then gets them to express regret for having put Dick through the ordeal. If we cannnot distinguish good from bad when it comes to Dick, then how can have we have a meaningful conversation about John McCain singing about bombing Iran? Clearly, McCain was simply giving us some straight talk about what should be funny. If there was no chance whatsoever of bombing Iran, then singing about it would be absurd (like singing about bombing England or France or Japan... okay, wait, not Japan). He was trying to put us at ease. "Dude" -- [straight talking people say 'dude' in these circumstances] -- "if I was really going to bomb you or your family or whatever, would I sing about it?" And I do feel better now. Integrity, experience and musical satire -- it's as Republican as tax cuts and sound foreign policy. Shame on you sir. SHAME!On Roozbeh Shirazi's "John McCain bombs it": Dear Mr. Shirazi Shame on you sir. SHAME! Political ployOn Roozbeh Shirazi's "John McCain bombs it": Dear Mr. Shirazi: Taking McCain comments totally out of contextOn Nahal Zamani's "Lighten up? Are you kidding?": Well, I think lightening up is exactly what we need to do
here, if we want our voices to be heard loudly and clearly. It is about
time that we stopped mixing emotions and politics together. The other
thing we need to do, is to address officials in a proper manner
using their titles... dear senator would have gotten more attention
than dear John mccain. There is no question that returning soldiers need to be cared
for and be paid attention to, But this was his rally and it was his
decision as to how he wanted to conduct it. He merely told the veterans
what they wanted to hear. You just don't walk into such gatheringsand
start talking about how wrong the administration was in adopting
certain policies, Especially since you are amongst your own cronies!
That is how they get their votes. Perhaps you imagine this utopian
society that you ought to be living in, but when faced with realities,
you can't deceive yourself to want an objective and diplomatic
individual to run the country. Put an end to deranged McCain's political lifeOn Roozbeh Shirazi's "John McCain bombs it": Dear Roozbeh, Thanks for your interesting artcile. In fact you have put your
finger on a correct characterization of John McCain. This fellow
according to his US comrads in Vietnam was beaten and hit in the head
daily and became stupid in his own way. In US on every issue he easily
changes his stand according to where the wind blows on that day.
Iranians that are well do do (financially) in USA should put an end to
the political life of this deranged individual such and make him a
lesson for the rest. McCain can afford to casually talk about the wholesale destruction of yet another countryOn John McCain's "Bomb Iran" song: Senator John McCain's racist blood lust is apparently not satisfied after 655,000 Iraq war deaths, as he jokes about bombing Iran to the tune of Beach Boys' Barbara Ann. When will Washington politicians learn not to use in public the kind of language they are accustomed to using with their Country Club buddies? Given the casualty exchange rate in Iraq, McCain and his audience, of course, can afford to casually talk about the wholesale destruction of yet another country that they know cannot, for all practical purposes, shoot back. Short, sharp and effectiveOn Soraya Sepahpour Ulrich's "Running on inferno's platform": Well done. Short, sharp and effective. Love you I am proud of those who bring smiles backOn Sandra Nunez's "Smile for our hearts": This was fabuleous. Such great men and women ... I am proud of those who bring smiles back to faces ... Love, Absolutely amazingOn Amir Parstabar's " ABADAN 27 years later": Absolutely amazing, thanks for sharing your joy and giving me a tour. The only thing that looks the sameOn Amir Parstabar's " ABADAN 27 years later": Thank you so much for the update and bringing back memories.
I have not seen Abadan since 1978. The only thing that looks the
same was picture of Char-Bagh!! I hated your hateful pieceOn Azarin A. Sadegh's "Taste of hatred": I hated your piece. One who hates others with such force has her own sickened soul pouring outward unto others. I wish you peace of mind. Tyrant or not it is matter of whether you believe Herodotus or not?On Ben Madadi's "Not exactly democrats": A bit of history might help you in your views. The Iranians took on the Greeks because Athens and Sparta were attacking Iranian cities and commerce in Asia minor (which incidentally were also in habited by Greeks). It was not an extension of an Empire because neither Athens nor Sparta was not worth much as far as economics, technology or finance. But they did have a pirate fleet and they did harm commerce on the Mediterranean. As such, and as Rommel said the best defense is an offense etc. It was more of a police action, like the Americans taking on the Barbary pirates in North Africa at the time of Tomas Jefferson. Tyrant or not it is matter of whether you believe Herodotus or not? Frankly I find it hard to believe Herodotus or anyone else who writes history 100 years after the event but claims or implies he was an eye witness. How much do you know about the American Civil war? How much do you know about Iran Russian wars? May a lot may be not much, Herodotus knew pretty much the same. He just manged to write down his prejudices and, wow, now we have history! You might want to read Xenophon who was a bit more contemporary, or if your Persian is good enough, read Tarikh Tabari or, better yet the Shahnameh might be educational and it may actually prevent you from ranting and raving in script. That's why Persians went after GreeceOn Ben Madadi's "Not exactly democrats": Hello Ben, That's why persians went after Greece. Otherwise they would not put that much effort to do so. Like your friend Bush who went after Afghanestan after September 11th. Next time make some research before publishing something. Not a problem of religion, it is a problem of economics and politicsOn Amil Imani's "The missing moderate Muslims": There is no question that there exists tolerant and moderate Islam. The proof could be found in different branches of Islam and Islamic literature. As example one could mention different Sufi orders in middle east and poetry of such poets as Rumi or Hafiz. What should really be investigated is why Islamic countries tend to go for a more intolerant and fundamentalistic view of Islam instead of more peaceful, loving and friendly one. Think about these words "peaceful loving and friendly". Could these two words be used for how Western world dealt with Islamic world? French and English colonialism have used and abused most of Muslim world, USA and Soviet have played