The Khatami Initiative

Rapid developments in Iran and the Middle East have attracted the attention of analysts and political observers once again. In Iran, signs of the internal drift between the Ahmadinejad group and the Supreme Leader have emerged after Ahmadinejad refrained from appearing in Cabinet sessions for more than a week. His Chief of Staff is the main culprit and he is under attack for using unconventional means, such as supernatural powers to exert his power over the affairs of the country and to "deal" with his rivals. In addition, Ahmadinejad is condemned by Principalists for not obeying the Supreme Leader, who he claimed to follow with all his heart during his first round of Presidency. This well orchestrated bond did not last long during the second round and now things are falling apart with the Parliament as well. The leaders of the pro-Leader factions in the Parliament have been seriously criticizing Ahmadinejad for his illegal measures. Now, they have adopted a bill to investigate billions of Tomans distributed among 9 million citizens prior to the disputed Presidential elections in 2009. None of the three rivals of Ahmadinejad accepted the results of that election on grounds that both prior to the elections and during the balloting and vote counting  serious illegal and irregular measures had been reported.    However, all criticism and opposition was severely suppressed during a two year campaign that still continues. Now, it is becoming more and more evident that the Reformists were very correct in their predictions and concerns. There is now also much news about possible embezzlement and money laundering by what their conservative rivals call the "devious group" within the government.

Those who love Iran and still believe in the Constitution of the Islamic Republic hope that a return to the law and justice, freedom of political prisoners and a free political atmosphere for Parties, activists and civil society would pave way for national reconciliation and a return of stability and prosperity to the country. Former President Khatami spoke on those notes recently, stressing once again on those necessary preconditions, he stated that we might have to forgive each other in order to move forward. Some have criticized his move as a step back in retreat, while others have welcomed the move as an initiative that could bring national unity and confidence among all social groups including particularly the educated and intellectual elite of the country who have become more and more disgruntled with the awkward measures and manners of the Ahmadinejad group. Khatami's initiative has broken the deadlock on many sides and is the center of an on going debate among both Reformist and Principalist groups.
The reformists are hopeful that as the light emerges from behind the dark clouds, all political dominations would reconcile to protect the future of the nation, including its natural and human resources.

Councils Reflect Democratic Values

We celebrated the anniversary of the creation of local Councils a few weeks ago. The major debates reflected in the media were focused on the current status of Councils throughout the country.  Even though the Constitution clearly gives full authority and status to councils elected by the people in governing the affairs of the Municipality and other local affairs, there have been many obstacles in this way.  President Khatami held the first elections after the Revolution in 1998 despite heavy criticism and  the uncertainty concerning the competence of the councils and their inexperience. Since then more than 30,000 urban and rural councils have performed their legal duties for three rounds. During these years they have gained more experience and have sought expertise in different areas of urban management. This has changed the face of many cities and villages in Iran and has provided a unique opportunity for people to take charge of their affairs in a democratic manner. Council elections are considered to be the most liberal elections in Iran due to the light vetting processes involved as compared to other elections.
During these years those who have  opposed the democratization of Iran and who essentially believe in the Islamic State as opposed to the Islamic Republic, have taken numerous measures to weaken and limit the role of the councils. The ninth and tenth governments in particular have displayed their animosity in face of urban councils and particularly Tehran. It is a common rumor that Ahmadinejad considers Ghalibaf the mayor of Tehran as his political rival and therefore seeks to weaken his image among the citizens of the Capital.

In short Councils in Iran are an important gauge for the democratic processes today. Their strength and success will reflect the  capability   of  the people in running their affairs and taking the matters of the country into their hands.

