Shahriar’s newest artwork is from a  series called “The Truth behind the persecution.” This is an interview sound artwork about Human Rights violations against the Baha’is in Iran.

Shahriar’s most recently exhibited his artwork in an international show in Poznan, Poland in March 2009. The exhibition titled “STAND-UP Art about Human Rights”, focused on human rights through art. It reflected the growing need for acceptance of, and respect for diversity, dialogue and social engagement. The show comprised the work of 11 artists and activists from different countries, societies and cultures. More information about the STAND UP exhibition can be found at:
http://hrart.wordpress.com/category/stand-up-artists/

So what has happened since the launch?

To date, we’ve received well over 400 submissions from all corners of the globe: from Canada, El Salvador, Ghana, Bermuda, Australia, Germany, Ethiopia, Slovenia, Afghanistan and many others.

A large number of those who submitted postcards chose to send “Postcards of Concern” to the Iranian Head of the Judiciary or the permanent mission of Iran to the UN.

But even more chose to send “Postcards of Support” to prisoners in the notorious Evin prison. Detained bloggers, women’s activists and student activists received messages of support, reassuring them that the world is aware of their plight and wishing for their safety. But a majority of the postcards were sent to the 7 Baha’i leaders in Evin, who have been imprisoned for over a year now under preposterous charges.

Reactions to the campaign have been overwhelmingly positive (and inevitably, it was also accused of being a “Zionist plot” led by the “evil Shirin Ebadi), and three days after its launch, it was featured on the front page of the Jerusalem Post.

We’re all truly gladdened by the success the campaign has met with so far. Had we chosen to pursue the “traditional” route and launch an online petition or requested people to send letters of appeal, we’re fairly certain that fewer individuals would have chosen to participate.

In fact, we believe that the strength of the “Postcards for Iran” campaign derives from the fact that it draws the benefits of both online and offline activism.

Unfortunately, after sending out our 300th card, we had to temporarily suspend the mailing out process. We promised participants that we would ensure their cards are printed, stamped and mailed to their destination of choice, and so we have! But that process requires money.

The postcards campaign is extremely important to us, but so is paying our server fees, so are our commitments to bloggers and activists whose projects we promised to sponsor, and so is the maintenance of our current projects.

We wish to thank all those who have contributed to date, but they’ve covered only a fraction of the total amount.

We need your help in order to keep the campaign alive and running. Every $50 we receive helps us cover the cost of mailing out 25 postcards.

If unchecked, the Iranian government will continue with its wave of repression, and i’ts incumbent upon the international community to support the citizens of Iran in their struggle for freedom.

The Campaign
To stand in solidarity with our fellow citizens in Iran, and to call on the Iranian government to uphold its commitment to protecting the rights of its citizens, Mideast Youth is launching a new campaign – “Postcards for Iran“. As the name suggests, the “Postcards for Iran” campaign involves sending Iranian officials hundreds of postcards, urging them to bring an end to the violations occurring within Iran.

But it’s not only the Iranian authorities that we seek to address through the campaign, but imprisoned prisoners of conscience as well. We wish to send them a message that we are aware of their plight and supports them in their struggle.

Combined with pressure from governments and human rights bodies and unabated media attention, grassroots initiatives such as “Postcards for Iran” have proven to be effective in . Furthermore, former detainees have testified that prisoners receiving mail received better treatment, as authorities were aware that the world is monitoring their situation.

Get Involved
You can send a postcard in three easy steps:

And that’s it! We will take it from there and ensure that your postcard is printed, stamped and sent to your chosen destination.

Please take the time to send a Postcard for Iran and invite others to.

In order to confront these allegations, 18 year old Adib Masumian wrote a book titled, “Debunking the Myths” in which he analyzes and refutes the accusations made against the Baha’i Faith. Adib kindly consented to an interview on the claims made against Baha’is, and how he addresses them in his book.

What sparked you into writing “Debunking the Myths”?

I had been noticing an increasing number of Muslims on the Internet stating that the Bahá’í Faith was a creation of the Russians and, more than anything else, that we were Zionists. This was about a year ago and I hadn’t done research on this subject, but I still knew that these claims were totally false. I wanted to refute those errors with evidence because the idea that we were a secretly Israeli or Russian movement came across as absolutely ridiculous to me.

So the first thing I did was look for a paper on the subject by a Bahá’í scholar. I ended up finding a 6-page essay by Dr. Moojan Momen, a great scholar and historian, through a friend. It’s entitled Conspiracies and Forgeries: the attack upon the Baha’i community in Iran and it originally appeared in a journal known as Persian Heritage. It was very concise and did a great job analyzing the inconsistencies of the claims, but I really wanted something bigger than 6 pages so that I could educate myself further and then share whatever I glean from my studies with others. But to my surprise, I couldn’t find anything bigger than Dr. Momen’s paper.

That’s what inspired me to use elements of his paper as well as conduct some research on my own and create a Wikipedia article that eventually became my book, Debunking the Myths. I wanted there to be a work that assessed the historical nature of the most prevalent claims leveled against the Baha’is, and that’s basically why I wrote it.

When it comes to discourse against the Baha’i Faith within Muslim circles, much of the criticism is not directed towards its core tenets, but rather to its supposed ties to foreign powers. How effective has that argument been in causing fear and mistrust of Baha’is?

Well, not as effective as one would think given the degree of emphasis the Iranian government places on our alleged historical ties. A significant majority might have believed these supposed ties prior to the Iranian Revolution in 1979, but the advent of the Islamic republic led to over a couple million people fleeing Iran to this day. Those expatriates have generally discovered the truth for themselves since they no longer had the falsehoods of the influential mullahs on their backs. I am also sure that many people currently living in Iran don’t believe these theories either as a lot of Iranians have grown tired of and even angry with their government over the years and this has led to widespread mistrust between the government and the people they govern. But of course, there are always the uneducated ones who continue to believe the words of the mullahs, and they are generally poor and don’t have the means to receive news through any other source but the clerics.

In the West, however, I’m positive that this nonsense has more or less lost its value, but it is still held valid by some Iranians. I think that’s why Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís alike should know the full background behind their charges.

The accusations that Baha’is engage in espionage activities did not spring out of a vacuum. What factors led to their coming into being and being so widely believed?

Well we are a post-Islamic religion that was conceived in an Islamic society, so I would think that these accusations were one way to dehumanize us and eliminate a perceived “threat” to national security and stability. Just stating that we were infidels might not have been sufficient; influential clerics in Iran would need some more substance to their claims. As a result, I think this drove them to pursue something more tangible than theology, and that’s history. By fabricating their own history and using it against us in this light, the mullahs created claims that could appeal to those who weren’t even attached to a conservative Islamic ideology.

So now that this method had been devised, they began preaching these lies from their pulpits and newspapers to the masses all across Iran. One notable incident involves a cleric by the name of Falsafi. During Ramadan of 1955, Falsafi held “radio sermons” which were filled with slander against the Bahá’ís. Allegations of involvement with foreign powers also became a part of his sermons. I think these sermons became hammered into peoples’ heads and they were passed on for a couple of generations; but as I said earlier, I think this tactic is thankfully beginning to fade away due to an increase in independent investigation of truth. I’m hopeful that my book will also contribute to that process.

Baha’is are mainly accused of serving the interests of three groups: the Russians, the British and the Zionists. Let’s start with Russians. The accusations are built on a book titled “Memoirs of Prince Dolgorukov”. Tell us more about this book.

The Memoirs of Prince Dolgorukov are supposed to be the recollections of a certain Prince Dolgorukov, who served as the Russian ambassador to Persia from 1846 to 1854. But from the very beginning, it is painfully obvious that this was a poorly-crafted forgery done by mullahs. It is filled to the brim with historical inaccuracies. For example, it states that Dolgorukov first came to Persia in 1834 as a translator for the Russian embassy. Dr. Moojan Momen has proven that Dolgorukov did not arrive at Persia until 1846, and he did this by perusing the actual Russian archives and reading up on almanacs about him. Elsewhere, the memoirs state that Dolgorukov intimately knew the Báb – founder of the Bábi Faith, precursor to the Bahá’í Faith – and that Dolgorukov would write his texts for him and have the Báb sign them to make them look authentic. But this is impossible because even as late as 1847, three years after the Báb’s proclamation of prophethood, Dolgorukov had no idea what the Bábis were all about. He actually compared their mission to those of early European communists!

It also has other grave errors as well, like stating that certain people were doing certain things when the people in question were either young children or dead. The most eminent Iranian historians, such as Abbas Iqbal Ashtiani, have denounced the memoirs as an absolute forgery. Even one historian who was publicly opposed to the Faith, Ahmad Kasravi, admitted this.

If this book has been proven to be a work of forgery, why is it still touted as authentic?

Actually, I don’t hear very many people these days refer to the Dolgorukov memoirs unless they want to compare it to the Protocols of the Elders of Zion in terms of historical accuracy. I’m not even sure if very many people living in Iran still take their contents seriously because they’re just so absurd. Like I said, credible historians have denounced the memoirs over the decades as totallhoy fake and that has substantially helped dissipate many rumors related to it. Of the three accusations you enumerated earlier – Russians, British, and Zionists – you will probably hear “Russians” the least of the three. The memoirs might have been hot almost 70 years ago when they were first forged, but as of now they’re really nothing more than a laughingstock. But nonetheless, I do analyze many of the claims put forth by the memoirs in my book individually and assess their veracity using Dr. Momen’s extensive research, and that should pretty much clear up anything in the air on the subject.

Another popular conspiracy theory is that the earliest disciples of the faith were British spies. On what grounds are these claims based?

