I can’t help beating a dead horse and briefly entering into the discussion of a possible expanded U.S. Interests Section in Iran. Since the news leaked last week, people have both lambasted the Bush Administration for acceding to State Department demands and praised it as an intelligent, far-sighted move that could ease tensions in this time of a near-crisis in U.S.-Iran relations.
But why all the attention?
In the past four or five centuries, the general diplomatic consensus among states was, in the words of Sun Tzu, “to keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.” It was rarely considered an issue to pursue diplomacy, even during war. Hell, the U.S. did it with representatives of Ho Chi Minh even during the worst parts of the Vietnam War. Sure, nations have often withdrawn their ambassadors from others or expelled foreign ambassadors during times of serious distrust, but back-level channels of communication have always been open, and will continue to be, whether there is an Embassy, an Interests Section, or neither.
To me, all this talk about this being a revolutionary step-forward, or a hugely-naive step backward, seems nothing more than an exercise in hyperbole. As many of us are aware, Iran already has an Interests Section, staffed by Iranian nationals, at the Pakistani Embassy in Washington. The U.S. already has an Interests Section at the Swiss Embassy in Tehran, albeit lacking an American staff.
America’s personnel presence in Tehran may get slightly beefed up, more Iranians may be granted U.S. visas, and a few more world-changing (slight sarcasm) cultural exchanges between the two countries may go through. But America’s rhetoric toward the Iranian regime and the impasse over the nuclear issue probably won’t change, and neither will Tehran’s status as front page material in headlines around the world.
-Kevin
The conflicts between the United States And Iran is real, but is war really the answer? Iranican Live is on the case and delves into this contentious issue. [Iranican is not and does not intend to become a political show, however we find it important as Iranian-Americans to stay politically conscious about the current events. The goal of such discussions are for us to have at least some awareness about important issues that concerns Iran .]
The U.S. media hyping up the conflict with Iran. The Iranian government seeking nuclear power and not giving in to international demands. Iranian-Americans of all backgrounds are speaking out, some for a military conflict, but the overwhelming majority against it.
When is war with Iran justified? Is it ever justified?
And what can we, as Iranian-Americans, do as a community to make sure our voices are heard and to meet our shared goals? Babak Talebi from the National Iranian-American Council (www.niacouncil.org) joins us from Washington D.C. to share his thoughts.
Obviously, the show does not have the viewpoints of some in our community. For example, we didn’t have a female voice on this show to give us a potentially different perspective. So please make sure to comment on this blog with your thoughts and feedback.
We would like to dedicate this show to all our family back in Iran. We love you all!
Was this show frustrating to listen to or what?
Okay, I agree most sheeple (sheep-like people or followers) who get plastic surgery do not think that they’re going to be loosing their identity consciously, but that’s because they’re not really thinking. They’re fixing up their noses, “augmenting” their breasts, or cutting/pasting something somewhere in their body. They are basically saying “F*$& YOU!” to 10,000 years of evolution because they’re apparently too good for their own genes. There is a reason I have a big nose, it was not decided when I turned 13 for me to have a big nose, it was shaped over hundreds of years of evolution because the fittest nose for my ancestors and me has now been inherited to me. So for me to say that I’m better than what has been passed down to me is nothing short of being a pea sized brained, self serving, public opinion controlled douche bag.
Now a bunch of you may have already had a plastic surgery or considering it or have close friends who’ve had them, and you’re probably pissed off at me right now. Well, I’m glad, because if you think the fact that you or the people around you who have had cosmetic plastic surgery are “successful,” “powerful” or “intelligent” makes what they do right, then you’re just as wrong as they were when they decided on cosmetic surgery! Are you telling me successful, powerful, or intelligent people don’t make mistakes? Tell me, what are they saying to the world, when they shrink their nose? What are they telling themselves? “Oh, it’s not for the world, it’s just for me” That line has to be largest imaginable sea of monkey diarrhea I’ve ever heard in my life. If you’re cutting and breaking yourself for you only, then obviously you have some sort of psychological disorder, because unless you have a physical defect, the fact that you’ll be happy with the shape that you are seeking after surgery is no more strong as being happy with the shape you already have. So for whatever reason, you have managed to falsely convince yourself that the way you were born is somehow defective or less “perfect,” whatever that means when it comes to beauty.
And to the people who are thinking to themselves… I just want to look more like me just 30 years ago.. well I have news for you, you’re no different than the Paris Hiltons of this world in that regards. If you’re unable to appreciate the natural change your body goes through with every step of aging then you too have a clear case of psychological disorder. If people were meant to look like they were 23 their whole life, we would have 23 year olds being born and dying some time later just the way they looked. You obviously can not appreciate the beauty of age, you can not see that an aged person is not judged, internally or externally, by how similar they look to a 23 year old and how often they have sex. So it’s not really you that you’re trying to look similar to, because you can not possibly look more like you with any procedure, you look like you now!
