A sitting with Mashallah Shakri: The Ambassador of Iran
Posted on 27. Jun, 2010 by Jeff in Hot Topics
By Raja G Mujtaba
HE Mashallah Shakri The Ambassador of Iran with the author
On Monday, I was given the time to be at the embassy at 4 PM. I had asked the time to interview the Ambassador of Iran, H.E. Mashallah Shakri therefore I went prepared with my team of cameramen and photographers to cover the event. There was some confusion to the purpose of my visit, the ambassador was of the view that I was making a courtesy call on him as such he was not prepared for the interview thus it was put off to some other date but we did sit and talk for about an hour or so.
During the sitting, many things came up. We covered a wide range of topics but mostly remained confined to Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO), Afghan war and the Philosopher Poet Allama Iqbal who is no doubt the greatest binding force of the present era. If Pakistan can only give him his due place in our scheme of things, Pakistan can truly become a respected country amongst not only the Muslim World but other countries too.
Iran is no ordinary country and Mashallah Shakri is no ordinary person. The Ambassador has lots of wisdom to share. His life and professional experience, his knowledge about various subjects but all can not be covered in one sitting. It would need more meetings and that too not surrounded by official protocols but more like a brother at home.
Mashallah Shakri is a befitting person to represent Iran in a country where he is more than at home and has lot of friends both in the official circles and in public. As it is our belief being a Muslim, that the name of a person does have an effect on his personality and other character traits, it surely is visible here. Seeing him one just feels like calling out Mashallah, all praise be to Allah.
When I referred to Allama Iqbal, the poet philosopher of Pakistan who is equally claimed by Iran, Turkey, Central Asian Republics, Germany and other Muslim countries it struck a chord of unanimity. I could see a spark in his eyes and a
Roshanai, The Ambassador and the author
glow on his face. This chord made him more relaxed and comfortable talking to me. But ironically it hurts me to say that at home of all the people his son, Dr Javed Iqbal is sparing no effort to negate his father who stands much taller even from his grave. Pakistan was obtained through the vision of Iqbal. It is on record that Mr. Jinnah addressing a public meeting said, “If I have to choose between Pakistan and Dr Iqbal, I will go for Iqbal.” This was the vision of the father of the nation about Dr Iqbal but now his son has provided the opportunity to those ungrateful people who want to project their cult leaders in his place that can only be possible if they down play Dr Iqbal and his achievements in the contemporary history. Dr Iqbal’s vision and message of Unity, Khuddi (Philosophy of Self), Negation of Democracy and Nation State are the stumbling blocks in their motives and agendas.
At the University of Heidelberg, Germany, for his PhD. thesis, he was given to write on “The Development of Metaphysics in Persia.” The selection of the topic in itself indicates Dr Iqbal’s deep rooted attachment and affiliation with Persia.
Persia has had very deep historical linkages with the Indus Valley and beyond. Persian also became a known language in Bengal. The Mughal Kings had it as the court language thus it was taught in all places of learning. Those who knew Persian were regarded as men of knowledge and taste; they were also accorded special status in the Royal Courts.
As it goes, seventy five percent of Allama’s works are in Persian therefore Iran owns him as much as we do in Pakistan. If I say that Iran not only owns but also owes him to demonstrate practically the vision where it transcends all frontiers and works a uniting force of the Ummah, it would not be out of context as tribute to that great personality.
When I quoted one verse of the Allama, ‘Fard qaim rabte millat say hai tanha kutch bhee nahee, Mauj daryia main hai beroune daryia kutch bhee nahee,’ meaning that an individual without his roots is insignificant like a wave of water that falls out of the sea or river and dies a sudden death. This verse had a magic effect on the Ambassador thereafter he narrated a couple of verses in Persian that I could not follow to the full but the gist was that we should not be talking as Persians, Turks, Afghans etc. but as Muslims only.
Thereafter he went into more details of my mission, objectives and motives. I told him I have a singular motive, objective and mission i.e. to see the vision of Iqbal seeing its light. It’s realization is the moral obligation of every Muslim, we all should unite and strive to realize what he visualized. Thus in that context, I have chosen to work on (ECO) that comprises of ten Muslim states that are not only contiguous but have all in common. Like the European Union that stands united on Christian culture, ECO could unite on Muslim culture. EU members had fought many wars that drove them blood thirsty for each other’s blood ECO has no such history but all of friendship and brotherhood.
This had the Ambassador moved and offered to do whatever he possibly could to bring about this change.
