Reza Joon, man up or get out!

Need to challenge IRI with courage not words

Share/Save/Bookmark

Reza Joon, man up or get out!
by Siamack Baniameri
21-Mar-2011
 

On March 6th at 12am, a BBC reporter slipped into the city of Zawiya under heavy fighting between the Libyan government forces and the rebels. As he wondered the streets, the BBC reporter came across a rebel fighter who was walking about, smoking a cigarette. The reporter stopped the rebel and asked him who and where his leader was. The rebel pointed at the sky and said, “God. He is up there somewhere.”

Just like the Libyan uprising, the Iranian democracy movement is pretty much in the hands of fate. With no cohesive strategy, mixed signals, characters with questionable pasts, infightings and conflicting reports of whereabouts of green movement leaders, the people’s demands for that illusive democracy is again grinding to a halt.

As the green movement’s leadership goes MIA and its organizational structure falters under the weight of IRI pressure and self-inflicted wounds, Reza Pahlavi finds an opening to fill the vacuum. Pahlavi in recent weeks has stepped up his efforts to repaint a new image of himself among Iranians. Pahlavi, who understands the value of good PR, has been making the rounds in Iranian satellite TV circus, answering questions that have been haunting him for the past thirty years. This sudden shift of strategy is helping his image and keeping him in the loop as a possible contender.

RP is taking a page from the US political playbook. His strategy is simple. Wait for the right opportunity to throw jabs. He comes in to political forefront every time the green movement suffers a setback. And during the green movement’s occasional moments of glory, he fades into shadows and waits for the next opportunity. This strategy keeps him around as a relevant player without exposing him to too much risk. RP is betting on the possibility that the green movement will eventually evolve into a secular movement with nationalistic connotation, and if that happens, he will be the VIP guest at the party and most likely at the top of the leadership food chain.

But Reza is committing a serious miscalculation. He does not quite understand the mentality of the very same people his father and especially grandfather ruled for many years. Reza Pahlavi is betting his money on a few westernized, educated Iranians who embrace and understand the structural hierarchy of a sound political system. That strategy is a big failure. Iran is a heavily traditional society. A society that heroism and valor is embedded in its DNA.

The very fiber of Iranian society is made from what Fereydoun Hoveyda called “Rostam Syndrome.” Iran is a country that its core population embraces leaders who display selfless acts of bravery... leaders who are willing to sacrifice everything they have to fight against what they believe are direct attacks on the good of the society. Now, that has not always paid off for our people. We often end up with leaders who hurt us more than they help us. Nevertheless, we are who we are.

Reza Pahlavi’s grandfather is a good example of Iranians’ infatuation with bravery in leadership. Reza Khan was a commander that led from the front. He repeatedly displayed courage under fire as he stored his dominion. He began an all-out assault against tribal bandits who terrorized the Fars province. He personally battled the tribal leaders, killed the bandits and stored order in a region that had never heard of the word: law. He then went to war against mullahs and did something unheard of before him. He intimidated, harassed and hung mullahs from ropes. That was challenging the status quo with courage not words... something that Iranians had not experienced much during the reign of the Qajar Dynasty.

Unlike Reza Khan, his son was not exactly what you call the icon of bravery. He repeatedly fled the country during the times of crisis and hardly ever showed any acts of selfless courage. Khomeini on the other hand, driven by paranoia that crusaders were still at war with Islam, and Israel and the US were on the path of destroying the very fabric of the Islamic values, showed courage by standing against shah and the imaginary forces behind him. Khomeini did not carry much credibility with Iranians at the beginning of the revolution but his status was elevated to Rostam when he intimidated shah to pack and leave.

Reza Pahlavi so far has shown no such courage. He has repeatedly missed opportunities to capture his people’s imagination. He seems to be relying too much on good old lip service (I volunteered to go back to Iran as a pilot to fight against Iraq’s invasion) instead of showing true courage through actions.

Pahlavi strikes me as a person who genuinely believes and respects personal freedoms. He displays a high degree of intelligence and great love for his country. He also seems to be an opportunistic politician who gets his moments in the spotlight as they come. He is not a risk-taker and does not seem to have the killer instinct that his grandfather had. And ultimately, he does not strike me as someone who can satisfy Iranians’ “Rostam Syndrome.” Maybe someday he will prove me wrong... but it’s highly unlikely.

