An Open Letter to Senator Obama on Iran
May 24, 2008
Dear Senator Barack Obama:
After the recent days of highly charged commentary about “appeasement,” we thought that as Iranian-Americans, we would convey to you the feelings of most people in Iran and the Iranian diaspora at large. It is important that a decision to dialogue with the Islamic Republic of Iran not be made in haste, for the purpose of winning the election. Instead, you now have a unique opportunity to make good on your message of change.
On September 24, 2004, while a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate from Illinois, you suggested that “surgical missile strikes” on Iran may become necessary. “Launching some missile strikes into Iran is not the optimal position for us to be in” given the ongoing war in Iraq, you told the Chicago Tribune. You continued: “On the other hand, having a radical Muslim theocracy in possession of nuclear weapons is worse”.
Your change in approach is now stunning for many Iranians. It is not that we want our country to be bombed, but the point is, why did you so suddenly and without explanation go from that extreme to the extreme of “unconditional dialogue”?
Senator, since 1979 the Mullahs of Iran have killed upwards of one million Iranians, not to mention the nearly one million sacrificed to the 8-year-long Iran/Iraq war. And what the Iranian people have withstood in terms of outrageous human rights violations is shocking; public hangings, stoning, flogging, cutting off limbs, tongues and plucking out eyeballs are an everyday occurrence across Iran. All are meant to strike fear of the ruling Mullahs into people’s hearts.
Since you began talking about unconditionally dialoguing with the Islamic regime of Iran, you too have struck absolute fear in the hearts of the Iranian people, both inside and outside Iran. The few Iranian-Americans who support you are well-intentioned individuals who have been swept up in the excitement and fervor of your campaign. But we can wholeheartedly assure you that your comments have landslide opposition within the much greater Iranian heart both inside and outside Iran.
Iranians believe that the only country who has the moral authority and is able to support them is the United States of America, a country whose foundation as a melting pot mirrors the true character of the once great Persian Empire. But the fact is, as John Bolton so aptly puts it: “Negotiation is a tactic, not policy.” Your policy of direct and unconditional negotiation will give the Mullahs of Iran the legitimacy that they need for more oppression. The real losers will be the already weary people of Iran, whose dreams of freedom and democracy will be dashed for a long time to come. If you empower that regime, the mullahs will continue to harm a country that is already totally economically devastated, as well as socially and politically oppressed.
And rest assured that they will have no qualms about exporting the kind of rule they have established inside Iran to the rest of the world; that is an undeniable fact that they themselves have openly admitted. One can see the proof in Syria and Lebanon.
On September 18, 2001, defying the regime’s warnings and pressure, brave Iranians were the only people in the Middle East to hold a candlelight vigil in solidarity with America. The thousands who marched peacefully down one of the main Boulevards of Tehran were brutally attacked by revolutionary guards and paramilitary forces. Many paid a high price for their bravery: they were arrested and hauled off to prison.
Iranians have struggled since the 1850′s for modernity, sovereignty and progress for our nation; Iran had a constitutional revolution in 1906 to separate the government from religion. Iranians are a progressive people and our cultural identity is very different from any of the other nations in the region.
Cyrus the Great wrote the first declaration of human rights in Iran more than 2500 years ago. The actual Cylinder upon which the declaration was carved is housed in the British Museum in London, and its replica is in the second floor lobby of the United Nations.
Senator, Europeans, through Jack Straw of the U.K., Dominique de Villepin of France and Joschka Fischer of Germany, tried negotiations for five years with the so-called moderate reformist, Mullah President Khatami. That effort ended in disaster, with the European Union admitting its failure. President Reagan tried also. He sent a cake and a Qur’an to Khomeini, but Khomeini fed the cake to dogs and willfully ignored president Reagan’s proposal of friendship. President Clinton worked diligently on negotiations for eight years. Two secretaries of State, Warren Christopher and Madeleine Albright, both failed — during the regime of the same Mullah President, Khatami. In fact, it was Warren Christopher who called the regime of Iran evil after over three years of unsuccessful negotiations. Mrs. Albright even publicly apologized to the Mullahs of Iran for America’s sins. She eliminated trade sanctions on three items as a goodwill gesture and offered incentives on Iranian frozen assets, but at every point the Mullahs ungraciously found excuses not to hail the repeated gestures of good will, and refused to take one step forward.
The most important fact to remember is that while the negotiations were going on between the Clinton Administration and the Mullahs of Iran, they were continuing the development of their hidden nuclear program. Do you really think you can trust these people?
We appreciate the fact that you believe this administration has not done a good job in negotiations, but they have tried. They tried directly and indirectly, behind closed doors and in public. If the Mullahs of Iran wanted to negotiate, there was the April 2006 package approved by the European Allies and Russia and offered by the U.S. with good will and many incentives. Yet typically and inexplicably, Iran remained recalcitrant and rejected it.
Now here is a proposal for you:
America led the world in supporting the Eastern European Solidarity Movement, by which ultimately the Eastern bloc was able to free itself from communist domination and dictatorships. The international community weakened the South African regime by supporting and empowering Mr. Mandela against South Africa’s racial apartheid regime, which was eventually forced to step aside peacefully and allow change for the better to begin.
The Iranian government is, by all definitions and international laws and United Nation’s resolutions, a gender apartheid regime. What would happen if you declare Iran a Gender Apartheid country and not the representative of the oppressed women of Iran? Support the millions of laid-off and destitute Iranian workers, students, and teachers, as well as the estimated 23,000 innocent political prisoners who are being tortured in prisons for speaking out against these tyrants. Support the average Iranian and not the Islamic regime. Put America’s power behind what is right — and watch the people of Iran usher out the Mullahs and democratically elect a government that truly represents the people of Iran.
This will be a bold and thoughtful way of managing the foreign policy of America. It is the picture of your message of change, at work not only for America, but the world at large, Senator. Appeasement of dictators and oppressors is just as unwise as war. A nation is made up of people, not its leaders. The only people in this case who are worth negotiating with are the people of Iran, who are the only friends America should want in Iran — not the tyrants who have hijacked that great nation.
America is in no position to lose more friends.
In closing, Senator, even if you manage to dialogue with the ruling clergy in Iran, they will never keep their word. They are masters of deception, manipulation, rhetoric and spin. They are incapable of even honoring their own signatures, and refuse to abide by the terms and conditions of treaties that they themselves have agreed upon time and time again, as we have witnessed in their reactions to U.N. resolutions.
We were born and raised in Iran, and we do know Iran’s Mullahs.
Respectfully,
Manda Zand-Ervin & Banafsheh Zand-Bonazzi
Very well said Banafsheh. spot on! But don’t worry, this idiot will never be America’s president. I have already placed a £100 bet on it!
Ladies, thanks for taking the time to write this piece. It is from rational people with the ability to clearly state their views that politicians need to listen. Unfortunately, many on the left consider history a “distraction”. You reference some excellent examples of failed diplomacy. You also suggest considering enforcing existing laws and treaties. That is sound advice for administrators throughout the free world.
Thanks again, I hope someone in power takes your advice.
Well written. I would disagree with one point. They are not masters of deception at all. Their deception is right out in the open and they flaunt it. What they are great at is reading the west which has, I am sorry to say, no backbone what so ever.
Perhaps when they nuke Israel we’ll get the message. Certainly killing Americans in Iraq, your own country men or exporting death threats abroad has made no impact anywhere in the west.
For clarity I define impact as they do a bad thing, we do something meaningful and they retract the bad thing. That’s yet to happen.
I think what is most disheartening about the idea of an Obama presidency is his abject ignorance of world history in general and of Islam in particular.
Sorry, my second sentence should start; “It is to….”
I disagree that there is a consensus among Iranian expatriates about Obama’s remarks. While not Persian myself, I have talked politics with more than a few Iranian expatriates. I have never heard any of these people speak positively about Ahmadinejad or the Islamic regime. However, many I have spoken to find the prospect of a US invasion worse than the continuation of the current government. I have also heard the viewpoint that it is unfair for foreign powers to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, or to pressure the government to modernize. “Who gave the US the right to decide who gets what weapons?”
Some (most?) Iranian Expatriates I have spoken to were relieved by Obama’s remarks because their chief concern in US-Iranian relations is that there not be a war. It is understandable, since a war would endanger their family members. For these people, confrontation with the Iranian regime is scary, while diplomacy, no matter how ineffectual, is relieving.
In a letter purporting to speak for the Iranian people, I was also surprised to see positive references to the US’s moral authority, agreement with a quote from John Bolton, and a reference to the Iran-Iraq war that seemed to hold the US blameless. From my experience, these statements do not represent mainstream Iranian views. I love John Bolton, but I’ve never met a non-Jewish Persian who felt the same way.
I had to laugh. A rational religious fanatic?
No, Iran IS NOT South Africa. The Boers were not religious fanatics, just bigots.
Are Manda Zand-Ervin & Banafsheh Zand-Bonazzi agents provocatuers? If not they need to attend the June uprising this year. Every June 09th, for the last decade or so, people in Tehran gather to protest the Mullahs. Every year the Revolutionary guard disperses them. Some years they use machine guns.
As the Chinese proved in Tiananmen Square, thugs with machine guns are more than capable of routing a mob. The only problem Dictators have is finding the thugs. Mugabe has thugs, but not much ammo, so there is a chance he will be overthrown. That chance grows smaller every day, since there are hundreds of smugglers trying to get him ammo.
The Mullahs have lots of thugs and even more ammo.
No, it will take military force to get rid of the Mad Dog Mullahs. The only questions are When, How, and the butchers bill.
Going in 2004 would have been the cheapest time as far as the blood price. Every day without war increases the blood price of the inevitable war.
Ohhhh…..BAMA, like Chamberlain, thinks he can either live with the Mullahs or get rid of them without war. That is not his only delusion.
Obama’s been taking advice from the wrong women!
Michelle, Samantha, and Susan wouldn’t know a Mullah from a Mule or their Madrasses from their Elbas!
Manda Zand-Ervin & Banafsheh Zand-Bonazzi need to understand that many Harvard educated yuppies like Barack “Barry” Obama believe the Iranian mullahs are dark skinned victims of Western imperialism. Racist white people have turned them into Islamic extremists. Our only legitimate option is therefore to apologize and treat them nicely.
Boldly confronting the Mullahs will only get them angrier.
Manda and Banafsheh are two brave, outstanding voices…in a desert of fear and and canyons of depravity.
They clearly understand the picture in Iran, however, I suspect they do not understand the chasm that separates American leftists from caring one whit about their voices.
What they cannot fathom, is that American leftists have no use for any lesson that doesn’t point a finger of blame at the United States. What would never compute with them, is that leftists are more interested in finding ways of self-loathing than they are at advancement of the interests of the US.
What would make no sense to them, is that American leftists would rather prop up radical enemies than to defeat murderous despots. It would shock them to find that the American leftists they target with their open letter would rather hunt for “root causes” for anger at the United States…all of which, each and every time…come back to some “source” of US fault and blame.
Had they known and understood the American leftist mind, they would know that the open letter is not going to bear fruit. It won’t be heard. It isn’t from the echo chamber, it cannot be found in the hymnal. It will fall on deaf ears.
American leftists have ZERO interest in being told that ANYONE is to blame…except the United States. Chavez in Venezuela? A hero. Castro? An agrarian reformer. Hamas? A lefitimate government fighting for liberation. Che Guevara? A swashbuckling hero against repression.
Ronald Reagan? A bumbling, doddering fool hellbent on war. Gerald Ford? A bumbling fool, too stupid to know the history of Eastern Europe. (although I think he did know that we have only 50 states, not 57)
You see Manda and Banafsheh wrongly believe that Americans are all pulling on the same end of the rope as we try to reel in American interests. They could not be more wrong. Leftists have not been pulling on that end of the rope for over 40 years. They have been pulling against it. And American leftists have absolutely no interest in helping the Iranian people…at all. It simply doesn’t fit their story.