Of course in its realization, the only real hurdle is the American presence in Afghanistan where not only CIA but Mossad, RAW, MI 6, Blackwater and other such notorious organizations have found a foothold. All these countries namely Israel, India, etc. are sucking America’s blood for their agendas. How far and how long can the US let them breed and grow on her blood only the American people can tell.
These clandestine organizations are responsible for cross border terrorism in the neighbouring countries more so in Pakistan and Iran. The Jundullah attack on the Iranian Check Post is one such example. It was conducted by RAW and Mossad, the involvement of CIA cannot be ruled out, had multiple objectives. One was to sow a seed of distrust and enmity between Iran and Pakistan and the other was to further destablise Pakistan, the only nuclear power that would come to Iran’s help should the Zionist Forces attack her.
The arrest of Riggi who has been executed only recently has divulged lot of information regarding his backers and who all aided him. Since his arrest was in Pakistan’s interest also, besides helping a brotherly Muslim country, Pakistan did whatever possibly she could but never made tall claims about it.
Iran is one such country that takes a strong pride in her civilization and Muslim heritage. This has made her a unique country not only in the Muslim world but the world at large. Her enemies though they see her with hate but do carry a certain respect for her also.
What has made Iran such a unique country is well recorded in history. One needs to study Iran to really find it’s depth in it’s culture and other metaphoric achievements, the extent of the Persian empire during different times in history. I cannot go into the details of history but just a bird’s eye view for an ordinary reader to understand the moorings, and intricacies of its culture, religion and other factors that really shape the destiny of any society; it’s history that enables us to understand the psyche of the people. Without knowing this, we just cannot function or understand a country, its people, culture, temperament and other behavioral traits. The geography too does play some important role in defining the behavioral pattern of a society. For this purpose, I will divide Iranian history in three parts. One is the ancient periods of time that go as far back as the BC era, second is the Shah period and the third is the revolution and post revolution era. All these eras I will sumarise in brief words to keep the paper short.
In ancient times, Iran was called Faris that’s how the language was known as Farsi. Over a period of time, Iran got be known as Persia and the language got to be known as Persian. But this journey of name change is over some centuries. The influence of Iran was so strong that the sea south of it got to be known as Persian Gulf. The Arab states on the south of the Persian Gulf have been attempting to rename it as Arabian Gulf but with no success. To do so is nothing short of historical betrayal and dishonesty. The names that have been associated from times immemorial must continue to be accepted and respected.
Presently the official name of Iran is the Islamic Republic of Iran. Prior to the revolution, it was a symbol of royalty and carried royal touch. Iran is a country that falls in multiple geographical regions but most commonly its taken to be part of Central Eurasia and Western Asia.
The name Iran has been in use natively since the Sassanian era and came into use internationally in 1935, before which the country was widely known as Persia. Both Persia and Iran are used interchangeably in cultural contexts; however, Iran is the name used officially in political contexts. The name Iran is a cognate of Aryan, and means “Land of the Aryans”
The 18th largest country in the world in terms of area at 1,648,195 km², Iran has a population of over 74 million. It is a country of particular geostrategic significance owing to its location in the Middle East and central Eurasia. Iran is bordered on the north by Armenia, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan. As Iran is a littoral state of the Caspian Sea, which is an inland sea and condominium, Kazakhstan and Russia are also Iran’s direct neighbors to the north. Iran is bordered on the east by Afghanistan and Pakistan, on the south by the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, on the west by Iraq and on the northwest by Turkey. Tehran is the capital, the country’s largest city and the political, cultural, commercial and industrial center. Iran is a regional power, and holds an important position in international energy security and world economy as a result of its large reserves of petroleum and natural gas.
Persia/Iran is home to one of the world’s oldest continuous major civilizations. The first Iranian dynasty formed during the Elamite kingdom in 2800 BCE. The Iranian Medes unified Iran into an empire in 625 BCE. They were succeeded by the Iranian Achaemenid Empire, the Hellenic Seleucid Empire and two subsequent Iranian empires, the Parthian and the Sassanid, before the Muslim conquest in 651 CE. Iranian post-Islamic dynasties and empires expanded the Persian language and culture throughout the Iranian plateau. Early Iranian dynasties which re-asserted Iranian independence included the Tahirids, Saffarids, Samanids and Buyids.
The blossoming of Persian literature, philosophy, medicine, astronomy, mathematics and art became major elements of Muslim civilization and started with the Saffarids and Samanids. Iran was once again reunified as an independent state in 1501 by the Safavid dynasty—who promoted Shi’ite Islam as the official religion of their empire, marking one of the most important turning points in the history of Islam.
