The United Iranian Front for Democracy in Iran

New US focus on Iran could signal another Cold War/More from Trita Parsi

2007-01-17T22:05:00.000-05:00

"WASHINGTON: Provocative words by US President George W Bush and a fresh American military build-up in the Persian Gulf seem to mark a US new focus on Iran that could signal another Cold War or even a deadly confrontation.

As the USS Stennis aircraft carrier began its journey to the Gulf on Tuesday, top administration officials travelling in the region defended the increased US presence there as the only way to impress on Iran that the four-year war in Iraq has not made America vulnerable. Sending a second carrier to the Gulf for the first time since 2003 and positioning a Patriot missile battalion in the region mark a broader US stand in the Middle East at a time when diplomatic efforts with countries such as Iran and Syria have stalled. It also puts US policy at odds with the bipartisan Iraq Study Group’s recommendation that the administration should reach out to Iran and Syria to bring more regional support to Iraq.

Trita Parsi, an Iranian-born author and Middle East scholar, said the strategy will lead to an endless balance-of-power game that will drain American resources and undermine the US position in the region.

“If we think that we, in the long term, can keep a country like Iran constrained and contained, then we’re asking for a fight,” said Parsi, who is president of the National Iranian American Council. “Iran is a major power in that region. You cannot contain it without having a confrontation.”

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The tragedy, it seems, is not only that the country on the brink of implosion, and complete cultural and economic collapse, was the mecca and paradigm of Eastern-Western relations as well as a beacon of light and hope for prosperity and progressiveness in the Middle East. But also that that same country today, has become the mecca and paradigm of Anti-Western sentiment and a beacon of darkness and fear in the hearts of millions of innocent and oppressed peoples.

It seems everytime I read the news, America's war on terror inches closer and closer to the borders of Iran while the Mullah's war of terror seems to spread further and further into the heart of the Middle East and the international community. One may be naturally inclined to feel war is in enevitable and that they can only stand by and watch, wondering what will happen next, and where this shouldn't be true, it is.

The National Iranian American Council (NIAC), who's motto is to "promote Iranian-American participation in all areas of American civil life," has claimed to be the voice of the Iranian-American nation. But apparently, America hasn't heard anything, because all the NIAC has said, is to leave Iran alone. The NIAC has done good things for Iranian-American community locally, within the US, but is a poor force in establishing a "dialogue of nations" or for that matter, a table of solutions. As our only representative force for Iranians as a body in American government/congress, we expect much more, but dont have the luxury of the turning our backs either. Even if the represenative force for Iranians, is the represenative force for the Islamic Republic as well...

We are in a very tricky predicament, and at a very sensitive time in our history. Unfortunately, it seems that we have trapped ourselves into a corner, and keep coming back to the same conclusion. We protest voting in Iran, but don't want Ahmadinejad or any mullah. We push for no diplomacy from America, but we oppose US aggression on Iran. It's not working, none of it is working, because what were really saying, is we want it ALL gone. We want revolution. We want America to retreat and we want the IRI destroyed, and neither are happening. Things are getting worse and as America sinks into a deficit, Iran continues to sink into the Dark Ages. We are losing from both sides and I just can't comprehend why or how things are continuing down a path with no answers, and no immediate solutions.

Subconsciously, I keep imagining that this is all a dream, a temporary surreality that need only to be shaken to emerge from it's slumber and return to the majesty of it's true palpability. The irony, however, is that this is not far from the truth. The soul of Iran is in a slumber, hibernating somewhere beneath the footsteps of the nation. And it does need to be shaken, to awaken and reclaim it's children once more to repel these foreign invaders from our land.

Where's our Rostam now, our Ferdowsi?

Video of Saddam Hussein being executed

2007-01-02T22:05:00.001-05:00

Now Saddam is dead. Do you honestly believe justice has been served, or that this was in any way, justice? Is this even really about justice, or is it about nessessity, political nessessity. So then, what now?

Does this change anything about the war, no. Does this change anything in the minds of the Iraqis, yes, it made the minority Sunni's more willing to revolt, and increased hostility that already existed. The only thing this execution did, except to spit in the face of true justice, and fuel the fire of civil war, is give the Islamic Republic of Iran more freedom, security, and oppurtunity to spread their principles of darkness, misery, and Islamic fundamentalism farther into the Middle East and deeper into the heart of Iran. No justiced served, no peace treaty signed, only the eradication of the one man and regime who kept the dog next door firmly planted behind its fence.

Sadaam to Hang; Butcher of Bagdad Sent to Gallows

2006-12-26T17:42:00.000-05:00

"Iraq's highest appeals court on Tuesday upheld Saddam Hussein's death sentence and said he must be hanged within 30 days for the killing of 148 Shiites in the central city of Dujail. The sentence "must be implemented within 30 days," chief judge Aref Shahin said. "From tomorrow, any day could be the day of implementation." On Nov. 5, an Iraqi court sentenced Saddam to the gallows for ordering the 1982 killings following an attempt on his life."

