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The Truth. The Whole Truth. And, Nothing But the Truth.
21-Sep-2012
As the Director of Community Outreach & Programming at the largest Iranian-American grassroots organization, I have the pleasure of regularly meeting and speaking with Iranian Americans from across the country. These conversations leave me proud of our culture and appreciative of our diversity. However, these interactions have also shed some light on one issue I find particularly painful, which is the fact that our community often falls prey to the rumor mill and conspiracy theories. This may be due to historical reasons. Regardless of the reasons, it prevents our growth and advancement.
We at NIAC have fallen victim to such rumors and lies. For example, over the last few days there have been several pieces published about the recent court case in which NIAC sued Hassan Daieoleslam for defamation for falsely claiming that NIAC and NIAC’s President Trita Parsi are agents of the Islamic Republic of Iran. One article in particular, published in a pro-war, neoconservative opinion paper stated that the “ruling lent some credence to the charge that Parsi is an agent of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
What bothers me about this false claim is, well, the fact that it’s false! So, here’s my pledge to you … to tell you the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth when it comes to this court case. Why am I emphasizing the word “truth” so much? Because it’s sorely lacking in all the commentary posted by Daieoleslam and his fellow neoconservatives.
The truth, according to the Judge’s own words is that: “Nothing in this opinion should be construed as a finding that [Daieoleslam]’s articles were true. [Daieoleslam] did not move for summary judgment on that ground.” When someone is being sued for defamation, the obvious defense would be to prove that what he/she said was, in fact, true. After pouring over thousands of NIAC’s emails and documents, it became crystal clear that Daieoleslam could not use truth as his defense. Rather, he switched gears. His case solely focused on proving that he didn’t know he was spreading lies. According to him, he thought he was telling the truth.
Since NIAC and Trita Parsi are considered to be public figures, the onus was on us to prove that Daieoleslam’s defamation was done intentionally and with malice. Unfortunately, the Judge did not feel we were able to prove this point. Of course, we are disappointed with this assertion and couldn’t disagree more. Throughout the case, we showed how Daieoleslam systematically cut up quotes and haphazardly put them together to mislead the public. Here’s a simple example of how this is done:
Sentence 1: I like rainbows.
Sentence 2: The NYPD is working hard to stop sex trafficking.
Combined sentence: I like sex trafficking.
You can see how this is not only misleading, but it also takes effort to slice and dice my sentences in order to make me look like a pervert. This is precisely the kind of activity that Daieoleslam used to mislead the Iranian Diaspora time and time again that NIAC is lobbying for the Iranian government.
Another truth I find particularly interesting is about Hassan Daieoleslam himself. Perhaps we shouldn’t expect too much from, considering his past run-ins with the law in France, his admitted family ties to the Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK) and his past stint as a street salesman of stolen perfume. (Don’t believe me? Check the court documents where disclosure of police records and employment are required.) But, since he is regularly appearing in news outlets and publishing pieces, I believe he should be held to the same standards as actual journalists, pundits, etc. Otherwise, he is adding to the rumor and only causing confusion among our community.
The last – and very important – point I’d like to make about this case is the funding source and its motives. Imagine the line-up. In one corner, we have NIAC – a non-profit organization with limited funds and a small legal team. In the other corner, we have Hassan Daieoleslam who, thanks to the financial backing of Daniel Pipes, founder and director of the Middle East Forum, had one of the world’s largest law firms (Sidley Austin) on his side. Who is Daniel Pipes, you may ask? Well, if you read the Anders Behring Breivik’s manifesto, you’d know him, considering he was cited by the Norwegian mass murderer on several occasions as an inspiration for his terrorist act. Or, perhaps its best to read some of Daniel Pipe’s own writings in order to better understand his positions and possible motives for supporting Hassan Daieoleslam. For example, in his article entitled "Confirmed: Barack Obama Practiced Islam," you’d see that according to Pipes, "this matters" because Democratic presidential candidate Obama "is now what Islamic law calls a murtadd (apostate), an ex-Muslim converted to another religion who must be executed," and as president this would have "large potential implications for his relationship with the Muslim world.” In another article Pipes penned entitled “Unleash the Iranian Opposition, [the Mujahedeen-e Khalq]” he advocated that the U.S. “unleash” the MEK against Iran. And, one final article by Pipes worth noting is entitled “How to Save the Obama Presidency: Bomb Iran,” where the title pretty much sums up his message to our President.