with these countries as chess pawns in their power struggle (as in Afghanistan, iraq and iran as examples) and creation of Israel are all moves made by the western (christian & jewish) world that could not in any way be characterized as "peaceful loving and friendly". Living in Europe or North America it is easy to ignore these things and see the world through how CNN and FOX news. But living in poverty in camps in Lebanon or have your family wiped out by Israelis or Americans then it is hard to be "peaceful, loving and friendly". It rather draws you to lap of Usama and Muqtada. The problem between east and west is not a problem of religion, it is a problem of economics and politics. K.H Read the Great Quran... see how worthless a woman is in the bookOn Human Rightgs Watch report, Iran: National Security Laws Used to Jail Women’s Rights Activists": Reading and listening to the news about how Iranian women are been treated in Iran, leaves me with one comment " Iranian government is there to protect islam and they are doing exactly that." If iranian women have no rights ,If they are considered to be HALF of a man, if the man can have more than one wife, if women can't get the custody of their child ;don't blame the government. ISLAM, the big faith of iranian people is what gives all these right to the man. Come on people, OPEN your eyes. Read the Great Quran... see how worthless a woman is in the book... I know years and years of hearing how Islam saved Arab girls from being buried alive , how mohammad married all the women because their husbands died in the war may make you think Islam came to Save women. Use your brain . Why kill in the first place ???? Interestingly even Mohammad's god tells him he can have all these women !!!!!(again read Quran ,I am not making this up)...look at the history from more than just one side and you will see how all Iran's government is doing is what Islam says. Believing in any organized religion is demeaning to women. Religions are MAN made and is one of the ways to keep women from using their potential. Sexist bull shitIn response to Hossein Hajiagha's
cartoons: Can he draw anythihng else besides pussy and cock?In response to Hossein Hajiagha's cartoons: HI, HAJAGHA'S CARTOON IS GETTING TO BE TOO SICK. CAN HE DRAW ANYTHING ELSE BESIDES PUSSY AND COCK!??? HE MUST HAVE A SICK MIND. PLEASE RECONSIDER PUBLISHING THESE TASTELESS CARTOONS. THANK YOU You have completely lost credibilityIn response to Hossein Hajiagha's cartoons: Why do you keep on insisting on insulting Iranian/Canadian women by posting idiotic drawings by Hossein Hajiagha? Two weeks ago I requested that you stop posting insulting drawings which are not even funny on your website but you chose to ignore my request. Remove me from you list ASAP. You have completely lost credibility. Thought about dating Cho Seung-Hui?On Laleh Banoo's erotic stories: Have you thought about dating Cho Seung-Hui? But then again the dude is dead. Lucky him! Camels just passing by in the streets of Tehran???On Tehran American School reunion story in the Washington Post, "From Iran to These Reunited States": Don't you read an article before you post a link of it on
your site? Now I know where to goOn Jahanshah Javid's "Konaar in California": I just read your photo blog about Mr. Khodadad. I even watched the video. Thank you very much, excellent piece to introduce a hard working silent Iranian in action. For many years I was looking for Iranian cherries plants too. Now I know where to go... Great job. We use to use rocks to knock the fruit downOn Jahanshah Javid's "Konaar in California": I am from Ahwaz. I related to your Konaar story and how we use to use rocks to knock the fruit down. I enjoyed the pictures. Great job. This is great... for my Abadani husbandOn Jahanshah Javid's "Konaar in California": This is great... my Abadani husband Keyvan has always told me about Konaar and I have never seen it... can we visit this nursery too? I should bring along my dad who is (or was) an agricultural engineer. Mano yek kam be shak andakhtOn Jahanshah Javid's "Konaar in California": Man alan ax haye Konaar-e shoma ro didam, avvalin chizi ke bayad begam ine ke kheyli jalebeh ke ye nafar oun var-e donya hamchin majmoo'eii ro jam avari karde, in fogholadast! Amma, didan-e ax-e derakht-e konaar-e ishoon mano yek kam be shak andakht, dar mored-e asli-yat-e in konar! Manam mese shoma jonoobi hastam, va yadam nemiad ta hala sali ro be doone khordan-e konar gozaroonde basham, az ye taraf-e dige, chon shahre ma(Bandar Lengeh), ab-o havaye mosa'edi nadare, derakht haye kami davoom miaran, maman bozorgam yeki az sargarmi hash, baghbooni bood, va daiim, ham chon in alagheh ro tooye ishoon midid, sa'i mikard injoor derakht ha ro barash faraham koneh, va kolli az dubai derkhat haye hendi va makhsoos-e in manategh miavord, va kholaseh inke tooye hayat-e ouna, na tanha konar-e irooni, balkeh konar-e bambey, anbeh hendi, papaya va ye seri dige az derakht haye hendi ham bood! Konar-e bambe'ii in avakher ziad mode shode va derkhatesh ro avordan, mardom ham mikaran va taksir mikonan, mivash be borogi-e zardaloo hast, va ta'mesh ba konar-e irooni fargh mikoneh, amma az hamoon khoonevadeh be shomar miad, bargash dorosht hastan, va derakhtesh ham khar nadare ziad! , mivash mese sib-e golab seft va por aab hast! Dar halike konaar-e iran, derakhtesh barg haye koochiktari dare, por az khar hast, va mivash ro ham ke shoma behtar midoonid! Man fekr mikonam in konar-e tooye ax az hamoon konar haye bambe'ii hastesh na irooni, amma 100% ham nemitoonam begam, in chizi hast ke man tooye ax didam! If the Persian dominant class is not careful they will end up like the Sunnis of IraqOn Sadaf Saeidi Haghayegh's "Try to be humble and nice": hi, nice article. the word you are looking for is Persian
chauvinism. I wonderOn Sadaf Saeidi Haghayegh's "Try to be humble and nice": I agree with everything Ms. Haghayegh suggested in her short
article. However, I wonder how accurate this is, and how much of actual
misunderstanding the "West" is due to this assumption: "The reason why
the United States has gone ahead in the world is not because of the
number of its PhDs, doctors, or engineers but it is because of its
cultural values of hard-working, simplicity, humbleness, and humanity." Iran is home to many tribes and ethnic groupsResponse to comments on "Try to be humble and nice": Dear Yashar, As you also mentioned, the movie 300 was a racist movie. In my
article, I was just trying to say that Persians are not the only
inhabitants of Iran. I am half Persian myself so I love Persians but I
think we should be aware that Iran is home to many tribes and ethnic
groups including the Persians, Turkish Azeris, Kurds, Gilakis, etc.