Now, some say that Reza has chosen the path of nonviolence. So did Gandhi and Martin Luther King. But what separates them from Reza and people like him is the simple fact that Gandhi and MLK never hesitated to put their lives, families, fortunes and comfort in jeopardy for their people. Courageous leadership like that inspires people.

Share/Save/Bookmark

Recently by Siamack BaniameriCommentsDate
Girl Power!
3
Sep 21, 2012
Thank you, Apple
5
Jun 27, 2012
We are Persians… Hello!
25
Mar 22, 2012
more from Siamack Baniameri
 
alimostofi

Listen to the 14th minute of

by alimostofi on

Listen to the 14th minute of this video

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMYldggVAkQ&feature=digest

The King clearly states that he will leave his duties to the hands of the people.  That happens once Iran has been won back, and that is his job.

The duty of a King is cultural.  When the name, the national anthem, the flag, of your country is changed, then the King steps in on behalf of the people, as the person in charge of the Royal Institution.

It is not the person, it is the job spec. He is not doing his job.

 

Ali Mostofi

//www.alimostofi.com

 


Veiled Prophet of Khorasan

MM

by Veiled Prophet of Khorasan on

 

I know there are maany competing theories as to the origing of Aryans. I am not a historian. However based on my own readings I tend to think the migration theory is more likely.

It seems to me that Iran became a melting pot of different people. All of whom are collectively known as Iranians now. My guess is that there was indeed a migration to Iran and India. The migrants mixed with locals resulting in the later populations. 

Regarding the language I do not see many similarities between Perisan and Arabic. Not before Islam that it. Any similarities are superficial and may be explained by diffiusion.

In Shahnameh and other mythohistorical writings we read about the Deevs. There were the White Deev in the north and Black Deev in the south. Likely the original inhabitants. who were non Aryan. The Deev were supposed to taught Iranians writing. We know Iranians used Arameic script so that would make sense. We never had our own script until Sassanids created Din Dabireh. 

What really happened? I do not think anyone knows for sure. However I see the differences between Semaitic and Indo-Iranian languages. I see the difference between religiouws myths. It seems to me that several civilizations met in Iran. They merged and we have what  we got now.


alimostofi

MM: The Gnome Project at

by alimostofi on

MM: The Gnome Project at National Geographic, shows graphic details of the migrations of all human beings. That explains the scenario which explains both situations. And if your read the Vendidad you will see the chapter that links to the R2 strand that migrated back to Iran. The last ice age forced many to return to Iran, and later they went back to Europe.

Ali Mostofi

//www.alimostofi.com

 


alimostofi

Thank you both Deev and

by alimostofi on

Thank you both Deev and VPK.VPK, thanks for giving the counter argument. Yes in the first instance, what you say seems to be one of the scenarios. But I think that it is more likely, that just as Khomeini did not get killed, neither will the King. The human wave will be there. In fact the sooner he states his cause, the sooner the regime will fall, before he gets there. That is what his father wanted to do before he was killed. In fact, even details about the overdose of pain killers to the late King, would be a heart felt piece of news for the poor masses of Iran. Fact is, that the people have an institution and it will never die There is a precedent to the throne of Iran. It is always, The King has died, long live the King.

Ali Mostofi

//www.alimostofi.com

 


MM

VPK - see the reference on Aryans/Persians/Ilamites

by MM on

Aryans' Immigration

//www.cais-soas.com/CAIS/Anthropology/aryans_immigration.htm

 By: Dr Reza Moradi Ghiasabadi

 This is a slightly long but very interesting article based on author's book on the same subject; Aryan migration.  Read the article to see why migration from the supposedly northern regions is improbable and basically:

Ilamites = Persians = Aryans.  