Coined by the west as the "Butcher of Baghdad" and recognized universally as the "Vampire of the Middle East," Sadaam was no doubt an evil and malevolent dictator set on regional domination through brute force and mercilessness. No one could tell you about the evilness and monstrosity of Sadaam Husseins better than the Iranians. Sadaam Hussein is one of the MOST significant reasons why the Islamic Republic is still in power and one of the most significant contributors to its solidification and establishment in the early years of the revolution. Had Iraq not attacked Iran after the revolution (though it attacked Iran specifically because of the revolution), the Iranian people would have sooner seen the treachery and fraudulence of the Regime, and because of it's raw and still-developing nature, would have had the power to do away with the Mullahs right there and then.

However, Sadaam Hussein's attack on Iran, forced Iranians to rally together (despite animosity and division toward the regime), to repel foreign invaders from their homeland. After many agonizing and bloody years, Iranians did prove successful in this feat, but the damage had already been done. The Islamic Republic had managed to plant its roots firmly in the soil of Iran, just as Muhammad's Army of God had done only 1400 years earlier.

And not only did Sadaam Hussein stabilize and establish the Islamic Republic, but it also led to the creation of the Basij, the Iranian-Islamic Para-military force of martyrs used similiarly to the Gestapo in ensuring that the word of Khomeninized Quran rule victorious throughout the land. A force that equipped the innocent and promising Iranian children of 10 years and younger with a Quran in one hand and a golden key (that would directly take them to heaven) in the other and sent them running through minefields to clear way for soldiers and tanks. So Sadaam Hussein's attack was not just a casualty tally for Iranians but rather an implentation and inaugeration of a regime that would for the next 27 years, continue to terrorize, opress, torture, and murder all those who defied its will, and it's mission.

So would it not be natural for an Iranian like myself to be pleased, even over-joyed and ecstatic with such a verdict, that such an evil and vile man, responsible for the current grim reality of my country, be executed and pay for the crimes he has commmitted against my people and the people of the Middle East?

The answer is NO. No it is not natural, because if we claim to be against tyranny and unconstitutionality and claim to be men and women of justice, and followers of the ancient rite of Ahura Mazda, to conduct ourselves in accordance with the principles of good thoughts, good words, and good deeds, then it must then be apparent, and equally obvious, that though this man is evil and criminal, he deserves to be brought to justice through justice. What George Bush and his Administration of patsys and warmongers have done, is ensure that the law of the land will NOT prevail but rather the law of Bush. This administration has used a MEANS to justify an END, and never should such a strategy be confused with JUSTICE.

Sadaam deserves to hang, I agree, but not THIS way. By ignoring and disregarding procedure, (illegally invading a foreign country), using lies and manipulation to sway public support (claiming Sadaam had weapons of mass destruction and a threat to U.S. security), and using criminal and irresponsible abuse of power to achieve personal and financial satisfaction (defying and opposing the U.S. constitution by suspending habeas corpus and promoting legal torture and indefinite imprisonment without trial) this President and this Administration have singlehandedly used the same tactics dictators and occupational regimes (including the Islamic Republic of Iran) have used for centuries to illegally and immorally achieve political gain by superceding the law and the public consent. I can't stress this enough, the means CANNOT justify the end. You cannot disregard every national and international law, the will of the people of both nations, and basic rights of humanity (first laid down 2,500 years ago by Cyrus the Great) and then say, "Hey, we got the bastard!" I'm sorry, as a man of principle and justice, I would be a liar, a fraud, and a hypocrit if I supported one iota of this verdict. This is not true justice, this is not true freedom. This is legal terrorism, this is treachery.

Becuase of the United States, Iran's most prominent buffer, Sadaam Hussein and his regime, are now non-existent, and Iraq has become literally become a devil's playground for the IRI to manipulate, influence, and control the Middle East and Western influences in region even more greatly than it could have ever imagined 5 years ago. Bush and his admininstration have set up the perfect recipe for disaster in the region; Iraq no longer exists, Anti-American sentiment is as high as ever, regional civil war will ensue for the next 100 years, and the Islamic Republic has become the most powerful Middle Eastern power next to Israel. The incompetantcy of this regime is not only shameful, but criminal. I saw an interesting bumber sticker a while ago that read, "At least when Clinton lied, nobody died." Couldn't be more true. What we really need to see is a scenario where the real saboteurs of our great political system our held accountable, not the little fish who decided to do the naughty naughty in the oval office.