Iran is ethnically a very diverse country, that's all I was trying to
say. The movie 300 was a racist movie and I never ever defend it. I was
just trying to make us Iranians think deeper about our social and
cultural issues. Best Wishes to you and all of us Iranians around the
globe, Sadaf. Sadaf Saeidi Haghayegh You’re so full of shit!On Kaveh Nouraee's "Parental control": Unfortunately I don’t have enough time to spend countering to your view. Just so you know what others think of your view... I think you’re so full of shit! If this guy was Muslim they would call him terroristOn Virginia Tech murders: Virginia Tech mass killer's parents are really the ones who are responsible Kaveh Nouraee Mr, kaveh this guy was victems of racism, look in my life in Canada in past ten years, if some one like me never had chance to meet women and have sex with them or have fun with,because of my nasty skin color or nationality or when I like to display or sale my art works I saw so much racism in Canada by the white Canadian, which I start to draw cartoons about them,may this guy he didn't know how to go and face with his problems and then take a gun and shoot the others. what the do this matter to this guy parent, or why you thinks he have parent's?I don't have parent's.and I am not crazy if draw cartoons about this stupid society? your ideas I am sorry is stupid, how you know this guys have parent? he had problems because no one try to respect him as human,or gils in college are ignore this guy because his nationality or may because he not hansom or have big?????? To fuck the girls, others ideas If this guy was Muslims they call him terrorist,without have any chance to any one go head and study about him, we are stupid people in north America and selfish, not guy like him. you saw we are crazy not guy like him.USA or Canada a place full of gun, gang's and stupid racism. please edite my letter. Writer has some personal issues?On Setareh Sabety's "Breeding murderers": Sounds like this writer might have some personal issues. The whole letter was insane. Sorry. Alienation does not breed murderersOn Setareh Sabety's "Breeding murderers": I agree with most of what you said about the cultural environment in American High Schools which alienates certain sensitive kids. But this alienation is not enough for these kids to grow up to be all murderers. We tend to forget about mental illness which exists in every culture and in some cultures, it is never addressed because it is a taboo. This guy probably would have stabbed 33 people if he was in South Korea. Let's not forget also that mental illness in most cases are what people are born with. Let's not go there!On Setareh Sabety's "Breeding murderers": Ms. Sabety, S. Koreans were primarily an agricultural society up to
the Korean War. After the war, the US gave them the new technology
with that the taste of material goods. However, their way of
thinking in terms of honor and family has not changed much ever
since. They all want to compete and succeed, and out-do others
resutling in SHOWING OFF mentality. If they fail, they are
bringing dishonor to the family and themseleves. Remeber the famous
researcher who cheated the lab results in cloning, where koreans said
that he had brought dishonor to Korea? Difference between before and these daysOn Setareh Sabety's "Breeding murderers": I think it is very interresting for US citizens to see the difference between before and these days. Gun control is not the answer in this caseOn Maziar Shirazi's "Blacksburg to Kunduz": Hi Mr. Shirazi I read your article in "Iranian.com". It is very strong words,with a hot taste! Although I do not agree 100% with you on the issues,but I agree that America consumes violence every day. Violence is a product that a lot of people make money from it. If you do not believe me, go to Wal-Mart, in Electronic section, and watch how our Teenagers (even kids 6, or 7 years old) are playing with the demo play station (DVD) which is playing over head, and it shows the streets of some Middle Eastern country, firing your M16 gun and killing the others (bad guys)! All you need to play this game is, to be tall enough to reach the remote control for the game ( no age restrictions). Yes we are living in a society which violence is a product, and is available every where from "Kunduz" to the computers of almost every house including my house( I have a 17 years old son). I do not think gun control is the answer in this case. The remedy to the problem should starts at homes with parents. I wish we all could through out our TVs into the trash for good. TV is an open sewer in the living room,which pours violences over our children. My heart goes to the family members and friends of the victims of VT. Lets pray and wish that, it would not happen again. For the best,God may bless. And your English writing and grammar was a bit embarrassingOn Azam Nemati's "My home my soul": Dear Ms. Azam Nemati, After reading your article about “My home my soul” I could not help feeling insulted and disgusted by the comments that you made about Isfahanies. In two instances you made a reference about how much you hate their accents and Isfahanies merchant men. Wow, how open minded you have become after three decades of living a broad. It is disconcerting when I read an article such as yours in which you made such ignorant and bigoted references regarding another group of fellow Iranians. One can expect such ignorant comments from an uneducated individual who has lived a very sheltered life, but not from a traveler and a writer such as yourself. As a traveler myself, I have been to more than 37 countries both in South America and Europe. One of the golden lessons which I have discovered throughout my travels is that people are people regardless of their ethnicity, and you will find bad and good everywhere. There are SOB’s in Khoramshahr and Isfahan as well as warm hearted individuals. Believe me when I tell you that I have been cheated and mistreated in about many of the countries I have traveled, including Iran. Yet I force myself not to let the dark side of my experiences create a bigot out of me. I feel that is what it takes to become a better person and maintain good standing. We all have prejudices within our own subconscious, whether it is right or wrong it is there, and it can’t be easily erased. However, one should be sensitive enough to refrain from making bigoted comments that causes animosity and anger toward other fellow Iranians or other nationalities for that matter. Now, since you spoke so freely in your article regarding Isfahanies, I have something for you to consider in return. Your English writing and grammar was a bit embarrassing especially for a lady who has lived three decades of her life in an English speaking country. The article had so many misspelled words, grammatical errors, and poorly arranged paragraphs. The content didn’t flow smoothly from one subject to another, which made it hard to follow. Wouldn’t you think a simple proof reading from a qualified, English speaking friend would have been well worth your time? After all there should be a difference between an educated lady such as yourself and a bigot from Isfahan. Ms. Azam Nemati please educate yourself to become a more informed person so you can think before speak. The wealthiest people are the one’s who are cultured and apply good deeds, not the one’s who have tons of university degrees and money yet still they behave like a “Vegetable”. Sincerely, Ghaffar A. Namjou "Heinie" haircutOn Amir Rostam Begli Beigie's "Allmanie haircut": Dear Iranian.com, The article on the " was cute. I remember my parents (who were born in the 1920s CE) saying that that very type of short haircut, when it first came into vogue in the U.S. in the 1940s (during World War II), was known as the "Heinie" haircut. "Heinie", which is a nickname for Heinrich (a very common German man's name), at that time was a sort of semi-ethnic-slur used to mean "German", especially the old-world, immigrant German. So, if the barbers/customers of your barbershop (assuming you're in the U.S.) had been men over 80, and if you had gone in and asked for a "Heinie" haircut, they might very well have known exactly what you were talking about! Destroying however little ABROO we have left in the worldOn A.M.'s "Sex in Iran": Garbage! Help to destroy however little ABROO we have left in the world by publishing garbage video like this! What was the point of this non-sense? Surprise that the editor publishes any garbage, but anytime I
send something educational, he doesn't even bother to acknowldge it let
alone publishing it! Insulting our flagOn poem about Iranian flag, "Parcham-e Iran": I am so sorry for those who can do nothing but criticizing. Isn't it amazing? When they actually took the lion and replaced it with a beetle, no one could stop the traitorous mullas. This is the most insult that one could have expressed about our Flag... Anyone gets up out of his/he bed claims to be poet and uses all kinds of language describing things. What is written here about our Flag, not only is not true but it is insult to every color and even its pole. Nothing we shall expect from this Iranian.com. Go Iranian girl powerOn Sanaz Samali's "Three thousand years of civilization": I am very proud of you and for the stance you’ve taken.