Clinton and the Democratic Aspirations of 1979

 In 2005 , I was invited to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos, as the Vice President of the Islamic Republic.  In one of the high level sessions where many world leaders had attended, some American Senators, including Joe Biden, faced many questions on American economic and diplomatic policy.  When I was asked to comment on the debate, I brought up the question why the US displayed  double standards in dealing with the world. I asked why did the US support dictatorships when they were US allies and opposed democracies when they were American adversaries? How can Americans claim that they adhere to the values of freedom and democracy in the world when, in reality they only see the national interests of their government? In light of the prevailing circumstances in the world, what are the real core values America claims to promote , I asked. The American senators  attempted to convince their audience but did not have much to say in response, but many world leaders from Asia and Latin America were thankful that someone had brought up this bitter reality.
Now, seven years later, this bitter reality has translated into an awakening, it has led the people of the Middle East and North Africa to stand up, take their affairs into their own hands and crush the corrupt dictatorships who relied on Western or Eastern powers to survive. Seven years later on, the American government had still vested hopes on a ailing dictators like Hosni Mobarak or Ben Ali  to secure their interests and those of the Zionist entity in the region. Those baseless claims about democracy and human rights are now seen in a different light. Even when Clinton spoke at the US Islamic World Forum last week, the arrogant and relentless tone had not changed. She did however use certain terminology that was surprising in a sense. In one part of her speech she criticized the Arab world for not allowing women to advance as in other countries; not recognizing the fact that American influence and control over government policies during the past decades has played a major role in keeping Arab women back. Clinton cannot overlook the reality that her government is  complicit and will be held accountable for it's hypocritical   foreign policy.
On a more interesting note Clinton in her speech, refers to the Islamic Revolution of Iran   as the "democratic aspirations of 1979". The question arising for any observer is whether Americans had recognized the democratic nature of the Islamic Revolution back in 1979, and  if so,why had they taken any opportunity to crush or subvert the Revolution ? Does the Administration now understand how this policy has fueled radicalism and led to the very difficult circumstances we face in Iran today. Do they realize that their actions have created a false pretext for the pressures on Reformists and activists in Iran today?  Mrs. Clinton needs to provide an explanation for the dark history of American intervention in Iranian affairs. She may need to  carefully reread contemporary history as well. 


The reality is that people everywhere are now well aware of their human and Islamic rights and have decided to stand up and resist oppression to regain the dignity they have been given by God. They have come to the understanding that independence, freedom and democracy are an integral aspect of Islamic teachings.   It seems that the dynamic societies in this region will not rest until they  achieve their objectives. 

Nowrooz and Reform

The Nowrooz holidays are an opportunity for travelling around the country. Along with the family we went to Mashad, the major pilgrimage city of Iran. Although the Shrine of the Eighth Imam was very crowded but the rest of the city was not. . Nowrooz is the time for a renewal of nature coming to life after a long winter rest. A spiritual and personal renewal is also intended in this celebration.The political stalemate in Iran , the earthquake and tsunami in Japan and the volatile situation in many regional countries were hot issues discussed in social circles these days. The events in the region may be in tune with the revival of nature in spring. 

Unrest and brutal suppression of the protesters in Syria was initially overlooked in Iranian State owned TV stations but I saw some reports a few days ago in Press TV , an indication of the fact that friends and foes of the Islamic Republic are all vulnerable in face of the democratic uprisings of the region.   People are more and more aware of the realities surrounding them and they have more expectations from their rulers. They expect more oversight and just democratic processes. They are fed up with corrupt pro West or pro East governments, they are in a quest for their freedom  and their independence. They are Muslims who seek the dignity that Islam proclaims humans are created with. Governments like Syria and Jordan are responding with reforms since they witnessed that in Tunisia and Egypt , Presidents were forced to resign after confronting popular demand. Syria has released its political prisoners with hopes to quell the protests and Bahrain and Yemeni governments are proposing reforms in the judiciary and political processes. It is now evident for all that reform and democratic rule without any foreign interference is the way ahead. Libya now faces very difficult circumstances due to the stubborn resistance of Qaddafi and the aggression of Western forces.

Governments which resist reform will take their countries to the verge of destruction and civil war or political stalemate, reform is a necessity for any dynamic political system in this era. Islam calls for self correction and control in the ethical and spiritual dimension and this reform process must be also considered at the social and political levels .