It is for the reasons above that I personally am COMPLETELY against this illegal and sham verdict disguised in the name of justice, and masked in the persuit of freedom. I urge all of you to oppose this verdict on the basis of true justice and integrity. No one hates Sadaam more than us Iranians, so obviously it's hard not to say just let the bastard hang, but remember, it was the same treachery and deciet that led Eisenhower to convince the United States that Mossadegh was a communist and use the same tactics of manipulation to infiltrate Iran and remove the man from power. In this case, Sadaam was a bad guy, but he could have equally and just as easily been a good man like Mossadegh. This is what I called "blind justice," a tactic in which a superpower like that of the U.S. acts in their own best interest (being good or evil; preference not significant) under the false notion of positive and nessessary ideals like security, peace, freedom, and democracy to accomplish the goals nessessary to THEM.

When a terrorist kills a terrorist, has justice really been served?

Deny this execution. Protest this verdict. Support true democracy and true justice.

Payande bad azadi vagheyi!

Winter Marks New Protests; The Embers of Dissidence Continue to Burn

2006-12-12T17:12:00.001-05:00

Iranian Students Disrupt Ahmadinejad Speech and Shout "Death to the Dictator!" (12/11/06)

Ahmadinejad Gets Lesson On Free Speech at Iranian University (12/12/06)

Students Cry Out for Freedom in Large Demonstration at Tehran University (12/7/06)

Tuesday, December 12, 2006:
Dozens of Iranian students burnt pictures of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and chanted "death to the dictator" as he gave a speech at a university in Tehran. Never has the hardline leader faced such open hostility at a public event, which came as Iran opened a conference questioning whether Nazi Germany murdered six million Jews. One student activist said the protest was against the "shameful" Holocaust conference and the "fact that many activists have not been allowed to attend university". The conference had "brought to our country Nazis and racists from around the world", he said.

Monday, December 11, 2006:
Iranian students disrupted a speech by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad at a prestigious Tehran university, setting fire to his picture and shouting "death to the dictator," media reports said. Ahmadinejad was giving a speech to students at the Amir Kabir University, the scene of a protest the day before by hundreds of students to denounce a crackdown on a reformist-led university association. "Some students chanted radical slogans and inflamed the atmosphere of the meeting," said the semi-official Fars news agency, which is close to Ahmadinejad. "A small number of students shouted 'death to the dictator' and smashed cameras of state television but they were confronted by a bigger group of students in the hall chanting: 'We support Ahmadinejad'," it said.

Thursday, December 07, 2006
"What do we want? Freedom!" That was one of the banners a large crowd waved on Wednesday at a demonstration at Tehran University. As many as 2,000 students turned out to demand personal freedom in the Islamic state, which has cracked down on political activity on campus this year in what some have called the Second Cultural Revolution. The theme of Wednesday's protest was Student Life is Alive. The police apparently made no effort to stop the demonstration, which ended peacefully. One banner, in Persian, read: "If I rise up and you rise up, everyone will rise up." Another read: "Our struggle is twofold: Fighting against internal oppression and external foreign threats." Photographs of Wednesday's demonstration were posted on Iranian websites and in the blogosphere.

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Skimming over the events of the last few weeks we are reassured that our students, our brothers and sisters, are very much alive and alert, and have once again risked everything to pour into the streets, threatened by persecution and torture, to keep alive the fire of freedom. Every protest, every person, every hand in the air and every banner, is a constant reminder that Iranians will not stop nor surrender until the chains of oppression and injustice are broken, and the light of a free Iran breaks through the dark cloud of malevolence that has taken its place. The students want the Islamic Republic to know, us to know, and most importantly, the rest of the world know, that the fire of freedom will continue to burn, and no matter how big or small it gets, there will always be an Iranian there to throw wood on the flame of revolution, and ensure that it's embers glow bright and hot enough for the whole world to see and feel.

It is always a joyous and ecstatic moment to see the soul and blood of Iran fight for the liberation of our people, culture, and country. The Iranian youth has demonstrated time and time again their opposition to oppression and unrelenting struggle for freedom and justice, but for such triumph and sacrifice not to be in vain, moments like these should above all else inspire us to ask ourselves a fundamental question: My brethern back home are doing their part, am I doing mine?

It is this question that should drive us, that should always drive us, all of us. It is this question that seals the fate of Iran, whatever that may be. I ask myself this question everyday, and whether I find my answer acceptable or not, I still can appreciate the fact that it is this question that drives me. I believe every Iranian, of all nations and residences, within Iran and out, any real Iranian, would ask themself this question. The only thing left to do then, when we have a world full of Iranians asking themselves the same question, is to unite, and answer that question together.