I’m also very impressed that in just 20 yrs you’ve
developed into a great writer. I too left Iran 30 years ago and have
been back only once. I am proud to be Iranian and my daughter says she
is half Iranian too when people inquire about her nationality and where
she gets her exotic beauty. Ugly chicks telling hot chicks how to dressOn photos of "bad hejab" women, "Rpound-up": Why is it that the ugly chicks are telling the hot chicks how to dress? Also find out about the terrorist activities of Greeks inside PersiaOn Ben Madadi's "Tyrant Xerxes": Doshmane Danaa keh Ghame Jaan Bovad You see my friend, that's the whole problem. People go around, shooting their mouth off without having enough information and without actually bothering to get some education about their own history. So my first advice to you is to go and get yourself some education. Learn about the history of your own country and try to think and assess historical events in proportion with the era that they have happened in. If I wanted to tell you about the many reasons behind invasion of Greece ( the most important of which was burning of the Persian city of Saard by Greeks and mass murder thousands of Persian civilians) this letter become as long as a book. Your second fatal mistake is that you are comparing a country and a king that ruled over 2000 years ago with modern democracies. This is a stupid as criticising Persian army for not having any fighter jets or armoured tanks in their arsenal. In each era the rulers and the conquerors are assessed according to the societies and the norms of that era and are compared to the rollers before them or of their own time. Their deeds are assessed with accordance to the way the rest of the world have conducted themselves and threaded their captives or dealt with their enemies. I assure you in another 2000 years the understandings and maturity of humanity would be in such level that they would definitely regards Americans blood thirsty savages by those standards. But that does not mean we should forget the achievements of people like George Washington and the good they did for their country In conclusion my only advice to you is before opening your mouth and disgracing your own identity history and nation in favour of their current suppressers, first educate yourself. Read some books find out about the state of the world in the era you are talking about. Find out about the history of wars between Persia and Greek. Also find out about the terrorist activities of Greeks inside Persia and specially setting fire to the city of Sard and killing of thousands of Persian civilians. It is so sad to see Iranians claiming to be open minded and educated when they do not actually know the first thing about their own history or how to asses historical events and personalities fairly. With such foolish friends who needs enemies Sad unfamiliarity with historyOn Ben Madadi's "Tyrant Xerxes": With all due respect, the moderators of this website should maintain a certain degree of historical integrity and academic standard. They should not publish articles like Ben Madadi’s on Xerxes, not because his questions/opinions are invalid, but because the website should not serve as an open-ended forum for any individual’s rudimentary queries. This particular post was not only uninformative, but it was also indicative of a sad unfamiliarity with history and a pathetic lack of effort on the part of the author in researching the subject of his questions. A very basic internet research session – I would surmise
that it would take no longer than an hour – would do wonders to
inform our dear friend of the disposition and practices of the
Achaemenid Kings. It would shed light on why the Persians both engaged
and ignored the Greeks at different points in history. One illuminating
article that our friend may want to read is Cyrus
Kar’s recent commentary on the film 300. best example of Verbal DiarrheaOn Ben Madadi's "Tyrant Xerxes": Dear Ben, History Channel vs. confused fellow IraniansOn Ben Madadi's "Tyrant Xerxes": Good morning sir: Stop calling Xerxes a massmurderOn Ben Madadi's "Tyrant Xerxes": You need too stop calling Xerxes a massmurder and a tyrant, he was from a different era, and a differant context, which really can not be compared with todays daily life. These words you use are all from our time, and not fair to the legacy they left behind, which is the first human right declaration, declared by Cyrus, and yes he has earned his Name, "The Great". Racism directed towards Arabs is the same racism directed towards IraniansOn Ben Madadi's "Tyrant Xerxes": I too find it unsettling that many Iranians believe it resonable to uplift the Persian Empire. It was an empire ruled by a despot. However, Sparta was no democracy to be uplifted either. Many consider Sparta to have been the first police state. Of course there is speculation as to whether or not it was officially a police state based on historical annalysis of class struggle in Greece. (you may find a concise history at encyclopedia.com. Anyways, like Madadi, I am disheartened to see people arguing over which oppressive social structure was best. It is a benign argument. What is most surprising about these arguments; is the failure to acknowledge Frank Miller's (author of "300") racism. In a recent interview on National Public Radio, Frank Miller, author of 300, had this to say about the people of the Middle East: "I'm speaking into a microphone that never could have been a product of their culture, and I'm living in a city where three thousand of my neighbors were killed by thieves of airplanes they never could have built." It is quite obvious that this racism directed towards Arabs is the same racism directed towards Iranians. I feel as though this is the most important argument to be presented. There is an obvious motivation in the creation of such a story. To down play Miller's racism as well as the fact that some Americans do believe this film to be accurate history; is a wellspring for a kind of racism, called Orientalism (see "Oreintalism" by Edward Said). This is a dangerous disillusionment. Strong, assertive, decisive, yes. Dictator, no.On Ben Madadi's "Tyrant Xerxes": Salaam Ben, You are partially correct in your analysis of Iranian history: Xerxes does not seem to deserve much veneration from latter Iranian generations, considering his mistakes (namely in repeating a failed military strategy) and errors in judgement (a highlight being the burning of Athens*). However, I am not sure he should be considered a tyrant or a "dictator": he was a king of a people long accustomed to (and per the tribal beliefs demanding) of a strong, assertive, decisive, and central masculine figure as the 'head' of the people, the conduit of the 'Farr' or 'Grace' of God. Xerxes certainly acted the part, but he may have been, in the final analysis, miscast for that central role. Cyrus the Great and Darius the Great however were not miscast; they were made for the role and they did act in character. Cyrus's nuanced and humanely calculated use of his immense powers is evident from the record he and his admirers have left behind for you to read. One hopes you are as successful as administration your own personal domain as he was in administrating and justly ruling a far flung empire of many nations and tongues. (Talk is quite cheap, Ben.) Darius the Great too left clear records of when he would use the power at his disposal for violence: those who were subversive of the integrity of the empire and disobeyed him. Tyrants rule according to an obscure notion of sovereign head and justice. The determining matters in the case of Darius were not obscure at all, and perfectly in line with the requirements of justice at that time. This is online, so google it and let us know just what you find so tyrannical about Dariush's declarations. Both of these kings, who were obviously great leaders, are considered father figures of the Iranian