Letters
February 2007
February 29
Iran will be ruined!
I keep noticing that your site constantly publishes articles by bunch of imbeciles who are mainly professors and/or want to be researcher in Mideast or some thing.
Now the content of their writings are always the same: There is this group called Neo-Con (How is this group supposedly different from old-Con!) that allegedly wants Bush to attack Iran and if indeed he does this, this will result in the greatest catastrophe for America since its independence!!!!
Get real folks! If U.S attacks Iran, this is what will happen to U.S: Price of gas will go up probably by another 10 or 20 cents. (Iran's oil production is keep falling from year to Year and that 3% will not change the supply equation that much any way). There will be couple Of bombings in Iraq or some where in Mideast. Bunch of filthy Islamo fascists who are covered in lice and in desperate need of shower some where in Pakistan, Lebanon or Somalia or god knows where will demonstrate on the streets for few days and burn U.S and Israeli flags. Off comes Monday every body is back at work like nothing has happened.
On the other hand Iran will be ruined! The country may disintegrate or civil war may start showing its ugly head. All the progress achieved for over half a century by Great Reza Shah and Mohammad Reza Shah (god bless their souls) will be gone over night! Off comes Monday and Iran will look worse than Somalia and Bangladesh put together!
So stop writing stupid articles about what is going to happen to U.S (Unless you are on a payroll of IRI then I understand, by all means don't disappoint your masters) . May be next time you write an article about what will happen to Iran if that day ever comes!
Get over it
On Roozbeh Shirazi's "Incident on the PATH train":
This whole letter is ridicules. It's embarrassing. Like I wrote to Shirazi today, you're way too touchy feely. Get over it. You were probably standing next to a looney tune anyway. Stop with the "I'm Iranian they're giving me looks" and all that crap. Iranians need to do a better job of assimilating, and this nonsense would not be happening. When my dad came here in the 50's he assimilated and spoke English.
The real problem is rooted in the early 1980's when Iranians where here in the U.S and demonstrating against the U.S. gov't. Not a good move especially since the Iranian gov't held our U.S. hostages. Not to bright. Then you have the current retarded Iranian gov't acting on it's own accord outside of world opinion. You have the first Iranian female astronaut, then the gov't takes 10 steps backwards. That's how it's been for the last 27 years. Forward, backwards. Yeah we have a great history, but it's just that, history. A couple thousand years ago. We all remember the bad longer then the good. It's American Iranians like me that have to break the stereotype everyday when I meet new people.
I don't blame the conductor
On Roozbeh Shirazi's "Incident on the PATH train":
In my humble opinion, once you obediently followed the order of the train conductor and moved away, you already forfeited your rights at that time. You should've stayed your ground right there and there, and demanded reasonable explanation as to why you should move before doing so. Having said that, and with all due respect, I have found myself to increasingly lose respect for you and your lot for always playing the damn "race" card to compensate for your lack of self-esteem and dignity. I have no sympathy whatsoever for people who think the world is divided between "them" and "us", as evident in your letter, by referring to that woman as "White". What color are you? Brown? Yellow? Magenta?
It is, unfortunately, the symptom of our plight as "immigrants" that get perpetuated by our sense of inferiority and lack of self-confidence. Look around you and see how commonly Iranian women changing their hair color, left and right and Iranian men calling themselves Mike (instead of Mohammad) and Sunny (Mohsen?) ... and all of us -- all of a sudden -- becoming Persians. Then we let a black man (I assume the conductor was black based on you quoting him) push you around like a second-class citizen.
I don't blame the conductor and that "white" woman or the "system" for that matter, but us to allow such misperception. This country belongs to you and me as much as it belongs to any average American, regardless of where you're from or what "color" you are. Remember to walk tall, speak softly and carry a big stick. Don't get me wrong. I don't advocate violence or even aggressive response, but preserve your dignity through asserting your rights. If you don't know what I mean, then take my advice and look around you. Observe an average "white" citizen and learn how he lives his life in this society, and then follow his lead.
I have lived in this country too long to even see the difference. Since the first day I arrived here, my view of your so-called "white" people was shaped by the words the late Shah of Iran (P.B.U.H), used to describe these people: blue-eyed red-necks.
So my friend, stand your ground and stick to your guns and spare the rest of us Iranians much embarrassments.
You are in denial of the world around you
On Rey's "I don't blame the conductor":
Dear Sir/Maam,
I think it is very easy to speak from a position from of inexperience and convenience on this matter. You do so anonymously, without signing your name to your words, and you want to pass judgment on how I handled the situation. I don't know how you allow yourself to analyze a situation which you were not party to, especially in such a confrontational manner. "In my humble opinion" such claims are worthless, and cowardly. I did not write of my experience to gain your respect--I don't know you and if I had the misfortune of meeting you, I doubt it would be a long conversation. I wrote because these incidents have occurred to many people who are Middle Eastern, Muslim, etc. And too often these incidents go unreported. I wrote to draw attention to something too many people, yourself included, would rather sweep under the rug or do not know how to handle. And I did so very publicly, signing my names to my own words. I am following up with the authorities, and I guarantee you that in the future that conductor will think twice about harassing someone again--because my actions and those of my girlfriend show that there are people who aren't going to take it and stand up for themselves.
You on the other hand do not have such clear motives. What is the point of your angry email to me? Your retarded advice (not complying with the conductor's directions) would land someone in jail, and does not solve a damn thing. You obviously are not a subway rider or familiar with the degree to which someone can be persecuted legally for not following the directions of a conductor. Therefore, you don't know what the hell you are talking about. Your conclusions show how poorly you understand the magnitude of what happened to me that night on the train. My speaking out on this issue is a way to assert my rights, and the rights of those who have experienced similar incidents. I do not divide the word into 'us' and 'them'; that binary logic is what the conductor relied upon. You seem to be more upset about the skin color of the conductor than by what actually happened. In my book, that makes you a racist too.
What I don't understand is this: I have received dozens of letters of support from many different people; white, black, Arab, Iranian, etc. They write me to thank me for daring to speak out on a prevalent, but invisible issue. They commend me for having the courage to do what few others have done on behalf of a very large and heterogeneous community. This is not an Iranian issue, a solely Arab issues, or a Muslim issue--yet all these people are currently in the crosshairs of legal authorities. The letters I have received that attack me or are critical are exclusively from Iranians such as yourself, racist and/or aspiring to be white. Why don't you stop the self-hatred and denial of very clear realities of discrimination against you. It says a lot about the state of the Iranian community in the US that so many of us turn around and tear down those who attempt to draw attention to such incidents. Are you embarrassed to be included in the same category as others who have been discriminated against? Does that challenge YOUR self-esteem and dignity? It certainly appears so. You are in denial of the world around you--and an armchair advocate. I can only hope that if such a thing happens to you in the future, you have the courage to speak up about it as publicly as I have. In the meantime, keep the armchair advocacy to yourself.
Devouring neocon's vomit
On Farhang Jahanpour's "Ominous signs":
Kudos (Sad afareen!!) to Mr. Jahanpour.
Unfortunately if you scroll down your computer screen below your articles, you'll see articles by a few political hacks among ourselves who are devouring neocon's vomit.
You reflect the feelings of millions of Iranians
On Hossein Derakhshan's "Stop Bullying Iran":
Dear Hossein,
Thanks for your wonderful article. You and the likes of you reflect the feelings of millions of Iranians, inside and outside Iran who recognize the "wolf" even if it cothes as a "sheep". That is the story of attitude and plans of US and its so called "allies" towards us and towards most of the rest of ME.
Keep doing your wonderful work, We are proud of you.
Mokhleseem,
Ali
And more mass murder
On Amil Imani's " Melting pot myth":
The ‘melting pot’ expression is not applicable to our world; that is because it is more of a ‘lumpy stew’ - The hatred, the narrow-mindedness, and the bigotry are the lumps, and you contribute handsomely.
You are right – there are those who are guilty of terrorism and mass murder, and they happen to be Moslems – but Hitler, guilty of genocide, was a Christian – are you going to condemn Christianity as much as Islam? Is State sponsor of mass murder different from individual acts of mass terror and massacre? You need only look at our current engagement in Iraq where lies have cost more than 655,000. A Christian nation marching on to war against a far less disadvantaged nation based on false intelligence to further an agenda. And more mass murder is being cooked up to attack yet another country and take more lives. And what about Israel’s massacre of Arabs?
You have serious issues with regards to your facts. It was not Hezbollah in Lebanon that took the country to ruins. It was the so called democratic Israel (Jewish State) with the arsenal it received from the so-called democratic America that destroyed the non-democratic Lebanon. It was given 33 days to finish the job. If Lebanon had been democratic, it would have a Shiite president.
You state: “In Islam only Muslim men, and, to a lesser extent, Muslim women, are entitled to certain rights. All non-Muslims, including the so-called people of the book, namely Christians and Jews, are at best second-class subject, subjects who must pay the back-breaking Jezyyeh, poll tax, for their "sin" of not converting to Islam.”
While there are many versions of the Islamic conquest, I would very much like you to give me one country in which a ‘second-class citizen’ as you call them, lives and pays jezyeh or poll taxes greater than the Moslems. I believe you will find there is no poll tax and the actual taxes are equal among all citizens.
You state: “I am not hatemongering. I would love to see all Muslims become ex-Muslims and full-fledged members of a diverse tolerant democratic society.”
You mean the kind of society that enables another democratic society to kill the less able such as we witnessed? Or do you think that once there are no more Moslems left, the killing will stop? I think not. I think the conflicts are about scarce resources and greed, religion has nothing to do with it.
While you would love to see ‘all Moslems become ex-Muslims’, I would love to see all bigots disappear, but I don’t think either wish will be fulfilled.
