Friday Sermon from Iran

Provisional Friday Prayer Leader of Tehran Ayatollah Seyyed Ahmad Khatami led the congregation with his usual flair and aplomb; speaking of the recent televised confessions of American-Iranian “spies”:

‘"This policy has worked in some countries, but in Iran, it has faced defeat, just like the other failed US policies on Iran."’

Khatami’s statement fits perfectly in line with the propaganda of the regime and mullahs, which is according to Amir Taheri in today’s NY Post, “The Conspiracy That Wasn’t.” The use of these hostages is for the fodder they can make of them and the United States and msm should be screaming up a storm about it.

The use of the propaganda unfolds to include statements such as:

‘"During the past fifty years the United States has directly or indirectly interfered in the internal affairs of 25 countries of the world militarily, and the funny thing is that Washington also claims it is after the establishment of democracy throughout the world."’

Khatami, member in good standing of the Leadership Experts Assembly also highlighted Iran's role in preserving stability and security in the Middle East region, and added:

"Iran's policies regarding Iraq have always been aimed at promoting security measures there and serving the oppressed Iraqi nation, and yet the United States has always, resorting to fake pretexts, been accusing Iran of interference in Iraq's affairs."

“The US policy in Iraq today is aimed at bringing the Ba'th Party back to power, and fueling the flames of tribal and sectarian wars there."

This, as well as every Friday Sermon would be very amusing were it not so alarming – These are the people we would negotiate away from their “peaceful nukes?”

Oddly, on that very subject a joint communiqué stated that:

“Iran's nuclear issue should be solved through dimplomatic channels and negotiations with no strings attached.”

It also stressed and warned of the “danger of the Zionist regime’s nuclear arsenal for the region and called for immediate action by international bodies to foil this threat.”

Condemning “the continued aggressive and oppressive acts of the Zionist regime” it also “underscored the rights of the Syrian people to restore occupied Golan Heights up to the June 1967 borderline.”

Obviously the various “injustices” are part of the pathetic nature of the backward region, where defeat followed by their attacks and instigation are used as pity party talking points. Unfortunately, the pity parties consist of continued death and mayhem.

Futher proof the “peaceful” intentions were underlined in the statement with:

“Iran and Syria in their joint statement invited the Palestinian groups to dialogue and keeping national unity and supported the rights of the Palestinian nation for the return of the refugees to their motherland and establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Ghods city designated as its capital.”

Additional proofs of “peaceful” intentions were noted earlier this week with the following news:

an adviser to the Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei, claimed Iranian ownership of the Gulf Arab state of Bahrain stating:

"The public demand in Bahrain is the reunification of this province with its motherland, the Islamic Iran."

As well is the announcement of the inclusion of Syria under the Iranian missile umbrella aimed at 600 targets in Israel threatened as retaliation if Iran is attacked.

These are the people we would negotiate away from their “peaceful nukes?” Nice

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Iran Taking Hostages?

“Iranian Hostage Crisis; Where’s the outrage?” Indeed. Katherine Jean Lopez is somewhat pissed that the U.S. and media doesn’t appear to worked up about the five Iranian-Americans that are being held hostage by the Islamic Republic of Iran.

As stated by Lopez it may be because we are presently in “diplomatic mode” with Iran. Said Katherine Jean Lopez this morning:

“A diplomatic mode that — with the names Parnaz Azima, Haleh Esfandiari, Ali Shakeri, Tajbakhsh, and Robert Levinson on our minds — should have all Americans angry, nervous, and praying that the Bush administration is working on something good they’re keeping close to the vest. Praying that they are as skeptical of Iran as they should be. Praying that they are willing to put in place a debilitating sanctions policy and send clear signals of support to the good men and women of Iran who want another kind of life there, free of the terrorists who run the country.”

We can only “hope and pray” that something good is up our sleeves, but of course no one can be sure. Initially, upon the hostages abduction reaching Reuters; Reuters pretty much reported it a no more than an issue of “dual citizenship,” (the page with this report is unfortunately “missing). This sites reaction that day couldn’t help but think of Navin Johnsons reaction to a the shooting of oil cans.

May 31^st found WebMemo #1479 by Kim R. Holmes and James Phillips at The Heritage Foundation reacting to the situation as “Iran’s latest round of hostage-taking,” which of course it is.

