:: Nostalgic Notes ::

:: Saturday, October 18, 2003 ::

All right, I'm back after a while. Unfortunately, I was so busy that I could write nothing, even for Shirin Ebadi and the wonderful prize she won. Anyway, I try to keep my English log alive.
:: Ahmadreza 2:02 PM [+] ::
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Morocco is absolutely beautiful; its fields of barley are fascinating and so are Rif Mountains. Bruno Barbey's works named My Morocco created something especial in mind. Thanks Mr. Barbey.
:: Ahmadreza 10:27 PM [+] ::
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These days, almost all headlines are about Iran's nuclear bomb. I don't know what exactly UN will do if Iranian officials don't conform the ultimatum, but, logically, there are three different possibilities:
1) Following heavy pressure of western countries, Iranians will allow UN inspectors to inspect Iran's facilities prepared for producing nuclear bombs. At the same time, authorities will try to create some artificial crisis in the political scene of Iran.
2) To keep their early statements and to confirm how much they are fundamental, Iranian authorities will never conform the ultimatum, and western countries, to show how much they are resolute to control mass destruction weapons, will put Iran under heavy pressure, both politically and economically. If HAWKS in the US administration are able to persuade their European counterparts, a very terrible war against Iran will not be very strange.
3) The third possibility, in my opinion, is rather likely. Iran won't take the ultimatum seriously and neither will western countries. Considering secret contacts between Iranians and western countries as well as Iran's policies to manage crisis during all 25 past years, Iranians will not allow UN inspectors to investigate Iran's nuclear facilities, but, to solve the problem, they will offer some financial advantages to the western countries in general and European ones in particular.
Personally, I stand on the third point. In fact, we have seen this story many times since hardliners came to power in early years of the Islamic Revolution era. European countries have ignored many troubles caused by Iranian hardliners during the last two decades. Who can believe that they are resolute enough this time to make Iran not follow its terrorist activities anymore?
:: Ahmadreza 12:28 AM [+] ::
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If I were a Zahra Kazemi's relative, I would never participate in the court held by judiciary officials. What are they looking for exactly? Justice? Truth? I'm sure they will never find these foolish stuff in an Islamic court held in Iran!!!
:: Ahmadreza 10:30 PM [+] ::
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Under no circumstances, could I ignore this photo taken by Mr. Abbas. Focusing on the Moqtada Sadr's face, Abbas precisely depicts a fundamental interpretation of Islam, which is full of hostility and dogmatism.
:: Ahmadreza 12:19 AM [+] ::
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Hadi Soleimanpour was freed on £730,000 bail. The report shocked me. I cannot understand why British court has freed the Iranian diplomat. I know British officials have very close ties with fundamental clerics in Iran, but, as regards judiciary, I had another thought.
:: Ahmadreza 7:01 PM [+] ::
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Since I started to write my nostalgic notes in English, I have known a few Persian writers who write their books in English. Before I knew Azar Nafisi, Marjane Satrapi and Firoozeh Dumas, I had known Anahita Afrouz, but I never found the right time to write something about the Pittsburgh-based writer and her first novel named in the walled gardens. The acclaimed novel of Iranian novelist is about the Islamic Revolution in 1979, one of the most controversial events in the past fifty years of our history.
:: Ahmadreza 9:48 PM [+] ::
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A federal judge has charged Iran of being responsible in a terrorist attack in April 18, 1983 in Beirut. It is not, of course, the first such a verdict, but coinciding the verdict with detaining of former ambassador in Argentina is really clear-cut. It stands no reason that all countries try to persuade Iranian officials not to keep on their activities anymore, but, unfortunately, reading news like attacking on the UK embassy for the second time during seven past days and Mr. Kharazi's threatening statements, I come to this conclusion that Iranian officials will never change the current policy which is absolutely destructive.
:: Ahmadreza 11:35 PM [+] ::
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I got the result of IELTS exam yesterday. The result is not perfect but it is enough not to lose the chance of immigration. I will send the document for the Canadian embassy in Damascus on Saturday. Thanks god!
:: Ahmadreza 3:53 PM [+] ::
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This morning, before I come to the office, I turned on the computer to check my mailbox. Meanwhile, I checked headlines and saw the very awful article of Washington Post about the upward tendency in the number of Iranians who eagerly leave their native land.
It's not something strange, considering many problems Iranians are facing these days. To me, terrible economical conditions caused by the wrong decisions made by stupid experts of the Islamic governments, brutal conflicts in the political scene of Iran and power struggle between so-called reformists and hardliner clerics as well as lack of freedom, both political and cultural, are absolutely bothering, but, personally, I have another reason.
The reason which makes me take immigration seriously is the situation of working atmosphere in Iran. In my homeland, to become successful, you don't need to be honest and try to do your duties well; what is not important is honesty and conscientiousness. In fact, the only way to reach a good position in most of Iranian companies is making relations with those key managers. When rules are not as strong as relations, I and those who are not able to work in this way must give up everything and immigrate to another country.
:: Ahmadreza 10:31 AM [+] ::
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Iranian, a very famous website between Iranians living in Iran or outside, has published two articles. The first one, in fact, is an interview with Ali Akbar Saeedi Sirjani' daughter and the second one is a very exciting article about Maryam, a film about Iranians living in the US. The interview with Saye may seem too long, but I hope you will be patient enough to read it carefully and completely. To encourage my friends to read these two articles, I would like to quote some parts of articles.
If he were alive
"Nonetheless, I think that If he were alive, he could have said so much and would have written so much more. His pen was broken too soon. Who do I think is responsible? Well the totality of the Islamic regime is accountable but the Vali Faghih (Ayatollah Khamenei) is on top of the list. It was a fatwa from Khamenei to get rid of my father; it was on his specific orders. Hossein Sharitmadari had an important role with this crime as my father had made a formal complaint against him."
