Shirin Ebadi
I think people expect to much from Ebadi. Everybody is saying that she should do this or that but nobody is considering the actual limitations and obstacles she faces. After all she is going back to Iran and if she wants to do something real instead of complaining and nagging (just like many of us living abroad) she has to be pragmatist. I think the very fact that she has openly participated the ceremonies without Hejab is by itself a big achievement and a huge step forward. Just watch for the price she should pay for her move.
Friday, December 12, 2003
Monday, December 08, 2003
My Son and Mini Me
Last night we were invited to my bosses house for Christmas party. Lots of kids were around and it was the good part for My 4 year old son. The funny thing was that it ended to be a freedom night for kids. My boss who does not really care about the age ratings of the movies just went on by showing samples of available movies and cartoon to kids ( from 2 up to 12 year old) and at the end he had chosen a bunch to show in sequence. The most successful movie was the "Gold Member" and then the second most popular one was "who framed Roger rabbit". Now my son is asking to shave his hair and be the "Mini Me" and asking me to shave my hair as well, to look like Dr. Evil. I don't know if it has been a good idea to let the kids watch rated movies but it looks like that the kids pick up the parts which are interesting to them ( I am not obviously talking about XXX rated!!!), what I mean is that they actually filter out the unpleasant parts to their taste.
Last night we were invited to my bosses house for Christmas party. Lots of kids were around and it was the good part for My 4 year old son. The funny thing was that it ended to be a freedom night for kids. My boss who does not really care about the age ratings of the movies just went on by showing samples of available movies and cartoon to kids ( from 2 up to 12 year old) and at the end he had chosen a bunch to show in sequence. The most successful movie was the "Gold Member" and then the second most popular one was "who framed Roger rabbit". Now my son is asking to shave his hair and be the "Mini Me" and asking me to shave my hair as well, to look like Dr. Evil. I don't know if it has been a good idea to let the kids watch rated movies but it looks like that the kids pick up the parts which are interesting to them ( I am not obviously talking about XXX rated!!!), what I mean is that they actually filter out the unpleasant parts to their taste.
Sunday, November 30, 2003
Barbari
It is more than one year now that I am baking Barbari. Thanks to fresh bread we are eating some breakfast. Every weekend I prepare enough dough to bake 7 to eight breads or pizzas. I have just started to bake Baguette, it is eatable but not commercial yet.
I have tried to bake Sangak too, no easy task.
I love bread.
It is more than one year now that I am baking Barbari. Thanks to fresh bread we are eating some breakfast. Every weekend I prepare enough dough to bake 7 to eight breads or pizzas. I have just started to bake Baguette, it is eatable but not commercial yet.
I have tried to bake Sangak too, no easy task.
I love bread.
Friday, November 28, 2003
Where is Bilakh ( the equivalent of giving somebody the finger in Iran) coming from?
One of my British colleagues sent out this email regarding the origins of giving the middle finger in west, read it.
Before the Battle of Agincourt in 1415, the French, anticipating victory over the English, proposed to cut off the middle finger of all captured English soldiers. Without the middle finger it would be impossible to draw the renowned English longbow and therefore they would be incapable of fighting in the future. This famous weapon was made of the native English Yew tree, and the act of drawing the longbow was known as “plucking the yew” (or “pluck yew”).
Much to the bewilderment of the French, the English won a major upset and began mocking the French by waving their middle fingers at the defeated French, saying, “See, we can still pluck yew! PLUCK YEW!”
Since ‘pluck yew’ is rather difficult to say, the difficult consonant cluster at the beginning has gradually changed to a labiodental fricative 'F', and thus the words often used in conjunction with the one-finger-salute!
It is also because of the pheasant feathers on the arrows used with the longbow that the symbolic gesture is known as “giving the bird.
I replied the email and explained how in Iran the thumbs up is conceived the same as middle finger in west but I had no story for it.
Now I am thinking where our Bilakh is coming from, I guess it has something to do with the secound world war and the invasion of Iran by American and British troops. I read something about Bruce Willis travelling to Iraq and his comments about how well he had been welcomed by Iraqi people who had shown him lots of thumbs up. I don't know if in Iraq holding thumbs up is the same as in Iran?
One of my British colleagues sent out this email regarding the origins of giving the middle finger in west, read it.
Before the Battle of Agincourt in 1415, the French, anticipating victory over the English, proposed to cut off the middle finger of all captured English soldiers. Without the middle finger it would be impossible to draw the renowned English longbow and therefore they would be incapable of fighting in the future. This famous weapon was made of the native English Yew tree, and the act of drawing the longbow was known as “plucking the yew” (or “pluck yew”).
Much to the bewilderment of the French, the English won a major upset and began mocking the French by waving their middle fingers at the defeated French, saying, “See, we can still pluck yew! PLUCK YEW!”
Since ‘pluck yew’ is rather difficult to say, the difficult consonant cluster at the beginning has gradually changed to a labiodental fricative 'F', and thus the words often used in conjunction with the one-finger-salute!
It is also because of the pheasant feathers on the arrows used with the longbow that the symbolic gesture is known as “giving the bird.
I replied the email and explained how in Iran the thumbs up is conceived the same as middle finger in west but I had no story for it.
Now I am thinking where our Bilakh is coming from, I guess it has something to do with the secound world war and the invasion of Iran by American and British troops. I read something about Bruce Willis travelling to Iraq and his comments about how well he had been welcomed by Iraqi people who had shown him lots of thumbs up. I don't know if in Iraq holding thumbs up is the same as in Iran?
Think twice before giving advice
My older son Danial has started to draw naked people since a couple of months ago. He found out that it was fun and rewarding too. I think I just gave him some hint to a very interesting thing to do when I told him it was not good to draw people naked and specially to draw men's penis or women's breast. He drew his own conclusion out of my comments, If he wants to impress people and get some extra attention he just should draw them nude with their stuff hanging out . Actually it is working for him. A couple of days ago I took him to work with me and he really impressed everyone by drawing a very good looking breast on our big whiteboard. He is going to be 4 years old in February.
My older son Danial has started to draw naked people since a couple of months ago. He found out that it was fun and rewarding too. I think I just gave him some hint to a very interesting thing to do when I told him it was not good to draw people naked and specially to draw men's penis or women's breast. He drew his own conclusion out of my comments, If he wants to impress people and get some extra attention he just should draw them nude with their stuff hanging out . Actually it is working for him. A couple of days ago I took him to work with me and he really impressed everyone by drawing a very good looking breast on our big whiteboard. He is going to be 4 years old in February.
Monday, November 24, 2003
How to fight terrorism
In my opinion the most important reason that US government in particular and the western countries in general (in a lower extent of course) have not succeeded to contain terrorism is the kind of approach they traditionally have chosen to deal with the problem and problem makers. What I mean is that they ignore the human nature of these guys and the societies they are coming from and by demonizing these guys they choose the iron feast policy which is not going to work just because we are dealing with people not machines or animals. The fist and the important thing is to put yourself in their place and see what would you do in a similar situation and then deal with it wisely. US officials look at the international terrorism as a runaway process which has to be killed ( as a matter of fact that is the case!!) without doing anything about the operating system. I believe that the long history of unfair and unilateral US policy and mechanical reactions in middle east is the source of all these problems. A sick operating system is the source of the frequent runaway processes and if they do nothing about the system just killing the unwanted process won't resolve andthing in longterm. By acting violently and not wisely, US is encouraging and incubating an upsurge of the next generation of violent actions through an idealogic and consistent type of terrorsism .
US officials have to understand that they should seek an answer to resolve a very important and vital issue which is engraved in the middle eastern's minds and hearts instead of trying to erase and ignore the problem and the human nature of it.
In my opinion the most important reason that US government in particular and the western countries in general (in a lower extent of course) have not succeeded to contain terrorism is the kind of approach they traditionally have chosen to deal with the problem and problem makers. What I mean is that they ignore the human nature of these guys and the societies they are coming from and by demonizing these guys they choose the iron feast policy which is not going to work just because we are dealing with people not machines or animals. The fist and the important thing is to put yourself in their place and see what would you do in a similar situation and then deal with it wisely. US officials look at the international terrorism as a runaway process which has to be killed ( as a matter of fact that is the case!!) without doing anything about the operating system. I believe that the long history of unfair and unilateral US policy and mechanical reactions in middle east is the source of all these problems. A sick operating system is the source of the frequent runaway processes and if they do nothing about the system just killing the unwanted process won't resolve andthing in longterm. By acting violently and not wisely, US is encouraging and incubating an upsurge of the next generation of violent actions through an idealogic and consistent type of terrorsism .
US officials have to understand that they should seek an answer to resolve a very important and vital issue which is engraved in the middle eastern's minds and hearts instead of trying to erase and ignore the problem and the human nature of it.
Monday, October 06, 2003
Superficial American fellows
Sometime ago I was looking in goggle for Iran e Ashofteh to see if there is any trace of my new URL at blogspot. I headed to the site called "blogs of war" in which people apparantly talk about the US and war ( I think it was created after the Iraq war). Some friendly, democracy lover american guy had copied and pasted one of my postings and then guess the rest.
These American fellows are badly superficial and aggressive. It is only talk and talk, it is like there is a debate going on instead of a discussion or something. It is like their setup is done to kick somebody's ass and that is the achievement.
They are badly ignorant of their image outside of the US and their crazy inflated patriotism prevents them from seeing the reality. The basic core of the US foreign policy is " the purpose justifies the means" whatever the means are. It is like these friendly human rights lover and democracy exporters have forgotten what they did to Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Frankly I don't see why they would not do such a thing again ( Say they have not done it already!).
