Kamangir (Archer)

Islamic “Republic”

Kamangir | September 22, 2006 | Category Iran

We are talking about Iran. So, even if 95% of the people find a civilized way for dealing with things there is always a minority, which has the power, and does what they want. The sad thing is that no one seems to care that when you burn a flag in the presence of a member the parliament, world sees that as an official gesture. Or maybe not.

The other interesting thing about the Islamic Republic politics is that the instrumentation of democracy is a bit different. If democracy is defined as free will and the right to choose, the Islamic Republic defines democracy as people. It may seem interesting, but the fact is that the Islamic Republic version of democracy is geared towards what is shouted by a large group of “decent” people. So, when students shout in the streets its chaos. But, the “after the prayers protest” is a fixed serious part of the democracy. So, forget the nice people who brought flowers to the Vatican Embassy door; people shouted in streets with their fists up against Pope and whatever in the world which is not Islamic Republic oriented. Still, I do not understand why the Israel flag was burnt.

War is Bad

Kamangir | September 22, 2006 | Category Iran

On September 1980, in the very days that schools were opening, Iraqi army invaded the south east of Iran (see). Benefiting from the fact that the Iranian administration had just been established and was engaged in all sorts of problems and fights between different armed groups and parties, they occupied the city of Khorramshahr (Persian:خرمشهر) (see). Thanks to Khomeini’s charisma and the patriotism of the Iranians, armed forces began to face Iraq’s powerful army back. Then, slowly and painfully, Iraq was forced out of Iran and all cities and villages were freed.

The war took eight years, billions of dollars, and numerous lives. Many people lost their legs and arms. Many were exposed to chemical agents and got terrible diseases. The effects of the war and how it changed the political atmosphere of Iran is not a mystery to anyone. The Islamic Republic benefited from wartime discipline to defeat its opponents. Khomeini openly stated “war is good thing”. After all, the one who was defeated in the war was the Iranian society and freedom.

Still, we should remember there were real people killing and being killed in the war.

I am not sure which one has the worse effect, shooting or being shot. But as an Iranian I owe my situation to those innocent people who were killed all over the west and south of Iran. look at these pictures. Don’t you see how a nation’s innocence is destroyed? All the pictures are from here (see).

Kamangir | September 22, 2006 | Category Iran

Gathering litter from the mountains north of Tehran.

Ahmadinejad’s Learning Curve

Kamangir | September 22, 2006 | Category Iran

Ahmadinejad is learning to become a politician. Yes, he is a bit too slow, but at least he is learning. Last time he saw a circle of light around his head. This year, right after he came down from the staircase, he called his speech to be “attracting all attentions”. He also added “it was the most important and the most influential talk there” (see). He is learning.

“We” Are Standing “Till the End”

Kamangir | September 22, 2006 | Category Iran

A military show off is held in Iran for some reason that I do not really know, and care. As Ahmadinejad is in another country, his deputy is attending the ceremony. The big text on top reads “we are standing till the end” (Persian: ما تا آخر ایستاده ایم). I have two questions.

1- “We”: Who exactly is it referring to? The administration or the people. I do not think in a deomcratic country the administration can make such decisions, well it is Islamic Republic so I assume it is at least half democratic. Furthermore, I do not remember a referendum held for such decision.

2- “Till the end”: Meaning even if the price turns out to be a nuclear showdown?