Apologists who do their best to walk a tightrope
In response to Soraya Sepahpour-Ulrich's "And more mass murder":
Islam can justifiably be condemned as a barbaric ideology that has energized and continues to energize crimes against humanity. Islam belongs to a raft of doctrines such as Nazism, Fascism and Totalitarianisms of various stripes that promotes hate and violence against others. Despicable doctrines of hate and violence remain confined to their place under the "shameful" classification in libraries until people adopt them as their program of life. Hence, it is people who are guilty of bringing to life the dogmas of savagery.
In the same way that ignorance of the law does not constitute a valid defense, not bothering to find out about the true nature of Islamic precepts and practices and blindly doing Islam's biddings constitutes inexcusable wrongdoing. Muslims, therefore, are indictable for subscribing to the Quran and committing themselves to carrying out its ruthless instructions at great harm to the non-subscribers. A vast cadre of Islamic apologists, generally from the ranks of the well-pampered parasitic clergy, labor greatly at defending Islam and keeping the masses in servitude. In practice, these sheepdogs of Islam earn their very livelihood by devouring the sheep they herd.
The apologists cover a wide spectrum. On one extreme are the unrepentant and shameless bigots who adhere to and promote every provision of the Quran, the Hadith, and the Sunna. These robots pride themselves on being diehard obedient literal believers of Allah.
Then, there are those apologists who do their best to walk a tightrope. They skillfully straddle a zone with one foot in the Islamic muck and the other out. These illusionists˜the smoke and mirror artists˜are masters of double-speak and are very difficult to pin down. Yet, they are most effective in their work. They manage, through their clever tactics of half truth-half lies to keep the faithful in line and fool the gullible non-Muslims >>> Full text
Iranian regime is not Europe
On Amil Imani's "Apologists who do their best to walk a tightrope":
I will respond to your hateful email in due course, for now, here is one of your lies about Christians exposed.
i am a christian in iran (armenian), we are never prosecuted , we have our own schools funded by government , celebrate xmas etc, we have representetive in congress , can posses and drink alchohle , attend chruches, never felt illtreated nore forced to learn arabic nore convert , i know there is 25000 jews living in iran also , in fact my jewish friend come back from isreal and said he expreienced more disremination in isreal there as not being white , as russian jews preffered over midleeastern ones
iranian regime is not europe but not as bad as many other countries that us government support such as turkey which comited genocide against us
i find it strange conutries ostrazided for questioning holocost but not armenian genocide or isreal for removing plasteine from map
why one state blamed and not the other for doing same deeds only because they alied to one side ? deomcracy ends at its boards
isreal commited ethincal cleansing same way turkey did to us and still french and usa gave them nuclear know how and german government given them nuclear capable submarine to fire it when they need it .. now we blame iran?
Islam is a dangerous ideology
In response to Soraya Sepahpour-Ulrich's "Iranian regime is not Europe":
Encroaching Islam with its rule of Shariah presents an imminent threat to subvert and replace the Constitution that governs our lives. Unlike Muslims who practice taghyyeh -- lying or dissimulation- we proudly speak the truth. Truth should never be sacrificed at the altar of any goal. We firmly believe that truthfulness is indeed the foundation of all virtues.
Islam, as a matter of belief, considers all non-Muslims, even the so-called "people of the book," as infidels -- people who are to be subjugated or cleansed from Allah's earth. Islam, under the banner of religion of peace, is infringing blatantly on the rights of others, not only in Islamic countries, but also in much of the non-Muslim world. By their acts of dogmatic savagery, Muslims are finally awaking the non-Muslim democracies to the imminent threat of Islamofascism keen on destroying their free secular societies.
Presently, the Islamists, with their treasuries flush with petrodollars, are in a great position to realize their perennial dream of bringing the world under the rule of Muhammad's Ummeh. On the one hand Pakistan is already a nuclear power and Islamic Republic of Iran aims to be one before very long. On the other hand, Muslim governments and wealthy Sheikhs are funding Islamic schools, centers and front organizations in the West to work from within at the unraveling of the non-Islamic democratic systems.
Islam is a dangerous ideology. We see so many inhumane, unjust, and violent acts perpetrated by the Islamofascists around the world. Regrettably, only a small number of concerned citizens take the time to condemn the Islamic atrocities. More alarmingly, many people in liberal democracies˜people we call Islam's Useful Idiots˜wittingly or unwittingly advance the work of Islamic menace.
Some well-meaning misguided people advocate negotiating with the Islamist. Yet, the only form of negotiation Muslims accept is the eventual surrender of everything that free and democratic people cherish˜freedom of expression, of worship, and all other personal privileges enshrined in the United States Constitution.
My mission is to raise the clarion call about the imminent and present danger of expansionistic theocratic Islam. I, my people and my native country, Iran, have been victimized by a primitive alien ideology for far too long. Having witnessed first-hand the horrors and indignity that Islamofascism visits on people it subjugates, I have taken it upon myself to do my part in defeating this ideology of oppression, hate and violence.
I enjoy and deeply cherish the liberty that America has generously afforded me, enabling me to raise a cry from the heart regarding the tragic plight of millions of Iranian victims, my compatriots who dare not speak against the wicked mullahs and their mercenaries.
I am a voice of tens of thousands of Iran's best children, many of them literally children, who have been imprisoned, brutally tortured, shamelessly raped and viciously slaughtered by Allah's beasts presently ruling Iran.
The heartless religionists of Allah have plundered and continue to plunder the people's vast oil income, fill their bottomless pockets with the ill-begotten funds, and finance adventurism in Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine and anywhere and everywhere they find willing clientele.
In the meantime, over the past three decades of their Islam-authorized dastardly theocracy, the mullahs, by their thievery and incompetence, have driven masses of the Iranian people to abject poverty; have created a culture of nihilism and despair that has spawned one of the world's most drug-addicted societies; and, have compelled a great many women to sell their bodies in order to survive.
Therefore, I find it both my sacred duty and inalienable right to indict Muslims as either criminals themselves or accessories to the crimes, seek justice for my people, and warn others of the dangers of Islamofascism in all its forms.
I challenge all Muslims to abandon the demonic cult of Muhammad and join forces of liberty and justice of free people with no turbaned masters or masters of any kind.
It is a crime to remain silent in the face of evil, it is said. Thus, I am speaking up and urging others to raise their resonant voices and act while they can before they are brutally silenced and annihilated by the ever-creeping Islamofascism.
Our generation will always have those days
On Layla Khamoushian's "Shomaal days":
Layla has hit the nail on the head. I think we are a generation that experienced the same feeling (be it a boy or a girl). I remember the same stories as Layla described, but just move it next door to Khazar Shahr.
Layla jaan, thanks for reminding me of those fun and beautiful memories. Our generation will always have those days in our hearts. What beautiful days they were.
Homayoon
(formerly of Khazar Shahr, now in LA)
Boy do I miss those days
On Layla Khamoushian's "Shomaal days":
Hi Thanks for the article. You brought back lots of memories. The other things I can not forget about Shomal are the smells of it. Smell of Oranges, Tangerines, rice in the fall. Boy do I miss those days. Long gone but not forgotten.
Sign of respect?
On H. Behzadi's "The finger":
Dear Mr./Ms. H. Behzadi,
Do you think the index fingers in the attached picture are the sign of respect, or could they have a different meaning?
Christian icons
On Kamal Artin's "Sign of respect?":
I think you make an excellent point, however the usage in Christian icons and in the bas reliefs it is not in the threatening sense but respect. If you can show it means otherwise, I am quite prepared to modify my views.
Fascinating finger
On H. Behzadi's "The finger":
Very fascinating research. We need more of such work especially considering the recent events involving Iran.
LOL
On Guive Mirfendereski's "Golden dreams":
LOL. You crack me up!!!
Pompous jerk
On Guive Mirfendereski's "Golden dreams":
Dear Guive,
Guive's reply to "The Finger" once again shows what a pompous jerk he can be. Is there no better way he can announce he matters, and feed his ego, than to throw cold water on other people's observations?
Keep writing politely
On Guive Mirfendereski's "Golden dreams":
Dear Guive,
You are really funny in this article “Golden Dreams”. I have been reading your articles for a long time and I have never read some words such as Kir or Kos in it! Keep writing politely.
Digitus impudicus
On Guive Mirfendereski's "Golden dreams" in response to H. Behzadi's "The finger":
It is pretty clear that Guive Mirfenderefski has become quite KosKhol dreaming of Kos-e-tala in his Golden Dreams and realising he will never fill his father's shoes intellectually. The only finger Guive will ever be shown is the digitus impudicus.
Illusion of U.S. democracy for Iran
On Jahanshah Rashidian's "Smart sanctions":
My Friend Mr J Rashidian;
You must be one believer to think that USA is in Iraq because they love Iraqis and want them to enjoy democracy. You are under the illusion that USA and West do want Democracy in Iran for Iranian people. Unlike all the *Dohol o Dahal* they sing, they do not give a rat’s ass what happens. As long as Mullah Morons are in power West will sell technology to IRI and get his cousin bro to go and destroy it to ensure a smooth roll of economy for their nations.
CTG
Implement smart sanctions
On Jahanshah Rashidian's "Smart sanctions":
I just want to let you know that I have been reading your site everyday since 2000. I enjoyed the today’s article by Jahanshah Rashidian very much. I want you to send this article to any source which may influences. Iran and our fellow Iranian are really in danger with these ignorant Mullahs and we need to do anything for implementation of Mr. Rashidian’s suggestion in the current situation of Iran & Iranian.
New depth
On Lian Ensemble's concert in Los Angeles:
Just wanted to say that Lian Ensemble's concert at Getty Center this last weekend was great. Especially with a new depth that the animation and visual effects of Sufism gave to it.
Hope to have more of these events in LA.
You made my day
On M's photos of Dubai shop signs, "Pure gold":
Thanks. I laughed all through it. You made my day.
I was having a bad day.
Again, thanks for the laughter.
She could not care less
On Rana Rabei, "How would I feel?":
Ba salaam,
The sniggering author is really telling us that she would make light of a military attack on Iran and could not care less about the suffering of her (former) people in that case.
Shame on Her.
