Persian Garden

2003-08-07T12:14:00.000-07:00

Dr. Azar Nafisi author of Reading Lolita in Tehran, in her interview with the Atlantic Monthly:

“The most devoted and most committed in the reform movement, the ones who made it possible for Mr. Khatami to come to power, are now in jail. And many others, mainly secular, but many committed religious dissidents too, are now dead. The journals that helped Mr. Khatami to come to power are now extinct…. I know that this country is going to change. But I'm not pinning my hope on Mr. Khatami. I think that we pay every time we become carelessly hopeful or optimistic.

The most notable reformist prisoners that Dr Nafisi talks about are Akbar Ganji, the fearless journalist who dared to shed light on the criminal activities of the high ranking clerics; Abdollah Noori, Khatami’s Interior Minister who was one of his few ministers who seemed to believe in the reforms that Khatami was promising. He offered a challenging defense in the court that was prosecuting him for what he published in his reformist newspaper “Khordad” and got convicted to 5 years in prison (he was later “pardoned” by the supreme leader), and Abbas Abdi one of the strategists of the reform movement who published poll results showing Iranian public’s desire to have normal relations with America and the rest of the world.
And the list goes on and on...

2003-08-04T18:42:00.000-07:00

Why is Iran important

Why is Iran an important country? Why should the rest of the world care about its fate? Why is it not just an ordinary country which the rest of the word can easily ignore and go on with its life?

Iran is a big country. It’s 17th in the both lists of the world’s largest and most populous countries. Larger and almost more populated than all European countries. Its strategic location occupying the whole northern coast of the Persian Gulf has a direct effect on security of the world’s biggest energy source.

It can proudly trace back its unique identity to 2600 years ago, when the great Persian Empire was founded by Cyrus the Great. A national identity that has been strong enough to survive scores of devastating foreign attacks: Alexander the Great, Muslim Arabs, various Turkish tribes and Mongols. Iran has lost its national sovereignty in all of these military defeats but has managed the keep its identity, language and culture.

In the modern times, it has passed through periods of weakness but it never became a colony of a foreign power. Its first modern revolution (the constitutional revolution) in 1906 gave it a fairly democratic constitution at a time when very few independent countries existed in the whole Asia let alone the Middle East.

But Iran’s importance to the today’s world comes from something more important: Its popular democratic movement. Secular Iranians are struggling to finish the 100-year-old fight for democracy and independence, while devoted Iranian Muslims are trying to introduce a modern interpretation of Islam which embraces democracy. It can have a far reaching impact on 1 billion Muslims around the world.

2003-07-29T13:06:00.000-07:00

Nearly a month ago I was contacted by a journalist working for the Brazilian newspaper Folha de S. Paulo. Apparently they were preparing a report on the current situation in Iran and specially the impact of the Iranian bloggers on the recent events. This is my answer to their question about the last month’s unrests in Iranian cities

The Iranian people are utterly fed up with the current affairs in Iran. They are dissatisfied with the hybrid system of half-democracy half-theocracy that runs the country. This regime has systematically violated human rights, imposed a closed economy, isolation from the rest of the world poverty and lack of development.

In this Iranian system you can elect a president and a parliament who are second hand powers in the country, supervised by the appointed institutions representing the religious establishment. The real power in the country is the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. He controls the armed forces, security and intelligence organizations, judiciary system and various councils that can veto the parliament’s decisions.

The public desire for change, led to the popular support for president Khatami and the reformist Parliament. Khatami got elected with more than two-third of the votes in 1997 and 2001. People believed that Khatami and the Parliament could use their public support to bring about "gradual changes" in the system (Khatami was hoped to be the "Iranian Gorbachev": It’s right; he is one of “them”, but he seems to be willing to change the system for the better). They were believed to be able to put pressure on the religious appointed institutions and force them to gradually give up their powers.

The reform movement’s basic demands were democracy, free election for really powerful institutions and greater social and political liberties. It is note-worthy that Iran is probably the only Muslim country that has such a popular democracy movement. (And as a reminder, Iranians are not Arabs. They are Persians and usually get offended by being confused with Arabs). Democracy doesn't seem to be a public demand in any other Muslim country. The experience of trying to offer a democratic interpretation of Islam is new in the Islamic world and it's now being done in Iran.