And in time, Ahura Mazda willing, I believe we will.

e-Islamic Republic; Mullahs online

2006-12-02T19:43:00.000-05:00

It's not a week that goes by that I don't encounter some kind of ridiculous Iranian blogger that just seems to be way off his chair. Initially, my reaction is always, "How did this ignorant low-class tool manage to work a computer, let alone make it to a blog?" I just shrug. Inevitably, I begin to realize that this "tool", though voicing such abominations of the truth, seems to be pretty articulate and have his story down and his agenda up. Whatever he's saying, regardless of how ridiculous it is (and he probably knows it is too), he's got his own backward and illogical facts to back it up and his own unrelenting determination to stick by his argument and make SURE everyone else learns to as well. Sometimes, he's even researched ACTUAL facts just to be able to speak with an aura of credibility and deny them all later. Suddently this guy doesnt seem so ignorant and low-class.

This guy, surely enough, is not any fool, but rather a paid worker of the Islamic Republic. He is an internet blogger, trained to spread the propaganda of this government, and the most recent addition to the black hand Khomeini so joyfully touched Iranians with 27 years ago. Through his denial of pre-Islamic Iranian history, misrepresentation of true Iranian desires and goals, and false generalizations of Iranian allegiances and culture, he is planting the seed for suspicion and misinformation in order to create an atmosphere of confusion and tension, accomplishing two things: (1) Drawing attention away from real matters of concern and relevant Iranian affairs/politics and (2) Disillusioning not-so-clever Iranians and non-Iranians about the "true" nature of Iran, Iranian people, and Iranian history by adding in an extra perspective (though not really a perspective at all but really a tool of deception).

The goal of these "Iranians", regardless of what they claim to feel about "their" country (usually they claim they are very proud of their heritage and love Iran and sometimes go as far as saying they support Iranian democracy) is really to CRUSH Iranian opposition to the Regime (opposition including monarchist, democratic, marxist, or alternate-Islamic dissidents). However, when they say they are very proud of their heritage, love Iran, and want democracy, they are not lying at all. They love their heritage, POST-Islam. They love Iran, when they're the 5% of the country not starving becuase of the check the ISLAMIC REPUBLIC sends them each month. And they do want democracy, as long as they get to choose between candidates pre-approved by the Supreme Leader, that will ensure their financial relief as long as they keep selling their country.

So I guess all there is to do is redflag these individuals early on so that the less aware/informed blogger community realizes that the majority of intellectual and genuine bloggers denounces these crackpots. Their main goal is to confuse us, and confuse the rest of the world, so the sooner we shut these guys down, the less chance there is for their propaganda to infect the rest of the commmunity. We are battling this regime everywhere we turn, and now it seems as if the fight has poured into our own homes.

On another note, the most recent e-Basiji I have encountered is someone named "Yasin", who is set to mention that the Sassanian period of Iran NEVER EXISTED. Haha, do you believe that? Straight up, NEVER existed. As if the engravings of Emperor Valentine of Rome bowing before Sassanian King Shapur II The Great at Pasargard are really the works of the same aliens who must've built the pyramids! He also goes as far too say that "Arabs never attacked Iran, ever...the attack of Arab forces against Rostam and the Sassanian army is completely false and never happened...Arabs are not our enemies, never were". Yes, you could imagine my reaction as well. He also claims to have read the WHOLE Shahnameh as well as other historical references, just to be more convinced that they are just myths and deceits and that epic and world aknowledged battles between Iranians and Arabs like the Battle of Qadesiyeh, the battle that killed Rostam and sealed the fate of Iran, never happened! You can read this fools comments here (scroll down toward the end) and feel free to jump in and discredit them yourself, I merely pointed this one out becuase he is the most recent pawn of the regime and consquently, the most recent thorn in my side.

Marg bar een kargarhayeh Taaz, khak bar sareshoon.

Discontented Iranians Have Found a Place to Call Home

2006-11-29T18:42:00.000-05:00

"As evidence that the Iranian community is "growing by the day," as Hashempour puts it, the number of Iranian students in UAE universities has soared to 11,500, from just 2,400 three years ago. Iranians are said to own more than a third of all luxury apartments on the outskirts of Dubai, the UAE's commercial hub. The Iranian Business Council, formed less than 15 years ago, has more than 400 members."

Well it should be no suprise that Iran's "brain drain" is only continuing to rise. Now it's not just the western countries that benefit intellectually and financially from our youth, but it seems fate is not without a sense of irony because the Arabs are now too. With more and more of our great patriots and nationalists dead or dying (who have either been slain in the early years of the revolution, or are dying now from old age and grief), we look wiery-eyed to our youth, pulled in two directions between the revolution their parents handed down to them, and the future which they strife to create for themselves.

However, many are finding themselves deadlocked, leading an existence that could barely qualify as a life, with no promise and and no reprisal. And so it seems that it is not just Iran itself that is at constant threat of disintegration, but rather our own brethern. With more and more of our brothers and sisters shipping off to Europe, America, and now Dubai, to surely incorporate themselves into new lives and escape the turmoil of their homeland, it seems as if its not just parts of our mainland that are being stripped away and lost to foreign nations, but rather our own blood, our own people.