Hate this movie
"One challenge is the mystery surrounding how many Iranians are in the U.S. I often hear impressive numbers: "Did you know that there are two million Iranians in Orange County?" Trusted sources estimate the total number in the U.S. to be slightly more than one million. No matter, an Iranian sociologist told me that the challenge may simply be this: the strongest motivation for people is what pleases them "below the neck." Parties, dancing and food will always bring out the bigger crowds. Anything "above the neck" -- politics, poetry, films -- just can't compete."
:: Ahmadreza 10:24 PM [+] ::
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Perspolis, the most popular football club in Iran, commenced the third professional league with a wonderful performance and a very nice victory against Pegah. The club as well as the new coach, Croatian Begovic, needed the victory to persuade those fanatic fans of former coach to not follow him anymore.
Ali Parvin, one of the best Iranian football players in his era, was head coach of the club for just about three years. He, in my opinion, is the symbol of those bigoted Iranians who strongly strive against any changes and any improvements to protect their own positions and their own benefits. He supports a very traditional form of tactic related to many years ago, and, unfortunately, he persistently states that he does not need to study the lessons of pioneer coaches and football theoreticians. Following the poor performances and poor results of Perspolis during past three years, the club manager came to this conclusion that he had to make some changes in the club. To begin reforms, at the end of the previous session and after a long dispute, the club manager hired the Croatian coach who had been extremely successful in Iran since three years ago. Of course, hearing the news, Ali Parvin tried to make some players not obey the club manager's decision. Meanwhile, he, along with those gutter newspapers supporting him, attempted to deter the manager not to make any changes in the club, but, fortunately, he and his supporters were completely unsuccessful.
Emerging new ways and thoughts, I hope we will see very deep changes in national football. I ask myself "When will we see a similar reform in the political scene of Iran?"
:: Ahmadreza 8:01 PM [+] ::
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All right, I took the test yesterday and the day before yesterday. The Listening section held on Saturday was a real disaster. I missed several questions, and, as a consequence, I answered some multiple choice questions by chance as well as by analyzing the answers! As regards Writing and Reading section, I tried to do my best, but I am not sure whether I will score required mark or not. Speaking section was not too bad. Even though I stopped speaking two or three times, I was satisfied with my performance at the end of the interview session. In fact, it was not so hard that I had thought.
At the end, I have to name a very nice friend. Mojtaba Akhtari, prosperous doctor who writes his letters from London, was really helpful; sending e-mail and giving some useful information about IELTS exam, he helped me to be confident. Thanks Mojtaba, thanks a billion.
:: Ahmadreza 10:50 AM [+] ::
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According to an unofficial report, Mr. Hashem Aghajari, Iranian imprisoned lecturer, is nominated to get the Peace Noble Prize 2003. He, of course, must compete with some world-famous rivals - Irish Bono, Pope John Paul the Second, Czech Vaclav Havel, Chinese Wei Jingsheng as well as Israeli Mordechai Vanunu.
Winning the prize is an honor, both for Mr. Aghajari and Iranians living all over the world. The prize will put the name of all imprisoned journalists and writers on the headlines, but, it, I personally believe, will not affect the blocked reform process in Iran.
:: Ahmadreza 11:46 AM [+] ::
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"He faced difficulties with the authorities in 1992, which led to him having his work licence revoked for 2 years when he made "Recording the Truth", a controversial documentary about censorship in Iran."
The quotation is a part of Kaveh Golestan's biography. Preparing a report about the war between Iraqi soldiers and coalition forces in the North of Iarq, Kaveh Golestan, the acclamied Iranian photojournalist, was killed a few months ago.
:: Ahmadreza 4:19 PM [+] ::
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Here is where exactly I desire to be. Tired of hard working for several months, I need a great holiday, but, unfortunately, I must continue; It is not the right time to give up everything and go to holiday.
After taking the IELTS exam on August 23rd, I must prepare myself to take TOEFL and GRE exam. The IELTS exam I have registered is a General Training module, which is appropriate for immigration affairs and is not accepted for academic purposes. It was not my own decision, of course. The letter I had received from Canadian Immigration Officials enforced me to sit the General Training module; the unexpected letter, in fact, changed all my programs. At that time, I postponed everything to the days after August 23rd, so, to continue my previous program, I have to begin to prepare myself for the other English exam on August 24th!
What bothers me is that I think it is too late to apply for a PHD program at the ages of 27. Now I am 27 and I got my Master's Degree just about three years ago. It is what sometimes makes me irresolute. It might seem very ridiculous, I know, but this negative thought sometimes affects me and makes me puzzled.
In spite of all these destructive thoughts, I do continue. Under no circumstances will I give up studying. Even if I knew all universities would reject my application without paying attention to my researches and publications, I would apply for the PHD program. It is what I had to do last year, but, unfortunately, I did not take it seriously and gave up everything following some problems I had faced.
:: Ahmadreza 3:48 PM [+] ::
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Having directed Joy of Madness, Hana Makhmalbaf who is the youngest children of acclaimed Iranian Mohsen Makhmalbaf, is nominated for an award at Venice Film Festival. The 14-year film director is strongly supported by her pioneer sister, Samira, who believes the first professional film of Hana is much better than Kandehar and At Five in the Afternoon directed by her father and herself respectively.
:: Ahmadreza 11:15 PM [+] ::
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Without paying attention to Stephen's requisition and Canadian officials' demand, Iranian authorities buried the body of Zahra Kazemi. It seems Canadians must take the case more seriously than before.
:: Ahmadreza 3:57 PM [+] ::
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In Iran, detaining journalists and writers is not a very strange and unpredictable event. In fact, hearing such reports shocks no one. The account of killing a journalist, of course, is absolutely different. Even though, judiciary officials easily arrest political activists and journalists but they try to prevent investigators and interrogators from killing them. It does not mean hardliners are so law-abiding that they never torture their captives but it means killing a journalist is so troublemaker that they try to avoid.
The last time, of course, they made a foolish mistake. They thought that Zahra Kazemi was not very famous and no one would follow her story. They were completely at fault. When the journalist was taken to hospital due to wild behavior of interrogators, they understood what mistake they had made. Torrent of reports, articles and press conferences, along with the pressure of International bodies and firms, turned their wild entertainment to a real disaster.