However after 6 years of fierce resistance by the detested conservatives it is now clear that they will not give up any of their powers and they do not tolerate any reform at all. Therefore the strategy of the reform movement has changed to "civil disobedience" with the goal of changing the constitution for removing all the unelected powers including the post of “supreme leadership” currently being held by Ayatollah Khamenei. Recent protests in Iranian cities are clear signs of this changing strategy and everybody expects that they will get bigger and bigger.

The goal of these protests are not trying to "improve" the system any more since it has proved to be unchangeable. The goal is now to remove this corrupt regime (the so called "Islamic Republic") which has impoverisged the country and made it look bad in the eyes of the rest of the world.

2003-07-28T13:03:00.000-07:00

How a Totalitarian Government Works: A Classic Example.

A government that is oppressing its citizens, denying their civil rights and has shown utmost disregard to its citizens’ safety in foreign countries, has suddenly become sensitive to the death of one of its “citizens” in Canada: A Canadian citizen with Iranian origin has died in a fight with the local police. 10 days later and after the Canadian government called its ambassador in Iran as a sign of protest to the death of Zahra Kazemi, the Foreign Ministry of the “Reformist Administration” has all of a sudden become interested in that event.

This is a classical example of how worthless people’s lives are in an authoritarian government. They are just “bargaining chips” for you to do your business.

Ask Mr. Khatami and he will be happy to give you a 2-hour speech about how totalitarianism is bad and Islam respects human rights; and this is how his government teams up with the killers of Zahra Kazemi to reduce the impact of her death.

2003-07-24T21:44:00.000-07:00

This article in the Christian Science Monitor has been one of the most informative articles I have seen about the current situation in Iran. Most articles in the mainstream media are at best a description of the current affairs, this one clarifies the correct strategies that the democracy movement should apply.

2003-07-21T23:45:00.000-07:00

This is a courageous declaration made by the Student Association of Amir Kabir University (formerly Tehran Polytechnic). The Student Associations throughout the country are still being called “Islamic Associations” a reminder of the fact that they have been the old supporters of the religious establishment and the sole survivors of the 1980 raid to the universities which was called the “Cultural Revolution”.
Ironically they are now in the front line of democratic movement in Iran and constantly under attack.

2003-07-20T02:20:00.000-07:00

This part of Tony Blair’s speech in the Congress makes much sense:

“And how risible would be the claims that these were wars on Muslims, if the world could see these Muslim nations still Muslim but Muslims with some hope for the future not shackled by brutal regimes whose principal victims were the very Muslims they pretended to protect?”

Here is an example for what Mr. Blair says:
The Iran-Iraq war was prolonged for 6 more bloody years after the Iranian Army succeeded in kicking out the Iraqis in 1982. The war that ayatollah Khomeini called “The War of Islam and Infidelity” and thus supported its continuation even after the Iranian territory was completely liberated killed more Muslims (Iranian and Iraqis alike) than any non-Muslim power has ever killed.

Nearly one million people (guess what: Muslims) were killed in 8 years of this meaningless war (I never heard of any exact data). The American invasion of Iraq killed a few thousand. How disgusting is it to see Islamic Republic officials mourning the death of “our Muslim Iraqi brothers and sisters” in the hands of American imperialists? Oh yes, at that time you didn’t know that both Iranians and Iraqis were Muslims.

2003-07-18T12:52:00.000-07:00

A fool who thinks every body is like him.

Deputy Interior minister in security issues has admitted (Persian text) that the death of Zahra Kazemi was caused by her head hitting a “hard object”. But look at the comic part; he added “we still don’t know whether it was the object that hit her head or her head hit the object. We suggested to the president to further investigate this issue.”

Well, some people are slow; it takes a long time for them to get it; and also, good suggestion. That’s why we have a president.

2003-07-17T21:24:00.000-07:00

This piece in the Canadian paper The Globe and Mail is comparing Zahra Kazemi's death to the death of Steve Biko, South African anti-apartheid leader which turned out to be a turning point for the apartheid regime. The international pressure that followed his death helped undermine the racist government.

Ms. Kazemi is not the first journalist being killed in Iran. But she is probably the first one who may have the backing of a powerful foreign government. I hope this leads to some real pressure on the regime.

2003-07-17T20:50:00.000-07:00

What an embarrassment: killing a journalist who turned out to be not “just” Iranian.