And specifically regarding Dubai, it should not be forgotten that Dubai is also where all the Iranian money that's not stored away in a Swiss bank, has been reappropriated to in order create luxurious and lavish retirement homes and retreats for Mullahs in case things get too hot. However, Iranian money isn't the only thing the Mullahs have exported there either, perhaps even more lucrative would be the underage prostitutes and sex slaves. While half the country is either doped out on heroin and morphine, selling themselves into prostitution, starving in poverty, or all three, dirty Arab Taazi filth is defiling and using our innocent children and women for their own sick and sexual pleasure. Illegal prostitution, kidnapping, and human trafficking are one of the biggest exports and investments of this regime and the vast majority of the WORLD has no clue.

"Nothing is more threadbare than the claim of Islamists to defend Muslim womanhood. Islamist radicals (like the penny-a-marriage mullahs of Iran) are the world's most prolific pimps. The same networks that move female flesh across borders also provide illegal passage for jihadis, and the proceeds of human trafficking often support Islamist terrorists. From Jakarta to Kuala Lumpur to Sarajevo to Tirana, the criminals who trade in women overlap with jihadist networks. Prostitutes serve the terror network in a number of capacities, including suicide bombing. The going rate for a Muslim woman who can pass for a European to carry a suicide bomb currently is more than US$100,000. The Persian prostitute is the camp follower of the jihadi, joined to him in a pact of national suicide." - Spengler, (Jihadis and Whores)

Our country is literally being raped in every sense possible. This just disgusts me so infuriatingly that I am at a loss for words. There is just so much wrong, so much, with everything. I don't even know what to do sometimes, and it's such a terrible feeling to feel so helpless. I hope we have the strength to overcome such vileness and barbarianism soon. I pray for the innocent victims who have suffered so much to have the courage and will to stay strong and have hope. In times like these, we must look back at our roots, go back to our ancestors, and derive strength, to overcome the evil that has unleashed itself amongst our country and our people.

Payandeh Bad Iran
Zende Bad Azad

The Generation of Iranians Overseas

2006-11-28T20:23:00.001-05:00

Today, 27 years after the Revolution, thousands of Iranians find themselves residing overseas, mainly in countries like the U.S., Germany, or Great Britain. This dynamic "resituation" and migration of Iranians, though often referred to as "brain drain" (and rightfully so), does possess its perks as well.

Unlike the Shah's era, where thousands of protesters could pour into the street, place flowers in soldiers' barrells, and scream death to the shah, such actions today would land you, your spouse, or you infant child, a quick ticket to Evin (if you're lucky) or more likely, the gallows (better known as construction cranes). Many people ask (mostly non-Iranians), "Why don't the Iranians just have another revolution like they did with the Shah? If they did it then why can't they do it now?" It is for this very reason, genuine fear. Fear of death, of torture, fear for your family. Iran has been held captive by the chains of fear and religious manipulation for almost three decades, and by this point, the people will do just about anything just to feed their families, let alone worry about politics.

This is where the we, the generation of Iranians overseas, come into play. We are supposed to be the voice that true Iranians within Iran cannot speak. We are looked upon by them to spread the word of truth to the world, and to fight the Islamic Republic in the ways they cannot. We cannot honestly expect the people of Iran to fight back when they have no assurances that their sacrifices won't be in vain. Unless they know that we are fighting for them, and we are fighting with them, where could they possibly derive any sense of hope from, especially after all these years?

We are the light. We are the blessed. It is a CRIME to enjoy the privileges and freedoms we do in such prosperous countries and not pay back our dues. We have an obligation beyond our riches and prosperities to realize that unless we contribute somehow to cause of freedom, we have singlehandedly worked to bring it down ourselves. "Evil prevails when good men do nothing." No quote could be truer. So when we sit by idly, maybe or maybe not watching the events in Iran, shopping and driving our BMW's, as 90% of Iranian Californians do (shame upon them), who is really to be held accountable? Us or the Mullahs? At least the Mullahs have made it clear they couldn't care less about Iran, we know that, and wouldn't expect anything good to come from them. But our own blood? The shame and defeat then lies with us, and in our apathy, we in turn become the sabotuers.

However, to those who are actually trying to make a difference, those of you who spend hours sucked into the web (in the seeming Iranian "e-movement") and who genuinely know you would die for Iran, and would do anything to do more, dorood bar shoma, I salute you, you are what the soul of Iran beats for. And by the same logic, I know most of the people who read this feel the way I do, and are genuine patriots, but those who this post is really about, wouldn't be here reading this anyway. And what a great shame it is.

Becoming Americanized can be a great thing if in doing so you learn from the fibers of this great political system and use such knowledge to aid your mothercountry. Otherwise, your just another tricked out L.A. Persian, who equivocates being an Iranian to eating polo-khoresht, sparingly speaking broken Farsi to his grandmother, and listening to the occasional Googoosh hit. If this is you, spend less time putting up pictures of your Mercedes on MySpace and more time reading about what's actually going on in the country that's sheltered and nurtured your ancestors for thousands of years.