Even though reformists were not involved in this terrible story but, according to the diplomatic rules, they are responsible to prepare a clear and reasonable answer for the questions of Canadian officials. It is what has made Iranian officials bewildered; the questioning of Canadian officials seems much serious. The vice president states that Zahra Kazemi has died of a brain hemorrhage resulting from beatings and confirming the fact that she has died of a brain hemorrhage, Foreign Minister added that she might have fallen or had an accident! These contradictory statements show how much they are confused. I do believe they clearly know the truth but they are not brave enough to unfold who has killed Zahra Kazemi and how. Reformists must know the case is not very different from assassinations of intellectuals occurred in 1998.
:: Ahmadreza 1:15 PM [+] ::
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Democracy or Despotism?
:: Ahmadreza 11:55 PM [+] ::
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Freelance photographer died in hospital. Iranian authorities state that she has died from a brain attack but no one will believe them. It's clear that wild investigators have tortured her severely and taken her to the hospital with serious injuries. They have killed Zahra Kazemi.
:: Ahmadreza 11:10 AM [+] ::
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It seems we should add the name of another journalist to the long list of imprisoned journalists in Iran. Photographing in front of Evin prison in the north of capital city of Iran, Zahra Kazemi who is an Iranian Canadian freelance photojournalist were arrested on the 23rd of July. According to the reports, police have tortured her drastically and she has been taken to hospital due to the wild behavior of investigators. Canadian officials have asked Iran to make her condition clear but I do believe it is not enough. I hope Canadian government puts a heavy pressure on Iranian officials and urge them to release Zahra Kazemi.
Note: For more information about Zahra Kazemi check the coverage of the story at Google and Yahoo.
:: Ahmadreza 7:21 PM [+] ::
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Today is the fourth anniversary of brutal suppression of students' rallies in 1999. Remembering the event, students wanted to gather in front of UN building in Tehran but reformist politicians dissuaded them not to resemble in front of any dormitories or international organizations. Considering 1979 Islamic Republic and its terrible consequences, I don't agree with any violent rallies or demonstrations but I can't support these puzzled reformists either. Without any special tactic, they have invited people to remain silent and inactive since Mr. Khatami came to power in 1997.
:: Ahmadreza 5:14 PM [+] ::
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A few minutes ago, the second twin passed away. The death of Iranian twins put a sad end to their story. I am so sorry.
:: Ahmadreza 3:06 PM [+] ::
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I wrote two short notes about two prosperous writers on 21st May and 5th May. It seems another writer named Firoozeh Dumas has joined to Marjane Satrapi and Azar Nafisi, two Iranian writers, who have presented some aspects of Iranian society in their books. Firoozeh Dumas who lives in the US with her French husband presents a picture of Iranian immigrants and their problems in her book titled Funny in Farsi. Assimilating in another society is the most important problem which an immigrant faces in early years of her or his arrival and Paying attention to this critical matter, Dumas presents a considerable picture of Iranian-American persons.
:: Ahmadreza 12:06 PM [+] ::
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A few days ago, I received a letter from a Brazilian reporter named Maria Brant. Declaring that she had begun to write a report (Spanish, A terrible translation by Google!) about Iran and recent protests in Tehran and other major cities, she asked a few questions. Even though I did not enough free time, I tried to answer her questions carefully and with enthusiasm. I would like to put some of her questions here, of course along with my own answers.

5. What do you think of the recent protests by students in Iran?

Well, it's a little hard to answer this question in brief.
Discontented and tired of closed-minded leaders, Iranians voted Mr. Khatami in 1997 to make a calm change in regime. Having experienced a brutal evolution in 1976, Iranians knew that another revolution is only a disaster, so they chose reform instead of revolution and selected Mr. Khatami who came to the presidential election campaign with absolutely different viewpoints. After that, fascist groups expectedly tried to stop the reform movement. They imprisoned pioneer journalists, shut down newspapers dedicated to the reform movement and even destroyed Tehran University dormitory in 1999. Mr. President didn't react those terrible events in a satisfying manner. He neither didn't have any special program to strive against hardliners nor was brave enough to fight against them. Nevertheless Iranians abided him once again and re-elected him in 2001 despite all hardliners' activities and Mr. Khatami weak reactions. Iranians in general and young people in particular expected Mr. Khatami to play role of a strong leader. They expected him to protect the movement but he remained silent and inactive after the second election. It made people totally disappointed. In my opinion, current protests are consequences of all events occurred during 26 last years. The regime have done many things since 1976 including killing intellectuals, interfering with people's private life, wasting national resources, imprisoning many opponents and etc. Iranians thought they would be able to change such a theocratic regime by a calm reform. Now they believe they have been at fault; they are completely disappointed.

6. Would you like Iran to be a democracy? Why?

Why not? What types of differences are between Iranians and others? Nothing, I believe. Like other people of the world, Iranians want to live freely. It is their essential right and no one can deprive Iranians from it.
Most of Iranians love their homeland and would like to have it exempted from dogmatic viewpoints but this non-democratic regime is a great obstacle.
We want a Republic system instead a Monarchy, an Islamic Republic or a Socialist system.

15. Why have you started blogging? Why in English?

I began writing my own Persian web log more than one year ago. I established it to write those minds, which I couldn't tell others. In fact, my Persian web log was a close friend for me.
After a while I commenced to prepare myself for TOEFL exam. To promote my writing ability, I established another web log in English to write my daily notes about Iran and Iranians. I though Nostalgic Notes in English would not only encourage me to read online magazines and newspapers but also help me to improve my English abilities.
:: Ahmadreza 5:46 PM [+] ::
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French authorities released Maryam Rajavi who, along her husband, is one of the most bigoted politicians in the world. Anyway, she is free now and it is a pleasure for me. Because I will not see another man or woman having set himself or herself on fire. Thanks god!
:: Ahmadreza 5:13 PM [+] ::
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Death of Cameroon football player shocked all football fans last night. He fell down in the middle of the field and died after a few minutes. Marc Vivien Foe, 28 year-old midfielder, died due to a heart attack. I am so sorry.