New reports are coming out about the death of Zahra Kazemi, the Iranian-Canadian photographer who was killed during the interrogations following her arrest last week. In contrast to the first official report released after her death, she didn’t die of a stroke but from fractured skull because of a strike on her head.

French paper Liberation has reported that this strike was done by Saeed Mortazavi, the creepy newly-appointed Prosecutor General. I have no difficulty believing this claim. Mortazavi has been in the front line of shutting down more than 100 newspapers and journals.

This is a great embarrassment for the guys. This time it is not just a poor, defenseless Iranian intellectual or student. This time you have to explain to one of the last remaining foreign governments who still has good relations with you. The Canadian government should not be compromising in this case.

2003-07-17T19:10:00.000-07:00

What have we learned from the last 6 years?

The last 6 years has not been what many Iranians hoped it would be. The time of “reforms” as President Khatami and his associates put it, was unable to produce the kind of results that people wanted, i.e. more political and social freedom and getting rid of the many hated people on top who were responsible for ruining the country’s international image.

As the reformers have proven to be much weaker and less committed to bring about the changes they had promised, it may appear that we have had a lost 6 years. But I think although not many visible changes have taken place, this period has been a great time for learning for Iranians as a society. These are, I believe, some of the collective experiences that will be invaluable in shaping the future:

- We should not be satisfied with anything less than a full democracy. No power should be allowed to be outside the direct supervision and not be responsible to the public.

- Centuries-old habit of having an absolute power should be broken. The so called “2500 years of monarchy” which was supposed to be disrupted after the revolution, apparently continued to the age of “Republic”. It turns out that the “Islamic” form of republic has been a reproduction of the old format of monarchy.
This should be terminated once and for ever.

- It has been a valuable time for practicing for democracy. Although the oppressive hand of the unelected powers kept cracking down on different forms of democratic institutions, culture of dialogue and tolerance was given a shot with positive results.

- There will be no more uncritical trust and support for any leader.

- And also, no more Shahs, Thanks!

2003-07-16T14:56:00.000-07:00

Why Medical examination should be obligatory for Iran’s Presidential Candidates

A guy makes himself a candidate and asks for people’s vote for him to become the president. He seems to be an ideal person: every thing he says makes sense; he makes you hope that he is going to change the situation and looks like he can’t lie.

People fall in love with him and give him a chance to do what he has promised. Alas. After waiting 6 years for the guy to at least open his mouth, you end up realizing why there should be a medical examination before an election (look at the previous post).

Look how President Khatami has used his remaining drops of testosterone: he has ordered an inquiry into the death of the Iranian-Canadian photographer Zahra Kazemi. She had been detained a few days earlier while she was taking pictures of what has said to be “forbidden places”.

Well done Mr. Khatami. As if you don’t know who is responsible for her death. OK. Here is a hint for you: look for those who have detained 4000 other people after last months’ unrests. I hope after 6 years in office you know who detains the dissidents and tortures them during the interrogations.

2003-07-16T14:52:00.000-07:00

Why Iranian leaders envy Saddam.

This is a meaningful joke I have heard a number of times.

Saddam has things that each of Iranian leaders wish they had:

Khamenei (the “spiritual” leader) envies his right hand (the guy has lost his in the early years of the revolution),
Rafsanjani wishes he had his mustache (he can’t grow any),
And Khatami wishes he had his balls.

Do I need to give more explanation?

2003-07-15T14:33:00.000-07:00

Confessions of a Disappointed Mind

In my previous posts I have been trying to raise my voice as an Iranian and show the realities of my country to the curious people in the outside world. Well, in the last few months the situation has been so frustrating that I couldn’t find any thing positive to write about.

Here is my confession: I have changed my mind about the possibility of reform in my country. It seems like all the enthusiasm about the changing situation in Iran has been pointless: the system is too rigid to allow any changes. I am one of millions of Iranians who are totally disappointed by the performance of their elected President, Mohammad Khatami.

Using physics terminology, it can be said that the country is now approaching a critical point: there is going to be a phase transition. I hope we will have a smooth transition rather than a chaotic and messy one, but I have no doubt that the current oppressive regime will change. Later, if it allows some reform or sooner, if it doesn’t.