Earthquake Diary : From Bam to Japan

The earthquake and tsunami in Japan revived memories of the terrible earthquake of Bam in 2003. Bam is a city with about 100,000 residents in southeastern Iran. I had visited the city and the beautiful historical citadel  dating to centuries ago, once before the earthquake. Residential areas of  the city were mostly built of brick and steel and the historical citadel was all mud and clay. The city was surrounded by large date palm plantations and dates from Bam are still the most famous brands in Iran.
The  6.6 M earthquake devastated more than 80 percent of the buildings and 26, 261 people died and hundreds were injured. For the several initial hours the relief systems of the city were disrupted and it took some time before the officials realized the depth of the tragedy . Those golden moments were the time relief workers had to save lives.  The tragic images of the city I visited, in my capacity then as the Vice President, are still vivid in my mind. Avenue after avenue, street after street, homes were devastated and very few buildings remained. The government was very quick to provide relief and reconstruction projects were developed . I visited Bam once again 9 months later , the situation was much better and people were living in pre-constructed homes which were small, but provided the essential residential needs for a temporary period. Plans for reconstructing the ancient citadel were also underway at that time. The psychological and human rehabilitation would take much longer.
The government decided to set up a supreme national council for disaster response and to establish a national scheme including projects to strengthen existing building and enforce regulatory standards. Some of the construction projects were slowed down in the next government but the experience caused many officials to work for implementation of more stringent regulations in the construction sector.
Nowadays, when I visit districts of the greater Tehran Metropolitan area, as a Councilor and Head of the Environment Committee, I also visit the projects underway for education training and local earthquake response and relief groups which are underway. Tehran ,like many cities in Iran is located in an earthquake prone area and we all need to be prepared since many buildings in Tehran are not properly built and do not have the necessary strength to  withstand an earthquake.

The tragic scenes of Bam and now Japan are also a reminder to all of us, that the earth on which we stand and the ground on which we firmly walk and march is far more unreliable than we think . Our lives are numbered days on earth but our souls are eternal ....These natural disasters are a wakeup for all, a warning for those who oppress nature and the ecosystem with their excesses, it is a warning for those who oppress others, whether in the name of freedom and democracy or in the name of religion and peace. These events are a sign of the nearing of the day of reckoning when every soul will be summoned to respond for his or her deeds, it is a sign of the infinite power and reign of the Almighty Creator and the ultimate weakness and impotence of this selfish, egoist human being who sees none but his interests and profits........

Domino of Events in the Region

On Friday last week we were watching the Friday prayers in Tahrir Square in Cairo. Millions had attended and shouted slogans calling for the cleansing of the Government from Mubarak agents. I was watching the scenes in Benghazi today, protesters had a banner saying " Thank you Egypt , Thank you Tunisia" . Protests and demonstrations are the word of the day everywhere and any time. More interesting were demonstrations in Amman, Jordan and other cities throughout the Arab world.  It seems that the domino of developments in the Middle East is so quick and so unpredictable that analysts cannot find the opportunity to provide insight into the events. Even the Saudi Monarchy has felt the tremors and has announced welfare measures for their citizens. Its also interesting to note that most of these cities have a square or circle named Tahrir or Freedom and yet they have to struggle and suffer for freedom.
The hypocrisy of the Obama Administration in sharply condemning certain repressive socialist or anti -imperialist governments such as Qaddafi and only lightly criticizing pro American dictators like Mubarak and Ben Ali has become evident. The question remains whether the ultimate model for governance in these countries is a western style liberal democracy, an Islamic Republic similar to the Iranian style or a more liberal Islamic Democracy like what is experienced in Turkey or Malaysia.
There are two major concerns for the future of  these nations, the first is the interference of foreign powers particularly the US which senses a loss of influence and  feels threatened for the safety of the Zionist regime. The second concern is for the dictatorial forces, the forces of wealth, power and media or hypocrisy who still yearn to regain power, this time with another face and color.

Egypt, Tunisia and the Future of the Middle East

After the successful Tunisian Revolution, the people of Egypt are now, after weeks of demonstrations and protests, celebrating the resignation of  Hosni Mobarak after 3 decades of autocratic and despotic rule. Many observers compare these events with those in Iran , 32 years ago . They try to draw an analogy between the Islamic Revolution in Iran and what happened in Egypt. While there are parallels to consider, there are also evident differences, as well. The military refrained from taking sides from the begining in Egypt, contrary to Iran in 1979. The movement in Egypt was national, not ideological, although  Islamic forces ( the Muslim Brotherhood)  played a major role,while Islam was in the mainstream of the revolution in Iran.

Some observers have drawn an analogy with the events of last year in Iran. They compare Egypt and Tunisia to the protests in Iran and believe that the people of Egypt were inspired by what happened in Iran last year, not what happened  32 years ago. However, we see and interpret the events as they are an important sign of change in the region. The life of the dictators is over and people do not look up to the US as their savior any longer. The US has once again, lost its face in supporting  despotic regimes in Egypt and Tunisis. Democratic and Islamic values will determine the fate of the Middle East. The people will learn from the lessons and mistakes of other nations including Iran and will build their future upon those valuable experiences .