Interestingly WaPo published a report this past Friday June 21 regarding the U.S. refusal to release five Iranians detained in Iraq that Iran not surprisingly refers to as “diplomats.” In an odd reaction to this report, Scott Horton of Harpers posted on the “refusal” as part of a childish schoolyard game:

“What does the detention of the Arbil Five have to do with the detention of the Americans in Tehran? Everything. If you look at the Iranian statements, you’ll see that both the number and the accusations against the Americans have been carefully made to parallel what happened in Iraq. This is a simple case of one gross injustice being countered with another one. Of two nation-states behaving like schoolyard bullies. And who suffers? Well, my sympathies are with the Americans in captivity in Tehran, of course. Some of these folks are well-respected scholars, voices of moderation–voices that are badly needed just now. But I can’t deny being a bit angry about what has been done in America’s name with the Arbil Five. It’s an outrage, and it’s shameful. This elementary-school situation cries out for the principal to come and intervene.”

Beyond the fact that this is only so much moral equivocating, I’m struck by Horton’s reliance upon “Iranian statements,” as though the word of the Tehrrorists of Tehran can speak any truth. I don’t believe this is the type of reaction Katherin Lopez is speaking of in her post. Considering the five detained in Iraq, the Iranian so-called “diplomats,” are members of the Iranian Quds Force, which even msm paid member MSNBC see as nasty fellas. Wiki “whatever you want it to be” pedia; doesn’t appear to think to highly of them either. Hamad Karzai, the president of Aghanistan is outraged over Iranian “diplomats,” and their efforts at “diplomacy” in in his country as well.

Where does one suppose Horton gets the gall to compare the two detentions? Perhaps it’s from the same schoolyard he refers to in his reaction. At the least he feels for those in Tehran, which is I guess a start in the right direction.

How dare the U.S. play these childish games! For the sake of the planet and peace in the Mid-East region we should be sitting down with the Iranian leadership to resolve the Iraq war, which Iran has done much to foment; after all Iran’s intentions are entirely peaceful, and truly so if one takes them at their word. At least Iran offers good faith; and their assistance in sewing peace would go a long way.

To Mr. Horton and others that seek a peaceful solution to this latest Iranian crisis; this offering from Michelle Malkin on Sunday June 24, is a must see/read for those that want to bone up on who it is we will/would be negotiating with. This “schoolyard” playground is centuries behind any schoolyard in the U.S.; and the monitors enforce the dress code in a slightly aggressive manner.

Iranian Hostages

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Incendiary Rhetoric toward Iran

Finally found the transcript to Hannity & Colmes interview with John Bolton regarding Gaza, Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran from last night (6/14/07). What do you know, I pop over to RealClear every day, except this morning and there it is.

By all means read the entire transcript if you didn’t see the segment. I found one particular line of questioning from Alan Colmes that I found disturbing; if for nothing else, then for its naiveté:

COLMES: If you're Iran, and you hear this incendiary rhetoric toward Iran from certain people in the United States about how we have to take military action, what would you do if you're Iran?

BOLTON: Well, I wish they worried that much about me anymore, but I don't think that's really what motivates...

COLMES: But you're not the only one saying this. Does Iran respond to this incendiary rhetoric?

A lot of crosstalk when running short of time, but one last question/remark from Colmes;

COLMES: But they're going to feel they've got to defend themselves if they think an attack is imminent and people...

Cart before the horse; egg before the chicken; ultimately where does it begin and end? When someone in Colmes position seriously asks a question of this nature; calling statements from some in the U.S. “incendiary rhetoric toward Iran…” one truly should wonder if the person pays any attention to anything other than his own thoughts.

When the shrine in Samarra was again attacked by the enemies of a human race in Iraq the other day, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei blamed it on the “occupiers and Zionists.” Additionally:

‘”The disgraceful and blind-hearted agents behind this big crime, whether they are remaining stooges of Saddam's Baathist regime or the beguiled Wahhabi and Salafi fanatics, it cannot be doubted that the intelligence services of the occupiers and Zionists are the main masterminds of these heinous schemes.”’

‘”The occupiers have left the scene open to terrorists and panic-mongers to weaken the bases of the popular government of Iraq and justify their illegitimate presence in that country and are causing discord among Muslim brethren.”’

‘”Muslims throughout the world should be vigilant of the discord-sowing and war-mongering policies of enemies of Islam. Today, enemies will fan the flames of discord in Iraq, Palestine, Lebanon and any corner of the world of Islam that they can and instigate Muslims on various religious, partisan and ethnic pretexts to stand against each other and commit fratricide.”’

I’m curious how Mr. Colmes and those that agree with him feel about remarks like these? Are they not incendiary remarks? Are they not daily coming from Tehran’s leadership political and religious? Statements like these and much worse come from the pages of IRNA.com daily in the English translation they offer? Are they worse in Persian and Arabic?

