Message of President Khatami to CPE Awards Ceremony

The Seventh Round of Dr. Taghi Ebtekar Environmental Awards were held by the Center for Peace and Environment in Tehran, on March 7, 2012.  Three awards were granted to researchers and journalists in the field of environment and natural resources while the Board of Referees granted three plaques of honor to NGOs and activists in this field as well.  Seyyed Mohammad Khatami  the former President of the Islamic Republic of Iran delivered a message to this ceremony , the text of which is as follows:

In the Name of Allah

Life is a great and unique blessing bestowed upon humans who are the sublime making of God and the hallmark of God’s creation.  God has summoned humans thus uplifting them from the individual level to an elevated personality and dignity and this call has been the summon of” life”. As the Holy Quran says:” O those who have believed, when God and the Prophet invite you to that which gives you life, then accept their invitation.”(Anfal 24)  It is clear that life in this context occupies a greater  and higher expanse than  only this worldly life. Even though life in this world is also very precious and the life of each person is as valuable as the life of all humanity. As the Holy Quran states “   the killing of a person for reasons other than legal retaliation or for stopping corruption in the land is as great a sin as murdering all of mankind.” (Maede 32).

 This exclusive and matchless blessing of life is constantly threatened and its protection based on mores and reason  is a   prescribed  and universal responsibility . In our age the terms “ecosystem and environment”  have found a unique place in terms of the attention humans  pay and the worth that they attach to life and the threats that are  exclusive to our times.

Hunger , disease , war, discrimination and deprivation are the afflictions of a large part of the human society and the anxiety has ensued  in part, as a result of ignorance- which has diminished throughout history and thus its dire consequences. Also  in part,  these afflictions are due to the oppression ruling upon human societies  while  humans though out history have fought oppression and despite the setbacks  they have faced,  they have never relinquished the quest and effort for attaining freedom and justice for all.

Today hunger and disease and unsuccessful efforts to meet the essential needs of societies has afflicted many societies  also oppression, discrimination and deprivation of humans from their basic rights both in the internal scene of countries and in the international scene are the greatest enemies of humanity. The modern world is plagued by consumerism and the insatiable quest of the powers, who are equipped with technology , power and pride. They have begun  a race for technology as the base for material development and growth among nations, but  this has led to new forms of pollution and environmental degradation and has taken the human race and earth to the verge of destruction.

The degradation of natural resources , pressures on our life spaces and even pollutants in the air which seems to be nature’s complimentary gift to humans , has taken us to a dangerous situation.

Fortunately,  we are facing an unprecedented consensus in today world on the importance of protection of the environment and the need for sustainability and healthy environments. Even though this theoretical consensus has not translated into action and has not deterred many of the past and current trends of environmental destruction .

In addition, it is necessary to note that if humans are more sublime than nature and human life is not limited to this material world,  then in addition to the concerns that we have for this world and this life, we also need to be concerned about the spiritual life of humans. Therefore, followers of divine religions  particularly Islam, in addition to the emphasis laid upon protection of the environment ,have also stressed upon the need to protect the spiritual life and environment as well.  Undoubtedly, the prevalence of deceit, accusations, and insecurity as well as the growing gaps between people and their governments and the increasing mistrust against governments and their incompetence in running the affairs of their societies , are all reasons for increasing social ailments and are currently polluting our social environments in the vast sense of the word.

Here we are gathered to commemorate a dear person whose most prominent feature was his concern for human life and efforts to improve and safeguard the environment and cure the damages inflicted upon it. He strived to improve both the material and spiritual environment of our age.  Dear Dr Taghi Ebtekar is no longer among us but his memories persist.  Here I  must take note of the capabilities and efforts of his only successor  Dr. Massoumeh Ebtekar, who both during her productive tenure  at the Department of the Environment and after that has endeavored with passion and knowledge to find ways for the betterment of life for people and has rightfully attained the title of : Champion of the Earth” from the international community.

Seyyed Mohammad Khatami

Tehran, March ,7,2012.