:: Ahmadreza 4:35 PM [+] ::
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Recently western media and newspapers have focused on American-based TV stations especially Channel One, NITV and AZADI TV which strongly support monarchists and Reza Pahlavi. It seems their struggling to encourage Iranians to come to the streets and overthrow the regime has been attractive for all, except those moderate people who know another revolution is a disaster for Iran.
Anyway, I think Valley is venue for liberate-Iran TV campaign by Lisa Mascaro and Satellite Provocateurs by Andrew Murr are appropriate enough to know Western media viewpoints about Los Angeles-based TVs.
:: Ahmadreza 2:36 PM [+] ::
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I could not write something about recent protests, finished last night with interfering military groups, but I was carefully pursuing news and reports. Reaction of politicians and those who are interested in politics made me shocked, angry and much more disappointed. Each group was looking for its own goals and the only unimportant thing was Iranians viewpoints.
Broadcasting sentimental programs, US-based TV stations tried to encourage Iranians to come to the streets and fight against military groups and riot police. Playing role of active and effective opponents, they tried to lead unsatisfied and angry people but they didn't know that majority of Iranians didn't pay attention to their statements. At the same time, Iranian officials' reactions were absolutely strict. For instance, Spiritual leader, Ali Khamenei, warned students not to continue protests; otherwise his loyal supporters will react similar to they did in 1999. His statements encouraged military groups to come to the streets of Tehran and confronted students and protestors much more severely. Mr. President remained silent again and Mr. Rafsanjani, the most adverse politician in our history, repeated religious leader and told US officials not to interfere with internal affair of Iran.
What made me shocked were strange reactions of US-based TV stations and what made me angry was Spiritual leader's speech in Varamin, a small town near Tehran. Meanwhile Mr. Khatami, remaining silent, confirmed that he isn't a real leader for Iranians' demands. He made me much more depressed and disappointed.
:: Ahmadreza 9:38 AM [+] ::
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Mr. Powell, in an interview with CNN, declared that Bush administration had not any secret programs overthrow current regime but wanted to encourage Iranians to change their terrible situation autonomously. Such statements are sensible but it's very hard to believe Mr. Powell's statements when I hear the rumor about secret contacts between American officials and Parviz Sabeti, former president of Iran intelligence service, or read the report about secret meetings between separatist groups and American defense officials.
Those HAWKS who eagerly want to resolve all disagreements in the Middle East should know that Iran has a very different situation; Iranians are looking forward to changing current regime but they never favor a non-democratic government which only depends on foreign supports. To remove hardliner clerics from political scene is the only demand of Iranians, what they have loudly expressed a few times. I believe that if HAWKS want to solve the greatest problem in the Middle East, The Islamic Republic of Iran, which oppose the Middle East peace process and harbor terrorists, they should know and respect Iranians' demands and wishes.
Note: What made me to write this post was a reasonable article titled Iranians don't need American kingmakers, written by Iranian-American Cameron Kamran and published at International Herald Tribune.
:: Ahmadreza 11:18 AM [+] ::
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When coalition forces started a very different war against Iraq, many people form all over the world denounced it, in spite of the Iranians who neither condemned nor supported Bush administration policy. At the same time many renowned artists and celebrities like George Michael, Shakira and Sean Penn joined to anti-war people to express their own disapproval. Janeane Garofalo was one of those anti-war super stars, a very famous and prosperous American comedian who now accuses American Media and tells to the progressive reporter that they have boycotted and offended her. I don't know whether she is true or not but if she is true, it will be a great lost for American society. Keeping such dogmatic reactions, HAWKS and their supporters will ignorantly or willfully destroy freedom in America, what has made US different from all other countries.
:: Ahmadreza 8:31 AM [+] ::
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Coming back to my nostalgic notes is very sweet after more than one week. Anyway, Last Wednesday, June 4th, was 14th anniversary of former spiritual leader's death. had I watched state TV programs, I would have never found something amazing. Because I knew sad songs and plays, TV programs about Khomeini's miracles and wise statements and many other things like these, were main parts of TV programs not only on Wednesday but also on Thursday and Friday. It was absolutely unbearable so that I turned satellite receiver on and watched French Open tournament, one of four Grand Slam tournaments.
If one reviews French Open 2003, one finds strange results and wonderful happenings. For Instance, I can mention Argentinean Guillermo Coria's victory against seed number two, American Andre Agassi, at quarterfinal stage and Belgian Justine Henin's victory against seed number one, American Serena Williams at semifinal. These unexpected results surprised me and Tennis experts but not as much as the advent of unseeded Tennis player, Martin Verkerk, at final stage. It is the first appearance of Verkerk, tall man with powerful backhand and forehand shots and very fast services, at a Grand Slam tournament final. If the emotional Dutch wins the match, He will be the first unseeded champion at Roland Garros after six years. I'm looking forward to watching final between this new champion and seed number three, Spanish Juan Carlos Ferrero. The match will be absolutely exciting.

:: Ahmadreza 10:58 AM [+] ::
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I have not enough free time so I cannot write a new post and make my nostalgic notes updated. I assign all my free time to learn new words and idioms, review grammatical points and practice how to write pure and correct. For instance, I stay at work much less and leave there at 4:30 PM to come back home and prepare myself for IELTS or TEFOL exam, which is the most important one in my life; even more important than entrance exam of Bachelor degree or Master degree. Meanwhile these days I am completely far away of news, logs, artistic websites and articles and so I have nothing to share with my kind visitors except my concerns about exam!!
Anyway, I rarely come online but when I did a few minutes ago and checked headlines about Iran and Iranians, I saw a report that shocked me. A terrible account about hunger strike of an Iranian refugee named Abbas Milani, who wants to persuade British immigration officials not to deport him and other refugees from Iran and Afghanistan. He is under a horrid situation regarding his hunger strike and sewing up his lips, eyes and ears. I hope British officials who have been trying to keep and boost their relations with this theocratic government since a few years ago and sometimes under the worst situations will not deport him.