“Persia’s Constitutional Revolution” established the nation’s first parliament in 1906, within a constitutional monarchy. Iran officially became an Islamic republic on 1 April 1979, following the Iranian Revolution. As Iran was struggling with its revolution, the two super powers aided Saddam Husain to attack Iran. This war was given the colour of Arab war with an effort to draw a deep divide between Arabs and Iran. However Iran stood firm on her feet and fought Iraq for eight years but it galvanized the revolution and further strengthened the state.
Iran is a founding member of the UN, NAM, OIC and OPEC. The political system of Iran, based on the 1979 constitution, comprises several intricately connected governing bodies. The highest state authority is the Supreme Leader. Shia Islam is the official religion and Persian is the official language.
With this brief of history, it becomes clear for the reader to know as to why the Iranians carry so much of pride and are not prepared to accept hegemony of any sort. A civilization that has ruled for a very long time and exported its influence far beyond its borders can never be subjugated.
Raza Shah Pahalavi, the last Iranian king though a Muslim got more into westernization of the Iranian culture and the religious base that was strongly resented by the clergy and the conservative members of the Iranian society. Raza Shah had become very oppressive and a tyrant to strengthen his hold on the throne. His secret service Savak would remove the people in a manner never to be seen again. All this along with some other social injustices, the public got very resentful and found a spiritual leader in Imam Ayatollah khameni. He was the man who was exiled by the Shah who built his following sitting abroad for some period in Iraq and then he shifted to France.
This ouster of Raza Shah should be a good lesson for the ruling class of Pakistan; Musharraf also got a kick for his Enlightened Moderation that was strongly resented and rejected by the conservatives and the clergy. Benazir could never muster a popular support for her westernized ideas and no other leader would ever find a popular support on these issues. Pakistan will have to go by its ideology on the basis of which it was obtained.
The year 1979 was the turning point not only in the history of Iran but that of the region too. Iranian revolution primarily inspired by the message and philosophy of Dr Allama Iqbal spread in the region like a fire. It started to have more profound effect in the Arabian Peninsula with strong ripples in Pakistan. Afghanistan also got its share of the revolutionary ideology from Iran.
These developments made the rulers of the Arabian Peninsula more apprehensive and resentful about Iran. This did push them more in the American camp thinking that America will protect their rule. This analogy may be true for some time but it cannot hold good for indefinite period of time. In the formative days of Iranian revolution, Pakistan also got worried but managed to stabilize after some initial rocking of the boat. Imam Ayotollah Khameni never wanted to destablise other countries but wanted a profound relationship of brotherhood.
Of course an onus lies on Iran to dispel the fears of her neighbours and more so the Arab kingdom/sheikhdoms in the south. At this critical time, when sanctions are being imposed on Iran, it’s in her interest to muster as much trust and confidence as possible. If Iran can display this act of diplomacy, it would certainly be regarded as a very positive step that would go a long way to build that unity of Iqbal.
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39 Responses to “A sitting with Mashallah Shakri: The Ambassador of Iran”
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Mel Rockefeller
27. Jun, 2010
Raja:
Brilliant piece and written from the heart.
Thank you.
Mel:)
nizlabai
28. Jun, 2010
@Mel Rockefeller,
Rick Michigan to California
30. Dec, 2010
Type your comment here…Mel…How've you been?
Christina
28. Jun, 2010
WONDERFUL ARTICLE!
I love reading about Iran especially.
It seems to me that, due to strong, heartfelt prayers, good and wise governments can come to power in Pakistan and Syria, that the four countries of Turkey, Pakistan, Iran and Syria could forge a powerful alliance which no hostile pressure from the usual suspects could put even a dent into!
But I suspect the people of each country are not educated enough about the others. Perhaps divisions rather than commonalities are emphasized instead at times.
When one meets Iranians, one can immediately feel that they are the heirs of a very high civilization which has continued to the present in some form.
They are lovely people and have a great sense of humor too, both of which are purposely overlooked by the Western media in painting them as ogres – !
Unfortunately, Westerners have no curiosity to explore any of the rich past of Iran and all the region from Turkey thru Pakistan, so the negative myths get not just perpetuated but even augmented into the ridiculous stereotypes of today, which extend to all Muslims, very sadly, in the average Western person’s ill-informed eyes.
I was trying to present a realistic picture of Muslims on one website, but gave up, due to the appalling prejudice of most American and Western Christians. They don’t want to learn or hear anything different.
It’s THEIR loss to hold such negative thoughts, which always return to the sender of them in a punishment by Heaven.
