Nov 4th, Tehran: The anniversary of U.S. Hostage Crisis
Iranian opposition (well! Majority of the people) protested in Tehran and other cities.
The confrontation of the government and the protesting people was terrifying.
You could feel the hatred on the faces of regime supporters. They were beating the people!
Why do people hate? Or how do people learn to hate?
I was wondering how would Iranian Supreme Leader think and feel if he had a chance to travel around the world?
How would the R.G members think and feel if they could live in Brazil, Canada, or Italy for a year or so?
How do people learn the method of loving “others”?
How do people become hostage to hatred?
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
I am Armenian, I am Iranian
My sister is a high school student. She goes to a non-Armenian (or Muslim) school. One day she comes home and says how her non-Armenian Muslim friends do not know the difference between being an Armenian and being Persian. My sister says that her friends were surprised when she said she is not Persian but Armenian.
Armenians live in Iran for more than 400 years. Although 400 years is a long time, Armenians still live in a semi-closed community, speak Armenian, and practice their rituals. when is this gonna end? and how?or is it supposed to end?
It is interesting to see how after 400 years of living as ethnic Armenians in Iran people still don't know about us!
Moreover, it is interesting to see an example illustrating the dominance of Persian culture! students don't know that Iran is a multi-ethnic country and that Persians are one of the ethnic groups living in Iran.
why?
Armenians live in Iran for more than 400 years. Although 400 years is a long time, Armenians still live in a semi-closed community, speak Armenian, and practice their rituals. when is this gonna end? and how?or is it supposed to end?
It is interesting to see how after 400 years of living as ethnic Armenians in Iran people still don't know about us!
Moreover, it is interesting to see an example illustrating the dominance of Persian culture! students don't know that Iran is a multi-ethnic country and that Persians are one of the ethnic groups living in Iran.
why?
Saturday, October 17, 2009
No Comment
President of Armenia went to Turkey to attend the soccer match.
Sarkissian’s airplane landed in the airport. He was accompanied by Armenian delegation.
Davutoglu welcomed Sarkissian. Turkish delegation accompanied him.
Both shook hands. There were dozens of politicians around them.
For a moment I felt pain in my heart! Not because this meeting reminded me the fact that protocols had been signed. No! For a moment, I felt so weak, so little, so marginalized!
There was no woman among them!
And once again, I 'understood' that “this is a man’s world”(.)
...
Sarkissian’s airplane landed in the airport. He was accompanied by Armenian delegation.
Davutoglu welcomed Sarkissian. Turkish delegation accompanied him.
Both shook hands. There were dozens of politicians around them.
For a moment I felt pain in my heart! Not because this meeting reminded me the fact that protocols had been signed. No! For a moment, I felt so weak, so little, so marginalized!
There was no woman among them!
And once again, I 'understood' that “this is a man’s world”(.)
...
Friday, October 9, 2009
Collective Punishment of The Armenian Diaspora!
The Armenian Genocide was a collective punishment. A group of people was exterminated simply because they were Armenian. Collective punishment is an outcome of racism. It is the outcome of the idea that being an Armenian, a Rwandan, or a Cambodian, is something different from being a human. It is not important whether the person as an individual or a human being is a good person or not. The value of the individual is measured based on his/her affiliation to a specific group. Consequently, the entire group is perceived as one entity and group members deprived of individuality. Therefore, the whole group can be treated as a single unit or as an individual.
Recently, the announced Protocols by the governments of Turkey and Armenia to be singed in October 10 in order to normalize relations between respective countries have become a major point of dispute. Armenian President, Serzh Sarkissian, started a tour to gain the support of Armenians in the Diaspora that ended in major protests and demonstrations demanding the president to stop the process.
Couple days ago, Turkish Prime Minister, Erdogan, had an interview with the Wall Street Journal discussing the Protocols. In his interview, Erdogan said:
“I believe when president Sarkisian was on an international visit, he was faced by a reaction from the Armenian Diaspora. Therefore, what he does in face of the reaction of the Diaspora is very important. If he can stand firm, and if it is the government of Armenia and not the Armenian Diaspora that is determining policy in Armenia, then I think that we can move forward.”
