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.

Tehran's Uncertain but Radical Diplomacy

During the past week, after a group of radical youth attacked the British Embassy and Gholhak residence in Tehran, many reactions have occurred. Diplomatic missions have left host countries on both sides and rhetoric in condemnation and support of the action has not subsided. The majority of political observers have questioned the intentions behind the action and even some conservative and pro-government groups seem to have condemned the act. The stark reality is that Principalists who are wielding absolute power in Iran, are responsible for all the events taking place at both internal and external levels. The financial scandals and rising inflation on one side, the unlawful policies taken  and the ongoing pressures on Reformists and critiques on the other, all point to the incompetence of the Principalists in managing the affairs of the country. The two rival factions of Principalists, as a result of  their serious internal disputes, have created many setbacks in the economy. Some believe they are resorting to taking the internal disputes to a new diplomatic and international level.

The majority of Iranians hope that rational policies will replace the current decisions and that the international community will prevent any radical decision against Iran. Sanctions and economic pressures are taking their toll, initially on the private sector and the people . Even the threat of harsher action or a military strike will play into the hands of the radical forces and create more difficult conditions for the people and opposition groups like the Reformists.

Even the threat of war should not be tolerated at a time that we are still witnessing the crimes against humanity in Afghanistan and Pakistan in the name of NATO and international coalitions.  Where has war created more security and happiness? Afghanistan, Iraq, and Palestine are all paying a heavy price due to years of war and violence resulting from occupation and oppression.  Libya has suffered much from the aerial attacks of NATO even though these attacks resulted in the removal of a dictator. Neocons and radicals in the US and the Zionist lobby are pressing for war against Iran once again ,since they feel threatened by the influence of a strong and reasonable Iran.

Let us hope that the American people will remind Obama that they voted for him since they were weary of the war mongering Bush and his neocon entourage . Now what is to be done if Obama proceeds in those very steps towards a new war and aggression? His analysts and advisors need to inform him that Iran is now very different from any country that has been attacked in contemporary history. He also needs to be informed that Iran has not attacked nor initiated war against any nation in the past 750 years , more than three times of US history.

Another piece of advice that Obama needs is that Israel does not look to secure US interests in the region. Instead it supports creating more havoc to find room for its aggressive policies in face of the Arab Spring and Islamists coming to power in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya through a democratic process which might undermine Western hegemony.

European countries like Britain should display more restraint and revisit their one sided policies against Iran, the majority of British voters who condemned the militaristic actions of Blair will not side with  a war mongering Cameron either. He better also see the wider picture and change tone and attitude towards Iran. On an internal note I hope that pressures on Reformists will diminish so that we could witness a strong turn out for the up coming elections.

 Time to hope and pray for better prospects on all said above.

Isfahan, The Beloved

I was surprised to see so many foreign tourists in Isfahan last weekend. The  calm and mild weather convinced us to take off to Isfahan for the weekend and visit some relatives. We took part in some family gatherings. It is interesting how Islamic teachings, dated centuries ago, have emphasized on family relationships and visits (sele arham). As if the Religion had predicted that due to industrialization and urbanization, human beings would loose family ties and relationships would ultimately disintegrate. These relationships set the basis of social integrity and moral development of the society which are at stake in the industrialized lifestyle pursued by many Western societies.

Isfahan was more beautiful than ever since, after several months that Zayanderood the major river of the city had dried up, water was let into the river once again and the beautiful SyoSe Pol or the bridge with 30 openings was once again crowded with tourists. Every part of Isfahan is part of our national and even global heritage, its beautiful mosques with exceptional tile works, the historical  bridges and the exceptional artwork seen in many buildings . Isfahan is a symbol of the love artists and architects have displayed through out human history for the Beloved.