The claims specifically about the earliest disciples being tied to the British are bogus. They’re not historically accurate in the least. That rumor largely comes from an alleged meeting between a follower of the Báb and a certain British general named Arthur Conolly. The objective of this meeting was apparently to forge a conspiracy to undermine Shi’a Islam. The evidence for all of this is supposed to be located in one of Conolly’s books, according to a Persian historian. However, someone discovered that no such event is to be found in that book as well as the fact that this meeting never actually took place. As a result, that rumor quickly lost credibility in academic circles.

But since we’re on the subject of Britain, it should be noted that people usually refer to the knighthood of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, second leader of the Bahá’í Faith, as “evidence” that we have political ties to the British. This knighthood took place in 1920 and was actually bestowed upon ‘Abdu’l-Bahá because he helped alleviate a famine around the then Palestinian cities of Haifa and Akká during World War I. He did this by teaching people in the area how to cultivate grain, and they would then distribute it across the region. However, your average Iranian who has been told of the knighthood story doesn’t know about this history, and that’s why the allegations of British ties are still rampant in their thinking when it comes to the Bahá’í Faith.

Of course, Russia and Britain are no longer the great big nemeses; that position is now held by Zionists. What evidence do they rely on in making such accusations?

You’re very right about that, and the answer can be summed up in three words: location, location, location.

I think the thought process here goes something like this: “The Bahá’í holy sites are in Israel, therefore they must be Zionists.” Well our holy sites are indeed in today’s Israel, but we are by no means Zionists. The truth of the matter is that the founder of the Bahá’í Faith, Baha’u'llah, was exiled to successive regions of the Middle East by the Persian Shah and the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire until he finally arrived at the Palestinian city of Akká, where he died in 1892. His passing at that location, as well as the fact that Baha’u'llah pitched a tent on Mount Carmel and even revealed a tablet to his followers there, explains why we chose today’s Israel as our religion’s center.

But what the uneducated Iranians don’t realize is that having our shrines there doesn’t necessarily make us Zionists, because that would in fact make Muslims Zionists as well since holy sites such as the Dome of the Rock are located there! In reality, when Baha’u'llah died in Akká in 1892, there was no Israel. That land was Palestine, and it remained as such until Israel was partitioned in 1947. Since there was no Israel when significant Bahá’í events took place in that area, that automatically renders all Israel-related issues, including Zionism, irrelevant.

Attacks against Baha’is are not limited to their supposed ties to foreign powers, but it’s also alleged that they held close ties with the regime of the former Shah, and that they actively collaborated with the Shah’s notorious secret police. How would you respond to such accusations?

People are beginning to allege that members of the Shah’s cabinet more and more nowadays, and because of that I’m really glad you raised this question. There are a few Iranian politicians that have always been rumored to be Bahá’ís who never actually declared themselves as such. One example is the late Prime Minister, Amir Abbas Hoveida. Hoveida’s grandfather was an early Bahá’í in the time of Baha’u'llah. Hoveida’s father was also a Bahá’í up until the early 1920s when he became detached from the Faith and instead became increasingly interested in politics. From that point onward he had nothing to do with the Bahá’í Faith, and since his son was an infant at the time, he never received any Bahá’í education. Hoveida’s brother even stated that he had not heard of the word “Bahá’í” until he was 14, and even then he learned of its meaning from a friend. In reality, Hoveida was actually a Freemason, never a Bahá’í. There are a few other individuals who worked in the Shah’s cabinet that were always rumored Bahá’ís during their terms, but almost all of them actually came from Bahá’í families and never declared themselves as Bahá’ís. Bahá’ís are not even allowed to accept political positions, and this makes these accusations look even more ridiculous.

There are also a few who say that Bahá’ís worked in the Shah’s secret police, known as SAVAK, but SAVAK was actually influenced by multiple anti-Bahá’í groups, one of them being the infamous Hojattiyeh. For this reason, SAVAK also targeted many Bahá’í individuals. When one reflects on that, the notion of Bahá’ís persecuting other Bahá’ís – an already harassed minority – becomes absolutely absurd.

What steps can be taken to counter these claims?

People can counter the claims by educating themselves about their historical nature and sharing this new knowledge with others. Everything has a history to it. I’ve given most of the answers to these common discrepancies here in this interview, but I go in further detail and extensively reference all of my research in Debunking the Myths. This is obviously a biased opinion, but I really think it’s a $10 well-spent. If Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís can properly arm themselves against these charges, then I strongly feel that they will be dissipated in due time. Who knows? Maybe Iranians will read the book and share it with their relatives in Iran. They could then spread it among themselves and the Iranians masses could became aware of the reality of these claims soon enough.

You can purchase “Debunking the Myths” online and for only $9.95!

Crossposted on BahaiRights.org

But the response to the persecution is also marked by the innovative use of creative media in outreach efforts. One such effort is the recently released song, “Persecution” by Elika Mahony. Elika, whose great uncle was executed after refusing to recant his faith, dedicates the song to all those who have suffered and continue to suffer because of their steadfastness in their beliefs.

You can download the song and share it with your friends and family, feature it on your blog and help spread the word out.

Crossposted on BahaiRights.org

The usual accusations Iranian officials have made against Baha’is (supporting Zionism and insulting religious sanctities) are ridiculous in themselves. But some of the accusations leveled against Baha’is cross over into the realm of bizarreness:

• One of the accusations made against the NSA members in 1981 was “Sending or receiving reports containing code words such as ‘Amoo jan’ [Dear Uncle] etc. in various languages to the House of Justice in Haifa”
• In 1982, Tuba Za’irpur was charged with “not being married”.
• In 1996, two men from Mashhad were arrested while conducting a children’s art exhibition, and charged with…”working against the country’s security by organizing a children’s art exhibit”

Recently, it came to our attention that Iranian media has been making claims that the arrested Baha’i leaders had “sophisticated communications devices” in their possession. Given the authority’s track record, we can only imagine what the real-case scenario was:

Iran’s Deputy Prosecutor has announced that the case against the Baha’i leaders has been prepared, and will likely appear in court in the upcoming days. The likelihood of their receiving a fair trial is negligible, yet it is not too late for us to take action.

The Baha’i International Community addressed an eloquent letter to Ayatollah Qorban-Ali Dorri-Najafabadi refuting the allegations made against Baha’is and extending a hand for communication. You can read it here (PDF)

For the past 30 years, followers of the Baha’i Faith in Iran have been lynched, falsely imprisoned, vilified and driven out of their homes. Baha’i children have been deprived of their right to an education, adults have been prevented from earning a livelihood and thousands of families had their properties illegally confiscated by the government.

But the Iranian regime would have us believe that it’s the innocent party in these circumstances. It continues to deny that it harbours any intentions to eradicate the Baha’i community, while employing all possible means to slander and denigrate the memories of its victims. And unfortunately, there are many who believe the Iranian government’s narrative and feel the persecution is justified. And just as alarming, there are many who fail to fully grasp the intensity of the injustices wrought against Baha’is.

In order to confront that, we felt that the best strategy would be to allow the actions of the Iranian government to speak for themselves. We made a resolve that the stories of those who have lost their lives and suffered will not be forgotten.

Several months ago, we began creating a timeline that documents violations that have been perpetrated against Baha’is in the past 30 years, from executions, to arrests, expulsions and desecration. Our aim is for the timeline to function as a living record of the atrocities that have been committed, and a reminder of the heavy toll of silence in the face of grave human rights abuses

To browse through the timeline more conveniently, we encourage you to view it in full screen mode. You can also view the timeline in the form of a list, a flipbook or a map.

Get Involved

Although we strove to be as thorough as possible, we are aware that our timeline is not comprehensive. Many incidents are not reported, or are insufficiently documented, and so we ask you to collaborate with us in completing the timeline. Whether you have a personal story that you wish to add, or wish to provide further details on a recorded incident, submit your account to us and we will be sure to update the timeline accordingly.

We were very meticulous in our research, and worked diligently to verify all accounts on the timeline. The following sources were used in our research:

• Reports by Human Rights Activists in Iran
• Omid: a memorial in defence of human rights
• The International Religious Freedom report
• Annual reprts by the Baha’i International Community
• Iran Press Watch

Azad Bash is a project by “By Free“, a non-profit whose stated mission is to actively involve youth in human rights causes, through grassroots, media-based campaigns.

There have been numerous examples of songs giving a voice to silenced individuals, of comics drawing the public’s attention to human rights violations and videos successfully mobilizing citizens into taking action.

I think it’s a very promising initiative, and one that should be kept on our radars.

I’m hoping to be able to get in touch with the campaign’s organizers to learn more of the initiative, and will be sure to update our readers as well. Until then, you can listen to the first track – “Mona and the Children“, subscribe for updates or join the Facebook group

The arrested 7 are in fact members of “the Friends”, an informal society that oversaw the needs of the Baha’i community in Iran. The group is described as informal because in 1983, after executing all members of two consecutive National Spiritual Assemblies, the Iranian government placed a ban on all Baha’i institutions and activities.

Accusations that Baha’is collaborate with foreign powers are not new and in fact have been circulating since the early years of the Faith’s inception. The Baha’i Faith was said to have been a Russian creation in order to undermine Iran, and its leaders were accused of being British spies who were involved in elaborate plots to establish a puppet regime. Today, the accusations of the past have been forgotten in favour of a more convenient narrative: that Baha’is are agents of Zionism.

The strongest “evidence” given to support the claim that Baha’is are Israeli spies is the presence of the Universal House of Justice  in Israel, ignoring the fact that it was occasioned by the expulsion of Baha’u'llah to Acre, which was then under Ottoman rule.

The fate that will befall the arrested 7 is unknown, but due to the serious nature of the charges brought against them, they face the threat of execution.

Last August, the Muslim Network for Baha’i Rights released a short clip on the persecution of Baha’is in Iran, and concluded it with a message that,”If we do not speak up on behalf of the Baha’is and break the silence, the government will suffocate them, to their very last breath, and we will see horrors we do not wish to see. We cannot let this happen”

That message is even more urgent today.