Back to this subject, I was going to suggest that at least cultural links be established with Syria too as well as Iran.
Last week, a Syrian dance company gave fabulous performances of a dramatic tale from Syrian and Roman history to rave reviews in both Toronto and Detroit, Michigan.
This reminded me that Syria has this same old civilization – the cities of Ebla, Mari, for example – to take roots from, resulting in very urbane people.
The company, called Enana Dance, does not perform in hijab, so it would not work in the Islamic Republic, otherwise it would be really fun and uplifting. But why not invite them to Islamabad, for example? There is a clip on youtube of 5 of their folkloric performances, such as Sindbad, Julia Domna, and themes spanning the entire Middle East region. The dress is mostly modest and the performances dazzling, with spectacular and evocative sets.
As an American, I can see how much Muslims have been made to feel ashamed due to all this unrelenting condemnation by officialdom and the horrendously biased media accounts.
Even as a start, to make Muslims feel proud of their strong and remarkable heritage would be very healing.
That condemnation issued by the world powers of today HAS to have an affect especially when pounded in over years and years.
The Muslims especially with this unbelievably rich tradition of the Persian and Sufi poets, the great thinkers like Avicenna, who were amazing geniuses, need to remember this more and have it come alive, not just study in school.
I suggest such dramatic performances and other cultural events – not atrociously ugly “modern art” – but classical music, art, from their own traditions. That’s probably why I felt that dance company’s performance was so invigorating. The Syrians in the audience were waving their flags, etc.
Which just shows us how oppressed all these people feel living in a rather unfriendly environment of the West – or under a govt. under Western control/influence.
It’s unhealthy for the psyche and soul!
Sorry this is too long maybe.
Raja Mujtaba
28. Jun, 2010
@Christina, Thank you Christina. when the thoughts flow from the heart pen does not stop. I not only enjoyed reading your comment but learnt from it too. I have started this as a series of interviewsof the Ambassadorss. Would like to do one a week but all would depend on the availability of time with them. The purpose is to build a chain and inform the West about the rich heritage of the Muslim world.
Gregory Fegel
02. Jul, 2010
Thanks, Christina, for your support for the people of Iran and its neighbors in the region.
Mansoor Malik
28. Jun, 2010
Indeed a very thought provoking article which not only covers the histrionics of Persia but also dwells on the futuristic side of it. The real balance of power of the Muslim World projected at the global level would be determined by the inter relationship of Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan with their Central Asian linkage. Along with the ECO framework, we have to link it up with the Developing Eight Muslim Countries i.e. Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Bangla Desh, Egypt and Nigeria to make OIC more effective and have its opinion listened to by world powers. This may not be possible in our life time but we can help lay down its foundations for the next generation to pick up from.
Yasmeen Ali
28. Jun, 2010
Thank you for a very interesting read.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this with my early morning cup of tea!
Allama Iqbal served as bridge among the people of Iran and the subcontinent. The people of Pakistan and Iran share his philosophy and thoughts. A large number of Iranian scholars have written on the message arid philosophy of Allama Iqbal. Iqbal’s poetic works are written mostly in Persian rather than Urdu. Among his 12,000 verses of poem, about 7,000 verses are in Persian.
Personally
I feel there is nothing wrong with being mordenised. but the Iran under the last Shah was way beyond that.Without going into the Iran of THAT day, let us focus on the Iran of today.
Iran treads a delicate path with USA. Without touching upon in detail about the reasons and the background, which I am positive all do know, U.S. and European officials in charge of efforts to tighten sanctions against Iran have expressed new concerns that China is quietly positioning itself to undermine the latest measures.In the last two weeks, the United States and the European Union imposed new sanctions to pressure Tehran to curtail its nuclear program. The measures, which augment United Nations sanctions adopted this month, aim to discourage international investment in Iran, particularly its energy sector.
The concerns point to the possibility that new unilateral sanctions approved by the Obama administration and its European allies could, in effect, backfire by putting Western firms at a disadvantage while benefiting China and failing to affect Iran’s nuclear program.
I may or may not support Iran in her endevaours but I admire her leadership for having spine.
Few countries would face that on a consistent basis from a superpower!
Best
Yasmeen Ali
Raja Mujtaba
28. Jun, 2010
@Yasmeen Ali,Thank you Yasmeen,modernisation is one thing and westernisation is yet another. Former is to do with science and technology where as the later is do with culture and social behaviours.
pharmacy tech
28. Jun, 2010
Great information! I?ve been looking for something like this for a while now. Thanks!