Who is Armenian Diaspora? Moreover, is this statement racist?
It seems that if for Turkish authorities in 1915 Armenians were seen as one single entity, an ethnic group, who were denied the right to exist, the Armenian Diaspora today as well is perceived as a single entity that should be denied the right to be heard. In other words, the underlying logic is the same old idea of excluding a particular group of people from the process. If in 1915 the exclusion of Armenians occurred through the genocide, today the exclusion is through the calls to ignore the Diaspora’s voices. In both cases, a group of people has been perceived as one entity and the method to deal with the group is its elimination (either physically or silencing the voice).
One may argue that addressing a group of people who share one major similarity is a common approach and method. The usage of phrases like American people, French citizens, Muslim population, etc is common. However, the political leaders usually use those phrases to address the people or speak on behalf of those groups. I do not remember an accepted political leader of a democratic country expressing the idea of ignoring x or y group of people. Just imagine for instance, the President of US saying that the Israeli government should not take into consideration the Jewish Diaspora or the Palestinian authorities should ignore the people of Gaza (not specific organization or party BUT the people of Gaza).
The statements criticizing the Armenian Diaspora, or calling the Diasporans as obstacles hindering Armenia’s development follows the same line of thought explained in the first paragraph. It assumes that Armenians are divided in two groups, Armenians of Armenia and Armenians of Diaspora and each group represents a single entity with a unique quality. One side wants development, peace, and the other one conflict. Thus, there is a need to silence or ignore the nationalist one that wants conflict! This style of thinking in this framework is dangerous and mistaken. It is essentially racist!
Statements calling to ignore the Diaspora’s concerns are outside of Erdogan’s authority. It seems the Turkish Prime Minister does not remember that the issues addressed in the Protocols are directly linked to the concerns of the Diaspora. How can you exclude the party directly linked to the issues raised in the Protocols from influencing the outcome of the political process? The Turkish Prime Minister does not understand that he has no moral right to demand such a thing. He does not realize that the Armenian Diaspora is the outcome of the Genocide of 1915, the veracity of which is questioned in the Protocols. Is this the continuation of the same Turkish policy with a different form? How much racism plays into this?
Couple days ago, Turkish Prime Minister, Erdogan, had an interview with the Wall Street Journal discussing the Protocols. In his interview, Erdogan said:
“I believe when president Sarkisian was on an international visit, he was faced by a reaction from the Armenian Diaspora. Therefore, what he does in face of the reaction of the Diaspora is very important. If he can stand firm, and if it is the government of Armenia and not the Armenian Diaspora that is determining policy in Armenia, then I think that we can move forward.”
Who is Armenian Diaspora? Moreover, is this statement racist?
It seems that if for Turkish authorities in 1915 Armenians were seen as one single entity, an ethnic group, who were denied the right to exist, the Armenian Diaspora today as well is perceived as a single entity that should be denied the right to be heard. In other words, the underlying logic is the same old idea of excluding a particular group of people from the process. If in 1915 the exclusion of Armenians occurred through the genocide, today the exclusion is through the calls to ignore the Diaspora’s voices. In both cases, a group of people has been perceived as one entity and the method to deal with the group is its elimination (either physically or silencing the voice).
One may argue that addressing a group of people who share one major similarity is a common approach and method. The usage of phrases like American people, French citizens, Muslim population, etc is common. However, the political leaders usually use those phrases to address the people or speak on behalf of those groups. I do not remember an accepted political leader of a democratic country expressing the idea of ignoring x or y group of people. Just imagine for instance, the President of US saying that the Israeli government should not take into consideration the Jewish Diaspora or the Palestinian authorities should ignore the people of Gaza (not specific organization or party BUT the people of Gaza).
