By Fareed Zakaria, CNN
I recently visited Iran. Upon my return, I wrote a reflections post in which I made some comments about women in Iran in comparison to women in Saudi Arabia. I pointed out that if you watch the women of the Islamic Republic of Iran - a regime that is, by most accounts, retrograde, particularly with regard to women’s rights - you are struck by how defiantly women try to lead normal and productive lives. They wear the headscarves and adhere to the rules about covering their bodies, but do so in a very stylish way. They continue to go to college in large numbers, to graduate school and to work.
In Saudi Arabia, another country that is run along strict Islamic lines, you see an elite core of women who are highly educated and very articulate, but in general, the most striking thing about Saudi Arabia for an outsider traveling around is the absence of co-ed facilities. Some of this is changing, but my impression of Saudi Arabia is still that women are not well integrated into the workforce or mainstream life.
Behind the closed doors of homes, of course, it’s an entirely different matter. You see intelligent and articulate women, but it is almost as if that is left entirely to the private realm, not the public.
Those are my impressions of the two countries. I decided to make a quick tabulation to see whether the facts bear these impressions their out. What follows is a simple comparison between Iran and Saudi Arabia with regards to women’s rights.
- Women are not allowed to drive in Saudi. They are in Iran.
- Saudi women have been barred from voting, while in Iran women’s suffrage began in 1963. In September of this year King Abdullah granted Saudi women the right to vote and run in the next round of municipal elections, which isn’t expected until 2015.
- In 2010, Iranian women held 3% of ministerial positions and 5% of parliament seats. In Saudi, none did.
- The World Economic Forum measures disparities between men and women across a range of criteria - economic participation, health, political empowerment and access to education. Iran ranked 123rd out of 131 countries. Saudi Arabia was six places lower, at 129th. For political rights, Iran ranked 129th out of 131 countries. Saudi Arabia came in last.
- Women outnumber men in college in both Iran and Saudi Arabia (as they do in the U.S., too), but education doesn’t necessarily translate into employment. In Iran, women have outnumbered men in entering college by as much as two to one in the last several years. However, after graduation, women are one-third less likely to work as men. Thirty two percent of Iranian women participate in the workforce, about half the average of advanced economies. In Saudi Arabia the rate is even lower, at 21%.
I'd love to read your thoughts on this matter below. It's clear that both countries have a very long way to go.
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Sirs,
The problem of Iran is not any of these. They should solve the problem of corruption endemic among the administration.
That's Correct
I loved this simple response and i love the comment. it shows us working together and thinking of ideas and thinking for others.
The problem of corruption does cross the borders of Iran to Saudi Arabia and actually all over the Arab world. It is a status quo that is not likely to change and cannot be held against Iran alone!
You are absolutely correct. Those that try to arbitrarily single out Iran usually have an ulterior motive/agenda.
Corruption is world wide. It might be to varying degrees but you will find it anywhere you find officials and government; Someone somewhere wants a favour done and will pay or offer something in return to get them.
This raises the question of double standards. USA is attacking Iran for human rights and social problems while everything seems to be OK in Saudi Arabia from USA perspective. Most of terrorist attacks in USA are done by Saudis (supported or funded) while no one from Iran had done any attacks on US soil (except this last ridiculous plot). Still Saudis are friend and Iranian are devil in US perspective.
Iran is mostly Persian...not an Arab country at all. The whole Middle East isn't Arab. That's just as big a generalization as saying all Asian folks are Chinese.
The problem of curroptions is not in the Arab world (btw Iranians are not Arab), but ALL over the world!!! Why do you thik the Euro is crashing? Why do you think people are occupying Wallstreet? Greed is a disease that has infected the world...unfortunately
was it about iran's problem? I thought it was showing saudies are even more behind than iran. Iran migh be the worst nation in the world but i doubt there is any corruption in the adminstration..
Iran is NOT the worst nation in the world! It's a beautiful country with beautiful kind lovely people who happened to get stuck with a terrible government who doesn't care about its own people. Most Iranians believe their rulers are not Iranian and rather Arab. Iran's problems started when Arabs came over and dictated their religion on Iranian people and then in the last 30 years, you all know what's happened. But NEVER refer to Iran as the worst nation. We in North America do not know anything about that part of the world. My friends in Norway and Germany travel to Iran to enjoy some of the best ski resorts in the world. Do not make a comment when you don't know.
Great response Neautralmind. Most people making comments like that are basing it off of what they read and hear. I doubt they've ever actually visited the country. These types of generalized opinions contribute to misinformation. I'm sure the people of Iran are wonderful and beautiful people, and I'm sure they also have their fair share of ugliness as well. It's too bad the government in these areas project such a negative outlook on the country as a whole.
Neutral-Does that mean that Iranian chicks have hairy bushes because if so I'm all in.
How is Iran the "worst" nation in the world?? Please define "worst". Have you ever been to Haiti or Saudi Arabia?
"Give Me some Skull biotch"
I think you are among those with lots of hair in their skull instead of Neurons (if you even know what neurons are), anyways, you represent a small minority in North America who are not capable of thinking, reading or comprehending yet they breath, eat and reproduce.. much like a cute pet. stay indoors and keep reading the sports section of CNN.com
Iran is the worst country in the world.
Iranians are amazing people. Jovial, very kind, and very inclusive. I have close to a dozen Iranian friends both from Iran and the US and have always felt they do not push their religion on others (like some Muslims and Christians from several countries do). They are moderately religious, want to be knowledgeable and well read, and are also very enterprising. In the US, Iranian women seem to do very well in small businesses. I have interacted with few Iranian women in real-estate business and have only positive things to tell about them. To me it is a bit surprising that Iranian women in Iran are not even more liberated than they are today. I think they are more like Oman women. I do not know anything about Saudi women- do they exist?
Give Me some Skull biotch
That was awesome! LMFAO4EVR!
The Iranian people might be wonderful but unfortunately their government is terrible. This is a fact of life and to ignore it invites disaster. Ask the three Americans who accidentally stumbled into Iran and were force to pay a $1.5 million blackmail to get out. I realize that the Americans were foolish beyond words but still being a fool should not land you in an awful Iranian prison for years. Any time you go to Iran, anything can happen to you at the whim of the Iranian government especially if you are an American.
Based on just these two countries, as a female my vote is for Iran-flaws and all.
Iran's government is corrupt, but how is holding people who have entered a country illegally, and then releasing them for 1.5 mil black mailing? What would U.S government do if three iranian come to US without any kind of visa and just claim that they didn't notice they are on US soil? I don't think US government would honor them with gold medals !!!
Women are powerful and men know that. America, Iran, Saudi, Congo, London, China etc. Women are kept down in all societies, all class levels etc. In America look how ingrained we are, but I know from experience getting to the top you are crushed first by men who aren't as smart, loyal, or charming as you. Men stick together and push women out or give them a piece of the pie in hopes that we don't figure out quickly that would could have had the whole thing. The article is great, but in the bigger picture...Women around the world no matter where one day we will all be free.
We compliment one another in strength and weaknesses. There should be a balance. Balance in power should not be an exception.
Its a good thing that westerners are chickens and refuse to do anything in terms immigration and protecting their society and culture. We'll all be muslims within the next 80 years if europeans dont get off their butts and voice their opinions and do something about immigration. Of course you can keep your mouths shut and let your kids deal with a worse problem. Do you have what it takes?
WOW Jo! You're a very bitter and jaded person. I don't know where you're getting for 40 year old ideas and examples from but perhaps you should leave the 70's and join the rest of America in the 21st century.
What? American women are extremely powerful and are in high positions of authority all over. Look at the US Army and look at how many female General Officers there are now, compared to before... Do you expect them ALL to be female or something? And what does charm have to do with anything? Being competent in your position is really all that matters. I don't care how "charming" a person is, if they can't do their job then they are worthless in that position.
Jo,
Your bitter rhetoric does nothing to advance your gender or your cause. Your implicit assertions that you're so much smarter than the males you're around are laughable at best. I'm sure you're smarter than some you're around, and I'm sure some are smarter than you. Just like pretty much any scenario you're going to find yourself in in life. If you're honestly convinced men everywhere are cowering and conspiring to keep the mighty Jo down out of fear of your vast intellect, indomitable loyalty, and irresistible charm, you need to seek therapy. Your goal of "having the whole pie" makes you no better – in fact worse – than the straw man caricature of men you've constructed, as being someone so oppressed, you should have the empathy of wanting merely equality, instead of "the whole pie."
Take a second look at your life. Engage in some realistic self evaluation. Get over yourself.
I am an American, and I love our beautiful country, but as I have always said to our country-Clean up your own back yard first before you start telling other counties how to live. Our history proves unequal rights towards women,blacks and other ethnic groups. However we have grown as a country, as we have a black president. There are alot of areas that women have progressed, but the good ole boy politics are still alive and well. We haven't had a woman president or vice-president. But that will come in time, at least we are growing.
how true!
Well said, These laws against women stem from a fear of women and their ability to procreate. It has been all throughout history and seems to be continuing although not as much in the developed world. It's not political, it's not religious – it's simply man vs. woman and all else is just a mask to perpetuate it. I'm not saying that men are bad or evil – they're just simply afraid and don't even get it.
@SkatesALot –
Oh no! A uterus! *Cowers in terror*.
This is what ticks me off about your brand of feminism, Jo. Equality is great . Equal opportunity is great. But the whole pie? Really? You don't want equality–you just want to be at the top of the food chain. Don't try to bamboozle me with this garbage.
My former assistant ( a woman – hard working and smart) once asked me about the women in Saudi Arabia – if they are 50%+ of the population, and they are so much smarter than men, as they claim to be, why have they not taken over? Good question for any country to ask itself.
Maybe they are colluding in their own captivity? I lived in Saudi for years and the absence of women in the public realm is indeed shocking to a westerner. But I don't see the rosy future of a world run by women. Cooperatively with men – yes. Saudi and Iran have systemic oppression of women. But in advanced economies in the west – women have it very good. You outlive men by 7 years in the US – on average .. so please stop yearning for the justice of the all forgiving sisterhood – it would be a damn scary thing to watch. Ask Margaret Mead.
Men... women... why can't we all just be classified as people? Sure, their are very distinct differences between men and women, but I hope one day we can all just be 'people'. I hope one day the only reason we use the words 'man', 'woman', 'men', and 'women', and all others variations that define gender is for the purpose of identifying gender for whatever reason it needs to be identified. Or something like that... hopefully I got the point across, lol.
I don't want to be known as a person. I am a woman, a female person and I don't want my gender designation taken away from me. I'm proud to be a woman.