nation. Please do not disrespect their memory or we may have to blow the still fresh dust off of the pages discussing the slave running forefathers of the "democracy" you are currently living 'under' and their bastard children .... Your other mistake, which as above seems to be based on categorical misunderstandings, is the dismissal of the dynamics of collective consciousness and emergence of leadership in collectives, specially among the Iranians. You and your quaint notions of "dictatorship" and "tyrants" would have the whole mass of Persians as fearful slaves following a man to the four corners, but that is not how things work, is it now Ben? Cyrus and Darius would certainly not hesitate to admit that they neither lifted stone nor dredged canals. And there is not even a hint of magic or enchantment as regards their reign. They were both recognized as men possessing of Farr and given the Kingdom by God. What was accomplished was certainly not an individual accomplishment, nor even merely a collective Iranian achievement, for the credit belongs to a 'greater collective' that included Persians but also many other peoples and remnant civilizations. And that was the "Great" achievement. (A goal Alexander sought to repeat but therein you have a case of "cult of personality" and that which vanishes after the "dictator" is gone ...) It is clear that you simply do not appreciate either the magnitude of what was achieved, nor the leadership (Cyrus's and Dariush's) that defined 'how' these foundational works were achieved, and finally, you are equally dismissive and imo ignorant of the nobility and sensibility of the people who both recognized and equally sympathized with the clear and un-obscure spiritual vision and morality that was manifest in the person of Cryus and Darius, in words and in deeds. Cyrus is called Christ in the Hebrew Bible for very good reason, and the people, the ancient Iranians, who accepted him as king certainly deserve credit as a people who recognized their God Given King and did not seek crucify him among the 'socially criminal' ... (which is what you would have us do now. Shame shame (twice for you and yours) Ben'yaamin.) None of the above excuses the characteristic failings of the Persians and Iranians, which continue even to this day. As with all people, we have our strengths and weaknesses, and our kings and our history are symptomatic of these failings as well. We share in the greatness and the weakness. And the generational task at hand is to re-establish the harmonious balance. *Anger: He should have reviewed what his father said about anger and how to mange it. Have you read it, Ben? Very good oneOn Leila Farjami's "Mard va Zan": This one was very good! Thanks, Bad-mouthing of IsfahaniesOn Azam Nemati's "My home my soul": At first, I was delighted to see Azam’s article. I
haven’t been back to Iran since I left as a child in 1979 and try
to live vicariously through those who are able to do so. I especially
enjoy stories from folks who visit areas outside of Tehran so that I
can get a more of the flavor for the entire country. After all, its all
just 1 Iran. So it was nice to hear about the cuisine and customs of
Khuzestan, the family reunions, and the stories of childhood friends. Wonderful and hilariousOn Peyvand Khorsandi and Kiosk performance in Berkeley, "Generation skip": What a wonderful evening it was! I enjoyed myself thoroughly. Peyvand is SO FUNNY! I was sitting on the left side of the theatre and being by myself, I was uninhibited in my laughter. I think most people didn't really get his jokes, though; you know how many Iranians live in America, pretending to speak English but never really spending the time and energy it takes to learn the social nuances, humour, and the more subtle attributes of the langugage. For example, I doubt many people got the STD joke. When he had
facial expressions or body movements, people laughed more. I felt good
because I was sitting next to Americans who were laughing just like I
was at his jokes. Anyhow, he is a wonderful young man and he is
hilarious! I will go see him anytime he comes around now. If he is
still in town, maybe we can have lunch some day this week, and I
promise I won't make him go to Alborz again! I laughed til my jaw was sore!On Peyvand Khorsandi and Kiosk performance in Berkeley, "Generation
skip": Mariam Hosseini Great nightOn Peyvand Khorsandi and Kiosk performance in Berkeley, "Generation skip": Last night was great. It was my first time seeing Peyvand on stage. He is khoshgel, lovely, and funny. The musicians also were fantastic. Thank you for arranging such a fun night! N Sobhi Long live Iranian women's resistanceOn Mahboubeh Hossein Zadeh's "Not just those in prison": The problem of women in Iran is not only women problem but its an Iranian, and I dare say it's humanity problem. I think it is a shame for all Iranian men to stand and watch what this government is doing to our sisters. History of Iran is filled with the action of courageous Iranian women, especially during the constitution revolution. I suppose Iranian men are ignorant that what Iranian women have done for our nation. It hurts me deeply, in the inside of my soul, knowing what our women are going through every day. It's time for all Iranian to stand in support of the brave Iranian women. It's time for Iranian men to stop destroying their body with drugs which I am sure they use out of frustration and instead learn from their sisters to stay sober and remain steadfast in fighting the unjust laws that prevail in Iran. Long live Iranian women's resistance and may Iran men find the need to fight the good fight. We don't need foreign intervention. We only need ourselves. I suggest an International day of support for the Iranian women by a large show of support by Iranian men. I am willing to do the organiztion here in Houston. My love for all my sisters in Iran. Further proof to my claim that Persian ladies are much wiser than their male counterpartsOn Tinoush Moulaei's "More than a lover": Dear Tinush, Thank you and Well done. You have done it again. I would like to personally thank you for your fair minded and wise article on Iranian.com. This again is a further proof to my claim that Persian ladies are much wiser than their male counterparts and I believe they should be promoted to take over more key rules in our society. However to be fair to our friend Tina I need to say after exchanging a few correspondents with her my conclusion was that her hearth is in the right place and she is a true patriot but she did not think this article through thoroughly before writting it. Thank you and keep up the god work as it make me and all Iranians who love their country very proud when we read such article and realize people like you exist in our society. How original!!On Jahanshah Javid's review of Kiosk band, "Extraordinary night": Great, that's all we need. Rock & Roll songs starting with