The statements criticizing the Armenian Diaspora, or calling the Diasporans as obstacles hindering Armenia’s development follows the same line of thought explained in the first paragraph. It assumes that Armenians are divided in two groups, Armenians of Armenia and Armenians of Diaspora and each group represents a single entity with a unique quality. One side wants development, peace, and the other one conflict. Thus, there is a need to silence or ignore the nationalist one that wants conflict! This style of thinking in this framework is dangerous and mistaken. It is essentially racist!
Statements calling to ignore the Diaspora’s concerns are outside of Erdogan’s authority. It seems the Turkish Prime Minister does not remember that the issues addressed in the Protocols are directly linked to the concerns of the Diaspora. How can you exclude the party directly linked to the issues raised in the Protocols from influencing the outcome of the political process? The Turkish Prime Minister does not understand that he has no moral right to demand such a thing. He does not realize that the Armenian Diaspora is the outcome of the Genocide of 1915, the veracity of which is questioned in the Protocols. Is this the continuation of the same Turkish policy with a different form? How much racism plays into this?
Saturday, October 3, 2009
the president just raped us and the world is clapping!
“president” Serzh Sarkissian assumed power in Armenia through rigged elections. The fraudulent elections were followed by massive demonstrations that ended in the establishment of the state of emergency in Armenia. The police killed Armenian citizens and many of them were imprisoned. The US didn’t congratulate Serzh Sarkissian.
One month after his election, Serzh started his soccer diplomacy to start relations with Turkey. The result was the introduction of two protocols that are expected to be signed in 10 days and later be ratified by the parliaments of both countries. There are tons of analyses about the protocols. It is clear that Armenia is not in equal position with Turkey. Armenia will lose a lot! US is happy and supporting the process! This is what Armenia wants!!!? Right? No one states that Armenia is not a democratic country!!!
This reminds me the public private division and how it relates to intl. relations.
If you are a bad guy inside the family and also in the society everybody blames you. You don’t know how to treat your family and you don’t know how to behave in public! Everybody condemns you!
If you are a bad guy in the family but behave well in the public, then it is no ones’ business what you do in your family. Unless you do ok in the public, the rest is not important.
Does anybody remember who Serzh is?
Therefore,
1-Armenia’s issue is domestic! We need to fight for democracy. We are losing because we are not democratic and it has nothing to do with western pressure! (well, it has to some extent but it is not the decisive factor). Westerners are not gonna solve our issues! They have their own issues and agendas.
2- human rights is a myth! Dignity? What does that mean? You rape me but I speak about the reconciliation and everybody is happy because I am such an amazing person! I show love to those who rape me constantly!
3-it feels like we are living at the time of cold war!
4-don’t expect me to be logical. I am overwhelmed and mad! And I have the right to be both overwhelmed and mad! Too much is going on around me.
IMPORTANT NOTE: whenever I talk about Turkey I mean today's Turkish government. I have no problem with Turkish people. just want to make it clear.
One month after his election, Serzh started his soccer diplomacy to start relations with Turkey. The result was the introduction of two protocols that are expected to be signed in 10 days and later be ratified by the parliaments of both countries. There are tons of analyses about the protocols. It is clear that Armenia is not in equal position with Turkey. Armenia will lose a lot! US is happy and supporting the process! This is what Armenia wants!!!? Right? No one states that Armenia is not a democratic country!!!
This reminds me the public private division and how it relates to intl. relations.
If you are a bad guy inside the family and also in the society everybody blames you. You don’t know how to treat your family and you don’t know how to behave in public! Everybody condemns you!
If you are a bad guy in the family but behave well in the public, then it is no ones’ business what you do in your family. Unless you do ok in the public, the rest is not important.
Does anybody remember who Serzh is?
Therefore,
1-Armenia’s issue is domestic! We need to fight for democracy. We are losing because we are not democratic and it has nothing to do with western pressure! (well, it has to some extent but it is not the decisive factor). Westerners are not gonna solve our issues! They have their own issues and agendas.
2- human rights is a myth! Dignity? What does that mean? You rape me but I speak about the reconciliation and everybody is happy because I am such an amazing person! I show love to those who rape me constantly!