A good article – Thank you.
I’ve often wondered if we helped to embolden the Mullahs in Iran by electing Jimmy Carter. I believe that his failed strategy in dealing with the Iran hostage crisis is one of the reasons for our current situation in Iran.
The Obama campaign reminds me of the Carter campaign. “Hi, I’m Barack Obama and I want to be your president.” Worrisome!
Alan and John Stamfod,
You guys need to re-read the letter. Banafsheh, myself and most Iranians – apart from the Mullahs’ agents and lobbyiests – disagree with Obama’s stance on the Mullahs because we are concerned that an American president endoresing and making concessions to the Mullahs backward regime is very bad news for democratic and freedom loving Iranians who are fighting the regime and wanting to free the country from their tyrrany. We are not necessarily saying attack Iran or even fight the Mullahs for us. All we are saying is don’t strengthen the Mullahs’ regime thats all.
“Put America’s power behind what is right — and watch the people of Iran usher out the Mullahs and democratically elect a government that truly represents the people of Iran.”
While I admire your taking Obama to task for his incredible naivity and lack of judgement…your hope for Iran is, I believe, just as naive. The above statement is your hope, desire, and ultimate belief of what you think will happen, and perhaps it IS America’s best course of action, but what you hope will happen most likely will take 40+ years before it does. The younger generation, of which demographics in Iran gives them the advantage, will have to see the older generation of mullahs and hardliners die out, and the younger generation take positions of power before any real change comes about.
You give examples of the USSR and South Africa as how this can happen, but in both cases it was exactly that…40 to 50+ years from the start of our “cold war” with the Soviets, or the start of Mandela’s and the ANC’s efforts to change apartheid, before the change actually happened.
Mandela himself spent 27 years in prison before being released, and it took the ANC, today’s ruling party in South Africa 71 years from it’s inception in 1923 before it became the ruling party in 1994.
So you see, unless there is some kind of internal uprising with a STRONG leader and massive popular support…and the mullahs are VERY aware and concious of this and nip these in the bud before ANYTHING can gain traction, it will be a long, LONG time before we see ANY kind of “internal” revolution in Iran. Hopefully, you and I will still be alive to see it, but I doubt it.
“Hope and Change”…sure sounds good on paper…but we’d STILL be hoping for Sadaam Hussein to change his ways if that’s all it ever took.
I’ve had these quotes saved from Iran . made about 3 years ago. Nothing in their rhetoric since then should make anyone think they aren’t serious about this.
and
and
The Regime is motivated by Twelver Shia (the main branch of Shia Islam) theology and eschatology.
The Shiia have been waiting for the blood-related descendant of Mohemmed to come out of his well where Allah put him around 1000AD so that there could be a proper Islamic State on Earth.
Whereas Sunnis believe they could form the next Caliphate by consesus, the Shiia believe that Allah and his agent, the 12th (thus Twelver) Imam, Imam al-Mahdi, will miraciously reestablish the Caliphate.
Thus the Shiia have been relatively passive throughout history.. waiting for Allah to send them the Mahdi. The group in power in Iran believe they can create the planetary geopolitical conditions that are the prerequiste for Allah to manifest the Mahdi.. and that’s basically nuclear war.
No one should be fooled that when the Iranians say they will destory Israel that they are stopping there. Israel is the Little Satan.. the United States is the Rome of our time.. the Great Satan.
Everytime you hear a statement from Iran about Israel you shold put into your mind that whatever they have planned for Israel , they will be doing to us.. and probably beforehand..
Do a Google Image search for “World Without Zionism”
Look at the poster that Iran’s A’jad is standing in front of.
Note what little ball lays shattered broken on the floor as Israel falls through the hourglass.
Dave,
The willful neglect of the drive-by media in it’s refusal to impart to you in the west that Iranians have been demonstrating EVERY DAY for the last 30 years, is not something we Iranians hallucinate. It’s not from a lack of us trying to get the info out; we have been out there for THIRTY YEARS, but no one wanted to pay attention, because Iran was not on people’s “radar” until something happened that woke people up. There have been THOUSANDS of demonstrations, riots, protests and major peaceful gatherings in Iran to protest the regime, if the west wishes to remain in sweet slumber however… The west needs to acknowledge the fact that there is another side of the world with VERY different values and cultures, and that western thinking cannot always be applied to the east. I suggest you do some reading and more research…Pajamas Media has reported plenty and Dr. Michael Ledeen, myself and plenty of others, including Amir Taheri have written about it every week for decades! Read Iranian bloggers such as Ardeshir Dolat. Potkin Azarmehr, Spirit of Man, Kamangir, Fleeting Perusal (Serendip), Activistchat and Sarbazekuchakk…We write and report…if you’re not paying attention, do not go assigning a whole other spin to our reality. That is already done by the media and people who in the west side with the Mullahs because they’re self-loathers. We’ve had enough of that. Either be a part of the solution, or stay a part of the problem. We don’t need any retractors…My own father is a political prisoner, an esteemed Iranian journalist who spoke against the regime…so please have a little respect for those of us who fight for our motherland and who want to keep our adopted country, the United States and it’s citizens safe.
I pray Ardeshir Dolat wins his bet.
But I wish Obama were only an idiot. The authors describe Iran’s ruling clergy:
“…they will never keep their word. They are masters of deception, manipulation, rhetoric and spin.”
Sound like someone we’re getting to know?
Dave!
Whoever you are, you sure are very ignorant of Iranian politics. Iranians have been fighting for democracy for real for over a 100 years. We have democratic parties older than that. Every time we managed to establish our democracy some d*ck-head western idiot leader like, Jimmy Carter and his ilk wannabe president Obama f88ked it up for us. We are the most ready nation for democracy in that region. We Iranians are cultured people with 2500 years of history. The first written human rights charter MANSHOOR-E-AZADI, even though basic, nonetheless, was ordered by one of our great kings 25 centuries ago. It is time that your leaders, and politicians realise that the key to the ME and hence the world economic stability is a democratic and free Iran.
I’m very sympathetic of this point of view, but nothing is going to work except force. The Iranian people will have to sacrifice as many of themselves as it takes in a revolt against the mullahs, or America has to attack. There is no other way at this point to stop them from obtaining the Terrorist Bomb and all the consequnces and disaster that entails.
If senator Obama thinks he can, by talk, persuade Mr Ahdaminejad to abandon his hostility to the United States and Israel, the senator is dreaming. One needs only to study the 1938 Munich conference and the Yalta conference in 1945 to realize that tyrants’ promises are worthless.
Very well reasoned and written. Hussein Obama scares the hell out of me too!
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“…public hangings, stoning, flogging, cutting off limbs, tongues and plucking out eyeballs are an everyday occurrence across Iran.”
This is what the cost of the west losing means. Every life-on-earth-loving person needs to realize where appathy (not to mention out & out support for Iran) will lead us.
Banafsheh and Ardeshir-
I totally empathize with your plight and efforts, and yes, I admit ignorance to what goes on inside Iran except for the little we hear about, partly because this is HIGHLY unreported by the MSM…but with little resources inside Iran and the hard hand of the regime on getting any news out…what do you expect?
As for your ultimate revolution, I just see little in the way of “peaceful” demonstrations, writings, protests, even riots changing little in the way of who and what controls Iran…namely Shia Islamic thinking and the Mullahs who believe they are in charge for a GREATER purpose…to prepare and conquer the world for Islam.
This is not some ordinary political Left-Right, Marxism-Capitalism debate or movement. It is MUCH more than that. Iran has said thay have thousands of suicide bombers ready to move on the West. I believe them. What Vince quotes above is totally accurate and part and parcel of what the regime believes is its goal and purpose.
I don’t want to see it happen. I am not a hardliner hawk ready to move our bombers on Iran…but that may just be what it will take. If Iran decides to move on Israel, and usher in the 12th Imam…it will be WWIII. The leaders in Iran could care less about the people there…they have a bigger purpose in mind, and NOT having a nuclear bomb is the only thing stopping them…
And we have lil’ “Barry” Obama who wants to “talk” and get them to change their ways…
Yea, riiiiight!!
Great letter Banafsheh. Was this actually sent to Sen. Obama’s office in DC? If not, it should be. If the U.S. could help European dissidents inside the Soviet Union — a minority of which actually protested and opposed the Soviet-backed regime — then there is no moral, political, or strategic excuse not to work with the Iranian citizens, who are at least 5-to-1 actively opposed to the mullahs.
Hopefully we won’t have to worry about what an Obama admin. would do. McCain’s “rogue-state rollback” from ’99 and 2000 sounds like something Iranian dissidents would appreciate.
You guys need to re-read the letter.
I did. There was no new info.
Let me re-state my point. No amount of good wishes, hopes, prayers, embargo, UN resolutions or sweet reason is going to remove the Mullahs. Sorry, but you lads are spinning your wheels.
The only way to get rid of the Mullahs is to kill them.
The problem there is you and your buds are not strong enough. The Revolutionary Guards and Quds Force will eat your lunch. They will stack up the bodies until your side has had enough and submits. That is the way dictators work and religious dictators are the worst. Killing for god (allah) makes it easy for a certain type of human.
Dictators fall because they can’t find sombody ruthless enough to use modern weapons on unarmed people. A dictator that has those sort of thugs cannot be taken down by the mob.
The Soviet Union fell because the dictators didn’t have a tank crew willing to murder a few thousand people. Ditto for Marcos, the Shah, the Balkan dictators, etc. Despots that had those sort of murderers available are still in power. The PRC, DPRK and Iran spring to mind.
IIRC, it was the June 9th protest of ’05 that had Revolutionary Guards flying over the mob in Helios emptying their Kalashnakov’s into the crowd. Never saw anything on the MSM here, but the ‘net rumor was hundreds dead and thousands arrested. Modern weapons give a police state incredible power.
No, the only way the Iranian citizens can take back their country is if another nation removes the thugs. The USA has the power to do that, but not the will. People like you make gathering that will more difficult. Your article helps the Mad Dog Mullahs because it caters to those on the left delusional enough to think the Mullhas will go away if we ignore them.
The thing is, both sides are running out of time. Mullahs with nukes are bad news.
Remember, illegal nukes cannot be identified. by their post explosion isotope pattern. So a nuke going off in New York harbor will not leave any evidence as to who built it. So whoever is President then will have to draw a name out of a hat to see who he nukes back. Iran is putting their name in the hat.
That is stupid, since it means any other nation that wants to get rid of Iran can nuke New York and hope the Mullahs get the blame. Do you really think Kim would hesitate to sell a nuke to the Saudi’s? Or how about Israel? Why do it yourself when you can trick America into doing your dirty work?
With 6 50kT weapons, Western civilization can be destroyed. That is what it would take to set off the Canary Island fault.
The interesting thing to me is that someone is attacking and killing Iranian Qods Force agents in Iraq.
Several Iranian “diplomatic” convoys have been ambushed and their occupants wounded, captured, or killed. The most recent attack happened on May 15.
These convoys are heavily guarded by Iran’s best paramilitary forces. The only people capable of pulling off the attacks are Coalition special operations forces.
Somebody has given the order to take out the Qods Force, even if they’re traveling under diplomatic protection. This is a huge shift in policy.
I’m betting General Petraeus is responsible, of course with the support of President Bush. If so, I certainly wouldn’t want to be in Iran’s shoes when Petraeus takes over as head of CENTCOM. He’s said we won’t win in Iraq until Iran has been stopped from interfering one way or another.
By the way, an American attack on Iran won’t start World War III. Who will come to Iran’s aid? China? Russia? The EU? Syria?