Kher Kher and a singer who's doing a real bad Bob Dylan Imitation. Simple questionOn Touraj Daryaee and Warren Soward's "Microphones, planes, and stereotypes": Did or did not Xerses march on the area which would later be known as Greece? So tired of self-righteous peopleOn Azam Nemati's "My home my soul": What a poor taste when publishing your story for the world to read for writing “Isfahani accent which I hate.” Just as an Iranian I always get so tired of the self righteousness of people who find themselves somehow better than others... You have undying love and admiration of our nationOn Nahid Keshavarz's "What will they do?" and Mahboubeh Hossein Zadeh's "Not just those in prison": Sisters, Any relationship is a two way streetOn Tina Ehrami's "It never would have worked out between us": Dearest Tina, I must admit that after reading your confused and irrational opinion peace on Iranian.com, for the third time I did not really understand who was your quarrel with or whom was your anger directed at. If by an ex-lover you are referring to the IRI and the mullahs establishment then my dear, I am afraid you have only got yourself to blame for going to bed with such dubious monster (however good he might have been in bed). In that case I can only say you got what you deserve and you deserve what you got On the other hand if you are referring to your country and nationality as a disposable ex- partner from whom you could so easily disassociate then I am afraid my dear girl you have some serious problems with your values, your personality, identity and loyalty. You see darling, the problem with you and people with this type of mentality is that they regard the criminal and the victim as one. This is a view too simplistic and so immature for a person who dares to call him/her self an intellectual. First of all it might be true in your case that you see your country as an ex partner, a disposable entity that is only there to dance into your tune and satisfy your personal needs, a toy to be amused with and when you finally got bored of it or found a new one, you simply dump it and move into your next adventure, and so and so forth. You seem to think that it is your country that has to do everything for you and conveniently forget your own responsibilities and obligations towards your country and people. Well my dear let me open your eyes to a few very simple and straightforward facts, if I may. In any relationship (as you would like to call it), this is a two way street. You only get a much as you give and simply in the case of us Iranians there seem to be very few of us inside or out of the country, who have ever given up much for our motherland ad those are only a hand full of people who could be summed up in such groups as our political activists, writers, some academics and of course those who paid with their lives to defend this country in an unprovoked 10 years long war. For the rest of us all we have done was talk and moan and not much else and as you have heard talk is cheap >>> Full text Areyo BarzanIranian Book of Unity Has Zero PagesOn Farid Parsa's "Unacceptable Behaviour": You missed the most important characteristic: Iranian Book of
Unity Has Zero Pages. Dick as a simple-minded movie junkieOn Dick Roeper's review of "300" movie in Chicago Sun Times, "Battle worthy": I just read Dick Roeper's ridiculous review of the movie 300
in which he gives this intentionally biased, historically inaccurate
waste of computer pixels, full of asinine dialogue and absurd portrayal
of good (white) versus evil (dark), high marks. Why don't we get as much up in arms about Iranians slaughtering Iranians?On "300" movie: I haven't watched the movie and don't intend to, I get enough dosage of violence on a daily basis(I watch too much news)! What I am constantly amazed by my country men and women is why are we so uptight about an event that took place few thousand years ago with questionable historical facts? Why don't we get as much up in arms about Iranians slaughtering Iranians which has been the pattern when dealing with political adversaries or religious or ethnic minorities? and mind you it has been happening for quite sometimes and continues through today. It is time to stop the rhetoric and forget about the glories of the past and deal with shameful acts of present at our own hands. Laughing all the way to the bankOn Payam Ghamsari's "Death to Sparta...": The director/producer/writer should stay away from their comic books and stick to reality. Do you really and honestly believe that ALL audience will accept the fact that 300 super soldiers could withstand against hundreds of thousands of soldiers? Yet, while they are laughing all the way to the bank, the audiences believe that Persian empire was consist of and build by multi-nation of monstrous, ugly, low life, barbarian, uneducated warlords who had no knowledge of democracy and forget the fact the first human rights were established by Cyrus the great and the evidence of that has become a mark on the United Nations’ facade. In addition, Xerxes was a Persian and neither an African nor he was a homosexual. Don’t get me wrong I am not homophobic but come on stick to reality. Many audiences, uneducated audience will believe the movies they watch and since they do not read books nor know who Herodotus was they begin to hard-code the wrong information in their collection of false information bank of theirs. I am neither a movie critic nor my review will standout, however; I am hoping that in the near future Hollywood would choose the rating abbreviations wisely, for instance this movie should have received a rating of … R/Sci-Fi. The true spirit of God would never endorse whole sale slaughter of people in his name. That my friend is history.On Touraj Daryaee and Warren Soward's "Microphones, planes, and stereotypes": Maybe it is time for the people of the world to look at history as it is. Never have so many died in the name of "God" than all the wars combined. To believe that your God is better than someone else saddens me to no end. The true spirit of God would never endorse whole sale slaughter of people in his name. That my friend is history. You can not change it or interpret in any other way... that is a fact. Cure to Attention Deficeit DisorderOn Sheema Kalbasi's "At night": You are a sensual woman, it is obvious that "vasfol eish, nesfol eish" and I am happy with that, particularly you are so good that your literal abilities turn into action on my side of the screen with complete visualization on my monitor as I am looking at your innocent photo in black and white. It is poetry to my eyes and even my ears, which like to hear things that are not there to exhibit the malady of Bipolarity and Attention Deficeit Disorder, both of which you are a cure to! As I read the lustful expressions of what could have been or what can be. I am delighted at your valor and validation that Iranian woman is the best. Your admirer, Kissing off the whole countryOn Tina Ehrami's "It never would have worked out between us": The metaphor with which Ms. Ehrami opens her piece in reviewing the Iranian ambassador's speech is an amusing one if somewhat predictable, comparing him to a caddish ex-lover, which nevertheless leaves me scratching my head. She writes, "My ex-boyfriend is called The Islamic Republic of Iran. For many years I loved Iran, cherishing its beautiful memories and stories it provided me. But knowing all the terrible things it did to us and many others, makes my ulcers boil up in my tummy. Iran Casanovaed his way into my heart and ripped itself out it again leaving a bleeding hole in my existence." The phantasmagoric imagery notwithstanding, is Ms. Ehrami equating the IRI with Iran, the country? Did she fall in love with Iran by falling in love with the Islamic Republic of Iran, the regime? Has she fallen out of love with the country now that her ex-boyfriend, the IRI has gone his own way cavorting with other women (Hezbollah, Hamas, Cuba, North Korea?), of trashy variety no doubt? Was the IRI a sweet lover who sent flowers and chocolate? Did he promise marriage then rescinded once he had managed to, eh, get what he wanted? Does the writer feel screwed? Has she kissed off Hafez and Sa'di and Forough and Shamloo, because they remind her of the treacherous ex-boyfriend? Will she not step foot in beautiful oasis gardens of Shiraz or the blue tiled mosques of Isfahan fearing a flashback to the sweet old days, hand in hand and cheek to cheek with her beloved? Has she forsaken the lush Caspian coast and the terrible and austere beauty of Abadan and Khorramshar, because her man has done her wrong? If indeed Ms. Ehrami fell in love with the IRI so head over heels that in the wake of her love hangover she has kissed off the whole country, one has to hope that next time she will show a better taste in men and exercise a bit of caution believing all those sweet promises. Remember Tina, you just can't trust men. The whole US love for Human