We in the U.S. and West are supposed to take it easy and not ruffle any feathers in any way, shape or form and for all intents and purposes we really have not approached Iran and the issues that arise through its incitements with much more than what those, like Colmes have asked for or expect. This he would likely describe as too aggressive.

Four years now; we have been in negotiations with Iran. They continuously make overtures of interest in speaking, but will not bend on anything. EU-3 and all the rest has failed or failing; 15 victims of a misunderstanding, dual citizens taken hostage and on the list continues.

Alan Colmes and others are concerned about “incendiary remarks,” because they like talking and these “remarks,” make talking difficult. Iran has been talking with actions covert and overt, yet this somehow doesn’t fit into Colmes world view; why is that?

What do he and they really think they are going to get for their troubles?

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Ledeen on Iranian Nukes and Hostages for Peaceful Purposes

“Esfandiari has been accused of an additional crime: being married to a Jew. In the words of a website closely tied to President Ahmadinejad, Esfandiari is “married to Shaul Bakhash, a Jew, (and) is one of the leading figures in the international Zionist lobby planning the overthrow of the Iranian regime, including the Zionist regime’s plans to attack Iran.”’ – Michael Ledeen

“Iran has a unique way of dealing with the West. The leadership there or Tehran Tehrrorists take hostages; in 1979 it was during the Iranian Revolution that 53 Americans were taken hostage. In the very recent past it was 15 British Navy and Royal Marines.”

“Iran is doing what it does best; playing games that will gain it prestige in its part of the world. If it can convince enough people of its power at the way it tweaks the U.S.’ nose, continuing to flaunt and taunt as Iraq’s Saddam Hussein did; it will likely succeed in unifying the Islamic world under its leadership. As Majlis Speaker Gholan-AliHaddad-Adel stressed yesterday; “Islamic unity and coherence as the most important need of the Islamic world.”

According to Michael Ledeen at NRO:

"The Americans were taken hostage for the same reasons the regime has routinely taken foreign hostages from the first year of its existence: to resolve internal power struggles, to demonstrate to the Iranian people the hopelessness of their condition by directly challenging the infidels to do anything about the humiliation of their countrymen, and to impose their will on a Western world the mullahs view as feckless and paralyzed. When the American embassy was overrun in the fall of 1979, Khomeini famously proclaimed that the Americans “can’t do a thing,” and today the regime is trying to show that neither the Americans nor the Brits (five more of whom were taken hostage in the past couple of days) can do anything to challenge the mullahcracy."

Read it and heed it……

The U.S. is being challenged and not in just a chest thumping manner; we need to wake up. The media could help too I suppose, but as was weakly reported by Reuters and read in the NY Times, it was just a case of dual citizens being nabbed.

The game is much deeper than this and the only ones that seem to notice are the ones in Tehran; we’re too busy judging ourselves to bother to notice.

Did you know:

“the mullahs have launched a new wave of political repression against students, teachers, women, intellectuals and, most recently, scientists. The information ministry, a.k.a. the secret intelligence service, recently declared that any Iranian who attended overseas conferences would automatically fall under suspicion of cooperating with foreign-espionage operations.”

Voice of America has an article regarding the strange behavior; not as convincing to me as the Ledeen article; a bit tepid, with a hint of “no big deal” attached but of further interest nonetheless.

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Iranian Nukes and Hostages for Peaceful Purposes

Iran has a unique way of dealing with the West. The leadership there or Tehran Tehrrorists take hostages; in 1979 it was during the Iranian Revolution that 53 Americans were taken hostage. In the very recent past it was 15 British Navy and Royal Marines.

Now over the course of a few months the Iranians have taken further hostages:

“Haleh Esfandiari of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars

From the Statement of her Arrest from the Center for Scholars (very interesting and worth a read): “Haleh Esfandiari, director of the Middle East Program at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, and a dual Iranian-American national, was arrested in Tehran on May 8 and incarcerated in the Evin Prison.”

Kian Tajbakhsh, consultant for the Open Society Institute

Statement from the Open Society Institute regarding the detention of Dr. Tajbakhsh in Iran on or about May 11^th.

Parnaz Azima (From April 16, 2007: Parnaz Azima, a reporter for Radio Farda – Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (Persian service), on a trip to Iran to visit a sick relative had her Iranian passport seized by Iranian authorities who “have failed to return it to her, it said. It was not clear what the reason was. The statement said Azima was once asked to cooperate with Iran's intelligence services, which she refused.”

