Ataollah Mohajerani
User295463
Sunday, May 3, 1998
LOS ANGELES TIMES INTERVIEW
Ataollah Mohajerani
Opening the Door to Cultural Freedom in Post-Revolutionary Iran
By ROBIN WRIGHT
TEHRAN--Among Iranian politicians, Ataollah Mohajerani dares to be
different--very different. When his nomination as minister of culture
and Islamic guidance looked doomed last August, he opted against
well-worn revolutionary slogans at his confirmation hearing. Instead, he
went on the offensive. "I will oppose almost all the current methods,'
he told a Parliament dominated by religious and cultural conservatives.
"This is because I believe we must value our artists, writers and
filmmakers, as they deserve our respect. We must create an atmosphere of
peace and tranquillity in all centers of arts and culture . . . to allow
the seeds of creativity to blossom."
To the astonishment of many, Mohajerani, a former teacher,
diplomat, author and parliamentarian, was confirmed--by a healthy
margin. Since then, the culture ministry, in a country with a rich
culture dating back more than 2,500 years, has become the agent for the
openings in society promised by President Mohammad Khatami after his
stunning election upset last year. Mohajerani's post is considered the
most important job in setting domestic policy. After all, it was the
Cabinet position held by Khatami.
In the past eight months, everything from movies to intellectual
discourse--even the revolution's goals--have begun to change. "Concepts
such as freedom, democracy and the establishment of social institutions,
going back hundreds of years in Western societies, in no way contradict
the Islamic faith," Mohajerani said in January.
But Mohajerani's battles against conservatives are far from over.
The 12-day detention of Tehran's reformist Mayor Gholamhossein Karbaschi
on graft charges last month is widely viewed as a conservative
challenge, through the conservative and independent judiciary, to the
new reformist government. "There was consensus among all Cabinet members
in expressing regret over the detention of the successful and
distinguished mayor," Mohajerani said in a startling public rebuke.
It hasn't always been that way. After the 1979 revolution, culture
was a primary target in the drive to rid Iran of what Ayatollah Ruhollah
Khomeini called "Westoxication." Dozens of Iran's leading writers and
artists were imprisoned, silenced, banned or forced to flee.
Now, Mohajerani, 44, has appointed a movie director as his deputy
in charge of the film industry. His downtown office is relaxed and
modest. He likes to talk with colleagues about his visits to the Louvre,
Chartres Cathedral and the Victor Hugo Museum during a trip to France in
March. His wife, Jamileh Kadivar, is press advisor to the president.
They have three teenage children.
But Iran still has a long way to go. Mohajerani appears to
recognize the unspoken limits. In 1991, he wrote a newspaper article
suggesting direct talks with the United States. In his confirmation
hearing, he said he acknowledged the words and positions of Iran's
leadership in opposition to his idea. "The Supreme Leader [Ali Khamenei]
adopted a position on a particular issue," he said, "and we all have the
duty to defend it."
* * *
Question: You emerged as the spokesman for the government during
the recent incident involving the arrest of Tehran's Mayor Gholamhossein
Karbaschi. You criticized the arrest. Why did it happen? And what's
next?
Answer: My criticism was voiced on behalf of the government. The
government was of the conviction that the judicial process regarding the
Tehran municipality case could continue without detention of the mayor.
The government was objecting to the way the detention was handled and
the basis on which he was detained. But, fortunately, with intervention
of the Supreme Leader [Ali Khamenei], the mayor was released. And the
outbreak of a crisis was prevented.
I don't think we will face much problem in the future about this
case. It seems to be going in the direction of a good resolution. Our
conviction is that the judiciary should continue its work on this file,
but the file should not be affected by political motivations.
* * *
Q: Will the mayor be tried?
A: The chief of the judiciary announced that the mayor will be put
on trial and this is what the government agrees with and the mayor
agreed. It will be an open trial. We are confident that they can not
prove any charges against the mayor.
* * *
Q: In your August speech to Parliament [a confirmation hearing] you
said: "If a person worries about everything but freedom, he is
neglecting the major issue." Now that you are in office, what are you
doing to improve freedom in Iran?
A: The first day I came to the Ministry of Culture and Islamic
Guidance, the first measure I took was to lift the ban on two movies
which had been banned under the previous minister. They were screened
immediately. It was a message to the cinema industry people that there
would be a revision in the policies and that the tough measures
exercised in the past won't be there anymore.
In the area of books, we permitted many books which had been banned
from publication. In the press, you see a new era has opened. In the
area of music, there have been a lot of concerts. Almost all the
promises I gave have materialized.
* * *
Q: Is there room for full freedom in the Western sense in Iran?
A: Obviously we do not share the same definition of freedom as in
the West. Freedom has different definitions.
One of the great philosophers of the West, Isaiah Berlin, wrote a
book about eight articles of freedom. The definitions he gives are even
different from what is exercised in the West. The main difference is
that in the West, when there is a discussion about freedom, it is
freedom "from"--obstacles must be removed in the way of individuals. But
in religious terms, it is freedom "for," which means freedom must be in
service of perfection and prosperity of human beings.
* * *
Q: In the spirit of President Khatami's comments about wanting to
avoid a clash of civilizations, to what degree are you also opening
Iranian culture to Western films, books and music?
A: In the area of books, there are many Western books quickly
translated and published in Iran. Western movies are also on screens in
Iran. As an example, "Dances with Wolves" was very much liked here. But
the point is to strengthen our own national movie industry.
* * *
Q: On a broader level, what has been achieved in the new
government's first eight months? What challenges lie ahead?
A: In the area of politics, the government has created a climate so
that different political groups could become active as parties and
engage in their own activities. In the political and press areas,
political groups are expressing themselves more openly--an opportunity
they did not have in the past. Those who are involved in the movie
industry, musicians and even painters are expressing themselves in
political terms and opinions, which is unprecedented.
In the area of economy, due to a drop in oil prices, we have been
facing some economic problems. Our economy was also affected by the
crisis in the Far East--in Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan and Korea.
* * *
Q: There are a lot of new ideas today, many unprecedented in the 25
years I have been coming here. One is: Is there a right path or can
there be multiple right paths, which supports the idea of pluralism?
A: The very idea of debate on this issue is something new in our
society. When you speak of a right path or right paths, it is
interesting. It shows that people are looking at issues from different
angles. A civil society, or a lively society, is one where these sorts
of discussions should take place.
* * *
Q: Parliament has just passed [the initial reading of] a law
banning publication of pictures of women without full "hejab" covering.
It also passed [the initial reading of] a law separating medical
facilities and doctors for men and women. Why does it appear, almost 20
years after the revolution, that Iran is clamping down on women?
A: I wouldn't call it a clamp down on women--you must not have
visited Saudi Arabia. Women are very active in this country in various
areas--in universities, in the movie industry, as musicians and artists.
Two women have joined Khatami's Cabinet.
About the laws on women in Parliament, it was a rather political
decision. Since these two issues have not been finalized and they have
not become law and since there is some criticism in the press and some
critical attitudes, there is a likelihood that they will be rejected.
* * *
Q: You spoke out against the ban on pictures of women. Are you
disappointed by what seems to be a divergent trend?
A: I don't think this idea of banning the pictures of women will
create any problem for us. The law says our papers should not publish
nude pictures--which is already not taking place. But the pictures that
have so far appeared in the papers, they are acceptable.
In fact, our problem started with Mr. Clinton's girlfriends.
Pictures of them that ran in an Iranian tabloid newspaper was the root
of the idea that came up in Parliament. There were color pictures of
Monica and the other two. Mr. Clinton, in addition to creating problems
for his society, is creating problems for our society too.
