A Street in Tehran Named After an American Woman

We approved a street in Tehran to be named after Rachel Aliene Corrie in the Tehran City Council last Tuesday. This street was named after an American activist who was crushed to death by an Israeli military bulldozer in the Gaza Strip in 2003.

Corrie, a pro-Palestinian activist from Washington, was trying to prevent what she and other campaigners believed was a push by the Israeli military to demolish nearby Palestinian homes. She was 23 at the time of her death. I think this was the first time an Iranian street has been named after a US national since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Before the Revolution, we had at least three high streets in the Iranian capital which were named after former US presidents: Dwight Eisenhower, John F Kennedy and Franklin Roosevelt. They were all changed to revolutionary names later. Eisenhower was changed to Azadi or freedom. Roosevelt was changed to Mofatteh , a revolutionary figure martyred in that street. Now we have a street named after an American citizen, not a President, but a hero and martyr for humanity. Considering the recent news that the Israeli government has approved 1600 new houses to be built in occupied Jerusalem , this decision of the Tehran Council is a strong sign of ongoing support for Palestinians . Nevertheless, considering the escalation of violence in Syrian cities many Iranians also sympathize with Syrian protesters , many feel that they have much in common with them.

On a similar move, I made a proposal last week to name a street after Ameneh Bahrami the Iranian woman who pardoned the convict who had sprayed acid in her face and had permanently disfigured her face and left her blind. She pardoned him only after the man was convicted  and was set for Ghesas meaning legal compensation or retribution in which he would be blinded with acid. Ameneh made it clear that she wanted this to be a lesson for men who practiced this inhuman act.  She also  has set a mark for those who did not understand that in pardoning and forgiveness there were great  lessons for all. "She is a heroine who deserves recognition", I said in the Council . "The Iranian society needs compassion and forgiveness above all , we need to disseminate the message of forgiveness in order to confront the hatred and violence in our society." I noted.

22 of Bahman and The Legacy of Mohammad (SA)

We have the Ten Days of Fajr behind us. The ceremonies were very different this year. Pressures on students, journalists and supporters of the Green movement have not diminuished. Even though Green leaders have repeatedly emphasised on the independent nature of this movement and have denied allegations concerning foreign links, a systematic propaganda campaign continues to brand reformists as Western agents. Reformists in return, have used the very few media they control, to indicate that   there are still opportunities for reform and change . In their messages they have stressed that the mistakes of the past have to be corrected as a prerequisite for calm and stability to return to the Iranian society. Following the line of Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani, many political figures and groups have called for the freedom of  political prisoners as the first step in this regard. Large numbers have turned out for the 22 Bahman demonstrations many reformists among them, security presence was also exceptionally high.

Muslims throughout the world  commemorate the anniversary of the demise of the Prophet Mohammad (SA) today.  The Prophet of Islam is known for an ethical and humane demeanor during his lifetime. Inspite of the vicious opposition and animosity of the ignorant Jahilia of his time, Mohammad (SA) displayed a unprecedented behavior of wisdom, tolerance and understanding while he also taught humankind to uphold their dignity, to defend their rights and to submit to no other than the Almighty Creator. The Prophet's life is marked with examples of his graciousness and love, to the extent that the holy Quran  addresses him  " He is strong against the deniers of the Truth, and compassionate among the people." There is no question that the Religion that the Prophet brought has both the elements of  strength, courage and  cavalry ,as well as mercy, compassion and tolerance.  There is a deliberate effort nowadays, in the world and in Iran, to project Islam as a religion of violence, strict edicts, radicalism and intolerance. This effort, I believe, has been orchestrated by radical opportunists who see their power and control in promoting such a perverse interpretation of a Religion that serves the purpose of guiding all humanity until the end of times.

When the Prophet realized that his time had come, he invited the people of  Medina to come and listen to his final words.  Among his sermon he stressed :     "

All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves.

Remember, one day you will appear before ALLAH and answer your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.
O People, NO PROPHET OR APOSTLE WILL COME AFTER ME AND NO NEW FAITH WILL BE BORN. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the QURAN and my examples (those appointed companions) and if you follow these you will never go astray."


The religion Prophet Mohammad brought 14 centuries ago has now millions of followers, is the fastest growing religion on earth and yet it is the most misunderstood religion as well. Considering the high ethical standards of  Islam, Muslims still have a long way ahead and face a major challenge in realizing those standards and values in themselves and in their societies (the Islamic Republic of Iran not being an exception of course).

Ayatollah Montazeri

The world has become familiar with the term Ayatollah only  after the Islamic Revolution in 1979. The word was officially included in English dictionaries a few years later. Ayatollahs are high level clergy or scholars  of Islam ,the word literally meaning sign of God. They have been the subject of much news and debate and have emerged on the global scene since Imam Khomeini came forward with the paradigm of a religious democracy or Islamic Republic three decades ago.  Imam invested on the concept in Shia jurisprudence which recognizes those leading and knowledgeable Ayatollahs who are aware of world affairs, in control of their egoist desires, and  in struggle with their selfishness  could lead the society if they appeal to the people. Conceptualized into the theory of " Velayate Faghih" or Leadership of the Jurisprudent provided the theoretical basis for the creation of the Islamic Republic in modern times. Leading religious figures like the late Ayatollah Hossein Ali Montazeri supported Imam Khomeini on this highly debated issue, during the conception of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran. During later years Ayatollah Montazeri was appointed as the Vice- Leader but due to harsh criticisms and certain people in his entourage he was stripped from his title a few months before the demise of Imam. Montazeri who enjoyed a very high ranking due his profound knowledge and insight on matters of Islamic studies returned to Qom and led his classes in the Seminary. He also remained critical of political conditions in the country. He had indicated repeatedly that although he believed in the Velayate Faghih and had played an important role in the institutionalization of this concept,  he also believed in regulatory processes that would maintain necessary oversight over the functions of the leader and ensure that he does not surpass the Constitution and the law. Montazeri was a Islamic scholar who believed in standing up for the truth even at the expense of his position. His championed the human rights cause from the perspective of Islamic jurisprudence and in his serious criticism of the actions of the government of Ahmadinejad particularly after the recent Presidential elections provided  inspirational support for the Green movement. Montazeri died last week at 87 in Qom. His repeated condemnations of repressive government policies and his portrayal of Islam as a religion of peace, tolerance and human rights, made him very popular among the people and particularly the young generation who saw him as the personification of a true Muslim who courageously stood up against oppression even in the name of Islam to protect the truth and to provide an example for all freedom seekers in the world.
 Mourning ceremonies in Qom were marked by the presence of hundreds of thousands of people , many displaying their green symbols and mourning for the charismatic Ayatollah.  Government pressures and unrest created by holigans on the streets have prevented the ceremonies from taking place in other cities. Security forces have prevented newspapers and news agencies from reporting on these matters. In the Tehran City Council we proposed to name an appropriate venue in Tehran in his name. Government censorship prevented any dissemination of this news. Nevertheless, the demise of Montazeri at the begining of the month of Muharrram has give a new impetus to the Green wave.