The American president’s Iranian New Year message has made the rounds, and while some have voiced support or opposition to the message, I haven’t seen an analysis of the actual text.
So I here’s my attempt.
I’m only going to quote the parts that are of interest obviously.
“This holiday is both an ancient ritual and a moment of renewal, and I hope that you enjoy this special time of year with friends and family.”
While I completely understand that the United States has initiated various economic stimulus programs due to the horrendous economic conditions, I am hopeful that the American administration still has some funds left over to hire a competent expert on Iran. Had the American president hired an Iranologist instead of lobbyists, he would have been made aware that the Islamic Republic has sought to marginalize or outright ban any festivities or holidays that are pre-Islamic. The Iranian New Year has existed more then 1000 years prior to the advent of Islam.
I can also name one person who didn’t spend the Iranian New Year with “friends and family,” namely Omidreza Mirsayafi, an Iranian blogger who died in prison as a result of the same regime Mr. Obama is congratulating, not providing Mr. Mirsayafi with the necessary medication.
“In particular, I would like to speak directly to the people and leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
People of Iran, or Iranian people and the Islamic Republic that occupies Iran are two separate matters. The Islamic Republic is a theocracy, in other words, it’s the government of God, not Iran. By calling Iranians the people “of the Islamic Republic,” Mr. Obama has declared that the theocracy is the legitimate representative of Iranians. Hundreds of thousands of Iranians have sacrificed their lives and fought the Islamic Republic and to have someone disrespect their struggle is very offensive. Here we have a head of state of a superpower, so desperate to establish relations with the Islamic Republic that he’s willing to disrespect Iranian sacrifices and tarnish Iranian’s generally positive view of the United States. This is not the first time American’s are supporting a tyrannical regime in Iran; last time it ended with a revolution that overthrew the monarchy.
“Nowruz is just one part of your great and celebrated culture.”
When he says “your” he again is trying to fuse the Islamic Republic and Iranians together. Iranians consider the Islamic Republic to be the second Arab invasion and occupation of Iran, thus they clearly see a difference where the American government can’t. Anyone who follows news regarding Iran knows that the clerics have been insulting Iranian culture and history for decades now. One has to ponder, what other anti-Iranian activities does the regime have to commit before the regime is recognized as not being an Iranian entity.
“Over many centuries your art, your music, literature and innovation have made the world a better and more beautiful place.”
Let’s cite all the positive influences the Islamic Republic has had on the subjects mentioned above. Music was banned by the Islamic Republic for being tools of Satan – yes contributions indeed. Literature? Oh, he’s referring to the Arabization of the Persian language and the re-writing of history textbooks belittling pre-Islamic Iranian national folk heroes. Lest we forget the “book burning” rituals they initiated to destroy pre-Islamic literature. Who could forget the “innovations” the regime has brought the world in the field of stoning women, suicide bombings, arbitrary executions and public hangings. Hey, cranes used to hang people don’t just test themselves you know.
“For nearly three decades relations between our nations have been strained.”
I’m not completely sure that relations between the Iranian nation and the American nation are strained. There is however substantial “strain” in knees of the American government as it begs for the Islamic Republic to improve ties – even if it comes at the expense of Iranians.
“Within these celebrations lies the promise of a new day, the promise of opportunity for our children, security for our families, progress for our communities, and peace between nations. Those are shared hopes, those are common dreams.”
I’m not sure who he is addressing here. Iranians are leaving by the droves for countries that have some semblance of freedom. There’s no security for Iranians; you can be apprehended without cause and summarily be sentenced to death. If the American president is referring to the children of the clerics, then yes they have plenty of “opportunities” as they buy whatever they please all with Iranian oil money their parents have looted. The children of clerics are also making progress in their communities by means of extortion and racketeering schemes.
“So in this season of new beginnings I would like to speak clearly to Iran’s leaders.”
Interesting when referring to the Islamic Republic, it’s “Iran’s leaders” but when referring to Iranians it’s “the people of the Islamic Republic.”
“You, too, have a choice.”
The “you” the American president is referring to is the Islamic Republic. Iranians have no say – or “choice” in this form of government, and cleric after cleric has made the same point that within a theocracy the sovereign is God, not the people (unlike a democracy).
“The United States wants the Islamic Republic of Iran to take its rightful place in the community of nations. You have that right — but it comes with real responsibilities, and that place cannot be reached through terror or arms, but rather through peaceful actions that demonstrate the true greatness of the Iranian people and civilization.”
Mr. Obama claims that regime cannot find its “rightful place” through terror, but the Islamic Republic has used terror pretty successfully to get the American president to capitulate to its demands. Doesn’t the old American mantra go something like “if it aint broke don’t fix it”? Well why would the Islamic Republic stop using terrorism against Iranians and other states when in fact terrorism has provided the opportunity for the American president to plead for engagement?
“It’s a future with renewed exchanges among our people, and greater opportunities for partnership and commerce.”
Mr. Obama seems to be under the impression that there’s a thriving middle-class in Iran that can readily afford to travel to the US. Iranians are working three jobs just to make ends meet. The only people that can weather the financial costs for travel to the United States are either the rich, who have never had a problem visiting the US to begin with, or regime sponsored programs which will no doubt only choose candidates that share their Islamists ideology. As far as commerce is concerned prior to the drop in oil prices, the Islamic Republic’s revenue was increasing year after year, however Iranians were becoming poorer and poorer.
“It’s a future where the old divisions are overcome, where you and all of your neighbors and the wider world can live in greater security and greater peace.”
The regime will not experience “security” or “peace” until Iranians have it. And seeing as Iranians view the Islamic Republic as an obstacle to “security” and “peace” it goes without saying that the Greater Persian Gulf Region will experience the “stability” and “peace” Mr. Obama is seeking, when Iran is governed by an Iranian government. By supporting the regime’s actions against Iranians, the United States government is clearly saying that in the fight between Iranians and the Islamic Republic, the United States has chosen to side with the theocracy.
“Thank you, and Eid-eh Shoma Mobarak.”
If you’re going to wish Iranians a happy new year, please don’t use Arabic words.