So, it was no surprise to us when, through the legal process of discovery, we found email communications where Hassan Daieoleslam writes that “destroying [Trita Parsi] … is an integral part of any attack on Clinton and Obama.“ (The email was sent during the Democratic primaries, when it was not yet clear who would be the Democratic nominee.)
There you have it folks. You have a defendant (Daieoleslam) who is pro-war, anti-Obama with MEK tendencies being back by a group (Middle East Forum) that is pro-war, anti-Obama with MEK tendencies.
I’m proud of the work NIAC has done throughout the years to promote civic engagement among the Iranian-American community, defend human rights in Iran, fight against the repression of the Iranian government against its people, prevent a U.S./Iran war, and promote our beautiful heritage and culture, among other things. I’m proud of our grassroots support. And, I’ve had enough of the lies spread by Hassan Daieoleslam and the other neocon elements. I’ll leave you all with one last question … if Daieoleslam really cared about our community, how come he spends all his time causing confusion and no time producing actual, tangible results? You want to see our results? Just click here. As the old adage goes, actions speak louder than words.
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Regime Change is Our Inalienable Right
by seannewyork on Wed Sep 26, 2012 07:13 AM PDTRegime change by the people of IRAN no matter what NIAC, Hashemi, Maziar Bahari, Reza Aslan, HOoman Majd, Flyntt Leverett says.
Regime Change is Our Inalienable Right.
Update 1
by iraj khan on Tue Sep 25, 2012 08:25 PM PDTThe Leadership Conference:
The first day's activities:
Day 1: Sunday, September 30 - Opening Workshop & Reception
Workshop: "Community Building" - How Can We Empower Our Community
A favorite from last year, attendees will participate in an interactive workshop that will teach you strategies to engage our community and help you recognize options for navigating rocky terrain.
Opening Night Reception
The opening night reception is an opportunity to mix, mingle and enjoy hors d’oeuvres and libations. It will feature a special guest (to be announced) from the Iranian-American community. Last year's conference receptions featured U.S. Department of State Persian-Language Spokesman Alan Eyre and Iranian-American comedian/actor Max Amini.
Watch the video from last year's reception.
//www.niacouncil.org/site/PageNavigator/2012LeadershipConferenceAgenda.html
On behalf of those
by iraj khan on Tue Sep 25, 2012 06:37 PM PDTwho care about the lives of Iranians inside and outside Iran,
I would like to invite you to the Leadership Conference that will happen September 30 - October 2 in Washington DC.
Show your strenght in numbers:
Three NEW speakers just confirmed - Nazila Fathi (Former Iran based NY Times reporter), Colonel Lawrence Wilkerson (Former Chief of Staff to Sec. Colin Powell) and Ramin Jahanbegloo (Prominent Iran scholar)!!
Join us for the 2nd Annual Leadership Conference! This is YOUR chance to meet with and hear from top opinion leaders and decision makers, including Thomas Pickering (Former Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs), Noam Chomsky (Political Theorist and Author), Maziar Bahari (Author and former Newsweek journalist),
to name a few.
Throughout the three days, we'll discuss and address issues important to the Iranian-American community, including U.S./Iran relations, the risk of war, and how the Jewish-American and other Diaspora groups organize and advocate.
Interactive workshops will allow our members to learn how to increase their own individual political influence and will prepare participants for meeting with their Representatives on the last day of the conference.
This is our chance to show our strength in numbers on Capitol Hill.
//www.niacouncil.org/site/PageNavigator/2012LeadershipConference.html
Must Read about Trita Parsi and Iraj Khan
by seannewyork on Tue Sep 25, 2012 08:45 AM PDTThis is worth looking into:
//iranian.com/main/blog/faramarz/will-real-trita-please-stand
Tip for MEK - Citing Depositions
by MaryamJoon on Mon Sep 24, 2012 11:43 AM PDTYou do it like it this, or people ignore you, as they should due to your habitual lying.
"...INSERT QUOTE..." Depo. T. Parsi, July 01, 2012, at p. 5, Lines 13-23.