When I imagine that if it was not because of the CIA sponsored Coup d'etat in Iran which resulted in overthrowing the liberal government of Mossadeq, it was for 60 years now that we have been practicing democracy in Iran. Just imagine that. Is it conspiracy theory if I think US is not looking for democracy rather than their national interests? (don't forget that the purpose badly justifies the means)
Sometime ago I was looking in goggle for Iran e Ashofteh to see if there is any trace of my new URL at blogspot. I headed to the site called "blogs of war" in which people apparantly talk about the US and war ( I think it was created after the Iraq war). Some friendly, democracy lover american guy had copied and pasted one of my postings and then guess the rest.
These American fellows are badly superficial and aggressive. It is only talk and talk, it is like there is a debate going on instead of a discussion or something. It is like their setup is done to kick somebody's ass and that is the achievement.
They are badly ignorant of their image outside of the US and their crazy inflated patriotism prevents them from seeing the reality. The basic core of the US foreign policy is " the purpose justifies the means" whatever the means are. It is like these friendly human rights lover and democracy exporters have forgotten what they did to Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Frankly I don't see why they would not do such a thing again ( Say they have not done it already!).
When I imagine that if it was not because of the CIA sponsored Coup d'etat in Iran which resulted in overthrowing the liberal government of Mossadeq, it was for 60 years now that we have been practicing democracy in Iran. Just imagine that. Is it conspiracy theory if I think US is not looking for democracy rather than their national interests? (don't forget that the purpose badly justifies the means)
Monday, September 15, 2003
Wednesday, July 23, 2003
Thursday, July 10, 2003
My computer is officially dead!!
I think this month I have not been so lucky. A surge from hell just wrecked my computer's mother board, and because it is a discontinued Pentume3 I should replace the memory and processor too. Something that I can't afford now. I had to disconnect my High speed Internet service too. Anyways I am using the blogspot free space and that is it.
I was very sad after hearing Laleh and Ladan's death news. I don't know about you but their birth was a big deal to me. I was six and seeing a twin like that was something extraordinary for me. Imagine yourself at their place, I believe they have accomplished what they wanted. They went into the surgery with a great hope to get separated and for them the time has stopped there. I mean they have not witnessed the failure. They have won their gamble. I am sure they would enjoy their life a lot if they had made it, but as far as the operation and this huge single event is concerned, because they have done that operation by hope and not as an act of desperation they have won.
God bless them.
I think this month I have not been so lucky. A surge from hell just wrecked my computer's mother board, and because it is a discontinued Pentume3 I should replace the memory and processor too. Something that I can't afford now. I had to disconnect my High speed Internet service too. Anyways I am using the blogspot free space and that is it.
I was very sad after hearing Laleh and Ladan's death news. I don't know about you but their birth was a big deal to me. I was six and seeing a twin like that was something extraordinary for me. Imagine yourself at their place, I believe they have accomplished what they wanted. They went into the surgery with a great hope to get separated and for them the time has stopped there. I mean they have not witnessed the failure. They have won their gamble. I am sure they would enjoy their life a lot if they had made it, but as far as the operation and this huge single event is concerned, because they have done that operation by hope and not as an act of desperation they have won.
God bless them.
Monday, July 07, 2003
Forth aniverssary of student unrest
Tommorow is the forth anniversary of the student's appraisal in Iran. I have a very mixed feeling about these violent events. From one hand I remember what kind of nonsense and rude creatures are these Hezbollah conservatives and kicking their ass sounds great and on the other hand I badly believe that violence is going to help them to advance their agenda the most. Violence is their mother tongue. They know nothing else and they want to drag people into this trap. With the momentum that the democratic movement and the need for change is getting I am sure in a couple of years there is no place no where in Iran for any of these guys, Hezbollah or Mojahed or any other kind of violence. Patience and reason is what should reign in our political culture now.
After all, all these problems, in my opinion , have cultural origins and to overcome those deficiencies is a long reform process. Just remember what we did during the revolution. We replaced a Tyranny with something worse. A nation does not change overnight, we need time to practice democracy and rule of law.
Tommorow is the forth anniversary of the student's appraisal in Iran. I have a very mixed feeling about these violent events. From one hand I remember what kind of nonsense and rude creatures are these Hezbollah conservatives and kicking their ass sounds great and on the other hand I badly believe that violence is going to help them to advance their agenda the most. Violence is their mother tongue. They know nothing else and they want to drag people into this trap. With the momentum that the democratic movement and the need for change is getting I am sure in a couple of years there is no place no where in Iran for any of these guys, Hezbollah or Mojahed or any other kind of violence. Patience and reason is what should reign in our political culture now.
After all, all these problems, in my opinion , have cultural origins and to overcome those deficiencies is a long reform process. Just remember what we did during the revolution. We replaced a Tyranny with something worse. A nation does not change overnight, we need time to practice democracy and rule of law.
Saturday, July 05, 2003
Political maturity
I read this from BBC Persian site. Safar Morad Niazev the Turkmenistan’s president (self chosen life time) has announced that in the capital (Eshgh Abad which means city of love) except for cats, dogs and ornamental birds keeping any kind of domestic animal is going to be banned. The reason is that they stink and they don't let the nice smell of a flower which recently has been renamed after the president to be felt. The same president has changed the name of months of the year to something inspired from his mom and I am not kidding.
You want to know how mature are a political system and nation, just look at what the political leaders say and do. By the way I am not excluding Iran.
I read this from BBC Persian site. Safar Morad Niazev the Turkmenistan’s president (self chosen life time) has announced that in the capital (Eshgh Abad which means city of love) except for cats, dogs and ornamental birds keeping any kind of domestic animal is going to be banned. The reason is that they stink and they don't let the nice smell of a flower which recently has been renamed after the president to be felt. The same president has changed the name of months of the year to something inspired from his mom and I am not kidding.
You want to know how mature are a political system and nation, just look at what the political leaders say and do. By the way I am not excluding Iran.
Thursday, July 03, 2003
US and IRAN
I just read a comment from Colin Powel saying that US should not infer in Iranian internal affairs and Americans should not forget that Iranian president has been elected freely. On the other hand Rumsfeld is playing another tune. The same business with reformists and conservatives in Iranian politics?
It is a matter of time. If all foreign powers specially US could stop war mongering and inferring in Iranian affairs ( something that Iranians are culturally very sensitive to) people are going to straight their account with conservative fellows, hopefully in a peaceful way.
I just read a comment from Colin Powel saying that US should not infer in Iranian internal affairs and Americans should not forget that Iranian president has been elected freely. On the other hand Rumsfeld is playing another tune. The same business with reformists and conservatives in Iranian politics?
It is a matter of time. If all foreign powers specially US could stop war mongering and inferring in Iranian affairs ( something that Iranians are culturally very sensitive to) people are going to straight their account with conservative fellows, hopefully in a peaceful way.
Thursday, June 26, 2003
Carlos the Jackal has converted to Islam!!
By what we are getting these days, world is getting convinced that Islam and Islamic teachings are violent and violence is intrinsic in that religion. I was stunned when I read this about Carlos the international terrorist and that he has converted to Islam and praised Bin Laden for what he has done.
What I want to say is that as a Moslem and Iranian I don't think that way and I believe the very first victims of such acts and violent actions are Moslems themselves. As a matter of fact we will see how Bin Laden has betrayed Moslem nations by giving such a dark and violent image from Islam and middle eastern cultures. The other dangerous thing is the very violent superficial impressions that superficial people get from what Bin Laden has done. He has not done anything good for his people, he has just collaborated in an act of destruction with other violent guys like George Bush, the same way as Saddam did. It has much more to do with politics than religion, Islam is only a pretext. They would do the same thing if they were born Christian, Jew or anything else.
By what we are getting these days, world is getting convinced that Islam and Islamic teachings are violent and violence is intrinsic in that religion. I was stunned when I read this about Carlos the international terrorist and that he has converted to Islam and praised Bin Laden for what he has done.
What I want to say is that as a Moslem and Iranian I don't think that way and I believe the very first victims of such acts and violent actions are Moslems themselves. As a matter of fact we will see how Bin Laden has betrayed Moslem nations by giving such a dark and violent image from Islam and middle eastern cultures. The other dangerous thing is the very violent superficial impressions that superficial people get from what Bin Laden has done. He has not done anything good for his people, he has just collaborated in an act of destruction with other violent guys like George Bush, the same way as Saddam did. It has much more to do with politics than religion, Islam is only a pretext. They would do the same thing if they were born Christian, Jew or anything else.
Human life is chip?
In eastern cultures we have lots of comments and sayings about the human's dignity and rights. But in practice we frequently abuse those rights and don't react promptly to human loss and sufferings.
I read something on BBC that the Chinese police had arrested a lady without letting her to arrange for care of her three year old kid during her absence. After 2 weeks the poor kid dies from starvation.
Iran, China and India are countries with a very old culture. We have a rich cultural heritage and at the same time serious deep problems. Just like an old guy. I think as a result of a long existence of social and collective institutions, the individual rights do not have enough weight in these cultures. The tradition and society and collective rights overshadow the individual human right and life.
Having said that I should say the new cultures mostly in north America have their own good and bad things too. New and strong like a young guy without a mature and deep understanding.
In eastern cultures we have lots of comments and sayings about the human's dignity and rights. But in practice we frequently abuse those rights and don't react promptly to human loss and sufferings.
I read something on BBC that the Chinese police had arrested a lady without letting her to arrange for care of her three year old kid during her absence. After 2 weeks the poor kid dies from starvation.
Iran, China and India are countries with a very old culture. We have a rich cultural heritage and at the same time serious deep problems. Just like an old guy. I think as a result of a long existence of social and collective institutions, the individual rights do not have enough weight in these cultures. The tradition and society and collective rights overshadow the individual human right and life.
Having said that I should say the new cultures mostly in north America have their own good and bad things too. New and strong like a young guy without a mature and deep understanding.
Wednesday, June 25, 2003
Posting again!