* * *
Q: In August you said: "We must ultimately decide whether we are
going to live under a system of law." Then last month you complained of
"interference" of law enforcement in raids on newspapers. Why is this
happening? And, what do you hope for in restoring the rule of law?
A: The most important achievement of this rule of law is to deal
with the violators of the law and complain of them and to encourage the
press to write about the violators and to defend their own rights. As a
whole, the instances have been few when the press writes about being
threatened. It's not usual.
* * *
Q: It's not just newspapers. What about the university students
beaten up by Ansar-e Hezbollah [religious hooligans] when they
demonstrated against the mayor's arrest? And [philosopher Abdel Karim]
Soroush, who was beaten up when he tried to lecture? There are forces
within society that seem determined to block the kind of freedom you
talk about.
A: Nobody in society defends extremism and hard-line groups. And
even these groups themselves, when they do something wrong, immediately
announce they were not behind this wrong doing. This is a very important
achievement. We need time to make these groups understand that their
violent actions will not be useful or have positive results.
* * *
Q: Why has the government, if it believes in law and order and
freedom, not stopped these forces? It is clearly capable of doing so?
A: Yes, of course, the government is doing its best to stop them.
Some members of Parliament have also questioned the ministry of interior
to discuss those groups who are violating and disrupting the gatherings
and how to deal with them. They'll probably have to pass a law.
Parliament is also taking up the issue.
* * *
Q: I've been surprised to see there were no "Down with U.S.A."
signs on National Army Day and the parade of soldiers did not trod over
the U.S. flag. How do you expect to see the process initiated by
President Khatami evolve? What would you like in the way of cultural
exchanges?
A: That you don't hear the slogan "Down with USA" doesn't mean it's
not being said. If you attend Friday prayers you will still hear that
slogan. But regarding the flag, there has been a difference of views. I
personally believe a flag is not only the sign of a government but also
of a nation.
I don't think we can have meaningful cultural relations between
Iran and the United States as two governments at the moment. But we have
no problems with cultural relations between people--like writers, elites
and others. Many American writers and prominent figures have come to
Iran and taken part in conferences.
* * *
Q: What other cultural relations would you like to see develop?
A: In the movie industry, one of our famous directors, Miss
Rakhshan Banietemad, is in the U.S. now, shooting her movie. Iranian
movies are screened in U.S. festivals and have won prizes. The travel of
American tourists to Iran has taken shape and groups are now visiting
us.
* * *
Q: The U.N. human rights report on Iran last month said there was
progress on human rights, but also was critical--particularly on the
issue of executions and stoning. Do you see a time--because of the
freedom and rule of law you support--when Iran will get a positive
report?
A: It is possible, but the point is that the rapporteurs of human
rights must be familiar with the religious principles we believe in.
Since they're not familiar with this religious instruction and religious
beliefs, they may consider certain things we believe in to be in
violation of human rights. For instance, deliberate murder as grounds
for execution. If you kill someone, you have to be executed for it. As a
legal and religious punishment, this sentence has to be handed out. We
cannot say, no, please don't do that because human rights people might
be upset.
* * *
Q: On the case of Salman Rushdie, author of "The Satanic Verses,"
is there any prospect of resolution on the death sentence pronounced in
1989 by Khomeini?
A: Yes, there is one way: for you to forget it. Nobody from our
side will carry out this death sentence. You Americans and Europeans,
you should not make so much noise about him.
- - -
Robin Wright, Author of "Sacred Rage: the Wrath of Militant Islam,"
Covers Global Issues for The Times
Copyright Los Angeles Times
Ala
Mehram Maleki wrote:
>
> On 03 May 1998 14:18:34 GMT, user2...@aol.com (User295463)
> wrote:
> >
> > [Mohajerani's interview]
> >
>
> Parliament should not have trusted Khatami on this and similar
> choices.
It it was up you you, Khatami would not trusted, period.
> It's obvious where Mohajerani's capabilities begin and end.
It is obvious today where people's trust of Hezbollhis
begin and end too.
> The blunder involved here is that people have directly or
> indirecty chosen him and others like him based on what he isn't,
> not on what he is.
Again, you like to determine who someone is and isn't or
better said what someone "should be". This is what people
voted down.
> Just like what Shah used to do. Now see the result for yourself.
Well, the result is a "little" less repression and that has
been very good for our society as a whole.
> The whole engine of the culture ministry is actually at a halt,
> discussing if someone's hair should show in a movie or not.
Wrong! That is the subject of major discussions in Majlis!
> I always thought culture ministry should seriously
> involve itself with deeper and more urgent problems like:
>
> - how to put a lid on our disasterous brain-drain and what to do
> to prevent the urge for it from forming and growing;
I think your buddies in "Ansar Hezbollh" took care of that
problem by attacking innocent people in the streets and parks,
by booking people without charge, by creating a hostile and
insecure work environment at the universities and government.
> - how to reconcile our rich traditional education with other
> forms of education we've recenly adopted;
>
If by that you mean "Akhondizing" universities, that does not
come within the responsiility of culture and guidance!
> - what to do with the problem of science in our country, and how
> to reinstate it;
Oh, "science" has really been reistated in Iran. Thanks god we
have 'DaneshgAh-e Azad", center of science and technology. But
again, hat does not come within the responsiblity of culture and
guidance!
> - what to do with women's issues in Iran, where to start and how
> to conduct the progress in that field;
Ask Majlis! Ask Justice! They'll tell you about our SUPERB
advancements in repressing women's rights. But again that does
not come within the responsiility of culture and guidance!
> - how to facilitate social contacts between Iranians and expedite
> marriages;
>
Oh, that has been taken care of. Just look how our youth run
around and pick up girls here and there under the supervision
of our beloved brother Pasdars. Look how their lives are being
wasted, how jobs are no more, how they survice on their parents.
But again, that does not come within the responsiility of culture
and guidance!
> - how to preseve information about our present and past so other
> Irnaians can have adequate access to it;
>
> - how to facilitate knowing the very "culture" that we have, who
> we
> are, what we do and what has happened to us, and what our
> problems are, what's missing and what's to come.
>
> - what is our religion! what has been done in it and what's to be
> done.
>
MohajerAni saying what our religion is?!
That is the monopoly of KhAmenei, Yazdi and Jannati.
But again, that does not come within the responsiility of culture
and guidance!
> These are all cultural issues of great importance (and great
> difficulty), and no other entity can be resourceful and powerful
> enough to handle them properly but the government. Culture
> ministry has a role in all these issues. Is Mohajerani the head
> of the ministry to get these issues resolved, or is he some
> small-business owner (if not a "labu forush") that media has
> happened to interview him? Why is there not a bit of difference
> in his answers if we switch our assumptions of these two very
> different backgrounds in him?
If MohajerAni is a "Labu Foroosh", what would the previous
"culture" minister be? A jAkesh?
> I hope the parliament would know better next time around. They
> goofed it trusting Khatami's choices, thinking he had gotten
> there by his own wisdom and doing.
Do no kid yourself. This is not MohajerAni or Khatami you are
putting down. This is part of Hezbollah Plan "B" to bring down
a government votted by 20+ million people. What you are condemning
is the right of "people" to determine their destiny. You give no
rights to Iranian people to decide. That is what you are objecting to.