The decision to launch a new project is not made arbitrarily; we monitor the situation closely and take several factors into account, the most important being whether the group/cause we wish to launch a project on behalf of is sufficiently represented. MideastYouth.com strives to provide a platform for groups and causes that are un(der)-represented within our societies, and build bridges where none have existed, making sure to do so in an innovative manner.

It’s extremely patronizing and downright insulting when a project of ours is struck down and made light of by accusations that we’re “not doing enough”. But it’s even more patronizing for victims of abuse and violation when their suffering is deemed less worthy than others’. As observers, it’s easy for us to reach conclusions based on inaccurate parameters, but what right do we have to make such judgements?

One project that has been subjected to such criticism is BahaiRights.org. Looking at it from a purely statistical perspective, the persecution of Baha’is in modern times is unlikely to raise red flags; 200 deaths over 3 decades pales in comparison to other genocides. But it’s precisely because of that we believe the project is crucial. Iran may have abandoned mass executions, but it has only done so to pursue a more silent (and dare I say, effective) form of persecution. One execution is likely to garner more attention that the systematic expulsion of hundreds of Baha’i students from universities.

It’s unrealistic to expect us to personally launch a campaign for every issue the region faces; we still operate with limited financial means and manpower.

But if you feel that there’s a worthy cause that requires active campaigning, then by all means don’t  just sit back and accuse us of “ignoring” it; do something. If you require any form of assistance, contact us and we would gladly assist you in setting up a campaign and forming the right connections, so long as it’s within our means.

It’s also unrealistic and plain ridiculous to charge in here demanding us to apologize for every single crime carried out by an Arab/Muslim/etc.  Personally, I would readily condemn human rights violations and violence, I distance myself from and denounce its perpetrators, but I would never apologize for an act simply because it was carried out allegedly under my name. The way I see it, an apology is an admission of guilt, and a legitimization of the acts.

But if you do insist on demanding an apology, kindly provide us with adequate proof that you have condemned and lobbied against every rights violation perpetrated by members of your ethnicity, religious group or nationality. Then, and only then, can a serious discussion on apologies be undertaken.

We truly value feedback from our community and readers, and constantly adjust, adapt and evolve based on the commentary we receive. But please – be realistic in your demands of us.

With these claims being circulated by respected scholars and clerics, it only follows that the public at large would take them to be true. Direct interaction with members of other faiths can no doubt lead to the dispelling of held misconceptions, but as Baha’is aren’t a visible minority in most countries, the Internet can fill up the void and facilitate communication.

Dr Susan Maneck, a Baha’i scholar, has started a blog in which she hopes to engage Muslims in dialogue and respond to some of the pressing concerns they might have. She says of her blog:

The purpose of this blog is to promote Muslim-Baha’i understanding, to provide Muslims with accurate information on where Baha’is stand on issues which are important to them and to refute some of the common distortions and misconceptions people have about the Baha’i Faith in the Middle East. I’m hoping this blog will be able to approach these issues in a positive manner which will be edifying for both communities.

Be sure to drop by her blog and address and queries you may have, in a respectful manner of course.

I just came across the below video (via TalkIslam) titled “Marriages of Convenience” – basically a union in which gay and lesbian couples agree to marry each other in order to keep up appearances and ensure that they’d have the freedom to be with their desired partner. And “appearances” do carry a lot of weight in our communities.

The quality is a little sketchy, but the topic in itself is rather interesting.

In the light of Iran’s intense persecution of Baha’is, many Iranian Baha’is who were forced to flee the country have taken to exposing Iran’s heinous crimes and raising awareness on the suffering their friends and family face back home.

Shahriar Asdollah-Zadeh, a young Baha’i from New Zealand, has taken an innovative approach to achieve that aim: collaborative artwork, powered by social networking tools.

We conducted an interview with Shahriar, in which he speaks of the inspiration, mission and vision of his artwork.

Q. First, could you please provide us with a short introduction about yourself?

My name is Shahriar Asdollah-zadeh. I am a contemporary artist residing in New Zealand. In 2008 I focused on a year long project about Human Rights. That year also celebrated the 60th Anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights. I created a website called www.worldartcollective.org which has, for me, become a vehicle for raising awareness of Human Rights violations, injustices and persecution. I think now more than ever it is a very exciting time to be an artist and use the creative thought to better humanity. Artists can create awareness through contemporary art about the turbulent times we live in, the issues and problems that plague the world.

Q. Baha’is throughout the world are concerned for the Baha’i minority of Iran and the persecution it faces, but what led you into focussing on their cause in your artwork? Is their struggle of personal significance to you?

I am a Bahai myself by choice, I was born in to a Bahai family. When I turned the age of fifteen I chose to affirm my faith as a Bahai. I am half Persian, half Pilipino by ethnicity, born in the Philippines and raised in New Zealand. My grandfather was executed at the hands of the fanatical government of Iran for his faith as a Bahai. He was imprisoned for one year and at the culmination of that year executed by firing squad, at 81 years of age, for refusing to deny his Faith. This was the same for my uncle’s wife and over 200 Bahai’s executed in the 1980’s. This reflected the events of the last century when over 20,000 followers of the Babi Faith were murdered during that Faith’s inception. It is a terrifying fact that people are still executed and persecuted for their beliefs in this century. Even today in Iran, the homes of Bahai’s are destroyed, their cemeteries desecrated and robbed and their Holy Places reduced to rubble at the hands of fanatical mobs. Bahai youth are currently facing discrimination at all education levels. In some cases they are denied entrance into University and even secondary schools. False information is printed about the Bahais in newspapers. Bahai’s are arrested and imprisoned. Earlier in 2008 seven Bahai leaders were arrested and have been held captive since. I see this as an act of extermination to suppress and extinguish a race of people. Bahai’s are not the only minority being persecuted in Iran. There are also Christians, Jews, Sufis, Sunni Muslims, and other minorities who are stripped of their rights. Bahai’s, like these other minorities within Iran, are wanting equality and to be accepted as citizens of their own countries. For more information on the persecution, visit http://www.bahai.org/dir/worldwide/persecution

Q. What struck me the most about your artwork was your successful usage of Facebook to mobilize and collaborate with participants across the world. What inspired you to use that tactic?

I am interested in creating situations where the artist and the participant of the artwork interact and influence one another. I feel that the product of what a joint effort can create is potentially more successful in its outcome than what an individual alone can achieve. Thinking collaboratively, therefore working in unity, can be viewed as a radical archetype for a new way of thinking for all of society. This goes beyond the field of creativity and can affect society positively. I feel that social networking is a very important aspect of collaboration. Social networking mainly exists within the Internet i.e. through simple exchange of e-mails, instant messages, blogs, web pages and online programs such as Facebook, Myspace, Youtube and Flickr. It is the worldwide exchange of and easy access to dialogue, ideas and information at the click of a button that make web based communication currently so successful. The Internet provides a free distribution of uncensored information allowing for the expression of views, opinions, political engagements, social dialogue and interaction. I believe that acquiring uncensored knowledge is very important and the free distribution of that knowledge is necessary. Artists can therefore find an audience to receive this dialogue and engage with it.

I have used the power of the internet and e-mail to create a global network of many demographically diverse people from around the world and have given them the opportunity to come together to participate in this world wide artists’ collective. I left it open for anyone who was on Facebook to join my world wide collective and participate in this project in collaboration with me and become a participant of social action. To date, more than 1750 people have joined the group and I have received photographs and text messages from people around the world who are concerned about the unjust treatment of the Persian Bahá’í community in Iran.

Q. How many art pieces have you created to date through World Art Collective, and what is the story of each?

I have created six artworks to date for the series. They can be found on the webpage http://www.worldartcollective.org/photos.php . I wanted to explore what could be achieved through the different contemporary mediums of practice and how it could influence aspects of the year long project. These were done through photography, sculpture, video, installation, sound, internet websites and communication technology (e-mail and text messaging.) The participants in my on-line Facebook group were included in two of my works, which I will briefly talk about.

The two artworks evolved through the conversations that took place about the persecution of Bahai’s in Iran. This was generated from the instructions I posted on www.worldartcollective.org. The participants made a conscious decision to be involved and educate their friends, families, co-workers, associates and strangers about the persecution of the Bahai’s. The conversations and interactions between people talking about the persecution is the artwork and the photographs and text messages are simply a form of documentation. In essence, I have used modern age technologies to communicate an idea of collective unity, justice and human rights through contemporary art.

Another artwork that I want to mention in the series of six works is the sculpture titled ‘Tribute to the Bahai Martyrs of Iran.’ It is a sculpture piece made of steel, brass, aluminum, Perspex, and transparency. It took me 3 months to create it. It is a comment at oppression, persecution and a tribute to those Bahai’s who died for their faith. Within the sculpture lie 220 faces and names of the Bahai’s that were executed in the 1980’s in Iran. That is all the information I want to give away about the work. You have to see it in person to experience what I felt when making it.

Q. What is your overall vision for the future? What do you hope to achieve through your artwork?

I hope to inspire other people to create art for similar causes like this one because I feel that it is greatly needed. Art that creates awareness by touching on present day social issues can potentially involve a greater audience than the traditional art gallery or art world. I feel that in a small way, the series of works did bring about some awareness on the persecution of Bahai’s in Iran and human rights to some people, even though it is at an introductory level. I believe that collective participation and collaboration can spark social and intellectual revolutions of thinking. I saw this work as a unifying example of what collaboration can do through the arts and I will continue with this idea in the years ahead. My vision for the future I guess is to see fine art become more understandable for everyday people, not just the highly educated. The creative thought is there for everyone to use.

Q. How can you ensure that participants in the artwork continue to invest their effort into addressing the persecution of Baha’is in Iran?