"The Separation" Oscar Award

I had seen "The Separation " several months ago in Tehran. During the screening term the theaters in Tehran and other cities were so crowded that people had to queue for hours before they could purchase a ticket. At the same time a political film was screened with the support of the government aimed at mocking the opposition. The government tried to downplay the overwhelming response to the independent cinema represented by "The Separation". This smoothly flowing  film which centers on the theme of family ties and realities in Iran, points to the role of a "lie" in taking these families to the verge of disintegration. Asghar Farhadi, the Director has a strong talent in suspense, the viewer does not understand until the very end why the events occurred in such a manner.  "The Separation" won several awards in national competitions and the Fajr Festival. Later, the film was welcomed in several international film festivals, one of the most important of which was the Golden Globe. Now, a few nights ago Farhadi won the Oscar Award for Best Foreign Film at the 84th annual Academy Awards, becoming the first Iranian director to receive this award. In his acceptance speech Farhadi  proudly dedicated his award to the Iranian Nation.
He boldly noted :
At this time, many Iranians all over the world are watching us and I imagine them to be very happy. They are happy not just because of an important award or a film or filmmaker, but because at the time when talk of war, intimidation, and aggression is exchanged between politicians, the name of their country Iran is spoken here through her glorious culture, a rich and ancient culture that has been hidden under the heavy dust of politics. I proudly offer this award to the people of my country, a people who respect all cultures and civilizations and despise hostility and resentment.


This award became a beacon of hope for many people in difficult time the Iranian society is now facing.
Some analysts have indicated that Farhadi's message was a rebuke to war on all sides. In a world stage where Iran is repeatedly pressured and threatened to relinquish its peaceful nuclear energy plans, this Oscar award is an indication that the cinema industry and their leaders do not align themselves with the politicians on such issues.

Scientific Advancement and Sanctions

As celebrations for the 33 anniversary of the Islamic Revolution are underway, Obama has proposed a new set of sanctions against Iran for the ninth or tenth time during his term. While Americans are facing serious internal economic crisis and political turmoil, not to mention the occupy wall street movement, they continue to pressure the international community to escalate pressures on Iran on terms of suspicion that Iran may be engaged in activities to enrich uranium to the weapons grade degree. This continues on the basis of a mere suspicion,  at a time when in addition to India and Pakistan in this region, the zionist regime defies international regulations and scrutiny and keeps dozens of nuclear warheads in the occupied territories. The ongoing awakening of the Muslim and Arab world and the occasional threats of military action against Iran are making the region more volatile. Yesterday news of anti war, anti sanctions and anti dictator demonstrations in several cities in the United States was  reassuring, that at least the people in the US are worried that the war mongers, the military and oil cartels, the zionists will have the final say again .
Contrary to claims of the western powers that the sanctions are directed against the Iranian government, it is now clearer than ever that the sanctions are taking their toll against the Iranian people in an unprecedented manner.  There are many examples to mention. I will refer to two personal experiences which were revealing. The first dealt with a proposal to hold an environmental photography competition by an Iranian NGO,  they mentioned that on the famous national geographic society site, Iran was banned from taking part in those competitions. They had proposed that Iranian NGOs should oppose this attitude and announce their own photo competition.
In the academic sphere, while international sources have all highlighted the scientific growth rate of Iran as the highest in the world, very few journals have taken another course. Personally, I have succeeded to publish more than 15  ISI papers since 2009, most of them original research work with our graduate (MSc and PhD) students. My colleagues in the Faculty of Medical Sciences and other Universities have similar achievements.  We have increasing difficulties in obtaining research materials for our laboratories but in dealing with other scientific communities throughout the western world it is clear they understand, sympathize and cooperate with Iranian scientists . This is what should be expected from academic communities who despise war and understand that peace is the prerequisite for development and scientific advancement. Last week a colleague from another medical university informed me that Nanomedicine , a scientific journal devoted to research in the field of nanotechnology and medicine has indicated that it will not publish papers from Iran. Since one of my students has completed her work on the production of a candidate HIV nanovaccine I had chosen this journal for the submission of her manuscript.
In conclusion, considering the heavy propaganda against Iran and the preparations for another war in this region, I hope  people around the globe will awaken to the deviant policies of the American  zionist camp before it is too late.