Fact: NIAC's Work to Protect the Persepolis Tablets
by iraj khan on Mon Sep 24, 2012 09:43 AM PDT"campaign to save the Persepolis Tablets is quietly gaining momentum, as NIAC and some of the nation’s top universities work to protect thousands of priceless cultural artifacts at risk of being seized by lawyers and auctioned off to the highest bidder.
Since 2006, NIAC has led the Iranian-American community’s efforts to protect the Persepolis Tablets, a unique collection that provides the world’s only first-hand window into daily life in Persepolis 2,500 years ago.
We have fought on all fronts—in the media, the courts, the Congress, and even the White House—to protect these precious artifacts so that they remain available for everyone to enjoy and appreciate. NIAC is focusing on the best approach to protect the Persepolis Tablets: permanently closing a loophole in U.S. law to permanently secure the Persepolis Tablets and all other priceless Persian artifacts in the United States. Successfully amending the law will ensure that no one’s culture or heritage will ever again come under attack in the courts"
//www.niacouncil.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Resources_persepolis
Another reason why the majority of Iranian Americans support Trita Parsi and NIAC.
I'm just saying,
Iraj
What kind of "perfumes" did Daieoleslam steal and sell?!
by Esfand Aashena on Mon Sep 24, 2012 06:27 AM PDTWas he selling perfumes that he had stolen from Iran (Mashhad perfumes perhaps?!) or was he selling perfumes that he had stolen in Europe or America?! I think this is the most interesting part of it all! If there is a link to this discovery I'd be interested in reading it, please share!
Was he selling the stolen perfumes like this?! LOL!
Everything is sacred
Just Sayin
by Khoshkeledoc on Sun Sep 23, 2012 11:16 PM PDTFrom the judge's deposition September 13 2012:
"Parsi is....first and foremost an advocate for the regime"
Go argue with the judges, then pack your things up and return to your masters, NIAC trolls. You are all completely discredited as liars, bullies and fraudsters. And everyone now knows it.
Henceforth, everything that Parsi and his fellow goats say should be regarded as lies, and there will be more court action to follow. Get ready, no-so-useful idiots.
President Obama brushes off Israeli pressure over Iran
by iraj khan on Sun Sep 23, 2012 08:59 PM PDTThis is what was reported today regarding Neocon (Militant Jews) and Netanyahu:
"President Barack Obama has likened Israeli pressure on him to draw a line in the sand over Iran's nuclear ambitions as noise he tries to ignore, according to remarks aired. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently urged the United States to establish what he called a "red line"
Israel is seen as pushing a much more hardline approach that would include military action, while Washington instead prefers to let diplomacy and sanctions dissuade Iran from building the bomb.
But Obama added, "When it comes to our national security decisions – any pressure that I feel is simply to do what's right for the American people. And I am going to block out – any noise that's out there."
Tensions have been running high between the United States and Israeli leader, and they will not hold a face-to-face meeting this week at the UN General Assembly in New York. The White House has cited scheduling problems"
//www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/Americas/Obama-brushes-off-Israeli-pressure-over-Iran/Article1-934706.aspx
And that's exactly what Trita Parsi, NIAC and the solid majority of Iranian Americans and American people are saying.
I'm just saying,
Iraj
Two Comments: to Oon Yaroo & NIAC
by ayatoilet1 on Sun Sep 23, 2012 07:44 PM PDTOon Yaroo: Throw my name on your list ...The Supreme Dr. Ayatoilet Kh Kh Kh ... I would gladly stand for NIAC president. IF they ever hold elections...but they never will!
And to those in the NIAC that say - if you don't like it, go off and start your own I-A org. I say, take out the term National and Council from your name; and no-one would be upset, but if you pretend to represent Iranian-Americans "nationally" or say you are the "largest" group representing Iranian-Americans; then you should be fair game by ALL Iranian-Americans to be shut down! You should change your name to Trita's IA Org (TIAO).
Because, you are not a council, you are NOT a national representative organization! You should be called out for what you are - a fraud! Designed by the IRI to subvert Iranian intesests ever where (in the U.S. and in Iran).
Billy Bob Parsi is here - Free Speech cuts both ways girlfriends
by MaryamJoon on Sun Sep 23, 2012 05:12 PM PDTMrs. Arash Israeldoost: Questions & comments for her & Israel's Lackeys
Trita Parsi should step down! New president should be elected &
by Oon Yaroo on Sun Sep 23, 2012 05:07 PM PDTNIAC should reform itself to represent Iranian people and not IRR.