Iranian identity
When my son was born I sent a few Iranian names to my colleagues and asked them for their feedback. I was looking for an Iranian name which had an English equivalent or was easy to pronounce in English. One of the guys who is British ( normally the Europeans are much more politically educated and cultivated than north Americans) got back to me with the name Saddam. Of course he was kidding, he told me as a matter of fact Saddam is now a well known name in west and the guy himself is a hero back there. I asked back where? He said in Iran. I said no way, Saddam was no hero in Iran and he'd better go to hell.
He said he had seen many reports coming from Moslem countries showing demonstrations and interviews in favor of Saddam and he thought Iran should not be an exception.
The most difficult thing to explain here is that Iran has a distinct and different identity from most of the Moslem countries. It is difficult to explain this difference, because it exists and does not exist at the same time. In Middle East the most important thing we have in common is the religion: we are Moslem. At the same time the most different aspect is religion: Iranians are Shia ( other Moslem countries are mostly Sonni) and they have experienced an Islamic revolutionary government for about 25 years now which is almost unique in the region. The Majority of Iranians does not look at Islam the way other Moslem countries do. We have seen how cruel a government can get by applying the absolute religious ethics and values directly to people's everyday life. which is very much relative in nature. We feel it very urgent and strong why a government should be nonreligous why democratic institutions are necessary rather than more Islamic ones.
Besides all these religion based factors, the Iranian culture plays an important role in our overall Identity. The same thing is true for the other side of the line too. Not long time ago the other Moslem countries under the Arab Nationalist and Iraqi flag fought Iran. Being an Arab or an Iranian is not the same thing , we are just coming from two different backgrounds.
Iranian identity
When my son was born I sent a few Iranian names to my colleagues and asked them for their feedback. I was looking for an Iranian name which had an English equivalent or was easy to pronounce in English. One of the guys who is British ( normally the Europeans are much more politically educated and cultivated than north Americans) got back to me with the name Saddam. Of course he was kidding, he told me as a matter of fact Saddam is now a well known name in west and the guy himself is a hero back there. I asked back where? He said in Iran. I said no way, Saddam was no hero in Iran and he'd better go to hell.
He said he had seen many reports coming from Moslem countries showing demonstrations and interviews in favor of Saddam and he thought Iran should not be an exception.
The most difficult thing to explain here is that Iran has a distinct and different identity from most of the Moslem countries. It is difficult to explain this difference, because it exists and does not exist at the same time. In Middle East the most important thing we have in common is the religion: we are Moslem. At the same time the most different aspect is religion: Iranians are Shia ( other Moslem countries are mostly Sonni) and they have experienced an Islamic revolutionary government for about 25 years now which is almost unique in the region. The Majority of Iranians does not look at Islam the way other Moslem countries do. We have seen how cruel a government can get by applying the absolute religious ethics and values directly to people's everyday life. which is very much relative in nature. We feel it very urgent and strong why a government should be nonreligous why democratic institutions are necessary rather than more Islamic ones.
Besides all these religion based factors, the Iranian culture plays an important role in our overall Identity. The same thing is true for the other side of the line too. Not long time ago the other Moslem countries under the Arab Nationalist and Iraqi flag fought Iran. Being an Arab or an Iranian is not the same thing , we are just coming from two different backgrounds.
Hassani
This is a real discourse from Hassani ( Oroumiyeh Friday preacher).
One day he was talking about the revolution and the moral and positive influence of the Islamic revolution on society and he said:
Revolution has given everything to us, it has change our moral and even our people, for example these dear brothers and sisters who attend the Friday prayers today are the very same prostitutes and guys who picked them up during the Shah regime.
He preaches both in Azari ( Tokish) and Fasri. One they he stopped talking Azari and started to talk Farsi and he said:
I am going to say this part in Farsi so that Clinton ( Clinton was the US president at that time) is going to understand too.
This is a real discourse from Hassani ( Oroumiyeh Friday preacher).
One day he was talking about the revolution and the moral and positive influence of the Islamic revolution on society and he said:
Revolution has given everything to us, it has change our moral and even our people, for example these dear brothers and sisters who attend the Friday prayers today are the very same prostitutes and guys who picked them up during the Shah regime.
He preaches both in Azari ( Tokish) and Fasri. One they he stopped talking Azari and started to talk Farsi and he said:
I am going to say this part in Farsi so that Clinton ( Clinton was the US president at that time) is going to understand too.
We badly freaked out yesterday!
I was working in the back yard when my wife came out with our baby in her arms and asked me if Danial my other son is with me. He was not with me and I told her that he wasn't. She was badly shocked and very shaky told me that he was not at home either. Danial is 3 years and 5 months old and recently has learned how to unlock the door at the entrance. I just did not know what I was going to do, I was frozen. After some time I started to running around in the neighborhood and searching in the streets and backyards. After 10 minutes I came back and tired and desperate I was going to call the police but I saw my wife who had found him in the garage playing in the dark and very hot. It was one of the worst experiences we have ever had concerning Danial. Specially with these latest news about the kidnapping and murder of a small girl in Toronto we really freaked out.
I was working in the back yard when my wife came out with our baby in her arms and asked me if Danial my other son is with me. He was not with me and I told her that he wasn't. She was badly shocked and very shaky told me that he was not at home either. Danial is 3 years and 5 months old and recently has learned how to unlock the door at the entrance. I just did not know what I was going to do, I was frozen. After some time I started to running around in the neighborhood and searching in the streets and backyards. After 10 minutes I came back and tired and desperate I was going to call the police but I saw my wife who had found him in the garage playing in the dark and very hot. It was one of the worst experiences we have ever had concerning Danial. Specially with these latest news about the kidnapping and murder of a small girl in Toronto we really freaked out.
Monday, June 23, 2003
New Emam Jom e (Friday Prayers preacher) for Tehran
I read this report of Hassani's speach (Hassani is preacher of Oroumiyeh) about the recent violent protests in Tehran and instantly I got an excellent Idea to bring more people to the friday prayers in Tehran. I suggest Hassani to be the preacher of Tehran's friday prayer. This is going to help both people by having more joy and fun in life and the autorities by showing off more people during the prayers.
even more: for phase two they can introduce him as the Replacement Emam e Jome for all cities in Iran so that everybody can share happiness with Oroumiyeh. Just imagine how many people would like to go and attend and listen to these "Khozabalaat" or "friday stand up comedy" live by Hassani.
I read this report of Hassani's speach (Hassani is preacher of Oroumiyeh) about the recent violent protests in Tehran and instantly I got an excellent Idea to bring more people to the friday prayers in Tehran. I suggest Hassani to be the preacher of Tehran's friday prayer. This is going to help both people by having more joy and fun in life and the autorities by showing off more people during the prayers.
even more: for phase two they can introduce him as the Replacement Emam e Jome for all cities in Iran so that everybody can share happiness with Oroumiyeh. Just imagine how many people would like to go and attend and listen to these "Khozabalaat" or "friday stand up comedy" live by Hassani.
Sunday, June 22, 2003
Read this article from Mr. Behnoud
I just read this article from mr. Behnoud. For people who are in Iran it may sound alright, but here I can feel this awful feeling. When my Canadian friends and colleagues ask about violence and Eslam and Iran I have nothing to say about that. Whatever you say to justify and explain what is happening in Iran, they are seeing the contrary on TV and in News. Look at the events during the revolution, the Iran Iraq war, the Conservatives and Hezbollah and Mojahedeen and so on. We are going to transform into a nation with a culture of violence. No matter how much you talk about the great Iranian cultural heritage it is in vain, international community is witnessing something else.
Iranian Governement should give general amnesty to the simple members of Mojahedeen. I am sure Great Iranian nation can pardon its very own children who once betrayed Iran. I saw a picture of some of these guys in Iraq and I felt pity for these guys who look so old and broken now. They are victims of Rajavi's organization and their own hatred. It is time for pardon and cool.
Long live Iran, Long live great Iranian Nation
I just read this article from mr. Behnoud. For people who are in Iran it may sound alright, but here I can feel this awful feeling. When my Canadian friends and colleagues ask about violence and Eslam and Iran I have nothing to say about that. Whatever you say to justify and explain what is happening in Iran, they are seeing the contrary on TV and in News. Look at the events during the revolution, the Iran Iraq war, the Conservatives and Hezbollah and Mojahedeen and so on. We are going to transform into a nation with a culture of violence. No matter how much you talk about the great Iranian cultural heritage it is in vain, international community is witnessing something else.
Iranian Governement should give general amnesty to the simple members of Mojahedeen. I am sure Great Iranian nation can pardon its very own children who once betrayed Iran. I saw a picture of some of these guys in Iraq and I felt pity for these guys who look so old and broken now. They are victims of Rajavi's organization and their own hatred. It is time for pardon and cool.
Long live Iran, Long live great Iranian Nation
Friday, June 20, 2003
Conspiracy Theory
I read an article from Mr. Behnoud. There was a mention of somebody who had commented that Americans would attack Iran if Iranians push to the end. But I don't think this attack is going to happen at all. I know I may sound like Daei Jaan Napoleon but I believe Iranian conservatives and Americans are cooperating to keep Iran as weak as possible. What I am seeing is a complete coordination among these two sides, they offer each other the required pretexts to undermine and put more pressure on Iranian people. Why should Americans want to topple Iranian regime? Why they don't do any thing against Saudi Arabia or Jordan or Egypt or...? Dictatorship is good and they like it, if they buy the dictator ( which experience has shown it to be possible) they own the country. The reason for which they are interested in Iran is that Iran is showing some kind of democratic behavior and Americans want to make sure that democracy is not going to happen here.
All my life I have been making fun of the people who use conspiracy theory to resolve all the issues. Now I am getting to believe in such a conspiracy in Iranian affairs. I can't believe that the American and Iranian conservatives have common interests just by accident.