2002-09-30T14:39:00.000-07:00

"I saw more prostitutes with cell phones in Tehran's streets than mullahs with turbans" : how New York Times comulnist Tom Friedman remembers his trip to Iran on a CNBC show. Congratulations to Iranian conservatives after their 24 years of "exporting the revolution".

2002-09-24T14:13:00.000-07:00

Sky and Telescope magazine is one of the world's leading astronomical magazines. Publishing articles on certain countries is not what it generally does. However one of its writers have been so excited after his short trip to Iran that he has written a long article exclusively about Iran. (PDF file).
A reminder of how an Iran with a reasonable government can be a great destination for tourists from around the world.

2002-09-17T14:01:00.000-07:00

Republicanism Manifesto

Akbar Ganji, one of the most prominent Iranian reformist journalists which is already in jail for his articles in the banned newspapers has published his important "manifesto" (Persian PDF) . In this manifesto he suggests a big shift in the strategy of reformist forces. He believes that "constitutionalism" (trying to restrict the power of unelected institutions in favour of the elected ones and seeking democracy within the existing constitution) has failed. He wants all the reformists to pursue a "full republic" which should be gained by changing the constitution. The most important tactic that he suggests is "civil disobedience".
Ganji's opinions are quite influential within the reformist movement. It won't take long before this suggested strategy comes to the reformists' agenda.

2002-09-13T10:46:00.000-07:00

Quiet Revolution : a report from Iran on ABC network: "Most of all, if you spend time here, you are likely to come away with the strong sense that things will change. The hardliners are still in charge. But there is a mood in the street — a determination to lead a freer, less isolated life — that in the long run, seems irreversible."

2002-09-07T16:28:00.000-07:00

Here, a great website on Iranian culture and history.

2002-08-26T13:14:00.000-07:00

Tom Friedman in New York Times : "Nothing has subverted Middle East democracy more than the Arab world's and Iran's dependence on oil, and nothing will restrict America's ability to tell the truth in the Middle East and promote democracy there more than our continued dependence on oil."

2002-08-26T13:04:00.000-07:00

A report in Word Press Review by Shahram Sokooti on how Iranian journalists are using the web to replace their banned newspapers.

2002-08-22T16:33:00.000-07:00

Indian Prime Minister greets the Parsi community on 'Nowrooz' : Persians who escaped the Motherland at the time of Muslim Arab invasion to the Persian Empire, still know their origins. They practice Zaraostrianism, the religion of Persian Empire before Islam.
It's intersting that they celebrate Nowrooz , the new year, 5 month later than Iranians.

2002-08-20T14:22:00.000-07:00

Joshua Muravchik for NYTimes: Democracy "could reach Iran, where citizens in all walks of life are increasingly bold in their opposition to theocratic rule. Change toward democratic regimes in Tehran and Baghdad would unleash a tsunami across the Islamic world, just as change in China will transform Asia"

2002-08-20T00:06:00.000-07:00

Today August 19th (Mordad 28th in the Iranian calendar) is the 49th anniversary of the coup that brought the Shah back to Iran.The coup which was led and financed by CIA, toppled the democratic government of Prime Minister Dr. M. Mosaddeq.
Shah who had fled to Italy after the first unsuccessful attempt to oust Mosaddeq came back to country and enjoyed 25 years of absolute power backed by the US.
Iranian secular democracy had a great chance to transform the whole Middle East had it not been disrupted by the coup. It was much easier for the Americans to deal with a dictator who was in their pocket than a not so predictable democracy in oil-rich Iran.
Ironically, now the fundamentalist factions in the government accuse Mosaddeq and his advocates to be America's "servants".

2002-08-07T01:18:00.000-07:00

"You are about to meet an American who has a very different view of Iran than most of us, one that is not dominated by the image of the ayatollah Khomeini." This is how the host of a TV show in KCET TV in Los Angeles introduces the guest.
The guy is Terence Ward, an Irish American who in 60’s spent his childhood with his family in Iran. He writes in his book Searching for Hassan: An American Family's Journey Home to Iran about the journey he had with his whole family back to Iran to find their long-lost family friend Hassan who was then their caretaker and so dear to them.
While telling the story of this emotional reunion the book makes the reader “look beyond the predicament of politics" and to find the "timeless, immutable soul of Iran”, with its “unimaginably rich Persian past”, where you find the “very origins of civilization”.
Many non-Iranians feel the same when they visit Iran. They see a country so much different from what they have always heard of in the western media.