Kamangir (Archer)

Ahmadinejad: “Americans cannot use the phone safely”

Kamangir | August 10, 2007 | Category Humour, Iran, Islamic Republic

Recently, when I translate Ahmadinejad’s words, I have to read it over and over to make sure I understand the Persian words. Here it is Ahmadinejad talking about the world powers [Persian],

Referring to the oppression of the world powers on their people, Ahmadinejad stated, “They do not let their people breathe. People cannot safely use the phone or write a letter or walk in the streets in these countries. What type of democracy is this? They are worse than the Devil.”

A short while ago, Ahmadinejad also said [Persian] “Freedom in Iran is almost absolute.”

Related: Ahmadinejad Gave Holy Theory About Earthquake

Breaking News! Unimaginable Progress in Iran!

Kamangir | August 10, 2007 | Category Humour, Iran, Islam, Islamic Republic

Do you remember the screenshot from the Islamic Republic television in which they had used large barriers to hide musical instruments? In fact, it is said that there is a Fatwa, probably issued by the Supreme Leader, against musical instruments shown on TV. This is another screenshot from the national television and guess what! There is musical instrument in it! We are so going forward in Iran! One step at a time! Remember!

Antisemitic Remark by the “Godfather” of the Iranian Blogosphere (Updated III)

Kamangir | August 10, 2007 | Category Iran

Hossein Derakhshan (Hoder), the self-assigned godfather of the Iranian blogosphere, is sending mixed messages these days. After he received a letter from Mehdi Khalaji’s lawyer, demanding him to remove the defamatory claims he had made on his blog about his client, Hoder’s Persian blog started to show a “suspension page“.

Hoder claims to have been kicked out of his hosting service, as a result of the threat. Strangely, his English blog has been fairly unaffected but his Persian blog consistently shows a page which reads “This blog has been shut down because of Mehdi Khalaji’s threats and the sudden surrender of my hosting service. This page is hosted in an emergency server”. In spite of this claim, the database seems to be intact and many of the pages in his Persian blog are still accessible.

In a sentence added to the “suspension page” today, Hoder wries “Mehdi Khalaji has committed himself to destroying this blog and nothing can stop him and his wealthy influential warmonger Jewish Supporters in the Washington Institute for Near East Policy”.

Update: The page with the comments has moved to a new address. Derakhshan has published a copy of all his communication with Hosting Matters in a temporary blog.

Update II: In a new post, Derakhshan suggests that “Khalaji’s lawyer is also Jewish” [Persian].

Important Update III: “Godfather” seeks Support from the Islamic Republic

“Stop the censorship against Kurds in the Middle East”

Kamangir | August 10, 2007 | Category Human Rights

Stop the censorship against Kurds in the Middle East

We, the undersigned, demand that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) within the Middle East unblock Kurdish blogs and websites in order to ensure the rights to freedom of speech and freedom of information for all Middle Easterners.

As the internet is the easiest and perhaps the only avenue of free speech in the Middle East, it is imperative that it is protected from those who wish to silence it. We believe firmly that the right of human beings to live securely and speak freely must be upheld. This petition, created by Arabs, Turks, Israelis, and Iranians, shows our solidarity with the Kurds, our fellow Middle Easterners.

We feel that a positive public statement against anti-Kurd racism can help us maintain our diversity and security, as well as help all citizens of the region to reach their highest capacity for development and advancement. By signing, we hope that all citizens will enjoy the benefits of a more united community, and we are asking our government officials to help make this a reality by taking the first step forward and unblocking these websites and blogs which Kurds have the right to author and we have the right to read.

Once this petition reaches 10,000 signatures, we will officially send it to the Ministries of Information and ISP companies of Turkey, Iran, and Syria. We will also send the petition material to major news agencies in and outside the Middle East.

For more information, please visit our website, and watch our video.

Meddling in Lebanon? No Way!

Kamangir | August 10, 2007 | Category Humour, Iran, Islam, Islamic Republic

This is a Lebanese Hizballah poster for celebrating the “victory” in war with Israel. What I find interesting is the blue logo at the bottom-right. That is actually the logo of Imam Khomeini Relief Committee, the major Islamic Republic-run charity organization. What they are doing in Lebanon, while there are many poor people in Iran, is one point, the fact that they subscribe to a celebration which benefits from “an immodest lady” is another point.

Knock-Off Burger King in Iran

Kamangir | August 10, 2007 | Category Humour, Iran

Nader Davoodi has found this pamphlet in Tehran and is asking if it is real. A close look at the actual logo shows that not only the colors are messed up, but also the blue band should not be a complete circle. Moreover, the “TM” is missing.

For the record, I hate Burger King. I’ll go with the Subway.

Hospital Stops Service to “Improperly Covered” Women

Kamangir | August 10, 2007 | Category Human Rights, Iran, Islam, Islamic Republic, Women

Baghiat-Allah Al-Azam hospital in Shiraz stopped service to women who do not wear the Chador, the black head-to-toe cover for women. The banner reads “Service only for women with the preferred outfit, Chador”. Source of the image, Axnevest.