If one day Americans attack Iran it will be just because we may have got too close to be a democratic and strong nation . Until then there is no rush for a military option because they are just doing well alonside with fellow Iranian conservatives in stopping the democratic process in Iran.
I read an article from Mr. Behnoud. There was a mention of somebody who had commented that Americans would attack Iran if Iranians push to the end. But I don't think this attack is going to happen at all. I know I may sound like Daei Jaan Napoleon but I believe Iranian conservatives and Americans are cooperating to keep Iran as weak as possible. What I am seeing is a complete coordination among these two sides, they offer each other the required pretexts to undermine and put more pressure on Iranian people. Why should Americans want to topple Iranian regime? Why they don't do any thing against Saudi Arabia or Jordan or Egypt or...? Dictatorship is good and they like it, if they buy the dictator ( which experience has shown it to be possible) they own the country. The reason for which they are interested in Iran is that Iran is showing some kind of democratic behavior and Americans want to make sure that democracy is not going to happen here.
All my life I have been making fun of the people who use conspiracy theory to resolve all the issues. Now I am getting to believe in such a conspiracy in Iranian affairs. I can't believe that the American and Iranian conservatives have common interests just by accident.
If one day Americans attack Iran it will be just because we may have got too close to be a democratic and strong nation . Until then there is no rush for a military option because they are just doing well alonside with fellow Iranian conservatives in stopping the democratic process in Iran.
Too much Politics!?
The first time I decided to write in my web log it was not intended to be only political. When I look at the writings now, I see the majority of the postings are political. This is against my willing but it shows how much sensitive we are toward Iran's affairs even though we are not living in Iran.
I am going to try to write about other subjects too. It is good for me to turn to different stuff reserving some mental energy.
The first time I decided to write in my web log it was not intended to be only political. When I look at the writings now, I see the majority of the postings are political. This is against my willing but it shows how much sensitive we are toward Iran's affairs even though we are not living in Iran.
I am going to try to write about other subjects too. It is good for me to turn to different stuff reserving some mental energy.
Act of terrorism or what?
I can not stop thinking to guys who burned themselves for objecting to the arrest of Maryam Rajavi and some other Mojaheds in France.
Burning oneself is not in my list of possible ways of protesting against something. My first impression is that this idea ( lets burn ourselves in objection to ...) is an organizational decision. I mean some guys have come up with this brilliant idea in Mojahedeen's higher hierarchy and then it has circulated among the members. Then like any other organization (even sadaam Hossein had his own Fadaee ) there are some obedient and loyal members who volunteer for anything prescribed and encouraged from higher levels of hierarchy. You remember the first Iraq's suicide bomber was an army officer, in another one two women were involved, one of them was pregnant. I can't see how an Iraqi army officer or a pregnant woman can volunteer for a suicide mission.
Another thing that suggests these burnings are the result of an organizational move rather than personal frustration is that there are more people burning themselves in each protest. If you look at the people that are burning you will see that they are mature and middle aged guys that usually their actions are expected to be rational rather than emotional. What I mean is that some devoted hard core members have executed this new organization's tactic to attract world's attention and that is not the result of personal despair at all. This is the same thing as suicide bombing. The violent act is a violent act either you apply it to your self or somebody else. This is scary because it is not personal, this comes from top. These guys burned themselves ( and their fellow Mojahed brother and sisters watched and hailed them burning), they could burn anybody else, it all depends on the orders and their leaders.
This is an act of terrorism, are'nt you terrorized looking at those Mojaheds burning in flames? Do you think people who set themselves on fire burn differently from other people being set on fire by somebody else? that scary act and result is there, the mentality is the same.
If there is going to be a judgment day I am sure many Iranian political figures are going to be in trouble, including the Rajavi family and Khomeini who should pay for all lives lost and all the human sufferings resulting from their lifetime achievements.
I can not stop thinking to guys who burned themselves for objecting to the arrest of Maryam Rajavi and some other Mojaheds in France.
Burning oneself is not in my list of possible ways of protesting against something. My first impression is that this idea ( lets burn ourselves in objection to ...) is an organizational decision. I mean some guys have come up with this brilliant idea in Mojahedeen's higher hierarchy and then it has circulated among the members. Then like any other organization (even sadaam Hossein had his own Fadaee ) there are some obedient and loyal members who volunteer for anything prescribed and encouraged from higher levels of hierarchy. You remember the first Iraq's suicide bomber was an army officer, in another one two women were involved, one of them was pregnant. I can't see how an Iraqi army officer or a pregnant woman can volunteer for a suicide mission.
Another thing that suggests these burnings are the result of an organizational move rather than personal frustration is that there are more people burning themselves in each protest. If you look at the people that are burning you will see that they are mature and middle aged guys that usually their actions are expected to be rational rather than emotional. What I mean is that some devoted hard core members have executed this new organization's tactic to attract world's attention and that is not the result of personal despair at all. This is the same thing as suicide bombing. The violent act is a violent act either you apply it to your self or somebody else. This is scary because it is not personal, this comes from top. These guys burned themselves ( and their fellow Mojahed brother and sisters watched and hailed them burning), they could burn anybody else, it all depends on the orders and their leaders.
This is an act of terrorism, are'nt you terrorized looking at those Mojaheds burning in flames? Do you think people who set themselves on fire burn differently from other people being set on fire by somebody else? that scary act and result is there, the mentality is the same.
If there is going to be a judgment day I am sure many Iranian political figures are going to be in trouble, including the Rajavi family and Khomeini who should pay for all lives lost and all the human sufferings resulting from their lifetime achievements.
Thursday, June 19, 2003
Self burning
I saw some very disturbing images of a few Mojahed people burning themselves. I was sick in the stomac. I could not believe that. I could not see why these guys do that. The most strange thing was that they are not young people. What kind of impression do they want really to give to world. I am so afraid of these guys, anybody who can do such a thing to himself won't show pity for somebody else.
I read a good article from Majid Mohamadi about khatami and Mojahedeen. I am critical of both sides but as he has nicely said there are some principles which should be applied to any human being.
I saw some very disturbing images of a few Mojahed people burning themselves. I was sick in the stomac. I could not believe that. I could not see why these guys do that. The most strange thing was that they are not young people. What kind of impression do they want really to give to world. I am so afraid of these guys, anybody who can do such a thing to himself won't show pity for somebody else.
I read a good article from Majid Mohamadi about khatami and Mojahedeen. I am critical of both sides but as he has nicely said there are some principles which should be applied to any human being.
Wednesday, June 18, 2003
What should we do?
I read in the news that some of the Iranian intellectuals have signed and sent a letter to UN. One of the guys who has signed this letter is Ebrahim Nabavi. I read his interview about this letter and his motives to sign that. He was talking about the necessity of the involvement of the international community in Iranian issues. Like applying more sanctions and so on. I am not convinced if it is going to work that way. More sanctions is going to put more pressure on people. At the end government does not care about the resolutions and is going to buy the needed stuff from black market and the people are going to pay for that.
I really don't know what is the best thing to do, but I've got the feeling that the reactions of the international comunity( In particular the west) is very much dependent on their economical concerns and interests. On the other hand UN has just shown to lack enough autority dealing with much more important issues, so what should we expect from UN?
I don't see anyone else other than Iranian people being able and rightful to cleanup the mess.
I read in the news that some of the Iranian intellectuals have signed and sent a letter to UN. One of the guys who has signed this letter is Ebrahim Nabavi. I read his interview about this letter and his motives to sign that. He was talking about the necessity of the involvement of the international community in Iranian issues. Like applying more sanctions and so on. I am not convinced if it is going to work that way. More sanctions is going to put more pressure on people. At the end government does not care about the resolutions and is going to buy the needed stuff from black market and the people are going to pay for that.
I really don't know what is the best thing to do, but I've got the feeling that the reactions of the international comunity( In particular the west) is very much dependent on their economical concerns and interests. On the other hand UN has just shown to lack enough autority dealing with much more important issues, so what should we expect from UN?
I don't see anyone else other than Iranian people being able and rightful to cleanup the mess.
Tuesday, June 17, 2003
They sold Iranians to Saddam for nothing!
The most detested and disgusting political parties and groups in Iran are those who have betrayed their nation and have sold their people's dignity and pride for nothing. I am talking about the Mojahedeen e khalgh in particular. Even now I can't see how an Iranian can refuge to saddam's haven, the sworn enemy of Iranian people to fight for an allegedly Iranian cause.
For the simple members who have been in Iraq under strict military and organizational protocols I would show some understanding for the low level of the information and political insight. But I don't understand what is wrong with the outside supporters in the west? Is it realy that hard to see and understand the obvious facts and the very basic moral principles? I don't know. But I wish the violent movements in Iran will stop sometime and people get enough experience in life to know who is a friend and what treason and loyalty mean.
At the end I will be very happy to see them gone, as happy as seeing Ansar e Hezbollah and all other violent groups out of Iranian politics.
The most detested and disgusting political parties and groups in Iran are those who have betrayed their nation and have sold their people's dignity and pride for nothing. I am talking about the Mojahedeen e khalgh in particular. Even now I can't see how an Iranian can refuge to saddam's haven, the sworn enemy of Iranian people to fight for an allegedly Iranian cause.
For the simple members who have been in Iraq under strict military and organizational protocols I would show some understanding for the low level of the information and political insight. But I don't understand what is wrong with the outside supporters in the west? Is it realy that hard to see and understand the obvious facts and the very basic moral principles? I don't know. But I wish the violent movements in Iran will stop sometime and people get enough experience in life to know who is a friend and what treason and loyalty mean.
At the end I will be very happy to see them gone, as happy as seeing Ansar e Hezbollah and all other violent groups out of Iranian politics.