Don’t get me wrong here, you could stretch my stance against me and say “If you think you’re true to your identity Mr. Sohrab, why do you dress like an urban American and not like a Tehranian? Why do you cut your hair short? Why do you shave?” And to that I have this to say: Growing up I can’t say I saw clothing that’s authentic to Tehran , I did not see hair-cuts authentic to Tehran, and I did not see facial hair authentic to Tehran. What I did see when I went to Persepolis was that the men holding the arrows had longer hair, a full beard, and a manly nose with a hump just like I do. The hair, facial hair and cloths are supposed to be influenced mostly by lifestyle, technology, and finally fashion. So I wear jeans because it’s made from the most easily accessible and durable fabrics that exists. I cut my hair short and shave to keep cool and clean. Also unlike my nose, I can grow back my hair and change cloths at anytime. Lastly but very importantly when my child is born and he/she hits the age of 13 he/she won’t wonder why the hell he doesn’t look a thing like his parents and start developing psychological problems himself/herself.
Don’t think for one second that I was not influenced by things around me. My parents/friend/strangers/tv/school pointing to people who look “white” and saying oh look how beautiful this person is. I had all of that and a bag of potato chips, but I chose to question it. So don’t follow this blog like sheeple. Think about it!
My nose is who I am and if I’m proud of me, I better be damn proud of my nose!
-Sohrab (not approved to be on the show by iranican producers)
If you support this blog, you’re welcome to put my picture as your facebook profile picture and change your status to the quote above.
Living in Berkeley for most of the year, I’m a bit insulated from the political attention spans of most Americans. Protests are as common as papers or problem sets, and much more varied. Tired of the University of California single-handedly destroying the world? Then respond in the most logical fashion – by taking over a tree and protesting! Sick of most Americans’ murderous habits of consuming meat? Then take your minority views to the masses by protesting in front of crowds of meat-eating students!
Bu this culture of protest epitomized by the Bay Area is definitely not a representation of the political philosophy of most Americans, especially that of us Iranian-Americans.
Some of us may support protest-worthy causes, but would rather leave the demonstrations to the degree-less inhabitants of our nation’s tertiary institutions.
Others are definitely inclined to protest, but only if one is well-organized and draws many other people – none of us want to be that lone protester who’s mocked by countless passerbys, no matter how noble the cause.
And a few of us protestophobes let our money do the talking, and demonstrate by giving money to political organizations or candidates.
By far, the vast majority of us choose not to protest, and have no qualms about doing so. Maybe, many of us argue, this is a good thing. We all know the disastrous effects of protests that turn violent, not only in Gaza or Pakistan, but also in France and right here in the U.S.
What’s the solution? Well, Iranican’s most recent show on Radio Javan, of course! Listen to it, give me a holler, and put your protest boots on (the ones to the left of your Nikes). We’re going to Berkeley.
-Kevin
Hillary Clinton ran a losing campaign second to none in modern American history. She made numerous strategic mistakes such as lack of infrastructure in post Super Tuesday states. She was so confident of Obama’s defeat on Super Tuesday that she failed to set up the most basic campaign facilities in post Super Tuesday states such as Nebraska or Washington. Mark Penn, Clinton’s chief strategist, only added to her troubles by not knowing California’s primary was NOT a winner take all contest! This was a huge mistake by someone who has spent a life time in US politics and was credited to have been one of Democrat’s best strategists.
Clinton’s camp made mistakes, and no one is denying that. But what really caused Hillary the presidency was her bad timing to enter the race. Clinton announced her candidacy convinced of an anti Bush/anti GOP mood in the country. She thought she picked an easy fight,until Obama entered the race. Clinton’s calculations about an easy Democratic victory against a GOP candidate were correct. She made only one mistake: She ran four years too late! Obama and his message of change was much more appealing to the disgruntled, angry Democratic voter and Hillary’s moderate stances did not stand a chance.
Hillary lost her dream because of her political calculations in 2004. You may ask why? The Democratic Party entered the 2004 election without a quality candidate. Kerry supporters voted against Bush and not for Kerry. The Democratic nominee for presidency in 2004 was mediocre at best. He ran a terrible campaign and lost to President Bush in November. Hillary did not enter the race because she believed it was not possible or too hard to unseat a president. She could have easily won the Democratic primaries in 2004 but Hillary did not have the COURAGE to pick a fight. She set her sights on an easy victory in 2008 and gladly, she lost!
That is why Clinton, in my opinion, is a political opportunist! She tried to ride the waves of dissent and dissatisfaction in 2008. She could have had it all had she run 4 years earlier. Sometimes in politics, courage is much more important than precise calculations.
Congratulations to Senator Barack Obama for courageously making history this past week!