Note: For more information please take a look at HUNGER STRIKER FIGHTS ON and Abbas to stay in UK.
:: Ahmadreza 8:49 PM [+] ::
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It occurred what I was afraid of. I received a formal letter from immigration officials last Thursday. First I thought it would be an invitation for interview after about two years, but I was completely at fault. I got confused after reading the letter because I understood that:
First, I must take part in an IELTS exam and submit the result to the immigration section up to four months from the date of letter (April 28th). They need it to know who much my statement about my English abilities is right and exact.
Second, I must get 70 points of 100 to be qualified, according to the new act.
I received the letter on May 22nd and so I have lost one month. Meanwhile I'm not ready to take part in IELTS exam because I have been preparing myself for TOEFL since three or four months ago. On the other hand, it's enough three months for TOEFL but not for IELTS.
:: Ahmadreza 4:44 PM [+] ::
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I wrote a note about Marjane Satrapi and her book titled Persepolis two weeks ago. It is clear that Mrs. Satrapi's story is an old and repetitive one, especially for those who know something about Iran and 1979 Islamic Revolution, but she tells this story in a different way and it is what makes her prosperous and successful. This part of The New York Times report titled Tempering Rage by Drawing Comics confirms whether my idea is right.
"That puff of rebellion will smell familiar to fans of "Persepolis," Ms. Satrapi's memoir in comic form, published in an American edition last month by Pantheon. Her story has sold more than 120,000 copies in France and has been translated from French into six languages; it recently won the Fernando Buesa Blanco Peace Prize in Spain. The American edition combines the first two volumes of this four-part series, which uses woodcutlike drawings with touches of classical Persian art to set Ms. Satrapi's childhood against the backdrop of Iran's 1979 Islamic revolution and its eight-year war with Iraq."
:: Ahmadreza 8:41 PM [+] ::
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When I checked out Kargah this morning, I saw Yalda Moaiery photo essay, a collection which presents an imagination of Iranian youth who live in north of capital city of Iran, Tehran. I can't understand why these types of photo essays are very attractive for young photographer. These superficial photos are absolutely hot for common visitors but they don't add a valuable point to a professional photographer's resume. On the other hand, I believe photographer's thought and concept of her or his photos is what makes her or him prosperous and distinct. I think it proves my idea a glimpse at Steve McCurry masterpieces.
:: Ahmadreza 11:59 AM [+] ::
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Cannes Film Festival 2003 commenced last Wednesday in France. Iran has a few movies in different sections of festival but it seems at five in the afternoon is the most important one. The last film of Samira Makhmalbaf, 23 year old daughter of acclaimed director Mohesn Makhmalbaf, is about a young Afghan girl in post Taliban era; A young girl, named Noqreh, who wants to become the first female president of her country. The primary concept is Afghan women rights and Samira tries to show their terrible situation through emphasizing great difference between Noqreh's dream and current social and cultural condition of Afghanistan. It's natural making such a movie by Samira because she believes that Talibani ideas are still alive in Afghan society and so there is a great difference between men and women, according to the BBC report.
Note: For more information read Afghan Women Make Progress in Movie at ABC NEWS.
:: Ahmadreza 12:32 PM [+] ::
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Sometimes it seems so difficult keeping Nostalgic Notes updated. Anyway, Iran has returned to the top of headlines since a few days ago. USA officials, especially secretary of state and defense secretary, repeatedly declared in their press conferences that Iran had a hidden plan to produce nuclear bomb. Now they believe Iran have another program to produce biological and chemical weapons. I can neither confirm nor deny these allegations because it is not clear political atmosphere in Iran and official reports are not apparent, dependable and true.
Meanwhile I can't believe American Diplomats statements. If their source was a reliable group or organization, I would believe. Unfortunately the source is National Council of Resistance of Iran, according to the FOX NEWS report. This opposition group of current theocratic government, called Mojahedin e Khalgh in Iran, supports a blend of Islamic concepts and Marxism and has been known as a terrorist group since six years ago. As I know the group and its leaders, there is no difference between them and hardliners. I believe there is no difference between Supreme Leader, Ali Khamanei, and head of National Council of Resistance of Iran, Masoud Rajavi. Both of them don't undergo any opinions and thoughts except themselves.
:: Ahmadreza 12:54 PM [+] ::
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Prince Reza Pahlavi lives in Virginia State of America. The son of King Mohammad Reza, King of Iran who left his home one year before 1979 Islamic Revolution and died in 1980 in Egypt, tries to promote his ties with American officials. It seems he wants to play a key role in Bush administration plan for changing government in Iran. I don't know whether he is able to completely persuade those neo conservationists taking part in the plan but I think Iranians and especially youth don't like to experience monarchy once again. On the other hand, majority of Iranian people prefer a government based on general elections and so they don't support Reza Pahlavi and monarchists.
Note: For more information read John Stanton's article titled Iran' Reza Pahlavi and Guy Dinmore and Najmeh Bozorgmehr's one titled Iranian monarchist exiles seek pact with US.
:: Ahmadreza 5:53 PM [+] ::
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Iran's judiciary sentenced 15 nationalist activists to prison terms ranged between 4 to 11 years. Ezzatollah Sahabi, who is the most famous of these activists and has stayed 14 years in jail before Islamic Revolution in 1979, received an 11 year old sentence.
I knew him a few years ago, when I was a young student of Industrial Engineering field at Sharif University of Technology. He published a monthly magazine, named Iran e Farda, in spite of hardliners oppositions. As far as I know he is a moderate politician who denounces any military actions or revolution. He believes and supports establishing a Liberal government regarding religious concepts believed by Iranians. Although he and his colleagues like Taqi Rahmani and Hoda Saber, received 11 and 10 year old sentence respectively, support a quiet evolution and are involved in democratic activities, but hardliners never undergo their presence in political scene of Iran. I think that the press freedom watchdog, Reporters Without Borders, know this fact, its reaction completely shows it.
"The Iranian regime has again shown to what degree any peaceful protest or criticism is unwelcome.''