Tell the Department of Justice to prevent ancient Persian Artifacts from being sold!

2006-11-21T15:31:00.000-05:00

Ask the Department of Justice to submit a brief;

A legal battle over the seizure of ancient Persian artifacts is underway between victims of a 1997 bombing in Jerusalem and the University of Chicago, the Oriental Institute, and the Iranian government. At stake is an extremely valuable collection of ancient Persian tablets from Persepolis – an integral part of Iran’s heritage – that the bombing victims wish to seize and auction off as compensation for physical and mental damages incurred from the bombings. (For more backround on the Chicago Persian heritage crisis click here)

It is imperative that the Department of Justice intervenes and prevents the seizure of these valuable relics.

Click here to send a letter to Peter Keisler, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division at the Department of Justice, as well as to Attorney General Alberto Gonzales urging them to prevent the seizure.

As political tensions have risen between the United States and Iran, the case has begun to receive international headlines. Manouchehr Mottaki, the Foreign Minister of Iran has threatened to cancel proposed negotiations with the US while Hamid Reza Asefi, the Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman, has called on the US to show a quick and serious reaction to the case.

Meanwhile, Iran has called for the United Nations and the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to intervene citing what it feels is a violation of several international conventions protecting a nation’s cultural history.

The case has also managed to fuse strange bedfellows as even the United States Justice Department has, on several occasions, expressed interest in the case. Fearful of the dangerous precedent the case could set to allow American assets abroad to be seized, the US Justice Department has submitted a brief arguing against the Illinois Court’s ruling.

Discovered in Persepolis in 1933 and lent to the University of Chicago’s Oriental Institute for research, these 2,500 year old clay tablets contain invaluable and detailed information about the culture of the people of the Persian Empire. The Achaemenid (or Persepolis) clay tablets were loaned to the University of Chicago in 1937. They were discovered by archaeologists in 1933 and are legally the property of the National Museum of Iran and the Iran's Cultural Heritage Organization. The artifacts came with the understanding that they would be returned to Iran. The tablets, from Persepolis, the capital of the Persian Empire, date to about 500 B.C.

The tablets give a view of daily life, with things like daily rations of barley that were given to workers in nearby regions of the empire. These tablets were sent to the capital to keep track of how they were paying workers. Gil Stein, director of the Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago, said that details largely concern food for people on diplomatic or military missions. Each tablet is about half the size of a deck of Playing cards and has characters of a dialect of Elamite, an extinct language understood by perhaps a dozen scholars in the world.

Stein called it "the first chance to hear the Persians speaking of their own empire." Charles Jones, Research Associate and Librarian at the Oriental Institute and tablet expert compared them to "credit card receipts." Most of our current knowledge about the ancient Persian empire comes from comes from the accounts of others, most famously the Greek storyteller Herodotus. Stein added, "It's valuable because it's a group of tablets, thousands of them from the same archive. It's like the same filing cabinet. They're very, very valuable scientifically."

The university's Oriental Institute had been returning them to Iran in small batches. The Institute had already returned 37,000 tablets and fragments to Iran and were preparing another shipment when Strachman intervened. Gil Stein, director of the Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago said, "The Iranians are understandably furious about this. You'd have to imagine how we would feel if we loaned the Liberty Bell to Russia and a Russian court put it up for auction."

The dispute at question arose on September 4, 1997, when explosive devices set off in Jerusalem by members of Hamas wounded 200 individuals, including five Americans who have now decided to sue the Iranian government for their alleged role in sponsoring the attack.

The United States District Court in Illinois ruled in September of 2003 that the victims of the bombings had established their right to seek relief and awarded them damages of $423.5 million. Citing their mistrust of the US legal system, an Iranian representative was notably absent in the proceedings which US district Judge Ricardo Urbina cited as a critical reason for his default judgment against Iran.

Since then, David J. Strachman, a Rhode Island lawyer, has asked the Federal Court to confiscate and auction off Iran’s assets in the US, including the aforementioned artifacts to compensate the victims.

The decision has since been appealed and challenged by lawyers defending the University of Chicago and Iran on several grounds which include the invocation of a “sovereign immunity” principle that notes that governments cannot be sued like ordinary citizens.

This argument was denied by Judge Blanche M. Manning in a hearing last month, as she rejected the University of Chicago’s attempts at asserting immunity on Iran’s behalf. After denying the validity of Iran’s claim that it faces “numerous practical barriers” to receiving a fair trial, Judge Blanche confirmed an earlier Court’s decision that only Iran could assert its right to immunity.

