Reza Pahlavi: "The Challenge Of Implementing Democracy And Human Rights In Iran"

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Reza Pahlavi: "The Challenge Of Implementing Democracy And Human Rights In Iran"
by Kaveh Parsa
29-Mar-2010
 
Ladies and Gentlemen, good evening.

I am indeed honored and glad to be with you tonight. Let me first acknowledge and thank Mr. Martin Lessenthin for his kind introduction, and the International Society of Human Rights for inviting me to this conference.

My first and fundamental observation has been and continues to be this: the relentless pursuit of human rights is the essence of democracy. And, without democracy, human rights cannot, by definition, prevail.

My vision of a future Iran is thus inseparable from these two interdependent ideals and principles. Before I offer my views about how we could attain this goal, allow me to first share my thoughts on the current state of affairs in my homeland.

Since the establishment of the clerical regime in Iran, both democracy and human rights have been grossly compromised. Not only did the people not gain the political freedom, which some may have thought would be attained as a result of the “Islamic Revolution”, but sadly they ended up losing practically all of the social freedoms which had been attained and enjoyed for a long time, particularly since the advent of the Constitutional Revolution at the turn of the 20th century.

One of the immediate questions most people – Iranians and foreigners alike – have pondered upon and asked throughout the years is: Does the factor of religion play a crucial part in Iran’s current state of human rights abuses and lack of transparent democracy? The simple truth and ultimate answer is: Yes. However, the explanation is not so simple. In fact, it is one of the most complex issues faced by a Middle-Eastern, predominantly Moslem society, which aspires to the aforementioned goals of democracy and human dignity while suffocating under an obscurantist and totalitarian, clerical dictatorship.

Even in the most liberal and democratic societies – East and West – religion plays a role and has a place. The problem starts, however, when religion is politicized into a radical ideology, one which allows the “church” or “clergymen” to interfere in the affairs of the state, and ultimately becomes a theocracy, and actually assumes governance, in the name of such ideology and the self-serving interpretation of God’s law and rule on earth.

When one looks at Ayatollah Khomeini’s vision of an Islamic Government, one realizes that it actually had little to do with the traditional thinking of the Shi’ite establishment. I say this in the sense that his concept of the “Velayate Faghih” (Guardianship of the Islamic Jurists) has in effect violated at least two of the most cardinal principles of the Shi’ite faith. The first being that, the only time divine rule could be envisaged to have domain over us on Earth is upon the reappearance of the 12th Imam, who is considered a “Ma’soum” (or non-sinner). Until then, it is not the role of the clerics to govern society in the name of religion. The second being the principle of “Takassore Maraje’”, or the plurality of sources of emulation, in other words multiple high ranking clerical leaders, as opposed to a single source such as the Pope in Catholicism.

There is no question that these tenants of the faith were indeed violated by Ayatollah Khomeini and his supporters. This also explains why most traditional clerics opposed this new interpretation and ideology and subsequently remained outside the newly established so called system, leaving a few to take the helm of this modern day theocracy.

Hence, what ensued was the imposition of an absolutist vision of like-minded radical Islamists, leaving most of our society outside their “in-house circle”, and considering all those who objected to their ideology as blasphemers and God opposing infidels. As such, the regime has arbitrarily discriminated against women, ethnic communities, religious minorities, intellectuals, students, workers, and even men of the same cloth!

But this vision was really not meant for Iran and Iranians alone. In fact Khomeini thought to use Iran as a launching pad for the exportation of his vision beyond our borders and attain a regional hegemony with himself at the helm of a modern day Shi’ite Caliphate. This venomous, radical ideology has since been implemented by the regime’s surrogates around the globe while using Iran’s resources at the expense of the people of Iran themselves. It is understandable that the threat of a terrorist-sponsoring regime attaining a nuclear weapon of mass destruction has been the predominant concern of the free world in recent years.

I need not remind this distinguished audience of the details of the systematic violation of human rights in Iran throughout these sad years, nor do I need to inform you of what you already know about the absence of political freedom. All this has been thoroughly documented by numerous human rights organizations over the course of the last three decades, including Amnesty International, The Bouroumand Foundation, The Center for Human Rights Documentation and numerous other independent and trustworthy organizations. The United Nations is also fully aware of the high number of Iranian refugees, often living in dismal conditions in neighboring countries and elsewhere.