Admiral I A Sirohey
28. Jun, 2010
To Raja G Mujtaba
May you succeed in the realisation of your aim of binding the ECO with Iqbal’s Glue.
Dr. Shahid Qayyum
28. Jun, 2010
Very interesting article. Wonderful piece of work. Kudos for this monumental effort.
Dr. Shahid Qayyum.
NIZLABAI
28. Jun, 2010
CONGRATS RAJA YOU ARE BORN A WRITER
THANKS FOR WRITING SUCH A WONDERFUL HISTORY ON IRAN,AS MY ANCESTOR CAME FROM IRAN IT WAS A PLEASUR TO GO ACROSS ALL THESE LINES TO KNOW MORE ABOUT IRAN,PLZ CONTINUE IN YOUR SEARCH EVERYWHERE POSSIBLE FOR YOU
KEEP IT UP ILL MAKE A MUST TO READ ALL YOUR ARTICLES
NIZLABAI
FROM MAURITIUS
khurrum
28. Jun, 2010
Iran ambassodor had said that pakistan was not helpful in Regi arrest on exprees tv to Shahid .
it says a lot about dubious role of pakistan vis vis Iran and being american poodle.
we are amercan tool as noam chomisky calls us client state of america and i believe it.
without pakistan america is toothless in asia that is reason it asking india to join who did after 1999 after musharaff kargill on behest of america that changed india from non aligned neutral to pro american.
now it has spent 2 billion dollars on roads in afghanistan and iran
can we match it with just iqbals poetry ?
Arab states are poodles and slaves of america even king of theses are made in washington
so to call for Eco or muslim unity especially lead by pakistan is living in fools paradise just za bhuto did by paying for his life by his country men and muslims !!!!!
57 countries of useless crap called muslims who could not raise thier voices against gaza ,iraq ,afghanistan and sudan as they are afraid of israel and its pet america!!!!!!
I think we should make pak as secular country that would be better as it was made by secular people too.
Raja Mujtaba
28. Jun, 2010
@khurrum, Thank you Mr Khurram. One must take a proper approach when dealing with foreign dignitaries. If you offend them then do not expect cool answers.
I know we are in a mess and we have to take it out from there.
Tanvir Ahmed Siddiqui
28. Jun, 2010
@khurrum, @KHURRUM..wish i could explicit here the real reasons of your slurring bitterness hate and dejection about PAKISTAN..I don’t know what Passport u carry but must not be green if i am not wrong..may be red or blue or mix of both…i am afraid we are also not free from grave concerns on the subject items u have highlighted in your lines. For Things about our own country and leaders that I sometimes wake up in the midnight and sweat to think of. But despite hundreds of imperfections and heart rendering failures we the holders of only a Green Passport still value & weigh high those thousands of Perfections and Heart throbbing successes to live and die for..My friend Our conviction is crystal clear and absolutely un hazy.. thank for your end-line suggestion but most of us already know it very well who and how this country was made and for what it came into being..As of now I can only tell u One thing ” We are the Civilization They are Frightened to Defend” My friend the way you are fueled with bitterness. For your happiness You have all the right & reason to portray your thoughts and opinion but You have no right to shed hate on those who totally disagree your utterances.
Shaukat Qureshi
28. Jun, 2010
Dear Raja Sb
Thank you for yet another enlightening article of great depth & breadth.
During my many years in UK and other parts of the world, I met & made good friends with lots of Iranian people. Without a doubt, the majority of Iranians that I know are extremely warm, friendly and amiable people. In addition there is absolutely no question of hostility to any citizens of the world; they are a very peaceful people indeed.
Recent animosity from Nato/Israel towards Iran is pure hype in trying to create yet another booga-booga ‘enemy’ that has lots resouces such as oil & gas. Yet another case of ‘demonise to colonise’. Imperial greed has absolutely no limits and neither does imperial horror delivered upon the world.
Anyway, please keep up the good work of peace, justice & human rights.
Best wishes
Shaukat
nizlabai
29. Jun, 2010
Raja Sahab
i left a comment on your article and i must add if you dont mind that SHAH PALLAVI WAS EXILED AND CAME TO MAURITIUS OUR ISLAND AND THAT IS HOW THE GRANDAD OF MY MUM CAME FOR HE KNEW FARSI AND ENGLISH AND WAS AN INTERPRETOR BETWEEN SHAH OF IRAN AND MAURITIAN PEOPLE THEY WERE STAYING IN THE DISTRICT OF MOKA A PLACE CALLED MONT ORY
SORRY TO ADD THIS INFO BUT I WISH U BEST OF LUCK IN YOUR SEARCH MAY ALLAH HELP YOU IN YOUR TASK
ALLAH HAFIZ
NIZLABAI OF MAURITIUS
naveed tajammal
29. Jun, 2010
well said raja sb, iran must join us in the ECO union,that is the future for her and the rest.