:: Ahmadreza 2:52 PM [+] ::
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We will not see the Iraqi cleric again on TV programs next to the hardliners when supreme leader holds religious gatherings because he, Baqir Hakim, finally returned to his home after about 23 years. I don't know whether he will able to play a key role in Iraq and launch a theocratic government, regarding US oppositions and concerns. Even if he doesn't want to do it, I think Iraqi society will suffer more tensions because he and his followers boost a terrible interpretation of Islam which could be dangerous for establishing a free society in Iraq and USA wishes too.
:: Ahmadreza 12:19 PM [+] ::
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"Walter Max Ulyate Sisulu was born on 18 May 1912. His mother became pregnant by a white man who abandoned her when the baby was born. Sisulu was thus a "Coloured" and his lighter skin set him apart from his peers. His anger at his lost white father, and at other family members for their deferential attitudes to whites, lent a bitter personal edge to his youthful radicalism. These circumstances led him to feel a strong loyalty to his brother Africans and their tribal traditions."
And one of those who made South Africa free of dogmatic thoughts died at 90 on May 5th. I have never heard his name before I read this report but now I know him, a brave man who stayed in jail for more than 25 years just to make a free world, and I can't respect him and what they did in South Africa.
:: Ahmadreza 11:12 PM [+] ::
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Joy Press book review at The Village Voice is about Persepolis and Reading Lolita in Tehran written by Marjane Satrapi and Azar Nafisi respectively, two Iranian immigrants who have left Iran a few years ago. It is apparent what they show as an imagination of Iran is related to early years of Islamic Republic era. For example below paragraph of Persepolis exactly illustrates the atmosphere of Iranian society at that time.
"Overnight, her teachers switch from worshiping the shah to enforcing Islamic regulations, and neighbors suddenly become pious."Last year she was wearing a miniskirt, showing off her beefy thighs to the whole neighborhood," her mom says of the woman next door. "And now Madame is wearing a chador.""
Nevertheless I believe current condition of this society is evidently different. Now more than 80 percent of people think and live like others in the world and so I think these autobiographies are not appropriate means to understand current situation of the most important country in the middle east.
:: Ahmadreza 10:28 AM [+] ::
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Poupeh Mahdavi Nader, an Iranian sportswoman, started a solitary journey around the world in April, 2003. I don't know her but I think she is a pioneer girl, active and absolutely different. Most of Iranian girls and boys are not able to do the same because this journey needs a great concentration and self-confidence.
:: Ahmadreza 1:46 PM [+] ::
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Sian Motalebi, Iranian journalist and founder of one the most popular Persian blogs, is still in jail after about two weeks. Farnaz Ghazizadeh, young journalist and sina's wife, has wanted all not to say more about this case. It seems they want to resolve this problem in silence.
:: Ahmadreza 9:43 PM [+] ::
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Meridian International Center and Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art hold together a unique exhibition of Iranian new art titled a breeze from gardens of Persia in 10 states of America. This wonderful exhibition commenced on the 27th of April, 2001 in Washington and then held in New York, Illinois, California, Georgia, Texas and Vermont. According to the schedule, the exhibition will hold in Miami and Texas (once again) after current exhibition held in Daytona Beach, FL.
I believe these types of cultural activities are absolutely beneficial to decrease anti Iranian emotions in USA and other western countries. In this way, they understand there are a great difference between Iranian astute and creative people and Islamic Government, which runs the most adverse interpretation of Islam.
:: Ahmadreza 7:14 PM [+] ::
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Nader Rad is a Shrif University student and writer of a nice Persian blog titled water, a blog with short and deep sentences. He has launched his own web gallery since a few weeks ago to present and sell his black and white digital photos. I don't know whether he has experienced traditional photography yet but he is undoubtedly a prosperous digital photographer. I think this photo; a single tree in a valley covered by snow, is a remarkable sample of the gallery and proves my point of view that there is a unique thought behind most of his photos.
:: Ahmadreza 9:59 PM [+] ::
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Now I'm at work and have nothing emergency to do. I sit behind my desk and hear project manager's voice who loudly talks with his deputy and engineering coordinator and others. He can never play role of a happy man when his staffs make mistake, so he is usually angry! It's natural in Iran giving too little precision but engineers, especially those designers, sometimes make strange and evitable mistakes which make project manager extremely angry. Let me write a wonderful example.
Wet dust system is one of the most important equipment of the plant which a duct has to be assembled with at a certain point. Civil engineer has inadvertently designed a structure for wet dust system and civil contractor has manufactured structure according to that plan. Structure has shut that point! Structure is like an obstacle to assembly duct to wet dust system. That's wonderful, isn't?
:: Ahmadreza 2:58 PM [+] ::
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I believe French Henri Cartier Bresson and Brazilian Sebastiano Salgado are absolutely the greatest photographers in the 20th century. These two prosperous artists are from two different countries and from two different generations but I think the theme of their artworks are definitely close; human and its sadness and problems.
When I checked Magnum Photos out this morning, I found a valued collection of Bresson's photos. It was a pleasure for me watching some influential photos like this and I thought it would be very nice introducing the collection to others.
Note: My Persian blog includes three short notes about my favorite artists, two about Salgado and one about Bresson.
:: Ahmadreza 4:19 PM [+] ::
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An Iranian website dedicated to Iranian artist artworks has held an exhibition of Parisa Shariat Panahi's paintings. The style of this 30-year old painter seems a blend of Persian traditional (Miniature) and Japanese style. I suggest you to visit the gallery; it's wonderful.
:: Ahmadreza 8:05 PM [+] ::
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My cousin, a doctor living in Dallas, Texas, will be back Iran on coming Sunday. He illegally crossed the border 22 years ago going to Turkey, his destination was not Turkey of course. He wanted to settle in Germany and so left turkey after a while. He stayed in Germany a few years and studied medicine until he visited his wife, an Iranian girl living in US, in a party. His wife helped him to move to US and continue his studies there. I think he is totally prosperous and delighted.