2009 was one of the most challenging years for millions of my compatriots – a year during which the world witnessed the most flagrant violations of both political as well as human rights of our citizens. But last year was not the exception! Sadly it has been the rule over the last 30 years. This time again, when the people attempted to seek yet another way to soften the regime while demanding their basic rights, they were met with a swift and unforgiving crackdown.

Before I go any further, allow me to draw your attention to three of the most pressing and egregious human rights situations involving my compatriots today. I call upon the world’s democracies and advocates of human rights everywhere to focus attention on the longest suffering political prisoner in Iran, Mr. Amir Entezam—who even though he is not currently in prison—because he has refused to sign the regime’s “tobeh nameh” or “decleration of guilt and repentence” is in virtual prison with no freedoms. Also noteworthy is the case of Ayatollah Bouroujerdi, who because of his belief in separation of mosque & state, is in prison—in dire conditions. It is imperative for the world community to shine a bright light on this holy man’s plight and put pressure on the regime in Tehran on his behalf. And finally the fate of tens of thousands of refugees: including journalists and bloggers and other innocents---join us in calling on the United Nations to recognize their status as political refugees & provide them with such protections & supports that only that international body can—and do so with urgency.

Few would argue today that the thought of reforming this regime, whether it be a domestic attempt or a foreign expectation, has proven to be unrealistic and unattainable. Why? Because the very nature of this regime, the very essence of its existence, is in direct conflict and diametrically opposed to the liberal principles of democracy as we understand it and the principles of human rights. Its survival depends on denying what the people of Iran demand. I have said all along, so long as this regime remains in power, Iran will not reverse its course.

Can the situation change in Iran, despite the regime? My answer is: Definitely. It is only a matter of time. However, my concern is for this to happen in the short term, and at minimal further cost to a citizenry that has already paid far too much with lost lives, lost opportunities, lost dignity.

Let me offer you now my vision of Iran’s future and the path I propose for its implementation. In light of the limited time I have with you today, I will only discuss the broader issues.

I believe Iranians need to give careful consideration to three predominantly important questions:

1. What is the alternative to this regime, in terms of a political system?

2. How would their rights be upheld and safeguarded under this new system? And,

3. Would this be in conflict with their faith?

In addressing the first question, I would argue history has repeatedly proven to us that a clear separation between religion and state is imperative in order to have the right circumstances for democratic governance. I would, therefore, emphasize the imperative of the “secular” nature of a future democratic system. I would further add the constitution of said democracy should, in my view, be based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This comprehensive document has established standards and principles to which I would refer in addressing all of our social, cultural, religious and political concerns.

As mentioned in the beginning, without a fully accountable democratic system, these principles would be hard to implement. But, it is not just a matter of understanding the need for this alternative. It takes a great deal of commitment and investment by each and every citizen to attain this goal.

This brings me to the second question. Would such an investment usher in a system which would indeed safeguard people’s rights? Here, allow me to offer my observation of a critical point which may have been somewhat unappreciated throughout our history. It is the fact that, as a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural society, I truly believe we Iranians have in fact two kinds of identities: one national and the other ethnic. Throughout the centuries, Iran’s national identity was the predominant factor in the preservation of our culture and civilization. Our great poet Ferdowsi is but one wonderful example of how our sense of identity has been deeply embedded in our collective psyche. However, I would add that we should also recognize the importance of the diverse ethnic and religious identities and the preservation of these cultures and faiths as well. Whether from the outside looking in or whether we introvert and self-observe as we move forward, to view Iranians as a monolithic people would be a gross mistake.

Persia has been for centuries the cradle of a broad mosaic of ethnicities and cultures, living peacefully with each other. As such Iran’s territorial integrity has been preserved, in great part on the basis and willingness of its own people. Beyond the overall political repression, the persistent discrimination of the current regime against many groups has caused great deals of concern and uproar. This is a factor that may threaten the very same territorial integrity of Iran as I just mentioned, should the status quo prevail.

Think of it this way, when a Kurdish or Balouch Sunni Moslem faces discrimination by the current Shi’ia regime, for example, by denying him the right to erect a Sunni mosque, is this justice? When an Iranian Jew or Bahai has been persecuted, simply because of his faith, is this freedom? When a woman has half the rights or voice of a man, is this equality?