The answer is nobody. If we attack Iran and destroy the mullahs’ power base by taking out the Revolutionary Guards, oil will spike for a month and Hezbollah will probably attack Israel. But Israel has learned from its mistakes in 2006. This time, Israel will hit back decisively.
President Bush told the Israelis that Iran requires a “radical solution” that will change the entire outlook of the middle east.
That sounds to me like there’s a plan to neutralize the mullahs and the Revolutionary Guards, and the only way to do that is to destroy Iran’s offensive military capabilities.
This should be an open letter to our state department instead of Senator Obama.
Dear Benafsheh:
I admire you for writing your letter and most sincerely empathize with you and your mother in your noble efforts. Here are some personal recollections you might find interesting or at least amusing:
Just prior to the last weekend around the end of January 1979 (the last free weekend before the arrival in Tehran of the infamous ayatolah) I arrived at the Tehran Mehrabad airport as a navigator on a USAF C5A transport aircraft. It turned out to be the last of many such trips. Even before landing things were different:
We had descended to a designated pattern altitude and were flying directed headings. As you may know, some 20 or 30 miles south-east of Tehran there is an outcropping of rock that rises up from the flat plain. I had to scream into the microphone for the pilots to turn immediately when I saw on radar that we were headed straight for that rock at an altitude lower than it. I had to scream even louder when they responded that they were merely following ground control orders. Fortunately they did turn, just in time, in contradiction to those orders. We then landed uneventfully. To this day I feel that those ground control orders were no accident.
In a change from previous practice all of us on the crew were instructed to change into civilian clothes prior to landing. Then, in another change, we were met at the airport by a state department officer, from the US Embassy, with an armored mini-bus to take us to the International Hotel. He was a talkative nice guy who, after taking us to the hotel, offered to buy us dinner at the hotel restaurant. I thought that was pretty good inasmuch as the International was a truly top flight establishment in those days with a fabulous restaurant that sported, amongst other things a wide selection of excellent Iranian wines.
After sitting down to eat I quickly realized that I was there to enjoy the meal, and not to engage in political discussions with this loquatious state department exponent who was flat out enthusiastic about the imminent arrival of the ayatolah. I was much younger then, but old enough to know I wasn’t going to change anything by arguing with this nice guy moron who had to have been hand picked by Jimmy Carter himself. The same can be said, I’m sure, for virtually the entire embassy gang, with the notable exception of the young marine guards. These, in my opinion, did not deserve the poetic justice that the overwhelming majority of the rest of the famous hostages encountered.
The Jimmy Carter mentality is obviously still with us, now in the form of the great Obambi who is leading his kool-aid drinking minions to even greater disasters. Let’s hope, pray, and work towards having him fall flat on his face.
John R.
Barack Obama = Jimmy Carter
He exudes the same weakness, and the international sharks are already circling for serious blood.
US, prepare for malaise like you would not believe!
Apparently according to both Dave and Mr. John Samford, we should never have written this letter and just sat by. We’re damned if we do and we’re damned if we don’t. We’ll be insulted, berated and called ignorant and doltish for making an effort to impart a bit of insight. Dave, John, please accept my sincerest pardons for so gravely insulting you and taking up your time with my pointless rant. You must know better.
What a load of undocumented crap. Iranians walking down the street holding a candlelight vigil in support of the US. How stupid are you people???
I wish this was true.
They and their families would no longer exist if they took part in such a march.
Alan says:
For these people, confrontation with the Iranian regime is scary, while diplomacy, no matter how ineffectual, is relieving.
____________________________________
Why, if diplomacy is ineffectual, would you keep doing it?
It is sad to see so many idiots (with Ardeshir appropriately on top of the list) making such xenophobic comments about Senator Obama. Wow, ardeshir has placed abet so surely Obama can not be the next president!!!!
Stop blaming the damned Iranian revolution on Jimmy Carter or Obama… How the f##K is Obama responsible for the ’79 revolution? Ninety-eight Percent of the Iranians (most probably you and your family included) were stupid enough to start the revolution and founded the cursed Islamic republic. STOP asking the US and the west to solve your problems, banafsheh! No one country in the world (and I am an expatriate myself) owes you, and other Iranians anything! Did South-Africans under apartheid and the easter-Europeans under communism ask for US millitary intervention to help being freed?
Stop blaming others for your own problems.
For once we have a chance in America to have an intelligent President who does not see the world as “you are either with us or against us”. Leave US alone and clean up your own god-damned mess, banafsheh. Oh and Ardi, you better start saving your 100 euros, so as to pay up when Obama is our next president and you lose. You dumb …
“making such xenophobic comments about Senator Obama”
I wasn’t aware that Obama was a foreigner… please enlighten us… where is he from?
Ramin: It’s now Xenophobic to critize Obama?
Wow… Obama is the first untouchable candidate!
Obama has taken to joining Bush’s name with McCain’s. He’ll often claim, “McCain is running for Bush’s third term.”
I think McCain should return the favor.
As often as possible, he should inform the voter, “Obama’s running for Carter’s second term.”
And no, Ramin, most Americans won’t consider that a compliment.
Ramin, you are apparently a stooge and tool of the oppressive regime of Iran here. First, my extended and immediate family never voted in your beloved regime’s sham elections. So stop calling us stupid. Apparently, you’re ignorant to think that a farce referendum in 1979 was enough to legitimize the mullahs forever. Nah, dude… No amount of elections, farce or fair, will remove the bloody stain of this regime in history pages. So, please stop lecturing us on the history and listen if you can’t bring yourself up to talk like a logical man. Unfortunately, you’re blind to see Obama’s shady past and bad connections. Because, just like your beloved mullahs’s system, as long as it serves you well, the background of the candidate doesn’t matter. Right? And as for intelligence of the Obama, give me a break. He can’t finish a sentence without saying “You Know” 20 times in any sentence. How is he intelligent when he sat with Anti-American idiots like Wright and Ayres and others for 20 yrs? As for his typical supporters like you, well, I don’t expect much from dumb and radical leftist people who sleep with the mullahs at night and party with the likes of Rev. Wright during the day.
Please get a life and lighten up!
http://www.bercasio.com/movies/dems-wmd-before-iraq.wmv
“Banafsheh:
Apparently according to both Dave and Mr. John Samford, we should never have written this letter and just sat by. We’re damned if we do and we’re damned if we don’t. We’ll be insulted, berated and called ignorant and doltish for making an effort to impart a bit of insight.”
I think there is a commo problem here. I for one have never called you ANY names nor insulted you. I haven’t berated you either.
I’m thinking those words don’t mean what you think they do.
What I have done is expressed my opinion and delineated the facts that led me to that opinion. No need for you to get upset that my opinion is at odds with yours.
I am open minded about it, if you can produce any facts to back up your opinion, trot them around the ring and we’ll see who cheers. I’ll even tell you what I would consider proof that my logic is wrong. Show me a 20th century despotic police state with the will and ability to suppress it’s citizens that didn’t.
If you can find one, I’ll be very happy. My youngest son is a Helio Pilot and he’ll most likely be in the first wave when we invade Iran. So I have a personal reason for hoping I’m wrong and the Mad Dog Mullahs wake up one day and stop ordering terrorist attacks, torturing their citizens and go back to their mosques and preach love and brotherhood instead of death and destruction. If you don’t mind, I won’t hold my breath.
Vince, Ramin is one of the self-loathing Iranians who has sold his soul to the fervor; he thinks he has really embraced “western” progressive thinking by denying facts and the realities. He’s among the small but wildly energetic ideologues who supported Khomeini. Clearly a shill of the Mullahs out to beat up on anyone who tells it like it is.
Yea, like Rambo Ramin was sayin, we are takin over so ya betta get used to the CHANGE!!! Right on! Like, Obama and Carter didn’t cause the mullah regime. The mullahs were real nice until Bush started his damn war and then people died so Iran had to get involved. Once Obama is president Iran won’t have to help the Iraqi resistence cuz we won’t be there so they can go back to being all peaceful and shit.
First thing we are gonna do is get out of everybody’s hair and stop causing all the world’s problems and let you people deal with your own f%$#%$%^ckin problems. This will result in some f%^%#@ckin world peace, and I’m talkin some f@#$ckin world peace you can believe in!! Now that’s change, dudes.
Then we’re gonna like end all the “us vs. them” crap. Like Obama’s Rev. said, “Goddam Amerikkka” cuz we made the world hate us so when the mullahs finally take care of those Nazi Zionists and the great satan (not all Amerikans, just some who support the Zionist Nazis) there won’t be anymore of this f^%#%ckin “us vs. them” stuff. Get it?
That’s why we need an intelligent president like Obama. He’s gotta Harvard degree and all that shit. All us students are backin him cuz we know he’s got the shit, man. So like yo, get wit it dudes.
A student,
Jefferson Jr. High
Oakland, CA.
“For once we have a chance in America to have an intelligent President who does not see the world as ‘you are either with us or against us.’”
Man, if you can figure out how Obama sees the world, you’re smarter than me.
He wants to meet with the Iranian leadership without preconditions, but there will be conditions that aren’t conditions, just preparations.
Obama says Iran is too small a country to pose a threat, but he reminds us that he’s always said it poses a grave threat.
He said he would meet personally with Ahmadinejad, but not necessarily with Ahmadinejad.
Obama won’t meet with Hamas because it engages in terrorism and calls for Israel’s destruction, but he’ll meet with Iran with and without conditions even though it engages in terrorism and calls for Israel’s destruction.
Obama drives an SUV and says we can’t drive SUVs; he says our military needs to send Arabic speakers to Afghanistan, where they don’t speak Arabic; and we need to bomb Pakistan, an ally.
He says he’ll listen to the generals, except when they tell him we need to win the war in Iraq.
Obama says we must stop fighting al Qaeda in Iraq so that we can go fight al Qaeda in Afghanistan.
He says he knows that raising the capital gains tax will decrease government revenues, thus reducing the government’s ability to help the poor, but he must do it in order to be fair to the poor.
I must be dumb as cement to not see this man’s stunning, unprecedented genius. To me, he sounds like a spluttering buffoon who has no idea what he’s talking about and is in way over his head.
Vince: For an Iranian, calling Obama names (Look at Ardeshir’s comments above) is xenophobic. To sum it up for you, yes, when an Iranian calls Obama (an american) an”idiot” and a ‘D##khead”,it is not just stupid but also xenophobic. Does that require too many brain cells to figure out?
I know their mentality. They blame the 1979 revolution in Iran on Democrats. They are constitutionally incapable of accepting responsibility for that mess in Iran…..
Banafsheh,
My family and I Left Iran because of people like you who started the revolution and now want to blame everyone else. I loathed the ayatollahs, the revolution and your theocracy then and now. So do not make assumptions about me…
Banafsheh,
Please do not make assumptions about me. I have alway loathed the ayatollahs, and their theocracy. I also see no shame in being a “western progressive” as you call it.
sorry about the double post, my first comment was not appearing…. Anyway peace and love to all…. You can’t speak rationally with some people, so good night.
Dear “Believer”:
I think that between my comments and yours we have come up with something tangible: If, according to Obama, McCain is running for Bush’s third term then Obama is certainly running for Jimmy Carter’s second. That’s a good line I will immediately forward to McCain’s campaign to which I have been contributing. I will also include a copy of Benafsheh’s wonderful letter.
In the meantime let’s hear it for Benafsheh. I got emotional reading her stuff, and so should anybody else who cares about the incredible tragedy that unfolds each and every day in Tehran in present circumstances. Tehran is a city I grew to love back then in the 70′s. I’ll never forget the Christina hotel, the gal behind the bar who taught me farsi, and the fascinating people from all over the world I had a chance to meet there and have exhillerating discussions with. Those were the days.