Dr Reza Moradi Ghiasabadi brings evidence based on Climatological Evidences, Archaeological Evidences, Mythological Evidences and Old Texts, the author states that:

"On the basis of above facts, the theory of Aryan migration from north toward the present Persia and Asia Minor does not seem feasible. What is more probable is that Aryans are native people who lived on this land due to its most favorable living conditions since antiquity. This is supported by abundant traces of civilizations found while there is no trace of any similar settlements in any nearby places. Cultural and civil changes of the Iron Age are indeed the rational development of the Bronze Age and not the result of the arrival of another tribe to the region. These native Aryans migrated to the high lands during the intense increase in rainfall and returned to their previous lowlands after the intense decrease in rainfall. They migrated from the heart of Persia at least twice after the great flood."

Then, in conclusion: 

........."On the basis of all the above facts discussed here briefly, it seems that Persians (Iranians) did not migrate with Aryans to Persia (Iran), but migrated ‘in Persia’ and ‘from Persia’ and moved to other places."


Veiled Prophet of Khorasan

Deev

by Veiled Prophet of Khorasan on

 

Thank you for the chart it does make it crystal clear.  Anyone who really thinks Persian and Arabic have the same root needs a reality check. It is like saying that It is like saying dolphins and fish are the same. Yes they both swim but that is it.

I do agree that there was Elamite and Semitic influence in Persian before Islam. That was not due to a common root but proximity of the people. The same way people say "merci" in Farsi. In fact as you point out French and Farsi have closer roots than Farsi and Arabic.


Veiled Prophet of Khorasan

Ali Jan

by Veiled Prophet of Khorasan on

 

Are you in fantasy land? OK: tomorrow RP "renounces" his wealth (I am not sure how much he has and how do we know he really did it). Then picks up a flag and goes to Iran. He is arrested right on the plane. Taken to maximum security prison.

He is put on trial on a kangaroo court and executed. Now what the *** does this accomplish. You people amaze me. Do you hate RP so much? You suggestion amounts to RP suicide. Not to mention give IR a show to divert attention from their real problems.

I much rather see RP use his money (what he got) to organize a resistance. And fund a  "government in exile"; include all who agree they want democracy. Build upon it and get international support. Right now the only group that is organized is the traitor MKO. If RP forms an inclusive resistance normal people will start to join. He may not have what it takes and it may befall someone else. But going there and getting himself arrested is not my idea of leadership;. I want a leader to be more cunning than that.


deev

Renouncing wealth

by deev on

Mr. Mostofi renouncing wealth by spending it on philanthropy is the wisest thing Reza can do to garner support for himself...

And here's a linguistic map to clarify your earlier claim...

//i56.tinypic.com/2itg1ts.jpg


alimostofi

The only true way for the

by alimostofi on

The only true way for the King would be to show how he is devoted to the Iranian culture by reducng himslef to the level of the common man.

What is the common man in Iran? Well for a start he is not wealthy. So the King needs to get rid of his wealth, and return to Iran with nothing but his dignity and the flag of Iran.

Sounds crazy? I dare you to tell me. I would argue this point forever.

Ali Mostofi

//www.alimostofi.com

 


Veiled Prophet of Khorasan

Re: Indiscriminate Killing Of Syrian People

by Veiled Prophet of Khorasan on

Well perhaps it is time for Syrian and Iranian opposition to work together. We are neighbors and have been allies. What a great thing to have both nations join to fight oppression and become free.

 


Delavar1

Indiscriminate Killing Of Syrian People

by Delavar1 on

 Indiscriminate Killing Of Syrian People by Syrian army with Iranian Islamic Republics Basiji Militia cooperation

 

//www.shtfplan.com/headline-news/syrian-military-indiscriminately-opens-fire-graphic-violence_03262011


alimostofi

The UN will create such a

by alimostofi on

The UN will create such a committee once the human rights council has thrown out the regime.

Ali Mostofi

//www.alimostofi.com

 


afshinazad

Still arguing

by afshinazad on

Who is the champion now? And who is the Rostam now?

Where is your ROSTAM? Or the wise leader that we should follow and we could count on him that his hands clean and willing to lead us to promise land.

If you have come up with such a person or the leader let us know. Everyone should focus on how to make compromises and make a solid plan and arrange strong committee that make a clear decision.Our arguments are not valid and we need help.