I have had the great good fortune of having travelled throughout my homeland during my youth, and around the world during these years in exile. I have come to the conclusion that there are some universal aspirations among human beings, regardless of their nationality, gender, faith, ethnicity or culture. The most important is equality under the law; the guarantee that no citizen would have fewer rights than another under any pretext, and further he or she would have the liberty to believe in any political view point they choose, practice a faith they wish, and so on and so forth…

Simply stated, without such rights, such incentives, why would a citizen be willing to give his utmost to the service of his homeland, or for that matter even be willing to be part of his community instead of opting out for a different community where such rights exist?

It is precisely for this reason I put before you the premise that, without upholding such human rights, there is no democracy. Therefore, in my vision of a future Iran, I would urge my fellow compatriots to commit to a vigilant and diligent upholding of these fundamental principles. We have to be pro-active as citizens, invest ourselves fully in carrying out our civic duties, and not rely solely on the government.

It is critically important to realize it is not sufficient to simply rely on the apparatus of state and a constitution. It is imperative to nurture and strengthen a civil society in order to further assist the implementation and preservation of democratic institutions and mechanisms that serve the citizenry, such as labor unions, free press, and NGOs.

I would also emphasize the constant replenishment of such ideals and measures by relying on the single most important factor: education. It is our first and best weapon against obscurantism, fanaticism, bigotry, racism, and other sinister beliefs – this is true of all societies and cultures. After all, enlightenment was the natural outcome of the dark period of obscurantism, last witnessed during the Christian inquisition in Europe. This is why I am confident that Iran is today the cradle of a post – this time Islamic inquisition, renaissance, and the youth of today have demonstrated their bold desire to attain it by bravely sacrificing their lives for the sake of liberty. But is this a struggle against religion, some may think or argue? This brings me to the third question. Would a change in Iran’s political system be compatible or coexist with faith?

The ruling clerics have repeatedly accused those of us striving for a secular alternative of leading a campaign against religion. This is, of course, not true. On the contrary, I would argue that it is in fact in the interest of religion and the clergy itself to have a separation of religion from government. Many of our high-ranking, non-governmental clergymen have attested to this fact for many years. Since the advent of Islam in Iran, the biggest harm done, not only to people, but to the faith itself, has been under this so-called Islamic regime – which I frankly prefer to call the anti-Islamic regime!
Today, our traditional clerics lament about their loss of reverence and empty mosques. Interestingly enough, for a regime that has been chanting “Death to America” from its inception, they must be at a loss to explain why Islam is the fastest growing religion in the US, while many Iranians are turning their backs to it in Iran? I think the answer is obvious. The American Constitution and Bill of Rights values and protects the right of its citizens to freedom of religion under a political system which observes the separation of church and state. The clerical regime in Iran and its constitution obviously does not separate mosque from state, thereby rendering both institutions lacking sorely in meeting the very real needs of the citizenry in spirituality or services. Why do so many persecuted or threatened Iranians – and for that matter other nationalities – seek asylum or refuge in European democracies? Because the secular democracies of Europe offer the opportunity for experiencing a more dignified human existence, a democratic forum and a voice and the freedom to practice your faith whatever it may be. How come persecuted individuals from different countries have yet to seek asylum or refuge in The Islamic Republic of Iran, even persecuted Moslems, unless you count members of the Taliban or Al Qaida fleeing justice?
I believe the great majority of Iranians are no longer influenced by the desperate rhetoric of a regime that has lost both its political and religious legitimacy. Instead, they believe, as I do, that we should move beyond this regime and secure our aspiration to a secular, democratic system and a government which will guarantee all that this regime has denied us as a nation.

Having said all this, we must remain mindful of another dynamic, beyond what we as Iranian citizens have to contemplate and do, which plays an important role in relation to the overall evolution of our country’s situation. I am referring to the role of the international community, particularly that of western democracies. Campaigns of non-violent civil disobedience in many countries were ultimately successful as a result of explicit support from the free world. Today, Iranians expect, and I might add deserve, the same degree of commitment and support from democratic societies. Specifically, we expect the world to realize that the central issue for us is not the peripheral so called “nuclear issue”, but in fact the question of human rights and political freedom, and lack thereof in Iran.

