Tehran gripped by worst rioting since revolution

Independent/UK ^ | 10/27/01 | Nick Pelham in Tehran

[CWOJackson]

Oh yes. Iranians have grown board of their lifestyle. They want microwaves, cell phones, walkmans and dishes.

[ccmay]

I've had the opportunity to meet some really great Iranians over the years and none have fit the stereotype in the minds of many Americans. Lets Roll for the Iranians!

My daughter has two friends who are of Iranian background, or as they prefer to say, Persian. I also had a fraternity brother who was Persian. I have met their families. They are patriotic Americans who hate the hard-line mullahs and hardly ever go to the mosque. My daughter's friend's mother volunteered to work for the FBI even before they put out the request for translators.

Many of the Iranians/Persians in this country lived secular lives under the Shah. When he was overthrown they fled the country. They consider themselves Muslim and are proud of their heritage, but you would be surprised at the hatred they bear for radical Islamicism. As non-Arabs and heirs of an ancient civilized empire, they also have a great deal of contempt for the ignorant, warlike tribes of Arabia.

Once the masses of young people put the mullahs and ayatollahs in their place, Iran will be one of our natural allies and a force for stability in the Persian Gulf region. I think we can trust them a lot more than the wild-eyed Wahhabis of Saudi Arabia.

-ccm

[Eustace]

They fight for Freedom, as Americans accept a police state.

Kind of ironic isn't it.

[jo6pac]

Thanks for the ping.

[carpio]

BUMP/ping

[silmaril]

Thanks, carpio! This IS good news!

[Stultis]

Don't forget -- Turkey invaded Cyprus just under 30 years ago -- 50,000 Greek Cypriots disappeared.

Yeah, but that was nothing compared to the 3,000,000 that disappeared when Pakistan invaded Bangladesh in '71. It's always going to be easier dealing with a generally secular government rationally (even if somewhat ruthlessly) pursuing thier own national interests than one appeasing fired up religious fanatics indoctrined by Arabs half a continent away.

[Abn1508]

"Hooters" are noisemakers like at New Years (Neu (pronounced "No") Ruz) in Iran.

"Sonique" is actually an MP3 player and not, as far as I can determine, a singer.

[TheHound]

In such a large post, I doubt that anyone will read this, but IMPO, this and the fact that the Iranians, Persians, want to be involved in setting up a government in Afganistan, speak well for the future.

[alethia]

The thing that made the Turkey/Cyprus/Greece situation really difficult had to do with the fact that Greece had been an ally -- as had Turkey. From a cultural and religious standpoint, Greece was closer to the US than Turkey. The fact that Turkey was strategically located in a listening post next to Russia (USSR at that time) and the Middle East had a lot to do with the US "looking the other way". Are you aware that the US Navy blocked the Greek military from going into Cyprus to engage the Turks? Greece was on full military alert -- all adult males between the ages of 18 and 58 were called to be ready for military action. My father-in-law, who was 52 at the time, was in Greece with this happened back in '73.

I'm not saying that the Pakistan/Bangladesh situation wasn't terrifically horrendous -- it truly was -- it's effects are still being felt in the region. I'm Greeks felt betrayed by this action and moved closer to the USSR as a result. There was a resurgence in the Communists and Socialists (Pasok) largely due to this action.

[alethia]

Oops -- "I'm Greeks felt betrayed " should be "I'm saying that the Greeks felt betrayed". It's late -- I should go to bed now...

[oldvike]

Thanks for the ping! Sorry it took me so long to get back to you. Great news, indeed.

[reg45]

you can add "Kurds" to your list of non-moslem parts of Iranian society.

also Zoroastrians ...

[piasa]

Iran Deal Collapses: Support for Mideast Terror Jeopardizes Clinton Legacy

[Balata]

Your source is dated 10/16/2000. What's your point?