Fever of Tensions

The fever of tensions between Iran and the US has been on the rise with the West imposing sanctions meant to cripple the Iranian economy and using  harsh rhetoric on possible military assaults as a means to force Iran to compromise on its nuclear program. Many analysts believe however, that the image is more complicated than presumed. Obama reiterated that "all options with respect to Iran are on the table" phrase in his State of the Union address this week to appease the  Republicans, while he also mentioned negotiations as the main strategy ahead. Americans have emphasized on a carrot and stick approach in dealing with Iran while in reality, they have   pushed a supremacist attitude, attempting to scare off Iran. Americans have spent millions of dollars to upgrade this campaign in the Persian Gulf and in support of Israel's strategies against Iran according to this wikileaks cable. This 2007 US Embassy cable published by Wikileaks   describes the minutes of a meeting between US undersecretary Burns and Meir Dagan, Israeli  Mossad Chief. The cable refers to a 30 billion dollar aid and a security MOU with Israel which is applauded and a Gulf Security Dialogue initiative which is referred to as important for promoting anti Iran sentiments in the region. Dagan outlines a 5 pillar strategy against Iran including , political approach, covert measures, counterproliferation, sanctions and force regime change. The Zionist regime which has been the reason for instability, violence, and armed conflict in the region and many parts of the world and which has not abided to international agreements such as the IAEA or the NPT now poses as the vanguard of peace !  Last week in Davos, during the WEF, the Israeli President has stated that Iran is the greatest threat to peace in the middle east. We have  a saying in Farsi " He holds his hand forward : makes ridiculous claims, so that he does not fall back ; so that he can hide his loss". 
This Wikileaks cable has much to say about the reality of American foreign policy and Israel's hypocritical nature. It is a necessary reading for all those who wish to be informed about the truth concerning the current pressures and threats against Iran.
Most important is that, as a member of the Reformist movement, I continue to believe that American foreign policy in this region has nothing to do with peace, human rights or democracy. Their double standards and abusive policies in using such issues to spearhead  American interests in the region and to strengthen Israeli positions are well known for all. While Reformists strongly criticize the current Ahmadinejad government and its ongoing policies of pressures on rivals and opponents, they also do not identify themselves with American and western foes who only seek their interests in the region. Reformists have stood on their principles and are under pressure from all directions for this independent position.  Reform will bring about change in the Iranian society sooner or later and this will enhance democratic values and a return to the authentic values of the Islamic Revolution. This however, will not create favorable grounds for American interference and Israeli gains. Contrary to the false allegations of the current government and contrary to the false claims of foreign powers who think they can use the opposition to forward their agenda, the Reform movement has no foreign strings attached and when it comes to issues of national integrity they stand united against foreign aggression or interference. Even though the foreign policy tactics and inefficient diplomacy of this era is seriously questioned by many politicians on both sides of the table.
Obama came with a promise to change the despicable American foreign policy promoted by the Bush administration, the policies which had created flames of  hatred within and out of the US. Four years later, the pressure from the powerful zionist lobbies and the mighty oil and military cartels and the influential media moguls has all caved in to formulate a policy for Obama ,leading to something very similar to that of Bush and his entourage.
This is a sign  for all to understand that Democrat or Republican , Bush or Obama - when it comes to imperialist- zionist interests; there is little difference among them.  I would sincerely  urge Obama to make a righteous decision  for the future and  to stand for peace and stability in the world, not  for war and hatred.

The Internet in Iran

We have become totally reliant on the internet during these days . In the university and in the council I have to rely on the internet to submit scientific papers, to send letters and to keep up with the news. The internet in Iran these days has a story of its own. In addition to the filtering of many sites particularly political blogs and sites, the access and speed of the internet has been fluctuating during the recent years. Now more recently, the internet has been very slow. There has been some news of a national internet, contradictory to the concept of the global internet.  Also some have spoken about a Halal Internet, indirectly referring to the degrading content available on the internet. It has been a debate related directly to the relationship between Islam and personal freedoms. The conservative approach is that human beings are free only in the realm of religious duties, that they must obey and submit to the orders of God and that disobedience and dissent are equated with blasphemy. The progressive and forward looking approach is different. In this approach Islam promotes its teachings in the context of the freedom and dignity of humankind. Humans have the right to chose their direction in life. According to the Holy Quran, there is no coercion in Islam. Coercion and forceful measures  or severe restrictions have no positive effect on the heart and minds of people.

The internet is a tool the use of which requires technical and social training. Censoring and preventing access to the internet, particularly in political fields, is a infringement  upon the basic rights of citizens. Children and young people should receive education concerning the risks and dangers of using the internet.  Abusive and sites with immoral and degrading content should be banned but political and ideological content is different, freedom of thought and freedom of expression is part of the basic rights that God has given to every human being.
    