I introduced the participants to the idea of using the arts to promote awareness and the possibilities of how to communicate social issues in different ways. Hopefully what I’ve done will open up people’s minds and give them ideas as to how they can pass on the message individually. I can’t be certain that people will continue, but what I can ensure is that as persecution continues and gains wider exposure in the media, those people that participated or simply viewed my artwork will hopefully feel compelled to help in some way.

Q. For real changes in the status of the Baha’i minority in Iran to occur, it is vital to engage with citizens from Iran. Do you have any plans of doing that in the future?

I do believe that the citizens of Iran have a vital role to play in recognizing and changing the many injustices perpetrated by the authorities against their fellow Baha’i citizens. I remain convinced that all the people of the world, both within and outside of Iran must see with their own eyes and hear with their own ears. As individuals, no matter where we reside, we cannot continue to tolerate persecution of others within our community based solely on prejudice and hate. My focus is on highlighting the plight of the Baha’is in Iran through my artwork and raising the issues in front of an international audience including those in Iran who are receptive and can weigh the issues with open minds and open hearts.

Q. How has your artwork been received, and has it succeeded in gaining international media attention? Has your effort been met with criticism?

My work has been received quite well nationally but not yet internationally. It has been on national television, front page of a government run education magazine and two national newspapers. The website itself receives hits from many countries around the world. I also received a special acknowledgment from the Human Rights Commission in New Zealand. Surprisingly the work has not met any criticism that I am aware of. I do not want to force my work upon people; I only hope that it can encourage people to be aware of the sufferings of others.

Q. Do you have any concerns about the possible reaction of the Iranian government to World Art Collective as it gains recognition?

My primary concern is for the safety and welfare of the Bahai’s in Iran and other oppressed people.

The government of Iran has committed countless crimes against humanity directed at the Bahai’s and other minorities living in Iran over the last two centuries. It is time that the entire world is made aware of these crimes, and for justice to prevail. The closed door towards these atrocities must be opened and people must know the truth.

Q. It would be understandable if you prefer not to answer this question for the time being, but what project will you work on next?

I am inspired by the participants that helped me get through my projects in the last year. As I said before, creating situations where artists can really work with their audience creates a very unified atmosphere and I wish to continue with this idea in the years ahead.

Q. Finally, Baha’i youth are denied many rights that we take for granted. What message would you like to convey to the Baha’is of Iran who are currently reading this?

I think no matter what I say with this question, I feel unworthy to make any comment… The Bahai youth in Iran are oppressed to the most extreme but they still keep living everyday as Bahai’s and are so strong and deepened in their spiritual beliefs. No matter what has happened through the persecutions, it hasn’t quenched the light of the Bahai youth but has only made it brighter. Their steadfastness is an example to us Bahai’s living outside of Iran. They are inspiring. The Bahai community in Iran are inspiring. I just want to say to them that your life’s sacrifices are not taken for granted; they give us courage and strength to move forward and press onward to bring unity to the world… “The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.”

Shahriar’s work was also featured on a local TV station in New Zealand, where he spoke of his project and showcased his artwork.

To learn more about Shahriar’s work and view photos of previous artwork, visit his website worldartcollevtice.org. And if you wish to keep updated on Shahriar’s projects, or even participate in future ones, join the WorldArt Collective facebook group.

For 5 years, Raouf Hindi has fought for the right to obtain birth certificates for his twins teenaged twins Imad and Nancy, but despite the landmark ruling last year, implementation was stalled by the challenges and appeals launched.

However, it is still early to declare a full victory for Egypt’s Baha’is. In two days, the Supreme Administrative Court is set to issue a final verdict on the appeal, but it is likely that that ruling will be in favour of Egypt’s Baha’is as well, as the appeal has no legal standing.

The lack of ID cards has rendered Egypt’s Baha’is has rendered them virtually non-existent in the eyes of the state, and we share with them their joy over this ruling, and join them in praying and hoping for a brighter future to come.

After featuring one of Foad’s songs at the Network. we were highly impressed and determined to give him an avenue to share his story. He kindly consented to an interview, and below is the text of it:

Q. For a start, can you give us a short introduction about yourself?

My name is Foad. I was born in one of the little towns of the Mazandaran province, which is located in Northern Iran in June 1987 (month of Khordad, year 1366 according to the Iranian calendar), but I was brought up in Tehran. Due to the numerous problems Baha’is face in furthering their education in Iran, I took refuge in Turkey when I was 16, and at the moment I am a student of electrical engineering in the USA. From the early years of my childhood, I have adored Iranian traditional music, and I play Persian musical instruments. However, at the moment I find that the Rap genre is best suited for me to express my inner feelings. My efforts are mostly focused on addressing the problems of religious and ethnic minorities – especially the Baha’is – through my songs.

Q. What inspired you to start singing?

These days, it is not easy to get things off your chest, or confide in someone about what goes on in your mind. Most of the people, when you talk to them about the breach of human rights in the world, they either don’t care or get bored. My personal idea is that through music, one could have a closer relationship with people and be more influential.

Q. Why did you choose rap and hip-hop over other music genres? What differentiates it?

There are many reasons for that, the most important being my own inner feelings, which are more about the problems I faced as a member of religious minority and the sadness of living away from my homeland in a lonely world. I wanted to speak out about all these issues in my songs. Using Hip-Hop, you have an opportunity to transfer most of what you want to say in the least time possible. The most important feature of Hip-Hop music is its being the language and the medium of opposition; it could be said that this music helped the African-Americans in Europe and the USA to liberate themselves from the chains of discrimination, and this is something that I find very inspirational.

Q. Do you feel at risk creating this music, which some may consider to be controversial?

I know I am not going to be personally threatened because of my music, as my songs are only meant to increase people’s level of awareness and I am currently living in the USA. I sometimes do feel worried about the future, though, and I wonder if my family or my friends back in Iran would face some problems. However, I am hopeful about the future and I am sure that very soon things are going to change in Iran, because the situation is explicitly catastrophic, in a way that people are loudly opposing it and speaking out.

Q. Have any Iranian citizens listened to your music, and if so, what has their reaction been?

Yes, with the help of friends and through the websites I managed to send my music video to some Iranians who appreciated the songs, because it indeed reflects the untold stories of those who live in Iran at the moment. One week before I moved out of Iran, I wrote a free verse poem called Mazhab” which means “religion”, and I later on used the song in my rap music and a music video was produced using the same lyrics.

Q. Who do you wish to address through your music? Bahai’is? The international community? The citizens and government of Iran?

So far, my audience has been mainly Baha’is, but my aim is to increase the awareness of the respectful Iranians who are not Baha’is themselves, because there are many people who really don’t know what happens to the religious minorities in Iran. If I try to address people in a global scale, I will need to write my lyrics in English and I still don’t find my English skills to be supportive of my objectives. Nevertheless, I have some plans that might as well be of interest to the people who are not familiar with the Persian language.

Q. No doubt, your experiences in Iran have shaped you and influenced your music, but of all your experiences, which had the greatest effect on you?

I think being away from my motherland, being away from close relatives and family from the age of 16, has had the greatest effect on me. The bitter memories of my childhood, like the confiscation of all my family’s possessions and properties, the persecution I experienced in school, and the baseless accusations made against Baha’is in Iran, they all influenced my way of singing and my songs. From now on, the encouragement of friends and acquaintances, and the audience would definitely help me to revitalize my music.

Q. What do you hope to achieve through your music? What message do you hope to send?
The public opinions are much forgetful, even those of the Baha’is who live outside Iran. It seems even they are not much bothered by the conditions of the Baha’is in Iran, so my music would first address them and make them remember what they have probably forgotten. Next I would like to reflect my own ideas.

Q. Many around the world are concerned for the grave abuses perpetrated against Baha’is in Iran. What can we do to alleviate the situation and bring an end to the persecution?

At the moment, the best thing to do is to make people aware of the rights of their fellow countrymen, who should be recognized as free human beings despite their diverse religions, ethnic backgrounds, and ideas. Silence is the worse thing. Any one could contribute to the cause, at least, I repeat: At Least be of help by signing the petitions, hoping they would lead somewhere. Please, do any thing that you are capable of doing to support the cause.

Q. Is there any advice you would like to give to Baha’is in Iran?

First, I would like to tell the Baha’is who live outside Iran, “Please quit passivity and be of help”. Then I would like to tell the respectful Baha’is of Iran to take charge of the education of their children, as currently, higher education is almost impossible for them. There are such intelligent youths in the remote locations in Iran who are denied their right of progress, because they don’t have the opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills where they live. Yes, it is good to have Baha’i conferences all over the world, it is good to create ” Mashregh-ol-azkaaars”, but it is also good to spare some of the funds to support and finance the youth in Iran who score the highest in the scientific entrance exam of Iranian Universities, but fail to join the universities and instead start working due to financial and other difficulties. There are many other cases that need to be supported as well, everybody knows that, but people pretend they don’t know about it. The future prospects of many young children, including mine when I was a child, are diminished. Perhaps it is time to think about the next generation and their needs; at least we can then raise them as happy and prosperous children.

—-

To listen to Foad’s songs, and keep updated on his future productions, visit his YouTube channel.

The above interview was kindly translated from Farsi by Elinor, a Noahide from Iran. Noahides too face discrimination in Iran, and are misunderstood by society at large.

Although authorship at the Network is restricted to Muslims for obvious reasons, we welcome translators from all faiths and all walks of life. If you’re interested in volunteering as a translator, send us a note!

It’s always welcome for our efforts to be featured on a global scale, and on one of the most widely viewed news channels nonetheless, but I did take issue with their characterization of Mideast Youth.

First and foremost, Mideast Youth is not pro-Palestinian; we are in fact pro-peace and pro-justice. We condemn terrorism against civilians, and speak out loudly against disproportionate force against unarmed populations. We voice our opposition to the unjust actions carried out by our governments and seek to create change from a grassroots level.