Grass roots work will take time
On Reza Bayegan's " A Frankenstein of a leadership council":
An excellent article. In particular, I entirely agree with your argument that a monolithic leadership council would merely set itself up for easy defeat. Its sole use would be for appearing on CNN!
Several authors have underlined the disconnect between the intellectuals and the masses in the emergence of the "Islamic aspect" of the Iranian revolution. The grass roots work will take time and is the mandatory first step. A leadership council will neither alleviate its necessity nor expedite it.
What are we waiting for?
Look, I've been saying that war with America will be happening for the past two years! Back then everybody doubted me. I was passing out anti-war flyers in the summer of 2001!
Now, everything is happening. THE WAR HAS ALREADY STARTED! They attacked lebanon a few months ago, now the Americans are killing Iranians in Iraq indiscriminetly. Guess what's next?
There is no negotiating with the American regime. They have been planning an attack on Iran since 9/11 occured. Why? Who cares about that now..
What really worries me is that Iranian (those who live in Iran) are going to be cought completely off-guard. Everytime I call my mother and warn her, she just seems to not think that its possible... When I went back two summers ago, nobody was even remotetly worried about an attack.
What is going on now? Why don't Iranians prepare themselves?
Are we going to be caught off-guard again?
Didn't the Americans urge the Iraqis to sneak attack in 1981?
What are we waiting for? The war has already began except we are not fighting back!
FIGHT BACK! An attack on countries' diplomants is an ACT OF WAR! AMERICA ONLY UNDERSTAND THE LANGUAGE OF FORCE. There is no point for discussion. ACT NOW!
Farooq K.
Zionism and Judaism are not the same
On Darius Kadivar's "In the name of humanity":
I don't feel any rational citizen of the world can deny the Holocaust and the fact that six millions or more Jews perished by Germans during Hitler racist and expansionist regime to rule the world. What is not understood, especially by Americans through Israel propaganda machine, is that Zionism and Judaism are not the same. While Judaism is one of the oldest and most respected religion (about 3000 years) and really the mother of Christianity and Islam, Zionism is relatively a recent "political" phenomena. I don't feel six million Jews who were slaughtered by Hitler regime were either Zionists or even Zionist sympathizers.
In my humble opinion, if Israel likes to pay tribute to the suffrage and sacrifices that Jews made during those dark days, she should become more passionate and understanding of plight of Palestinians. Instead of arming itself up to her teeth (bank rolled by the US $18 billion foreign aid per year and other tax detectable contributions) and killing indiscriminately, it should bank on Jewish heritage of understanding, kindness and Jewish contribution to world civilization. It is said "it is easy to make enemies but hard to make friends." I realize Palestinians have not acted like mother Theresa either but their reactions are based on desperation.
During the past sixty six years of my life I have know many Jews as my boss, colleagues and simple friends. I value my friendship with them. Jews have always been the most enlighten segment of our society. Their help was pivotal in the 60's in anti-war movement and civil rights struggle. Relative to their population in the world, they are scientists, journalists, authors, musicians, businessmen and legal advocates extraordinaire. And yet when it comes to Israel they seem collectively to put their blinders on. Recent protests against former president Carter book illustrate my point.
Finally one esteemed and respected politician in this country with world wide reputation of fairness was able to say "Emperor wears no cloth" in regard to Israel treatment of Palestinians and he was severely condemned and castigated by American Jewish communities.
Why don't you mention the true threats?
On Darius Kadivar's "In the name of humanity":
I think it is now clear to everyone, at least most of the Iranians who and what Ahmadinezhad is and what he meant to do. I think in this time of the Iranian history, only one who is blinded by biases can't see the true threats to Iran and the world. You should know better than most of us that Iran is not planning an attack to Israel, and if you don't know that I would suggest reading more rather than writing articles all over the net.
Why don't you mention the true threats that are facing Iran from Israel or U.S.? Isn't your hero Natanyahu going around and preaching preemptive strike against Iran for more than 7 years now? He even has said that if hundreds of thousands of Iranians die, it would be consider collateral damage! Shouldn't you be fair and at least bring that out? or you think that US or Israel attack is a good thing against the Mullas?
I have read many or your articles and let me tell you one thing, Iran will be only democratic through her trials and errors and not by Israelis or American forces (Or their good will).
Holocaust is over for many years now and I think it should be a lesson for the governments to learn, but did Israel learn that lesson? Why go as far as 60 years and bring this issue as a major concern of yours while the Israeli regime has been killing, torturing, kidnapping and many other crimes in the name of "National Security" to the Palestinians and Lebanese. Wouldn't it be more logical to link Iranian idiotic phrase of wiping Israeli from the map to the Israeli government actions that wiped palestinians off the map? and be honest, which one is more danger to the other, Iran to Israel or Israel to Iran?
I believe that if there is going to be a war, it will be Israel attacking Iran (or somewhere else since they are a war cancer in the middle east). I think you need to protect the innocent in here rather than preach the so called known concepts. We hear that 24/7 from all the medias in the US, that's enough. Leave Iranian.com at least for the true concerns of the Iran and the Iranians. Israelis are not the innocents and under power in any ways or form to need the extra attention that you all giving her. Give a bit more to the poor Palestinians (if you want to write about who is on the wrong side).
As far as for Iran, you worry about your country US and Israel, Iran will be fine as long as people like you won't have any effect on the US policy makers to attack Iran. If Iran is not attacked, Iran is fine and she will reach the point of success that her people deserve and have wanted. I could make this letter longer and talk about the Human Rights in Iran or Israel and so on, but let me make it short. Once the Iranian people modify the government (That comes by time, even your Ghebleye Aalamin The great west had to go through hell to get where they are) and once that gets accomplished everything else will fall in its place. War and pressure on Iran will only worsen the Iranian movement. Pressure must be in the realistic form and from the inside. If the government of Iran is over thrown, what do you think will replace it? Think about it before you answer,
Changing spots or skin?
On Saied Bozorgui-Nesbat's, "How to make enemies":
Life is a bitch, Mr Bozorgui-Nesbat, or so they say.
Peaceable Academics are deported by the dozen, while loudmouth, aggressive little pricks are allowed to stay in the country! But, then again, isn't life full of little ironies?
When we first met at AUB some 35 years ago, you couldn't learn Arabic fast enough; you hated to even to speak English with the people.
We must have come a long way since you now seem to show concern about "creating new enemies for the United States".
Are you speaking with tongue in cheek? Were you speaking the truth then, or are you speaking the truth now? What are we to believe today? Has the leopard finally changed spots, or is it the snake simply changing skin? Are you really against nuclear proliferation, or are you still learning Arabic [secretly]?
What was it you said to me back then, "ammeh jend**?"
Alex T. Morosky
Naaleh o faryaad
On Hossein Mirmobiny's "Chetor shod?":
Hameh az daste gheir minaaland
Sa'di az daste khishtan faryaad
Iran declared war on the United States in 1979
On Faramarz Fateh's, "Not a pretty sight":
These are the folks who still remember the hostages and 444 days of Amercian pride in captivity.
We all remember that, not just 50%. And we will never forget. Even people who weren't born yet in 1979 are outraged by that act of heinous undeclared war. You make a mistake to think Iran is in the same category as Iraq with "false" allegations. There are plenty of true allegations that justify war against Iran. Iran declared war on the United States in 1979, and there is no time limit on the prosecution of a war. It has only been US restraint that has stayed our hand all these years. Be grateful for that. And stop acting like Iran is the victim of US conspiracies.
Certainly
On Faramarz Fateh's, "Not a pretty sight":
You are not a political scientist, that much is for certain!
Pleaseeeeeeeeeee
On Faramarz Fateh's, "Not a pretty sight":
What did you say? 2 members of Axis of Evil are under control? Do you mean Iraq is under control?????
Pleaseeeeeeeeeee.
Pedarsag...
On Rosi Canales's, "First love":
Mi amiga Canales dear,
I am so sorry he didn't married you, but he was lost and didn't know what he wants.
Pedarsag... you give him love, dedication, your time, man like that, is better to let go. Ingrato, that's what I call him.
I am married to a Persian man and yes they are so cute and all that but never appreciated good stuff. They think a princess is on their way and don't realize the love of their life is so closed to them.
You know dear, memories are good but let it go, be thankful to him that he let you know what kind of dumdum he was to lose someone that loves him the way you did. He will never find true love, a false person like him, will be only with fake girls, and believe me 75% are in Iran, I have seen them.
I wasted many years
On Rosi Canales's, "First love":
Sweetheart,
You dodged a bullet. Count yourself lucky. I had the great misfortune to marry one, thinking that someday I could pierce that mystery. I did. I wasted many years because there was absolutely nothing there of any real or true value.
Stop talking so much about war
On Sina Ferdosi's video, "Iran: Another perspective":
ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL !!!!
I began crying half way through the video till the end.
"Jaan b-e qorban-e vatan baad k-e dar maktab-e eshq
B-e joz az eshq-e vatan yaad nadaad ostadam"
But we Iranians should really stop talking so much about war with Iran because there will NOT be any military attack on Iran, not even on its nuclear facilities. It will be too costly for the U.S. and the region as a whole. Even this idiot (Bush) is not THAT stupid!
Thank you again for the beautiful video.
Nahid Shafiei
Like some kind of comic-strip
In response to Jahanshah Javid's "Bostom album":
Boston album was so cool!!! I liked it... Usually I don't like these kinds of filters, but, here, it worked amazingly!!! :D
Like some kind of comic-strip. Very good idea.
Thank you very much.
Separating religion from state is the only way forward
In response to Dariush Abadi's " Iran will never be secular":
Dear Dariush,
During the times that I was involved with this site I had a several encounters with many extremists from different ends of the spectrum. Most of these people were anti –Islamist blind lovers of the west and capitalism. On the other hand you sir (as an Islamic extremist) can be categorised as and endangered specie. I must admit, it is now quit a while that I have not come across such naïve distorted and superstitious views such as yours.