Rights and Democracy is big bull shit!On Ardeshir Ommani's "Second time it’s a farce": I believe Mr. Asghari’s disappearance in Turkey was because US has a military base in Turkey and of course was easier for the US to kidnap and possibly take him out of the country. I whole heartedly agreed with your article. The whole US love for Human Rights and Democracy is big bull shit!!!!! Thanks I like to see our community hold itself to higher standardsOn Zohreh Ghahremani's "We haven’t done too badly": I'm writing in reply to Mrs. Ghahremani's article "We Haven't Done Too Badly" taking issue with my article "Chelo-kabab culture", in which I bring to light the Iranian community's lack of understanding of its own rich culture; and rather oversimplifying the Iranian culture to chelo-kabab, concerts, and raghs. Firstly, Mrs. Ghahremani seems to have misunderstood the point of the article and thus misstated the content of the article going off on a tangent in her response article. I don't either explicitly or implicitly (i) question the significance or beauty of Norooz, (ii) state that the youth should not have fun, (iii) imply that we should not adapt our traditions, nor (iv) state that to be cultured one has to be stiff and boring. What I take issue with is the Iranian community's (both young and old) lack of understanding and appreciation of the Iranian culture and thus reducing the culture down to a very basic and shallow form. My point is that when culture is reduced to essentially nothing, there is nothing of value to pass down to future generations. Thus, I advocate educating ourselves as well as our children on our rich heritage by investing time in learning about our cooking, history and traditions, poetry (new as well as old), music (classic and new such as Lily Afshar), and artists. Some who are well versed in Farsi may choose to read Shamloo and Molana but for those of us who can't read Farsi, we can read Persis Karim, Firoozeh Dumas, Sanaz Banu Nikaien and the like (highly recommend Let Me Tell You Where I've Been, New Writing by Women of the Iranian Diaspora). To Mrs. Ghahremani's point, I agree that change in culture is inevitable. I firmly believe that culture is dynamic and not static; and in order to keep it alive we need to adapt our ways. However, Mrs. Ghahremani and I have a difference of opinion as to how that change needs to take place. I believe that the first step to transformation is understanding what it is we are changing. Mrs. Ghahremani seems to think that step is unnecessary and boring. Secondly, we need to change for the better and refine our practices, not take a step back. I like to see our community hold itself to higher standards and not hope for mere survival but rather think the form in which it will survive. Educating ourselves about our culture should not be regarded as a threat to its preservation. To the contrary, it will help maintain and grow it. By way of example, if we learn about our history and how our ancestors valued nature and marked it with various celebrations like Norooz, we may expand our practices and also celebrate Mehregan (celebration of the harvest) and Yalda (Winter solstice). We may become better citizens and become more aware of and involved with natural conservation issues. Lastly, my question of Mrs. Ghahramani is exactly what have we done to preserve and promote our culture which allows her to draw the conclusion that we have not done too badly. Over the past 27 plus years, despite the fact that we are one of the most educated and affluent immigrant communities in the United States, we have been unable to set up recognized cultural centers, schools, close ties with art museums and the like to promote and preserve our heritage. Every event and activity by the Iranian community is limited to the Iranian community and driven by vendors for the vendors' self interest. It is true that Mrs. Ghahremani and the likes of her generation were able to pass some of the Iranian traditions to our generation. However, when one looks at the bigger picture, can one honestly say that the Iranian culture will be preserved by American-Iranians in 40 years from now. My guess is that the answer is no, unless this generation invests time and effort to refine its understanding and practice of its heritage and teach its children. All the fuzz will wash awayOn Sean Amour's "Pashm-less spring almonds -- please": Dear Sean, A friend who was returning from Iran and had brought some authentic Chaghaleh Badoom told me about the secret. I tried it this weekend and it works well. All you need is a metal colendar (ab-kesh) and an optional pair of gloves. Put the chaghaleh (200 grams) in the colendar and run some water on it. Then hold a bunch in your hand and gently rub them with circular motion the against the surface of the colendar. All the fuzz will be going away and will wash away with additional water. good luck. Simple technologyOn Sean Amour's "Pashm-less spring almonds -- please": Thinking about your problem further, I just came up with a more specific and down-to-earth solution to your problem. As I mentioned before, the Kork or fuzz on baby almond is easier to remove if we employ some simple technology other than the traditional one that is still used in Iran and almost not available here in the West. My interest in lapidary and mineralogy made me think of the simple method of making polished pebbles our of pieces of rock with rough and sharp edges. A device called Tumbler is used for that which is a sealed jar mounter on mechanical arms(electric) that tumbles at certain speed-not violent. Rocks are placed inside the jar with some water as lubricant. When the tumbler moves it sets up an abrasive action of actually rocks rubbing against rocks and getting rid of their sharp edges. Water, in addition to being a lubricant moves the tiny rock particles-cut off the rock pieces to create more abrasion. Polished rocks of various colors and shapes are sold at lapidary shops and used as semi-precious stones for various purposes. This process usually takes day, weeks and even months and obviously not practical for the baby almonds that are perishable. I have never tried this, but it seems to me that baby almonds could be mad fuzz free in a short time. I also thought of an even more practical way. Again, I have not tried it but I bet that it will work. One could wear rubber gloves in the kitchen and place the baby almonds in a pan with water. Take pieces of the finest dish scratcher in each hand and rub the almonds against each other and the scratcher gently. The trick is to make a fine scratcher because baby almonds are delicate-that is why sand paper and pumice stones do not work. I have always used every natural phenomenon such as this as a take-home lesson to explain how we can improve our human relationship. Almost all of our ills stem from our sharp edges and abrasive interactions. We can reduce or hone these sharp edges by love, and erasing each other's rough edges peacefully so that we can interact smoothly and in peace that is only possible by patience and tolerance, knowing that they pay off in the long run. To get acquainted more with my views please visit my revised website TerrorismAndHowToStopIt.org and see how Chaghaleh Badoom is related to Terrorism! Vaghean harfe delamo zadiOn Jeesh Daram's "Zereshk!": Loved the article. It was hilarious. Vaghean harfe delamo zadi. Keep up the great work. I like feta cheese, what does that have to do with music?On Saman's "It's a matter of national security and embarrassment": This is in response to Saman (see below) who at the end of his
letter about the Black Cats, made a comment about our music. First of
all, why throw that vignette in at the end. Secondly, neither Shahin or
I have ever stated that our music is flamenco as you state. I like feta
cheese, what does that have to do with music? Finally, Saman, talking
about "sucking" I for the first time saw some of your cartoons.