If he stayed in Iran, he would undoubtedly have a terrible fate like his sister who spent three years at Evin prison. She was just supporter of an opposite group and was not involved in any military action against Islamic government authorities, but it made no difference for judge who sentenced her to a three-year jail. Of course it wasn't the end of story, the Islamic government didn't allow her to get high education and job. So she, that active girl, got married and became a housewife!!!
:: Ahmadreza 11:15 AM [+] ::
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Free Sina Motallebi

Hardliners arrested another young journalist on Saturday because of his interviews with foreign radio stations and his notes at his weblog named rooznegar. It's the first time that hardliners arrest a person launching and handling a weblog.
I'm so sorry but I can do nothing, except singing this letter and calling judiciary officials to release him as soon as possible. Of course it's clear that no one is able to persuade hardliners stopping these arrests, even Mr. Khatami who has lost most of his supporters since two years ago. Anyway I hope Sina will be back home as soon as possible.
:: Ahmadreza 8:54 PM [+] ::
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Nafiseh Motlagh is a 23-year-old photojournalist who is extremely active and prosperous. She is in Iraq right now, Soleymaneih area. She has a well-designed website including a blog to write her daily notes, a photo gallery to present her own artworks and a photo exhibition to cover some of exhibitions held in Tehran. Her site has a special section named Iranian Women containing Nafiseh' photo of Iranian Women especially those who live in capital city of Iran. I think it's worthwhile watching her nice photos in Iranian Women section, even though I believe it's somewhat exaggerated.
:: Ahmadreza 9:27 PM [+] ::
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"The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei here on Wednesday stressed that the Iranian Army is viewed as one of the most formidable in the world because of the commitment to spiritual values, faith in God and spirit of devotion and solidarity of its members."
Sometimes the spiritual leader makes me surprised with wonderful statements like this. I agree that Iranian army is formidable, not as strong as American one, but I can't understand how spirituality affects on its formidability.

:: Ahmadreza 12:46 AM [+] ::
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I routinely check out some artistic websites, especially those related to photography. My friends know it and help me introducing new websites. One of my friends who is an astute and artist girl introduced me an attractive website a few hours ago. This website offers members a free membership to upload their photos, see and criticize other member's artworks. I found many gorgeous photos during a short period of time at this website. If I want to exemplify, Miguel Lasa's photo is the best, a foggy road between trees.
:: Ahmadreza 12:40 AM [+] ::
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I was on assignment last Monday and Thursday and I couldn't write something to keep my nostalgic notes updated.
Anyway, I don't want to write a repeated story about US threatening. I read an awful report at Iranmania that was much more important than this type of reports. The story was about killing of two innocent children by landmine in Kurdistan province of Iran. I can't understand why Iranian authorities haven't completely removed these landmines since end of that brutal war against Iraq in 1980s. It's clear that these landmines have made life unsafe for Iranians in the western and south-western provinces.
:: Ahmadreza 4:50 PM [+] ::
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"Khamenei, who holds all the keys of power in Iran and has the final say on foreign policy, railed against the "military aggressor" and branded the military occupation of Iraq "a return to colonialism, a reactionary, ugly and insulting move."
Saying Iraqis would not accept "a new dictatorship," Khamenei however seemed to hold no hopes that U.S. troops would leave Iraq any time soon.
"If you respect, as you said, democracy and Iraqi people's rights you should leave Iraq right now," he said. "But, of course, they are not going to leave, because they were lying."
Adopting his traditional anti-U.S. rhetoric, he said Americans "with this occupation proved they are... the real axis of evil, and the Great Satan."
President Bush last year listed Iran on an "axis of evil," along with Iraq and North Korea, for allegedly sponsoring terrorism and developing weapons of mass destruction. Iran denies the charges."
I knew that Ali Khamenei would give such a speech; it was not unpredictable at all. He can never leave these sentimental speeches because he has been playing the role of an anti US leader since 1989 and in this way he has been giving hope to his followers and supporters.
:: Ahmadreza 8:04 PM [+] ::
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Since three days ago, State TV has repeatedly showed special advertisements to inspire people taking part in coming Friday ceremony. The reason is clear. Spiritual leader of Iran who strongly supports fundamentalist groups is going to Tehran university campus holding Friday ceremony. No one know what he is going to speak about but I anticipate he will give a hot speech after ceremony to formally condemn war against Iraq and the presence of coalition forces in the Persian Gulf. Meanwhile I think he will condemn recent USA officials' warnings!!!
:: Ahmadreza 11:41 PM [+] ::
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"Bolton was asked about a U.S. poll that showed that half of the United States population supports U.S. military action against Iran if it continues to move toward nuclear weapons development and 42 percent of those surveyed said the United States should take action against Syria if it was helping Iraq."
It was the most adverse information I got from Mr. John Bolton's press conference in Rome, Italy. When I read Mr. John Bolton's statements, I got that Mr. Powell's promise having no plan to launch a war against Iran was a trick to decrease anti American feelings, especially in the middle east. Mr. Bolton who is undersecretary of state has warned Iran once again, with threatening sentences.
:: Ahmadreza 5:47 PM [+] ::
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It seems that Saddam's era is passed now. Saddam's resistance didn't continue anymore and he abdicated government after only three weeks. Iraqi people are undeniably delighted tasting freedom after many years. It's one aspect of this story but another one makes me a little anxious for Iraqi people's destiny.
First, Iranian people had this situation after Islamic revolution 1979. They removed monarchy to launch a democratic government but they were completely unsuccessful. They could just change the appearance of the government because they put a spiritual leader instead of a king. They couldn't change anything else. So I think Iraqi people have to draw the appropriate lesson from Islamic revolution 1979.
Second, long-term presence of coalition forces is another problem. I don't know how long coalition forces will stay in Iraq, what role they will play and what Iraqi people's reaction will be.
:: Ahmadreza 3:08 PM [+] ::
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My job seems boring these days. I'm involved in a project which started five years ago and will probably finished six or seven months later. Sometimes I have to sit and do nothing regarding this situation. I think it will become much worse at the end of project, if project managers can't get another project. Anyway, I try to learn required words for TOEFL exam at office to not easily waste my time! Of course I have to conceal my book and papers!