It is quiet amazing and Ironic that how often people in the extreme opposites of the spectrum mirror and reflect each other points of view and live up to each other expectation .In all their efforts to appose and defer from each other they look more and more the same just like the opposite sides of the same counterfeit coin.
Looking into your article I found so many errors and fabrication (Deliberate or uninformed) that I did not know whether to laugh at your naivety become saddened and concerned for the future of our people (you included) and the direction that this country is taking.
You see, the problem with you and your anti-Islamist counterparts is that you both see the world as either black or white.
You either tend to defy the religion (in this case Islam) with all the benefits and inspirations that it has brought to our culture and history, or you would accept any bullshit that was pumped into your ears in the name of Islam and religion without applying any logic or questioning the source >>> Full text
Our version of "Sex and the City"
Hi Nazanin,
Happy Valentines Day. I was wondering if you would consider making your stories on iranian.com into a book. I know many people would love to read it cover to cover. It's like our version of "Sex and the City". It's been a million years since I read your entries, and just today I read some again and it had the same effect! You need to get it printed into a book! And how about an update for your fans???
Mitra :)
Holocaust confusion
On Tina Ehrami's "Twilight Zone":
To whom it may concern,
This is in reference to Edwin Black's article published on January 8, 2006, regarding Iran's involvement in the Holocaust.
I realize this is an opinion piece; however, there are some historical facts that have been distorted. Perhaps Mr. Black has confused Arab/Muslim with Iranian.
Firstly, the Mufti of Jerusalem never had any authority among the leaders and populace of Iran. The title Mufti is a Sunni title; its Shi'ite version is Ayatollah. An analogy to your fallacy is like saying an Italian Cardinal (Catholic title) was influencing people in Greece (an Orthodox country).
Secondly, the leader of Iran at the time, Reza Shah, did not pick the Mufti's side. Reza Shah was staunchly secular and despised the (Iranian) Shi'ite ayatollahs, let alone the (Arab) Sunni muftis. Reza Shah did not want to get involved in a war that Iran had no dog in the fight. When the Allies told him that they needed Iran to send supplies to the Soviet Union, Reza Shah refused. Subsequently, the British, Soviets, and Americans invaded, replaced the Shah with his son, and left after the war ended. Thirdly, the pictures that show Muslim troops giving the Nazi salute were not of Iranians. They were Europeans of Muslim persuasion: they were all ethnic Albanians and Bosnians.
Again, the Mufti of Jerusalem was a Palestinian (Arab) who sided with Nazi Germany and convinced some Balkan Muslims to fight for the Germans. Iran is neither an Arab country, nor is it situated in Europe. None of the soldiers among the Axis Powers was Iranian.
Also, the picture where it shows the Mufti with Hitler was taken in Germany.
The picture with the Nazi salute was taken in Europe.
It's true that in 1939 Reza Shah and some members of the ruling class wanted the British to lose. After all, the British were running the oil fields and were still a superpower in the region. Similarly, there are people in the world today, even outside of the Middle East, who want the US to lose in Iraq, but that doesn't mean they would send troops and supplies to the insurgents.
Lastly, Israeli feelings about Iran stems from Iran's behavior since 1979 and has nothing to do with Iran's relationship with Nazi Germany. If "Iran and Iranians were strongly connected to the Holocaust and the Hitler regime," may I ask why Iran and Israel enjoyed cordial relations in the three decades following the Holocaust?
Mehran Azhar
Chicago, IL
Once you flee, you have two choices
On Tina Ehrami's "Twilight Zone":
I agree with some of your views. When you have an oppressive government and they kill indiscriminately you have no choice then to flee. Once you flee, you have two choices, one is to become like majority of Iranians and say "god willing it was a cat" or try to do something. I think majority of Iranians abroad have under stimated the achievements of the political parties (no matter how small the number). First of all their leaders have learned to compromise (by the way your translation was wrong. It means MIANEH or in the middle) and tolerate each other. Also majority of the leaders now put the national interest of the country above their own ideology.
When could you ever see a Constitutionalists and a socialist hug each other and put aside their small differences and look at what they have in common. This has happened in last 5 years. Unfortunately our people abroad neither look for it nor they care, it seems they are in a comfort zone and try to stay away from the responsibilities.
When you write that in our vocabulary we can not find a word for "compromise" a reader would think you have actually have looked up all of the dictionaries ever printed, then you bash the whole culture of our country based on your incomplete research. in reality this is called "Fallacy of false cause".
Babak Behzadi
So much for hypocrisy
On Leila Farjami's video-taped poem, "Killing all Sohrabs":
Being one of Ms Farjami's obsessive 'fans', I couldn't miss this one -- an Audio-Visual meeting with the object of my obsession (thank God for it being AV only). My impression? It only takes a 'soft' and 'sensitive' Iranian poetess, yes that is our own Ms Farjami, to mourn the plight of the starving Iraqi children, to condemn the hypocrisy of the White House residents, to shed tears over the death of Sohrabs (Ms Farjami's Rostam must have had extramarital affairs), and to compose meaningless and mixed up prose in the name of poetry -- all from the safety and comfort of her Californian Palace of Plenty!! So much for hypocrisy.
What next? Well, it looks that soon Mr Mush is going to visit Ms Forge-a-me's former home -- the one she is happy to lament its demise from a safe distance. Sadly for our sensitive poetess, this time there will be no Rostam and no Sohrab - that episode, ended 28 years ago with only a little twist in its ending -- then, Sohrab killed his Rostam. Shahnameh's finale is never the same.
Parkhash
Zibaa boodand
On Leila Farjami's video-taped poem, "Killing all Sohrabs":
Mamnoon, zibaa boodand ham deklame va ham abyaat.
Yes, my Iranian ex-husband...
On Nazy Kaviani's "Cupid was an Iranian man, not!":
Excellent, Excellent. Yes, my Iranian ex-husband did a whole pile of those things to me, right here in the US, the worse, most difficult to deal with was destroying me financially. It still hurts when I think back on how mean he was to me and how he put me down.
Socially, it was easy to get back on track, but financially, horrible. I was nearly 50 and the opportunities to start again have been almost non-existant. Yet I love many Iranian men -- they who are my relatives through marriage, who have been sweeet to me and honor me with their wives and children.
Nancy
Religious laws are always partial to men
On Nazy Kaviani's "Cupid was an Iranian man, not!":
Dear Nazy,
I can relate to your wonderful article on Iranian men. I have had some eye-opening experiences myself. But lets be honest about few things regarding religion and Iranian women.
I don't know much about ancient Iran, but I know it was LONG time ago. Things change.
Religious laws, however, are always partial to men. Only in modernized countries where religion and state are separated you don't see that level of discrimination against women; nevertheless, they did experience it at some point in their history.
But keep in mind that if the same Islamic laws were in place in the West, men would behave the same as those in Iran. Education has nothing to do with it. There are educated American men who marry mail-order-brides half their age. To have a young mistress is a growing trend among married, affluent, men in China [another form of Sigeh].
About hejab: Why do you think most Iranian women don't like it? [Since the majority of Iranian women don't really believe in hejab...] Where do you get your data from? I absolutely think that is false. Most Iranian women, who live in the rural, small cities, outside of northern province of Tehran, and the villages across the country are devout Muslims and strongly believe in hejab. Or else they wouldn't be tolerating it!
By the way, I love your idea about writing a book about Iranian womens' lives. Let me know if you are looking for someone to collaborate.
my $2
Sheila K
Show a way forward
In response to Sheila K's "Religious laws are always partial to men":
Dear Sheila:
Thank you so much for reading the article and for taking the time to write your thoughts on it. Regarding why men do these things, you suggest that it has to do with religion. Though that might be a true statement, it may not be the entire truth. I believe that wherever in the world and under whatever type of rules, if a group is given discriminatory privileges, there would be very few members of that group who would object to their privileges, citing unfair treatment of the underprivileged. Iranian men are no exception, I guess.
You are so right to bring up the issue of hejab and on what facts I have based my comment. My statement is not based on any scientific or statistical data. It is merely based on my observations during 13 years of recent life in Tehran, and traveling to other major cities of the country. As you may know, 20-25% of the entire Iranian population now lives in Tehran alone, so don't underestimate the power of national representation Tehran residents pose. I understand that other cities in Iran are also hosts to village and rural population who have migrated to the cities, having given up their traditional agricultural jobs.
In my travels through Hamadan, for example, I was told that as the baby-boomers grew up and moved from elementary school to middle school (some of them) and then to high school (fewer of them), schools were closed one after another, where children of villages with closed schools now have to travel to other villages to attend classes. The rural baby-boomers have now married (they get married at an earlier age than city youth), and moved to nearby cities, and so the rural population has shifted and shrunken back even more. One more statistic to remember is that 70% of the population is under the age of 30, and by all accounts published by the regime itself, younger Iranians, no matter where they live, are not devout moslems anymore, which you will agree is a pre-requisite for observing hejab in its strictest form.
I hope this has been helpful in explaining why I said what I said. I will try to be more careful next time in foot-noting and explaining my reasons in the body of the article itself.
About getting together and writing a book, I am flattered! I will be in touch to talk about that separately. I do believe that if and when we get around to it, this will not be a "Not Without My Daughter" kind of book! That disgraceful genre has already been done to death, don't you think? My firm belief is one of love and respect for Iran and Iranians, and I believe any collaborative work must bring understanding and affection to a nation and a country that has so much to offer. Even if we use our less than favorable memories, it would all be with the spirit to show a way forward and to help people have better lives, better understanding, and better relationships.
Thank you again for your kind and supportive comments.
Sincerely,
Nazy Kaviani
Pleasant Hill, California
Glimpse into Iran complexities
On Laleh Khalili's "Absence":
This is an excellent piece, which gives the westerner a glimpse into the Iran and the complexities of being from two cultures.