While for many years, many western governments would – in the name of ‘real-politik’ and economic interests – brush this pivotal issue of human rights and democracy in Iran under the rug, they can no longer be indifferent and allow it to be ignored. Beyond what respective governments could or should do, the people-to-people relationship is just as important, if not more. By this I mean that Iranians could benefit from more overt expressions of solidarity by people organized under different structures the world over. For example, support from labor unions for Iranians workers in the event strikes can be organized; or support from foreign NGO’s to Iranians NGO’s to bring special attention to the plight of political prisoners and give them financial support to help them with their medical and legal expenses; or technological assistance to circumvent Internet “blocks” and cyber spying of the regime, and exposing entities or companies who, despite such a deplorable climate, continue to do business with Iran while hurting the people – Nokia & Siemens being the most recent and most egregious examples; or by putting pressure on those politicians who still insist on “talking with Tehran” while reducing this to a simple nuclear negotiation – as though leaders who sanction the rape and murder of their own children can be trusted to enter in to reliable agreements. Special funds and foundations are already in place, and more could be set up to implement important international activities in support of the Iranian people. Such an investment by the free world would help expedite a win-win outcome. There is no question that change will have to come at the hand of the Iranian people. But the cost could be heavily reduced as a result of the active participation of the international community. As Dr. Martin Luther King has said: “In the end we will forget the words of our enemies, but we will remember the silence of our friends.”

In closing, let me reiterate democracy and human rights for Iran is not just a slogan; it is our unique hope for salvation and the fundamental element which will bring long term political stability as well as put our nation back on the track of modernity, progress and prosperity. Iranians have come a long way, particularly in this last century. We have paid a heavy price while learning valuable lessons. As such, we are stronger as a society and perhaps clearer in our collective vision of a better future.

I place my faith and hope in today’s generation of the young and brave sons and daughters of Iran; a generation which not only understands the values of democracy, liberty and human dignity, but is also willing to pay the price for it; a generation which recognizes the importance of respect for diverse views and endorses tolerance and pluralism; a generation which understands that only by defending the individual or collective rights of all can one hope to have his or her own protected. Today, Iran does not lack the knowledge or the tools in the sense of both its human and natural resources. I am confident the vision I shared with you tonight, which is also shared by millions of my compatriots, will soon be attained. It is, however, through an unwavering commitment to the ideals I have enumerated tonight that we will guarantee its survival and perpetuity.

I leave you this evening with the certain knowledge that this first revolution of the 21st century, this “Twitter Revolution”, is an epic struggle for human rights and dignity waged by my compatriots. This is a battle for the soul of a nation; a nation credited with the first ever documented Declaration of Human Rights, dating back to the time of Cyrus the Great, the replica of which adorns the Great Hall of the United Nations. This struggle will end with the Iranian people reclaiming their rightful place, as the leaders they were some 3000 years ago and first appreciated the significance of the rights of each and every human being. As a Persian poem’s says: “The end of a black night is white.”

//www.rezapahlavi.org/speeches/?persian&id=437

//www.rezapahlavi.org/speeches/?english&id=437

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more from Kaveh Parsa
 
David ET

Dear Jamshid

by David ET on

Don't you think you TOO need to lower your tone ? On one hand for days we can't promote understanding and another day when hearing what we don't like, go so strong at a person for simply expressing his views even if we don't like it.

I too noted the word "suspended" being used inaccurately but Ahura wrote a lot of other things too. Wither he used the words suspended intentionally or inaccurately, I hope you do not do what is so common with SO MANY FROM SO MANY CAMPS, who just for trashing other person, simply pick a word and sentence from a whole commentary , speech and therefore discredit the other 90%+ of it. (eg. Marge did the same with one sentence of RP among all of his speech)

Obviously we will usually  not be in 100% agreement with another person's view but that does not mean that we should verbally lynch the other person for holding another view.

Such attitude when defending their Prince (even the ones who claim to be democrat and not shahollahi) honestly often scares me of the future when there is more freedom to speak or if Monarchists have power again because I do remember their attitude when Shah was in power. This is also same attitude that supporters of Imam and Faghih have had for 31 years.

Anyway my 2 cents on a discussion that serves no purpose today .

and yes I am sure I may have used a wrong word or sentence somewhere and someone can sure bash me for it , avoiding the rest of my comments.

RP said a lot of good things and there were one or 2 areas that I did not necessarily agree with but I focused on good majority of speech where there were common thoughts instead of picking the other very small part that I did not agree.