:: Ahmadreza 1:23 PM [+] ::
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Iranian Professional Football League started yesterday once again, after approximately two weeks. Two old and famous clubs, Esteghlal and Perspolis, traditionally occupied the top of the standing in past years but League 2002-2003 has a different story. All matches are critical and there is a high competition between all teams so that prediction is entirely impossible. An old club from Isfahan named Sepahan, which has many young and capable players, is currently on the top. If they keep current position until the end of the season and win the cup with their nice performances, they will shock Iranian football fans and managers. The reason is clear, only Tehran-based clubs have been wining the cup since entering Football to Iran.
:: Ahmadreza 2:28 PM [+] ::
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Kaveh Golestan's last moments.
:: Ahmadreza 8:54 AM [+] ::
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"U.S. intelligence reports say that Iran's senior leadership decided last month to send irregular paramilitary units across the border to harass American soldiers in several cities once Saddam's regime has fallen."
It seems Iran is a delicious food for Mr. Rumsfeld and Bush administration. I know, I repeatedly write about a probable attack against Iran. I don't like it but when I hear the statements of Bush administration, I can't write anything. Mr. Rumsfeld hold a press conference yesterday at Pentagon and accused Iran interfering with war against Iraq. I don't know these accusations are baseless or not but I know they are seeking for a pretext starting a war againast Iran and we must be aware of our actions and behaviors. Of course I mean Iranian government by us. Text below is another part of Washington Times report titled Syria, Iran working to thwart U.S. aims. Please read it to know what a destiny we will have in the near future.
"On March 24, a U.S. intelligence agency issued a "spot report" to a wide range of senior U.S. officials detailing conversations in a meeting of Iran's top leaders on a post-conflict strategy. The group included President Mohammed Khatami and Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. "This confirmed all of our suspicions that the Iranians are not our friends and not for peace in the region. They are in fact for a piece of the region," one U.S. intelligence official said. The official said the units would target the Iraqi cities of Najaf and Karbala, the two holiest places for Shi'ites, as well as Baghdad, Basra and the oil-rich northern city of Kirkuk."
:: Ahmadreza 2:25 PM [+] ::
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All those co-workers who made a 16 day holiday for themselves getting vacation will be at work tomorrow morning. I didn't get any vacation and so I went to work all working days.
Even though it wasn't a long holiday for me, it was OK. One day, I went to Damavand (a small town located on the north-east of Tehran, with nice and pure weather and bad people!) with some new and old friends. It was a good trip. Meanwhile I tried to prepare myself for TOEFL exam. I took my book everywhere I went, I did it to learn required words for this critical exam. I'm in a doubt that I can continue this good situation or not. Because my job has a great negative affect on my life, feelings and programs and it will seriously start tomorrow morning.
:: Ahmadreza 11:49 AM [+] ::
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Last night state TV reporter from northern Iraq reported that an Iranian photojournalist has killed. He didn't announce his name. This morning I noticed that he was Kaveh Golestan, one of the most famous and successful photojournalists in Iran working as a BBC correspondent.
It was so terrible for me, when I started learning photography he was the first photographer who I knew. I'm so sorry.

:: Ahmadreza 2:06 PM [+] ::
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"On the west, Iran shares a vast border with Iraq, and Iranians fought a bloody eight-year war to defend the opposing Iraqi forces while the U.S. and the Europeans provided arms and intelligence to Saddam Hussein. In Tehran, a taxi driver told me stories from the frontlines of that war. He told me about his unit getting hit with chemical bombs and how devastating it was. When I was there, the United Nations and Iran were building camps on the old battlefields for anticipated Iraqi refugees.
Iranians do not like Saddam, but they do not trust what the U.S. is going to do [post Saddam]. They do not like Bush putting them in the "axis of evil.""
Iran's Sept. 11 theories and feelings about Iraq is an article written by Ramin Talaie who is an Iranian freelance photographer for Downtown Express. He has tried to show Iranian feelings about this war in brief and he is successful, I think.
:: Ahmadreza 10:34 PM [+] ::
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Iranian poet, philosopher, mathematician and astronomer, Omar Khayyam, has established persian calandar which is the most precise one in the world, I think. There are a few milestones in this calender which starts on the first day of spring. The 13th day of year is one of them. People try to leave their home on this day and go to the nature, it is an old custome in Iran. This day is usually called 'The Day of Nature'.
:: Ahmadreza 6:47 PM [+] ::
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A few days ago I read an article at International Herald Tribune website about American neo conservationists and their plans to begin a war against Iran, North Korea, Syria and etc. After that I read Mr. Rumsfeld's message to Iran and Syria. I have to confess both made me anxious. A few minutes ago when I read Mr. Powell's caution at Voice of America website my anxiety got intensified.
:: Ahmadreza 12:26 PM [+] ::
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"In their wild dreamscape, the hawks envision Iraq as the rolling start of a broader campaign to bring other rogue states, like Iran and North Korea, to heel."
It's a part of The New York Times article titled Back Off, Syria and Iran! by Maureen Dowd. It's what makes me anxious. It seems American neo conservationists want to begin another war after this one and some of their friends in Tehran strongly support them but I, as an Iranian, hate war like the others. We have experienced an eight year war against Iraq, it was terrible. We know the meaning of war so that we wouldn't like to taste it once again.
:: Ahmadreza 10:01 AM [+] ::
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Angry anti war demonstrators smashed windows of UK embassy in Tehran. Could they understand what they do? Could they estimate the affects of their behavior? I think the answer is positive. They aren't stupid at all, I believe that they delibrately do such actions to inspire UK and US army begining a terrible war against Iran.
:: Ahmadreza 1:59 PM [+] ::
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I'm at work right now, my co-worker is on vacation and I have to handle all tasks without any asistance. Even though it's a busy day, I try to get a break after a while checking out BBC Reportes' Log to know everything about war against Iraq, on the 11th day.
:: Ahmadreza 1:44 PM [+] ::
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