3-it feels like we are living at the time of cold war!
4-don’t expect me to be logical. I am overwhelmed and mad! And I have the right to be both overwhelmed and mad! Too much is going on around me.
IMPORTANT NOTE: whenever I talk about Turkey I mean today's Turkish government. I have no problem with Turkish people. just want to make it clear.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Iranians are Free
“History is the progress of the consciousness of freedom.” (Hegel)
There is extreme state pressure on people in Iran.
Rev. G.uard just bought the major share of the state’s telecommunication company.
The majority of political and social networking websites are blocked.
It is not possible to watch satellite TV stations like BBC, Euronews, CNN,etc.
There is a program for reformation of social sciences in Iran meaning the i.slamization and anti-s.ecularization of social sciences!!!! God knows what that means! The Gentlemen are afraid of Weber and Habermas!
However, it feels like Iran has never been freer than today.
And it feels like Iranians have never been freer than this.
Iranians are free today
Not because they wear tight uniforms and tiny scarves, and thus, challenge the government imposed dress code
Not because they play western music
Not because they know how to find western uncensored movies in black market
Not because they know how to find alcohol and throw out big parties
but because they are aware that being free does not mean bypassing the laws and opposing the government-imposed norms but actually demanding to change those unfair laws and respecting them! They are free because they know how to respect human kind regardless of his/her religious and political beliefs. Iranians put an step forward in order to resolve the prejudice and nervousness.
It is such an amazing time to be in Iran. It feels like you are stuck in the middle of history; so close to it that you can feel how it changes.
There is extreme state pressure on people in Iran.
Rev. G.uard just bought the major share of the state’s telecommunication company.
The majority of political and social networking websites are blocked.
It is not possible to watch satellite TV stations like BBC, Euronews, CNN,etc.
There is a program for reformation of social sciences in Iran meaning the i.slamization and anti-s.ecularization of social sciences!!!! God knows what that means! The Gentlemen are afraid of Weber and Habermas!
However, it feels like Iran has never been freer than today.
And it feels like Iranians have never been freer than this.
Iranians are free today
Not because they wear tight uniforms and tiny scarves, and thus, challenge the government imposed dress code
Not because they play western music
Not because they know how to find western uncensored movies in black market
Not because they know how to find alcohol and throw out big parties
but because they are aware that being free does not mean bypassing the laws and opposing the government-imposed norms but actually demanding to change those unfair laws and respecting them! They are free because they know how to respect human kind regardless of his/her religious and political beliefs. Iranians put an step forward in order to resolve the prejudice and nervousness.
It is such an amazing time to be in Iran. It feels like you are stuck in the middle of history; so close to it that you can feel how it changes.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
less or more nationalist or the weakness of civil society?
Why would Armenia sign such protocols and why there is no major and news breaking reaction by the people living in Armenia? It SEEMS that Armenians of diapsora and ARF inside the Armenia are the ones who are the major critics of the protocols! Well, the argument has been made that the diasporans are radical and ARF is perceived as the nationalist party! During past two weeks I have heard explanations stating that it seems there is a gap between diaspora and Armenia! It seems that disaporan Armenians and Armenians from Armenia have different values, and thus, have different approaches towards the normalization of relations between the two countries of Turkey and Armenia! Subsequently, the assumption is that except some hardliner radicals, the rest of the people in Armenia are in favor or normalizing relations with Turkey, and thus, opening the borders.
The above-mentioned explanation doesn't seem compelling. I believe the perceived difference does not indicate the difference between Armenians and diasporans in terms of defining the principles of the national interests(*). The answer does not lie in difference between values but the weakness of democratic institutions, civil and political society in Armenia. Why?
The above-mentioned explanation doesn't seem compelling. I believe the perceived difference does not indicate the difference between Armenians and diasporans in terms of defining the principles of the national interests(*). The answer does not lie in difference between values but the weakness of democratic institutions, civil and political society in Armenia. Why?
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