> Maleki
Ala
Mehram Maleki
Parliament should not have trusted Khatami on this and similar
choices. It's obvious where Mohajerani's capabilities begin and
end. The blunder involved here is that people have directly or
indirecty chosen him and others like him based on what he isn't,
not on what he is. Just like what Shah used to do. Now see the
result for yourself. The whole engine of the culture ministry is
actually at a halt, discussing if someone's hair should show in a
movie or not. I always thought culture ministry should seriously
involve itself with deeper and more urgent problems like:
- how to put a lid on our disasterous brain-drain and what to do
to prevent the urge for it from forming and growing;
- how to reconcile our rich traditional education with other
forms of education we've recenly adopted;
- what to do with the problem of science in our country, and how
to reinstate it;
- what to do with women's issues in Iran, where to start and how
to conduct the progress in that field;
- how to facilitate social contacts between Iranians and expedite
marriages;
- how to preseve information about our present and past so other
Irnaians can have adequate access to it;
- how to facilitate knowing the very "culture" that we have, who
we
are, what we do and what has happened to us, and what our
problems are, what's missing and what's to come.
- what is our religion! what has been done in it and what's to be
done.
These are all cultural issues of great importance (and great
difficulty), and no other entity can be resourceful and powerful
enough to handle them properly but the government. Culture
ministry has a role in all these issues. Is Mohajerani the head
of the ministry to get these issues resolved, or is he some
small-business owner (if not a "labu forush") that media has
happened to interview him? Why is there not a bit of difference
in his answers if we switch our assumptions of these two very
different backgrounds in him?
I hope the parliament would know better next time around. They
goofed it trusting Khatami's choices, thinking he had gotten
there by his own wisdom and doing.
Maleki
Mehram Maleki
Maleki
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MrMojoMan
Mehram Maleki <w00...@airmail.net> wrote in article
<6ik4ae$t0e$1...@engnews2.Eng.Sun.COM>...
>
> On 03 May 1998 14:18:34 GMT, user2...@aol.com (User295463)
> wrote:
> >
> > [Mohajerani's interview]
> >
>
> Parliament should not have trusted Khatami on this and similar
> choices. It's obvious where Mohajerani's capabilities begin and
> end. The blunder involved here is that people have directly or
> indirecty chosen him and others like him based on what he isn't,
> not on what he is. Just like what Shah used to do. Now see the
> result for yourself. The whole engine of the culture ministry is
> actually at a halt, discussing if someone's hair should show in a
> movie or not. I always thought culture ministry should seriously
> involve itself with deeper and more urgent problems like:
>
> - how to put a lid on our disasterous brain-drain and what to do
> to prevent the urge for it from forming and growing;
heh ... heh .. :)) :)) :)) LOL!!! :)) :))
Mehri jun
You can answer this question best! I mean an intelligent
person like you, willing to live in the US (Texas of all places),
putting up with billAkhs from his co-workers, and not going
back to Iran where VF rules?!!! Come on Mehri jun answer
this question and the whole problem is solved :)) :)) :))
Why are you here? Why don't you go back to Iran? :)) :))
--
-- MrMojoMan
--
p.s. I must go to work now, but I will revisit this post later :)))
Oh boy this is a good one :)) :))
dari...@ix.netcom.com
Mehram Maleki wrote:
>
> On 03 May 1998 14:18:34 GMT, user2...@aol.com (User295463)
> wrote:
> >
> > [Mohajerani's interview]
> >
>
> Parliament should not have trusted Khatami on this and similar
> choices. It's obvious where Mohajerani's capabilities begin and
> end. The blunder involved here is that people have directly or
> indirecty chosen him and others like him based on what he isn't,
> not on what he is. Just like what Shah used to do. Now see the
> result for yourself. The whole engine of the culture ministry is
> actually at a halt, discussing if someone's hair should show in a
> movie or not. I always thought culture ministry should seriously
> involve itself with deeper and more urgent problems like:
MONGO Mehri djoon,
On your vast 'Embassylness' it'll suffice to simply say
you cannot comprehend that "culture" does NOT need a
"ministry"!
Think of it this way: (OR rather _try_ to think! :))
Which one came first? Culture or ministry?!
>
> - how to put a lid on our disasterous brain-drain and what to do
> to prevent the urge for it from forming and growing;
If you and creatures like your own stupid dumbness "put a lid"
on that blackhole "drain" installed in your so called brains
by absolute submission to Aakhoonds' 'Resaalaatom Bel Djafangeeyaat
Val Nedjaasaat', then, AND ONLY THEN, you may comprehend why
there is a brain-drain.
Did you understand what I said? ... Nooooooo! :):):) It all
went down the drain in your gland! :( :(
>
> - how to reconcile our rich traditional education with other
> forms of education we've recenly adopted;
I suppose you mean 'Resaalaatom Bel Djafangeeyaat Val Nedjaasaat'
and a few 'rules of finger'!! :(:(:(
>
> - what to do with the problem of science in our country, and how
> to reinstate it;
You must eventually understand that shape and form of an
'aaftaabeh' is not fit for a rocket or satellite! Now go
figure. (No! Not in front of a mirror! :)).
>
> - what to do with women's issues in Iran, where to start and how
> to conduct the progress in that field;
Sendeh, leave _everybody_ alone - be it women or men!
>
> - how to facilitate social contacts between Iranians and expedite
> marriages;
Sendeh, see above!
>
> - how to preseve information about our present and past so other
> Irnaians can have adequate access to it;
'Resaalaatom Bel Djafangeeyaat Val Nedjaasaat' again?!!
Sendeh, let information _flow_ and do not worry about its
preservation!
>
> - how to facilitate knowing the very "culture" that we have, who
> we
> are, what we do and what has happened to us, and what our
> problems are, what's missing and what's to come.
You seem badly lost. Again let the information flow and
worry not. IN FACT BUG OFF FROM THE SCENE!
>
> - what is our religion! what has been done in it and what's to be
> done.
None of your God damned business 'boozeeneh'! :( That is a
private task for individuals.
>
> These are all cultural issues of great importance (and great
> difficulty), and no other entity can be resourceful and powerful
> enough to handle them properly but the government. Culture
> ministry has a role in all these issues. Is Mohajerani the head
> of the ministry to get these issues resolved, or is he some
> small-business owner (if not a "labu forush") that media has
> happened to interview him? Why is there not a bit of difference
> in his answers if we switch our assumptions of these two very
> different backgrounds in him?
Mohajerani is another Embassyl AliBaabaa like yourself - do not
differentiate please!
AND, in the jargon of your OWN type: '"Culture Ministry" ma'doom
baayad gardad'! :):)
>
> I hope the parliament would know better next time around. They
> goofed it trusting Khatami's choices, thinking he had gotten
> there by his own wisdom and doing.
I hope the parliament would be a _parliament_ next time around.
>
> Maleki
DariushA.
dari...@ix.netcom.com
MrMojoMan wrote:
>
> Mehram Maleki <w00...@airmail.net> wrote in article
> <6ik4ae$t0e$1...@engnews2.Eng.Sun.COM>...
> >
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > [Mohajerani's interview]
> > >
> >
> > Parliament should not have trusted Khatami on this and similar
> > choices. It's obvious where Mohajerani's capabilities begin and
> > end. The blunder involved here is that people have directly or
> > indirecty chosen him and others like him based on what he isn't,
> > not on what he is. Just like what Shah used to do. Now see the
> > result for yourself. The whole engine of the culture ministry is
> > actually at a halt, discussing if someone's hair should show in a
> > movie or not. I always thought culture ministry should seriously
> > involve itself with deeper and more urgent problems like:
> >
> > to prevent the urge for it from forming and growing;
>
>
> Mehri jun
>
> You can answer this question best! I mean an intelligent
> person like you, willing to live in the US (Texas of all places),
> putting up with billAkhs from his co-workers, and not going
> back to Iran where VF rules?!!! Come on Mehri jun answer
> this question and the whole problem is solved :)) :)) :))
>
> Why are you here? Why don't you go back to Iran? :)) :))
Sire, if I may be heard, I must draw your inestimable
attention to the fact that the so called brain gland of
this MONGO specimen is equipped with a wide downspout!