Until we practice the unity and tolerance that we preach, the words will remain hollow

peace...


Nur-i-Azal

Sargord

by Nur-i-Azal on

Practice your snoring, baradar. Really get creative and start adding tunes to your khoro-poff-ing. It's the only entertainment and soap-box you'll be allowed where you might be going...

Ya NUR


Darius Kadivar

And where did you read the word "revenge" in his speach ?

by Darius Kadivar on

Unlike the MKO leaders who have no legitimate claim to ruling Iran given that they never even presided over the nation's destiny as President's of the Islamic Republic they helped bring to power, Reza Pahlavi whether you like it or not is accountable for 50 years of political leadership under his Father and Grandfather's reign.

There is No need to look towards the Moon for answers when the Sun Is Shining !

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6HdNBjnJ6A

VIVE LA RESTORATION !

 

 


rustgoo

"The Prince with a Heavy Baggage"

by rustgoo on

Lets not forget the role of MKO in ponting out to the face of the "savior" on the moon.

Reza Pahlavi will not be the next "savior"; no matter how badly he wants to take revenge. 


jamshid

Ahura

by jamshid on

"Pahlavi regime of Reza and Mohammad Reza... greatly harmed the country by suspending the democracy and constituting a dictatorship."

Would you be kind and tell us what democracy they suspended? Iran has had a dictatorial form of the government for the past 2500 years. You sound as though before the Pahlavis we had a great democracy, and then these two kings came about and "constituted" a dictatorship in its place.

And if you are referring to Mossadegh's short tenure as prime minister, there are many who believe he was not such a democrat himself either. (He suspended the very same majlis which elected it to office, and many other suspect acts.)

"This resulted in the growth of prevailing corruption and servitude, The main culprit was Mohammad Reza Shah’s corrupt and dictatorial rule"

Again, you sound as though Iran was one of the least corrupt countries in the world, and the Pahlavis destroyed that already existing integrity and installed corruption in its place.

In fact, during the Pahlavis, Iran enjoyed one of its least corrupt eras in many centuries past. Many of the high and mid ranking officials of the government were good and humble ordinary Iranians with only a modest financial life but with a lot of integrity.

It wasn't the Shah who built the modernity that you referred to. It was these clean and Iran loving people who did it. And because of the prevailing views of idiots like you in 1979, many of these who not only were innocent, but also had been serving their country, got executed, while your likes and a few others in this blog were grinding their teeth in pleasure each time they read the news of another execution.

The corrupt garbages of those times were people like you, not those in the Shah's government.


mehdi79

Pahlavi bashing

by mehdi79 on

I ve seen some of you have problem with my shiro khorshid flag (DEAL WITH IT) I have my pledge to Shiro khorshid, Norooz, Damavand, Shahnameh & Persian Gulf ( 5 pillars of Iranian identity) eventhough I was born after this god foresaken leftist-islamist revolution ... & please dont tell me that the revolution was stolen cuz thats bunch of lies ... revolutions are supposed to get bloody & hostile with violent leaders. 

as I said before pahlavi bashing will get you no where ... all political ideologies should come together create a united exiled committee for voicing the iranian people inside. you just waste your time if you keep the same way.


MM

Reza Pahlavi - Very good speech

by MM on

With this speech, I see a convergence of different secular forces against IRI.  RP can play a very positive role in uniting all secular democrats. 

I, again, urge RP to amend the 1906 constitution, and as the representative of the monarchist to sign it to reflect this speech. 


David ET

Great Summary Ahura

by David ET on

Covered so much of the past in 3 short paragraphs, but today and 31 years later the issue is IR and not the past regime. Only way to make a difference is for all secular democrats to unite.. 


Ahura

The Prince with a Heavy Baggage

by Ahura on

Briefly stated the Pahlavi regime of Reza and Mohammad Reza helped modernize a backward and bankrupt Iran using the country’s oil revenues, but greatly harmed the country by suspending the democracy and constituting a dictatorship. This resulted in the growth of prevailing corruption and servitude, and deprived Iranians of creating democratic institutions and getting nurtured in a free society.  It is self deception and misreading of historical facts to attribute the responsibility of the Iranians 1979 uprising, solely or primarily, to foreign plots, intellectuals, leftists, or religious groups. The main culprit was Mohammad Reza Shah’s corrupt and dictatorial rule that had created a society with deep rooted autocratic practices, religious bigotry, politically uninformed and prejudiced populace, and servile elite.