Good luck with that. How about you showing the way?On Nariman Namazi's "Culture is not a bunch of losers holding signs": Well! Here we go again!!!!!!! The same old moaning attitude from another pompous ass Iranian, sitting on the side lines, refusing to lift a finger or do anything to promote his country and culture, but very quick to criticise demonise and devaluate the efforts of other people Well Mr Smarty Pants! If you are so unhappy about the way these festivals were organised and think that you know better about how should such events be organised or what should they contain, then how about for once in your life getting off your big fat backside and doing something about it? How about you showing the way to the rest of us by trying to organise an event that you think would do a better job in presenting our culture and people So may be you can try to do something in the same scale then other people can learn a thing or two from your performance. Or even better you might finally realise how much time and effort has gone to such event and learn to appreciate other people and their the effort. Or even better may be at least learn that if you do not have any thing nice to say it is better to keep your big fat mouth shut and not say anything at all. How about that for a challenge, huh? He really shaped and influenced my childhoodOn photos of Mehdi Azar Yazdi, author of "Ghesseh Haaye Khoub Baraaye Bacheh Haaye Khoub": Seeing this amazing man's photos, brought tears to my eyes. If it was not for his great penmanship and wisdom, I would probably never start writing myself. His seven books, including Masnaviye Ma'navi, Marzbaan Nameh, Kalileh va Damneh, Ghesseh'haaye Ghor'aan (maybe some one can help me with the three I can not remember), really shaped and influenced my childhood. Thank God my mother purchased the books for me when I had just started reading. He is a unique soul and will always inhabit a very special place in my heart. Eternal blessings to whoever follows his/her bliss as Mr. Azar Yazdi has done. Strong impressionOn Houshang Shirvanpour's "Note to my father": Hello there, And I never would be able to explain you about the strong impression of your note on me ... Sounds like a wonderful love storyOn Houshang Shirvanpour's "Note to my father": What a treasure, those letters are! Sounds like a wonderful love story. Laura Fitzgerald Not is pleasant, but necessaryOn Houshang Shirvanpour's "Note to my father": Houshang jon, I can tell you for a fact that you don't have to have lost your father in childhood to be sorrowful. I don't think, as a man, losing our father is any easier than as a boy. I just lost my Baba about six months ago and although I didn't have that much memory with him, his departure has been an bitter experience. I feel you and sense your pain. Loss of a parent is uneasy. Reading their old notes, poems, seeing their pictures.... none is pleasant, but necessary. Hope you heal soon. My children -- born and raised in America -- do not careOn Houshang Shirvanpour's "Note to my father": I loved your mom's love letter. It is great that you can read them. I have a thousand love letters between me and my husband and my children -- born and raised in America -- do not care. I told my husband if I die first, I'll keep them. Pahlavi Bashers ClubOn Houshang Shirvanpour's "Note to my father": Very touching Mr Shirvanpour, very touching indeed! The only thing in your short piece that I was disappointed with was that you didn't write how you lost your dear father. Was he shot by the Shah's firing squads because he was a member of he Tudehi Officers Organisation or was he tortured in the notorious Savak dungeons until he lost his last breath? Every time we read about someone's death on Iranian.com, he or she is the victim of the Shah's killing machines - this is why I am so shocked and disappointed if your late father died of natural causes. So please comply with the conventional rules of Iranian.com and tell us that you and your family were the victims of that dreadful regime. In doing so you will earn the respect of 99 per cent of the readers of this webzine and besides you become life member of the Pahlavi Bashers Club. So please give us the good news and make the 99 per cent (I
only leave one per cent out — just in case) eternally grateful to
you. Vanity is indecentOn Kianosh Saadati's "Enjoying absolute freedom of expression?": I thought I was the only one who suspected Hossein Derakhshan (Hoder) might be connected (perhaps also paid by?) and certainly sympathize with the Tehran regime. Reading his stuff, frankly, I have no idea why he lives outside Iran. One cannot accuse people of being paid agents of a dirty regime without requisite evidence, but the e-comments I have seen and read from him indicate far too much sympathy for Tehran coming from someone who prefers to live outside. I recall that article he wrote about how Iran's Intelligence Ministry helped Ramin Jahanbegloo see the light and error of his ways, through a bit of helpful interrogation and salutory detention! And again, I saw him on some MTV-type of television show for half-wits, "explaining" or justifying Tehran's nuclear program. So just go back to Tehran wise guy. The other matter of concern is the sheer quantity of his own face pictures Derakhshan has put on the Internet - a public domain akin to the street or a town square. It is indecent to emphatically flaunt anything that belongs to the private domain - like your face. Vanity is indecent. That surely is something the Islamic Republic should have taught you? Fond of “democracy” up to a pointOn Kianosh Saadati's "Enjoying absolute freedom of expression?": I whole heartedly agree with Kianosh Saadati that Hoder (Hossein Dersakhsan) takes pleasure in absolute freedom of his own expression and not allowing the opposition to have a dignified voice. Sadly, it seems this is larger than this person. You can find Nader Davoodi (naderdavoodi.net) who is considered to me as a fine photo journalist that also accepts as true the same approach as Hoder. He appears in a same age group as him. On Davoodi’s website, you hardly find an opposing view and he actually stops you from posting frequent comments on any issue that exposes the Islamic Republic of Iran or Islam. To me, akin to Ahmadi-Nejad, Hoder, Davoodi, and so on portray a mindset of pocket-sized generation that forged ahead subtlety against clerical rule after the Iran-Iraq war with wish of not sharing power with others as long as maintaining the traditionalist’s frame of mind and structure while moving toward some modernity in Iran. They are in fond of “democracy” to the point that they can bully others and if they can not, you are labeled as enemy on their swift and nippy little pre-judged brains who is entitled to be doomed by forceful elimination. How on the earth do we expect from them giving opposition right and protection? Do they understand open society? I doubt it. He's Jewish and obviously cannot be "objective"On Meir Javedanfar's "Iranian Nuclear Day": Based on a Persian expression that says: "harki az nanash
ghahr mikoneh mireh 'Middle East Analyst' misheh!", I have a few
questions for these so called "self appointed" Middle East Analysts
like Mr. Javedanfar: People are critical of Iran leadershipOn Sina Ferdosi's video, " Iran: Another perspective": I'm not sure people are critical of Iran or the people of Iran. Perspectives are created from recent comments by the current leadership of Iran. The YouTube film has some nice photos.
>>> More April 2007
letters PART 1 -- PART 2 |