Our many authors espouse diverse views and opinions, yet despite our differences, we are united by our shared values.

Secondly, Mideast Youth is not just “a blog” and it certainly should be hard to believe that after almost 3 years, tens of successful and groundbreaking projects and several prestigious awards. We are a web-based organization that utilizes the freedom offered to us by the Internet to bypass our censors and captors and work towards turning the virtual democracy that we’ve created into reality.

The channel’s opening program, which featured the hoisting of the Turkish flag to the national anthem and a concert by a popular Kurdish singer, also featured a message by PM Erdogan, in which he emphasized the themes of “unity and togetherness”. His speech ended by his declaring (in Kurdish), “TRT Şeş bi xw?r be” (Let TRT 6 be beneficial).

Following the military coup of 1980,the Kurdish language was officially prohibited, and while the restrictions are said to have eased, Article 42 of the Turkish constitution states that No language other than Turkish shall be taught as a mother tongue to Turkish citizens and the Law on Political Parties prohibits the usage of languages other than Turkish.

The launch of TRT 6 is seen as a significant step by Turkey in response to pressure by the European Union to improve its human rights record, and an attempt to curtail the popularity of Roj TV, which the Turkish government perceives as a mouthpiece for the PKK.

Speaking of the channel, TRT General Director İbrahim Şahin stated:

“Our intention is not to scare anybody. We sincerely want to meet the need for a TV channel for people who couldn’t learn Turkish. This channel will be a family channel, like TRT 1, that will have series, entertainment programs and news programs. It will have everything that a family channel offers. As long as our national unity, integrity, anthem and flag are not disrespected, we will produce the same programs for the Kurdish channel that we do on other TRT channels. In the Constitution, Article 2954 clearly indicates our principles and mission and, on the condition of remaining within these boundaries, our colleagues will be able to freely say and produce whatever they want”

Below are some of the quoted reactions -both positive and negative – by Kurds to the launch of the station:

İbrahim Halil Şahin (Sanliurfa province): “If they do things like this in Turkey, the southeastern people will see this positively”.

Mehmet Öksüzoğlu (Sanliurfa Young Businessman’s Association Chairman): “Everyone who wants Turkish unity and to protect Turkey’s integrity should be proud. I see it as a late but extremely positive step”.

Abdullah İbrahimoğlu (Mush province): “This is a democratic step. We see this as an important step for freedom, brotherhood and peace. I hope the TRT 6 would become an important instrument in preserving the Kurdish language and culture”.

Refik Korkusuz (Assistant Professor in the law department at the Diyarbakir Dicle University): “Those who wanted Turkey’s unity also wanted to have a sense of belonging and expected Kurdish TV because of that. I think this is a delayed but very positive development; I wish the best of success and that it becomes an important milestone in our brotherhood.”

Altan Tan (Kurdish writer): “Some segments are unnerved by the TRT’s Kurdish broadcasts. There are those who want peace, and then there are those who want war. Kurdish television is for those who want peace. Some are openly disturbed. But the initiative should continue. Those who want peace should add new steps to similar initiatives”.

Sezgin Tanrıkulu (Former Diyarbakır Bar Association President): “”This is an important and serious step. This shows that the state has moved on from the stage of denying the existence of Kurds to acknowledging Kurds. We can discuss the content of the channel, but regardless of all of that, it is important that a public broadcaster is allocating one channel for this.”

Tarık Ziya Ekinci (Kurdish intellectual): “This is an important step, but the legal basis should also be provided. You do this at one point, but in some other place, a judge convicts someone for singing a song in Kurdish. Steps that would establish this as the overall state mentality in the citizens’ viewpoints are needed. Without doing these, Kurdish TV is starting from the end,”

Seydi Fırat (Spokesperson for the Peace Council): “The broadcasts should be appreciated. But we do have doubts. There is the worry that the state might use it for political purposes, to make its own policies dominant. There have been television stations broadcasting in Kurdish for years, so I don’t think it is a novelty. But if there is going to be such broadcasting, it shouldn’t be done with the state mentality. If the channel can be a place where people can express themselves individually, then it would be a positive step.”

Abdurrahman Kurt(Kurdish legislator from ruling AK Party): “This is a revolution which amounts to unification of the Turkish state with its citizens. Kurdish channel is not a favor, but the return of the people’s denied right. “

Murat Karayılan (PKK commander): “Such a television channel project and discussions on opening Kurdology departments at some universities actually have a weakly organized war plan underneath. These have a target of hurriedly making some broadcasts to win votes for the Justice and Development Party [AK Party] before the elections. Taking part in this project and supporting it is betraying the cause of Kurdish freedom,”

Ahmet Turk (Democratic Society Party’s leader): “There is a need for a broadcasting policy that understands Kurds and meets their demands. We are carefully observing the process. We will see in time whether this is something that was initiated with the elections in mind”

Nejdet Atalay (DTP Batman mayoral candidate): “For years, Kurdish was recorded in police records as an ‘unidentified language.’ They used to tell us that Kurds do not exist. Now they are going to tell us that there is no such thing as Kurds in Kurdish.”

(This entry was cross-posted on KurdishRights.org)

“In the Morning” is a short and powerful film that is based on the story of Kadriye Demirel, a young woman who was murdered by her own brother, after informing her family that she was raped. The rapist (who was a cousin of hers) denied the accusations and refused to marry her, the authorities failed to protect her, and in November 2003, Kadriye was brutally murdered. She was 6 months pregnant.

(Via StopHonourKillings.com)

Iran’s Ministry of “Justice” stipulates that Baha’is can enrol in schools (preferably ones with a strong religious ideology), provided that they do not disclose their religious affiliation. It therefore isn’t surprising that reports have emerged stating that Baha’i children often face conversion attempts.

But following the Revolution, the doors of higher educational institutions were slammed shut before Baha’is. Even the Baha’i Institution of Higher Education, an underground community-run initiative, was raided and closed down by authorities in 1998.

The Iranian government claims that it has changed its policies and now admits Baha’is into universities, but a memo sent out by Iran’s Ministry of Science, Research and Technology instructed all institutions to expel any student discovered to be a Baha’i.

Several Muslim students and faculty members spoke of feeling distraught at the unjust expulsion of their Baha’i brothers and sisters, but one group decided to take action and protest.

Mr. Ameed Saadat, an Iranian Baha’i, participated in Iran’s 2008 national university entrance examination and was accepted to study hotel management at Goldasht College in Kelardasht, Mazandaran, which is affiliated with the University of Applied Science and Technology in Tehran. He was able to begin studies, notwithstanding he had identified himself as a Baha’i on the college registration forms, which request ed the student’s religion. In the following weeks, he was told several times to change the information regarding his religion, which he declined to do. The day before his first-term final examinations were to begin, Mr. Saadat was informed by the director of the college that he was being expelled and would therefore not be permitted to sit for the examinations.

When Mr. Saadat’s fellow students asked why he had not been assigned a seat for the tests, they were told by a college official that Mr. Saadat had been dismissed on account of morality issues. However, when Mr. Saadat asked the official what precisely was his “moral problem,” the official responded by raising the issue of his religion and asked whether Mr. Saadat wanted the other students to be informed that his expulsion was to be on account of his adherence to the Baha’i Faith.

Mr. Saadat agreed, and when the announcement was made to his class of some 50 students, most of them objected, asking, “What does religion have to do with education?” The following day, 26 students refused to take the examination in protest against Mr. Saadat’s expulsion. Three of these students were then summoned by the Ministry of Information and questioned as to who had instigated the strike. They reported that they had informed the Information Ministry agents that the decision to protest had been of their own personal choices and that Mr. Saadat had in fact asked them not to take this action.

In his final contact with the college, Mr. Saadat was told by officials, “Your education has been terminated, and you can come and get your records. That is, your education has been nullified.”

“Iranian society rightfully places a high value on education, and the government’s debarring of Baha’is from universities clearly aims not only to diminish the future prospects of these young people but also to demoralize them and their families” said Ms. Kit Bigelow, Director of External Affairs for the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the U.S. “It is therefore extremely encouraging to the Baha’is when, in incidents such as the one outlined above, their compatriots–often at considerable risk to themselves–take a firm stand against the deplorable behavior of the authorities.”

It’s through the self-less courage and pursuit of justice that positive change is brought about. We hope that more Iranian citizens begin to voice their objection to the persecution Iranian authorities subject the Baha’i minority to.

The finalists have finally been announced, and it’s now time for you to cast your vote and choose which person/group should be honoured as the “Person of 2008″. The prize doesn’t come with any material reward, but the winner receives additional publicity for her/his cause.

I’m certain that most would find it difficult to cast a vote as all the finalists are truly worthy of the title. Finalists this year include:

• The courageous women of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where tens of thousands of women fall victims to sexual violence annually.
•  Waseem Mahmood, founder of the Pakistani Yeh Hum Naheen (this is not us) Foundation that aims to tackle terrorism and promote tolerance
• Patricia Smith Melton, founder of Peace x Peace, an organization that uses the Internet to connect women across the world
• The 1 million signatures campaign, a grassroots movement led by Iranian women’s rights activists that demands equality for women

After giving it a considerable amount of thought, I opted to vote for the the 1 million signatures campaign, and not simply because their cause is one that I can relate to. Iranian authorities have clamped down on the campaign’s organizers, indimidating and arresting many, and it has even warned local media against covering the group’s work. If the award came with a cash prize, I might have voted differently, but when it comes down to publicity, I believe the 1 million signatures campaign needs it the most.

How about you – who would you vote for?

Although tragic, the bride’s story would have gone unnoticed had it not been for her young age; Nojood Ali was only nine years of age.

After hearing about Nojood’s case by chance, Shaza Nasser – one of Yemen’s foremost lawyers and human rights advocate – decided to represent her free of charge. A week later, and in a historic ruling, the ‘marriage’ was annulled.