Some potential candidates for the newly reformed NIAC's president include:
The following people should not even think of being considered:
Fact:
by iraj khan on Sun Sep 23, 2012 04:42 PM PDTNIAC
"seeks a world in which the United States and a democratic Iran enjoy peaceful, cooperative relations. To this end, NIAC supports a policy of patient, strategic engagement that includes human rights as a core issue and addresses American and regional security concerns. Such an approach is the most effective way to protect U.S. national security while creating space for the Iranian people’s century long struggle for democracy.
To be successful, America’s Iran strategy must learn from the mistakes made with Iraq. In Iraq, the absence of serious diplomacy put the United States on a path to an unnecessary and avoidable war. The international community imposed indiscriminate sanctions that failed to advance key interests but devastated the civilian population, weakened civil society, and cemented the country’s dictatorial rule. Three decades of Iran policy have put the US on a similar path, and it is one that the United States can ill-afford to continue following.
NIAC seeks a new way forward because a military conflict with Iran would undermine U.S. national security, strengthen Iranian hardliners, and severely undercut Iran’s pro-democracy movement. NIAC rejects the notion that advancing US security interests and promoting the rights of the Iranian people are mutually exclusive, and instead believes that patient, forward-thinking diplomacy can achieve these two vital objectives simultaneously."
I'm just saying,
Iraj
so Terry has received payment from CIA?
by vildemose on Sun Sep 23, 2012 03:29 PM PDTTherefore one has to conclude Parsi approves of CIA??
All Oppression Creates a State of War--Simone De Beauvoir
Iranian-Americna organization while Swedish-Iranian??
by vildemose on Sun Sep 23, 2012 03:27 PM PDTFaramarz: I always why Terita did not stay in Sweden? Why not a Swedish-Iranian organization?
All Oppression Creates a State of War--Simone De Beauvoir
Maryamjoon, if you did your
by Walton K. Martin III on Sun Sep 23, 2012 02:08 PM PDTMaryamjoon, if you did your homework and read BillyBob Parsi's thousand page depostion taken under oath instead of running your vulgar mouth, you will see that Trita admitted taking payments from CIA. We didn't accuse him.
Moderately Intelligent Swedish Meatball!
by Faramarz on Sun Sep 23, 2012 02:05 PM PDTLong before many of us on this site had heard anything about Hassan Dai and his investigation of NIAC we were suspicious of Trita and his claims that he represented Iranian-Americans. But the response that we were getting from the "moderately intelligent" NIACis on this site was that, "This is it. If you don't like it go start your own Iranian-American group."
Also his anti-American and pro-Regime positions hidden behind fighting AIPAC raised questions about his real motives.
Hassan Dai's revelations of the past 6 months only completed the picture and the Court decision validated them.
Here is my message to him: "You are neither an Iranian Kabab or an American Steak. You are just a bland Swedish Meatball!"
Maryamjoon,
by iraj khan on Sun Sep 23, 2012 02:04 PM PDTYou have a point there,
yes Neocons are millitant jews who have infiltrated different levels of U.S. government.
They are the same ones who pushed Bush administration to go to war against Iraq and what a disaster it's been for all involved.
They are mostly lined up behind Mitt Romney to get him elected.
Iraj Khan ... I don't like the word "Neocon" ...
by MaryamJoon on Sun Sep 23, 2012 01:52 PM PDTLet's call them what they are: Militant Jews and their Lackeys.
Look around you: Every ethnic group is calling these fraudsters out.
Any person who wants to take me to court is welcome to
by MaryamJoon on Sun Sep 23, 2012 01:50 PM PDTI am not Trita, under questioning you will be oven-roasted in front of the judge. Be careful what you wish for.
Fact:
by iraj khan on Sun Sep 23, 2012 01:50 PM PDTFact:
"The campaign against NIAC is coordinated by far-right neo-conservatives and figures associated with the the Mujahedin-e Khalq. While their attacks have been directed against NIAC, the larger target of the campaign is President Obama and his efforts to pursue a new foreign policy in the Middle East."