(Sire might I say in Persia people would have said: "een
MONGO maghzesh naavdoon daare!") :):)
The same 'naavdoon' that gives him the peculiar sensation
of brain-drain! Thus no matter how your good Lordship
try to enlighten him with wise words, all will end up
at the end of his downspout! He basically is best left
when that _cat_ of SCI releases himself on his knuckle
minimal gray matter gland and causes a warm and homey
sensation down his downspout! :):) THAT is the time
when he forgets he is in the States and does 'khar-ghalt',
with much 'eeshvah' (!:)), in Texan boondocks socializing
with Mighty Mighty Fine MooMoo the Taapaalatom-Esslaam and
exchanges grand ideas with El Gavron the Reesh-Al-Esslaam!
Sire, pardon my 'verradji' but might I say, these are not
too remote from reality of the matter! :):)
>
> --
> -- MrMojoMan
> --
DariushA.
dari...@ix.netcom.com
mich...@neto.com wrote:
>
> On 5/4/98 9:21AM, in message <6ikiu6$q...@bgtnsc01.worldnet.att.net>,
> > -- MrMojoMan
> > --
> >
> > p.s. I must go to work now, but I will revisit this post later :)))
> > Oh boy this is a good one :)) :))
>
> answers your question with,"You must be an ugly fat girl
> trolling for men!"Well it takes one to know one!!!
>
Never mind 'MONGO Mehri djoon's' venom de jour! :):)
If you are merely one/thousandth beautiful as your name, then you
are 'Femme Fatal' to his guts! BUT ... I have a feeling you are
much much more beautiful than that. Your words speak the
story! :):)
> Michelle
DariushA.
Ala
You do not have to read my posts and definitely,
you do not have to respond to any.
Your problem is that your thinking is obsolete and your
insistence will only make you suffer even more.
As a matter of principle, I will also stay away
from reading your posts cause they badly get on
my nerve.
Ala
Mehram Maleki wrote:
>
> On Sun, 03 May 1998 07:44:31 -0400, Ala <amoh...@erols.com>
> wrote:
>
> >
> >[ some loose talk]
> >
>
> Save your loose talk for something like a Dar"koon" post, will
> you. And get some fresh air. You're sometimes too confused or
> tired and too incoherent to post readable messages to SCI. Don't
> waste my time at least if no-one else's, stay off my posts till
> you get clearer mind, then try again.
mich...@neto.com
Michelle
MrMojoMan
mich...@neto.com wrote in article <N.050498....@neato.com>...
> answers your question with,"You must be an ugly fat girl
> trolling for men!"Well it takes one to know one!!!
>
> Michelle
>
:) :) No, he just ignores me these days :)
--
-- MrMojoMan
--
MrMojoMan
Your Honor, the Honorable Duke of the South Bay
The simple and rather obvious "naavdoon" issue had
completely escaped my mind. My apologies Sire.
brain-drain + naavdoon + moomoo + bilAkh +
religious background + Texas Long Horns = ????
Only Festus of Gun Smoke could answer this one,
after giving Mehri jun a bilAkh of course.
--
-- MrMojoMan
--
dari...@ix.netcom.com wrote in article <354E87...@ix.netcom.com>...
>
> Sire, if I may be heard, I must draw your inestimable
> attention to the fact that the so called brain gland of
> this MONGO specimen is equipped with a wide downspout!
> (Sire might I say in Persia people would have said: "een
> MONGO maghzesh naavdoon daare!") :):)
>
> The same 'naavdoon' that gives him the peculiar sensation
> of brain-drain! Thus no matter how your good Lordship
> try to enlighten him with wise words, all will end up
> at the end of his downspout! He basically is best left
> when that _cat_ of SCI releases himself on his knuckle
> minimal gray matter gland and causes a warm and homey
> sensation down his downspout! :):) THAT is the time
> when he forgets he is in the States and does 'khar-ghalt',
> with much 'eeshvah' (!:)), in Texan boondocks socializing
> with Mighty Mighty Fine MooMoo the Taapaalatom-Esslaam and
> exchanges grand ideas with El Gavron the Reesh-Al-Esslaam!
>
> Sire, pardon my 'verradji' but might I say, these are not
> too remote from reality of the matter! :):)
>
> >
> > --
> > -- MrMojoMan
> > --
> DariushA.
Mehram Maleki
mich...@neto.com
On 5/4/98 10:46PM, in messag
> Never mind 'MONGO Mehri djoon's' venom de jour! :):)
>
> If you are merely one/thousandth beautiful as your name, then you
> are 'Femme Fatal' to his guts! BUT ... I have a feeling you are
> much much more beautiful than that. Your words speak the
> story! :):)
>
> > Michelle
>
> DariushA.
Thank you,now I'm embarrased...(I can't get up on my soapbox when
I'm embarrased!)
Michelle
Mehram Maleki
>
>[ some loose talk]
>
Ala
I spent years of my life searching after the
truth. Coming from a prosperous family and
being raised in a heavily Westernized society,
I did not need to endanger myself or hurt my
reputation among the family and friends.
But I was extremely curious and wanted to
discover several important things about
myself and my society. This adventure took
me to the most unlikely places and made me
in touch with the most unlikely people. Now
I know that without going on such an odyssey
I could not have come close to a reasonable
understanding of the situation.
When I read most of the books and articles
written about the Iranian developments in the
past 20 years, I find how one-sided they are;
either pro or against the revolution. I have
not come across very many writings with a
reasonable account and analysis of the events.
For this reason, I solely rely on my experiences
and observations to judge things and not on what
someone else has said or thought. Although my
observations may have been limited, they do lie
to me as most other sources of information do.
Having said this, I do not have any expectations
from people who NEVER dared to make any risks in
their lives and preferred to stay behind and follow
the developments through biased news articles, TV
programs, books and observations of others, pro or
con, to have a real understanding of the current
and past events in Iran.
It is quite natural a person who just became
interested in reading about Iranian affairs in
exile and the other who has done the same for
apparently a much longer time have a completely
diferent perspective on the events. Especially
when their information mainly comes heavily
processed and is tailored for their need!
Ala
Mahan Abedin wrote:
>
> On Tue, 5 May 1998, Mehram Maleki wrote:
>
> > On Sun, 03 May 1998 07:44:31 -0400, Ala <amoh...@erols.com>
> > wrote:
> >
> > >
> > >[ some loose talk]
> > >
> >
> > Save your loose talk for something like a Dar"koon" post, will
> > you. And get some fresh air. You're sometimes too confused or
> > tired and too incoherent to post readable messages to SCI. Don't
> > waste my time at least if no-one else's, stay off my posts till
> > you get clearer mind, then try again.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> Well said Agha Mehram. Mr.Mohseni is really quite incapable of
> grasoing these complex issues. What can one expect from a turn-coat
> revisionist?
Mahan Abedin
Mehram Maleki
On Mon, 04 May 1998 07:59:23 -0400, Ala <amoh...@erols.com>
wrote:
>
>As a matter of principle, I will also stay away
>from reading your posts cause they badly get on
>my nerve.