I, too, am more than just a person. I am a woman, and make no apologies for that whatsoever. Its not a burden, but a blessing, and something to be celebrated, IMO.
@Me –
Totally disagree. Differences are great. Gender is a good thing. The exploration of the relationship between man and woman is a wonderful thing.
The systematic attempt at the reduction of everything in society to the least common denominator is an incredibly destructive effort which has done no one any service.
Isn't this the whole idea of the "Arab Srping", a revolt against run-away corruption in Muslim countries which the general public feels they are victim to?
Just for making a point, the corrupt Tunisian official who was the catalist to the suicide that started all this stuff, was a woman.
And in comparing Iranian and Saudi women.... I have many Persian friends in the US. I have to say that the young Persian women that I know who grew up in the US are really hot. I haven't met an attractive Saudi woman.
Despite being secular myself, but 5 out of the 6 Arab spring revolutions were secular regimes with the only exception being the Bahraini revolution. The Bahraini al-Khalifa radical Sunni dictatorship is pillared by the Obama administration- don't like it? Let the White House know instead of spewing falsehoods on such a media platform.
Oh, so you're saying that Saudi women are "ugly"? Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.. Who said we HAVE to look attractive to you?!
What's wrong with you people?! GROW UP!
You're the same people who hate racism against Africans, but love this back-biting business when it comes to other races, especially Arabs! SHAME ON YOU ALL!
I have lived in Saudi Arabia all my life. I've studied, befriended & dealed with Saudi women; & you know what? We're happy the way we are!
It's only because of outside (Western) influence that we now compare our development with the development of the U.S & other "developed" countries.
Why should we look to them a a standard for development? Why should 50% of the work force be women? WHY?! If we don't want to work, fine! If we want to work, we'll find work! The freedom you people are talking about can most certainly apply to non-Muslim countries. But bear in mind that we have a belief, & we should not be looked down upon just because we believe in something different fromt the rest of the world! I don't get it: people shouts "freedom of speeech", but no one wants to listen or tolerate different opinions, not even consider them, & they impose theirs on everybody else! People are so against "racism" yet they talk against races openly! & no one bothers!
Fareed, I really want to ask you, what were your intentions as you wrote this article? Are you not a news reporter? In other words, are you not supposed to present the public news about what goes on in this world "objectively"
What's with the comparision anyway? This is how Saudis & Iranians live! If you have an objection: to yourself! No need to share it with anyone becasue only Saudis & Iranians can object here! Why are you sticking your nose where it shouldn't be? 2so2al y6r7 nfsoh: inta Muslim? Mn ismak 2lwa7id bfkir ki4a! Bs lo knt Muslim 78i8i, Ma kan ktbt illi ktbth! I hope you're happy! You got what you want: people throwing fire around & causing only more havoc, descrimination & division amoung people! It's people like you who encourage such racism!!!
Courteous discussions my foot! There will never be "courteous discussions" in this life until we all learn to see past the differences & talk like proper human beings (as the true Islam encourages when talking to non-Muslims).
Last word: I only speak up like this when others talk ill of something important to me.. After all, it's human nature to feel protective of dear things to oneself. Otherwise, I'd hide all emotion & let logic & objectiveness be my guide. My opinions would never attack another!! & I suggest you all do the same, unless of course it was your deepest desire to kill two birds with one stone!
Peace V
we need to take in consideration the cultural aspect. some woman don't want to work, they rather want to stay home and take care of the house and kids. who are we to tell them how to manage their life, or how to live.
I agree with you Ben. Women in those parts of the world like to stay home and take care of the house and kids. They don't have to work. But if they do want to have a career they would like the freedom to go out and achieve and not be restricted. Saudi Arabia has unnecessary restrictions that they have placed on women. Women at the time of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) had more freedom than women today. They were allowed to conduct their own business and work outside the home. They were allowed to engage in discussions with men. I think people should see issues from both sides before they comment on things like this. Iran has women in the workforce – not as much but compared to Saudi Arabia they have the right to go out and work. Its just a cultural thing that people should respect.
When I say women today – I mean women in Saudi Arabia.
I agree. We have women right here in the US that, as per their religion/culture, must dress in black, must stay home with the kids, are not allowed to socialize outside of their religion and are not allowed advanced education. They are called Amish.
Could we please stop blaming all of the terrible things that go on in the Muslim and Persian world on culture? Place the blame right smack where it honestly belongs: Islam.
@Kevin – Culture completely, constantly and inherently shapes religions on every kind. By it's very nature religion is born of man's need to interpret the world around him through the prism of faith in a higher being. You can argue the infallibility of the written word of his God til the cows come home, but the guy who's reading the book is still doing the interpreting. And he is a product of his culture.
@Farha Syed, a quote form Quran: “Your wives are a farm unto you, thus approach your farm from wherever you wish”. [2/223]...thats how "prophet" Mohammed (or his god!) viewed women!
I think Saudi women are forced to stay at home ,if possible of course they want to walk the road,driving.
a woman to be born in Saudi is unlucky.
I concur, old chap. It is time the Iranian people demand an end to corruption in their government.
If you look at American history, we have always vilified any country that has thumbed their nose at us. Cuba nationalized and we still hate Castro. Iran was our best buddy until the Shah was overthrown. So this is nothing new. However on the subject or the women, it is endemic in any strictly Muslim country. I shudder to think that Libya's hard fought freedom is about to go the way of Sharia law and oppressed women. I have been to Saudi many times and I wouldn't live there for all their oil, and I am male. I'd rather be a dog there than female, and they shoot the dogs. My personal thought is that in the US we have three disparate things: our culture, our government, and our personal religion. In most Islamic areas they have one thing: Islam, Islamic culture and an Islamic government. All three circles are the same thing. That is why they are how they are, and why, whether we like it or not, they will not progress, unless, like Turkey, they shed the fez and join the real world.
who cares..you know muslim women wear those face coverings for a good reason....
The moral of the story: Theocracies suck for women. I won't even get into the hell of being gay and lesbian in these countries controlled by chauvinistic neanderthals. Why anyone would step one big toe into either of these countries is a mystery to most.
He should have asked which country allows women to walk the dog without a chaperon. Saudi Arabia does not. It was stopped recently because the puppies were drawing undue attention to the women.
This has been a great way to deflect attention away from the rights of women for generations.
The women in Saudi Arabia will be given the right to vote. However, they must show their drivers license to get a ballot.
Big dawg.... Saudi women are not allowed to drive
What ? and you believe Saudi Arabia is not corrupt ?? Ahmadinejad refused all the pomp and lavish apartments and luxury bestowed upon a leader .. Compare the way he lives to the way the Saudi Ministers live .. There is no comparison .. Another thing to remember is the USA is an ally of Saudi Arabia and thus turns a blind eye to the Floggings, Beheadings, Chopping off of limbs and torture that goes on in Saudi Arabia .. People look for reasons to condemn Iran "Any reason" and that is a crime .. Seriously "What has Iran done to deserve the treatment they receive from the West?" and don't say Nukes because that is a smoke screen ..
Some may say it's only the difference between the house slave and the field slave, but the Persian world has always been more advanced than the Arab world in many ways.
And that is why the Iranians used the Arabic script, borrowed from their language, accepted their religion and allow the Arabs to occupy Iran for hundereds of years.
Bob .....
Please don't just leave comments to be doing something!! Read, educate yourself and then comment!!
Iranians used the Arabic script: Actually, the shared "arabic script" actually comes from Aramaic
borrowed from their language: as we did from the turks and others, just as all languages do
accepted their religion: at the point of the sword
Arabs to occupy Iran for hundreds of years: Yes!
They did not allow any of these, they were forced to take the changes. That's how they do it. Either go along with their thinking or be killed.
Bob is correct.
Bob so a few things, firstly the arab conquest made it all the way to Spain, so it was a pretty strong group of conquers. You fail to mention the numerous times that Persia/Iran invaded Arab countries throughout history. More importantly the cultural and educational capital of the Arab world was Baghdad, why because its basically in Persia/IRan and was filled with Persian scholars, mathematicians and poets. Historians have suggested that Persia helped the Arabs alot more than vice versa. Finally, Arabic letters evolved from Aramaic, similar to the Hebrew system. The Achaemenid ancient Persians pre-Arab conquest used this alphabet in their courts, why because it was better recognized and thus more logical. So there was use of the alphabet before the arab conquest. This is also why the the Persians decided to keep the alphabet to this day, its a more recognized alphabet.
you reeeaaallllyyyy need to educate yourself before talking ignorantly, look back at the history and you will see who advanced in mathmatics, religious studies, sciences, arts..etc........
Excellent answer!! Thanks
yes iran is a beautiful country so much to see and explore
ive lived there
people are what make it that way in the end
we all have each other
For the most part it was Persians, whose only link to Arabs was Islam. It's no accident the vast majority of Muslim thinkers were not Arab.
And who brought the concept of SLAVERY into the world? MUSLIMS!!
Sounds like a nice place for hiking.
Nonsense. Slavery predates Islam by millenia.
Barbara, slavery outdated islam, Islam actualy came to outlaw slavery, and set stricket conditions/laws/ways of treatment for master to worker(what migt some call slave) relationship
wisdomania.. Actually Mohammed himself took the women and children from lands he conquered as slaves. Since whatever Mohammed did was considered something to emulate, Islam DOES condone slavery.
Iranians are so much more advanced then Arabs. Take political rights, Iran is third from the last while Saudi is last. What an accomplishment!
Just curious, is your name Hessam Rad?
More power to Sam's "Iranians [who] are so much more advanced then Arabs." Sure hope Arabs know better than to reciprocate.
one day the arab oil would deplete and the monarchs would not be able to spoil their countrymen anymore. That day, would be the new beginning of the arab world and it is not that far.
Women in Iran have a different role than their sisters in Saudi Arabia. In the last 30 years they have helped shape the society. The uneven economic and political developments under Shah Pahlevi saw the mass participation of women in the revolution of 1979 and the emergence of diverse women organisations and women issues within the shoras( workers councils). As Gulf War I broke out between Iran and Iraq in 1980, women were mobilised by the state, in urban and rural areas, to cook, sew and prepare medicines in the mosques, for men at the war fronts.
You sound like a mullah sympathizer stating that the gains in women's rights were post-revolution. The fact remains that the women's right movement in Iran owes a lot to the Shah's time, and what you saw afterwards was the continuation of that. Left to their own devices, the Iranian mullahs would like to have a system like Saudi Arabia. They simply can't, the women are much too brave and defying.