Do a cleanse
In response to Sarvenaz's "Fat love":
My sweet Sarvenaz, you are not alone in this struggle. Many women experience this, and some in other forms. We resort to many "escapes," and the positive difference in your situation is that you are aware of it. Do a cleanse, and think of how beautiful you are within, worry about no one but yourself alone while you're doing the cleanse (I recommend 7dayMiracle Cleanse). I did it, lost weight, had more energy and regained a bit of my self esteem and you know what? As soon as I put more focus on me, my inner happiness, it drew more positive in my life. I know, it feels good to be desired and have that beautiful man inside of you, but just imagine how much more powerful love can be when you place more value on making yourself feel good for you.
Inconsiderate to those on the plane
In response to Sarvenaz's "The night flight":
Sarvenaz.
You are apparently completely unaware of the art and beauty in subtlety. I'm not a prude and although it is not my style I can appreciate that you have things to write about that I may feel uncomfortable reading. You choose so artfully to use words like "cunt" and "kir" repeatedly, littering what is a very romantic and beautiful love story about two strangers having sex on a plane very obviously in front of every other passenger. It's not sex that is disgusting or has a stigma - it's indecency, inconsideration for anyone else on the plane and bad writing that I don't appreciate.
No we won't get over it
In response to B. Banaei's "Freedom for fools":
Dear Mr. Banaie,
First off, I do agree with you that an American military invasion to Iran will be disastrous for both Iranians and Americans.
However, the rest of your comments are very disturbing. 1) Most of us are here because one way or another, we were forced out when the fanatic regime took over in 1979. You asked: "What do you get out of opposing Iranian government!!!!!!" Well, for your information, there are a lot of true Iranians living here who are not sell offs to Islamic Republic like yourself and they don't like to see the country going backwards. 2) Iranian media is state run. The Islamic republic television and radio are nothing but the government's mouthpiece. If you like to see childish and idiotic propaganda and rhetoric, watch Iranian television. We are not "pussbacgs" as you put it. We just want freedom and justice for our country which would only be possible if the truth is displayed on the media not government propaganda. As far as people walking in the streets hand in hand with their girlfriends: no we won't get over it. A government that gives itself the right to probe into the people's most sacred rights and privacies (namous) deserves has to be annihilated. 3) Figure it yourself: Iranian gross national product (GNP) is about $162 billion of which 45% is from oil exports. This means the GNP per capita (optimistically) is only $2800. This puts Iran, the 4th producer of oil in the world with 4 million barrels per day, way below Mexico. Now, the total assets of only Iranians in USA is according to one estimate around $800 billion. Also, according to Islamic republic TV itself, United Arab Emirates is officially the middle east's center of stock trade not Iran. Why do you think all these investors have fled Iran? Nobody forced them except the regime. If the fanatic and blood thirsty regime in Iran had the slightest sense or patriotism, they would not say things like: "You are comfortable in US so what do you care about Iran and why do you oppose the regime?". They would try to entice the foreign investors specially Iranians to go back and invest. However, they know better that as soon as these Iranians who have lived in free stated go back, the regime would crumble.4) I hope that US never invades Iran since as I said before, this would be a disastrous mistake. However, if it does, US is just as much to blame as the corrupt, murderous, and irresponsible regime in Iran. It took the western Europe 1000 years with millions tortured and executed to finally reach the age of reason (Renaissance) which brought nobel ideas such as the separation of church and state (secular governments) in the 16th century. Shame on us who've gone back 400 years to the dark ages.
February 28
No more excuses
On Nazy Kaviani's "Cupid was an Iranian man, not!":
Thank you for this article on Valentine's Day. This so thoroughly portrays the attitude of my Iranian husband. He scoffs at the idea of giving me any kind of gift for any occasion and constantly finds ways to denigrate me, especially to his friends and family. He insists that every dime he earns is his own and says that I should be paying half of every marital expense, even though he makes eight times my salary after all the years we struggled together. I used to make excuses for his obnoxious, hostile behavior. Not any more. I deserve to have the real love of someone who has a real heart.
We make fools of ourselves
On Jeesh Daram's "Zereshk":
Brilliant! Great points you drew. I loved how you pointed out the contemporary series of Iranian women writing books on Iran (hilarious), loved what you pointed out about Reza Pahlavi and the whole pathetic pompous demonstration we make fools of ourselves with, worlds apart from what Iran and the people in Iran really are and are about.
I dare you
On Lucy Ghoreishi's "Did Iran fart?":
Except when the truck driver (the U.S.) takes the boy (Iran) to the back seat of the truck to molest, the boy will squeeze the truck driver's balls so hard he will be castrated for ever. The Iraqis are still squeezing the truck driver's balls and he is screaming, but they haven't been able to finish the job yet. Iran, however, is another story. They are EXPERTS in castrating bullies. They have done it to the Greeks, the Mongols, the Turks, the Arabs, the Russian, the British, and they did it to the Americans 28 years ago, but this bully just doesn't want to give up!
So let the truck driver dare take the boy to the back seat...
Nahid Shafiei
Another joke keeps coming to mind
On Lucy Ghoreishi's "Did Iran fart?":
Great piece, I've been thinking of the same thing for a few weeks now. Pretty much since the this administration of shit-for-brains started practicing on Iran's name!
Although the joke vs. picking on Iran draws a wonderful parity, another joke keeps coming to mind and I just want to voice out loud, "what's the difference, take a piss".
A guy in the street has no access to a bathroom, walks into a pharmacy and asks, "naft darin", (have any kerosene ?) The pharmacist says, "No, this is a pharmacy". The guy starts pissing on the floor and says, "one must piss on a pharmacy that doesn't carry kerosene".
Next day, same time, same place, he needs to use the bathroom and walks into the same pharmacy. Asks the pharmacist if they carry kerosene and this time the pharmacist wised up, says, "Yes". The guy pisses on the floor and says, "what kind of pharmacy carries kerosene?".
Couple of days later, same thing, he has got to pee and comes to the pharmacy. This time the pharmacist says, "what is the difference we have kerosene or not, you go ahead and piss on the floor". (to chikar dari ma naft darim ya na, shasheto bokon".
So, what's the difference Iran has WMD, helps the insurgency in Iraq, breaks international laws, defies human rights issues, is or is not building atomic bombs...you, the administration of small dicks and difficulty to get the little fella up, attack Iran to get your hard on.
I don't know why you can't just buy a huge gas guzzling SUV to get a hard on, like a normal American?
So, piss on Iran, whether they have oil or not.
Lowest metaphor
On Lucy Ghoreishi's "Did Iran fart?":
Dear Ghoreishi,
Your joke has three major filthy messages, one ethnic insulting, second child abuse and third insulting to a nation. You justified your use of this metaphor as "this bad words are made to be used one day" this the most illiterate way to reasoning for popularizing of profanity, child abuse, and discrimination. This kind of joke is very popular among the racists, pedophiles, and child abusers to express their wives. I don't know how educated you are but regardless the choice of metaphor you picked up to express your view is the lowest of all.
PS. I am not Turk, not abused as child but strongly believe on Iranian people need to change their culture of communication to survive.
You too
On Lucy Ghoreishi's "Did Iran fart?":
Ghoreishi,
I don't know nothing about you, but based on your joke and nothing else I would say you're fucked too.
I really did not find any humor
On "Boo hoo hoo :o)" headline for video clip "Farsi poem":
I have been a fan of Iranian.com for sometime. I have always admired your policy of breaking the taboos and believing in your "nothing is sacred" slogan. Other than my favorite posts which are the poems by Farimah and others, one of the sections that I follow almost daily is "anyway", which I usually find pretty entertaining.
I don't consider myself sympathetic with a lot of this Iran-Iraq war mambo jambo but still I did not quite get the humor in following post by David M with the title "Boo hoo hoo :o)". I think there should be a distinction between war, its impacts, our soldiers and volunteers sacrifices during the war and Islamic Republic's so called holy war propaganda.
We used to live to live in Sa'adat Abad and I going to school everyday I passed Veterans Psycho Hospital. I never forget the conditions of the young and old men I witnessed there. Even if the poem in the short clip did not have much artistic value or looked amateur but I really did not find any humor involved in what he was trying to picture.
Anyways just my two cents. Good luck and keep up the good job.
Behnam
Remarque's novel
On Laleh Khalili's "Sketches of a war, still":
Enjoyed very much reading it. It reminded me of Erich Marie Remarque's novel "The Way Back", most of your relatives' attitudes appear there too, but there's something in the novel that is mising in your story: when the young German war veterans return to the schools to end their careers, they no longer accept the authority of their former teachers who sent them to the carnage.
Good job.
Pablo
My hope is to alert
On Lance Raheem's "Profound naivety with the American electoral process":
Mr. Raheem,
Thank you for your lengthy response to my article, "GW and Hillary". You ought to heed you own advice and remain silent lest you appear foolish by speaking up. Information is not always a door to wisdom -- you project a great deal of arrogance.
By your own admission, referring to Hillary, you state “she must have the unequivocal support of the country's Jewish community”, and you further admit “I, for one, can live with her wagging a threatening finger at the government of the Islamic Republic if that is what it takes for her to secure the nomination of her party for the presidency.” Sir, this country is not made up of one.
Mrs. Clinton receives funds from AIPAC and other Israeli lobbies (this may be verified through Council for the National Interest). Perhaps you are naïve not to realize that funding is more than just an approval. If you imagine for a moment that a United States president is independent of the Jewish lobby, look at Jimmy Carter’s fate. Even a former president is not spared the ugly clutches of defamation. Their hold on the White House is such that not long ago, both Bush and Blair were willing to have a dialogue with Iran until Olmert stumped to Washington and instead of dialogue, delivery of bombs were being discussed. The Israeli government has not stopped building a case against Iran, first Sharon, then Olmert. See here and here Unfortunately, the Iranian community (for the most part) is so busy hating the regime that they are cheering the wrong side.