>
>
>Ala
As a matter of "principle"? Ought to do it as a matter of "koon"
of Dar"koon". Cause it's creeping up on you :)
I naturally read your replies (or anybody else's not on the
kill-file) to my posts. That's why you'll waste my time when you
do a lousy job. I don't read the replies to know what others'
reaction to them are, rather out of respect to others, giving it
a possibility perhaps someone has spent some time to think about
what I've said, which makes me feel I should pay due attention to
what he in turn says in relation to it. And when I closely read
the reply and find it too shallow it just totally disappointing,
a total waste of time. It is like someone telling me "come see me
at such time at such place I have something to tell to you", and
when I, out of respect to him really, not curiosity, arrange to
be there at the set time it turns out his comment is "oh,
nothing, never mind" ...
Maleki
Mehram Maleki
Maleki
dari...@ix.netcom.com
One "turncoat revisionist" is worth a myriad shitloads of bare-assed
reactionary bitter-ender fanatics!
Both 're' and 'vision' hint of intelligence and independent thoughts
capability - two things pathetically lacked in a specimen of
brownnoser toady cowering 'moghalled'!
I mean no _spine_ at all! :)
DariushA.
Mahan Abedin
Dariush Anooshfar,
That fiery tongue of yours never ceases to amaze and,entertain,me. On
most occasions I find it revolting,and hence feel somewhat sorry for
you,however on some rare occasions I really have to relinquish some of my
inhibitions and have a good old laugh at the expense of your perverse
manners.
Let me tell you something about myself;whatever faults you may be able
to "imagine" about my personality,bad manners,resort to obsceneties and
vile language would be automatically rendered non-inclusive. I pride
myself,and more importantly thank my discipilinarian father,for never
allowing myself to resort to obsceneties and vileness. This is not only a
virtue but a good strategy in life;I believe resorting to vile language is
inherently self-defeating. People are generally apalled by dirty-mouthed
"batche-sossols". This is a universal phenemenon;however it is especially
applicable and relevant in an Iranian context. You would be wise to
realise that people,especially our fellow Hamvatans,will principally judge
you by how you endeavour to express your self;and not on your position in
the complex "Liberal" versus "Conservative" dichotomy. So please do not
give us a lecture on Mr.Maleki's political/social beliefs and
orientations.
Allow me to be very "undiplomatic" and refreshingly explicit. I
strongly condemn any one who uses obscene and obnoxious language;in fact I
think swearing should be made "illegal". This may be unenforcable but,at
the very least,it will act as some form of deterence. I find it shocking
that formerly polite nations(such as the British) have undergone such
decline in the morality realm. Legislation may be able to reverse this
trend. Let me conjure up a curious analogy;consider "prostitution",it is
not technically "illegal" in Britain,but a prostitute would find it
impossible not to break the law(since soliciting,loitering and living off
immoral earnings are all illegal). Many people subscribe to the belief
that it is this "subtle" illegality which is discouraging many would-be
entrepreneurs from penetrating and exploiting this seedy industry. Maybe
suitable legislation would have the same effects on manners;effectively
making people
far more conscious of what comes out of their mouths. Ponder on this for a
while.
Unlike "some" people I am not selective about my condemnations. It is
interesting that your buddy and soul-mate "Mojoman" has,on numerous
occasions,condemned the usage of foul language,and people who resort to
it;but for some reason invariably stops short of condemning your
highness(afterall it is clear to every one that you have the dirtiest
mouth
on SCI). As I said I am not selective and accordingly condemn you
and Mr.Mehram Maleki for using unacceptably foul language in this forum.
Mr.Maleki(and you as it happens-although it is abundantly clear that you
harbour a pathological enmity towards the enlightening Deen of Allah)
should ponder on this Hadith:
On the authority of "Abu Horaira" the faithful companion(Sahaba) of the
Prophet(SAW) who has recounted that the Prophet of Allah(SAW) Mohammad Al
Mostafa has counselled:
"A single vile utterance destroys a lifetime of prayer and
worship"
(HADITH AL-QODSI)
dari...@ix.netcom.com
Mahan Abedin wrote:
>
>
>
> Dariush Anooshfar,
>
> That fiery tongue of yours never ceases to amaze and,entertain,me. On
> most occasions I find it revolting,and hence feel somewhat sorry for
> you,however on some rare occasions I really have to relinquish some of my
> inhibitions and have a good old laugh at the expense of your perverse
> manners.
Good! "inhibitions" are the root of many problems. They make you
suffer a lot and worse than that offend other people.
I bet if you let go of your "inhibitions" you'd start to enjoy
life a bit, then, you may begin to appreciate other people's
enjoyments as well without dreaming to "inhibit" them! :)
You'd also, automatically, see the repulsiveness of the obscene
crime drama going on in Iran in the name of faith and religion
today. Then you may want to become a "revisionist" too and do
something about it - or at least do no more harm! As the saying
goes: `Gar khey nemeeresaani, sharr maresaan!'.
DariushA.
dari...@ix.netcom.com
Mehram Maleki wrote:
>
> On Thu, 7 May 1998 16:32:27 +0100, Mahan Abedin
> <lhu...@reading.ac.uk> wrote:
>
> But that assumes I've been cursing. I don't curse. What looks
> like curse to you is just the best description of the target, not
> a curse. "koon", by the way is a quotation of what that "koon"al
> once said and I've been quoting it since. It is not what _I_ say.
> My own word for describing that character is the term
> excritobombal. It's a very accurate, very succinct, description
> of that pest we know here as Dariush Anooshfar. Both in primary
> and secondary meaning.
My Dearest MONGO Mehri djoon,
'Eeshva nayaa Mehri djoon'! You mean out of zillion words I
have typed on SCI you have picked this one ONLY?!!! :(:(
"koon"??!!! WHY? :( Are not all those Aakhoond "koons"
enough for you to suck on? I am disappointed in you! :(
Moreover; "pest", fink, stoolie and 'Embassyl' are good
descriptions of your stinky function on SCI spreading
_disinformation_ left and right!
YOU FINK EMBASSYL have not apologized to Mr. Sarkoohi
and SCIers for the lies you were propagating about him
yet!!
What happened?! HOW CAN YOU HAVE THE FACE TO POST HERE
STILL Sendeh?! :(:(
DariushA.
>
> Maleki
dari...@ix.netcom.com
MrMojoMan wrote:
>
> Mahan Abedin <lhu...@reading.ac.uk> wrote in article
> <Pine.GSO.3.96.980507...@suma3.reading.ac.uk>...
> >
>
> [ A loooooooooooong text cut ]
>
> >
> > Unlike "some" people I am not selective about my condemnations. It is
> > interesting that your buddy and soul-mate "Mojoman"
>
>
> Man-o to ham "soul mate" boodim o man khabar nadAshtam?
Fear not Sire,
For some people the slightest hint of respect between
two persons is interpreted as being "soul-mate"s - just
in the same manner that the slightest trace of noncomformity
is taken as heresy and War with God by them.
BTW, might I say, if I ever want to have a "soul-mate",
whatever that may be interpreted by 'djoodje AliBaabaas',
I would not mind at all to select such a noble soul as
yourself Sire. :) I do hope that tells you how tired I
am of all 'koors' and 'katchals' on this wide and flat
world! :(
Uttermost Regards,
mich...@neto.com
On 5/7/98 10:32AM, in message
<Pine.GSO.3.96.980507...@suma3.reading.ac.uk>, Mahan Abedin
<lhu...@reading.ac.uk> wrote:
Hi Mahan,
I must admit,sometimes I miss the old you,however I think you're starting
to mellow out and I admire you for that.I'm also glad to see that
you don't pick favorites and condem the bad language all the way
around.
So why did you (and this is a honest question...no sarcasm)move away
from Iran to go to school?Did you want to see the world,were you trying
to get away from such a strict life?Did you not expect things to
be so different in another country?Is it none of my busines,hehe
and by the way...that is a much better answer to give than cursing
and name calling.