Women's rights in Iran owes a lot to before the Shah's time. The Shah's predecessors supported women's rights. Women's liberation came to Iran and the Shah resisted it. He claimed women were inferior and said the proof was in their lack of accomplishments (he claimed there were areas of society where women could complete as equals with men and they came up behind).
You are not very bright... Are you
This was meant for the idiot who said Iranian women progressed in the last 30 years... Go suck it.
J. Von, do us all a favor and stop trying to think. I am sure it hurts when you do.
@Iranian and Pepinium, I hope that's a belief called reincarnation. I would love to be reborn as a woman in Iran. Hopefully the Islamic Republic would still exist!
Since you - and Mohammad - seem a little more "in the know" than some of the other commentators, perhaps you can answer a question. The article points out that women are going to college in both countries, but are limited in the work force (moreso in S.A. than Iran, but limited nonetheless). If the education is not being used in the workforce, and only at home – what topics/subject areas are they learning? Are they running household finances, or is coursework at college-level devoted to more domestic pursuits, which would render an advanced degree somewhat moot in the context of the article?
According to the journal Nature (v. 444, published online 1 Nov 2006), "in Iran some 70% of science and engineering students are women." It does not give a breakdown of majors or areas of study for women as a whole, however.
J Von – you are welcome to your fantasy but I really doubt few woman from Europe, the Americas or even Southeast Asia would want to migrate to either Iran or Saudi Arabia. Unless a woman is attached to a man, there is no place for a single woman in these societies. That might be good or bad but that is the reality of life. This article states that women have a better status in Iran then in Saudi Arabia but it sure is not much higher. Just watch the movie "Not Without My Daughter" of an American woman who was trapped in Iran with her daughter. The American woman was tricked into going to Iran with her Iranian husband for a short visit. Once in Iran, he would not let her return to America and the Iranian government fully backed the husband.
Just so ya know, c, "based on a true story" doesn't mean a whole lot. The movie has a few facts in it here and there, but overall it's uh....what ya call a sensationalized caricature.
Did you just conclude about the women's situation in Iran based on a movie?? Well guess what! The name is on it: "A MOVIE". How about talking to some REAL Iranian women?
Please, Please Do not judge about countries that you have never been in based on such stupid and balanced movies. As a person who has lived in Iran, I have to say that movie does not represent iran. They did not filmed it Iran, people, their culture and even their clothes are not even similar to actual Iranian. I agree that the women must have more freedom in Iran. However, I believe these movies are very balanced and very far from actual life of women in Iran.
Just listen to your self.
Women cooked and sewed for the husbands on the frontlines?
That sounds like the good ole 19th century cult of womanhood of here in the US.
No, women were also trained as soldiers! I was just comparing the women in Iran to Saudi Arabia, not to Sweden or Finnland!
Well, in the larger scope of things, even the US is still in it's infancy concerning women's rights and equal representation. It feels completely normal to have a female Secretary of State and Congressional leadership, but it's quite a new thing. So...
I, as a woman, feel utter disgust, repulsion and rage towards these male-dominated societies.
It seems the iceberg may slowly be turning. I wish there was more that members of the public could do to let these countries know what we as free people think. I know political influence is at work, but that doesn't make me feel like I'm doing anything. What can WE do? What can I do?
No equality in the U.S?! What in God's name are you talking about? What MORE do you people want?! Truth be told, a lot of women at work are a pain in the a$$ to deal with, with their mood swings and their hormonal cycles. And I don't even want to talk about their driving...ugghh!
Just slap dem beeches an hoes.
HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
I really hope this is just great satire and not how you sincerely feel.
That's a parody, right? Even Archie Bunker wasn't that much of a Neanderthal.
Maybe women are a pain to work with because we have to deal with your stupid comments all day :-p Women who are actually nice and easy to deal with don't last long, you have to be aggressive to get ahead. When men are aggressive it's just normal, so why the double standard?
As for our driving, I'll show you how much less I pay in car insurance and then we'll talk.
Cause if a man talks to a woman the way he normally would to another man, the ladies go to EEO, so let the double standard continue. . . .
So, Geest, the fact that we want to make the work place an actual respectable environment instead of an extension of the playground makes it a double standard? Sorry if you can't talk dirty with the bros in the office anymore, but grow up already.
Brad,
You are a male, chauvinistic pig!!
Don't like our driving Just envy. We have fewer accidents which is why or insurance rates are lower.
As for mood swings, heck it seems to me that you men are every bit as full of mood swings. You may not have hormonal changes to blame them on udealing with some of you at work is always and adventure, and I own the business
Men have hormonal swings just like women do and as far as I'm concerned they dont know how best to deal with them either.
@Katie & Angela: WRONG. Men pay more in insurance because men on average drive a lot more than women. The insurance companies know this and this accounts for a big part of the insurance premium difference. Ask yourseld this: for most couples (married or unmarried), who gets to do the driving when both the man and woman are in the car? Also, men tend to be the sole income earner or work farther from home compared to women (hence, they have to drive more and cover much greater distance on a daily basis). I don't disagree that male drivers account for more accidents and must pay more for insurance, but you need to know the real reason behind the statistics.
Heh, classic trollin'
Angela is wrong. Women actually have more accidents than men per mile driven, although men are overrepresented in wrecks involving fatalities or high levels of property damage.
Truth be told, a lot of men at work are a pain in the ass to deal with, with their arrogance, bigotry, testosterone-induced stupid aggressiveness and inability to communicate effectively. And I don't even want to talk about their driving...ugghh!
Paying women and men equally would be a nice start.
Depends what ya mean by "equal pay."
Equal pay for the same job? Fairly typical nowadays, though there are certainly companies out there that haven't been sued into equal pay for the same job yet.
Overall, most of the difference in womens and mens takehome is due to different career bias (women graduating in insanely disproportionate numbers with teaching degrees, psychology degrees, and creative writing degrees) more than actually getting paid less for the same work.
That's why a real American woman would know we are not as free as it looks and our so called freedoms can be a con and a joke for all immigrant men and women to flee to a country that is a tangles web of dissolutions and misguided behaviors. I feel sorry for the immigrants that left there country trying to chase an American dream when its all a nightmare. However I should be fare to the ones who really knew what they were getting into and say "Liking it yet?" " Are you enjoying all the fun being mean and evil on everything around?"
What to do? You keep whining, and we'll keep actually doing stuff. It's a win/win situation.
Women's right at infancy in USA!!!
I am an immigrant woman in USA and women here have it not only better than women in other countries but better than the men here too. Women here want to have the best of being a man and women. In the end the children are paying the price for it.
Thanks for your response. For some reason people think that equal opportunity means that women and men have the exact same desires and motivations, and will thus be equally dispersed in all fields and endeavors. The fact that some women choose to stay at home to care for children is deemed a cultural travesty. Career women who hire a nanny to care for their children are held up as the ultimate role models, while women who stay home and devote their intelligence and energy to teaching and mentoring their young children are seen as lazy underacheivers. Ironically, single, unwed, welfare dependent mothers often get more respect than married stay at home mothers.
I agree! American women want the benefits (being) men, but don't want to suffer the same consequences as men. However, more women are pushing themselves to be "men" and as a result they've had to play the role of both male and female, in private and socilal aspects. There is a cost for everything. There is also an order to everything whether we wish to abide by it or not! What works here may not work everywhere else due to many differences like unequal stages of growth. Many problems arise when people only want to see the benefits (for themselves mostly), instead of the counting the costs also. I believe women and men should have equal rights, yes, but I don't think that all women should do what all men can do...and vice versa. If every individual get back in order then harmony can be restored; men can be men, women can be women, leaders can lead (male or female), supporters can support, builders can build, etc. Just and observation, not law...
There is a lot We can do – because I see a piece of Isa inside you. Have patience and the answers will present themselves. Plus One 4 the Heroes!
I'm all for women's rights etc, but like any thing else this transformation cannot happen over night. It should be a gradual balance of power. I'm an engineer, and I would love to see more women in technical fields, for various reasons! But what I have noticed in the 3-4 yrs that I have been working is that women that are in PM or any sort of management positions, have been mostly there due to influence not because they have earned the right to be there. As a Junior PM my quality of work was far superior than the woman contractor PM (who was friends with the client boss), raking in $150/hr. That also disgusts me. What do you think about that? Also, interestingly, I have asked other women about similar issues, and 90% of them have said they would rather work for a male Manager. I would love to hear your POV. Thanks.
I share your disgust when it comes to these societies. We do have a long way to go in the US/Canada as well.
I'm all for equal rights and equal pa for equal work, etc. However, I find some of these comments disingenuous. The office I currently work in is roughly 80-90% female. And the females HATE it. Not because they want more men around for eye candy or whatnot... but because women in large groups tend to get very catty, socially brutal, and clique-y (their words, not mine). They're rather work with men most of the time.
I own a mid sized company that operates in Canada, th US and the UK. We are a technical company making specific medical supplis and instruments. I created the business and have run it for the past 34 years. The notion that men are more competent, more experienced or more skilled is not something I have found to be true. I have excellent managers of both genders and discovered decades ago that employees come in 2 kinds, good and poor employees. I have discovered one peculiarity that some men seem to have. They believe their work is better because they are male. They are convinced hat any woman who has a position got it by sleeping with the boss not by her own excellent work. They are always so sure they are superior in every way that they fail to notice that their work isn't as good when you get to the bottom line. This is rarely a failing of employees of either gender that are actually good at their job.
Hands down, most women would rather work with men to avoid the cattiness and back stabbing environment that an all female staff seem to revel in- I am a male nurse by the way, over 30 years, and this has NOT changed!
Men never play fair....so don't expect more females to change that game of corporate ladder. Just get in the game and take out who you can, man or female, and get what you want. Those are the rules and that what men have been knowing and getting way with for years while the women stayed on teaching and nursing. Just elbow it around and the balance will shift behind those office walls. Believe me, the men don't admit it, but in the office, they look at you as if you ha a pair of ballz and mow you over like a man without even noticing. Then isn't it awful how they just smile at you as if they like seeing you, they don't like it.....they hate it!
I will related this back to the original article in a minute, but in the US, the economic elite may be comprised of men overwhelmingly. But, for us everyday people that trite and humdrum feminist logic is flying out the window. I'm sick of feminist type women complaining about "the male dominated" society in a dogmatic 3rd wave feminist sort of way. I see women as having a LOT of power not only in legal standing in personal relationships (divorce, support, who usually gets arrested, etc), but in society in general. Women are often given a Carte de Blanche and are allowed to exhibit less self-control. You ever been out and have a group of females be allow to go to the front? And for example, why does a woman who has kids with 4 different guys get to collect off the system and all of the men? There are more women in college and if you adjust for abnormally high income and maternity related job stagnation (ya gotta be there to move up)..., women now make more than men. Furthermore, fewer women have lost there jobs. I see the crisis as being men in America really losing themselves because the needs of women have been put "first" in an unbalanced way.