Nujood’s  tale of suffering and rebellion caused a massive outcry within Yemen and garnered international media attention. Many viewed her as a symbol of oppression and the brutality of patriarchy, but for others, she was a source of inspiration. Following in her footsteps, victims of child marriage have begun speaking out and demanding justice, while activists and governmental officials in Yemen (one of the world’s worst offenders in terms of the prevalence of child marriage) have called for measures to end the practice of early marriage.

In honour of her bravery, and the self-less dedication of her lawyer, Glamour magazine awarded them the “Women of the Year” award, alongside Hilary Clinton, Condoleezza Rice and Jane Goodall and the Nobel Women’s Initiative. At only 10 years of age, Nujood is likely to be the youngest recipient of this award in its 19 year history.

I do not doubt for a minute that Nujood has a great future ahead of her, and that she would contribute actively towards creating change in her society.

Time and time again, Esra’a and others have written about the difficulties in securing funding and maintaining tens of projects with a minimal income. A project that we were continuously forced to set aside due to the lack of funds is creating the Arabic and Farsi versions of Mideast Youth.

Over more than two years, Mideast Youth has succeeded in bringing in diverse voices from across the region and has allowed us to share our dreams, passions and fears and challenge our deep-seated beliefs – an opportunity that was inconceivable a few years ago.

But by limiting our medium of communication to English, we automatically alienate millions of youth across the region who lack proficiency in the language, and we’re thus deprived of the unique perspectives and insights they have to offer.

If we win this competition, the project we will undertake is to build a platform built on the same principles of fierce – but respectful – dialogue in Arabic and Farsi, and YOUR votes and YOUR support can make it happen.

If you haven’t voted yet, please register and VOTE for us. And if you have, spread the news to friends, family and colleagues.

But Noha Rushdie, a 27 year old filmmaker, refused to remain silent and defiantly insisted on taking her harasser to court. Yesterday, and for thefirst time ever in Egypt, the man was sentenced to 3 years imprisonment with hard labour.

I stumbled upon an interview (in Arabic) with Noha and after reading it resolved to share her inspiring story at Mideast Youth. Below is my translation (it’s somewhat awkward – I need to sharpen my Arabic skills):

Q. Can you recount to us what happened on that day?
I had returned from a trip with a friend of mine, and as we were nearing the building I reside in, I saw a pickup approaching, and as it closed in the driver steered closer towards me. At that moment, I felt something unusual was going to happen. Once the driver was adjacent to me, he extended his arm through the window and groped my breast, and proceeded to pull me towards him violently. I was in so much pain that I felt I would pass out.

Q. And what did you do?
At first, I couldn’t believe what was happening. I tried to push him away with all my strength, but he wouldn’t let go of me, until I felt I could no longer resist him. I fell on the floor, screaming, and it was then that he drove off. As he drove away, he looked back with a mocking smile on his face, one that I will never forget. It was the smile of a person who was confident of himself and what he had done; an “experienced person”, as if it wasn’t the first time he did it.

Q. How did you feel at the time?
I felt more than humiliated; I felt anger, an indescribable anger.

Q. What happened next?
Luckily, at that moment, a car came from the opposite direction, forcing the pickup driver to stop. So I ran and stood on the car’s hood, to prevent him from escaping.

Q. Didn’t you feel afraid or hesitant?
At the time, I was overcome by a feeling of strength and was prepared to be run over by his car, but not to let him get away with it. He reversed with the car, while I was still on the hood, and I fell on the ground again.

Q. Weren’t there any pedestrians on the street? There are many shops on that street; did anyone come forward to help you?
When people gathered – and most of them were workers in the nearby shops – and asked what happened, I told them that he sexually harassed me. It seemed they didn’t understand term, but inferred that it meant “mu’akasa” (a term that would translate to ‘teasing’).

Q. And what did they do?
Strangely, some of them tried to help the driver escape! Some of them told me “We’ll make him apologize to you,” and when I refused, they yelled at me demanding to know what it was that I wanted. I told them that I wanted to take him to a police station, and one man told me, “I don’t understand what it is you’re doing, standing in the midst of men!” Even people who were witnessing the scene from their balconies simply stood and watched.

Q. Were you wearing provocative clothes?
Not at all; I was wearing loose clothing, yet despite that a person commented, “First look at what you’re wearing”. When it comes to harassment, people hold on to a notion that the woman must have been dressed provocatively.

Q. Do you believe that you wouldn’t have experienced the harassment if you were wearing hijab?
Certainly not! Clothes are no longer a measure that prevents women in Egypt from falling as victims of harassment. What’s ironic is that the first time I was harassed years ago, I was wearing a hijab.

Q. Weren’t there any women who tried to help you?
I only saw one woman, and sadly she advised me to let him go.

Q. You said you that the events occurred in the street where you reside. Why didn’t you ask for help from a person you were acquainted with?
In such a situation, help is not asked for. But when my friend sought help from a worker at a garage that’s near my home, he pretended he couldn’t hear her.

Q. Do you mean to say that you couldn’t find anyone to help you?
A youth who couldn’t have been more than 20 years old was the only one who sympathized with me, especially after people began to describe me as crazy for determining to take the driver to a police station that was only a few metres away.

Q. Did you take him to the station yourself?
At first, my friend went to seek help from anyone at the station, but the police assistant simply said, “This is not our concern,” and so the young man, my friend and I had to drag the driver to the station. All the while, the crowd was walking behind us, and I could hear them asking, “Is she crazy?”

Q. And what happened at the station?
The police assistant contacted the officer by phone, but the officer didn’t show up! The police assistant tried to dissuade me by saying, “You’ll only be causing yourself a lot of trouble through what you’re doing,” but I responded that I studied law and was fully aware of my situation. The assistant wrote a report and took my statements. However, he took neither my friend’s nor the youth’s statements. He then told me that there were no cars to transport the driver to the central station, and that I’d have to transport him in my car.

Q. And did you actually transport him in your car?
I had no other choice, and I headed with my father and a policeman from the station to the Heliopolis Station to document the report. There, the Officer expressed his resentment at my having to transport the driver in my car, and from there I headed to the prosecutor’s office. At that point, the driver tried to apologize, which would mean an implicit confession but later denied what happened. The prosecutor was very respectful and commended me for my bravery.

Q. What was your impression on the people’s reaction, whether on the street or in the station?
I was shocked by their reactions more than I was at the harassment. I felt they were not true men and lacked religious values. These people would readily argue with a cab driver over one pound, but not for a woman who was subjected to humiliation. What’s ironic is that at the police station I met a lawyer and instead of offering me instead, he asked, “What girl would do this to herself?”

Q. So there was a general consensus that your insistence on demanding your rights was “creating trouble” for yourself?
Indeed, it’s as if it’s a normal thing for a girl to be harassed on the street, and she’s expected to simply carry on as if nothing happened! We’re witnessing a terrible state of carelessness – people pay no heed to the concept of honour, and consider it wrong if a girl took a stand. But what is right then – the actions of the driver? What’s strange is that the people wouldn’t help me, yet at the same time didn’t want me to demand my rights.

Q. Was that the first time you were ever harassed?
Of course not, as harassment now occurs everywhere – at work and on the street – and during any time of the day. There no longer is any place where women can feel safe and guarantee that they won’t be harassed in any way.

Q. So why did you decide to demand your rights this time? And did your study of law influence your decision?
This time it was different, as being harassed through groping leaves a woman feeling terribly humiliated. I went through a similar situation when I was much younger, but couldn’t defend myself at the time. I suffered from its emotional and psychological effects for many years and resolved that I would never abandon my rights again. And I believe that the feeling of violation is not related to academic qualifications. I felt offended and resolved to take all necessary measures with this driver.

Q. Do you think harassment is a phenomenon linked to the less privileged social classes?
Not necessarily, as there are rich individuals who harass girls from the less privileged social classes using their power and money and it would be unjust to say the phenomenon is exclusive to the less privileged. The phenomenon is related to concepts that people are afraid to discuss such as society’s perception of women. Women might be “weak” beings, but they are not “despicable” beings.

Q. Now that several months have passed since the incident, has your stance changed? Did your anger wane and do you sympathize with the driver?
The impact of the incident might have waned, but I will not feel completely at peace until I’ve taken my right. If I remain silent, the effects on my psychological well-being will be severe. If a harassed woman pretends to not care, it would have adverse effects on her psychological well-being. It’s inevitable that she would eventually collapse. If I chose to remain silent, I’d have transgressed against myself and affirmed the false notions that I am weak and in need of protection.

Q. Have any of the driver’s relatives attempted to contact you in order to resolve the problem amicably?
The owner of the company that employs the driver came to the police station and said, “I’m willing to beat him for you, just let him go.” I replied to him, “I won’t repeat the usual talk of ‘what if the victim was your sister or daughter’, but I ask you whether your stance would be the same if you were personally harassed,” and he remained silent. The driver’s lawyer and mother attempted to contact me, but I remained resilient.

Q. You’re still waiting for your case to appear before court. Do you have confidence that justice will be served? What if the ruling wasn’t in your favour, considering the fact that there is no clause in the penal code that mentions the term “sexual harassment”?
The case will be considered on the 21st of October, and it’s expected that it will either be delayed, or a final verdict issued as it was filed as a crime of indecent assault. If it’s proven that the act was premeditated, there could be a maximum sentence of 15 years.

However, it’s not unlikely for the driver to be declared innocent if doubt is cast on the statements of the only witness, my friend Hind. I hope that all my efforts do not go in vain.

Q. What is your opinion on the currently proposed bill that would set a definition for sexual harassment and criminalize it?
People on the street found it strange when I mentioned the word “harassment”. Sexual harassment is a crime, but what’s the benefit if the law isn’t enacted? Laws alone are not act as a deterrent and women stand up for themselves. The clause of indecent assault is present in the penal code, but was it ever used?