Sincerely,
Michelle
>
>
> Dariush Anooshfar,
>
> That fiery tongue of yours never ceases to amaze and,entertain,me. On
> most occasions I find it revolting,and hence feel somewhat sorry for
> you,however on some rare occasions I really have to relinquish some of my
> inhibitions and have a good old laugh at the expense of your perverse
> manners.
>
> Unlike "some" people I am not selective about my condemnations. It is
Mehram Maleki
>
> Dariush Anooshfar,
>
> That fiery tongue of yours never ceases to amaze and,entertain,me. On
There we go again. I check my message expecting a reply to it and
this "koon"al character Dar"koon" appears on the screen :( What a
fucking pest really.
MR ABEDIN, at least converse with this character on your own
time, under your own subject heading.
>[...]
>on SCI). As I said I am not selective and accordingly condemn you
>and Mr.Mehram Maleki for using unacceptably foul language in this forum.
>[...]
But that assumes I've been cursing. I don't curse. What looks
like curse to you is just the best description of the target, not
a curse. "koon", by the way is a quotation of what that "koon"al
once said and I've been quoting it since. It is not what _I_ say.
My own word for describing that character is the term
excritobombal. It's a very accurate, very succinct, description
of that pest we know here as Dariush Anooshfar. Both in primary
and secondary meaning. The name "Dariush Anooshfar" itself most
probably belongs to someone else and this pest has been using his
name as a decoy; and that's probably why he's been sensitive
about others referring him by this name. He feels threatened that
his illegal use of someone else's name in a public forum could
come to surface in that way, causing him trouble.
I suggest that instead of lecturing me and others, you stay away
from that low-life. This will solve the problem of a lot of
"koon"ish indulgences right on your screen in your studyroom. It
will :)
Maleki
MrMojoMan
Mahan Abedin <lhu...@reading.ac.uk> wrote in article
<Pine.GSO.3.96.980507...@suma3.reading.ac.uk>...
>
[ A loooooooooooong text cut ]
>
> Unlike "some" people I am not selective about my condemnations. It is
> interesting that your buddy and soul-mate "Mojoman"
Ehhhhhh Dariush jAn
Man-o to ham "soul mate" boodim o man khabar nadAshtam?
--
-- MrMojoMan
--
Yek Irani
Mehram Maleki wrote in message
<21D577BFE3BBBAEB.BFAF0A85...@library-proxy.airnews.ne
t>...
>On 03 May 1998 14:18:34 GMT, user2...@aol.com (User295463)
>wrote:
>>
>> [Mohajerani's interview]
>>
>
>Parliament should not have trusted Khatami on this and similar
>choices. It's obvious where Mohajerani's capabilities begin and
>end. The blunder involved here is that people have directly or
>indirecty chosen him and others like him based on what he isn't,
>not on what he is. Just like what Shah used to do. Now see the
Yeki bAyad be een marteekeh Arab begeh Akheh to ro sanana. boro gomsho
felesteen. Iran che rabtee be sagee mesle to dAreh.
Marg bar ZahAk o malijake Arabesh
Yek Irani
>result for yourself. The whole engine of the culture ministry is
>actually at a halt, discussing if someone's hair should show in a
>movie or not. I always thought culture ministry should seriously
>involve itself with deeper and more urgent problems like:
>
>- how to put a lid on our disasterous brain-drain and what to do
> to prevent the urge for it from forming and growing;
>
>- how to reconcile our rich traditional education with other
> forms of education we've recenly adopted;
>
>- what to do with the problem of science in our country, and how
> to reinstate it;
>
>- what to do with women's issues in Iran, where to start and how
> to conduct the progress in that field;
>
>- how to facilitate social contacts between Iranians and expedite
> marriages;
>
>- how to preseve information about our present and past so other
> Irnaians can have adequate access to it;
>
>- how to facilitate knowing the very "culture" that we have, who
>we
> are, what we do and what has happened to us, and what our
> problems are, what's missing and what's to come.
>
>- what is our religion! what has been done in it and what's to be
> done.
>
>These are all cultural issues of great importance (and great
>difficulty), and no other entity can be resourceful and powerful
>enough to handle them properly but the government. Culture
>ministry has a role in all these issues. Is Mohajerani the head
>of the ministry to get these issues resolved, or is he some
>small-business owner (if not a "labu forush") that media has
>happened to interview him? Why is there not a bit of difference
>in his answers if we switch our assumptions of these two very
>different backgrounds in him?
>
>I hope the parliament would know better next time around. They
>goofed it trusting Khatami's choices, thinking he had gotten
>there by his own wisdom and doing.
>
>Maleki
>
>
La6red9nec
><HTML><PRE>Subject: Re: Re; Ataollah Mohajerani
>From: dari...@ix.netcom.com
>Date: Fri, May 8, 1998 02:15 EDT
>Message-id: <3552A2...@ix.netcom.com>
>
>
>>
>> Dariush Anooshfar,
>>
>
Now that's a familiar name. I think I heard it from big Leroy.
He mentioned he had a bitch with a name like that when he was
incarserated in San Quentin. Is that you?
Mahan Abedin
Michelle,
I was pleasantly surprised to receive your mail. You may recall that we
had a few exchanges before Easter;which were rudely cut short by an
unwelcome intrusion. I trust this will not happen this time.
You know,sometimes you really confuse me;when I was my old self you
complained and now when I have supposedly "mellowed" out you still
complain! I cant win,can I?!!. Well Khanoom I have not changed,it is the
same Mahan;the Mahan of real life(its true I am your archtypal gentleman
in real life-reserved and unassuming).
You posed an interesting question in your mail. I intend to answer it;not
only to satisfy your curiosity but to settle some mysteries about
myself,once and for all. I hope you'll be able to sustain your
concentration.
I did not choose to come to this country. My father "Colonel Abbas
Abedin" Chief of Staff of the Iranian Airforce,February 1984-January
1987,defected to the West in January 1987. His defection was a great shock
to the Iranian regime;since He was regarded as a loyal and "ideologically"
correct officer. My father had joined the airforcr in the late sixties;he
underwent his pilot training in Texas's "Lubbock" airbase(1970-1972). Upon
his return to Iran he became an F4 instructor,specialising in weaons
systems. He was a highly religious person and was actively involved in the
"Hayaats"(religious circles). Prior to the revolution he held the rank of
"Captain" and was a senior instructor in Tehran's second airforce
base(Paygahe Dovvom). He actively collabarated with the revolutionaries
and was one of the officers who met Imam Khomeini on the 8th of February
1979(just before the victory of the revolution). His revolutionaty
zeal,coupled with his Islamic credentials ensured his rapid rise in the
airforce. In September 1981 he was made commander of Dezfoul's
"Vahdatiyye" airforce base. This was Iran's most strategic airbase during
the war(at one stage only 30 Kilometers from the front lines). My father's
inexorable rise did not prevent him from undertaking highly dangerous
missions against the Iraqis. From the day the war started(22 September
1980) untill his defection on the 9th January 1987 my father flew more
than 480 combat missions(most of the attacks against-mailnly Arab-shipping
in the Persian Gulf was carried out by my father). During his tenure as
the commander of "Vahdattiye" airbase my father restored morale and
significantly upgraded the combat efficiency of the whole base;to such an
extent that the base was to play a crucial role in the liberation of
Khorramshahr in May 1982. I have very fond memoris of Vahdatiyye;although
I stayed with my mother and grand parents in Tehran most of the
time,during the summers I joined my father in Dezfoul. Once in the summer
of 1983(when I was just 6 years old)I stayed the whole summe,witnessing
the devastaton of Dezfoul at first hand. The base itself was rarely
attacked by the Iraqis(who resorted to the cowardly tactic of attacking
Dezfoul with Frog missiles). It was in the summer of 1983 when I learnt to
swim;at the main swimming pool in the base. The pool and the surrounding
sports camp was truly first class with luxurious trappings;a legacy of the
Shah days.