As for Iran and Saudi Arabia... I find it ironic that the US demonizes the country (Iran) with the most freedom AND is friends with the country who had the most citizens (Saudi Arabians) on those 9/11 planes.
A woman with four kids by four father has four chidren who have the right to be suported by their fathers. IT isn't the case of living off the men but that the child has the right to be supported by both parents. It is funny but some guy who is paying $50.00 per month in child support is convinced that the woman is living high on the hog on his $50.00. Never a minute's consern for the child that must be fed, clothed and educated for that magnificent amount of money.
Angela, after the first two kids by two different men, you , as a responsible woman, should seriously think about birth control, and, if you cannot afford that, then do some thinking before you open your legs. Having multiple children with multiple men so you can get a child support check from each and live without working cannot possibly be classified as responsible behavior !!!
Right, Angela. Because, you know, the typical child support payment is $50. Stop making stuff up. Learn something.
I agree as a US female. The women in the US may not wear vels but they are treated with hate and disgust.
While the difference in the rights of women is applicable for today, the larger concern is the direction both these societies are moving. Iranian women have told me they're very concerned that they losing rights they formerly obtained 10 years ago. However, Saudi women, albeit slowly, are gaining more rights. Iran is gradually becoming more oppressive.
There might be some set back in last years but the society is changing very fast in Iran and eventually laws will also change in favor of the society. One of the reason that make these changes inevitable is economic situation. Iranian families could not last economically without both of man and woman working. I am living in US for 2 years but I did not see much difference between Iran and USA in this matter
The culture in Iran and Saudi Arabia are very different toward women. This difference as you mentioned can be seen in female participation rate in labor force and the year women received right to vote. I believe that this makes a big difference in the Iranian women way of thinking toward their rights. Iranian women brain drain rate is higher than their male counterparts while that is not the case in Saudi Arabia. I believe, Iranian women if can`t get job in their own country because of gender discrimination they seek it in other countries.
iranian and persian women must be some of the most beautiful women in the world. and somehow their men don't even like looking at anything but their nose. shame.
Thanks for the comment! and yes it is very unfortunate of Iranian men to be such pigs (most of them anyway!)
I think there is a fine line between protecting ones female from outsiders and oppressing ones female. Oppressed women are not good looking with beautiful hair and gorgeous skin and a good body. I think some peoples should look a lot closer to home and see what they're women look like before they dare to compare a culture of females so far from home.
I'm glad to see someone in the American media addressing the conditions of women in Saudi Arabia. Oppression of women in Iran is all over the media, as it should be, but Saudi Arabia has just as bad (if not worse) of a human rights record in general, although you don't hear much about it on the news. The reason? The U.S. is, politically, much friendlier with Saudi Arabia than with Iran, and oil is the reason.
Didn't you see the picture a few years ago: G W walking with the Saudi King holding hands?
I agree, our relationship with Saudi Arabia should be a source of shame for every freedom loving American. Fortunately, even their OIL resources are finite and you can be sure that as soon as those start to dwindle we will treat that relationship the same as we treated that with Mubarak in Egypt. The need for individual freedom is an unstoppable force and even the Middle East cannot stop the progress of civilization. Eventually, their Dark Ages will end too !!
If there were no religion, these issues would not exist.
For the most part, people use religion as an excuse to do what they want to do anyway. It can be used for good or for ill.
Do you really think that there was no oppressive patriarchy before the formation of organized religion? If so, please explain why. Religion may codify male-centric policies but it certainly did not create them out of the blue.
It's either the religion or could be the oil....
With repesct for the rights of women, Persia was better off before 600 A.D; Saudi Arabia was a lot worse 1400 hundred years ago, it got better since, but not by much.
The simple fact is, as you point out, that their backwards-assed, unevolved society is codified by religion to be 700 years. What I find impossible to understand is how today people can go along with it. I do not mean to Muslim-bash only; Christianity is nearly just as unevolved.
Its NOT surprising that Iranian Women have more rights then those in Saudi Arabia. Iran has been ruled by western powers, and numerous Iranians have gone to universities in the west, whether in Europe, or the USA and Canada. Iranians have always been very educated, and fairly progressive, despite the kind of crap that comes out of the mouth of the present occupant of the Iranian presidency. Americans need to understand that Iran has TWO ruling factions within its government, and they don't often get along. Of course, most Americans couldn't find Iran on a map, since Americans are the poorest educated people on earth when it comes to geography. On the other hand, most Saudi's haven't been outside their own country, especially their women, except for the few who used to come and get educated within the USA, or maybe in Great Britain. Once 9/11 happened, Saudi's stopped coming to the USA, due to the number of 9/11 hijackers who came from that country. And Saudi women have never been allowed to travel outside the country alone, as they are considered property in that country. Remember, they can't drive and can't go out with men in public, unless the men are their husbands. Finally, the few Saudi's who do get involved in international business (mostly in Europe), do business everywhere and with everyone, including Israelis. So the country's hatred of Israel is mostly false, at least in the business world.
I too am outraged. I'm outraged because if the tables were turned and men had as few rights as the women in the MIDDLE EAST and the world for that matter, there would be riots around the entire globe.
It's amazing to me that the article itself is a few lousy paragraphs long and more attention is payed the sports world then half the population that lives in the kind of deprivation that women throughout the world face.
There wouldn't be riots for the same reasons that women aren't rioting in the Middle East right now, unless your argument is that men are naturally more prone to rioting. But your other point is spot on.
So few comments, how strange. Reports on man fueled issues in Iran foster thousands of comments, yet an article of observations regarding the women is practically ignored. Women have always had a strong place in Iranian society; they are intelligent, strong, and know exactly what they are doing. Long before the sniffling little twit Mohammad Reza Shah came along, women were excelling and quietly leading the society; even veiled, Iranian women today are largely in charge of their destinies and are willing to force the government's hand in change. Just look at the coverage of all the protests that occurred a couple of years ago; women were the ones shown to be the most courageous for their cause.
You arabs and persians have some of the most beautiful women in the world yet you insist on covering them up and not allowing them to participate in making your societies better. It's 2011 you idiots.....treat your women with respect. If not, they are always more than welcome to come to the West and see how a real man treats his woman.
You are an idiot and do not know anything about Iranian society. Women are treated well on the average in Iran (by people not the government)
Which people are you talking about exactly Amir??
Arabs have always been like that. However, Persians haven't. Just look at how Iran was before the revolution. Most women didn't cover themselves up. In fact, Arabs always looked at Persians with an evil eye because of how liberated our culture was. Then the filthy Muslims came into power, and brought in their archaic ARAB desert laws .. Forcing Persian girls to cover up. What bothers me is how people a re beginning to think we have always been like this., but in reality it's only in the last 30 years this image of us has been etched into many minds.
It's interesting, Amir, that you think "treating women well" means forcing them to cover their faces and bodies, not allowing them to drive or vote, not giving them the right to work, separating them from men in most if not all aspects of society, and generally treating them like a porcelain doll that can't think or act for herself. I'm sure women are treated well if they don't speak and just stay at home with babies all day, and then if her husband comes home and beats her, I'm sure she did something to deserve it.
Katie, you are way off base. Maybe you should actually speak to some Iranians and then spew your centrist garbage. Women in Iran are required to cover their hair. During the Pahlavi period, women were banned from wearing it at all; can you imagine what it was like for women who believe in wearing it and were barred from doing so? There were women who didn't leave their house because of that venue of oppression. Our culture values women, and by that I mean a real WOMAN. You know, the kind that thinks before she does things, the kind that feels a moral responsibility to herself.
Meetra, how can you say it was bad that Pahlavi banned women from covering their hair, yet think it's acceptable to force women to do so now? It's bad to force anyone to dress ANY way! If your culture valued women so much, then they'd allow women to think and dress for themselves, they'd encourage women to work outside the home and hire women at a higher rate. Treating women like something that needs to be protected isn't honoring them, it's treating them like children. Yes, I treat well and think they're an integral part to our society, but I don't trust them with certain important things, just like Iranians do it women. And yes, I would know because I have talked to them.
Correction: Treat children well**
Women can do anything as men (derive, work, ...) Clothing problem is imposed by the government but it will go away gradually
I don't recall saying that it was ok to force anyone to do anything. My problem with your statements is that they are inaccurate, and you seem to have very little grasp on the issue at all. People like you praise the Pahlavi regime when they were just as oppressive as the current one. Women were stripped of their religious rights then and you people still go on to romanticize the last shah as if it was so great to be sequestered in your home if you believed in wearing hejab, and be tortured by SAVAK if you disagreed with the sniffling little dictator.
Amir, did you really just write in a Farsi accent..... derive?... lol
"Can work" and "do work" are 2 very different things. If women are encouraged to work so much and hired at equal rates to men, then why does Iran have a female employment rate that's 1/2 that of other developed countries??
Katie... you really need to do some topic research before shooting off your mouth. Not all women who are required to wear head coverings view them as oppression. As an example, when some muslim cities are 'liberated' the woman continue to wear full covering (burqas, etc)... not because they are oppressed... but because it is part of the culture and considered both good manners and safe from the lewd eyes of men. It's like someone trying to tell you to wear boxer shorts and no pants or skirt to the opera. You'd know it wasn't proper. And you don't feel ashamed for feeling that way.
Granted, there are some where it is an oppressive tool, but I personally know a few muslims that wear full cover in the united states out of their own desire to do so, not because they are beaten at home or forced to.
Seraphim, I've actually done plenty of research on head coverings and even lived in a Muslim country where about 1/2 the women wore them. Please indicate where I said covering your head was wrong, because I can't seem to find it. Forcing a woman to dress a certain way, whether it be forcing them to cover their hair or forcing them to bare it, is wrong. Iran currently forces women to cover their hair. That's wrong. Women should have the choice as to whether or not they want to cover up. It's really just that simple. Women in the US CHOOSE to wear head coverings, whereas Iranian and Saudi women are FORCED to. Major difference. Stop thinking everyone's out to attack your views.
Nice!
It is easy to highlight the problem but the question is what is the solution? Did we see any change in Afghanistan after we got rid of Taliban? There is not much difference there whether the women were under Taliban or American control. So what next?
You can't compare Afganistan and Iran. Majority of people in Afganistan are uneducated. Some of them can't even read. Literacy rate in Iran 77% and Afganistan 28%. However, Iran is very educated. These countries are on totally different levels. Don't compare them just because they speak Persion language.