You logic that husband and wife are the same, is beyond me. You must be a very controlling man. My husband is a registered Republican whereas I am a Democratic. We have very different worldviews. You assume that Hillary is the same as Clinton (during whose term the Dual Containment policy was enforced -- Not only are sanctions harmful to a country’s economy, but in Iran’s case, they were in violation of America’s Constitution -- the Treaty of Amity concluded between US and Iran in 1955 ratified in Senate by an overwhelming majority became part of the law of land, which to this day remains in spite of all that has passed between the two countries. At the time, Secretary Albright made a half-hearted apology and said mistakes have been made, but efforts were still in place to remove the regime and pistachios did not really cut it!
Mme. Clinton who withstood all humiliation and sold her dignity, does not care about you, Sir, nor the country you come from, nor its people. She wants the power that comes with the White House.
As for “insulting the collective intelligence of the Iranian community” -- There you go making assuming again, feeling very smug in your arrogant skin. I do not submit to Iranian.com alone. I believe the tone of this particular article had more of an American underlying. I am not filled with nor blinded by hate, unlike most Iranians who are waiting for 'savior' from America. I leave that to those who lacking the confidence in themselves, make up for it by attacking others. My hope is to alert anyone who will listen that a country and its people in danger, one which would have a horrendous domino effect. Your opinion of me Sir, is irrelevant.
Most generous, hospitable and friendly
Regarding Yas Island ad in iranian.com:
I was an Irish stewardess, flying for Iran Air in the days of the Shah. I found he Iranain people, rich or poor, to be the most generous, hospitable and friendly people I have ever encountered in my life... and I have done a lot of travelling since, and so am well qualified to talk.
Anna O
Americans stand with you!
I know that this is a community site for Iranians in America, if there is anyway that all Iranians can know that there are millions and millions of Americans that know you are just like us and want to live in peace, and I as an American say sorry for any violent action my government intends to take on your beautiful country and people.
We are trying everything in our power to bring these criminals to justice.
Fails to make the grade
Regarding link to Moby Dick kabab chain in Washington DC area under heading "Capital Kabab":
For your interest, when I forwarded your recent link to a friend in the DC area he replied:
"We’d been hearing for years about how good Moby’s food was and finally tried some last year. We were disappointed. We found the kabobs mediocre at best.
Perhaps Moby’s food was noteworthy back in the early 90s when we first started hearing about it (and when the reviews you sent us were written), but, alas, no longer. Or maybe it’s just the Moby’s that closest to us that fails to make the grade, and the chain is a victim of too much franchising. In any case, we’ve crossed Moby’s off our list.
Now Amoo’s, in McLean, well, that’s another thing. The kabobs are wonderful, ta-digh and all."
Joan
Beautiful prose
On Azadeh Azad's "Prisoners of "love"":
Dear,
How your live (and field) observation is accurate, how your prose is beautiful.
Quel magnifique choix des mots & des phrases qui sont très touchant.
Please accept my congratulation.
M
I like the theory
On Esmail Nooriala's "Silk Road block ":
Salaam Mr. Nooriala,
I like your theory and overall this kind of analysing such an important historic event, i.e. early history of Islam. What's really lacking now are some hard historic evidences. I mean, we don't see anything in the mohamad's early history to elude to such a mindset and view. One big gap in this theory is why would the trade root through Arab's land, to avoid Iranian land, remains the same even after Iranian had captured the whole trading base, i.e. Jeruslam, Palenstine and such? Maybe because now it was already been stablished route? Maybe. As I said, I like the theory. Just need some historic facts backing it.
Reza Nezami
Software Engineer
Canada
Must have been thrilled
On Jahanshah Javid's "Found it":
Jahanshah:
I was looking on the internet about Persia, Iowa, and I ran across your article and photos of Persia. I enjoyed it very much. I was born and raised there and know most of the people. I know you must have been thrilled too. Nice article, I have been living in Cal. for serveral years, but still keep in touch there.
Best Regards,
You're letting them do that?
Regarding Yas Island ad in iranian.com:
Please remove this add. The term "Arabian Gulf" is used on the website. We all k now that these rich Arab governments spend a lot of money turning Western institutions to using false terms, but now you're letting them do that to Iranian.com as well?
Please remove it. Thanks.
Saied A
They suck! BIG TIME
In response to Gum Boo's "Cold cuts":
Iranian restaurants in London suck! BIG TIME. But I guess they have been looking at other British restaurants and following their leads. Now that I live here, I hate going out because it’s just waste of time and money. I would rather go hungry or god forbid step into the kitchen and make something. Quality of life is so poor and expensive. Don’t come to London if you are looking to have a good time. As for me I am stuck here for the time being.
Something you can do
In response to Gum Boo's "Cold cuts":
You wrote: “there is nothing you can do about it, except not go again”
And except writing a scathing review on Iranian.com!
Wishing you better eats in the future,
Niki
Out of my list!
In response to Gum Boo's "Cold cuts":
I keep in mind if I’m in London I make sure I keep this place out of my list!!!!! If you are in Washington DC area make sure you don’t shop in the Iranian grocery store called Assal!!!!
Pretty good ones
In response to Gum Boo's "Cold cuts":
Alounak is pretty good and so is Galleria.
T.S.
Why go public?
In response to Jahanshah Javid's "Neutered":
What a news. It makes me wonder, why has J.J. put that to the public? Is he hoping for any thing? Or does he really think that to be worthy of acknowledging?
J.J. can you please let us know if you are rewarded.
Abdy
Do you cough it up later?
In response to Jahanshah Javid's "Neutered":
Man you are brave…!
Just one question. What happens to the extra sperm that isn’t discharged? Do you cough it up later... or does it show up as snot if you sneeze?
Amir :)
May other sand-niggers follow
In response to Jahanshah Javid's "Neutered":
May the rest of the sand-nigger-kind, both genders inside & outside Iran, follow suit so hopefully this poor mazloom country of Iran can rid herself of all this historical mother-fuckered-ness of lies, deceptions and naa-mardis, once and for all.
Amen, Yaa-Rabbal-Aalameen
Kamran
Little bit of pain
In response to Jahanshah Javid's "Neutered":
you look in a little bit of pain, behind that big smile, you dont fool anyone!!!
well, congrats, i guess.
i don't know i felt kind of sad that you did that.
but anyway.
love u, hope you will feel good soon.
Sister
(Ouch!)
In response to Jahanshah Javid's "Neutered":
This news made me cross my legs for an hour!
Don't wanna know, man
In response to Jahanshah Javid's "Neutered":
It was just a little too much information man!
Did you get a new camera?
In response to Jahanshah Javid's "Peace in time of war":
Wow, JJ! You're seeing your subjects differently now! At least that's what I think. Great work! Thanks so much for sharing...
My favorite: #82
Did you get a new camera?
Holy shit were you right
In response to Sima Shirazi's "I'm the Boss":
Sima --
I saw this article in some magazine on a trip and then looked it up online. I must tell you, reading it was like a smack upside the head that has changed my life. I didn't even know how wrong I had it 'till I did it your way and holy shit were you right. A thousand thanks!
Dimitry,
CA, USA
Hope it will come true
On Hossein Hajiagha's cartoons:
Agha khastam begam manoon ke in Haji Agha ro baraye sargarmi ye ma negah dashty. I suspect you get a lot of crap and emails about posting his junk and he does have some screws loose but he is such a comic relief sometimes that it is definitely worth it! I think he does need professional help though (az oonast ke baeed nist ye tofang bardareh va bereh too ye mall va shoroo be tir andazi).
cheers,
Hope it will come true
In response to Hashem Hakimi's "Liberation without warfare":
Dear Iranian.con,
This letter is TRULY a very GOOD, CLEAR and DIRECT letter.
I can only hope and turst that contents of this great letter come true.
Your sincerely,
Noorbakhsh Monzavi
(Bodø, Norway)
God bless USA
In response to Sam Dehghani's "If a war to start...":
Way to go sammy here you got a supporter. I am a big fan of US and I can not understant some(not many) of our fellow iranians blame and complain about US all the time. Yes indeed It was US to help us take back Azerbijan and later on into golden years of 60s and 70s They provided Iran with military and siences, equipment...
In 1975 sadam came to Tehran and signed a peace treaty which was noting but a humilating defeat for him, thanks who ?of course USA. If the dream of a revived "persian empire" never came true, It was not US fault, It was our own failure(for the sake of not blaming then Iran leader). Later on at the turn of the century US droped two wild birds with one big shot of 9/11 only for Iran to come closer to achieve its new ambitions.
Unlike what You thought, would be a prevalent anti-america attidue toward uited states, I think most iranians indeed are pro-US. We hold no biase aginst USA, There is no hatred for Americans. This includes the current goverment of Iran or for that matter the entire appartus of Islamic reveloution.
The united satets of America as the only super power of our world in the past decade has wounded few nations , Iran is not one of them. countries like Serbia, Iraq are two nations who have suffered the worst. In Arbian peninsula the 10 years long stay of US forces triggered al-qeada and its terrorist campaign. The humilition that was inflicted on serbs, The pain that iraqs have suffered and the shame that suadis have bore all caused or sometimes even planed by US.
Iran surely has had and will have its own time with US.Us support of shah was matched by Us embassy hostage taking, It was just as much stupid as It was for US to plot topplling Dr Mosadage. the bombing of Us base in Beriut was matched by shutting down the IranAir flight over persian gulf.Iran's defiance over its nuclare program is being matched by some light sanction and couple of mischief in Iraq.There is no deep wound. We have been competting around and there is noting wrong with a healthy competition.
These days wherever I look in, I see pepole are speculating over a possible US attack on Iran. I have my extened family living in Iran and I am not losing one minute of sleep out of fear that one night They would be bombed in their beds.I am so positive about Iran's future and its economy .Why I am so upbeat? exactly because of you reffered to it as Iran lowest time in the history. It is not up to US or any other nations to decide if they want to attack Iran. It is up to us to show them , if We are a nation to be attacked or not!!!!!We lowestly lowered the risk of being attacked by keeping a low profile and by being called "lows", We were ignored and left to ourselves with hope that We would not survive.Here We are.
