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Random Opinions & Observations by; Pedram Moallemian

Ledeen Speaks!

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My last post on Michael Ledeen caused much discussion. However, one of the comments left was by non other than Michael Ledeen himself.

As my own internet identity had been hijacked and misused in the past, I did not reply to the post considering that it may have been faked. Yesterday I forwarded the post and other information to a known address of Mr. Ledeen to ensure it was in fact written by him.

Michael Ledeen replied today to confirm that it was indeed he who wrote the comment.

I sincerely welcome this opportunity for exchange of ideas, even if I have called him our enemy #1 in the past. I hope his effort to reach out to myself as well as other Iranians (bloggers or otherwise) can provide him with a more accurate image of what needs to be done to help in our struggle for freedom.

I also hope this can be the start of a healthy and contructive dialogue, where both sides can learn from one another and perhaps common grounds can be explored to achieve some of the mutual goals.

My reply can be read by clicking on “Click here to read…” link below. I look forward to your replies and comments, including those by Michael Ledeen and others in his camp.

Dear Mr. Ledeen;

Thank you for taking the time to leave a reply to my original post and other comments on my web log at eyeranian.net.

Your attempt to build bridges of contact and dialogue is commendable, particularly with those in widely opposing points of view. It is also refreshing to see your attempt to engage and exchange ideas with other segments of Iranians society, as in the past this circle has arguably been very limited. Perhaps the “utterly false” premise of your support and preference for one group over all others also stems from this perception of your non-inclusive approach.

I respectfully enclose a brief reply to some of your comments;

• Separation of religion and government is a fundamental step towards democracy. I agree with you on that point wholeheartedly. This is a universal issue and needs to be addressed not only in Iran or even middle-east, but globally. For example, I have been accused of being anti-Israel in the past for advocating such separation for that country also. I do not believe the concept of a “Jewish State” or even “Promised Land” which bases it’s legitimacy of a government or political entity on religious belief and teachings of a particular faith is any more justifiable than the concept of “velayate faqih” and supremacy of a cleric as the indirect divine representative on earth. The same principal also applies to this country where certain “Christian” circles, mostly from a narrow section of that faith, have tried for years to impose their religious belief and practices on various aspects of its citizen’s lives, from reproductive rights, prayer in schools, equality of all before the law and even official holidays.

• I am glad you support “all the radios”, which I assume includes all TV broadcasters also. However, since there are no other TV programs (for example) currently in operation, your support would only benefit the current crop and their limited agenda and points of view. Perhaps a more equitable approach would be to support establishment of new entities committed to diversity of ideas and opinions, or initiating guidelines and checks and balances, backed by an ombudsman/board of review set up for the current bunch to guarantee a democratic and fair representation. After all, if they want my tax money, they should be held accountable to certain minimum requirements.

• As for your support of the “revolutionaries” against what “Khamenei and Rafsanjani want”, we disagree fundamentally. In my opinion, tyrants reign and flourish in fear and an atmosphere of violence and terror. They thrive in situations where they can dominate by instigating panic and anxiety, while they use force to quash the disgruntled, often using security concerns as an excuse. This has been the pattern of dictators and oppressors world-wide, be it by exploiting the potential affects of a foreign or domestic foe. Khamenei and Rafsanjanis of the world love the violence, chaos and hostility. What they fear and are without a weapon against is a non-violent movement based on logic and careful planning, instead of the disorder and anarchy of a revolution.

Current history of Iran is a prime example for this argument. Regime has had little trouble overwhelming “revolutionary” types who advocate an uprising or arms struggle (or both) in the past 20 years. Meanwhile the non-violent movement of the masses has steadily grown, using strategic goals and causes – sometimes even temporary leaders – to make gains, while creating appropriate institutions and grounds to build a positive and permanent evolution into a democracy. This is a point people like Tabarzadi do not understand and as a result fall behind the masses in its steady movement. You recall his unsuccessful but passionate pleas for the students to use his “referendum” slogans during the recent conflicts, not realizing he was the leader past his expiry date and new demands and agendas where being sought as he was insistent on old ones.

In short, most Iranians have arrived at a common conclusion, violence and the kind of revolution they orchestrated repeatedly over the last century, only caused further restrictions and a turmoil that enabled the unsavory elements to gain power and even steal their movement. This time they want to experience a movement similar to all other successful non-violent campaigns globally and by preparing the groundwork and establishing of a foundation of democratic ideas and principals. That is why you do not see “Molotov Cocktails and other weapons” used by the students and any improvised weapon is only used in a defensive fashion and to prevent further bloodshed.