RAJA MUJTABA: A SITTING WITH THE AMBASSADOR OF IRAN : Veterans Today
29. Jun, 2010
[...] June 29, 2010 posted by Gordon Duff · Leave a Comment ShareA sitting with Mashallah Shakri: The Ambassador of Iran [...]
RAJA MUJTABA: A SITTING WITH THE AMBASSADOR OF IRAN : Veterans Today
29. Jun, 2010
[...] June 29, 2010 posted by Gordon Duff · Leave a Comment ShareA sitting with Mashallah Shakri: The Ambassador of Iran [...]
Fayyaz Shah
30. Jun, 2010
Raja sahib thank you for highlighting the most crucial subject. I wish Pakistan would start playing a positive mediating role between the US and Iran which is probably the only option left to shut the Pandora Box once and for all. The hotheadedness of Iran’s foreign policy can be cooled by the Glaciers of Pakistan (Opinion Makers)- Enough of this Shia versus Sunni nonsense.
Dr Khan
30. Jun, 2010
Dear Raja
I appreciate your Constructive thoughts for the cause of Muslim Ummah. Let’s hope that we learn from the historical facts. Iran-Pakistan and Afghanistan forming the South West Asia, must be united to Thwart any global threat in the future.
This unity of interests would promote a unity among the members of ECO in the days to come. Till date, we are playing in the hands of enemies at indual level. Let’s recognize our collective friends and foes, before, it is too late.
My compliments once again.
Dr. Khan
sylvia t villalobos
01. Jul, 2010
Historically loaded article and writing style on a very personal level, you can feel the writers? conviction and sense of brotherhood, just candid, straightforward article free from verbose pomposity. Reading this i can clearly recall how the Last Shah of Iran fell and lost his power, how the west and European countries manipulated and imposed their political -economic machinations over Iran. In the late 19th century Iran became a new ground for competition in the ?Great Game? between Britain and Russia for geo-strategic control of Asia.Reza Shah sought to modernize Iran by take hold of the economy.Irans turbulent past and significant shift from westernization into a religious base state, is something to reckon with. It was a goal which signified the genuine decolonization of Iran, and an ideal indivisible from the consolidation of constitutionalism and western modernization. Iran?s proclaimed ant-imperialist policy: influenced by the revolution, can be found in Articles 3 and 52 of the constitution. These articles express a disdain of imperialism and foreign influence. Article 52 states:
The foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran is based upon the rejection of all forms of domination, both the exertion of it and submission to it, the preservation of the independence of the country in all respects and its territorial integrity, the defence of the rights of Muslims, non-alignment with respect to the hegemonist superpowers, and the maintenance of mutually peaceful relations with all non-belligerent states..
Iran is one of the few countries in the region that is not diplomatically, militarily, nor financially dependent on the West and especially the United States. Several states in the Middle East revered Iran for its autonomy from the United States and that Iran has not submitted to pressure from the West. For those who are deterred by Western imperialism, Iran?s socio-economic and religious-political behaviour over the last few years are considered exemplary.
Maidhc ? Cathail
02. Jul, 2010
Thanks for sharing your vision, Raja. The much-needed ECO idea reminded me of the Irish proverb “N? neart go cur le ch?ile,” which translates as “There is no strength without unity.”
tortuga
02. Jul, 2010
…please note that the deposed Shah was Mohammad Reza Pahlavi…not to be mistaken for his Father Reza Pahlavi.
Chad
02. Jul, 2010
I admire this article as well, and think the author has an interesting goal: to interview the various ambassadors. But … I have fear and dread if I consider that I could be born into a “culture” or “religion”. All the religions teach not to be so worldly, yet all religious people cling to the worldly things such as “culture” and “religion”, and even murder over such things. Very illogical. If I consider myself a soul to be born into the world, I want to be born independent, gathering the knowledge that will best afford me a life that I see fit to live. I do not want to be born into a society which imprisons minds along “cultural” or “religious” lines with tactics of fear and indoctrinations. That is not freedom, and without freedom, a soul is impeded in its development. Why is it not enough to simply “do unto others, as you wish them to do unto you” ? Is that deficient in some way? Is that not enough to live by in this world?
