Posted on 11/23/2003 8:37:10 AM PST by Ardavan Bahrami
Axis of Angels Ardavan Bahrami November 23, 2003
Following the recent terrorist attacks in Istanbul, a Turkish politician stated that; such behaviour will bring Turkey even closer to the European Union, the United States and Israel. As a matter of fact a team of anti-terrorist experts have arrived from Israel.
I have always admired and respected the Turks. They are, if not the most, definitely one of the most patriotic people I have ever seen. Since the foundation of the modern Turkish republic in 1920s, Turkey has strongly attached herself to the essence of Kemal Ataturks doctrine. Though at times under threat from Kurdish separatists and Armenian terrorists as well as experiencing interferences from religious fanatics (the latter mainly supported, financed and trained by the Islamic regime of Tehran), Turkey has always reiterated the principles introduced by the founder of the republic. That is to remain a modern, pro-Western and a totally secular republic. By adhering to these principles Turkey has successfully managed to separate religion from the state.
The secret to Turkeys triumph is in its uncompromising devotion to Ataturks vision and its uninterrupted continuation in his footsteps for almost eighty years. This has created a school of thought that through generations has forged ideals for her people to follow, value and defend. Fixed ideals, goals and principles are the necessary ingredients for any project or campaign to succeed. This particularly applies to politics.
Iranian nationalists and various political groups have been redefining themselves since the beginning of our exile in the late seventies. Though adjustments are vital tools of any government in order to keep up with global changes and human advancements, redefinition of ones political campaign or lack of it will only confuse and over a period of time exhausts its followers.
Even today our political leaders who have the Islamic regime as their common enemy have not managed to present a clear manifesto for our future goals and desires as for when and if they come to power. In order to win peoples heart we need to be honest with them. If we believe in our unique national identity in that region and continue our struggle to create a fully secular regime irrespective of its form (republic or parliamentary monarchy), and desire a country with its foundations moulded in nationalism and patriotism; we need to establish our relations with those with common interests in the Middle East and commence our work and cooperation with other free nations to create a better and stable region.
The European Union has proved over and over in its behaviour that its sole interests and objectives are to gain as many lucrative commercial deals as possible with the protectors and financiers of international terrorism. In this race the EU has created obstacles and delays for the United States fight against global terrorism. The EU has openly established trade relations with the Islamic regime in order to assert its presence in the Middle East as well as with the newly established energy-producing Central Asian countries. The winners, at least up until now have been the European countries and the Ayatollahs. The losers in this strife are the Iranian nation and the United States who are paying the highest price in this battle against an international terrorism skilfully supported by the EU.
In a visit to the United Kingdom the Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon tried to persuade Britain to do more to cut off European support to the three main Palestinian militant groups Hamas, Islamic Jihad and the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade responsible for attacks in Israel. (The Guardian, Wen. July 16, 2003)
The Guardian continues: During his dinner with Mr Blair, Mr Sharon reiterated his complaint that money from the EU was finding its way into the hands of militants to buy weapons.
It is extremely interesting that on one side, the British government in particular shows its support as a staunch ally of the United States and on the other hand deals with members of Axis of Evil and various terrorist organizations. On this crusade the British, German and the French as the main European powers have gained the most lucrative business deals with the Islamic Republic of Iran. To a level that makes one wonder that their disappointment with the IR over nuclear developments is only due to the fact that Russians and not British, French or German companies are the providers of nuclear technology to the Islamic regime. The French support for Iraq and their disagreement with the Iraqi Liberation campaign combined with long-standing German financial support for the mullahs in Tehran and the British appetite for cheap oil in the past quarter of a century makes them, the Real Axis of Evil.
In such global mayhem, Iranian opposition to the anti-democratic regime of Islamic rulers in Tehran must engage in full cooperation with the US administration and with the Israeli government. It is crucial for the Iranian nations sake that we establish communication channels and create a network of collaboration with the American government to keep them aware of our nations democratic aspirations.
On the Israeli front, the Iranian nations aspirations for peace and progress as well as security and development in our two countries are similar. A strong, democratic and a secular Iran will not only obliterate the concept of Islamic fanaticism - born out of the Islamic revolution of 1979, but also guarantee and safeguard peace and harmony in the Middle East. This can only be achieved if Iranians living in the diaspora work together with the Israeli government, the Jewish lobbyists in Washington and the American government to counter balance the European efforts to keep undemocratic regimes in power.
I have always said that we, secularists and pro-democracy campaigners, have only one ally in the region and that is the state of Israel. Arab states and Pakistan will never be true allies or partners for Iran. If we are serious about establishing a secular and democratic government for the future of Iran, then we must stop this pointless policy of trying to keep everyone happy! Hence lets ignore the EUs financial aspirations and wit at the table with those who really want a democratic Iran.
In an interview a few days ago on C-SPAN with HIM Reza Pahlavi, a caller accused him of allegedly having met Israeli officials and Jewish lobbyists in Washington. As a political activist and a pro-democracy campaigner I hope this is true. I believe we have the right to establish our ties with governments who share the same interests in the region, particularly if that is the only democracy in the Middle East.
Once the tyrants of Qom have been vanquished; Iran, Israel and India need to create an "Axis of Angels" in order to promote cooperation, cultural exchanges as well as safeguarding stability and peace in the Middle East and ultimately in the Indian Ocean. Of course Irans relationship with her neighbours and all democracies in the world would be one of mutual respect and constructive engagement, but we must recognize our friends, establish contacts, work towards our mutual interests and strive to achieve them now.
The European Unions flirtation with members of the Axis of Evil is a known fact and it delays the establishment of democracies in the region. The Islamic Republic is against peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Its leaders have spoken of their intention to "annihilate" Israel once they acquire nuclear capabilities, while the European Union is collaborating with Tehrans regime to portray a rosy picture of those allegedly reformists as victims of a group of hard-line ayatollahs.
Today we have Axis of Evil and European Union working hand in hand against the United States, Israel and pro-democracy people of Iran.
That would be refreshing!
Which part did I miss? I sure didn't miss the part about Britain being part of the "Real Axis of Evil." Yes, he likes the US, as I said in my original post, and also Israel and India. And yes, he is in opposition to the current Iranian regime.
My initial points were correct and valid. Everyone has someone different to pick on in the Middle East, for this guy to put Britain in an "Axis of Evil" is ridiculous.
I would say that Mr. Bahrami knows quite a bit more of the history of that region than either of the two of you.
It was the British who delivered unto us Saudi Arabia, and its pact with the Wahhabis, in exchange for cheap oil; and its role in the dramas of the Middle East since WWI. In the decade of the 90s, Britain was among those cutting deals with the Ayatollahs, in the face of U.S. calls and pleadings for sanctions.
Two excellent books which detail the role Britain played in the Middle East: The Secret War Against the Jews by John Loftus which gives a history of the establishment and guaranteeing of the Saudi Family in exchange for oil development rights (including the transfer of this commitment to the U.S. via the Dulles brothers in the 1950s and all the associated anti-Semeticism that was at the root of it); and The Peace to End All Peace : The Fall of the Ottoman Empire and the Creation of the Modern Middle East by David Fromkin which describes the disposal of the territories of the Ottoman Empire at the end of WWI and the secret machinations among the European allies which resulted in the muddled mess in that region now.
This provides a vision of hope for that area of the world.
Yes, Axis of Angels: the leadership of democracies in guaranteeing security is what is needed.
And how excellent that it is derived from a common value of democracy and liberty, rather than ethnicity !
Yes, democratic Iranians, Indians, Israelis and Americans committing to making and keeping the peace is a great formula for the 21st Century!
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