Christmas in the Tehran City Council

Armenians Celebrating Christmas in a Church in Tehran

The Holy Scripture of Islam, which is believed to be a total revelation  to the Prophet Mohammad (SA), has several recurring references to the succession of Prophets who all came to deliver the message of the Creator. The Quran is unique in that it makes strong references to the beliefs and teachings of other Abrahamic traditions; emphasizing on the common themes of monotheism, abolition of all forms of slavery and subjugation,and the basic ethical and moral principles that all religions preach. The story  of  each prophet and their societies includes references to the incorrect beliefs and practices that have set blows to the livelihoods of peoples and undermined their dignity and each narration also points to the direction of salvation and eternal happiness for all humankind. Actually, most  divine Prophets deal with the lost ones, those who have not found their goal and direction in life, those who are disoriented and have forgotten their selves.
Among these narrations the story of Maryam the mother of Jesus, and the birth and life of Jesus is extraordinary. This story begins with references to the vow of the mother of Maryam, and that when she realized that her child was a girl, and was dedicated to serve the House of Solomon, she insisted to proceed with the vow; which meant that  a woman would serve in a Jewish monastery  for the first time. The chastity of Maryam and her status as a woman chosen to be a model for all are hallmarks of the Chapter and verses devoted to this lady.  The birth of Jesus and the fate of Maryam are also described in beautiful terms in the Quran.
Today ,in the Tehran City Council, a Christian member of the Friends of the Council, delivered a report on the conditions of district 8. This Armenian citizen who has been elected like hundreds of other Friends of the Council to oversee and facilitate the functions of local municipal authorities, was chosen to deliver the weekly district report. His report to the City Council included references to their activities, as well as  the social and environmental problems in the district.

Meanwhile, reformist members  of the Council took the opportunity to greet Christian Iranians on the occasion of Christmas and the New Year.

Tazieh, Art of Ashura

Today is the tenth of Muharram and Ashura is celebrated in many Islamic nations. Mass processions continue for several days in Iran, Iraq, Bahrain, parts of Afghanistan, Syria, Pakistan , India and many other countries.  Several years ago, I was surprised to learn that Ashura is an official holiday in India, a country which harbors 75 million Shia Muslims. Muslims mourn the martyrdom of Hussein the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. He was killed on orders from Yazid, the Ruler of Damascus in 61 (AH) for the reason of  not endorsing the oppressive and tyrannical rule of Banni Ommayeh. Imam Hussein and his few companions fought in Karbala to expose the hypocritcal nature of the Ommayeh regime and to demonstrate the authentic values of Islam. " I `have no intention in my uprising other that to revive the authentic values of Islam and to bring reform to the religion of my Grandfather." he stated when threatened in Karbala.
Mourning processions, speeches and , food which is distributed on the basis of vows for Hussein are the hallmarks of these days. Many  speeches and mourning ceremonies are also held to discuss the dimensions of the Hussein's revolution.   Ashura has served as an inspiration for not only the Islamic Revolution in 1978, but also for Shia's in their struggle against Saddam in Iraq, against the Israeli aggression in Lebanon and Palestine, and for many others against any oppressive system. Even today, ceremonies reflect the political atmosphere that surrounds them. Some of them take a more political and critical dimension while others only take the form of rituals.

Ashura has its own artistic appeal as well. Black, green and red are the colors of Ashura. Many have read poems for Imam Hossein or created paintings, and other artistic creations. One of the traditional arts of Ashura is the Tazieh,  literally meaning condolence theater;  which is a theatrical replay of the events of Ashura symbolizing epic spirit of resistance and righteousness. Tazieh is practiced and performed in many countries; in India and Pakistan the tradition is to build a replica of the masoleum of Imam Hussein, which I have seen in some ceremonies. Tazieh is usually performed in the street or in a local  public area. Abbas, the brother of Imam wears green armour and Shimr the person who martyrs Imam Hussein wears red. They recite poems and tell the story of Ashura .
We watched a Tazieh this morning in Tehran. Dozens of spectators were standing in a circle and the skit was perfomed in the street using small loudspeakers. They were wearing colorful costumes and they invited people to pay their vows. Even though now, some academic art centers in Iran are reviving the arts in the authentic forms, it is  still sad to hear that tradtional arts like Tazieh are gradually fading away and that few people are learning this art from their elders.