This house of cards fell on its own weight and the king fled Iran with his entourage and courtiers. The population who were well nurtured in autocracy saw their savior’s face in the moon and followed that man of God to the present Islamic Republic of Iran Hades. Once again the aspirations of a free and democratic Iran were crushed this time by men of cloths. This was a natural transition from a secular to a religion autocracy, the ultimate fruit of dictatorship.

Certainly Iranian people will eventually uproot this theocracy and the youths of Iran who are leading the movement for regime change have echoed their will for an Iranian Republic, not a monarchy. Prince Reza Pahlavi is an offspring of Pahlavi dictatorship and hence carries this heavy baggage. Of course he is not responsible for his father’s blunders but he is in deep denial of that autocracy. Besides, he has never come clean with Iranian people and made his inheritance a public record.


Arthimis

Respect to Reza Pahlavi,

by Arthimis on

Respect to Reza Pahlavi, One true son of Iran!

I am not a pesimist by nature ,but seems to me that those Iranian people
in Iran who are against the S.R.O.I (Satanic Republic Occuping Iran)
are once again in hibernation and this time a somewhat self imposed one
due to massive injustice and pain they edured by this EVIL regime occupying
Iran!!! I no longer allow myself to judge them from outside! They tried
their best with what they had available and in their capacities!!! I can only praise
and respect them for their bravary and sacrifice, May God Bless them all...

What and who I do not respect and in fact despise as so called human
beings are the ones who have betrayed Iran as a whole!!! All those who
put their EVIL agenda on behalf of Iran and true Iranians! Especially
those who put "Islam" in front of IRAN and still call themselves Iranian
inside and outside Iran!!!!
All those mercenaries who directly and
indirectly supported and collaborated with the S.R.O.I!!! Those, I do
not call Human Beings, I do not call Iranians!!! And like any true
Iranian, certainly will never forgive and forget them for their crimes
against humanity and Iran!! I pray for the day to witness a Universal
Justice and Karma in this life against all of them who committed
crimes!!!

Meanwhile, I wish everyone else with Consciousness, Love and Peace.

FREE IRAN.


shushtari

the akhoondaks are again.....

by shushtari on

out at full force here....

NUR- you said it brother.....I hope that iran will be free in 2010, and it's people can finally taste the sweet taste of freedom, while the mullahs are all on a sinking ship off the persian gulf LOL 


shushtari

makes me proud.......

by shushtari on

why would he give a crap about the morons who destroyed his grandfather's grave??? or those who one day were doing shots in cabaret tehran and wearing bikinis in shomal, and then the next day were sporting a tahrish and wearing chador????

point is, reza pahlavi and especially his mother, have lost everything....despite the shahs many issues, iran at least enjoyed a peaceful existence during his reign....

 

I'm no monarchist by any stretch, BUT reza makes me proud that after all the crap that he has seen in the past 31 years, he is still speaking out for the rights of iran and it's people......give them man a lot of credit! 


sparrowlake

he could have kept it simple

by sparrowlake on

Freedom starts with the notion of free thought.  Its implication is something the ARab word finds unacceptable and therefore continues on many levels to support the current regime. The implication is freedom of religion. Ultimately how one worships there God is not something that the state, or another individual be allowed to control, or attempt to control. How you treat your religious minorities is symtomatic of the basic corruption of your so called freedom.  The Arab's world view of a secular state seems to imply particular sects of Islam and no other religion.  This allows for the state to deny freedoms from all they deem not fit, as though they have some inside track to what constitutes a religious experience.


Sargord Pirouz

(yawn)

by Sargord Pirouz on

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz


I Have a Crush on Alex Trebek

LOL Nur

by I Have a Crush on Alex Trebek on

You are good at stories. I would read your stories forever. By the way, you need to write some of those conspiracies we talked about before. I've been waiting since. I hope you find time to write those one day. 