Monday, June 16, 2003
Violence can destroy us
Iranians does not afford another period of violence. Let's get cool and think, instead of blowing up everything.
I am seeing more people thinking that USA's meddling in Iran's affairs is damaging the reform movement. Some may believe that it is because of the lack of the information or experience of American administration about Iran and its political and cultural nature, but I believe strongly that Americans know exactly what they are doing.
Iranians does not afford another period of violence. Let's get cool and think, instead of blowing up everything.
I am seeing more people thinking that USA's meddling in Iran's affairs is damaging the reform movement. Some may believe that it is because of the lack of the information or experience of American administration about Iran and its political and cultural nature, but I believe strongly that Americans know exactly what they are doing.
Patience and reason
If we could be more patient and rational!
Sometimes I think because of the lack of leadership in reform camp the drive for democracy in Iran which is the youth's demands and presence could stop the reformist and democratic process. I am sure in a couple of years official reformers will be able to draw a line between their religeous beliefes and governing concepts. I think most of the Iranian people have already made that distinction and in that sense these politicians are lagging behind.
If we could be more patient and rational!
Sometimes I think because of the lack of leadership in reform camp the drive for democracy in Iran which is the youth's demands and presence could stop the reformist and democratic process. I am sure in a couple of years official reformers will be able to draw a line between their religeous beliefes and governing concepts. I think most of the Iranian people have already made that distinction and in that sense these politicians are lagging behind.
Just beautifully said
I just read this report about Dr. Soroush's speach in England. It makes lots of sense to me. Could you believe this system being capable of committing all kind of cruelty (I realy mean all kind ) in the name of god and religion? Mohsen Kadivar had recently compared the Islamic republic's judiciary system with the judiciary system of Pahlavi era, he had said that Pahlavi regime's judges (civil courts)were much more honest and knowledgable than these now clergy judges.
I just read this report about Dr. Soroush's speach in England. It makes lots of sense to me. Could you believe this system being capable of committing all kind of cruelty (I realy mean all kind ) in the name of god and religion? Mohsen Kadivar had recently compared the Islamic republic's judiciary system with the judiciary system of Pahlavi era, he had said that Pahlavi regime's judges (civil courts)were much more honest and knowledgable than these now clergy judges.
Sunday, June 15, 2003
Read this article
Read this article from Gooya news. This is from Majid Mohammadi. I think he has done a very good analysis of these violent protests in Tehran. People should not play the hardliner's game ( any hardliner, right or left ) who are master of violence.
Read this article from Gooya news. This is from Majid Mohammadi. I think he has done a very good analysis of these violent protests in Tehran. People should not play the hardliner's game ( any hardliner, right or left ) who are master of violence.
Saturday, June 14, 2003
I am confused
I am getting nervouse about these riots and fights in Tehran. The conservatives may want to get rid of reform demands once for all. They would let the protests to grow to a size which is big enough for propaganda and at the same time small enough for them to smash. Like what happend at Khordad 1360 with the stupid move from Mojahedin. I don't think violence and violent moves are going to solve any problem. on the other hand feeling hopeless and helpless is a drive for youth's anarchist behavior.
Sepah ( revolutionary guards) has been dangerously quiet about these protests?
From news I have read that Police is doing a good job to separate two sides of conflict?
I am getting nervouse about these riots and fights in Tehran. The conservatives may want to get rid of reform demands once for all. They would let the protests to grow to a size which is big enough for propaganda and at the same time small enough for them to smash. Like what happend at Khordad 1360 with the stupid move from Mojahedin. I don't think violence and violent moves are going to solve any problem. on the other hand feeling hopeless and helpless is a drive for youth's anarchist behavior.
Sepah ( revolutionary guards) has been dangerously quiet about these protests?
From news I have read that Police is doing a good job to separate two sides of conflict?
Friday, June 13, 2003
USA please Shut up!
I wish US administration would shut the hell up for a while. They are providing pretext and evidence to conservative public propaganda machine against the people's peacefull reform mouvement in Iran.
Next move is coming from fellow Iranian hardliners, just watch the nice harmony.
I wish US administration would shut the hell up for a while. They are providing pretext and evidence to conservative public propaganda machine against the people's peacefull reform mouvement in Iran.
Next move is coming from fellow Iranian hardliners, just watch the nice harmony.
Thursday, June 12, 2003
United conservative front ( Iran and US) against Iranian People
Just read Khameneii's speach about the riots in Tehran. Don't you think this guy is getting fresh official updates from fellow Americans? I can't imagine other than a very high level coordination between two conservative governments which brings about such an excellent syncronization and leads them to their common goal. Believe it or not these guys are helping each other magnificently. Is it by accident that whatever stances both governments take ends up in putting Iranian people under more pressure ?
The funny part of this so called leader's speach is where he says that USA is talking frankly about the methods they are going to use against Iranian regime. From when do you think USA has become trust worthy and frank?
This guy is either stupid and manipulative or smart. However I don't believe he is the head of conservative movement but their symbol.
Just read Khameneii's speach about the riots in Tehran. Don't you think this guy is getting fresh official updates from fellow Americans? I can't imagine other than a very high level coordination between two conservative governments which brings about such an excellent syncronization and leads them to their common goal. Believe it or not these guys are helping each other magnificently. Is it by accident that whatever stances both governments take ends up in putting Iranian people under more pressure ?
The funny part of this so called leader's speach is where he says that USA is talking frankly about the methods they are going to use against Iranian regime. From when do you think USA has become trust worthy and frank?
This guy is either stupid and manipulative or smart. However I don't believe he is the head of conservative movement but their symbol.
What next?
The political situation in Iran is so tricky these days. nobody knows what is going to happen next. My impression is that Khatami and the insider reformists are completely losing the ground. We are going to see more conservative presence and down the road the outsider kind of reformist activities will emerge. Iranian people are going to play a crucial role in this conflict. If they step aside ( that is a very real possibility, we have developed this habit from long time ago) and just watch the game, the violent conservative camp is the winner. I feel hopeless and helpless, I wish some kind of miracle happens ( not likely though!).
The political situation in Iran is so tricky these days. nobody knows what is going to happen next. My impression is that Khatami and the insider reformists are completely losing the ground. We are going to see more conservative presence and down the road the outsider kind of reformist activities will emerge. Iranian people are going to play a crucial role in this conflict. If they step aside ( that is a very real possibility, we have developed this habit from long time ago) and just watch the game, the violent conservative camp is the winner. I feel hopeless and helpless, I wish some kind of miracle happens ( not likely though!).
Wednesday, June 11, 2003
"Yek seri javan e ehsasati ye shahrestani"
You may guess where this title is coming from. It is commented from HODER Persian blog. I do agree with the content of Hoder's posting about yesterday's riot in Tehran. It is not the time for these violent activities, the most important reason is that the conservative opponent is the master of that game and the civilized rational people are not. The other thing is that all kind of violent expression is going to damage the reformist cause and ...
Anyway what I wanted to say is that I did not like the kind of insulting language that Hoder had used by saying " Bunch of emotional countryside young fellows". Being Ehsasati or emotional is not bad at all specially for young people, it is their drive for pushing forward and it does not need to end up in violent behavior. I am not seeing anything wrong to be from countryside or a place other than Tehran either, as a mater of fact most Iranians are included in that category. The other thing is that most of the time guys who do not have anything to lose are most likely the ones who do engage in courageous undertakings ( any kind of civil polytical activity these days in Iran) which do not need to be violent at all. If the rioters can be generalized with terms and descriptions like emotional ,countryside and young, we should see these riots in other cities which are full of young emotional non Tehrani fellows. But they are happening in Tehran.
As a matter of fact It is very easy to brand people and judge them based on their background or appearance but it is much more positive to use a respectful language and start to look at things more deeply.
You may guess where this title is coming from. It is commented from HODER Persian blog. I do agree with the content of Hoder's posting about yesterday's riot in Tehran. It is not the time for these violent activities, the most important reason is that the conservative opponent is the master of that game and the civilized rational people are not. The other thing is that all kind of violent expression is going to damage the reformist cause and ...
Anyway what I wanted to say is that I did not like the kind of insulting language that Hoder had used by saying " Bunch of emotional countryside young fellows". Being Ehsasati or emotional is not bad at all specially for young people, it is their drive for pushing forward and it does not need to end up in violent behavior. I am not seeing anything wrong to be from countryside or a place other than Tehran either, as a mater of fact most Iranians are included in that category. The other thing is that most of the time guys who do not have anything to lose are most likely the ones who do engage in courageous undertakings ( any kind of civil polytical activity these days in Iran) which do not need to be violent at all. If the rioters can be generalized with terms and descriptions like emotional ,countryside and young, we should see these riots in other cities which are full of young emotional non Tehrani fellows. But they are happening in Tehran.
As a matter of fact It is very easy to brand people and judge them based on their background or appearance but it is much more positive to use a respectful language and start to look at things more deeply.
Whose fault is this mess anyway?
I got some message from a fellow Iranian concerning what has been happening in Iran all these years. I understand that as an individual we are in the middle of every thing and we can not look at events in Iran in an impartial way, but let's try. We have been living in an autocratic system for such a long time ( more than 2500 years )and it is kind of natural if we have got some related behaviors in our culture. As a whole the result of the revolution was that we replaced a bad regime with another one which was essentially worse ( it could be better and our intent was to get a democratic system). But If we look at that from another viewpoint we may see it as the first partially successful attempt for change of a people ( at least for a couple of months!) that has been loving freedom and living under oppression for centuries. Have we ever been governing ourselves before? Has the Iranians' opinion had any official value ever in this country before? Look ! We just behave and treat our kids and family at home the very same way the authorities treat us in the society. Like it or not our culture and collective behavior have been affected by all these years of living under absolute autocratic rulers. It is not fault of any single person as a leader of revolution or any specific polytical movement or I don't know what. In my opinion , in our case whatever has happened is the fault of Iranian nation as a whole. The average Iranian has missed the target. We have gone stray. Until we get big in number and push forward nothing is going to change and history may repeat itself again and again. However I think it may not be a waste of time if we don't let it go. Just lets don't try to forget anything, if we had worked on our long term memory we could have saved some precious time.