I am not comparing anything, I am just questioning the authors motive. This article highlights a problem but do not offer any solution. Also, the question is that should we be always looking at things from the prism of Western perspective? Is it possible that the things are better and people are better off in their own ways? Must we always look for change and a change according to Western morals? In other words, what is the solution?
I see things from a different perspective. I do not see the need for East to meet West. I think what is needed is modernization and not Westernization. In my opinion you can stretch the rubber band so much and then it snaps. What happens is that a small piece is left in the front hand and the rest goes back. If we keep pushing for Westernization what we will see is that people in the East will follow you to certain extent but eventually they will go back to their ideals because you have pushed them too far. The people leading in the front will be pushed into the West and will end up living in the West but the rest will forcefully turn back i.e. Iran revolution. I think East must develop and evolve on its own instead of following others.
I wish our government would stop trying to impose western culture on other cultures and nations. Not everyone wants to live like Jersey Shore. We should fix our own government and economy and stop complaining about others.
Whats wrong with trying to improve the world for all humanity? If the US doesnt do it nobody will....
Since when do most Americans live like "Jersey Shore"?
I think your last line sums it up: "It's clear that both countries have a very long way to go." I'm hesitant to congratulate Iran on narrowly edging out Saudi Arabia for being less misogynistic. Its sort of like congratulating Neighbor A for beating his kids less often than Neighbor B. Both of these countries have abysmal human rights records, Iran with regard to the Bahaii and Saudi Arabia with regard to foreign workers particularly. Their poor policies don't end with women.
It is sad that we have to take pride in doing better than the most backward country in the world .... there was a time that Persians were respected and liked, now we have to pump our chest for being less backward than the Arabs south of the gulf .... we have the Islamic Republic to thank for that .... going a little further back, you will find that when we stopped being Zoroastrians, we stopped moving forward and began our sustained nose dive into the civilization and humanity's gutter ..
I agree with you Kharazmi, but you must believe in your heart that an enlightened society such as the Persian will eventually outlast the forces of darkness and reclaim its place among the great nations of the world. Those of us who know history understand the tragedy that Islam has brought to Persia. Let us hope that crazies like Amadinnerjacket do not end up causing the distruction of a beautiful country with their madness !!
I am sorry but I just remembered Maz Jobrani's video; "Son, you shoood be peraaoud! wee had an empaaier 2000 yers a goo!"
There is almost nothing left from that empire bro! It's time to believe it and move on. I think we should realize that no religion has ever helped human, but it has always started wars. So I doubt even if Iranians remained Zoroastrians it would have been that much of difference!
FACT #1 Michele Bachmann's husband, Marcus Bachmann, is gay.
FACT #2 He tried to "pray away" his own gay but apparently the baby jesus wasn't listening.
FACT #3 The Bachmanns have never seen each other naked.
FACT #4 Listening to Marcus Bachmann bash gays with his falsetto voice is hilarious.
While I find this amusing, what does it have to do with women in Iran and Saudi Arabia?
What has this got to do with the topic of this discussion?
Throw off their head scarfs and you would see a woman who is free. The scarfs are a symbol of servitude, they utterly befuddle my American way of thinking, why the women of Muslim countries have allowed themselves to be treated lower than animals.
You mean like men having to wear neckties?
Exactly, Apul! Neckties equal headscarves. I've had to wear mine since I was 13 and if I don't wear one, the religious police will arrest me. My wife will also beat me if it isn't on tight enough. I never realized how close our cultures actually were.
Apul, you are really reaching now. Get your forehead up from the rug long enough to look around. The mullahs don't actually own you, it just seems that way !!!
Stupid comparison. A necktie has no affiliation to a religion. Love your name though, you must have a couple women in your harem.
Lynn, I suspect it's not that easy. In Islam, a man can legally beat his wife if she displeases him. In court, a woman's testimony is worth half that of a man (due to her "deficient intelligence" according to the Hadith). Culturally, it's my understanding that women are viewed as property of their husbands. So I can see how difficult it would be for women to stand up for themselves in this kind of enviroment.
Dylan, what you describe is nation-specific. It describes Iran and areas of Pakistan well, but would not describe Lebanon, Bangladesh, Turkey, Syria, etc.
Why are we so pre-occupied here in the US about trying to make the rest of the world more like us.? I think this alludes to and illustrates our own cultural arrogance. Yes women have less opportunities for employment in Saudi Arabia, but has anyone ever thought to conduct an acutal survey that looked at how many women would actually work if they could? Additionally, even though women have less rights in Saudi Arabia and Iran one must realize that no society is ideal. Both countries have lower crime rates than the US as a result of their conservatism. What about teen pregnancy, homelessness, and drug or alcohol addiction? Before you criticize someone else's country take a long hard look in the miror Fareed (Zakaria). We don't have a utopia here.
You might not have utopia, but people are not forced to behave in ways they don't believe in, in order to conform to society and law. I suppose crime rates, teenage pregnancy and drug addiction are lower in jails, are they not?
Frist off, Saudi recently passed a law allowiong women to drive.....in iran, "they wear their burkas stylishly"...lol...thats a joke, what do they do show their nose???? As well, in iran they will kill a woman if she is even accused of "adultery" in most cases becuase the husband wants to get rid of her so he makes an accusation....in iran, youngsters cant even have a water fight in a park without the regime forces swooping in on them and dispersing them...including arresting them.....so fareed, what is the point you are trying to make here? That iran is better then Saudi? Do some more research....why are you even a writer? You are no good as one......
Hey, I think the woman in the pic is hot.
Shes gross...
no, she is hot fo sho. I'd throw my big bone in her and show her what it's like to be with a real American man, and not the sissy guys in her own country.
Keep dreaming
Here's a hint for you: Women despise men lilke you.
typical american azzhole! stick to your cowlike women, cowboy!
I agree. She is beautiful. As are many others like her. That is seen all over the world but has nothing to do with how "people" live on this planet. The sad part is the world would be such a more beautiful place to live if the childish "I'm better than you" was eliminated from all societies. The resources to live in peace together as one "human" race on this planet is all there in front of us. Get rid of the who's got to be the best and remember we are all equal and start taking care of each other instead of all the individuality!
Farid, in your recent coverage about Iran and other Islamist countries you keep on closing your eyes on human right violations that is going on specially in Iran. That is not objective coverage. The question is what is hidden agenda here? Defend Islamist by not telling the truth but the whole truth. How about covering all human rights violation in Iran? Like recent imprisonment of Baha'i educators ( including some women), barring Baha’I students in attending college, arrest and possible killing of a Christian priest , imprisonment of over 100 Baha'is and killing of over 200 Baha'is since 1980 and ignoring of any human rights for largest religious minority in Iran? The question is what is hidden agenda here?
your comments are irrelevant to the topic at hand ... this has nothing to do with religion ... clearly you are Bahai and trying to stir up the pot by making these comments ... Farid has made a trip and he is simply stating his observations!
And your an islamist that have no respect for human rights. Farid is not an objective reporter
Just because women were included in the group of people arrested doesn't mean it's a women's rights issue. This article is about women's rights.
and you clearly can't read cause said this has nothing to do with religion ... im not a bahai or muslim ... just because i take the neutral view and don't believe in you religion that makes me wrong and you right! and Farid is simply stating facts and his observations ... just because you don't agree with them doesn't mean that he is not an objective reporter
This is so interesting. I think that here, in the digital age, these facts are getting out. These are the best foundational reasons for a further expansion of a more broad Arab Spring (Persian Spring?).
Hang in there, Sisters! We're more aware than ever that you're out there. You've got friends who care.
Please also write an article about "Comparing the status of Muslims and Hindus in India." You may not be able to, which I can understand, wink! wink!
The question seems, to me, to be this: is this a geopolitical problem or a traditional religious problem? I'm forced to wonder whether or not the tables would be turned if countries like Iran, SA, Oman, and others were to move to a more secular political structure (as Turkey did). Islamic law has been the dominant structure of both personal conduct and government regulation for generations. While we could argue the pros and cons of Islamic rule in Persia and the Middle East, it's counterproductive. What do we do, then? Do you search for government reforms, or seek to reform Islam itself to an ideology that is inclusive? Not an easy question to answer...
Judging by the Stats they both are terrible. In Muslim Countries compare Iran then to say Jordan or Lebanon and see if you get the same result. Oh I am also wondering since when has Saudi started their Nuclear program to use against US allies. Oh wait sorry that is Iran doing that.
Are you aware that the U.S. helped the U.K. overthrow a democratically elected government in Iran in 1955? The new government was going to toss out BP and nationalize its oil fields. As a result of our meddling, the people of Iran has had to deal with various versions of repressive governments for decades.
It's all about oil.
Of course for the West it's about oil, among other things. Wars (both hot & cold) are fought over 3 things: resources (like oil, water, etc.), land, and ideology (usually religious and political differences). Everyone has a threshold of tolerance, and apparently you draw the line at oil, but others might at sectarian differences, or water rights, or other strongly felt "reasons." Don't look down your nose at nations being adversaries because of "oil" like it's something sacred or petty.
Zakaria,
Your assessment of the 2 countries makes one think that in Iran and Saudi Arabia people should be happy with what they have and it could be worse. Why don't you send your mom, wife and daughters to live in Iran or SA? Why don't you move your entire family to Iran?
Did CNN's pals in the regime let you visit prisons of Iran (or SA for that matter)?
Your statement "It's clear that both countries have a very long way to go." is an epic understatement.
I'll break it down: both of them are hot brunette chicks that should be unleased, but their men are too afraid of a fake religtion to let them be free and show some skin.
The trend towards rights and opportunities for women in the Middle-East are no different than the challenges faced by women in the U.S., Europe or anywhere else. As socieites develop and mature, we will continue to see an increase in equality rights for all – but maturation takes time. Of course, there are things we can do to speed up this process. Currently, President Ahmadinejad is awaiting my arrival, but I doubt he or anyone else realizes that I arise in the West – in the gool 'ol U.S.A. where – obviously – women's rights are protected by law. Not that he or anyone else would believe me, though, not unless I am successfull in bringing back Isa, or as I like to think of it – hundreds of millions of cells making up a larger organism – or the body of salvation. Can you imagine what it would mean, though, if we were able to convince someone like Ahmadinejad that the U.S. is not the enemy? We'd have a real shot of bringing peace to the Middle-East, but not if no one believes me.
Why is he not picturing a ugly woman at the top of this article? They have plenty of them too....or is this someone he has a special liking for? Just wondering.
that's what i thought. a promotional gimmick i guess. put a ugly woman up there, not many page hits or comments.