• Do I think most Iranian people are “fundamentally pro-American”? No I do not. Much more needs to be achieved to arrive there, besides there is no need for any sovereign nation and people to be “pro” another nation or people. I would never expect Americans to be pro-Iran either. However, do I think they would “want to be our friends and allies”? I’d say yes. I think a mutually respectful relationship, where both sides are committed to and struggle for the common good of the larger global community, based on appreciation, recognition and comprehension of our differences as well as our common values is beneficial to both parties.

• As for differences and similarities between you and myself pointed to in your note, I believe what we fight AGAINST is probably similar. The primary differences are what we fight FOR as well as how we plan to get there. My Experience Living during the last great revolution of the 20th century, and its following 20 years aftermath has taught me to not look for or advocate “revolutions”. This position, however difficult for someone in your situation to understand, does not advocate “stability” for the regime either. Gandhi didn’t stabilize British rule in India, he shook it fundamentally and eventually uprooted it not by a “revolution”, but by more peaceful means of negative resistance. Same can be said for Mandela and ANC or Martin Luther King Jr.

Although there’s always room for and the need to have Malcolm X’s in any struggle, it’s the Luther Kings who are immortalized based on their overall success and ability to achieve their goals not by way of violence and bloodshed, but through more civilized methods.

• You are correct in that I do not know your sources. That is why I used the facts you had used and presented (plus many more this space would not allow me to offer) to make it obvious to any unbiased observer that these sources are not very accurate. This of course does not mean that you are not occasionally correct on some issues, but weighting the right versus bogus, sometimes ridicules items you have presented as facts (half million demonstration in Tehran, source of recent uprising, most of Isfahan demonstrating, etc.) it is hard to not wonder where this information comes from or how reliable it is. Perhaps your current attempt to communicate with Iranians of different backgrounds, like myself and this blog’s other readers, could remedy this situation in the future.

• I do acknowledge that you were one of very few people who assessed the current situation in Iran as pre-revolutionary crisis. However, I also believe you are wrong and for the sake of my people, I hope until the day democratic alternatives are put in place and some fundamental questions are answered, an immature revolution does not cause the freedom and liberty of Iranians to be postponed by years or decades again.

We may both be seeing the same tumor growing within and taking over the body of a patient that is Iran today. Your solution is to cut open, dig deep and remove it at earliest possible chance. Others like me see how the tumor has attached itself to other vital organs and effectively controls parts of the brain, heart and other essential appendages. We believe its sudden removal is not only unhealthy, but may in fact put the patient’s life at risk. Other remedies and precautions, including major lifestyle changes need to be in place, before the knife is used.

In conclusion, if my posts make it seem like I am full of venom towards yourself or others, I apologize. I am highly passionate about the freedom of my people and that passion may at times come across as personal and even hateful. I assure you that is not the case and I believe through a process of healthy dialogue, some common grounds can be found.

Mr. Ledeen, your harsh language of “regime change”, particularly in the aftermath of war and destruction in Iran’s two neighboring countries, portrays a violent image that a new generation of Iranians has worked hard to avoid. I urge you to perhaps justify and clarify your points in the future as some who have no good intentions will use this vocabulary to bring further devastations to our homeland.

As to what you can do to help, this is a great start. I hope you continue to listen more also. As you pointed out, it is OUR future we need to and are working hard to build. Our list of wants is extensive and even diverse, but some of what we do not want is;

1 - Any direct and indirect foreign interference, period.
2 – Others hijacking our issues. We are well capable of presenting our own points of views. Perhaps give us the opportunity or demand that our voices are also included.
3 – The monarchy! As someone suggested recently; this is a system our people were force-fed but managed to throw up. Nobody should be subjected to consuming his/her own vomit.
4 – More deaths, violence and anarchy. Let us try it our way, for once.

I thank you in advance for your offer of assistance. There are plenty you could do to help. I’ll be writing a series of posts on what I believe needs to be done to help promote democracy in Iran. Please do not hesitate to comment and/or get involved in the discussions. Your point of view, even if fundamentally opposed to my own, is welcomed and wanted. I already look forward to them.

I thank you again for taking the time to get involved in this way.

Sincerely,

Pedram Moallemian

Written by Pedram

June 22nd, 2003 at 11:09 pm

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