Siavash300

Rostam, please review Chili's history.

by Siavash300 on

In Chili, dictatorship of Pinocheh was failed because of educated people. Michelle, the current president was a child of those who were brutally tortured and killed by Pinoche's secret police(DINA), though Michelle brought peace and love to her country. She transfered the hate of those who killed her parents to compassion for her nation. She did it very wisely. Smart woman. Soviet Union with it's secret police who were controlling any movement of freedom (K.G.B) , East Germany with that nasty corrupted secret police (Stasi) ,despite of having totalitarian regime fell. They fell not because they had a man with "jolborzeh-brave" as a leader, they were wiped out throughout course of history because their  people became more and more informed and became more and more educated.


alimostofi

VPK: We have all gotten

by alimostofi on

VPK: We have all gotten used to all this sort of thing.  Our minds know the rubbish.  The best thing to do is to put comments where the news sites are discrediting Iran.  Right now the big thing is the Noruz gathering the Ayatollahs are organizing. The Arab press is mad that they are doing it. 

Ali Mostofi

//www.alimostofi.com

 


Veiled Prophet of Khorasan

MayBokhor

by Veiled Prophet of Khorasan on

 

I saw the cartoon. It is frankly pretty ridiculous. Iran *is* being screwed right now big time and its people more so. You are making fun of RP while Khamenei is raping a whole nation? While the Islamist gangsters are murdering our people.

Shame on you. How could RP be worse! I remember the days of the Shah. While not perfect it was vastly better. People had prosperity; social freedom; religious freedom. Our national identity was respected. I was proud to tell foreigners "I am Iranian". The economy was much better. We had security; freedom; money; respect; money; jobs; . The only thing we did not have was political freedom. No we have NONE of them. The revolutionary gangsters shamed us from the beginning by taking hostages. What a bunch of dishonorable cowards. And that was not even Khomeini. Many of them specially the "students" were terrorists from day one. Now you are worried about RP? It baffles the mind to worry about him. I will *gladly* take him over this bunch any day.

PS,

I am still proud to tell everyone "I am Iranian" but the reaction is very different. The Islamists have thrown our nation in the mud and p** on it. 

VPK


MeyBokhor_Manbarbesuzan

Visiting an old but still relevant cartoon

by MeyBokhor_Manbarbesuzan on


alimostofi

Question to all: what do you

by alimostofi on

Question to all: what do you think is the one thing you can all do from your computer right now and would save Iran? The answer is very simple and I do it all the time. Here is what you need to do. Read an article about the activities of Ayatollahs and the article uses the word "Iran" when it should be using the word "Ayatollah's regime". I know when it comes to the phrase "Persian Gulf" you are all pretty quick on the internet but do you respond to writers who are abusing the word "Iran"? I DO. I go on the comment page and ask them to use the phrase "Ayatollah regime" anything, but not "Iran". Save Iran that way now.

Ali Mostofi

//www.alimostofi.com

 


hirre

Only thing...

by hirre on

From a republican point of view the only good thing about a constitutional monarchy is that it eliminates the president post, thus making it harder for one person to demonstrate power without other's authorizarion. One of the most democratical countries have a const. monarchy, although there are exceptions... But one could also argue that the president post should be removed from a republic...


Veiled Prophet of Khorasan

Deev

by Veiled Prophet of Khorasan on

origin of all humans come from the ancient primates, doesn't mean we have to pick an ape to lead us

Ahem, I think we already have an ape as "leader"! Ain't that Ahmadinejad?

PS:

My apologies to all upstanding apes


Rostam

Siavash300

by Rostam on

Siavash writes: 'In 1920 era Iran's social political condition is way different with 21 century. First, about 90 to 95% of Iranian couldn't read or write. About 80% of population were living in rural area. up to 1935 the highest degree of education was H.S diploma. For that crowd authoriterian figure was admirable and needed. Hello.... we are living in 21 century."

Hello back to you Siavash. You seem to have forgotten that we are up against the most savage and brutal oppressive regime in the world. Do you really think that our "educated" people can overthrow this regime with their "education"? Hello? Anyone home?

You also wrote: "Time for Rostam or likewise is over."

And this is how monarchists want to show off their "reformed" views?