More on Ms. Azima at RadioFreeEurope RadioLiberty”

On her way to Europe, Secretary of State Rice said:

“she did not see a link between the charges against the three Americans and the fate of five Iranian Revolutionary Guard members detained by U.S. troops in January in the northern Iraqi city of Irbil.”

Huh, what? Was this statement in response to a question from the media? What does this have to do with the price of eggs?

Of further interest is the fact that the hostages appear to have been lured to Iran due to sick relatives. Were any of these family members in fact ill?

The hostages are a boon to Iran. Regardless of guilt or innocence the Tehran Tehrrorists have their PR pawns. To us they are innocent civilians; to Iran they are guilty regardless of reality.

How will this hostage crisis play out? What concessions, if any will Iran receive? Will President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad offer them as gifts to the U.S. as he did the “15 victims of a misunderstanding?”

Iran is doing what it does best; playing games that will gain it prestige in its part of the world. If it can convince enough people of its power at the way it tweaks the U.S.’ nose, continuing to flaunt and taunt as Iraq’s Saddam Hussein did; it will likely succeed in unifying the Islamic world under its leadership. As Majlis Speaker Gholan-AliHaddad-Adel stressed yesterday; “Islamic unity and coherence as the most important need of the Islamic world.”

‘"Scientific cooperation between Islamic countries is among the needs of the Islamic world... Muslims have always played an effective and great role in promoting medical sciences.”’

Off the subject of hostages in word only; Iran repeated its “readiness” to talk about their peaceful nuclear research on their terms:

“Iran on Wednesday voiced readiness to hold talks without any precondition to remove concerns of the other side.

Secretary of Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Larijani made the remark while speaking to reporters prior to his departure to Spain.

Larijani is to hold talks with the EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana in Madrid on Thursday. “

Always willing to talk, yet the West never takes this olive branch. The hostages are further proof that the West, led by the U.S. has imperialist intentions in the Middle East. The United States of America is the Great Satan; the Islamic Republic of Iran will protect you against this vile threat.

Iran’s playing the game, when are we going to realize time is ticking away?

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Iranian-Americans Missing in Iran - Reuters thinks it’s their Dual Citizenship

Ali Shakeri, a dual U.S. and Iranian citizen, businessman from CA and serves on an advisory board of the Center for Citizen Peacebuilding was visiting Iran. He was expected back a few weeks ago and has not been heard from since March 8^th.

This comes after “at least three Iranian-Americans have been arrested, detained or otherwise prevented from leaving Iran in recent months in what appears to be an Iranian crackdown on dual citizens.” The missing people are:

Haleh Esfandiari of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars

From the Statement of her Arrest from the Center for Scholars (very interesting and worth a read): “Haleh Esfandiari, director of the Middle East Program at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, and a dual Iranian-American national, was arrested in Tehran on May 8 and incarcerated in the Evin Prison.”

Kian Tajbakhsh, consultant for the Open Society Institute

Statement from the Open Society Institute regarding the detention of Dr. Tajbakhsh in Iran on or about May 11^th.

Parnaz Azima (From April 16, 2007: Parnaz Azima, a reporter for Radio Farda – Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (Persian service), on a trip to Iran to visit a sick relative had her Iranian passport seized by Iranian authorities who “have failed to return it to her, it said. It was not clear what the reason was. The statement said Azima was once asked to cooperate with Iran's intelligence services, which she refused.”

More on Ms. Azima at RadioFreeEurope RadioLiberty

Iran is big on hostages, yet it never seems to effect reality enough for those involved to do anything about it.

In an effort to catch up and not be the only nation holding citizens, Iran’s foreign ministry called for the release of Iranian engineer Mohammad Alavi, not a dual citizen, arrested in Los Angeles on suspicion of “transferring classified computer code to Iran” according to IRNA.

According to authorities:

“Mohammad Alavi, who worked at the triple-reactor Palo Verde power plant west of Phoenix, was arrested April 9 at Los Angeles International Airport when he arrived on a flight from Iran. He is charged with a single count of violating a trade embargo that prohibits Americans from exporting goods and services to Iran.”

Summary worth noting; Reuters sees the story as Iranians cracking down of dual citizenship individuals, which is comparable to Navin R. Johnson believing a snipers hitting oil cans was evidence of his hatred of them and not the reality that the sniper was shooting at him. Could his middle name be Reuters?

The supposedly free and democratically elected government of the Islamic Republic of Iran doesn’t like people openly visiting their country and possibly spreading any kind of ideas outside the Mullah’s Islamic leadership and its Islamic penal code.

I wonder if this is yet just another example of what Time magazine considers the irony of democratic politics.

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