Because of his bravery,organisational efficiency,sheer popularity with
the Officer corps and last (but certainly not least)his total and
unflinching commitment to the revolution my father was promoted to the
position of "Chief of Staff" in February 1984. This theoretically made him
the second in command;subordinate only to the airforce commander-who at
the time was "Colonel Houshang Sedigh". However in reality my father ran
the airforce between feb1984 until his defection. Colonel Sedigh was a
lackluster character who was treated with apprehension by other officers.
My father on the other hand was dearly loved by everyone. This was mainly
due to the fact that even though he was a senior commander he still did
not hesitate to undertake missions(indeed my father flew most of his
missions between 1984-1987-this was mainly against shipping in the Persian
Gulf). My father also enjoyed a close relationship with the Rvolutionary
Guards(Pasdaran)and was regarded in high esteem by the leaders of the
Islamic Republic. On many occasions he was offered the top job(i.e
airforce commander)but he always refused,seemingly wanting to remain in
the shadows and undertake his beloved missions.
Those were difficult days for my mother;who naturally endured periods of
intolerable anxiety whenever my father was to fly missions(most of the
time my father kept them a secret,however during major offensives we all
knew that he'd be flying as many missions as he could). He also spent very
little time with us;leaving for work at 7:00 a.m in the morning and
returning late at night. However there were many advantages;we enjoyed
many priviledges(however my father denied himself and us of many of them
because of his religious and ideological convictions)for example a
"driver" always drove me to school in the mornings(I hated this and really
felt bad when my school mates saw me in the car-thats why I would
invariably ask the driver to drop me some way out of sight-my mother and
the "driver" could not understand this since they thoght most kids would
love to be driven and pampered like that). We also had the opportunity to
undertake many sports activities. This allowed me to excell in
swimming,water skiing and Tennis. During the summers we would frequent a
part of "Karraj" dam especially built for airforce officers;inorder to
water-ski. Many officers would bring their wives,daughters and other
female relatives along;and they would swim and water ski too(sometimes
without any covering!). This really hurt my father but for some reason he
never stopped it(afterall he had all the power to stop these men and their
families from engaging in such debauched and illegal activities.
From 1985 onwards my father began making trips to Western countries
inorder to secure arms deals with shady arms dealers anf their front
companies(Our airforce at the time was really suffering and we were unable
to secure any spare parts for our American made planes-F4,F5 and F14'S).
In one such mission-in early 1987-my father had gone to spain to secure a
deal with a Chilean fron company(working for the Chilean defence
ministry)for the transfer of 16 aging-and almost obsolete-Chilean F4'S(it
shows how desperate we were!). The Americans later scuppered the deal.
It was during this trip that my father "dissappeared ". We were supposed
to follow him-by first flying to Turkey and from there to a Western
country. However on the night of January 12,when me,my smaller
brother(Mehran),my mother and one of my uncles had gone to Mehrabad
airport inorder to board a flight for "Islamboll"(Turkey)we were stopped
by Security agents. The security services had realised that my father
intended not to return(afterall he had not made any contacts with his
superiors for 3 days)and thus thwarted our plans. We were treated with
dignity and respect(however my mother endured many interrogations). My
uncle,Mohsen,however was detained. Another of my fathers brothers
"Mostafa"-who was an officer in the navy_was also detained,however he was
released shortly afterwards and guaranteed his job. That period was one of
intolerable pain for both my maternal and paternal families(It must have
been agonising for my father too!). Every body was shocked at the
defection. Military counter-Intelligence in conjunction with the Security
service started a massive character assasination and disinformation
campaign;rumours such as my father having embezzled "Millions",or having
worked for "Mossad","CIA"etc.. were flying around. The greatest loser was
"Colonel Sedigh-the airforce commander" who was immediately sacked for
"incompetence" and placed under house arrest. He was replaced by "Colonel
Mansour Sattari" who was not even a pilot and had previously worked in the
airforces "radar repair" department. The entire staff of the airforces
central H.Q(where my fathers office was) were either sacked or replaced.
One of them "Colonel Bahram Ikani"(a brilliant F14 pilot who had thwarted
many Iraqi air raids against our cities)was later arrested on charges of
spying for the CIA and executed on November the 4th 1989(10th anniversarry
of the takeover of the U.S embassy).
Why did my father defect? In 1994 a book was written by an erstwhile
French arms dealer "Bernard Stroisseu" under the title "La Manipulation
Karbala" which threw some light on the whole affair. Strisseu,a former
close friend of my father,refers to my father as "Colonel Samadi" and
claims that my father had been a close associate of the "Montazeri" camp.
The regime,having realised this after the arrest of Mehdi Hashemi(brother
of Montazeri's son in law-Hadi Hashemi). He claims that they intended to
use my father during the "Karbala" offensives of early 1987(when Iranian
forces were on the vergr of capturing Basra) and then arrest him and
execute him. Propaganda of the French Secret services(DGST)!!!.
My father had been (and indeed remains) a follower of Ayatollah Montazeri
and was dismayed at the arrest of Montazeri's inner circle in the autumn
of 1986. However it is illogical to argue that this was the sole reason
for the defection. It is clear that the "Iran Gate" fiasco had also
something to do with it;my father vehemently opposed the deals because the
Americans were giving us second hand equipment at grossly inflated
prices-he also opposed the deal for ideological reasons.
You know to this day I have not had a proper discussion with my father
about that fateful January of 1987. It is a thorny subject and it is clear
that my father is harbouring some painful secrets.
After my fathers defection my whole life was turned upside down;gone were
the privilidges,the Tennis,the water skiing and the private drivers.
People regarded us with great suspicion and indeed resentment. The only
former friend of my father in the airforce who stayed faithful to us was
"Colonel Abbas Babaii",chief of the airforces war time operations. Babaii
had attended the pilot training course at "Lubbock" Texas with my father.
They had become close friends and engaged in underground Islamic
activities together. After the revolution Babaii,like my father,quickly
rose in the ranks;becoming the commander of Isfahan's air base in
1982(this airbase was highly important because it sheltered the entire
fleet of Iran's F14'S-Indeed Babaii was an F14 pilot)and then chief of
"war time operations" in 1984. Babaii worked directly under my father and
together they drew the "feasibility" plans for missions-which had to be
approved by the airforce commander and a special subsidiary committee of
the "Supreme Defence Council". Nobody was shocked as Babaii after the
defection. However he stayed loyal to us and effectively became my
substitute father. Through him I was still able to maintain some loose
connections with my former life. I was devastated,therefore,when I learnt
of Babaiis martyrdom in October 1987. Colonel Abbas Babaii(posthumousley
promoted to the rank of Brigadier-General) was shot down over the
"eternally" Persian Gulf by AMERICAN F16's(The Americans denied shooting
him down and the Iranian governement-fearful of undermining morale did not
make a fuss about this crime). I,alongside the airforce,was
grief-stricken. It was like losing my father again. Abbas Babaii was an
incredible man;intelligent,brave,courageous,impecabbly religious and
highly patriotic. He was a true "BASSIJI"; a real "HEZBOLLAHI". After his
martyrdom Isfahan's airforce base was renamed after him. In 1992 a
college affiliated to the airforces main college in Tehran was named after
"SHAHEED SARTEEP ABBAS BABAII". May he rest in peace.