Chad
02. Jul, 2010
“There is no strength without unity.” This exemplifies the worry I have, even if I read such nice articles as above. MOB RULE will never afford peaceful evolution in this world. People love such thoughts and phrases, as most humans seem to find comfort within a mob/gang or whatever community they find security in. But in the end, only freedom and individual independence can promote peaceful evolution. The great religious figures say to serve God/Allah, in your heart, not the systems of man. But nobody listens, they love the comfort within their mob/gang better than the security found with a heart primarily in personal service to only God/Allah.
Tom
02. Jul, 2010
A very illuminating article. I must research Allam Iqbal.
Iran and its people are an example of what humanity is capable of, in what really matters, as opposed to what Western countries have become, under certain influences.
It is sad to think of the possibility that the Western threats and potential destruction will be based on removing this last example of what we can be, as has been done systematically around the world. And, as usual, it will be characterized in reverse, that the heros are destroying the villians to civilization.
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02. Jul, 2010
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Christina
04. Jul, 2010
That’s so nice of you to say, Gregory, thank you very much!
I believe firmly in the goodness of ALL these people, which is based on very deep and ancient spiritual roots of wisdom.
I traveled purely for my own cultural interest through, from West to East: Turkey, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, all over Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Kashgar. – all these countries to speak with people, see life and especially to visit all the holy shrines. Even the obscure shrine of Sheikh Adi in the north of Iraq didn’t get left out!
About Iran, I actually wrote a long series of articles in The Christian Science Monitor back in the 1980s which explained how I was treated an American visitor: unbelievably nicely !
Also giving insight into the situation there and show the positives instead of treating the Islamic Republic as poison. It’s a ridiculous approach rooted in darkness.
With the exception of allusions to the Iran-Iraq War, I feel sure most of it is quite current as a picture of life there today.
If anyone is interested, it can be found in their online archives using Advanced Search. You may need the titles of the articles.
I may post a few of the articles here or save for a future Iran article. I could give the titles if readers would like to go over them and hear my experiences as an American who, traveling completely by herself, trustingly chose to believe the BEST about Iranians as a people. I paid zero attention the US media’s perennially sour assessments
This paid off, for I had one of the most incredible experiences of my life as a result of listening to my own feelings rather than to anyone else, even the PIA stewardess who regularly flew to Teheran, as you will see!
What I learned was never to listen to “people” who, no matter how well-meaning, are too often used by the dark side as instruments to squash a very good endeavor. Even by revealing the idea to most everybody, sabotage to your project can result, due to their thoughts or words predicting one’s failure or doom.
Better to tell NO ONE your plans, or only a few you are sure you can completely trust.
I learned through my travels in the region that it’s wisest to trust rather only in God’s help [ and of course keep your camel tied as the famous saying goes ! ]
Never rely on humans but ask for the Angels to help a person or entire countries who are facing difficulties. And for them to bring about Heaven’s solutions to whatever problem exists,
A Haque
04. Jul, 2010
Dear Raja,
Assalamoalaikum.
I enjoyed reading your article on the interview with the Ambassador of Iran. I gather it was in Pakistan?
I whole-heartedly agree with what has been said here:
Ambassador thereafter he narrated a couple of verses in Persian that I could not follow to the full but the gist was that we should not be talking as Persians, Turks, Afghans etc. but as Muslims only.
It?s realization is the moral obligation of every Muslim, we all should unite and strive to realize what he visualized.
Like the European Union that stands united on Christian culture, ECO could unite on Muslim culture. EU members had fought many wars that drove them blood thirsty for each other?s blood ECO has no such history but all of friendship and brotherhood.
Imam Ayotollah Khameni never wanted to destablise other countries but wanted a profound relationship of brotherhood.
I am writing a booklet for a site I have here:
http://www.thespiritualun.org/
It will make the common ground for all the religions and nationalities to come together and further our Humanity — with the objective of making war totally obsolete. It even has a chapter on the similarities of the founding principles of America and Islam where it could be easily concluded that America is the new Islam (if of course, the founding principles are followed, which of course they are not).
At the same time, as Islam created an ethic and a way for the Brotherhood of Man than enabled all to transcend their nationality — and so to be “Muslim” — so did the founding principles of America — which enabled the same identical concept that enabled all to be “American.” When we grasp both ideas fully and follow their blueprints — “Muslim” and “American” can become interchangeable.
However, since Zionism has now fully hijacked America (and eating it from the inside out) it has taken America off its Founding principles and course, and at the same time, waiting in a blood thirsty way I might add to make war on Iran — the aim of which no doubt is to destroy another ancient and great civilization of Humanity.