You said "if US attacks Iran,that would be iranian goverment's fault", I am %100 agree with you.However We wont suicide out of the fear of one day being killed.
Nobody stands out
In response to Sam Dehghani's "If a war to start...":
Mr Dehghani,
There is no shortcut in life. The suggestion of a revolution and quick over throw of a government to fix Iran is short term thinking and looking for a short cut to a grave problem. Historically very few revolutions have had successful results, specially in the recent history. Please do not invite American troops into our front yard. They will pillage and destroy the whole landscape and will leave nothing of value behind. America simply does not have the staying power, and always looks for short term results. This is our problem and we need to fix it ourselves. If America is interested in democracy in Iran they should support the democratic people of Iran.
People of Iran have been pushed down by the government for many years resulting in loss of will power. Opening the banking system and supporting good businesses within the country although on the surface might make the government look more powerful it will actually increase the power of people and restore their will power to point of taking on the government. It will be slow but the result will be most promising government.
Another problem of Iran is simply lack of a new leader, nobody stands out. Today’s Iranian TV is full of people who like to bring democracy to Iran, how can these people who are not willing to give three minutes of air time to their opposition can even understand democracy. Democracy and freedom is tolerating your opposition in all areas. We need a long term solution for Iran and Iranian people, and should beware of those who are looking for a lost thrown.
Have a wonderful morning.
Time to pick up a gun
In response to Noushin Ahmadi Khorasani's "Treating us like criminals":
Dear Noushin Khanoom,
Thank you for your article. Your words, so full of passion, were gut-wrentching to read. These are the kinds of things our sisters living outside of Iran need to read from time to time, so that they never have second thoughts about wanting to return to the hellish reality that our brave women inside of Iran call everyday life.
I have no doubt that women of weaker constitutions of intestinal fortitude would have long ago been crushed by the excruciatingly maniacal oppression that Iranian women have bravely faced for the past three decades. Unfortunately, the second-class status of our mothers, daughters, wives, sisters, cousins, aunts and grandmothers still living in Iran is not going to change anytime soon, and in my humble opinion, nothing will change even if you are able to get ten million signitures in support of your Campaign to end the legal and social appartheid that so firmly exists against Iranian women. One of the fundemental pillars of the Islamo-Fascist govening system is the complete, total and absolute subjegation and marginalization of women in Iranian society.
We have many who have long talked about refroms from within, but no real reforms which honor and value our women as productive, intelligent, patriotic members of society- on an equal legal, economic and social footing as men- have ever come as a result of or as a product of Iran's current governing system. The system of government that exists in Iran today is incapable of ameliorating its harsh and uncompromising repression against our women. Nothing will change as long as this monsterous regime continues to exist.
I offer my opinions with the deepest respect for you and so many other of my sincere and patriotic sisters, but I can't help, but feel that presenting signitures to the Majlis will amount to nothing. Iran's parlimentarians could not care less about the suffering faced by so many of our women. These treacherous people want to keep Iranian women down and in chains.
Let's face it, the half-Arab bastards that rule our country regard you and all other Iranian females as contemptable creatures that deserve no rights which any red-blooded Iranian man need worry himself about having to respect. In a nutshell, Iranian women have become the "niggers" of Iran. They have no rights...they deserve no rights....and as long as the Islamic Republic continues to exist...they will never have the slightest hope of securing their rights.
It is sad to see so many Iranian men either apathetic to the plight of our women or silently supportive of the legal and social apartheid imposed on them. Iranian women are nothing more than maids and sexual playthings in the attitudes and beliefs of these dim-witted men. What would our great and noble ancestors think if they could see just how low we, their descendants, have fallen? I'm sure their hearts would be crushed and their heads would hang in shame for while they were immeasurably noble, we have shown ourselves as a people to be gloriously ignoble.
In all fairness, our men do not stand alone under the black cloud of shame which envelopes Iran today. Many of our women have become vicious vultures feeding off the flesh of their own sisters under the Islamo-fascist banner flying in Iran today. I can think of few things more repugnantly nauseating than the photos of Parvin Hosseini and the other black covered bitches beating those who went to peacefully protest for women's rights on Khordad 22, 1385.
Hosseini and all like her are traitors against the Iranian people, but especially against Iranian women. They deserve whatever misfortune might befall them in life, be it an unfortunate "accident" or a bullet between the eyes. Women, like Hosseini, are not real Iranians anyway. They are nothing more than the half-Arab repressor's tools of murder and meyhem to be savagely unleashed from time to time on Iranian women to keep them in their "place." The half-Arab repressors of Iran can't afford to have any uppity "niggers" start peacefully asking for fairness and justice under the law.
The time for petitions to parliament and reforms from within have long since come and gone. It is now time to pick up a gun. Chairman Mao was right when he said revolution comes from the barrel of a gun. God knows it will never come from anywhere else... not in Iran, anyway. Until the scourge of the Islamic Republic of Iran is wiped from the face of the planet, every freedom loving Iranian ought to live each and every day by the motto, "You've got to crack a few eggs, to make an omlet... crack a mullah's egghead today."
With my deepest and most sincere respect for you and all Iranian women.
Jackson joon
In response to video clip, "Iran's Michael Jackson":
This guy should get a gig on Venice Beach!
Iranians accepted invaders, open-armed? When?
In response to Khodadad Rezakhani's "Why do we care":
I became enraged upon reading the article, “Why do we care”, written by an ignorant and miserable man with a fat face. He doesn’t look Iranian to me. I wanted to punch him hard in an attempt to sober him up. If I were a bearded man with a fat face like a cow, I would have an inferiority complex, as well.
First, he must have been smoking something illegal, so that in his hallucinations he saw the entire population of Iranians believing that history is boring and that we have psychological problems. Well, Mr. Ignorant, I am only one Iranian and even as a beautiful and talented teenager, who was involved in competition in various fields from sports to music and academia, I loved and read history. My reading has continued and I have some books about Iran, written in English, autographed by the author, which date from 50 to over 100 years old. I happen to like Arab authors, e.g., Mahfouz, Sueif and Muif as my favorites, and in many books, you learn how backward the Arabs were and continue to be.
The history books show that Iranians were always progressive. Zoroastrians asked their daughters to see a suitor, instead of marrying them, when they were born to their cousins. Do I need to tell you that Zoroastrians were environmentalists and required to keep water and the environment clean as well as encouraging good thoughts? They were practicing these acts thousands of years ago.
Persians allow women to have businesses. In your history readings, did you miss reading that Alexander married Roxana? We know the brother was Greek and gay. 12,000 members of his army married Persian women because they were beautiful, witty, smart, and educated. The Greeks wanted to ensure that this massive intermarriage would bear children with the same qualities. Check you history books for verification. A Greek scholar, married to an American woman, insisted that his boys learn Greek history and language, which enlightened me about my culture.
I grew up in a town that had a large Arab population. We attended school with Arabs and became friends. I don’t remember even one Iranian person I knew feeling “inferior” to the Arabs. As a matter of fact, they were the butt of our jokes and we periodically referred to them as sixteen horses, bug eaters and even used the expression “lavlal a-arabs, lahalak hamars”, which meant, if the Arabs were not around, the donkey would perish. That is because the laborers, carrying the goods to the port of Khorrmshahr, the most important commercial port in the 1970s, were Arabs. Enlighten us and show us what we found envious about the Arabs to cause us to feel inferior.
I am sick and tired of Iranians who are not psychologically stable. I assume that we are all the same and feel the same way. It is permissible for you personally to feel inferior. Frankly, if I were a man and looked like you, I would not show my face, considering how many good looking, educated, smart and snappy Iranian men are attending UCLA and surroundings. By all means, you can hire a shrink, maybe you can find an Arab one, so you can resolve any issues that you have. Do not assume that we all feel the same way as you do.
Your PhD does not impress me. God knows how many PhD’s are idiots without common sense. You must either be looking for a job in Dubai or somewhere where the camel jockeys are buying “brains”, not that you fit that requirement but as we Persians say, “dreaming by the youth is okay”, to build the biggest hotels and the best restaurants. All the oil money in the world cannot buy them the cultural dignity they crave. You may also be trying to impress some Arab chick, because you definitely look like Adnan Kashoghi. No doubt, you would love to have his harem and bank account, as well.
Currently, when Latino radio stations from poor and underdeveloped Latin American countries, announce ‘Latino and Proud”, do you think that they have an inferiority complex? Do you think that Iranians are proud because we have a long history? Did you check the contribution of Iranians to the world? Doesn’t it continue even today? Did you check the MIT studies about Iranians? How could people with an inferiority complex be such high achievers? Doesn’t history show that Iranians were disciplined and trained their children not only in the art of war but in music, mathematics and business?
Is it a coincidence that first generation Iranians, born outside of Iran, usually excel at everything? Oh, I get it. It is because we have an inferiority complex so we want to measure up to the Arabs and come to terms with our sense of inferiority. I don’t think so! I hope we find out the real motive behind such asinine and insulting remarks coming from someone who claims to be Iranian.
I don’t know where you read that Iranians accepted the invaders, open-armed. If you had read any books on the subject, you would know that historians have repeatedly written, in reference to Persians, that we have always taken things, not as they are, but have remolded them giving them Persian flair.
In conclusion, you are close-minded and ignorant and fail to understand why we care and you should not give yourself the luxury of judging us. Find something to do which helps you improve your self-esteem so that you can feel like the rest of us. We receive affirmation from educated non-Persians around us, who are proud, beautiful, successful, amazingly intelligent, witty, and charming that don’t hate us but admire us along with our long cultural traditions.
Tadjamolbahkt family
Looking for biological parents:
My name is Louise Ekdahl and I am a 29 year-old woman who lives in Sweden.
I was born in Iran the 23 rd of August 1977 (according to my passport) and was adopted by a Swedish couple. I moved to Sweden in January 1978.