John R. Arizona
Ramin,
You are clearly a regime thug. A regime thug in my book is one who in any way appeases the mullahs; gives them legitimacy; and attacks the opposition. Go and read the letter again. Is Banafsheh asking the US to attack Iran?
John Stamford:
“The only way to get rid of the Mullahs is to kill them.”
Let me refer you to this:
http://ardeshird.blogspot.com/2007/08/my-iranian-heroes.html
Scot,
This is for you:
http://www.bestirantravel.com/culture/wtc-vigil.html
You ask why? Because America is sucked inside a populists culture educated by the Ivory Tower’s progressive madness then re-affirmed by Hollywood’s illusionary industry that America is the evil of all the worlds problems while the rest of the world is full of ‘peace, love and understanding’. FOr example, right after 9/11/2001 where were American feminists or gay activists or human rights groups? they were busy attacking GWB; the progressive left is full of sickness and I am disheartened that I could not stop the insanity.
Obama is a reflection of this populism which is both void of thought or reason.
In the Democrat Party there are no rules or laws just feelings, which is why Obama can go from on extreme to the other without hesitation.
The problem, Americans are invested in maintaining a narcissistic illusion since it’s easier than to sacrifice a moment of self; it’s safer and easier to bash Bush.
Obama scares the hell out of me too, as does Hollywood and the Ivory Tower because they will continue to invest in illusions to the point where something truely awful will happen in order to snap populist into reality.
I would also agree that most Americans do not undertand the Iranian people, that’s because American media is brainwashing Americans to believe in illusions.
Ardeshir Dolat:
Thank you for the documentation. I stand corrected of my ignorance. Please forgive my foolish post.
Ardeshir Dolat:
Thank you for proving my point. That Mullah is gone now, burning in ‘ell, no doubt. Do that a few thousand more times and you’ll have something.
Scott, Thats very gracious of you.
John,
Did you scroll down and read the rest of the stuff? And how the US embassy handed him back to the regime!?
“John,
Did you scroll down and read the rest of the stuff? And how the US embassy handed him back to the regime!?”
Yes, why are you surprised? The man IS a murderer. The reason why he committed murder makes no difference. One of the differences I noticed while I was working in the ‘stan.
Muslims look at the reason for an act, while most westerners consider the act itself. The reason is not important, or to use the technical term;
germane
Main Entry:
ger·mane Listen to the pronunciation of germane
Pronunciation:
\(ˌ)jər-ˈmān\
Function:
adjective
Etymology:
Middle English germain, literally, having the same parents, from Anglo-French
Date:
14th century
1obsolete : closely akin2: being at once relevant and appropriate : fitting
synonyms see relevant
About a decade ago in one of the western states, a woman who’s son had been raped by an adult male walked into the court after the rapist was sentenced to a few years in jail and shot the SOB dead. The American version of an honor killing. She did 5 years, IIRC. It was amusing to watch her empty her pistol into the SOB while a dozen cops stood there and watched. She still did her time. Everybody thought she did good, but she still did her time.
Dear John R., Arizona:
I, too, was very moved by this letter. I was struck by how beautifully and convincingly it was written. Yes, Banafsheh and Manda must be congratulated; and it’s wonderful you’ll be forwarding it to Senator McCain’s campaign.
It’s great you’re working to aid the campaign. I’m doing what I can from this computer. He must win this; and, fortunately for us, McCain is the perfect candidate to run against Obama. What man’s life history would stand in greater contrast to the anti-American values and influences that have shaped and formed Candidate Obama?
Never before have our values as Americans seemed more challenged, imperiled.
The voices of those who have a more intimate knowledge of evil: these two women and Oleg Atbashian, “Communists for Obama,” should be heard by all Americans who would deny reality. Knowing what we – who’ve become spoiled – cannot imagine, their words carry a weight ours cannot.
And while they might not change every vote, they could raise enough doubt that many would stay home. And that’s something not foreign to Obama’s base support.
Now the super-genius Obama blames President Bush for the rise of Hugo Chavez.
Hugo Chavez became president in 1998, two years before Bush took office.
D’oh!
Details, details. This is all a distraction from hopey changiness, I know.
An Obama supporter explains it all for us:
http://tinyurl.com/3n9wd8
It would be quite something if the new American President legitimized Ahmadinejhad through engaging him in direct talks, even while Iran’s own domestic situation under this despot continues to slide, with high unemployment, growing oppression in dress/social code and squelching of any remaining “free speech” (see ouster of university professors).
Even the ruling mullahs are said to be exasperated with him. There is jockeying for power behind the scenes when (inevitably) the ailing Khamenei is to be replaced.
Ahmadinejhad is the true fanatic’s fanatic who is focused on the “return” of the Mahdi. Chaos presages the return of the 12th Imam, so Ahmadinejhad pretty much hopes to foment as much chaos as possible in the region.
Iran’s material support for Hamas and Hezbollah (weapons, equipment, training) should ipso facto preclude negotiating with him. And it’s absolutely true (as written above) any “agreement” with the west would be summarily ignored, as convenient. Remember it is perfectly OK to lie to the infidel.
It’s hysterical (in an unfunny way) that any given individual would want to sit down with this nutcase. Except, of course, a chador’ed and obsequious Dianne Sawyer, who was substantially toyed with in her interview with Ahmadinejhad.
I see John!
It is obvious that you want the Mad Dog Mullahs killed. But you want the Iranians to do it for you! But if they did it and came to you and said hey I killed a Mullah, you would then turn around and say great job my son but sorry you are still a murderer because you killed and have to be hanged for that! I think I pass on that.
Banafsheh and Ardeshir-
I, too, was not insulting to you or calling you “ignorant and doltish”…just naive. Not nearly the same thing…
I have to totally agree with what John Samford wrote, though. We (and YOU, and all of Iran) are facing a regime that will not go “quietly” because of some “election”. Banafsheh, you stated in the letter at the end:
“…even if you manage to dialogue with the ruling clergy in Iran, they will never keep their word. They are masters of deception, manipulation, rhetoric and spin. They are incapable of even honoring their own signatures, and refuse to abide by the terms and conditions of treaties that they themselves have agreed upon time and time again, as we have witnessed in their reactions to U.N. resolutions.”
If this is so, and I totally agree with you, why, of WHY, do you think the people of Iran will be able to “usher out” this regime through some sort of democratic “election” process??? When the Mullahs rig the elections, or only put up candidates that meet their approval…how can ANY reformer ever be elected? This was even seen in your last election, when “moderates” were disqualified from running!
I understand your feelings of not wanting to see bloodshed in your country, or a war that will kill thousands…but to think, when mullahs control Revolutionary Guards, thugs, and “secret police” among the populace, and that have NO HESITATION killing fellow Iranians to keep their power or ANY movement within the country from arising…then an “outside” force is the ONLY thing left that will remove them!
Ardeshir, the site you linked says the following:
“For Majid there was only one way of toppling the Islamic regime. He showed the Iranians that velvet revolution is not the path to liberation and democracy. Whether he made a mistake about that or not will remain to be seen. But one mistake he made for sure was that he thought he would get some support from the USA.”
Your “hero” was RIGHT about a successful “velvet revolution”. Unfortunately, he was also right about expecting help from the USA. And you can COMPLETELY forget ANY help ever, ever, EVER if Obama is elected…in fact, I have my doubts about the man having the ‘nads to help ANY country militarily (even Israel!) if they were attacked. He is the epitomy of Carter appeasement and misjudgement!
I
Ramin,
The fact that you cannot make a comment without invective is proof of your inability to rationally discuss or debate a point which proves my point; you have no head…just a hyperactive heart and like all those Iranians who sit on their hands and just attack ANYONE of us who actually take action and do something, out of your jealousy and frustration, you attack and badmouth. It is this attitude that has kept Iranians inside Iran exposed to the scum of the Mullacracy…Iranians whose egos and attitudes have not adjusted after 30 years of exposure to mania…which once again proves that you don’t have a head, you have a hyperactive heart. Stop feeling so much and START THINKING and mind your manners when you’re in a place where people are discussing RATIONALLY otherwise, you’re nothing more than a shill of the Mullahs.
“Some (most?) Iranian Expatriates I have spoken to were relieved by Obama’s remarks because their chief concern in US-Iranian relations is that there not be a war. It is understandable, since a war would endanger their family members. For these people, confrontation with the Iranian regime is scary, while diplomacy, no matter how ineffectual, is relieving.”
My Iranian neighbors have an entirely different view. While they are leery of war, they view Obama as an appeaser who will grant credibility to the Ayatollah’s totalitarian (Ayatollahtarian? HA!) regime and cause irrepairable damage to the democratic/resistance movements both in Iran and abroad. They see Obama’s idea of diplomacy being an end in-and-of itself as terribly misguided and potentially dangerous.
“It is obvious that you want the Mad Dog Mullahs killed. But you want the Iranians to do it for you!”
Absolutely! They are not my mullahs, they are yours. You raised them up, you put them down.
Unfortunately, I don’t think the citizens of Iran have the will power or the fire power to do that. So it will be Americans that do it for you. Must be something you learned from the Euros.
Dave,
If the war between America and the Mullahs escalated from proxy to direct engagement, I wouldn’t hold a banner saying “NO WAR”. It is your war as much as it is ours. We are friends and we have a common enemy. It is not as if we are enemies but united through a common enemy. We are actually friends. I speak on behalf of myself, my family, friend and those who support my way of thinking. Iran is the second country in the ME who would want to have close ties with the US. Thanks to the revolution, there are over 6 million Iranians who have immigrated to America and Europe. These people still have many close relatives back in Iran. Hence, the western way of thinking is very acceptable by the very majority of Iranians in Iran. Once Iranians establish their secular democracy, I assure you the world will be at peace. In a nut shell, we will re-build Iran; and re-educate the thugs and keep them at bay, etc. The Iranian oil money will be spent to build a country that will be an example to the rest of the ME. But in a nut shell, the Mullahs in Iran have a different vision and theirs is to make Iran an exemplary Islamic state where people wear black and mourn the death of one imam, prophet or another every other day of the week. They despise celebrations and jubilations. They see that as a western culture!! They see that as a threat to Islam! The Mullahs’ exemplary Islamic state is totally incompatible with the free world’s values and principles. If Obama or any other American or European leader embolden the regime, they are effectively helping the creation of an Islamic empire that cannot live side by side the western and free world values and principles. An Islamic empire that will eventually either destroy the free world or the planet because they believe ‘decadence and liberal values are evil and should be destroyed.’
Obama, is the Mullahs’ puppet. There is a video of a Mullah saying America will be defeated from within: scroll down to the link:
http://ardeshird.blogspot.com/2008/05/mullah-obama.html
I think America better wake up and get rid of Obama Hussein…. He will see America out from underneath us if he ever gets in the White House which we pray he will not. God bless America one nation UNDER GOD and not under the likes of Obama Hussein.
Redmanfms,
Those Iranians are INACTIVE Iranians who do not follow news anymore and have given up on ANY action. Also do you think that the Iranians INSIDE Iran count or the ones sitting in the west, with their comfy Martinis and nice fat salaries, etc.? When you have MILLIONS of hungry workers inside Iran, THOUSANDS of students whose education is being censured because anything they’re taught has to follow the MULLAHS’ guidelines of instruction, women are stoned to death and people are just hung in public…which Iranian’s voice would YOU take seriously?! I ask you…be a little more realistic in your will to believe.
Ardeshir Dolat must continue to speak out and inform. I suggest everyone read the information linked to his last post.
No nation can afford to have as its leader one who is conflicted in his loyalties. However benign some might think he is, Mr. Obama has proven himself to be a man of low character and judgment. A man with few, if any, principles.