Persistent in their defense of Iran, the University of Chicago plans on appealing the decision by August 21st as the case is scheduled to move up to the 7th circuit court. Iran, meanwhile, has filed for a special appearance in the hearing next month which has added a new dimension to this entangled legal dispute.

The university had argued sovereign immunity, i.e, under federal law, "certain property owned by foreign governments is protected from court judgments. HOWEVER, there is a law in effect that states that is if a nation is a blantent sponser or advocate of terrorism, the assets of that nation may be repossesed internationally without reperation. This situation is a reality, and there is a very unclear, dark cloud, howevering over it. We cannot let this happen, we MUST not let this happen. The situation is totally unacceptable.

These are the few remnants of our granduer ancient and noble heritage! Do not let envious foes once again loot what little is left of our history! These artifacts are PRICELESS and due to the lack of recording in our history, are the few artifacts documented by Persians themselves and not Westerners, describing ancient life in the old empire. It is vital that these artifacts be protected, preserved, and kept in the hands of the Iranian nation, not sold to lucky Western entrepenuers on the black market for millions of dollars who'd like to add a nice "Persian piece" to their dining room.

Compelling the Justice Department to file a brief in support of Chicago University is an initial step in this campaign, and it is vital that we make as much noise about this as possible. So make noise, send letters, spread the word, if the courts and juries and lawmakers see there is an an outcry coming from the Persian community against such evilness, then it is much harder for them to grant the case to the plantiffs. It is absurb that an entire nation and culture has to suffer for the loss of 4 families. They want to strip us of our 2,500 year heritage, because some assholes that had nothing to do with us or our heritage, attacked them. This is absolutely absurd and backward, and I for one will not stand for it.

Click here to send a letter to Peter Keisler, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division at the Department of Justice, as well as to Attorney General Alberto Gonzales urging them to prevent the seizure.

Payandeh Bad Khake Iran Ma!

Iranian Activist Seeks U.S. Support

2006-11-17T22:56:00.001-05:00

A leading Iranian student activist is calling for the Bush administration to directly fund opposition groups seeking to topple the theocratic regime in Tehran.

Manucher Mohammadi escaped from Iran last month after his brother and fellow democratic activist, Akbar Mohammadi, died in Tehran’s Evin prison. Manucher Mohammadi says his brother was severely tortured during seven years in prison and ultimately died from his injuries.

Mohammadi arrived in the U.S. earlier this month and has taken a fellowship at Washington’s National Endowment for Democracy. He says he’s using his time in Washington to meet senior Congressional and administration officials, such as Elliot Abrams, the National Security Council’s point man on the Middle East.

“I’d like the U.S. government to lend spiritual support to the Iranian opposition…and to support it financially,” Mohammadi said at a news conference held at Freedom House today. “We need to develop a plan of action and put it to work.”

The U.S. Congress has allocated $75 million this year to promote democracy in Iran, much of which will go to radio stations beaming programming into Iran. It’s unclear if Mohammadi’s organization, which he’s calling the Anti-Dictatorial Front, could be eligible for U.S. government funding, which is distributed through the State Department.

The Mohammadi brothers achieved prominence in 1999 for helping to lead major student protests against the Iranian regime. They men were subsequently sentenced to 15 years in prison.

-END ARTICLE-

I think we're beyond the point of pleading the help of foreign superpowers who's primary agenda is NEVER that of our own. This is our battle and it is apparent that the only people who truly care about democracy in Iran are Iranians themselves. There CANNOT be any other reason to support freedom and referendum other than simply wanting to see Iran free. Have we still not learned our lesson? America and Britain's historical presence in Iran, has done nothing but crush the democracy we once had, and pour salt on the wound left thereafter by CREATING the Islamic Republic! Enough is enough. Why are we still pulling at the pantlegs of countries who's deeds and actions are not even worthy of being classified as destructive, but in reality, saboteur?

We are in this mess because of foreign powers. Thanks to the CIA and MI6 in the 50's...our first chance at democracy was crushed when propaganda and false flag operations were launched against democratic and secular Mossedegh (falsely idenifying him as an anti-muslim, communist), to protect what of course, oil interests. Then again, when our next ruler, Shah Pahlavi, proved too progressive for American liking, once again they shot out the legs from beneath us and plundered us into the Islamic Dark Ages with their new found toy, Islam. And now AGAIN, they say they support regime change in Iran. We have gone through three different governments (Democratic Republic, Monarchy, and Islamic Rule) and still, they are not satisfied. And in each one they have played a pivotal role. Does all this foreign meddling not make you sick?

Iran is ours, and no one else's. Iran is our fight, not the West's. If they truly want to aid the cause of democracy in Iran, they can do so by preventing known terrorists like Khatami from getting a visa and safe passage into the United States to preach at Marriots about how he supports the west and disapproves of Islamic terrorism. The man who himself was responsible for the 1999 attacks of pro-democracy student activists in Iran! They can help us by not giving the IRI chances to succeed and get stronger by leaving buffers like Sadaam Hussein alone. They can help us, by making our plight known to the world and protecting Iranian interests and heritage here and in Europe.