Siavash300

Rostam's subjective argue

by Siavash300 on

"Do you represent the views of the majority of Iranians, or just a minority? (My answer is that you represent a minority, doesn't matter how correct your views might be, you are still a minority" Rostam

We are not sure at this time the view of this lady represents majority or minority. Rostam just guessing it is minority without any statistical proof or any firm document. Only refrundum in a democratic Iran and once mullahs are out of picture we will know if this lady is representing view of majority of Iranian people.  

"If in the 1920s, Reza Shah's character and personality (ba jorbozeh, brave, jassoor) were replaced with that of RP (bi jorbozeh, timid, uninspiring) would Reza Shah been able to free Iran from the clutches of the mollahs and Ghajars?"  Rostam

In 1920 era Iran's social political condition is way different with 21 century. First, about 90 to 95% of Iranian couldn't read or write. About 80% of population were living in rural area. Reza Khan established Tehran university in 1935, means, up to 1935 the highest degree of education was H.S diploma. For that crowd authoriterian figure was admirable and needed. Hello.... we are living in 21 century. Remember recent Iranian uprising was all for democracy,not for another dictator who dictate whaver he wants. Those time is over my friend. We are walking in the new time of internet, computer and information system. Time for Rostam or likewise is over. In fact, that is the reason we say time for dictatorship of mullahs are over because new generation wouldn't put up with such a characters. They want to be counted. What we need a muscle on brain, NOT muscles on the arms. Eventually Iranians in the process of overthrowing mullahs will choose their own leader whom I doubt to be anybody else beside Crown Reza Pahlavi. He would be head of the state and democracy will flaw in Iran soon.

Sincerely,

Siavash


Rostam

Kadivar, one more thing

by Rostam on

I do believe in the shir o khorshid as part of out national flag. However, JJ made sure that shir o khorshid is not available as one of the readily available options. So take your complain to him!


Rostam

Kadivar

by Rostam on

I never claimed to be the legendary Rostam. Funny how Mohamad Sahimi told me exactly the same thing, that I am no Rostam...

You wrote: "Clearly You don't even know your history let alone the very concept of the Monarchy so don't try and define something you don't understand."

Q once wrote to me: "Clearly You don't even know your history let alone the very concept of velaayate faghih so don't try and define something you don't understand."

Do you want to be in the same boat with the likes of mad Q and corrupt Sahimi? If not, then don't speak like them.

I do know my history and I do understand the concept of Monarchy. Just because my interpretation is different than yours, that does not make me an ignorant.

I hope you do not represent the "fossil" in monarchy, and that you are not among the crowds that keep Monarchy from being revitalized with new ideas.

Sweden, Britain, Spain, etc. are NOT Iran. Don't compare them with Iran.

You wrote: "You should know better since your namesake remained Loyal to Kai Khosrow and did not bargain his soul with the enemies of Iranzamin. "

Bargained my soul with the enemies of Iranzamin? You'd better have a good explanation what you meant with that statment, as I am taking this as a direct insult.

Bottom line: RP is not fit to lead. He must resign from his post and let another Pahlavi take over. If there is any monarchy coucil, they should vote RP out of office due to 30 years of incompetence, and replace him with someone else.

Alternatively, as in Shahnameh, he should step aside and let some Rostam figure take over while he remains in the background as a symbol only. Once the deed is done and the mollahs are gone, he can come back on a red carpet and lay the foundation for the future democracy.


Rostam

pas-e-pardeh

by Rostam on

You wrote: "I will further admit these are precisely qualities (jorbozeh/strenght) I am NOT looking for in next Shah of Persia."

I am not either. I am looking for these qualities in the "current" shah of persia. What you must understand is that the duties and requirements for a shah in a freed Iran are quite different than those for a shah faced with the task of freeing Iran from the likes of mollahs.

You also wrote: "I much prefer his other qualities: patience, intelligence, his easy manners, cool-headedness"

But haven't the cursed reformists been telling us the same? That we need patience? Let me put it in another way:

If in the 1920s, Reza Shah's character and personality (ba jorbozeh, brave, jassoor) were replaced with that of RP (bi jorbozeh, timid, uninspiring) would Reza Shah been able to free Iran from the clutches of the mollahs and Ghajars? Yes or no? (My answer is No.)