Hassan Dai claimed Trita worked for the CIA, you have facts?
by MaryamJoon on Sun Sep 23, 2012 01:48 PM PDTNIAC's liars, bullies and now fraudsters.
by Khoshkeledoc on Sun Sep 23, 2012 01:41 PM PDTI agree that we should consider poor Ms Elmo and others to be exploited by Parsi and NIAC. Others such as 'Maryam Joon' should be taken to court for defamation and libel - be careful mozdoor, your masters have already suffered from that humiliation and you could be next lol.
The whole rotten regime-supporting (proven in law by a judge that such junior NIAC-staffers should be frightened of otherwise you will be next) mutts should be thrown out of Washington forthwith. And hopefully will be, when a decent, honest, democratic President is installed in the Whitehouse very shortly.
Signed, a democratic, non-MEK, non-Royalist, regime-hating human rights supporter.
take advantage of the
by vildemose on Sun Sep 23, 2012 01:36 PM PDTtake advantage of the name of Iranian community to further some covert and unfreindly agendas in the interest of those who needed a direct relation between U.S. and Iranian government for their own business. There would be no problem if they called themselves something else and did their work as they did but making it look like their actions and agnedas were supported by majority of Iranian in U.S. was definitely a terrible misrepresentation of the facts on their part.
That is the crux of the issue. If you have a business agenda where you want to make a few buck why do you have to exploit the Iranian-American community. This just show Terita/Niac's blatant disrgard for their real interest of Iranians or Iranian-American..NIAC used the Iranian-American community for its own political agenda. The sad part is that we allowed it.
All Oppression Creates a State of War--Simone De Beauvoir
MaryamJoon & Soosan
by Walton K. Martin III on Sun Sep 23, 2012 01:28 PM PDTThe other day I did check out your obscene article that was full of lies and I noticed that no one had commented on it because they know it is a waste of time. We are not interested today either. How much does Trita pay you Beheshta?
Soosan, Not one comment you made about me is correct and your support of BillyBob Parsi & NIAC is appalling.
Unlike others who come and comment here, I don't hide my identity and spew lies. I posted the judges decision which was a surprise to me as I would have thought Parsi & Clinton are such bossom buddies that the judge would have been bought off before the court; you know, like Holder and the gunwalker fiasco.
Have a nice day.
Walton K. Martin III - Director
Iranian Refugees Action Network
The Iran Information Project
Thank you Miss Elmi….
by Bavafa on Sun Sep 23, 2012 01:24 PM PDTYour candid and balanced review of the case has been noticed and appreciate it. Keep up the great work.
'Hambastegi' is the main key to victory
Mehrdad
Also, NIACs 501 c3 status should be investigated
by seannewyork on Sun Sep 23, 2012 12:59 PM PDTbecause if they did lobby more then 20% it could bring other issues from the IRS.
Ms. Elmi is a novice in Iranian politics
by seannewyork on Sun Sep 23, 2012 12:53 PM PDTI dont think people should be attacking this young lady and asking for her tax returns. She seems that she has a genuine passion for Iran and has been exploited and is not knowledgeable about the IRI and poltics.
What she does not understand is that NIAC is a political organization and not a civic organization like Trita told her. So she is way in over her head and a total novice into Iranian politics that is convoluted. She does not have the slightest idea of how NIACs position with the regime destroys the people on the streets. I am sure a few years from now she will look back and understand the mistake she made.
It is really easy for her to be forgiven, just support regime change by the people, denounce the regime and the human rights in Iran, and quit NIAC.
The Truth Iraj Khan, is that ...
by anglophile on Sun Sep 23, 2012 12:49 PM PDTAhmadinejad doesn't want the war either. Don't believe me? See how his apologist par excellence is hugging Trita!
//mehr.org/talk_week_10_23_10.htm
Now brother are you still telling me you are oppsed to Ahmadinejd?
Petition to Collect Money for NIAC!
by Faramarz on Sun Sep 23, 2012 12:36 PM PDTAfter this convincing victory by Trita and the gang where he was called by the judge, "the moderately intelligent agent of the Regime" (judges cannot use foul language!), his expert witnesses were dismissed by the court, his defamation lawsuit was thrown out and, he was ordered to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees, I think that all Iranian-Americans should join NIACis for a victory celebration.
Also, please bring your checkbooks. Trita can use some cash to pay the bills!