Q. Were you not concerned for your reputation, especially after the media began to discuss your case?
I’m the victim here, and not the perpetrator. My aim behind appearing in media outlets is to become a role model for other women and to encourage them to speak out. And my appearance had positive effects and I received many calls from officials at the Interior Ministry inquiring about the specifics of the incident. All of them showed utmost respect and offered their apologies, although one of them commented that it’s not logical that a person would reach him arm out through the window while driving.

Q. And what was your response?
I told him, “Is all that happened logical in the first place? Is it logical that I was harassed close to my home and next to a police station? Is it logical that no one from the station agreed to offer assistance?”

Q. How did you benefit from the experience?
Firstly, I’ve learned that determination inspires a person with both psychological and physical strength. Despite the driver being larger than me, I was able to resist him. Secondly, I’ve learned that as long as I’m on the right, I will not be affected by the words of those who try to dissuade or silence me.

Q. You’re a documentary director and short films. After what has happened, are you considering directing a film on sexual harassment?
Of course it crossed my mind, but it’s certain that the film wouldn’t have the same positive impact as my refusal to remain silent. If Egyptian women refused to remain silent, we wouldn’t have witnessed the massive organized harassment in the Mohandeseen area.

Iran has a bleak human rights record, and cases of  abuse should published and the international community made aware of. But when the media fails to draw the line between those governing and the governed, and when war is constantly being advocated as a “solution”, our concern is raised.

I recently interviewed Kourosh Ziabari, a young yet accomplished Iranian journalist who felt compelled to take action against the vilification of his country and people. His approach was to introduce the world to Iran’s rich culture, history and contributions to the worlds of art, science, etc. – aspects of Iran that many are unaware of.

Many of Mideast Youth’s readers (myself included) would have objections to some of his responses, but they remain valid opinions held by him and many of his Iranian counterparts. Mideast Youth was created with the purpose of fostering a fierce – but respectful dialogue – among the diverse groups in the region, and it’s only through challenging each other’s perspectives that we can learn from each other.

So please, keep an open mind and maintain the required level of respect in your comments.

Q. First, could you give us a short introduction about yourself?
In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful.

My name is Kourosh Ziabari and I was born in 1990 in the northern city of Rasht in Iran. I started my journalistic career at the age of 8 and that was why I have been introduced as “Iran’s youngest professional journalist” by the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, also been awarded as the “Young gifted talent” by the vice-president in 2008.

I served for almost all of the best-selling Iranian newspapers as a contributing author; papers including Jam-e-Jam, Iran newspaper, Hamshahri, Etemaad Newspaper, Shargh newspaper and Daneshmand magazine alongside working for online magazines and newspapers of the United States, Belgium, Canada, Egypt, Turkey, Pakistan, South Korea, Britain and Persian Gulf countries as well.
I’ve published two books in Iran, the latest of them 7+1 which was also presented by the Amazon website.

I have two blogs in Persian and English, planning to open the Arabic one, too, in which I republish my articles and propound my political, cultural and social views.

According to Flagcounter.com stats, my English blog  has had visitors from 128 countries up to now.

At the time being, I am studying linguistics at the Iran-based University of Guilan and serving as a researcher for the publication department of English university of Stony Brook.

Q. After Yahoo removed Iran from the list of countries, citing sanctions against Iran, you took an innovative approach to voicing your objection. Can you briefly describe it to us?
The thing was that, Yahoo mail removed the name of Iran from its list of supported countries in November 2007 with the pretext that the US Department of State imposed some new commercial sanctions on Iran which limits the American web portals’ relations to Iran, too.

But to be honest with you, they have had no limitations to share deals with Iranian users, because at that time, they were providing services to more than 10 million Iranians steadily.

In fact, virtual connections through he Internet are not possible to restrict by sanctions or embargo, additionally the Yahoo stats show that about 1 percent of its consumers come from Iran and a credible website or brand would not ever flaw its reputation by ignoring 1 percent of those who regularly use its services.

The exclusive aim of Yahoo was to humiliate the Iranian people by deleting the name of their country. In the other words, their action was just a “mental war tactic” rather than being a practical resolution to impose sanctions. It led to a situation in which any new Iranian user who wanted to signup for a Yahoo mail account should have selected the name of other countries instead of Iran.

The strange move by Yahoo, which was a unique one of its type, supposed the idea that this website is a state-backed and state-run one, which was in contradiction with the allegations about its independence and non-alignment to government politics.

However, after this strange accident, we carried out a unique action in response, with the goal of countering the unprofessional and immoral behavior of Yahoo that removed the name of a 7500 years old country with a population of 70 million.

We launched a Google Bomb targeting the “Yahoo mail” keyword to redirect every internet user searching for “Yahoo mail” to our desired web pages instead of the Yahoo mail official website.

These pages provided information on Iranian culture, arts, people, history and civilization to let the whole world know how important, influential and substantial is the country whose name is being omitted from the list of countries in an American website.

Our website (at helloyahoomail.net) obtained a number of 2.5 million visitors during less than a year and attracted the attention of global media towards the issue. Also it was a shocking hit to the reputation and fame of the Yahoo mail website and unveiled many facts about its hostile approach toward Iran for the public opinions.

I clearly remember that on the first days of our Google Bomb’s commencement, hundreds of Yahoo users coming from Islamic countries and even European nations emailed me and told that they removed their IDs from Yahoo mail to condemn this offensive and immoral action.

Q. What do you hope to achieve through teaching the world about Iran’s history and culture?
Once, the land of Ancient Persia was the greatest empire of the world, even greater than the Roman, Greek and Egyptian monarchies that shaped the four main civilizations of history.

All of the neighboring countries of today’s Iran from Pakistan and Afghanistan, UAE and Qatar, Turkey and Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan were the inseparable parts of Greater Persia, but have been separated due to the unworthiness of Qajar and Pahlavi kings.

However, all of these countries are the close friends and brothers of Iran today.

Iran was historically a cradle of science, culture and arts and still is. Hundreds of outstanding and everlasting poets such as Mowlana, Ferdowsi, Hafez, Sa’di and Rudaki come from Iran. Many scientists who changed the formation of global sciences are Iranian. Avicenna, Khaje Nasiruddin Tousi, Rhazes and Abu Raihan Biruni are among them.

In a brief word, Iran was the land of culture and science and today, there are responsible and intellectual Iranians who follow the magnificent way of their precious and esteemed ancestors.

But the facts and realities about Iran are being concealed due to the unequal black propaganda being carried out by the western media, taking root from the historical jealousness and hostility of some governments and states to the successful and genius people of Iran.

However, today, Iran is in the steadiest and strongest position of its past decades. The Iranian students and inventors are being ranked as the top 3 in all of the international Olympiads of chemistry, physics, mathematics, biology and astronomy. The Iranian publications and industrial companies are being invited to attend the most important fairs, exhibitions and conferences all around the world. The Iranian filmmakers, writers, journalists, painters, musicians and scholars are being granted with international awards from different countries frequently. The Iranian universities are expanding their mutual ties with the international universities of Asia, Europe and America more than before.

The Iranian athletes are clinching hundreds of world and Olympic records in all of the global stages. The disabled athletes of Iran also are being ranked among the top 15 world countries in every competition and tournament. And totally, Iran is now counted as an impressive factor in the cultural, scientific and financial deals of the world.

These are all sources of honor for Iranian people and the esteemed nations of Middle East who are grateful of having such a powerful and influential neighbor, but the western media are trying aggressively to damage these relations. Regarding to this conditions, it is our duty to introduce our abilities and capacities and support each other on the path toward progress and flourish.

Q. Have your efforts received any form of official support, or has it been an entirely civil-led effort?
I have not had any financial support neither from domestic nor foreign organizations, but I’ve been awarded in some national and international festivals for the researches and scientific projects I’ve done. And as I mentioned before, I have been awarded by the vice president of Islamic Republic of Iran in year 2008 as one of the country’s youth talents.

Q. Yahoo’s decision comes in the backdrop of a massive campaign to vilify Iran and its people. What forces do you believe are driving that campaign? And for what purpose?
You may know that the NAM (Non Aligned Movement) has 118 members. As of 2007, NAM is the second largest international organization after the UN.

Lots of world independent powers are the members of this intercontinental organization. Algeria, Bahrain, Belarus, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, India, Lebanon, Kuwait, Malaysia, Nigeria Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Senegal, Tunisia, UAE and Venezuela are among these countries. Also Brazil, Croatia, Mexico, Serbia, Ukraine, China and Azerbaijan are among the observer states. So you see that the world is not limited to the US, UK, France and Germany. All of these countries share common interests and like each other to be developed, make progress and qualify.

In fact, there is an eternal treaty of brotherhood between these countries and Iran is a major, powerful and historical of them which gives authenticity and honor to their ring of solidarity.

Today, Iran is the 17th largest country of the world by the total area (excluding Greenland as a recognized country), the 8th military power of the world (according to CIA fact book), the 19th major electricity producer in the world, the 10th world auto producer (according to UNIDO stats) and the 3rd largest oil exporter among 205 countries in the world. (According to OPEC)

Also referring to the World Bank 2007 stats, Iran is placed 17th in the world ranking of countries by Gross Domestic Product, passing Australia, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Norway and Finland which are among the most flourishing and competitive economies in the world.

These swift and quick prosperities for the nation of Iran are intimidating the Western powers, for they think about the overthrow of their economic, cultural and political authority on the developing or underdeveloped countries.

Today, Iran is the best friends of developing countries to help them get out of the worst situations which they suffer because of the Western occupation and colonization.