I got some message from a fellow Iranian concerning what has been happening in Iran all these years. I understand that as an individual we are in the middle of every thing and we can not look at events in Iran in an impartial way, but let's try. We have been living in an autocratic system for such a long time ( more than 2500 years )and it is kind of natural if we have got some related behaviors in our culture. As a whole the result of the revolution was that we replaced a bad regime with another one which was essentially worse ( it could be better and our intent was to get a democratic system). But If we look at that from another viewpoint we may see it as the first partially successful attempt for change of a people ( at least for a couple of months!) that has been loving freedom and living under oppression for centuries. Have we ever been governing ourselves before? Has the Iranians' opinion had any official value ever in this country before? Look ! We just behave and treat our kids and family at home the very same way the authorities treat us in the society. Like it or not our culture and collective behavior have been affected by all these years of living under absolute autocratic rulers. It is not fault of any single person as a leader of revolution or any specific polytical movement or I don't know what. In my opinion , in our case whatever has happened is the fault of Iranian nation as a whole. The average Iranian has missed the target. We have gone stray. Until we get big in number and push forward nothing is going to change and history may repeat itself again and again. However I think it may not be a waste of time if we don't let it go. Just lets don't try to forget anything, if we had worked on our long term memory we could have saved some precious time.
Monday, June 09, 2003
Real time incubation
I was 12 when revolution happened in Iran. As a kid one thing that I could not understand was how come a human being can kill or torture the other humans. I could not believe the stories which were flying around about SAVAK and other tortures and killings and Shah's family specially the stories being told about Ashraf was so unbelievable to me. The post revolution era was a great opportunity for me to see how those kind of behaviors and people are developped and created.
These conservatives and the new Iranian religious and economical Mafia are the very simple guys of the first days of revolution and now just look at them and see what crimes they are capable of comitting.
The lack of experience of Iranian people concering the democratic behavior and their responsibilities just ended up to replacement of a totalitarian system with something worse and now we are paying for that. I try to see the full part of the glass, at the bottom of my heart I believe these lessons are learned and going to be added to the collective memory of Iranian Nation and all the sufferings and pains are not in vain.
Lets dream for better days and democracy and wish for return of Iranians' deserved dignity.
I was 12 when revolution happened in Iran. As a kid one thing that I could not understand was how come a human being can kill or torture the other humans. I could not believe the stories which were flying around about SAVAK and other tortures and killings and Shah's family specially the stories being told about Ashraf was so unbelievable to me. The post revolution era was a great opportunity for me to see how those kind of behaviors and people are developped and created.
These conservatives and the new Iranian religious and economical Mafia are the very simple guys of the first days of revolution and now just look at them and see what crimes they are capable of comitting.
The lack of experience of Iranian people concering the democratic behavior and their responsibilities just ended up to replacement of a totalitarian system with something worse and now we are paying for that. I try to see the full part of the glass, at the bottom of my heart I believe these lessons are learned and going to be added to the collective memory of Iranian Nation and all the sufferings and pains are not in vain.
Lets dream for better days and democracy and wish for return of Iranians' deserved dignity.
Paying a visit to Iran
Today I told my wife that during this coming Norouz we should go to Iran for a visit. Given our catastrophic economical conditions ( Eftezaah! God bless line of credit !) It is not a reasonable decision to make, at least with the living standards here. But the matter of the fact is that our parents are dangerously getting old ( +70 ) and we are getting more worried about them everyday. I hate being far away in case anything happens ( God forbids!) but it is the faith what do you want to do? At least we could visit them more frequently while they are around.
My older son loves Iran and he believes all the airplanes flying in the sky are going to Iran. He is 3 years and 4 month old and he speaks Farsi very good and just because of the kids population in our familly I am sure when we arrive in Iran he is going to improve a great deal in Farsi.
The bad part of the trip for me is that I can never consider myself as a guest. I don't really like invitations and parties and instead I'd rather to hang around and talk with people. I want to see my friends and get inside the life there and the result is when I return I am tired like hell mentally and phisicaly. I am sure with two kids it is going to be different, I am sure I am going to be more conformist at least for their sake. I remember how embarasing I was for my wife, parents and my in laws during our first visit to Iran, when I said I am not going to go to any familly party and I partially didn't. Later on I knew how much pain I had given to both famillies for being so selfish, I wanted them to understand that I'd got 3 weeks there and I wanted to do wathever I wanted to. Now I let it go, no struggle no conflict I am like a little lamb, specially whatever my parents and kids say during our visit is like law for me (I am exagerating but I try my best).
Today I told my wife that during this coming Norouz we should go to Iran for a visit. Given our catastrophic economical conditions ( Eftezaah! God bless line of credit !) It is not a reasonable decision to make, at least with the living standards here. But the matter of the fact is that our parents are dangerously getting old ( +70 ) and we are getting more worried about them everyday. I hate being far away in case anything happens ( God forbids!) but it is the faith what do you want to do? At least we could visit them more frequently while they are around.
My older son loves Iran and he believes all the airplanes flying in the sky are going to Iran. He is 3 years and 4 month old and he speaks Farsi very good and just because of the kids population in our familly I am sure when we arrive in Iran he is going to improve a great deal in Farsi.
The bad part of the trip for me is that I can never consider myself as a guest. I don't really like invitations and parties and instead I'd rather to hang around and talk with people. I want to see my friends and get inside the life there and the result is when I return I am tired like hell mentally and phisicaly. I am sure with two kids it is going to be different, I am sure I am going to be more conformist at least for their sake. I remember how embarasing I was for my wife, parents and my in laws during our first visit to Iran, when I said I am not going to go to any familly party and I partially didn't. Later on I knew how much pain I had given to both famillies for being so selfish, I wanted them to understand that I'd got 3 weeks there and I wanted to do wathever I wanted to. Now I let it go, no struggle no conflict I am like a little lamb, specially whatever my parents and kids say during our visit is like law for me (I am exagerating but I try my best).
Saturday, June 07, 2003
First days in Canada
I was remembering my first days in Canada. We had applied for immigration to Quebec because I could speak French and when I was applying in Syria I noticed that Quebec immigration center is flying the flies ( Pashe mipparoone!) so I went there and ...
It took us 3 months to get the immigration papers and after 6 months we were ready to move ( me and my wife). We arrived in Montreal. A friend had rented an apartment for us, a little bit expensive but acceptable in our situation. the funny thing was that I started to speak French at the airport ( Mirable at the time) but surprisingly I could not understand a word. I backed off and started to speak English at least everybody was speaking a second language and for me it was easier to communicate. After a couple of months I was used to the strong French accent of Quebeqers and I started timidly to speak French.
The worst part of those days was my first appointment with an immigration officer concerning the employment. Because I already knew speaking French I did not took part in Quebec government's French courses. I got to the office and I started to talk about my situation and the fact that I had not been able to find any job yet. With an arrogant attitude she explained how we were considered under qualified and as an engineer I would better go and find a technician or a simple job and after a few years I should start to attain the high level of qualifications required here in Canada, I was reminded about the difficulties of immigration to Canada too ( something we knew already!). You know what? I was stunned. As an immigration officer she should not talk to me like that. Her impression of immigrants was a bunch of guys coming from nowhere( Poshte kooh) and who don't distinguish their left hands from right and their engineering credentials are equivalent to elementary schools in Canada. Now I see how that woman has been sincere about his feelings and how bad she has been selected for that job. Many people think the very same way here but they don't speak out their minds. However after September 11th I am seeing more of those kind of reactions and talks. Any ways I did not listen to that bitch and instead I followed the recommendations of a fellow compatriot, I applied for a graduate program at Montreal university, after getting my master degrees I got a job quickly. Life is better now and I have realized that like any other place you can find all kind of people here, some people are snub some people are not, just open up, don't generalize and try to have a strong connection to your own ethnic community or people like yourself.
Anyways you should work your way out and prove that you deserve what you are asking for.
I was remembering my first days in Canada. We had applied for immigration to Quebec because I could speak French and when I was applying in Syria I noticed that Quebec immigration center is flying the flies ( Pashe mipparoone!) so I went there and ...
It took us 3 months to get the immigration papers and after 6 months we were ready to move ( me and my wife). We arrived in Montreal. A friend had rented an apartment for us, a little bit expensive but acceptable in our situation. the funny thing was that I started to speak French at the airport ( Mirable at the time) but surprisingly I could not understand a word. I backed off and started to speak English at least everybody was speaking a second language and for me it was easier to communicate. After a couple of months I was used to the strong French accent of Quebeqers and I started timidly to speak French.
The worst part of those days was my first appointment with an immigration officer concerning the employment. Because I already knew speaking French I did not took part in Quebec government's French courses. I got to the office and I started to talk about my situation and the fact that I had not been able to find any job yet. With an arrogant attitude she explained how we were considered under qualified and as an engineer I would better go and find a technician or a simple job and after a few years I should start to attain the high level of qualifications required here in Canada, I was reminded about the difficulties of immigration to Canada too ( something we knew already!). You know what? I was stunned. As an immigration officer she should not talk to me like that. Her impression of immigrants was a bunch of guys coming from nowhere( Poshte kooh) and who don't distinguish their left hands from right and their engineering credentials are equivalent to elementary schools in Canada. Now I see how that woman has been sincere about his feelings and how bad she has been selected for that job. Many people think the very same way here but they don't speak out their minds. However after September 11th I am seeing more of those kind of reactions and talks. Any ways I did not listen to that bitch and instead I followed the recommendations of a fellow compatriot, I applied for a graduate program at Montreal university, after getting my master degrees I got a job quickly. Life is better now and I have realized that like any other place you can find all kind of people here, some people are snub some people are not, just open up, don't generalize and try to have a strong connection to your own ethnic community or people like yourself.