I later learnt that my father,who had settled in Britain by August
1987,had taken the news very badly. I dont think he has still got over the
affair;the thought of having betrayed his best friend(and what a friend he
was) must have tortured him.
After Babaii's martyrdom our link with the airforce was wholly severed.
We lived with my maternal grand parents and were effectively subsidised my
by mother's brother in law. I continued with my education and tried my
best to forget about my father(In my eyes he was a traitor;both to his
nation and his family-I was not aware then of my fathers ceaseless efforts
to get us out of Iran).
In February 1990,the Security Service returned my mothers passport(this
had been confiscated in January 1987). This was effectively a "green
light" for us to leave the country. My mother's family counselled against
this,asserting that the whole thing was a trap(i.e the regime wanted to
discover my father's whereabouts-by monitoring our departure). In
hindsight this was really naive-for I now know that the security service
in Iran had been aware of all my fathers movements from the day he
defected(how else did they know that we were planning to leave on the
twelfth of January?). Since then we have discovered some painful
truths;concerning family betrayals and erstwhile colleagues stabbing my
father in the back.
To cut a long story short we joined our father in Britain,in May 1990,
and have been living here since.
It was very difficult to adapt to life in this country at first. But my
father was a great help. He not only helped me to adjust to my new life
but also ensured the continuity of my Islamic and Iranian identity. My
father remains a deeply religious man. Interestingly he is still
unflinchingly loyal to the Islamic Republic. He remains a follower
"MOGHALED" of Ayatollah Montazeri and is of the opinion that the
leadership position was usurped by the Rafsanjani-Ayatollah
Khameneii(Damate Barakatoh) and Ahmad Khomeini(the late son of the Imam)
axis. Indeed a portrait of Ayatollah Montazeri dominates his special
"study" room at home. I am grateful to my father for having led me in the
right path;but never coercing me to do anything. Consequently I was
positively responsive and grew up as a practicing Muslim;jealously
guarding my Islamic and Iranian identity.
Me and my father remain very close;almost inseperable. Many aquaintances
joke that we come across as brothers(for my father is still relatively
young,only 45 and looking much younger-many people find it incredible that
he had become Chief os Staff at the age of 32!!). He now works as a flying
consultant and sometimes teaches at the prestigious flying school of
"Kidlington"(Oxfordshire)-this is Britains premier flying school-a
breeding ground for rich Arab kids from the Sheikhdoms of the Persian
Gulf. He earns a handsome living. Indeed we live comfortably in a lovely
house in an even lovelier village called "Datchet". This is situated in
Berkshire(not very far from my university) close to the city of "Slough".
My mother also works-as a nursey nurse. I,too,work for a small company
specialising in Central Heating systems repairs. I landed this job during
the last year of my A-levels. Every Weekend I commute to my home town
inorder to work. I then return to the university on sunday. My
father,invariably,offers to drive me to Reading. Sometimes he spends
sunday night in my Hall of Residence. We are extremely close and only I am
aware of his uncurable sufferings. Inside he is a destroyed man;however
his sheer toughness keeps him going. He is terribly gifted and has made a
name for himself in the flying circles of this country. He also helps me
with my studies. I study "Physics" and this is a subject which he excells
in;having had a comprehensive mathematical and scientific background. Me
and my father are a single entity;having in common almost everything-from
physical features to political beliefs. The only thing that divides us is
"Ayatollah Montazeri"!! Sometimes we have heated arguments over this
subject;I sense the feeking that my father reckons he can return to his
old job if Montazeri succeeds in securing the leadership position. However
he knows that this is impossible. It is unlikely that he will ever return
to Iran.
The future for me is clear. I do not have the problems of my father. Two
years ago(summer 1996) I made a trip to Iran for the first time in six
years. I encountered no problems. After my return it was clear that my
father felt ver jealous(if only he could once again visit his beloved
homeland!). I made another trip last summer(my father paid for the
tickets!). I even returned last x-mas. I feel very free when I make these
trips and furthermore I have overcome my initial feelings of guilt
concerning my father not being able to enjoy the same rights.
I intent to resettle in Iran;however not before I obtain my Phd. I am in
my second year now and God-willing will graduate next year. I then intend
to start my Doctoral thesis,effectively bypassing masters(this can be done
when you obtain a high degree). I love my subject and am really good at
it. Most importantly I have my father who is a pillar of support. My
father himself will continue with his consultancy and tuition. He has
amassed considerable wealth and is content with the "material" side of his
life. My mother has settled and in recent years has fully assimilated in
British life. She works and studies part-time. She has not gone back to
Iran since we left(she usually travels to Cyprus once or twice a year to
visit members of her family). My smaller brother "Mehran",16,is currently
studying for his A-levels. He is not,in any way,as close to my father as I
am. He is a practising Muslim and is proud of his identity and cultural
roots but has been partially "Anglisized"(He was ony 8 when we came here).
He claims that he intends to return;but I wonder?!.
My story has many morals. The one I would like to highlight is
explicitly political: My father has defected(not out of cowardice but
as a result of unbearable pressures and extremely uncomfortable
circumstances which-only he himself and certain security services are
privvy to the exact information),his reputation was destroyed by the
regime(they branded him a spy and a thief),some members of his family were
harrassed,his wife and kids were prevented from joining him for more than
3 years,the regime even planned to assasinate him(I will not elaborate on
this one for now)they executed one of his best friends(Colonel Bahram
Ikani) but still my father remains unflinchingly loyal to the revolution
and its noble ideals. For him the Islamic revolution and the Velayate
Faghih system which emerged from it transcend the petty
squabbles,inefficiencies,injustices and real-politik. And yet we have
Iranians who lead comfortable lives in the West and have almost forgotten
the country(it is unlikely they will ever go back -even if the political
climate changes beyond recognition)who have the nerve of spreading rumours
and untruths about our revolution and our system. My father's case also
highlights the fact that the Islamic regime has a solid core of supporters
who will stay loyal to it untill untill the day they die;no matter what
injustices they might have suffered at the hands of that same regime. I
think we should all ponder on this and reflect on our positions
accordingly.
Yours
Mahan Abedin
P.S Apart from "La Manipulation Karbala",the only other book containing
the name of my father is a one called "The Iranian Military Under The
Islamic Republic" compiled my "Nicola Schahgaldian" and "Gina
Barkhordarian". This book,which is effectively a research,was sponsored by
the "RAND" corporation-which is affiliated to the Pentagon. In it my
father is referred to by his real name "Colonel Abbas Abedin",however it
is erroneousley written that he was "deputy commander".
mich...@neto.com
On 5/11/98 7:32PM, in message
<Pine.GSO.3.96.980511...@suma3.reading.ac.uk>, Mahan Abedin
<lhu...@reading.ac.uk> wrote:
Mahan,
What an interesting life!!!I knew there was a story to tell in there.
You may not know this yet,but your father has given you a gift...
you say he's a broken man however great people who dare to be different
are almost always alone and there are often few rewards.You're
obviously an intelligent,educated person...how are you going to honor
your fathers memory in your life?You'll go back to Iran and your father
can't...there are many many Iranians who have not been able to see their
mothers and fathers for many years...you need to go back and make changes.
Before you go though,may I suggest you and your parents spend a year
or two traveling around to different counties,see the good and the bad,
it'll give you perspective of the world...as it has done for me...I think
it's sad that there are people in the town that I live that have never
traveled more than 50 miles from their home.Their attitudes reflect this too.
So your dad was in Texas?That's my home state!!!(And I'm proud of it
too so no jokes hehe.)Anyway,you might as well enjoy yourself for now
because once you get a steady job...the fun is over!!!
Sincerely,
Michelle