Such a man should never be trusted with leadership. Most especially that of the greatest nation known to man.
Do you love your country? Do you value those who’ve fought and died for her? Then elect one you know to be a patriot.
Banafsheh, respectfully, I think either you didn’t read my post fully or didn’t comprehend what my neighbors’ thoughts on this subject are. They basically agree with you, they are just leery of the thought of war (as most people tend to be). I share their opinion.
I consider the opinions of people equally, regardless of their geographical location, but you certainly aren’t going to win any support from people with vinegar. My neighbor was an officer and pilot in the Iranian Air Force with a beautiful home in Tehran and a vacation house near Chah Behar on the Gulf. His father and one of his brothers were murdered by Hezbollah in the early days of the revolution. Another of his brothers and three nephews were killed during the Iran-Iraq War. Based on what he has lost, I really don’t think you can legitimately question his opposition to the mullahs.
Furthermore (again, respectfully), instead of expecting Americans to spend their blood and treasure to liberate you, you and your supporters should do something more substantive. The United States did not gain its independence because we expected others to fight for us. Once you start a SHOOTING WAR on your own to overthrow the mullahs I think you’d find Americans far more willing to provide you with military support.
Since my first response didn’t show:
“I ask you…be a little more realistic in your will to believe.”
Respectfully, Banafsheh, you are mistaken as to your opinion of my neighbors’ position on the mullahs. You either didn’t read, or didn’t fully comprehend the message I was relaying.
Also, again respectfully, the onus of responsibility on regime change in Iran is YOURS, not that of the United States. I think you can learn a valuable lesson by examining the history of the American War for Independence. Americans didn’t expect others to liberate them, they took up arms and did it themselves. I despise the mullahs every much as you do, and would love to see a liberalized and democratic Iran, but it’s not my or my countrymen’s responsibility to make it so, it’s YOURS!
Redmanfams,
The onus is ACTUALLY just as much on Americans AND Brits as well. We weren’t the ones who backed Khomeini…a million ideologues who poured into the city streets were regaled by YOUR media, YOUR president who in less than ONE YEAR, when he had called Iran the “Ocean of stability” ended up helping boot out that very stability by backing a sociopathic ideologue. I’m sorry but you’re VERY presumptuous to think you hate the Mullahs as much as an Iranian whose family has been executed and imprisoned for 30 years! I’m shocked that you would confuse sympathy with empathy and until you’ve walked a mile in our shoe, I would suggest that you make sure that you would presume to talk for all Iranians just because you know a few. That’s just as silly as anti-Americans who go around bashing ALL Americans because they don’t like Disneyland, McDonalds or Bush!
Redmanfms,
AND one last thing: EVEN if the ENTIRE onus is on us, like now, when ONE of us takes action, you bash us or take issue and act like you know better. So onus or not…why don’t you let us do our work rather than sit there splitting hairs! You want to do that for your American politics, you be my guest but if YOU want US to fix a problem that YOUR GOVERNMENT had ABSOLUTE hand in, then you better either put your sleeves up OR let us get on with it.
This letter should be sent to every superdelegate!
Barack Obama at best is dangerous beause of his lack of experience. If he gets through the primary I fear where this country is going.
Thank you, Manda Zand-Ervin and Banafsheh Zand-Bonazzi, for your intelligent, insightful, and passionate letter. I have sent a copy to Prime Minister Harper and to the Leader of the Opposition. May you live to see the day when Iran is a free country.
Banafsheh, cool it.
America didn’t install the mullahs, you can look to your own countrymen. Our guilt STOPS at our government’s failure to support the Shah. The American MEDIA isn’t controlled by the American people or the government.
If you don’t cool your tone and start to be a little more civil I’ll be more inclined to tell you to GO ROT. You are speaking to a person who mostly agrees with you, and is respectful on issues of disagreement, yet you are acting as if I were one of the mullahs myself.
“….OR let us get on with it.”
Get on with it then!!!!!!!
“EVEN if the ENTIRE onus is on us, like now, when ONE of us takes action, you bash us or take issue and act like you know better.”
Taking action doesn’t involve posting a screed on the internet demanding that the United States military come liberate you!!! I haven’t bashed ANYONE in this thread, YOU HAVE!! You’ve bashed me in every response to my posts, despite my agreement with you.
And YES, the ENTIRE onus of responsibility for improving your nation IS ON YOU!!!! It’s YOUR COUNTRY, not mine! I’m supportive of your cause and inclined to providing military aid should you and your supporters “get the ball rolling” by starting a revolution. You and your people MUST take up arms!!
This ends my communication with you. I recommend you either learn some interpersonal skills or find someone else to post your “open letters” who isn’t a shrill, insulting-hurling harpy.
A few minor points; the Iranians as a whole did not put the mullahs in charge due to the Shah being overthrown. Many groups fought together to overthrow the Shah. It was generally perceived that after the Shah was gone there would be a democracy with power shared by fair elections.
What went wrong was after the Shah, the Islamists jumped to the head of the line and seized power. They were not then or now the majority, but as is often the case, the most violent and the most dedicated win out over the majority.
It is very sad that a great culture like the Persians would be so enslaved to such a barbaric government. They need to reject Islam totally and figure out that it was forced on them by Arabs 1200 years ago. They are still living as conquered people as long as they are Islamic. All of North Africa needs to do the same.
smg45acp:
What U said!
We would all like to see Iranians people rise against their government to establish democracy. Heck, why end with Iranians? North Koreans, Tibetians and the Burmese should all stage a coup to end decades of oppression. Except, of course, this isn’t some Hollywood film where pitch fork wielding peasants rush towards the castle while music swells up in the background.
I’m not Iranian, but I imagine there has to be some similarities between Iranian and Asian dictators. Many military dicators were “elected” by their people in Asia. It still happens today occasionaly, just ask the Burmese. True, the election process isn’t alway honest, and there’s some power play behind it even when it’s not rigged. Then they try to fix the constitution or erase term limits, against the will of the people.
I don’t think John Samford and Redman are being unreasonable, but their smug “matter of fact” approach belies a complex situation. “Your people set them up, so you take them out, and then we’ll help you” Well, maybe they’re responsible for that. But if the Iranians enjoyed that kind of power in the first place, the author would not have written this letter, or ask Americans to take the right course on Iran. WE have the kind of power and resources to make dramatic changes in Iran, whether it involves diplomcay or forcibly removing their leaders. It’s Iranian blood that will be spilt in some ill advised rebellion, not ours. I won’t advise bony North Koreans who live on tree barks to overthrow Kim jong Il hoping for the US to provide aerial bombings from above. (Not to mention America’s poor record in secretly funding rogue rebel groups against leftist regmies)
I support the war in Iraq. Why? Because we found massive piles of WMDS capable of wiping out humanity? No, no. We went 0 for 1 in that department. No, because I recognize Saddam Hussein as a dangerous dictator who would have killed many more of his own people and pose a serious threat to the world in general. I imagine some Americans will vote for Mccain because they share his vision of America as an architect of democracy in Iraq, NOT because they love George Bush or toe the GOP party line. If you support our Iraq cause, is it not because you recognize America is responsible for higher calling?
I know the author is between a rock and a hard place. You don’t expect liberals to mind her. They’ll just dismiss her as a stooge for the establishment out to get Obama. Really, no point in addressing them. But when “conservatives” thumb their nose at her (or is it him?), that’s just baffling. YES, badmanfms, she is taking plenty of ACTION with her online articles. It’s what she can do as an activist and a concerend citizen of a totalitarian regime. Is it plausible for her to take “action” by storming the government with a gun in hand?
“I despise the mullahs every much as you do, and would love to see a liberalized and democratic Iran, but it’s not my or my countrymen’s responsibility to make it so, it’s YOURS!”
This didn’t work with Hitler, the responsibility being on the German people. While European governments talked diplomacy and the US chose to isolate itself, Hitler stockpiled his weapons and mechanized his armies. In the end, more US citizens died to dislodge him.
Like Hitler the Mullas are planning world dominance. They may even start with the Jews as he did. But, the Mullas are everyday coming nearer to NUCLEAR capability, not more mechanized armies, and they are not in it for its deterrence effect.
This, if nothing else, makes it everybody’s responsibility. More so for the US because WHOSE NAME DO YOU THINK WILL BE WRITTEN ON THE FIRST IRANIAN THERMONUCLEAR DEVICE? I believe Israel will be on the 10th or so.
Redmanfms,
I like to say this about Banafsheh: She is a relentless activist who has been very active against the regime for a long long time. She works very very hard in that and I know she gets very tired and sometimes very frustrated like we all do particularly when we see everything that has been done goes up like a puff. I know banafsheh is also very passionate about what she does. Tiredness is not a good thing and can sometimes kill you. We are all very tired and frustrated after 30 years of seeing a totalitarian and barbaric regime destroying our country and watching the so called free world that bangs about democracy and liberal values and yet at the same time giving the barbaric regimes legitimacy and longevity by having economic and diplomatic ties with. I ask you to just bear that in mind before making your mind about Banafsheh. She is just tired.
“I ask you to just bear that in mind before making your mind about Banafsheh.”
Ardeshir,
Noted, and I apologize to Banafsheh for my less than diplomatic response.
Habesh,
I’m not in favor of preemptive action, mainly because the world “community” tends to use it as an excuse to dump on the United States. Case study, the Cold War and Iraq.
“I don’t think John Samford and Redman are being unreasonable, but their smug “matter of fact” approach belies a complex situation. “Your people set them up, so you take them out, and then we’ll help you” Well, maybe they’re responsible for that. But if the Iranians enjoyed that kind of power in the first place, the author would not have written this letter, or ask Americans to take the right course on Iran.”
When a nation in its fervor to replace a tin-pot dictator, places an even more pernicious megalomaniac in his (or her) place the U.S. should send her boys over there to sort it out??? What are we, global baby-sitters?
You know, I’m all for helping people attain true freedom, but putting America in the position of sole opposition to world totalitarianism has made us a huge target that plenty of people, including the little pissants who live under the warm blanket of our protection (Europeans, looking at you guys) hurl crap (AND bombs) at.
I’ve never been described as smug before. Huh. Maybe I’m moving up in the world.
BTW, I’m not in agreement with John Samford, my first post should be indicative of that. He is wholly opposed to American military action, I’m not. I’m just holding out for the Iranians to “start the fire.”
Redmanfms,
The US does not go around the world picking on all the tin-pot dictators. In fact, the US has installed friendly tin-pot dictators around the world. So lets not go there. It is however the unfriendly tin-pot dictators that the US picks on. The packages of incentives are indicative of the US and EU foreign policy towards the Mullahs . Neither the Us nor the EU really care much about democracy and human rights in the Mullahs’ Iran, as long as they are contained with in Iran. I assure you any time the mullahs accept the demand of halting their nuclear activities, the US would be the first to have full diplomatic and economic relations with the mullahs – the same mullahs who chant “death to America” and “death to Israel” at the beginning and ending of all their congregations and the Islamic republic would be viewed as a democracy!! Why do you think the mullahs don’t accept the juicy carrots offered to them? I tell what I think. Their revolution is global. It is a total defeat for them to contain their ideology to Iran. Their ideals and long term Islamic goals will be dissolved in no time and puff goes their dreams of global Islamic rule. They see themselves as the liberators of all Muslims from the “decadence and liberal values of the Christian west”. Thats why they are standing in front of you; aiming their bombs at you; and wanting to destroy you and your values. So my friend take the blindfold off and see that a) Iranians have been fighting this regime for 30 years now; b) It is in fact your war!