I am looking on some infomation about my biological parents. I know very little about my background.
* I was given the name Sholeh Tadjamolbahkt
* The city of Mashad has been mentioned, however, my adoptive parents don't know/cannot remember who mentioned this to them.
* I was left to an orphanage in Tehran somewhere between September-December 1977.
* The orphange was run by someone close the the Shah, perhaps his wife.
As I am turning 30 and about to start a family of my own the desire to know more about my biological background grows bigger. I certainly do not wish to impose myself on someone else's life, however I would like to get in touch with someone who represents my origins, a nurse from the orphanage, someone who knows something about any siblings I might have, parents, uncles etc.
Any piece of information, no matter how small, is valuable to me.
Women WERE liberated
In response to video "March 8, 1979" International Women's Day in Tehran:
In the video, some women claim they had nothing during the Shah and they had the revolution to gain those things! One woman claims that there were 4,000 female political prisoners during the Shah. Unfortunately us Iranians do not know much about our own history because if we did, we would know that it was during Reza Shah and his son that women were liberated and were given chances for the first time to participate in different capacities and positions.
As for the 4,000 female political prisoners: One other thing that us Iranians often engage in is spreading false rumors without any concrete proof. I would like to refer to one of those rumors which every Iranian must have heard at one point in their lives that "Reza Shah was serving the British and was their faithful servant". During his research into the British government archives that are now de-classified, famous historian Dr. Milani found concrete evidence to prove that the British were completely annoyed and frustrated with Reza Shah and the fact that he challenged them and went against their wishes.
I hope us Iranians will finally learn from our mistakes.
Will you be wearing boots so that your feet don't get drenched in blood?
In response to Sam Dehghani's "If a war to start...":
Mr. Dehgahi,
Iranians have a particular habit of labeling anyone who does not fall in line with them. If they are not pro-invasion and bombing of Iran, if they are intellectuals, though most certainly this excludes this present writer, I am merely defending the people I have the pleasure of knowing, they are classified as 'communists' and leftists. Frankly, if the Soviet Union was aware that it had so many ideological followers scattered around the world, the 'Wall' would have remained up!
As for this being the lowest peak of Iran's history, you know little about Iran's history. While this regime, as oppressive as it is, is working hard to fight for Iran's inalienable right, one can hardly say the same thing about not too distant past when the Qajar's handed over our resources. Even the Shah was giving sweet deals to the Israeli government; I can't understand for the life of me why they got such a discounted oil deal - but then I supposed that is why Iran was allowed to 'have dignity' - at least in the eyes of the world and the likes of you.
If you believe the savagery of dropping an atomic bomb justifies the rebuilding - which the Japanese did, then I pray sir, you go to Lebanon, nay, Palestine, because those places are constantly being bombed and destroyed. Don't wait for Iran's turn, God forbid. And wait your turn for those places to be rebuilt. I am sure you will be happy to come on top. Why are you sitting here?
When was the last time you talked to any one Sir? When I was in Iran, people said they would pick up a stick if they had to and fight invaders. Liberators? Are you implying you will lead the army of liberators and get your castles back - will you be wearing boots so that your feet don't get drenched in blood?
Sir, you write: Any effort by the American government to promote and assist the cause of Democracy in Iran is immediately rejected. We have witnessed that 'effort' and 'cause' as you put it. Are you so very young as to not have witnessed it, or are you so very old that your memory fails you? No, we do not blame the Americans alone for the coup. We are perhaps better informed that you are. It was the British who convinced the Americans to stage the coup, and yes, of course it needed the participation of the Shah and O' so many traitors. Just like we need so many traitors to have America walk all over out country and give us what? Democracy, human rights values and freedom which you say is on the opposite spectrum of ours?
Then I must have imagined the CIA renditions, Abu-Gharib, Guantanamo, and not to mention all the immigrants that they torture here in their own jails with dogs. Let us not forget the freedoms that are being taken away from us with the Patriot Act, the NSA eavesdropping, opening our mail, and God knows what else. And of course, the most human of all, the illegal use of chemical weapons in Iraq. As for the 'proxy war' in Iraq being the cause of US wrath, are you really so naive or you would like to fool us? The US has been trying to dismantle the Iranian regime for 27 years - the war in Iraq is touching on 4. So, defend Jason King ["Letter from America"]. You are as bad a monster as he is - But you're certainly worthy of being called an Iranian. Iran deserves better citizens.
A lowly seminarian from Qum has ten times more knowledge
In response to Dariush Abadi's " Iran will never be secular":
Please be advised that Abadi and his likes don't represent an informed or educated stream of muslim followers. A lowly seminarian from Qum has ten times more knowledge and understanding of Jursiprudence, Fiqh, Kalaam, Philosophy, Arabic, Persian Literature and Islamic History than five Abadis put together. It is laughable that IRI's ministry of information don't train their propagnadists to the minmum of standards required from someone who has to defend them.
Gar tou Ghoraan bar in namat khaani
Bebari rounaghe Mossalmaani!
(I bet he hasn't even heard of the above verse let alone knwoing its poet!!)
Parkhash
More scientifically unbiased
In response to Khodadad Rezakhani's "Cultural exceptionalism":
Great article, great job. A lot more scientifically unbiased than Mr. Nooriala "Biyaabaangardaan chegooneh pirooz mishavand?". Although I would like to see where Mr. Nooriala wants to take us with his argument.
No matter how you sugar coat it
In response to Arash Norouzi's "Wiped off the map, the rumor of the century":
Mr. Norouzi
Mr. Arash Norouzi makes his own manipolition of the sentence attributed to President Ahmadinejad. The original senctence says, “… va emam’e aziz farmodand keh en rezhim’e ishghalgar’e ghods bayad az safheyeh ruzgar mahv shaved.”
“…and our dear Imam commanded that this Ghods’s occupying regime must be eliminated from the expanse of time.”
These words have been eliminated from Norouzi’s translation:
“aziz” (dear) is eliminated because it would emphasize devotion to Khomeini.
“farmodand” (commanded), even though the original speech by Ahmadinejad is referenced by Norouzi, he has cleverly chosen to use “ghoft” instead of “farmodand”. Why? In Iran “farmodand” is a polite way to say “said”, however in the context of blind obedience it means “commanded”, and knowing Ahmadinejad’s devotion to Khomeini, I have no double that he looks at the task as a commandment rather than merely something Khomeini “said” casually.
He uses “Jerusalem” in place of “ghods” (holy), which is incorrect. Al-Quds in Arabic means “the holy”, and it is used by Muslims like Ahmadinejad to refer to their holy place in Jerusalem.
Jerusalem on the other hand is a civic place of all major religions and other beliefs. Jerusalem name predates Islam, and has been the name of that place for thousands of years. Please seeKhomeini’s original Ghods Day Declarationand how Ghods is a place of Islamic significant. Khomeini and Ahmadinejad and people like him refer to Jerusalem as Ghods because of its Islamic religion significance for them.
Other questionable translations are:
“mahv”, which is generally accepted to mean “vanish”, but when it is used in reference to Israel’s right to exist it means “elimination” or “deletion” “az bain bordan va naboodi” (please refer to the pictures).
“safheyeh rusgar”, knowing the hatred of IRI regime for the Zionists, to translate that to “page of time” is not correct. I believe the intent is to eliminate Zionist from the expanse of time {i.e. for eternity}
Please see the picture with the motorcycle; this picture predates Ahmadinejad’s speech. The windshield of the motorcycle obscure the slogan’s English text of the word “MAP”, but I am sure most people would agree the obscured word is “MAP”. I saw another picture of the same message in Farsi a couple of months ago that said “az rooyenaghsheh” “from the map”. This message was not a hand written placard, but a high quality printed one. I have not found that picture again, but I try my best to find post it at a later time. For me to mention that picture without producing it at this time is wrong, but I have to make a point here that, it does not matter how one wants to sugar coat this issue, the reality is that segments of IRI regime, including Ahmadinejad, wants to eliminate and delete Israel from the map, from the earth, from page of time, and from expanse of time for eternity.
No different than the Shah
In response to video of Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani's "press conference":
Watching Rafsanjani's Sleaze Ball video reminded me of an event that happened during Shah's era that I'd like to share with you and find out if anyone else remembers anything more about it.
Around 1974-75 there were unrests in Tehran University and the culmination of it came when university students were openly chanting "marg bar shah" (death to shah). The following day there was an unprecedented round table discussion broadcasted on national television with about a dozen students and a moderator who would ask questions and solicit opinions while making assurances that they could speak freely.
Among the students there was a young Che Guevara looking student who was not saying anything all that time, but the cameras would pan on him from time to time as to get the audiences attention that he was the main man, the revolutionary student how knows what's going on, and all the other students were talking about superficial things. Toward the end of the program the modarator asked him, the same way that Rafsanjani asked the female attendee in the video, that he has been quiet all this time and what his opinion was. He said there were some university professors who were insensitive and disrespectful of people's religion beliefs and would ridicule religion practices. In particular he mentioned a professor that during one of his classes a load call to pray (azzan) was heard and he was very disturb by it and ordered the windows to be closed.
To me the round table discussion of Rafsanjani is no different than Shah's nationally broadcasted table of discussion, a well-orchestrated show to divert the attention of the people from the main struggle of the day, which is the overthrow of the regime.
If anyone remembers anything else about the round table discussion in Shah's era please let me know.
I suggest a Sunday visit to Shahrzad
In response to Gum Boo's "Cold cuts":
The gentleman was lucky he didn't try the Darband restaurant (fortunately now defunct). I was served a barg kabab that was clearlty re-heated and rice that smelt of damp.
The best policy against these idiots is to vote with your feet and not go again. There are some Iranian restaurants that serve good food but even then, the quality is inconsistent.
Finally, I suggest a Sunday visit to Shahrzad on the Western side of High Street Kensington for their Persian Buffet which is of excellent quality and gives you about 20 different dishes to sample.
>>> More February 2007: Part 1 -- Part 3
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