-ArashA
You’re probably single, if not most of your friends are! This is where we’re going to continue our never ending discussion about Dating Iranian Americans/Canadians/Diasporans. If you haven’t heard the Radio Show’s Podcast, it’s available on Radiojavan.com (click here). Feel free to add any issue you think we may have missed.
Just to give brief threads on what we discussed, we had the following:
-So many singles in the US and Iran and Iranian Americans are no exception.
-Iranian Parents Differentiation between how much freedom their sons have vs. daughters
-Should we have Standard Rules of Dating?
-Online Dating Sites
What we didn’t get to cover:
-Is there anything wrong with dating your friend’s Ex?
-What is the consensus among Iranicans about “TORSHIDEH” girls not getting married?
The drive was a great success, thanks to everyone who supported us with their hearts and minds, and those who contributed with their generous donations. Thank you all for being a part of our event and registering to save lives. This year’s event was put together in honor of a 22 year old Iranian-American who was diagnosed with Leukemia, and is in desperate need of a match. Let’s hope that him and every patient in need finds a match and starts a new day.
If you did not make it to our event, or want to inform others to become a donor, please follow one of these steps to join the program:
- Fill out this form to have a testing kit mailed out to you
- Or find a list of upcoming drives in your area by typing your zip code here
Once you’re on the donor registry, PLEASE be sure to send your donor ID number to marrow@iranican.com, so we can accelerate the matching process for our young friend.
Donate to our cause…
Thanks to our Sponsors: NMDP, Persian Cultural Club, Bia2.com, Bebin.tv, RadioJavan, MTV
Many of you are already aware that the Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA) recently launched in Washington, D.C. Besides sounding like a delectable afternoon treat, PAAIA is apparently the first Iranian-American lobbying organization, and definitely comes at a useful time for improving perceptions of and gaining influence for Iranians in the U.S.
I’m wondering what are your thoughts on the group’s launch? It’s pretty much a fact that our community has largely veered away from political issues and safely engages in what I would deem “informed apathy.” This stands in stark contrast to other “ethnic lobbies.” AIPAC, the much-vilified, pro-Israel advocacy group, is arguably among the strongest lobbies in the nation. And even Iran’s northerly neighbors, the Armenians, have a strong political voice in the U.S., made even more apparent by the fairly recent controversy over the Armenian genocide in the House of Representatives. With regard to our potential (especially considering our numbers, and the fact that we’re among the most highly educated people in the country) Iranian-Americans have done a poor job of influencing public matters. Can PAAIA, along with groups like the NIAC, end this political drought?
What’s more, the internal split in the Iranian-American community over the issue of U.S. sanctions on Iran can also stymie efforts at forming a united political front. This is one of the reasons that the staunchly anti-sanctions NIAC has not gained a bigger following. Time and time again, we see the debate over the shir o khorshid versus the lalah overtake other issues and divide us. Can PAAIA effectively navigate these hazardous waters without taking on some of its own?
Pardon my crappy analogies, but I’m just trying to play devil’s advocate for a moment. I’m curious about your thoughts. . .
-Kevin
Remember Iranican’s discussion panels? Well it’s back, and it’s on Radio Javan!
Iranican aired its last satellite show in September of 2007 and moved to find more of its audience online. Since then, Iranican has been producing short reports, appropriately named Iranican Reports, and showcasing them right here on Iranican.com
The need to have an informative discussion panel still existed however, and hence Iranican has found possibly the best medium for its talk show Iranican Live right here on Radio Javan. The show’s hosts are Behnoush, Iman, and Mahvash and it will be airing from San Francisco Bay Area, California.
Catch the radio show, Iranican Live every two weeks on Wednesday nights at 7PM Pacific or 10PM Eastern. The first one is on Wednesday night, May 21st. “FOBs vs. WhiteWashed Iranians” Listen to the Podcast Now
feedback? iranicanlive@radiojavan.com
Obama finally won North Carolina in a blow out! Congratulations to the Senator from Illinois. Obama and his staff are celebrating their strong victory in Edwards’ home state, where Bill Clinton campaigned heavily for his wife in the past 12 days. The ball is now in Hillary’s court. She must decide whether it is worth to stay or leave gracefully. She is running very low on cash, almost none since she has been loaning money from her own pocket to her own campaign, and her fund raising prospects do not seem all too well.
But the reason I decided to write this piece was not to speculate about Clinton’s decision. I want to know about Obama. I want to know what YOU think about Obama. And this goes out to all those Obama supporters who happen to love their candidate passionatly. What do YOU see in Obama? What has he done that makes him a better candidate than McCain or Clinton or Romney? Has Obama ever sponsored a major piece of legislation? What are his accomplishments in the US Senate? I know all too well about his charisma and his message of change, but I need to know if the man has been part of anything SIGNIFICANT besides campaigning?
What makes Obama a better Commander in Chief than Sen. John McCain?
-ArashA