Nur-i-Azal

Mahbubiyat-i-Reza Pahlavi

by Nur-i-Azal on

Q jan,

I don't know whether you're in Iran, or have been there recently, but from practically everyone I am speaking to over there and in its close proximity in the Emirates, one and all are saying that the focus of the on-the-ground (mom, pop and John-boy) opposition, especially of the young, has decisively shifted to Reza Pahlavi's favor and away from the reform-IRI Greens. The younger generation who never even saw the Shah's era are especially drawn to him and to his father. I think you guys need to face facts that the twists and turns of history sometimes take some interesting and unexpected byways and that those dismissed one day might actually end up having the last laugh in the end at the expense of those who once dismissed them!

Of course I am also convinced that it is not in the remotest best interest of the Yanks, the Limey Poms, the Europeans, the Chinese or the Russians to actually support a Reza Pahlavi candidacy and a handing of Iran over to him since there would be hell to pay if that happened and everything (the facts, evidence, characters etc) which played behind the scenes to topple his father would eventually be displayed for the world to see beyond any doubt. This is why those dudes will never support Pahlavi unless their lives depended on it and only as an 11th hour last ditch effort, since the  day that happens ( big powers supporting RP) is the day the IRI would crumble in a matter of hours and the very lukewarm Sepahi generals who Nourizadeh sometimes talks about would have Reza Pahlavi and his entourage on the next plane back to Iran before you could say Aryamehr. We all know this, so who is kidding who here!

But the facts are that Pahlavi is enjoying a significantly growing support amongst the population back home, harchi keh  fe'lan sedaasho dar nemeeyaarand dar matbu'at-i-donya. Believe it, the has-beens are fast becoming those same ones who have been grasping at every straw since 1978 and still don't get it! A significant percentage of the Iranian population is also fast losing its patience with the aforementioned has-beens, so watch out...

Ya NUR & JAVEED SHAH!


David ET

Good analysis

by David ET on

I understand at this place he was speaking within the theme of the event (human rights) 

Having said that; overall I believe he should move beyond history of past 31 years, as most have already formed their own views and instead should focus on more discussions and actions regarding unity, organization and solutions.

"Thoughts" or "Words" must be complimented with "deeds" 

//iransecular.blog.com/2010/03/30/601/


The Phantom Of The Opera

?!!

by The Phantom Of The Opera on

 

 

.. 

The Pahlavis, all mullahs, and all public figures associated with the Green Movement  must disclose the source and the amount of their wealth/income.


Q

Mehdi jan, it's clear that you're no REAL nationalist

by Q on

the sign on your flag is way too small. You would never be taken seriously with that. Increase the size of the symbol so it covers the whole flag rectangle and then *maybe* you can play with the big boys.

Long live the clown prince!


I Have a Crush on Alex Trebek

There is so much democracy in here.

by I Have a Crush on Alex Trebek on

I yearn for the day that this guy has an original idea. For someone who is unemployed and inactive, he sure has a lot of advisers. Are they paid? How can I sign up for that job? Moftarchy sure pays.


mehdi79

Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi

by mehdi79 on

I wont say anything to MARGE or any other leftist-islamist hooligans ... let them loss their souls & keep dreaming of STALIN-LENIN & KHOMEINI

there is a need for a coalistion of all political groups in exile reflecting those on the inside. something that people inside can rely on for spreading their voices to the outside world .. bombing iran or negotiations with this regime doesn't work .. only & only civil disobedience movements can bring this regime down while the INT community putting more pressure & sanctions on this regime ... there cannot be any other way


default

Dear Marge

by Kaveh Parsa on

Change is indeed about originality.

I am sure RP will appreciate you reading the first 5 paragraphs :)

Noroozet Pirooz


Red Wine

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by Red Wine on

Kaveh jan thank you for giving us this information .


I Have a Crush on Alex Trebek

Reza Pahlavi: The Challenge of Being Relevant

by I Have a Crush on Alex Trebek on

As usual Pahlavi fails miserably. I read this part and it made no sense at all. Can we say useless? Prince Chubby, just try to come up with one good line. One decent idea that you don't lift from someone else. Change is about originality, which you suck at.

Does the factor of religion play a crucial part in Iran’s current state of human rights abuses and lack of transparent democracy? The simple truth and ultimate answer is: Yes. However, the explanation is not so simple. In fact, it is one of the most complex issues faced by a Middle-Eastern, predominantly Moslem society, which aspires to the aforementioned goals of democracy and human dignity while suffocating under an obscurantist and totalitarian, clerical dictatorship.