The progress of Iranian people is the progress of 118 countries of NAM, 60 countries of OIC and all countries of Middle East. So for the major powers of the West, there isn’t any reason to wait and observe the multilateral achievements of these countries. They must keep us poor, dependent, incapable and underdeveloped to continue their domination; otherwise they would not survive anymore.

Now that Iran is moving toward the mountains of success and prosperity as a vanguard and model for the other developing countries, the western powers are being frightened for the sake of their future, so they try to thump and enfeeble Iran that is breaking the obstacles. In this way, the other developing Asian, African and Latin American countries would not dare to take serious steps toward innovation and flourish.

Q. But given that minorities (both ethnic and religious) in Iran and women experience discrimination in many walks of life, doesn’t that leave Iran worthy of criticism? Isn’t the world morally responsible to address what it views as a dire situation?
Prevalent perceptions of nations about different issues and matters of international affairs are shaped by the mainstream media. For example, as an Iranian citizen, if I want to learn more about the Egypt, there is just few ways in front of me. The most reliable is to travel and witness by my own eyes, but I am compelled to trust in media, newspapers, books, articles and photos if traveling is not possible.

What happens if the books, articles and stories which are the sources of information are written with a biased approach themselves? So my perceptions are not shaped properly based on a realistic foundation and I would become pessimistic about the subject which is here, Egypt, for example.

If you think that the fundamental rights of women or religious minorities are being violated in Iran, then I invite you to come to Iran and observe nearly.

Iran is the only country in the world in which Zoroastrians are living peacefully. Jews, Christians and Zoroastrians each have an official seat in the national Parliament. Is there any representative for Muslim minorities in the parliament of US or UK?

In Iran, women are among the most respected and highly esteemed social groups. The tradition of kissing mothers’ hand was first originated by Iranians because of their abundant tribute for the mothers and their position.

More than 60 percent of University students in Iran are females and this portion is growing in favor of women every day.

Most of the professors and researchers of academic institutions in Iran are women, the first female explorer of the spatial station (Anousheh Ansari) was Iranian, the first noble prize winner of Iran was female (Shirin Ebadi) and thousands of other examples. I can not really understand those who spread such fabrications about the situation of women in Iran and mislead the public opinions.

Q. How has the campaign of vilification affected the lives of ordinary Iranians?
The average people of Iran don’t much care about what the world media tell about them. You perhaps remember the famous quotation by the President Bush who called Iran as the “axis of evil”. This offensive quotation was republished by the international newspapers and chained TV channels for thousands, but millions of times. But the society of Iran does not pay any attention to tumults and brawls by the “bullying powers”.

The people of Iran spend their daily life by working, shopping, going to sports and attending football matches, reading newspapers, watching TV and listening to traditional music! Just this!

Q. Much of the media coverage on Iran deals with its supposed intentions to acquire nuclear weapons. Do you believe it is the Iranian government’s intention to build an arsenal of nuclear weapons?
Finally we came up to the main and hot topic. Before giving your answer, I want to ask a simple, direct and explicit question. Why Israel doesn’t join NPT now? Why it should be the only country which doesn’t sign this peaceful pact? NPT is the international treaty signed to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons. Israel is the only country in the world who has never signed it. According to the statistics issued by the Federation of American Scientists, Israel is hoarding at least 170 nuclear warheads.

The Arms Control Association also admitted before that Israel possesses a substantial nuclear arsenal of mass destruction weapons and maintains intercontinental-range ballistic missiles to deliver them. Officially Israel herself neither confirms nor denies possessing nuclear weapons and nobody ask her, too!

Isn’t it a little dubious? You assume that Iranian government is struggling to acquire nuclear weapons. Why nobody takes any serious action to disarm Israel and then come to Iran?

The reports issued by the IAEA director Muhammad El-Baradei confirmed 12 times that Iran never deviated in its nuclear programs. 120 more reports will also confirm that without any new conclusion. Iran’s nuclear program is totally civilian and planned to solve the problem of electricity shortage but when the US and its affiliated allies insist constantly to pretend it as a dangerous program for the world, so it would just be an exhausting waste of time and energy to argue and debate.

Believe that not as an Iranian, I want to ask as a global citizen that If using nuclear energy is not safe and secure for the global peace then why there should be no limitations for the states of France, Germany and US to exploit it? What is the difference between Iran and France? Eventually, what is the privilege of Israel to the other countries that none of the international organizations dare to investigate its nuclear program? Why doesn’t UNSC impose sanctions on Israel to halt its nuclear programs and destroy its nuclear weapons? These are all questions that I didn’t succeed to find any suitable and convincing answer for them.

Q. Several countries in the region have moved towards reaching a peace accord with Israel. In your opinion, would the Iranian authorities ever consider such a move?
Iran is culturally a special country with special people. Iran never attacked nor occupied any land or country during 7500 years of its modern civilization. Iranians are totally hateful toward occupation, atrocity and genocide.
Iranian people would not accept any political relations with Israel even if the officials content to.

Sitting with Israel on a table and talking about various subjects means the recognition of “genocide” and “terror” by Iran and that is impossible.

You remember that when Iraqi army attacked our country, the late Imam Khomeini didn’t allow the national military services to launch missiles against Iraq because he believed that it is contrary to human rights and fundamental regulations of the global peace.

Iranian people are sympathetic and sensitive toward the afflicted and oppressed nations. They cannot compromise with a fake regime that killed millions of innocent Palestinian children and women during 60 years.

Iran is against apartheid regimes as it was in past against the apartheid regime of Southern African Republic until its overthrow.

Q. Wouldn’t you say that pairing the promotion of history and culture would be more effective if it were to go hand-in-hand with communication with citizens of other nations?
Of course I agree with you. Iran is suffering a complicated and breathtaking situation which leads our country to be the target of the most calamitous and unfair black and false propaganda. The western media falsify all of the news around Iran, censor the achievements and successes, distort the facts and figures and provide the public opinions with the most altered view of Iran that you can imagine and trace.

But in the meanwhile, Iran has a number of 3 million foreign visitors every year which is slated to enhance to 20 millions in year 2024 according to the 20-years perspective of Iran’s development.

The face-to-face relations are going to give us more realistic views about different issues and I invite all of our readers to come to Iran and discover its concealed facts.

I think it is sufficient to quote one popular statement of the world-renowned Irish singer Chris de Burgh who said in his visit to Iran: “I see Tehran is even safer than LA. I feel tranquil in the streets of Tehran!”

Q. Do you foresee an American attack on Iran?
Don’t take the funny rhetoric of anti-Iran strike by the US or Israel so seriously. They have neither the political nor the military power of attacking Iran.
You may have heard the famous and misinterpreted quotation by the Iranian president Dr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad who said that: “Israel would be wiped off the world map.”

To explain his controversial statement, Mr. Ahmadinejad noted later that Iran would not take any action to fulfill the prediction. The removal of Israel off the world’s map is a gradual and automatic process which would happen without any need to military interference.

But I can ensure you that sparkling of the first war flashes against Iran would lead to the disappearance of Israel off the world’s map by the hands of Iran and intentionally in this case.

You know well and I know too that there would not be any attack on Iran even in the next 500 years, and the augment of anti-Iran loquacity and rhetoric by the western statesmen and media is just an inadmissible tool to spread horror and scare inside the heart of people around the world.

Keep in mind that Israel is too “skimpy” and “tiny” to attack Iran. US would also never flaw its multilateral and expanded relations with Iran by attacking it. You may hear in the media that US imposed sanctions on Iran for three times. But are they really abiding the so-called sanctions? Is there really any practical sanction on Iran? Iran is the major economic ally of US in the region and everybody knows it.

Q. Finally, as fellow Middle Easterners, what can we do to help counter the negative publicity?
Our Middle East is consisted of historical and influential countries which are all being pressed by those who we know. They call that Iran and Syria are the axis of evil, the Palestine must be mixed with the fake Zionist regime, Lebanon should be free of resistance troops, etc.

They are scattering the seeds of division in the soil of Middle East and I think that they are committing it smartly. What do you think about the project of Persian Gulf’s name distortion? It is simply an American-run project to damage the solidarity of Iran and its Arab neighbors, spreading hostility between them.

While everybody knows that the body of water separating Iran from the Arabian Peninsula is being called Persian Gulf since 5000 years ago, they propagate a fabricated term to spread disagreement and their behavior is obviously seditious.

They never say that the Arabic language was so rich that even the Persian scientists such as Avicenna used it in their scriptures, because exposing this fact leads to the closeness of Persian and Arab nations. They just say that put the term “Arabian gulf” instead of “Persian Gulf”.

So it is an important duty to distinguish their deceits, tricks and try to make them inefficient.

Furthermore, we must do our best to avoid controversial and useless disputes that keep us far from our sublime goals.

We, as the nations of Middle East, should work hard to improve our knowledge, make scientific progress, ameliorate the financial circumstances and make a better world through the gates of Middle East.

Iranian authorities constantly deny that they discriminate against Baha’i students, citing a recent policy change that allowed students to enrol in universities for the first time in almost 3 decades. Although students were no longer forced to declare their religious affiliation when applying for the national university entrance examination, a memo revealed last year exposed their hypocrisy. The memo, sent from Iran’s Ministry of Science, Research and Technology, instructed all institutions to expel any student discovered to be a Baha’i.

Over the past two years a new tactic was employed: namely, denying Baha’i students admission by alleging their files are incomplete. Last year, almost 800 (of over 1,000) students had their dreams shattered this way. But this year, when trying to login to the national university examination website, Baha’i students were redirected to: http://82.99.202.139/karsarasari/87/index.php?msg=error_bah

Whether the Iranian authorities were caught in the folly of their ways, or “error_bah” was intentional is a tough call. But should the authorities want to upgrade their message for the next academic year, we have a fitting suggestion:

We have a handy response for them to use, should they run out of excuses: “How can we be accused of denying Baha’is access to education when we do not recognize their existence? The accusations are baseless!”