My next question: Is RP only your monarch? Or is he also the monarch of the rest of the Iranian people? Alternatively, I ask you this: Do you represent the views of the majority of Iranians, or just a minority? (My answer is that you represent a minority, doesn't matter how correct your views might be, you are still a minority.)

Does RP need to be YOUR king, meeting your requirements, or the king of the people of Iran, meeting the requirements of the majority?

You wrote: "As the kind of 21st century monarch who is beyond political parties, intrigue and in-fighting, he suits the role of a uniter well- to the point of even accepting a democracy without a monarch if that's what people want."

Are you serious? RP was not able to even unify the monarchists! Let alone the rest of the Iranian people. He only succeeded in dispersing even the monarchists themselves. He is no uniter! He does not have the genes, the charisma, the personality, the leadership skills that are needed of him today under the current circumenstances.

He has single-handedly neutered the capacity and potential of the institution of Monarchy (which was a huge potential in Iran due to historic and traditional reasons.)

You wrote: "Strong figures, starting with Cyrus the Great, Mithradate III, Shahpur I, Shah Abbas, etc., are only good for a generation or two. It would be wise for us to lay the foundation of a lasting political system."

Yes, but without those "strong" figures, today there would be no Iran. These "strong" leaders did their job in critical junctures of our history. RP is neither strong nor doing his job in our current critical juncture. As you said, RP could be a good choice to lay the foundation of a lasting political system, but hello? What should happen first before laying that foundation? Any answers?

Here is the answer: First, we must rid ourselves of the IRI! Contrary to your view, today we do need a Cyrus, an Ardeshir, a Reza Shah to take on this task.

RP could become a 90 years old burnt out king, who would still be talking about democracy and "laying the foundation", while the grand children of the mollahs are lauging their way to the bank.

RP should resign and let another member of the Pahlavi family take over. His only other alternative is to do what Ferdowsi's king would do. Step aside and let a true Rostam take on the battle against the mollahs. Once the battle is won, RP can then step in and "lay the foundation" that you spoke about.

Half of the monarchists I know around the world say the same thing, that RP has too weak a personality to handle the likes of mollahs. RP cannot even inspire the monarchists. You must wake up from your dream.


alimostofi

Proto-Elamite is older than

by alimostofi on

Proto-Elamite is older than both Sanskrit and Semetic languages known as Aramaic.

//en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proto-Elamite

Ali Mostofi

//www.alimostofi.com

 


deev

Wrong again...

by deev on

"origin of Persian and Arabic is from the same language called Proto-Elamite."

your claim is incorrect, just look it up: //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proto-Elamite

Arabic belongs to the Semitic while Persian belongs to the Indo-European family of languages, and further more, origin of all humans come from the ancient primates, doesn't mean we have to pick an ape to lead us, Reza is clueless and downright stupid for picking Arabic names for ALL his kids, show me an Arab prince who has named his kids Persian names if we share the same common root!


Veiled Prophet of Khorasan

Nonesense Ali Mostofi

by Veiled Prophet of Khorasan on

 

Origin of Iranian is Avestan 99% same as Sanscrit. Not Tazi or Lizard eating. Many people were our allies. So why not name his kids Im Ho Tep or Mordechai?


Veiled Prophet of Khorasan

Deev

by Veiled Prophet of Khorasan on

 

Regardding Names: The Pahlavi and in fact most our "Kings" have been miserable failures. The only decent name I remember is Shah Tahmasb. RPP really *** this up. I be dead before I name my kid after a lizard eater.


alimostofi

Deev: oh the Arab word

by alimostofi on

Deev: oh the Arab word scenario, that has plagued Iranian xenophobia. Ferdowsi did two things badly. First his depiction of Khodayeh Namak was certainly medieval. Ferdowsi was not as clever as present day etymologists. The origin of Persian and Arabic is from the same language called Proto-Elamite. There is so much ancient Iran that is outside what is in the Shahnameh. Iranians were worldly philosophers much more than Greeks. A lot of it got burnt by Salman. So we were a lot more wise and tolerant and inclusive. Just look at the Parthian coins. So don't knock the King's daughters' name. The Arabs marched with us when Cambyses marched into Egypt.

Ali Mostofi

//www.alimostofi.com