The sooner we realize that this is our fight, and that this is our country, the sooner we can redirect our energies and resources toward a cause that we bled and cried for. Don't let the West have a hand in our revolution, they only want to the see their interests protected. They could care less about ensuring that the sun continues to set on the remains of great Perspolis or that our women can walk freely in public, displaying their world-renowned Persian beauty to the entire world. If their hearts are not with us, we don't want their support. Because even if they help us, and we do win our democracy, don't think that there part is over, they are going to stick around and protect their investment; exactly like how they did 27 years ago.

Be wise. This is a landmark moment in Iranian history. These are some of the darkest years we have been through as a nation, and though we have survived and maintained our heritage throughout the conquests of Alexander, Ghengis Khan, and even Islam, if we do not continue to throw wood on this fire, the flame of revolution will wither and die. We are known for our resilience to opposition, and it's time to live up to that title once again.

The only crime is apathy. A crime which keeps the good scared and the evil rich. Evil prevails when good men do nothing.

God Bless Iran!

PAYANDEH BAD KHAKE IRAN MA!
ZENDE BAD AZAD!

Call to All Iranians; Make Your Voice Heard

2006-11-17T00:00:00.001-05:00

These last 25 years of Islamic Occupation of Iran have been some of the darkest hours in our history. The Mullahs are forcing our great nation of Iran back to the dark ages and not only do us Iranians in the U.S. not band together and create a mass politcal movement in congress to put pressure on the Jomuryee Eslami (Islamic Republic), but some don't even reconize the threat and absolute terror this government instills in the hearts of its people, as well as its threat to the rest of the world.

To all Iranians in Iran, America, and Europe: You are the children of our beloved motherland. The land that has sheltered us for thousands of years. We are one of the first and oldest peoples in the world and for too long has glory of the Persian Empire been spat upon. It is time for us to stand up and rise against our oppressors. For us in America, who are significantly more well-off and are not stricken by the grief of poverty, politcal oppresion and death, lobby in congress, make your voice heard. If not able to pass legal action, then at least make this country and the rest of the world aware of one thing: REGIME CHANGE. You'd be suprised how much of the world isn't aware of our problem. And the Mullahs are too strong to be combated within Iran at the moment, at least until we are able to create our own movement and/or para-military force within Iran.

Until then, make the world aware. Send out the message of 'Regime Change.' Send these Mullahs back into the dark, miserable holes that they crawled out from. Take action. Take it now. This is your country, these are your people, this is your duty as an Iranian. Don't let our sweet land of Iran fall to these barbarians. I myself and a few others and trying to get involved politically in American politics to aid the fate of our brothers in Iran, as the Jews in America do for Israel. (And they have been extremely successful) At least so they know they Iranians have a voice and are unwilling to be treaded over. Without a voice we are doomed. So lets rise once again.

Support your brothers in Iran, America, and Europe. The time for injustice and politcal persecution is over. Now is the time for Iran to once again to be it's majestic and noble self. We will rise once again.

Payandeh Bad Khake Iran Ma!

Your fellow brother,

Arian

Dorood Bar Shoma; Welcome to my Blog

2006-10-25T18:56:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the United Iranian Front for Democracy in Iran. The main reason I have created this blog is in order to discuss the current events relating to and affecting Iran, tackle and try to bridge the division between the Iranian community worldwide, and most importantly to provide a basis for a fundamental solution to the greatest plight our glorious nation of Iran has faced over the course of the last 27 years, freedom.

My hope is that by confronting the issues at hand and discussing possible solutions to the wide range of problems the Iranian community faces (i.e. the disunion and division about how Iran should be handled, the great number of Iranian-Americans who do not uphold their duty to support their Iranian brethern overseas, the deception, suppression and confliction between Islam and Persian culture, our lack of presence in the American political system, our differences in political agenda, ect.) we can in time, arrive at a general agreement and unite as a people. Only then, do Iranians have any hope of winning Iran back from the medieval barbarians that have held it hostage for the last 27 years. We must unite.

Of course, everyone is entitled to their opinions, and Persians are certaintly well-known for their stubborness in such matters, however, with a little understanding and open-mindedness I think much good can come. If we unite under a general principle, the democracy and freedom of Iran, I think it can be possible for us all to compromise our egos to some degree for the greater good. There really is no other way. So as the general activity of this blog is discussion and politics, my real intention is that we Persians can work together toward that common goal, and propose solutions to the crisis in the Iran. With hope, these solutions prove noteworthy and we will have the strength to execute them.

Payandeh Bad Iran
Zende Bad Azad

Your brother-in-arms,

Arian