The above website is to counteract the destruction of the Zionists through a spiritual pathway of the whole of Humanity. However, what is different with The Spiritual UN to what you are proposing/pursuing is that it is not a structure for a state level, but through the heart of Humanity. It is to make our common foundation and progress ourselves in the knowledge and work of ALL — including the indigenous people who have a lot to offer through our evolutionary potential with the Planet that can be seen to lead into the work and visionary insights of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin for the evolution of Humanity and the Planet as a whole.
If the common ground is laid through The Spiritual UN, then no doubt other structures of unity, such as yours can form on solid ground — without it not ever having to be lost (through sabotage, etc.). This is what I believe is meant when Islam says, “Build light upon light.”
I have always admired the moral fortitude and truth in the President of Iran’s speeches at the UN — and am always eager to read the next! I am also taken with their bravery, courage and wits to fend off the circling predators of their country — since BP went in there and stole their own resources:
http://www.truth-out.org/bp-gulf-the-persian-gulf60888
My heart and prayers are with the protection and preservation of Iran as it seeks the good of Humanity.
Edmund Burke said, “when bad men combine, the good must associate.”
What I am proposing here is that we make some sort of an association. I would like HE Shakri to be aware of The Spiritual UN and its proposed work. In comparison to the present UN it can be seen as simply the gentler and purer one (informal) that can lay the foundation and work of real unity for the Human Race. And of course, a space and place where the vision and message of the Philosopher Poet Allama Iqbal can be kept to its true colors.
There is a lot that can be done for our common interests in the forward progression, preservation and uplift of the whole of Humanity.
I look forward to hearing from you.
With best regards,
A Haq
Ahmed Quraishi
06. Jul, 2010
When it comes to Iran, I have a mixed bag of feelings and truths as a Pakistani.
It is a fact that after 1979, Pakistan faced the prospect of an Iranian government bent on exporting its version of revolution to adjoining countries, including Pakistan.
When the neighboring countries said no thank you, Iran’s government at the time resorted to exploiting and politicizing the Shia minorities in those countries.
Of course no one likes it if an outsider tries to interfere and meddle in your own house under whatever pretexts.
I am saying this knowing that I have deep and abiding respect for Iran and the Iranian people who were the first in the region to embrace an independent Pakistan in 1947 and stood by us in all the wars of aggression that were imposed on us afterwards.
What Pakistani can forget Shah Reza Pahlavi’s principled stand with Pakistan in the 1956, 1965 and 1971 wars?
But this changed after 1979 not because of the Iranian people but because of a few revolutionaries who came to power with a set of political and religious biases.
After 1979, it was disappointing to see Iran move closer to India, for no reason except to antagonize Pakistan for being pro-US. Of course the new rulers of Iran had the right to like or dislike America but their attitude toward Pakistan was not good, to say the least.
In this context, I can understand why some elements in the Pakistani establishment might have opted to help the Americans carry out their Jundullah drama.
For Pakistan or for some quarters in our intelligence agencies to condone this was utterly stupid. And I can’t accept it knowing the kind of mess the Americans have created for us in the region, not to mention how this Pakistani act will reverberate in our future ties with Iran. But I can imagine and partially understand the kinds of discussions that might have taken place before deciding to directly or indirectly allow the Americans to play their Jundullah drama against Iran on Pakistani soil.
The thing is that in some corners in Islamabad, there is a lingering suspicion that Iran will stab us in the back some day, and that this is not the same Iran that was under Shah Reza Pahlavi, who might have been a tyrant and a bad guy but he was good to Pakistan.
This is a basic problem that Iran’s policy analysts dealing with Pakistan will have to understand. Pakistani officials and analysts should also politely make their Iranian counterparts understand this basic Pakistani concern toward Iran.
And I am sure our Iranian brothers will have their own legitimate set of grievances against Pakistan. But let’s remember where it all began: 1979.
Understanding this is important for both countries. Otherwise, third countries will continue using Iran and Pakistan against one another.
zoibana
16. Jul, 2010
it was very interesting to read.
I want to quote your post in my blog. It can?
And you et an account on Twitter?
Syed Feroz Shah
24. Jul, 2010
Iran was the first country who did accept Pakistan in 1947.The Government of Pakistan should address all the grievances of Iran.I love Iran and Iranian people.
Pak-Iran Friendship Zindabad………
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It was an insightful and elaborate story on Iran’s developments. The roots of social, political transformations which Iran underwent during its long history of existence have been discussed in details. To those who don’t have much information about Iran, its cultural connections to Pakistan and its role in the Middle East region, it’s an informative and beneficial story. Keep up with the good job
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