The women of Iran had more freedom when the Shah was in power. They are moving backwards.
Once again we see the effect of industry breaking feudal power arrangements. Iran has a diversified economy, and because of this necessity, parts of the feudal order have been torn asunder. Not so for Saudi Arabia. The way to get the genie out of the bottle as far as rights go is labor force participation. This is partly complete even in USA; there are still remnants of the gender apartheid of the Feudal era in force in America; but as men start to do "womens work" and vice versa, we see a more pragmatic approach arising
I think that any country that refuses to acknowledge women as a full 50% of their functioning society it backwards and unproductive. If you can have more workers contributing to the economy, why wouldn't you? There's a reason women's rights are so far behind in developing or undeveloped countries, because they can't advance economically without first doing so mentally and socially. Having rights on the books is totally different from what's actually practiced
Agreed! While your other comments on this page have been occasionally questionable, spot on here!
I've said this multiple times. You Americans love to bash Iran over anything, but your government is sleeping in bed with Saudi Arabia. A regime that is 10x worse to its people than Iran is. And trears women 10x worse than IRan does.
But does the media ever critize SA? Nope the US is to Buddy-Buddy with them.
I find it insulting for iran and iiranians to be compared to saudi and saudi arabian....the question should be what do these countries have in common other than genereic beliefe in islam even that is questionable ....this is the problem with the west that even the so call intelligent educated people are so ignorant about the facts....
The Owl says, "who...who...WHO CARES!!!"
Thank you Fareed, your post is an eye-opener . To be honest, United States and other western nations have portrayed Iran as a backward and an extremist country where women and relegated and oppressed. But reading your piece, I was surprised to know that more women enter colleges than men, and women are even allowed to drive and vote in Iran. All this while, we have been fed one-sided story where Iran was portrayed as a virus in the middle east. We need more of such open and unbiased information.
Saudi Arabia and Iran are two completely different countries. Saudi Arabia is an Arab country. Iran is Persian. The languages are different. Iranians speak Persian, an Arabic script language related to Finnish and Hungarian. The histories of the two countries are also very different. Had the U.S. and Britain not taken down a legitimately elected government elected by the people of Iran in 1955, Iran would most likely have a long history of democracy. As those of us who read history remember, the U.K. and the U.S. opposed the newly elected government's wish to nationalize their oil and kick out British Petroleum. There are two very large populations of Iranians in the United States. They are located in the Delaware Valley (Philadelphia area) and L.A. Many Iranians in the Delaware Valley connect with the activities at the Middle East Center at Penn.
A mistake that many Americans make is to assume that all Middle Eastern countries are all the same. As with Europe, Middle Eastern countries have different cultures, populations, religions, and histories.
So...do you miss me yet?
hahaha... the best comment so far!
This is a snapshot comparison of both Iran and Saudi Arabia but I would be more interested in seeing a historical study or article that could depict women's progress over time. Is the 21% constant? If so, for how long. The article is an eye-opener since I always thought these insights would be reversed. But again, how does this current snapshot compare with 5, 10, 15 years ago? Have women progressed or can we expect the same 5, 10, 15 years from now?
Yes....Saudi Arabia is are best buddy......
One thing we can always count on: the immaturity of males around the world.
so isn't this woman supposed to be tortured and shot now? i thought muzzies weren't allowed to show their face
I bet that hot chick in the picture as a nice dark super soft hairy bush.
yeah, under her arms...
I just wanna date a woman from saudi arabia
me too! they are hot and i want to show them what it's like to be with a real man – one from the west! cowboy up!
Get rid of religions and major problems on earth can be gone in a minute. Now when i say get rid of religions, do not mean ban religions. Get rid of religions by mean of right education. No "ism" is good "ism".
Islam in general is run by men for men and has been for centuries. Women are considered property and have almost no legal rights. Until that changes, liberals and the state media are hypocrits for insisting on rights for gays and other groups here, while remaining almost silent about Islam's treatment of women
So is Vatican and so is Mormonism and so is.....
I don't know, but that is one of the most beautiful women that I have ever seen.
That's what I'm saying bro – and you know she has an amazing natural bush downstairs. I'd nail her all night and show her what's it's like to be with an American man.
show some class
Nick! Why don't you go F*** yourself?!?!
She looks pale, boney and sickly. You think shes good looking just because of what shes wearing. Human beauty has nothing to do with what you wear. The west will never understand that.
HEY,ZAKRIA..........ALLTHE WORLD KNOWS IRANIAN ARE MUCH SMARTER THAN ARABS !
BUT, IRAN IS THE ONLY NATION IN THE WORLD WHO PEOPLE THEY DO NOT LIKE EACH OTHER !!!!!!
I would like to know where the US stands in the measurement disparities between men and women across a range of criteria – economic participation, health, political empowerment and access to education. One thing I've noted is that US is not is high on the ladder as most might imagine.
i agree with you, i am born French and moved here 12 years ago, and i was very surprised by the difference between men and women at work. In Europe as long as you are good nobody care if you are a men or a women talking, here this is gender first and how you look
sorry lolotte but that is total BS. There are more women in CEO positions in the USA than anywhere else.
The 1964 Civil Rights Act in the United States ended racial segregation and discrimination in public places and guaranteed all Americans the right to vote. I don't think that was so very long ago. And although Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream has been realized to a great extent especially with America recently electing its first African-American President in Barack Obama to office, alot still has to be accomplished in the United States for us to truly be considered a great democracy.
And I say so because African-Americans are still being victimized by hate crimes and are still being lynched as was recently the case in Mississippi. And while Dr. King's statute now towers on the capitol mall in Washington DC, commemorating his great legacy for racial justice and equality and showing how far we have come as a nation, just across that same capitol mall in our congress are members of the GOP and the Tea Party doing everything within their means to return this country to the Jim Crow era and to see to it that President Obama does not succeed in moving America forward.
Well Fareed, yes Iran and Saudi Arabia still have ways to go to for full inclusion of their women into the mainstream of their societies but America too still has ways to go before we can truly consider our nation the greatest democracy on earth. They say one great thing about our American democracy is its richness in diversity and I have also believed that our diversity is our strength but although our nation is compromised of all the nationalities of the world, it is sad to say that we are still struggling to find common ground to honor, love and respect each other in a society of diversity where we all still share one common gold which is to live the American Dream.
I guess Progressive countries are all alike; every backward country is backward in its own way:-)
The middle east is full of men with large egos and small minds..........
We have plenty of those here too.
While the royals enjoy all the forbidden pleasures ( alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, women )in their palaces, the public is fed propaganda. The hypocrisy is apparent.
I have heard of instances where the religious police has enforced fasting on less devout Muslims in public.
Also that they don't permit pictures of other gods in their country with their airport staff blacking out such pictures.
Its ridiculous and there is no logic for their actions.
i want to kill you
The results of this comparison are not surprising because the Persian culture and civilization has been around for thousands of years as a source of enlightment, while the Arabs were still just nomadic tribes in the desert. These relative freedom enjoyed by Iranian women are part of that culture and exist IN SPITE of the wishes of those currently leading that country. The real concern is that the current regime in Iran sees some of these freedoms as threats and leaders like Amadinnerjacket look at Western culture as a corrupting influence that must be destroyed.
why isnt she in the kitchen?
why isn't she on her knees?
I bet you are jacking off to her picture right now
boy u need to stop it (suh suh)
Dear Fareed Zakaria
Thanks for taking the time and trying your best to have a complete report about iran and its people. After all these years, I do not think we wanted to be reminded or hear the things we already know. The most outrageous issue in Iran is its human rights which need a very especial attention. The human rights of children, women and men. Why not covering about the religious persecution in Iran for the past 32 years? why not talking about ongoing torture to Iranian youths for free speech? Why not talking about lack of oppourtinity and work in the country where it has so many natural sources? Why not talking about under table torture and none existent human right? I wish your report was close to being complete than just reviewing what the world already knows!!!! Thanks.
Now, if women could only get an equal hearing on Fareed's CNN show "GPS," then we'll know they have truly made progress in being able to express their opinions above the clatter of the learned white men he typically listens to, while ignoring the token woman per interview per episode that he sometimes invites to his show.
The main and only problem is that idiots around the globe still believe fairy tales and myths which they take as fact. ie: organized religion!!
Please remember that not too many generations ago women in the US could not vote and were not generally (except for the wealthy) entering into higher education. Woman's role was quite subservient in the workplace and our culture (take a look at "Madmen" which is pretty accurate). Being in my 70's I have seen the progress women have made in this country and we still have a ways to go. I am hopeful that all women of the world will eventually achieve equality; sooner rather than later.
Men and women have a different chemical and biological makeup - it does not mean that ONE is better than the other. They were created to COMPLEMENT each other. Why can't people accept this? I'll never understand.
CNN... why do you have different systems for commenting??
If the religion was applied correctley and evenly withought being applied in favor of class than other, the issue would never exist. The issue is not about religion at all. Islam encourage women to learn, work, participate in life and community activities, and to have the right to vote or express her opinion. The individuals who in power are miss using their position not to allow women to, for an example, to drive. It was clearly stated by Muslim Scholars that its absolutely not against islam for women to drive. If we go back more than a 1000 year ago, women were riding horses and donkeyes in their travels and to help take care of the land. Its just some people in power are delaying the matter but will eventually be allowed to do so. In saudi arabia, women are becoming more effective and participating in community events. They are very intelligent and are now considering getting a college degree is much more important than only a highschool diploma or droping from high school.
So, great that women in Iran have had the right to vote for decades now... But yet, the Ayatollah is contemplating revoking voting rights for ALL citizens. But hey, at least we can't say they're singling out women! Way to go, Iran.
The first paragraph of Fareed's article is an abject lesson in the western bias in reporting on Iran. Had it been any other country, Fareed would have been gushing with praise on how the government enables and encourages women to atrtend universities, participate in democracy, and does not much clamp down on the stylish dresses.
But since Fareed was writing about Iran, he positioned his first paragraph in a way that suggests that Iranian women are attending schools and participating in democracy as an act of war and defiance against their government. I guess Fareed has to keep in line with the mainstream media's guidelines on Iran coverage. Or else he wouldn't be the successful immigrant story that he is.
It's clear that the common link is Islam and its anti-female ways. Iran/Persia didn't have the oppressiveness that the rest of the Arab world did prior to 1979. SA gets a free pass from the West on its human rights issues because of oil and the West's need to have some sort of powerful psuedo-ally. You just can't say these things out loud as a government.
nope ..it's all about religion...all main religions are based on ancient values where men were all powerfull and it is reflected in the texts and in life!