Now about your stance that Iranians should “start the fire”. They already have. They started it almost immediately after the inception of the Islamic regime. But the US and EU did not come to their help and in fact supplied and supported the regime. Let’s accept the fact ( I don’t hold any grudge I should add)that the US policy is not a regime change, but rather a change of behavior. I am happy with the change of behavior too because it would shed less blood. But as I said change of behavior for the mullahs means an end to their dreams of global rule of Islam. They are not stupid and know that. The US and EU politicians who are in the position of making decisions on how to deal with the mullahs are simply cowards who are scared of dealing with the mullahs properly. I say they are coward because I don’t think for a second that they are so stupid that they don’t actually see what the mullahs of Iran stand for or that the mullahs will never accept their carrots. These politician’s indecisiveness will drag on for so long until it is too late. The longer the mullahs stay in power the stronger they get and harder to defeat. I see them as the winners of this battle to be honest with you because they are courageous and ready to die but you are coward and scared of blood shed! thats what it boils down to.
Redmanfms,
Your apology is not accepted. Frankly you are the picture of the kind of individual whose lack of compassion and inability to see passed his own pigeonhole is what makes the situation what it is. Your attitude is no better than the denial that the left lives in. Go ahead, call me names…I’ve faced people you cannot possibly fathom in your wildest dream and I’ve lived with decades of death threats. You cussing me out is of zero impact on me.
And Ardi jaan,
I am not tired, I’m DISGUSTED by self-centered people who cannot expand their thinking and vision passed the teensy little boxes that they’ve carved out for themselves and chosen to live in.
I stay out of this!
“Frankly you are the picture of the kind of individual whose lack of compassion and inability to see passed his own pigeonhole is what makes the situation what it is.”
And it is your attitude of entitlement and accusation that turns off people who would be otherwise inclined to support you.
“I am not tired, I’m DISGUSTED by self-centered people who cannot expand their thinking and vision passed the teensy little boxes that they’ve carved out for themselves and chosen to live in.”
Sounds an awful lot like you my dear.
You resolutely refuse to view this from an American perspective. We will most certainly suffer casualties should we to take military action against Iran. Our men and women will DIE. That apparently means NOTHING to you.
The American people have experienced this situation before, with Iraq. Iraqi expatriates and even voices living under the Baathist regime cried for us to depose Hussein when President Bush started pressing Iraq to meet the terms of the cease fire agreement, while they did litte more than call us to action themselves. We had ample cause to take down Saddam because of his treaty violations (a condition that does not currently exist with Iran), but the idea of liberating Iraq from a murderous dictator and bringing the freedoms that we enjoy to others certainly helped “sell” the war to us. Now Iraq is in a state of near anarchy and few Iraqis are standing up to try and make a difference. America cast its lot in Iraq and now we MUST stay there until we bring what we have promised, but we are getting precious little help from the Iraqi people in that pursuit.
Now that pressure on the Iranian regime is being increased, the Iranian dissidents are coming out, demanding military intervention while they do nothing but talk themselves, just as the Iraqis did. Except this time, we really don’t have a mandate, or any other (legal) cause to depose the mullahs. We only have the word of a few people like you. What happens when we do all the heavy lifting (and dying)? Will you stand up and do something substantive?
If you had actually read my posts, you would have noticed that I am supportive of providing military aid, SHOULD YOU AND YOUR COUNTRYMEN DO MORE THAN JUST TALK and start taking decisive action. I refuse to see our experience in Iraq expanded and to that end I’m not going to support intervention in Iran until the Iranian people themselves stand up, and I’m going to make sure my representatives know this. If you have a problem with that, tough.
Ardeshir,
You tried.
“I see them as the winners of this battle to be honest with you because they are courageous and ready to die but you are coward and scared of blood shed! thats what it boils down to.”
I’m hardly a coward. I don’t want the shedding of American blood to be in vain. Neither you or Banafsheh appear to care at all about the consequences what you demand will have on American servicemembers. That is terribly disconcerting.
Redmanfms:
“I don’t want the shedding of American blood to be in vain. Neither you or Banafsheh appear to care at all about the consequences what you demand will have on American servicemembers. That is terribly disconcerting.”
a) Neither Banafsheh nor me have asked America to attack Iran although if America did I wouldn’t cry!
b) The terrorists are already shedding American blood for nothing! Obviously you believe the war on terror is a war in vain!? People like you are the ones who have let the terrorists become as powerful as they are today. I am afraid it is people like you who are actually responsible for the shedding of American blood. People like You who have emboldened the terrorists!
“Obviously you believe the war on terror is a war in vain!?”
No, I don’t. I think it is a just war that must be won. I think Iraq was a just war as well, though not necessarily part of the GWOT.
Yet again you have created a strawman with which you can argue. It’s patently obvious that you (and Banafsheh) are either too dense or are being intentionally obtuse and avoiding the bulk of what I have written so that you may attack me for things I didn’t even post. Either way, I’m tired of your dissembling and being made to answer for positions I don’t even hold. Luckily this thread is at the bottom of the page, hopefully (for the sake of the Iranian dissident movement) neither one of you will continue your presence on this website.
beautifully written letter; this is what i have been wanting to tell Sen. Obama for a while…hell, even to the entire american public. the US needs to under Iran as a whole, its history,demographics, and politics. the nuclear issue is not just everything…infact i doubt iranians care about the program, their moreworried about the cost of tomatoes…anyways, i hope obama’s heart is on the sideof the people and not the regime.
understand* excuse me!
I am an Iranian and I as far as I am concern you have no right to make talk for me. Do you know most Iranian inside and outside of Iran? Maybe most people that you know and I am sure that is a very small population. To all who think Obama will not make it, get ready to get out if you do not like it. He WILL BE America’s next president.
Some feedback on your loooong letter:
I’m sorry but Obama hasn’t changed his stance – in 2004 he stated it ‘may’ become necessary, operative word — may. And today he continues to say that if diplomacy fails all options (meaning military) are on the table. Now personally I am against any preemptive war, or war to gain strategic power, but at the same as an Iranian-American I understand and can live with Obama’s suggestion as much as I hate to see any bombs killing Iranians.
Your comment or assertion suggesting that only ‘few’ Iranian-Americans (I assume ALL being naïve and wobbly eyed) are supporting him is based on no scientific polling – which makes it an opinion and not a fact. An opinion that in my opinion is incorrect – yet I am not righteous enough to state it as a fact.
In as far as another one of your fact less comments suggesting that the regime has killed ~1,000,000 Iranians (not including those that were killed during Iran-Iraq War). This reminds me of the claims that Khomeini used to use about Shah’s regime before the 1979 revolution suggesting that Pahlavi regime had killed ~60,000 Iranians were in fact and as it was disclosed in the work by Emad Baghi in “A Survey Of Iran’s Revolution” actual death toll pre 1979 during the years of 1963-1977 where opposition groups were accusing the Shah’s regime of horrible atrocities (similar to what is going on now) a total of 383 people were killed by the regime. After the revolution started in 1977 and ended in 1979 an additional 2,781 people were killed for a total sum of 3,164. Now I am not suggesting that number of atrocities by this regime is close to what happened on their Shah’s but ~1,000,000 sounds like a typical propaganda lie.
See: http://essenceofwisdom.blogspot.com/2006/09/what-is-just-reaction-to-unjust-action.html
Finally your suggestion to declare Iran a Gender Apartheid country is also a ridiculous suggestion. Not that women are treated equally there but because women are not treated equally anywhere – not in Saudi Arabia and heck not even in U.S. Now the degrees vary but to suggest that the Iranian regime is treating its women the same way the South African government was treating blacks during the apartheid era is disingenuous.
I think that Mr. Ardeshir needs to learn rspect for his fellow human before he tries talking about anything else. Iran is a beautiful country w/ beautiful people. I am glad that Senator Obama who is a gentelman is finally going to open negotiation w/ Iran. this is more than what anyone else have done in the past.
I am doubtful if my comment will get published here. I would urge both writers to have a first-hand experience of war, sleepless nights filled with artillery attacks, shrapnel, and anti-aircrafts flying over their heads before they prescribe war towards any country and its people. The same backwardness exhibited by these two writers is the core ideology of neo-cons, war-mongers, and ruthless individuals of this earth who want to supposedly “improve” conditions by selective killings which unavoidably turn into genocides and mass murders. Example? Iraq. I would like to know the difference between you who boldly display your hate and irrationality towards diplomatic resolutions and Ahmadinejad? Why should I believe you are not as insane as him? What is the difference between the mentality of an extremist with another? You sound just as ideological and fundamentalist as any other dictator in history. Nothing in this world justifies killing of innocent civilians. There is no conscientious person in this world who thinks war and destruction of anyone, anywhere, anyhow is the answer. An Iranian Woman.
Ladan, sharon (in fact Zaynab and Fatimah), mehdi and proud Iranian!
How are you doing brothers and sisters Basijis?!
I am surprised you guys are so late! Where have you been? This thread needed your input so badly. Anyway, I am glad you are here to make our case stronger by your input!
@Proud Iranian
Any Iranian has a right to opine on behalf of his/her own and supporters. Get used to it!
@mehdi
your hopeful nominee, Obama is making mistakes in his literally every other utterance. It is a typo In fact the figure is over 100,000 Iranians have been murdered by the Islamic regime’s thugs.
@sharon & ladan
I try to be as much respectful as possible. But points also have to be put to people. Sometimes it may sound harsh or disrespectful but respect is always paid. You people fail to see the bigger picture. you say killing is bad and hold your ears and scream killing is bad and don’t want to hear anything else. You block your mind to the facts that are presented to you about the Islamist terrorists who want to either kill you or your values; that the terrorist’s grievance is that you, the liberal Westerner, should abandon your liberal values because your values interrupt with his; your naked lustrous flesh turns him on and he feels guilty and thinks he will go to hell because of you and you should cover it; your decadence and way of life is a temptation that will make his journey to allah difficult. Therefore you either stop it altogether or you will be destroyed. There is no negotiations with these terrorists. They have nothing to give. They want you to abandon your values. Now you may be willing to give up all the liberal values, but I am not! The same terrorists are praying that Obama wins so that they can buy time through false and phony negotiations to build their nuclear bomb. Once they have their bomb you have no option but to give in. You won’t have the option to fight for your freedom and values unless you are prepared to destroy the planet. That I am not prepared to do.
This is repulsive! No patriotic and sane Iranian will ever wish for any kind of strike against Iran or the Iranian people. You represent majority of the the traitors, but not the majority of Iranians worldwide. Shame on you.
meehanparast (vatanforoosh)
No patriotic and sane Iranian would want the bloodthirsty regime of terror to continue. But you do!! You want Obama to go and negotiate with Ahmadinejad and support your regime to continue sucking Iranian blood and money! Patriotic and sane Iranians would want the Mullahs to go to hell. These terrorist Mullahs are not patriotic Iranians! They don’t give a sh*t about Iran and Iranians. They are using Iranian oil money to fund terrorism around the globe whilst people go hungry and our young girls have to sell their bodies to the Arabs. You call yourself patriotic! Any Iranian who supports the Islamic regime in any slightest way or prolongs it for an extra day is a traitor. Get it?!
Aredshir Dolat:
“Dolat” is an Arabic word and so is “vatan”. This is what I said, “No patriotic and sane Iranian will ever wish for any kind of strike against Iran or the Iranian people”.
1. Where does it say that I support the present regime?
2. It appears that you want Iran bombed and thousands of innocent Iranian killed. Isn’t that correct?
In this context, you may longer have any family members or friends in Iran, but an overwhelming majority of the Iranians still have families and friends in various parts of Iran.
3. By the way, threat of force or actual strike will not only make the matter worse for those inside Iran, but also, embolden the present regime.
4. The lesser the threat of force from outside, the better it is because the present regime will have no excuse for the dire economic situation and mis-management of the government.
By the way, I did my two years of compulsory military service during the Shah after returning from overseas. Also, we were for change, but not for the religious revolution. That’s why we came here right after the religious revolution.