Anyways you should work your way out and prove that you deserve what you are asking for.
Friday, June 06, 2003
First generation immigrants
As a first generation immigrant we face a big cultural challenge in life. I am sure our kids are much more cooler and they won't see such a cultural barrier.
We had a lunch get to gether at our new start up company this noon. I am the only middle eastern and with a Chinese guy ( who was absent ) we are the only immigrants there. I could not stay there just because I could not fit into that group. The jokes the interests and all the rest are not simply mine. Sometimes because I don't want to be rude or because after all they are nice guys I hang out with them and participate in collective joking around and stuff but it is not me.
As a first generation immigrant we face a big cultural challenge in life. I am sure our kids are much more cooler and they won't see such a cultural barrier.
We had a lunch get to gether at our new start up company this noon. I am the only middle eastern and with a Chinese guy ( who was absent ) we are the only immigrants there. I could not stay there just because I could not fit into that group. The jokes the interests and all the rest are not simply mine. Sometimes because I don't want to be rude or because after all they are nice guys I hang out with them and participate in collective joking around and stuff but it is not me.
Wednesday, June 04, 2003
My Sons
My younger son ( Rayan) has just turned 1 month. You just forget how they grow up. I am sure we have had the same experience with the first one ( Danial) but everything is just new and interesting again. The good thing is that Danial ( 3 years old ) is showing much more affection twoard his brother ( Dadash Rayan) than we expected. Showing Danial his own baby pictures and comparing them to Rayan helped a lot.
My younger son ( Rayan) has just turned 1 month. You just forget how they grow up. I am sure we have had the same experience with the first one ( Danial) but everything is just new and interesting again. The good thing is that Danial ( 3 years old ) is showing much more affection twoard his brother ( Dadash Rayan) than we expected. Showing Danial his own baby pictures and comparing them to Rayan helped a lot.
Tuesday, June 03, 2003
Americans and Canadians
Have you noticed how much Canadians insist on being different from Americans? Don't you think they are saying that and repeat it all the time just because in fact they are very similar?
Ask me, they are no different. The only part of Canada which may claim being different is Quebec. Common origin, language, geopolitical situation and very common economical interests have been important defining elements for shaping these two nations. As an imigrant I see no difference, as a matter of fact the differences between Canadians and Americans are not more than the local differences in U.S.A itself.
Have you noticed how much Canadians insist on being different from Americans? Don't you think they are saying that and repeat it all the time just because in fact they are very similar?
Ask me, they are no different. The only part of Canada which may claim being different is Quebec. Common origin, language, geopolitical situation and very common economical interests have been important defining elements for shaping these two nations. As an imigrant I see no difference, as a matter of fact the differences between Canadians and Americans are not more than the local differences in U.S.A itself.
God Bless Oil!
This morning on my way to work I was listening to Radio, some guy from UN was complaining about the G8 summit leaders and the promises which are made there and at the time are huge but nobody really sees anything afterward. He was telling the reporter that the last year summit's focus was Africa and this year they are talking about Iraq with the same enthusiasm. Meanwhile they have not done anything in Africa ( more than what they were doing of course). You remember the same thing happened in Afghanestan too. No constructions yet. Destruction is much easier than construction. Africa is the western world's responsibility ,they have been abusing this continent for such a long time, they owe a lot to those people. It is time to go with long term solutions, it is time to recognize that we are living on the same planet and in long run whatever happens at some point is going to affect all the planet sooner or later, in a way or another.
In some sense Iraq is the luckiest, because of the oil it will attract western nations for construction and whatever they say about their love in human values I keep saying God bless oil.
This morning on my way to work I was listening to Radio, some guy from UN was complaining about the G8 summit leaders and the promises which are made there and at the time are huge but nobody really sees anything afterward. He was telling the reporter that the last year summit's focus was Africa and this year they are talking about Iraq with the same enthusiasm. Meanwhile they have not done anything in Africa ( more than what they were doing of course). You remember the same thing happened in Afghanestan too. No constructions yet. Destruction is much easier than construction. Africa is the western world's responsibility ,they have been abusing this continent for such a long time, they owe a lot to those people. It is time to go with long term solutions, it is time to recognize that we are living on the same planet and in long run whatever happens at some point is going to affect all the planet sooner or later, in a way or another.
In some sense Iraq is the luckiest, because of the oil it will attract western nations for construction and whatever they say about their love in human values I keep saying God bless oil.
Sunday, June 01, 2003
Khatami is done, get off the train!
What is the point here? What Khatami is doing?
What we are seeing is that the hardliners are abusing Khatami's patience, at least reform camp is saying that. But what do you think Khatami will do if he has to chose between a nonreligeous democratic government and a conservative ruled Islamic one?
I don't really know what the answer is but I feel he would prefer to stay only Islamic rather than only democratic.
What is the point here? What Khatami is doing?
What we are seeing is that the hardliners are abusing Khatami's patience, at least reform camp is saying that. But what do you think Khatami will do if he has to chose between a nonreligeous democratic government and a conservative ruled Islamic one?
I don't really know what the answer is but I feel he would prefer to stay only Islamic rather than only democratic.
No principles!
If it was not because of the animosity toward the reform movement and the will of nation, the conservative faction had reestablished the relation with U.S. long time ago. They are ready to do anything except submission to people and nation. For the time being name of U.S. is like a no good sticker they put on reformers' front to punch them out of the ring. But when they are done U.S. is going to be enough friendly and charming to have romance with in public. Look at Ayatollah Hakim. He has submitted quietly like a good boy to fellow American soldiers. Badr devision are going to give up their arms and I am sure after some time they will keep quiet completely. As long as they can do Ashura and Tasua and they get Khoms and Zekat and they have general population under control, life is beautiful.
Something like national interest does not exist in their dictionaries.
If it was not because of the animosity toward the reform movement and the will of nation, the conservative faction had reestablished the relation with U.S. long time ago. They are ready to do anything except submission to people and nation. For the time being name of U.S. is like a no good sticker they put on reformers' front to punch them out of the ring. But when they are done U.S. is going to be enough friendly and charming to have romance with in public. Look at Ayatollah Hakim. He has submitted quietly like a good boy to fellow American soldiers. Badr devision are going to give up their arms and I am sure after some time they will keep quiet completely. As long as they can do Ashura and Tasua and they get Khoms and Zekat and they have general population under control, life is beautiful.
Something like national interest does not exist in their dictionaries.
Saturday, May 31, 2003
Friday, May 30, 2003
Iranian identity
When my son was born I sent a few Iranian names to my colleagues and asked them for their feedback. I was looking for an Iranian name which had an English equivalent or was easy to pronounce in English. One of the guys who is British ( normally the Europeans are much more politically educated and cultivated than north Americans) got back to me with the name Saddam. Of course he was kidding, he told me as a matter of fact Saddam is now a well known name in west and the guy himself is a hero back there. I asked back where? He said in Iran. I said no way, Saddam was no hero in Iran and he'd better go to hell.
He said he had seen many reports coming from Moslem countries showing demonstrations and interviews in favor of Saddam and he thought Iran should not be an exception.
The most difficult thing to explain here is that Iran has a distinct and different identity from most of the Moslem countries. It is difficult to explain this difference, because it exists and does not exist at the same time. In Middle East the most important thing we have in common is the religion: we are Moslem. At the same time the most different aspect is religion: Iranians are Shia ( other Moslem countries are mostly Sonni) and they have experienced an Islamic revolutionary government for about 25 years now which is almost unique in the region. The Majority of Iranians does not look at Islam the way other Moslem countries do. We have seen how cruel a government can get by applying the absolute religious ethics and values directly to people's everyday life. which is very much relative in nature. We feel it very urgent and strong why a government should be nonreligous why democratic institutions are necessary rather than more Islamic ones.
Besides all these religion based factors, the Iranian culture plays an important role in our overall Identity. The same thing is true for the other side of the line too. Not long time ago the other Moslem countries under the Arab Nationalist and Iraqi flag fought Iran. Being an Arab or an Iranian is not the same thing , we are just coming from two different backgrounds.
When my son was born I sent a few Iranian names to my colleagues and asked them for their feedback. I was looking for an Iranian name which had an English equivalent or was easy to pronounce in English. One of the guys who is British ( normally the Europeans are much more politically educated and cultivated than north Americans) got back to me with the name Saddam. Of course he was kidding, he told me as a matter of fact Saddam is now a well known name in west and the guy himself is a hero back there. I asked back where? He said in Iran. I said no way, Saddam was no hero in Iran and he'd better go to hell.
He said he had seen many reports coming from Moslem countries showing demonstrations and interviews in favor of Saddam and he thought Iran should not be an exception.
The most difficult thing to explain here is that Iran has a distinct and different identity from most of the Moslem countries. It is difficult to explain this difference, because it exists and does not exist at the same time. In Middle East the most important thing we have in common is the religion: we are Moslem. At the same time the most different aspect is religion: Iranians are Shia ( other Moslem countries are mostly Sonni) and they have experienced an Islamic revolutionary government for about 25 years now which is almost unique in the region. The Majority of Iranians does not look at Islam the way other Moslem countries do. We have seen how cruel a government can get by applying the absolute religious ethics and values directly to people's everyday life. which is very much relative in nature. We feel it very urgent and strong why a government should be nonreligous why democratic institutions are necessary rather than more Islamic ones.