These two countries will NEVER change. Thy're from the middle east. What can you expect??
what do you know? you identify yourself as a high school kid lol. enough said
Just wanted to say I have appreciated your insight into the Arab and Islamic world. As an American of Irish-Catholic heritage I know very little of these cultures. I've read many of your articles and they are always very informative.
Thanks!
I studied and work with Iranian women right after the revolution (who flew), they were very smart and not wearing any muslin distinction. They became highly regarded, so I believe the revolution send them back to obscurantism
whatch out Tunisian, Egyptian and other
Democracy can't exist in the muslim world until they separate government from religion. That's exactly why we lost the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan before we even started them. Too bad for the young children we sent there, only to become smoked meat and loose their lifes(before they were able to legaly go to a bar), thinking that they went there to keep us safe here. What a non sense and brain washing was that...and we still strip at the airports like never before...now that's feeling safe...sorry I went a little off topic.
I want to start a group of dancing cows. We'll call ourselves "The Buttplugs".
Specifically which articles in the Quran address the role of women in society ?
Specifically whaich article says that women are not allowed to drive cars ?
Where in the Quran does it say that a woman who has committed adultery should be stones ?
What is the punishment of an adulterous husband ?
What does it say about divorce ? Can a wife divorse the husband ?
Which of the many types of head dress does the Quran require women to wear ?
What type of dress does the Quran actually require women to wear ?
What colours are women allowed to use and which not and why not ?
Which article condones husbands to marry more than one woman ?
Is there a provision for a wife to marry more than one husband ? If not, why not.
Does the Quran give a reason for polygamy ?
The scientific explanation for poygamy is that it evolved in desert conditions and ensures that the siblings of different women are related, assuming that this ensures cooperation between the siblings, sharing of resources and therefore enhanced survival. However we all know that siblings can become arch enemies. So how does the Quran justify polygamy.
Do you know of a book that bhas translated the Quran article by article ?
Volumes have been written on this subject. Quran was the guidelne for 1000 years of human civilization, during which Arabic was the language of all scientific studies. Assuming that this writer is asking these questions in good faith, I suggest that s/he read the Quran. It is best to read in Arabic, but if you are not well versed in Arabic, a translation will get you started, but you should consult an Islamic scholar, who knows the Quranic Arabic. The Chapter 4 in the Quran is called 'Al-Nissa' (The Woman) and it is describes details of many rulings that you are asking. As a starter, even the feminine gender in Arabic is a 'special case'. For instance, a scholar (Alem) becomes feminine (Allama) when his prominence become welll known. The first two atttibutes of Allah (Rahman and Raheem) literally means 'womb that is continuous in space and Womb that is continuous in time). This is erroneously translated as 'merciful'. Curiously, In old HInduism, there are 99 gods (coinciding with the 99 attributes of Allah presented in the Quran) and there is one principal God (similar to the word Allah, that is often called the Greatest atttribute), who is feminine. Saudis mistreat their women, not because they are following Islam, but precisely because they are far away from Islam. These are the same people that used to bury alive their first born girls. It is eerily similar to the practice of buring the widow in India, Witch hunt in Europe, and selective abortion in China.
Thank you Rafig for your word of reason and information. Hopefully more individuals will look to the Source and not judge by popular misconception. Again... many thanks.
Not to be too picky here, but the Chinese and Indians may disagree that Arabic was the language of science for 1000 years. Gunpowder, printing press, telescope, porcelain, mathematics, seismonometer, astrolave, the clock, rockets, crossbow, paper, stirrup, anatomy, medicine, zero, . . .
I am going to give you short answers, because I tried long answers, but my previous post didn't get posted, so if you are interested, email me and I'll give you the long answers
Specifically which articles in the Quran address the role of women in society ?
many, one article is even called "WOMEN"
Specifically whaich article says that women are not allowed to drive cars ?
none, it is all cultural
Where in the Quran does it say that a woman who has committed adultery should be stones ?
nowhere in the quran it mentions such a thing, always a matter of understanding especially with respect to this subject
What is the punishment of an adulterous husband ?
same as the woman, punishment mainly intended to be a selfesteem/pride punishment not physical harm punishment
What does it say about divorce ? Can a wife divorse the husband ?
a lot, it expalins every little aspect of it, and also says something a long the lines of it is greatly despised by allah, in other words it is the last resort, if no other solution works, and it suggests many solutions to martial problems.
a wife can not divorce a husband, but technicaly she can, little confusiing huh..technicaly she can, it is done in Egypt a looootttttt
Which of the many types of head dress does the Quran require women to wear ?
cover herself, and men to lower their gaze...
What type of dress does the Quran actually require women to wear ?
cover herself
What colours are women allowed to use and which not and why not ?
none, women are allowed to use all colors
Which article condones husbands to marry more than one woman ?
it is discouraged in the qoran for some reasons and allowed for others(similarly according to the prophet's sayings)., and when you look at the subject you must consider the culture and the time and the reasons when it was allowed
Is there a provision for a wife to marry more than one husband ? If not, why not.
not allowed, for same reasons you must look at that allowed a husband to marry more than one wife,
Does the Quran give a reason for polygamy ?
polygamy is not encouraged, it was allowed for certain reasons during certain time, it is clearly stated that the purpose of marriage is to have a good family and/in a functioning society. however, middleeastern men tend to pick and chose when it comes to certain issues of the religion such as marriage.
Do you know of a book that bhas translated the Quran article by article ?
I cann't get one off my head, my understanding is that quran is really difficult to interpret, therefore, there are arabic explainations of it, and there are translations of those explainations...if you are interested contact me and I can get a name of a good book from my prof. for you (jinisayarat@gmail.com).
p.s. recent grad, minored in Middle Eastern/Islamic studies
Interesting article. I am currently teaching a few Saudi women who are living in France (and learning English) and I do not dare bring up any of these subjects with them. It is obvious that they live such restricted lives but many view this in a positive light. They don't have to work and can focus on their studies, children and I hate to say it-manicures and pedicures.They are such delightful women that I really hope one day things will change for them. I am a big fan of Mr. Zakaria because I think that he explains the Middle East with a fair and enlightened view.
Peace and Love to all. But do we all really care from inside about them. Common please be honest. Its politics and its BS. We already have 7 billions population and war is inevitable in near future.
there is no doubt that islam will be to blame when it happens.
Islam encourages women to learn, work, participate in society activities, and to show her openion about politics and life matters. If the religion of Islam was applied correctly and evenly which means no one is above the law of Islam regardless of who or where from, then that issue would have never even exist. Women can always go to work, school, drive, shopping, pick up their kids, drive and yet wearing the same head scarf while covering her body parts. If we go back more than 1000 year ago, women were riding horses and donkeys, they were helping their society in all life aspect.
the matter of fact and the question is: Is this article aimed at comparing two countries/societies/cultures, or is it presented with orientalism to scew people's views of these nations? OR is it aimed at comparing THE WEST to THE EAST? like the way we referr to developing coutries as "third world" countries and western coutries as "first world" EVEN THOUGH civilization began in AFRICA, so how can we referr to such place as third world? MORE OVER the problem is that we view all other cultures and societies through eyes and ideaologies/culture of our own(western ideaologies), without respecting or considering theirs.
I do not deny the fact that in these countries women have less oppertunities overall, however, in wester societies, women are lured into this feminisim role/ equal rights/ eventhough they do have much of it, and the result is the strive for better "equal rights" and trying to be a man and a women, and who is the winner? you deciede for yourself, BUT i'll tell you who the losers are: THE CHILDREN, they are the ones who end up paying the price. when in such society a women strive for the role of a man and women and the way the society is designed that for a family to live a decent life both, the husband and wife must be working and have an income. WHEREAS, in countries like IRAN, AND SAUDI ARABIA, a single parent income is sufficient to raise the family, thus a woman has the chance/luxury/time to raise her children right......therefore, a husband income is sufficient, and in such culture most women would rather raise their children right. HOWEVER when we come and look at stats and interview women in these cutlures, we go and interview feminists who already have been lured and fell into the 'IDEAL WOMEN ROLE/RIGHT' according to the western ideaology. the stats might show lower women numbers in these coutries, but overall, who are we to deciede that the 68% of iranian women who are not in the work force want to be?
i would be curious to find out more with regards to the disparities in women's treatment between the modern regime of Iran vs. ancient Persia and modern Saudi Arabia vs. ancient Saudi Arabia. the Persian and Saudi Arabian people are beautiful people and have always known to have been so. this is evident in their maintanence and adherence to "the old ways".
i would primarily be curious as to how have things changed recently in regards to the most basic women's rights we don't often see on sites like http://www.cnn.com? progress in such areas as genital mutilation and such that we hear about in that part of the world from thyme to thyme. does this occur now still on regular basises, if so how long, and at what rate delta?
as you pointed out, fundamental changes are now taking place in Saudi Arabia, but at a slower rate.
slow fundamental change, in my opinion, is a positive thing. if things continue to change gradually in these parts of the word, the world may expect less aftershocks due to these foundational shifts.
perhaps these differences can circuituously be traced to the fundamental approaches and treatments taught through and adhered to by the parallel branches of Sunni and Shiite Islam. the majority of Iran's population adheres to the Shia approach while the majority of Saudi Arabia follows the Sunni path. in addition to this the Muslim world's Sunni population far exceeds the Muslim world's Shiite population, so Iran often times finds themselves disadvantaged. i believe the women and men of both branches and regions require equal and adequate protection through slow, continual advancement.
I can appreciate the discussion, but I cannot take my eyes of the beautiful woman in the article's picture. God, she is so beautiful.
Oh yes but the Saudi's give us oil so we leave them alone, where's the Saudi arab spring? Oh ya the guard shot the protestors and nothing makes it to the media. Go figure
If I had a penny for every stupid Republican we could solve the European debt crisis.
The picture of the chick at the top of the article is hot.
That is all.
Zakaria, just so I understand what you're saying. Saudi Arabia is in the 12th Century but Iran is in the 13th Century.
Thank you for clarifying that for us.
LOL. Well said MP, well said.
Iranian women have a much higher status in Iranian society than in Saudi Arabia. Iranian society is almost matriarchical where as Saudi Arabia is more patriarchical. The differences don't end up. Shiites in Iran, Sunnis in Saudi Arabia. And conservative Sunnis have far more stricter requirements for women than for Shiites.
Gary, as a woman who was born and raised in Iran, I can say that Iranian women do not have much of a statues in society. In the eyes of the law, they are worth half of man, but they get punished much more severely. They are constantly harassed by ordinary people in the street of the morality police. before getting married, they belong to a male relative, and after marrying they belong to their husband. They are not allowed to get a passport, study, or work without their husband's approval. They cannot ask for divorce and cannot travel.