So, don’t you dare call me names without knowing me. I am from the land of Pars and Iranian. We love our new country, the USA, and the old country, IRAN.
Aredshir Dolat:
“Dolat” is an Arabic word and so is “vatan”. This is what I said, “No patriotic and sane Iranian will ever wish for any kind of strike against Iran or the Iranian people”.
1. Where does it say that I support the present regime?
2. It appears that you want Iran bombed and thousands of innocent Iranian killed. Isn’t that what you are hoping for?
You may longer have any family members or friends in Iran, but an overwhelming majority of the Iranians still have families and friends in various parts of Iran.
3. Incidentally, the threat of force or actual strike will not only make the matters worse for those inside Iran , but also embolden this regime.
4. The lesser the threat of force from outside, the better it is because the present regime will have no excuse for the dire economic situation and mis-management of the government.
By the way, I did my two years of compulsory military service during the Shah after returning from overseas. Also, we were for change, but not for the religious revolution. That’s why we came here right after the religious revolution.
So, don’t you dare call me names without knowing me. I am from the land of Pars and Iranian. We love our new country, the USA, and the old country, IRAN.
Mrs. Ervin and Bonazzi should keep their uncircumcised opinions in their mouth for themselves, no patriotic Iranian or American advocate the destruction of their respective nation no matter who is governing at any giving time, 70 millions Iranians fought under this regime in the war with Iraq and they’ll fight any foreign intervention regardless of traitors who’re claiming to be speaking for all Iranians!
meehanparast
“”1. Where does it say that I support the present regime?”"
You support the regime by attacking the opposition. You support the regime by saying Banafsheh and I represent the majority traitors! Well… you are doing a great job barking for the totalitarian and barbaric Mullahs. You attack Banafsheh for pointing it out to the ill-informed Obama about the plight of the Iranians under a regime that he wants to negotiate with!
“”2. It appears that you want Iran bombed and thousands of innocent Iranian killed. Isn’t that correct?”"
Where do I say I support air strikes against the IRANIANS? Bring a quote from this vast Internet with links where I say I support air strikes against the Iranians.” In addition, bring evidence that McCain says he wants to bomb Iran!!!
“”3. By the way, threat of force or actual strike will not only make the matter worse for those inside Iran, but also, embolden the present regime.”"
Give me your reasons why you believe that the threat of force or actual strike will embolden the Mullahs!! You might not only convert me but also may help Bush and McCain and the rest of the world who believe the Mullahs should be isolated, sanctioned and attacked if they continue their nuclear pursuance. So please enlighten us you wise guy from the land of Pars!!
Give me your reasons why you believe the threat of use of force will make the matters worse for those inside Iran! Those inside Iran have been living a life of hell since the inception of your regime, long before there was any threat of use of force!
“4. The lesser the threat of force from outside, the better it is because the present regime will have no excuse for the dire economic situation and mis-management of the government.”
Since when the regime has been holding itself accountable to the people?! Since when have the Mullahs started to care whether Iranians are provided for? Since when those totally ill-educated and under qualified idiots hijacking our country been able to manage the country properly? The incompetent idiots working under the totalitarian rule of your despot leader Khamenei are the root cause of all the mismanagement and the dire economic situation. It has nothing to do with the threat of force from outside.
And please spare me about how you are a true Persian and you don’t like the regime! I say with confidence you are either a regime lobbyist working for that idiot Mullah agent Trita Parsi, or one of the few who has fallen for his bullsh*ts. The former is more likely!
Ardeshir,
I am embarrased to think of you as an Iranian. You are lacking so much substance that I really feel sorry for you. I do not even waste my time talking to a piece of trash like you whio is ready to attack our beautiful country. You do not deserve to be an Iranian. go to hell
Ardeshir Dolat:
I am against all those who advocate force against the innocent Iranians and the people of Iran.
Anyone who advocates murdering of Iranians is not only unpatriotic, but also, a criminal. This article is filled with inaccurate statements. For example, none of the people from Vanak, Zafaranieh, Niavaran, and Jordan who came out with the candlelights were arrested or beaten. We know it because our relatives and their friends were there. Also, when the authors quote the neo con, John Bolton, and have articles by the neo cons like Michael Leeden on their website. It is obvious that the writers are the supporters of the neocons who want to destroy Iran.
Regarding McCain, McCain has said many times about” Bomb, bomb, bomb Iran” without regret. Just go to YouTube and find out for yourself. In this context, what was more disgusting was his response to the reporter’s question about the reaction of the people to his infamous statement. He replied, “Who, the Iranians?”
By the way, you sound like a murdering Savaki or son of a Savaki or posing as a Iranian. Shame on you for your foul language and advocating murder and hate.
Finally, I just wanted to tell the writers that not all Iranians inside and outside Iran agree with them as they claim. Since I have done that, it would be below my dignity to engage in further discussions with you or anyone who advocates force against 70 million innocent people of Iran and IRAN. JAVEED IRAN!
meehanparast, Javad and others I am proud to know that there are still iranians like you who pride in being Iranian and love their country. I am in USA but will always be an Iranian and will fight for my country at any expence. I have also been spending 2 years of compulsory military service during the Shah .
sharon:
“I am in USA but will always be an Iranian and will fight for my country at any expence.”
Will you strap a bomb to yourself if you have to?
First let me put it in a laymen language a few Iranians here will understand better..WHO DIED AND MADE THESE TWO THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE IRANIAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY?!!
Most Iranian_Americans I know who live in Los Angeles and SoCal area support Obama.. There were some who are Republicans which need no explaining and some who supported Billary changed their minds once she threatened to flatten Iran. I, like many of my compatriots have many family members in Iran and as much as many of us are fed up with the regime there, we are just as fed up with the regime here!! No one I know would want war mongers and appeasers of the Neo Con and Israel to attack our country. Many of the intellectuals in Iran, the ones that are actually doing the real work of resisting against the government’s policies and end up in jail for it, would be the first ones to tell you that the best approach is dialogue as that is the only thing that will disarm the conservatives both in Iran and in US. Those from England so happy and cheering the writers of this letter are acting like their hero Blair and his poppy dog syndrome when it came to supporting the genocide in Iraq. So all you warmongers and appeasers of the Neo Cons please leave my country alone and go fight another war somewhere far away from us.
Thanks.
I do not think anyone can doubt former Foreign Minister Ardeshir Zahedi’s feelings towards the present Iranian government and his love for Iran.
Here are two articles from his website regarding McCain’s statement about Iranian expansionism and nuclear energy program. His articles clearly contradict the writers of this article. No matter how much one may hate him or love him, he is a patriot.
http://www.ardeshirzahedi.org/lettertomccain.html
http://www.ardeshirzahedi.org/nuc-tech.htm
meehanforoosh
I have many relatives and friends in Iran and they all tell me they WISH AMERICA WOULD COME AND DESTROY THE MULLAHS JUST LIKE THEY DID SADDAM AND THATS THE VIEWS OF MANY MANY IRANIANS INSIDE IRAN WHO HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF THE MULLAHS.
The regime wants unconditional negotiations and dialog with the US; YOU WANT THE SAME! And then you tell me you don’t support the regime?!
Let me tell you idiots for the last time loud and clear and get it into your thick skulls:
IDEALLY I DO NOT WANT AMERICA TO BOMB IRAN.
IDEALLY I WANT THE REGIME TO CHANGE ITS BEHAVIOR.
IDEALLY I WANT THE MULLAHS TO RESPECT HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEMOCRACY.
IDEALLY I WANT THE REGIME TO SPEND IRANIAN MONEY ON IRAN AND IRANIANS AND NOT THE TERRORIST HIZBULLAH, HAMAS, QODS AND AL QAUEDA AND THE REST.
IDEALLY I WANT THE REGIME TO RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF OUR WOMEN.
All of these have been on the table since the regime of terror took over our country. Now you tell me Obama will make the terrorists do ALL OF THESE?
All you are saying here is that we want America to bomb Iran! Which is a complete load of bullshit because no one is saying that!!
Now get lost you terrorist idiots!
I think it is getting a little hot in the kitchen for some people. I am an Iranian, I love Iran and I love an support any administration who is for negotiation and peace as opposed to war and bombing. I am ashamed of the people who talk about Iran as if it is a foreign country and wishing the country to be attacked and occupied. Most of you here are beautiful Iranians and love the country. I can tell by reading your blogs. There are however a couple of idiots here. To thoses patriots I love you. To those idiots shut up and never even mention the name IRAN. ZENDE BAD IRAN
I got on this site by accident.
What I have noticed is that in order to gain support for their cause, the writers have aligned themselves with neocons like John Bolton, neocon-Zionists like Michael Ledeen, and a cantankerous and abusive blogger, Ardeshir Dolat.
If this is their way of attempting to win the hearts and minds of Iranians, Iranian-Americans, and world leaders, they are sadly mistaken because having people who bear ill-will towards Iran and the Iranian people for the sake of their own political agenda and a venomous-tongued and angry man on their side will not win them support. If the writers really believe in human rights, democracy, freedom of speech and expression, they should respect people who oppose them and engage them in an intelligent discourse instead of having an abusive blogger friend unjustly attack them in a very crude manner.
Finally, if the writers continue to support the neocons and abusive bloggers, they will never succeed in their venture.
Shahpour:
“”I got on this site by accident. “”
I doubt that very much!
You guys have been guided on to this page to attack Banafshe and me. You are not interested in intelligent dialog.
I am not going to respond to any of you any more. No one is reading this page except those few of you who have been directed here to attack us. Have fun amongst yourselves.
Ardeshir Dolat:
If you want support from decent people, you should believe and respect people whatever their opinions.Simply, do not insult people by assuming that those who do not agree with you are agents of some entity or have been directed by those who wish you and your friends ill-will.
“You are not interested in intelligent dialog.”
If you are not abusive, why not? Remember that there is always two sides to a coin. You are entitled to your opinion and others are entitled to theirs. Nothing can be solved by insults and foul language.
In any case, good luck to your human rights venture.
shahpour
I sure believe in democracy and freedom of speech. But I also have a right to defend myself when people accuse me of holding a belief which I do not!
I agree with quite a few points the open letter mentions. Specifically, the “proposal section”, and the following 3 paragraphs:
_______________________________________________
“America led the world in supporting the Eastern European Solidarity Movement……”.
“The Iranian government is, by all definitions and international laws and United Nation’s resolutions, a gender apartheid regime…………….Support the millions of laid-off and destitute Iranian workers, students, and teachers, as well as the estimated 23,000 innocent political prisoners who are being tortured in prisons for speaking out against these tyrants. Support the average Iranian and not the Islamic regime……”
“This will be a bold and thoughtful way of managing the foreign policy of America. It is the picture of your message of change, at work not only for America, but the world at large, Senator. Appeasement of dictators and oppressors is just as unwise as war……”
________________________________________________
Below are my thoughts and not aimed at any one person:
Firstly, discussions about Iran tend to become very heated, because, for many Iranians, it is a very personal and emotional topic and situation. Add to this some 30 years of oppression by the Mullahs, and you get utter frustration by those who want the Mullahs’ regime gone.
Secondly, the climate of paranoia, mistrust, and fear surrounding Iran was, mainly, created by the Mullahs and their supporters. It serves the Mullahs and their ilks well to have anti-regime Iranians (from all walks of life) at each others throats & suspicious of one another.
So, the “Mullahs’ Machine” continues to add fuel to fire through different channels and by various means. The incessant talk about “War with Iran” is one such vehicle, because the Mullahs know it will generate unbelievable anxiety amongst ordinary people, particulary, those in Iran. The Soviets tried similar tactics. Mullahs have been more successful, partly, because this regime is a religious dictatorship, not just a dictatorship, with more ingrained ideology & definitely long term and global ambitions; it is also extremely good at propaganda.