Besides all these religion based factors, the Iranian culture plays an important role in our overall Identity. The same thing is true for the other side of the line too. Not long time ago the other Moslem countries under the Arab Nationalist and Iraqi flag fought Iran. Being an Arab or an Iranian is not the same thing , we are just coming from two different backgrounds.
email your feedbacks
I am a new blogger and I am fairly illiterate concerning the html language and these stuff. I am really interested to know about other people's opinion regarding my postings, I believe this is the way to evolve and go forward.
You can send me your opinions by email. Meanwhile I am trying to learn how to get people's feed back for each posting.
Thursday, May 29, 2003
Let us alone for god's sake!
Dealing with dictatorship and Iran's conservatives is Iranian people's internal affair and is not the American's business at all. By active commenting about and meddling in Iranian politics, Americans just make things worse and hard for Iranian people. My theory that there are strong links between Iranian and American conservative factions gets stronger regarding what is happening. There is not going to be any military intervention or any thing like that. They keep Iran as it is a weak nation strangled in a theocratic dictatorship that is good for both Iranian and American conservatives.
Dealing with dictatorship and Iran's conservatives is Iranian people's internal affair and is not the American's business at all. By active commenting about and meddling in Iranian politics, Americans just make things worse and hard for Iranian people. My theory that there are strong links between Iranian and American conservative factions gets stronger regarding what is happening. There is not going to be any military intervention or any thing like that. They keep Iran as it is a weak nation strangled in a theocratic dictatorship that is good for both Iranian and American conservatives.
In Shiraz university we had a Tork professor. Once he told one of our friends : “Abbassi you have failed your midterm exam and you'd better drop the course”. Our friend told him that his name was not Abbassi, the teacher just replied him that it did not matter what was his name, he had failed the exam and he'd better drop the course. That is what U.S. Is doing now. This arrogant behavior is killing me, they do what they want to do, no fear of anybody or any protest. They ride on an open road. I hate the same attitude of the conservatives in Iran. They go ahead full steam regardless of how people feel and other concerns.
I should stop reading Iran's news. I get so depressed and helpless when I see no way out of this political mess. Things repeat and repeat and you think something is gonna happen soon and nothing happens. I am not in a good financial position right now and very ready for depression so I better back off for a while and stop following the news, but I can't.
I have been engaged in a start up company since I got laid off from Nortel. The good thing is that our manager and some other big guys are here with us and unlike myself they are very organized and looks like they have a clear road map for future which is good. The bad thing is that we are not getting any salary before we get money from our contracts.
Monday, May 26, 2003
Just another US meddling in Iran's affairs. You know what? we are not going to see the face of democracy any time soon. Just remember what the Iran-Iraq war and the stupid Mojahedin's move did to democracy in Iran. It is going to be another cold war during which everybody should shut up and enjoy the ride.
Wednesday, May 21, 2003
Long way to go before mastering all these html stuff.
I Just read in news that U.S. is accusing Iran of harboring the Al Qaida members. More specifically Romsfeld has said that the last bombing in Saudi Arabia has been planned and executed from inside Iran. All these allegations true or false just puts more pressure on reform movement. I don't think the Iranian hard core conservatives have any kind of limitations for choosing their allies. Regardless of the fact that the wahabi sect has nothing to do with Shia Islam the Al Qaida and Iranian hard line conservatives have some characteristics in common. Both of them are very political and use religion as a tool to push their political cause. They are financially rich organizations using the traditional bazaar economy. And the most important both of them have had suspicious connections to U.S. Agencies.
I think what Al Qaida and all other stupid hard core extremists are doing after all is to serve the American purpose. Just look at the outcome of the conflict, Who is the winner? If it goes this way in a decade or so we are going to witness more American flags flying over middle east. I think Iran has the potential to break this vicious circle and go for a democratic country, just not now!!
I Just read in news that U.S. is accusing Iran of harboring the Al Qaida members. More specifically Romsfeld has said that the last bombing in Saudi Arabia has been planned and executed from inside Iran. All these allegations true or false just puts more pressure on reform movement. I don't think the Iranian hard core conservatives have any kind of limitations for choosing their allies. Regardless of the fact that the wahabi sect has nothing to do with Shia Islam the Al Qaida and Iranian hard line conservatives have some characteristics in common. Both of them are very political and use religion as a tool to push their political cause. They are financially rich organizations using the traditional bazaar economy. And the most important both of them have had suspicious connections to U.S. Agencies.
I think what Al Qaida and all other stupid hard core extremists are doing after all is to serve the American purpose. Just look at the outcome of the conflict, Who is the winner? If it goes this way in a decade or so we are going to witness more American flags flying over middle east. I think Iran has the potential to break this vicious circle and go for a democratic country, just not now!!
One of my fears is that at some point the majority of Iranians will be happy to see Americans on their soil and kicking hardliners' ass. I think they have been pushed to the point that there is nothing to do more. Whatever they have tried has been hit an obstacle. The other side observes no principle at all. They do just everything to silence people. I am really getting to believe in conspiracy theory. You remember Hojatiyeh Organization who believed they should prepare the situation for Hazrate Mehdi to come to help? Now these hardliners are by all means preparing the situation for meddling of United States.
I am saying that because my own feelings are not that hurt when I think of such american invasion, completely different from what it was just sometime ago.
If the situation in Iran continues for some more time I am sure more Iranian are going to be acceptable for American presence. Let us hope that a miracle from reformers' camp will stop this precess.
I am saying that because my own feelings are not that hurt when I think of such american invasion, completely different from what it was just sometime ago.
If the situation in Iran continues for some more time I am sure more Iranian are going to be acceptable for American presence. Let us hope that a miracle from reformers' camp will stop this precess.
Tuesday, May 20, 2003
The news coming out of Iran are not good. When I look at these conservative hardliners in Iran and their doings I am more and more convinced that they are bunch of traitors who are selling off a country and a nation for nothing ( just like MKO "Mojahedin Khalgh" who sold us to Saddam). When U.S. needs some pretext to put more pressure on Iran these guys are ready to offer their service: a couple of public executions, stoning and flogging is a big success. They get what they need from U.S. as well. The U.S. support offered in public for Iranian reformers works great for them. These guys and U.S. are two jaws of a wild animal which are grinding Iranian people. These guys plus U.S. don't want a democratic country just because they can't manipulate it and that is why the reform movement is not tolerated by U.S. , juish lobby and our own hardliners in Iran.
When I think if there was no U.S. planned coup d'etat at 28th mordad 1332 ( against Mosadegh)we have been practicing democracy for about 50 years now, I dislike U.S. government. When I see how synchronised U.S. performs alongside with the most anti democracy governments and movements of the world I am not going to believe any of their ridiculous allegations about support and restoration of democracy. They are just pursuing the same old and well established U.S. policy in playing with other nations' destiny for the sake of their own short term interests.
May God help us to be less emotional and more rational.
When I think if there was no U.S. planned coup d'etat at 28th mordad 1332 ( against Mosadegh)we have been practicing democracy for about 50 years now, I dislike U.S. government. When I see how synchronised U.S. performs alongside with the most anti democracy governments and movements of the world I am not going to believe any of their ridiculous allegations about support and restoration of democracy. They are just pursuing the same old and well established U.S. policy in playing with other nations' destiny for the sake of their own short term interests.
May God help us to be less emotional and more rational.
Monday, May 19, 2003
In my opinion one thing that Iranian people are clear about is violence and extremism. we have been suffering from the very same disease for a long time. It does not matter if you are at North pole or Soth Pole both kill you. Fire and extreme cold are both dangerous. I think the reform mouvement in Iran is the reaction of a nation tired and sick of all black and white images and judgements.
For me Bin Laden and G.W. Bush are two faces of the same coin. The same rule applies to the conservative hardliners in Iran and groups like MKO ( People's Mojahedin based in Iraq). They are the same thing, the same personality, the same approach towards all problems, violence. These guys' difference is in a plus or minus sign, the absolute value is the same, they hurt. They need each other for exictence, they can't live without the other extreme. The slogan is "you are with me or you are my enemy". They are far from everybody. People caught in the middle of the conflict are far from all extremes and by defenitioin they are conceived as enemy.
For me Bin Laden and G.W. Bush are two faces of the same coin. The same rule applies to the conservative hardliners in Iran and groups like MKO ( People's Mojahedin based in Iraq). They are the same thing, the same personality, the same approach towards all problems, violence. These guys' difference is in a plus or minus sign, the absolute value is the same, they hurt. They need each other for exictence, they can't live without the other extreme. The slogan is "you are with me or you are my enemy". They are far from everybody. People caught in the middle of the conflict are far from all extremes and by defenitioin they are conceived as enemy.
I was thinking about the title, I am not sure if it is a good one, I used to use the nick name Ashofteh when I was a student at Shiraz university ( 17 years ago !), I used to draw caricatures for our student journal and I was signing Ashofteh. I am not as Ashofteh and disarrayed as what I used to be any more.
I am frustrated for what is going on in Iran and in that respect the title I have chosen for this blog (Ashofteh)makes sense.
I am not sure about what I am going to post here. One thing I have been doing almost on a daily basis sinse we came to Canada is reading the news about Iran, so I guess my thoughts and reactions to the Iran news would be a natural choice. My thoughts on Iran, Life in general and my family and at the end anything are other potential postings.
This is the first time I am blogging, I know it takes sometime before I adopt the culture.
Take care
talk to you later
I am frustrated for what is going on in Iran and in that respect the title I have chosen for this blog (Ashofteh)makes sense.
I am not sure about what I am going to post here. One thing I have been doing almost on a daily basis sinse we came to Canada is reading the news about Iran, so I guess my thoughts and reactions to the Iran news would be a natural choice. My thoughts on Iran, Life in general and my family and at the end anything are other potential postings.
This is the first time I am blogging, I know it takes sometime before I adopt the culture.
Take care
talk to you later
Sunday, May 18, 2003
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