Other thoughts:
1979 thuggish revolution in Iran, was extremely well planned & organized, over at least 7 years, and had broad & unquestionable support & funding from foreign powers, including & especially Carter & his administration – a combination of ignorance, deliberate actions, and lack of longer term vision regarding the impact of such a revolution, not only on Iranians, but also on Americans, for example.
But, Iranians themselves (inside and outside, some key ones were U.S. citizens at the time) should have known better when they (students, women, communists, marxists, workers, etc, etc..) were mobilized and chose to unite and rally around a self-professed, hideous Islamic character “ayatollah” promising “Democracy”.
Did we understand what type of “Democracy” was to be offered or facilitated by a Mullah who claimed he was going to sit in Qom, and provide “spiritual guidance” only?!! Had we forgotten Khomeini’s continuous opposition since the 1960′s to modernity and progression? Or the Shia Muslim clerics influence since the Safavid period, or the general Arab-Islam atrocities after Iran was invaded, and when Iran was still largely a Sunni country?
Those Iranians who, directly and/or indirectly, supported “the revolution” are fully responsible for the state of affairs in Iran now and over the last 30 yrs.
By only blaming “foreign powers” for one’s own actions, we only promote a false sense of victimhood and powerlessness.
IMO, Iranians, inside and outside, if they geniunely want the regime gone, must unite, choose an overall leader, take the lead & stop bickering. Iranians have done it before and can do it again.
But, I also think that many know Mullahs’ regime is not Shah’s government, and will not go quietly nor peacefully, I wish it would. Nor can it be reformed. Additionally, given further opportunity, IRI, together with the help of their mostly Arab mercenaries e.g. Bassij militia, will continue to instill fear, kill, maim, rape, and torture as many Iranians as possible.
On the other hand, foreign powers run Military Operations, not Liberation Operations and are not capable of building or rebuilding a country, especially from a cultural perspective. Foreign powers do what suits their interests only (even Richard Perle and Wolfowitz said so on Iraq – see the link below re Richard Perle). However, if these foreign powers genuinely look for stability in the ME region, not just chaos to, perhaps, further their own political influence and economic gains, then Iran and supporting the Iranian people will be a significant contributor to the long term stability of the region.
http://plateauofiran.wordpress.com/2007/06/07/democratic-transformation-is-possible/
A closer to home example for Americans is that the needed support for Iranians may not be too dissimilar to the one the French actively gave the Americans during the American war for independence. Sure, Washington was the leader of the Americans, but without help from the French, the British would’ve not surrendered to Washington at Yorktown.
About the Eastern European situation during communist/cold war era, I suggest you read this. It is written by a Polish person, and outlines some of the similarities & differences between “Islamic Regime in Iran” and then “Communist Poland”.
http://plateauofiran.wordpress.com/2007/05/22/islamism-vs-communism-a-view-from-poland/
Ultimately, in my opinion, it is up to the Iranians to first get their act together, learn how to be part of “the opposition” in these extraordinary times, and then look for the support of the foreign powers to help remove certain “obstacles”. But, talking about “reform of IRI’, “bombing Iran” or “unconditional or conditional negotiations and appeasement with the Mullahs” are not feasible strategies.
Plateau
“Ultimately, in my opinion, it is up to the Iranians to first get their act together, learn how to be part of “the opposition” in these extraordinary times, and then look for the support of the foreign powers to help remove certain “obstacles”. But, talking about “reform of IRI’, “bombing Iran” or “unconditional or conditional negotiations and appeasement with the Mullahs” are not feasible strategies.”
First, let me thank you for your great input.
I have always advocated for Iranians of all political persuasions to unite. Heck, I even believe the MEK (despite the fact that they have an Islamist ideology and ideally, I don’t like the Islamists to have any political position in the Iran after the Mullahs, however, it seems they believe in secular democracy) should join in! But unfortunately, there seems to be something that is stopping us from uniting. As you correctly mentioned, the regime has learned how to prevent us from uniting. Their Modus operandi is based on the Quranic principle of TQIYAH, Which allows Muslims and Islamists to lie, be deceitful and do anything for the advancement of Islam. For example, the likes of people on this page who pose as Iranian opposition and then attack others who also oppose the Mullahs is precisely the way the Mullahs prevent us from unifying. That’s why I always suspect this people to be the regime agents. I just cannot for the life of me understand how anyone who dislikes the Mullahs and wants to see the back of them could possibly attack anyone else who is standing next to him!??! Our opposition leaders are either not bold enough to make the decision of trying to get together to form a united front or they are simply not intelligent enough and have fallen for the opinions of the regime agents and are anxious they may lose out politically if they are seen as wanting to unite with this or that group which, the regime agents keep slagging off! Here we have two or three regime agents directed to this page specifically to attack Banafshe and me! This obviously has some effect on some Iranians who don’t know Banafshe and me and may think yeah this Ardeshir Dolat is a traitor who wants America to bomb 70 million Iranians!!! I have never said that but these regime agents claim!! They are here to further damage the opposition’s reputation.
I found several comments by the so-called Iranians on this thread appalling. An Example:
“Javad:
Mrs. Ervin and Bonazzi should keep their uncircumcised opinions in their mouth for themselves..
Jun 5, 2008 – 1:20 pm”
And then
“sharon:
meehanparast, Javad and others I am proud to know that there are still iranians like you who pride in being Iranian and love their country.”
I find it incredulous that the U.S. Government has allowed such disgusting individuals into the United States and bestowed upon them a U.S. citizenship. I would not give such individuals a Hell citizenship. So much for the USA.
Why we Americans complain about 9/11 when we get to have these morons in our country? That’s DUMB.
unbelievable,
I do not know who you are but from the way you talk I can tell that you belong to the lowest levl of the society that I consider garbage.
Unbelievable:
It appears that you don’t believe in democracy, otherwise, you would have respected the opinions of others which were contrary to yours.
By the way, why is it that you and others have to use abusive language when someone disagrees with you? Is it because of your lack of knowledge or poor education or troubled up bringing, or simple thuggery in order to intimidate decent people who are not used to unsavory language?
Finally, we are proud citizens of the United States of America. We are highly educated and qualified. Our children have the highest educational qualifications. They have won many awards including the President’s for serving the communities across the USA. They have been the good-will ambassadors of the United States of America overseas. At the same time, we are proud of our ethnic background, culture, and Persian heritage. So, do not you ever dare question our patriotism just because we do not agree with your evil neo con-Zionist plot to kill innocent Iranians and destroy our former homeland for your own personal agenda.
meehanparast,
Very well said. I am a citizen of the USA and as part of my job travel around the world representing USA to the business world . I love this country but I alos am crazy about my ethnic background, culture, and Persian heritage as you mentioned it. I am a human right activist am believe in the value of life. It is not acceptable under any circumstances that I would agree w/ these un patriot, aionist people to bomb a group of innocent people . Once again I am proud to know that there are still great, educated and intellegent people like ypu and others on this site. For those people who throw a tantrom if they do not get their way I will provide a bottle may be that can shut them up.
I am not an Iranian but an immigrant to America (now a citizen) whose original home country is also being occupied by a brutal human rights violating regime. As much as I despise that regime, I would never advocate a neocon Iraq criminal style invasion to “liberate” the people. This sort of short term thinking is the hallmark of the incompetence that has become known as the Bush doctrine.
Anyway, the author has a poor understanding of history when she tries to weave the international support for the freedom fighters in South Africa to this brand of neocon ideology. It was Dick “So, who cares what they think” Cheney, right wing Americans, and especially Israel, who supported the racist murderous apartheid government of South Africa while folks like a young Senator Obama (read his book)advocated for liberation
Get a clue and take a lesson from the Senator- Change happens from the bottom up.
Wow – As an Iranian American, I must confess that I am not sad at all to see Bush’s presidency and his war-mongering mentality to come to an end. I am glad to see Sadam go and I would like to see the pressure put on the current Iranian regime to get rid of the murderous Mollahs – but not by starting another war. In order for any country to succeed domostically and politically, the state and church must be separated. In Iran’s case as well Israel and more and more USA, it appears that the church and the state are competing with each other to push certain agendas. The state needs to run like a state and church should be where people of the same faith pray for their personal faith. It is obvious that the republican side is actively trying to get the church on their corner to get re-elected and with some prominent evangelists being gone or dead, the right wing Republicans are afraid that they are loosing their grip on this unprecedented power that they have gained since 9/11. What happened to going after Osama, Nuclear Pakistan worries me more than a Nuclear Iran because of their ties to the Talibans. Nuclear Israel worries me because they have shown that they have no regards for innocent people’s lives just like Sadam. Obama brings a sense of trust which has been long missing since Bush has become the president and John Mccain and his desire to start another war mentality scares me even more.
“Unfortunately, you’re blind to see Obama’s shady past and bad connections” – HUH
Corruption – Read this below and I think we can all agree that Mccain is the one with the Shady past.
The Keating Five were five United States Senators accused of corruption in 1989, igniting a major political scandal as part of the larger Savings and Loan crisis of the late 1980s and early 1990s. The five senators, Alan Cranston (D-CA), Dennis DeConcini (D-AZ), John Glenn (D-OH), John McCain (R-AZ), Donald W. Riegle (D-MI), were accused of improperly aiding Charles H. Keating, Jr., chairman of the failed Lincoln Savings and Loan Association, which was the target of an investigation by the Federal Home Loan Bank Board (FHLBB).
After a lengthy investigation, the Senate Ethics Committee determined in 1991 that Alan Cranston, Dennis DeConcini, and Donald Riegle had substantially and improperly interfered with the FHLBB in its investigation of Lincoln Savings. The Committee recommended censure for Cranston and criticized the other four for “questionable conduct.”
All five of the senators involved served out their terms, but only Glenn and McCain ran for re-election (and were subsequently re-elected).
McCain is now trying to become the next president of the U.S.A. . We must be stupid to think he is an agent of change for the U.S.A. and we desperately need a change from radicalism that the right wing faction bring to the table.
Isn’t Manda Zand-Ervin a registered republican?
Read comments here. Disgusted with Ardeshir Dolat is his bending with the breeze. He is a sad life way up working his girls and wife. Sure he is working on Obama. He isn’t worth a cringe.
I would like to make it clear that I do not know the author of this post and have never been associated with her or her daughter.
Furthermore, Ardeshir Dolati is not someone with whom I would like to maintain any contact. The above response to my comment by him was highly contrived and was seen as expedient by him.
An open letter to barack obama
It is very important that you think about what I am going write.
I realize that it will be a sacrifice of your campaign and for your sponsors for you to tell the truth.
That in itself would finish your attempt to be elected as the President of the United States of America. Its unfortunate that in politics you must slide the truth in order to win favor by business interests , political advocates, well financed families and then what is left of the American people. It is that portion of people that you sir, should be catering your interests to. There are millions of Americans that really need a strong honest leader that can go up against the current dishonest Congress and demand CHANGE for the people of America and not just a surveyed few. And CHANGE sir, means a identified selection of problems with America that need replacement or repair, without the contention of Congress or the ones that pull the rule strings from behind. And CHANGE made within a short period of time, not years or centuries. If you are elected by some reason, that only a privileged few will know, you will of course be in the same situation as many others before you have been, because they did not tell the truth. In the real world, the truth is not welcomed, but it exists anyway, waiting for the few or the many that can make the CHANGE to live that and become that, that so many people wish they could be. Americans must truly help the Homeland our Country become the true leader of the many that have lost their way thru choice.
The American Republic
A Sovereign Republic
it was good and wish you a happy new year
stop the killings of innocent women and children in iran
stop the killings