Now you might say that these are the laws and the society holds its women more dear. But as a female who has lived in Iran, I can say that it is not true. Unfortunately, most Iranians get so much happier when a boy is born.
I agree somewhat with you Laleh where you mentioned restrictions imposed by Islamic regime, however when it comes to society (at least my generation) there is a stark contrast with regime's laws and what is practiced by the families (rural area being somewhat an exception); I tend to strongly disagree with your assertion that before marriage girl's belong to a male and after marriage they belong to their husband, on the contrary despite all regime's efforts to keep them down new generation of Iranian women tend to think for themselves and are much more independent mentally and socially. Their is no comparison between Saudi Arabia and Iran in term of treatment and participation of women (I know numbers can be misleading sometimes)
Let's take care of the divisions within our nation, before we bring to light how other nations are governed. We as Americans should let our actions toward each other be the example other nations follow, who are we to pass judgement on the rules and standards of Muslim nations and their culture. Let's not forget the "track record" we as Americans have.
I think it should be obvious to everyone by now: no country or culture can prosper economically until the women among them are fully empowered to participate as equals in EVERY realm of life including business, politics, travel, reproduction, education, etc. The only exceptions are countries or regions with natural resource boons (i.e. oil) - in which case their prosperity is an accident of fortune and temporary. The US should not tolerate human rights abuses against women in our geopolitical "allies."
That is one beautiful woman in the picture. Nice find CNN.
One of the big reason's that women in Iran have been more integrated into the society is that in the late 30's Reza Shah mandated that all women had to be unveiled when in public. The same thing happened in Turkey during Atta Turk rule. This ban enabled the Iranian women to come out of the prison (full burka) they had to carry around them, and participate more in the society.
However, until revolution, there were still many traditional families who did not allow their daughters to participate in the society. But one of the few welcoming effects of the Islamic republic was that these families now felt that it was ok for their daughters to go to universities. Once a critical mass of educated women are present in the society, it will be very hard to stop others to join, and that is what I think happened in Iran.
I think the number one reason in the differences between Iranian women and Saudi's is the historical reasons of modernization and liberation of women from veil, not economics or current laws of the society.
Direct comparison between Iran under the corrupt and pre-mediaeval theocratic regime and other countries, though interesting, is very superficial and does not give the right impression. For instance, where women have been gaining more rights in Saudi Arabia, the religious dictatorship in Iran has been forcibly taking rights away of the entire nation, most noticeably the women. Women had much more freedom before the current regime took over and historically women in Iran have been judges, military commanders and even monarchs whereas the current fundamentalist regime does not allow women to be judges or president. Needless to say that even independent-minded men and democratic parties can't stand for elections either as only the regime supporters are vetted before allowing their nomination to any post. Iran is basically under a gender apartheid regime which is alien to Iranian culture and history and that's why the Iranian nation, especially the youth and most noticeably women are in the front line of struggle to overthrow the clerical fascism.
Saving both female and male Muslims is quite easy!!! (developed by yours truly based on the studies of Armstrong, Rushdie, Hirsi Ali, Richardson and Bayhaqi)
The Five Steps To Deprogram 1400 Years of Islamic Myths:
( –The Steps take less than two minutes to finish- simply amazing, two minutes to bring peace and rationality to over one billion lost souls- Priceless!!!)
Are you ready?
Using "The 77 Branches of Islamic "faith" a collection compiled by Imam Bayhaqi as a starting point. In it, he explains the essential virtues that reflect true "faith" (iman) through related Qur’anic verses and Prophetic sayings." i.e. a nice summary of the Koran and Islamic beliefs.
The First Five of the 77 Branches:
"1. Belief in Allah"
aka as God, Yahweh, Zeus, Jehovah, Mother Nature, etc. should be added to your cleansing neurons.
"2. To believe that everything other than Allah was non-existent. Thereafter, Allah Most High created these things and subsequently they came into existence."
Evolution and the Big Bang or the "Gi-b G-nab" (when the universe starts to recycle) are more plausible and the "akas" for Allah should be included if you continue to be a "crea-tionist".
"3. To believe in the existence of angels."
A major item for neuron cleansing. Angels/de-vils are the mythical creations of ancient civilizations, e.g. Hitt-ites, to explain/define natural events, contacts with their gods, big birds, sudden winds, protectors during the dark nights, etc. No "pretty/ug-ly wingy thingies" ever visited or talked to Mohammed, Jesus, Mary or Joseph or Joe Smith. Today we would classify angels as f–airies and "tin–ker be-lls". Modern de-vils are classified as the de-mons of the de-mented.
"4. To believe that all the heavenly books that were sent to the different prophets are true. However, apart from the Quran, all other books are not valid anymore."
Another major item to delete. There are no books written in the spirit state of Heaven (if there is one) just as there are no angels to write/publish/distribute them. The Koran, OT, NT etc. are simply books written by humans for humans.
Prophets were invented by ancient scribes typically to keep the un-educated masses in line. Today we call them for-tune tellers.
Prophecies are also invali-dated by the natural/God/Allah gifts of Free Will and Future.
"5. To believe that all the prophets are true. However, we are commanded to follow the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him)
alone."
Mohammed spent thirty days "fasting" (the Ramadan legend) in a hot cave before his first contact with Allah aka God etc. via a "pretty wingy thingy". Common sense demands a neuron deletion of #5. #5 is also the major source of Islamic vi-olence i.e. turning Mohammed's "fast, hunger-driven" hallu-cinations into horrible reality for unbelievers.
Walk these Five Steps and we guarantee a complete recovery from your Islamic ways!!!!
Unfortunately, there are not many Muslim commentators/readers on this blog so the "two-minute" cure is not getting to those who need it. If you have a Muslim friend, send him a copy and help save the world.
Analogous steps are available at your request for deprogramming the myths of Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism and Paganism..
Your post is too long to bother with. You must think everybody around here has a lot of time on their hands.
“How inexpressible is the meanness of being a hypocrite! how horrible is it to be a mischievous and malignant hypocrite.”
Voltaire quotes (French Philosopher and Writer. One of the greatest of all French authors, 1694-1778)
Saudi Arabia must be a much safer place to drive without women behind the wheel
My question is why those countries need to follow the values of West on making women work? Are we trying to say as they are not letting their women work means they are not civilized? The way women helps in home might not be calculated in GDP but taking care of the home and children is also a good responsibility of women as they are the only one who give birth for the time being and also western laws also give the preferred responsibility to women to raise the child after separation any way.
So why the IVY scholars or WEST is failing to translate those homes aiding jobs into numbers? If any pls educate me...am just a simple Joe just like others.
I don't support either the culture of those countries neither the article here. I think those countries are too much restricted on women rights and some western culture force their women to work outside just for day to day survival. There is in between balanced system. Just my thought.
Treatment of women as an object is same in USA, Iran and Saudi Arabia....only difference is that in USA they tend to wear less clothes than Iran than in Saudi Arabia.
Well, the main stream media and greedy politicians don't want you to know facts like these. There is a whole lot going on but thankfully, people are educating themselves and trust me all the hypocrisy will soon begin to crumble...
The points brought up are quite basic and straight forward, but there is a paragraph that begs comment: "Women outnumber men in college in both Iran and Saudi Arabia (as they do in the U.S., too), but education doesn’t necessarily translate into employment." There are two main barriers that prevent educated people from being gainfully employed. The first is organizational culture and the second is the availability of quality jobs. In Iran and Saudi Arabia it is evident that organizational culture is the obvious first culprit, but this barrier is very real in the western world as well. There are highly educated people who have immigrated into western world countries (sometimes from other western world countries) thinking that they will find a dream job because of their high academic achievements. Not so fast. Many of these people do not have the same mentality (culture) as the people of the host country. So they are confronted with one more barrier than the rest of the host population. Unfortunately nobody bothers telling them of this additional barrier before they emigrate from their country of origin....
SA and Iran are not any better of worst than any other arabic and islamic country for that matter. All islamic countries have the same issues regardless of how much educated people in one country are. Women's issues are the least of their problems. They will never get any better. As a matter of fact, countries like Tunisia, Egypt, Libya,etc... that are undergoing revolutions are going 100s of years backwards because they will be dominated and governed by the most radical, fundamentalist and fanatic islamists ever.
Under the Shaw, did women fare better than under the current system? Perhaps that is where they got a head start on the Saudi women. When women in Iran wer given the right to drive, or vote or anyhting else, who was in power?
Persian, Arab, American.....We should all look in our own back yards, as each culture has many wonderful – and not so wonderful – elements to contribute to a healthier world. Many of us, and our associated cultures, come to our place in life through events that have taken place through no fault or benefit of our own, and we must inherit a great many of these conditions. Few things are ever as they appear, even if we are near to the source.
Islam is the main culprit of women' discrimination. This evil religion uses force and coercion to establish its distorted morality on Muslim countries. Islamic clerics -acting as Islam' puppets- are the main instigators of these demonic practices, these creatures are at the same time, judges, jurors, witnesses, police and executioners of Muslim regimens, they are a combination of a new type of efficient Inquisition combined with the cruel practices of the ex-Stazi (East German police) which uses the same family members to police its citizens and keep absolute control over the people.
Ok
The most memorable movie that I've ever seen about family life in the Arab/Muslim world was a movie I saw a decade ago called "Not without my daughter." You're guaranteed to cry at the end of this movie. I encourage our readers here to order the movie. Its a must if you want to understand family life, marriage, divorce, etc in these Middle Eastern countries. Great movie!
that woman in the picture is gorgous!!
might be helpful to post some stats for Turkey and other predominantly Muslim countries. maybe Indonesia as well although it may be an apples to oranges comparison.
IRANIAN ARE PERSIAN. ARABS ARE ARABS. Totally different culture FAREED.
You are comparing apple and oranges.
when it comes to Saudi Arabia, nobody questions them, women rights and their Human rights record, they keep on beheading folks, I am a Muslim and i wish Mecca and Medina are not located in Saudi Arabia, they (Mecca/Medina) ought to be in a Mini country of their own like the vatican, Saudi's government oppress their people while their princes are going around the world doing everything unislamic, drinking, killing e.t.c
I believe the only way to get women the full rights is to transition into full democracy which I believe is near impossible under present conditions and REGIMES. I do not see any major changes happening for at least the next 20 YEARS. Only way I see changes happening if PEOPLE WANT IT TO CHANGE. Hope is all we got
Islam is the culprit. Religion is evil and should not play a role in politics at all. SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE !!
the female mind demands civility and betterment for family and child..this is very primiaive and hold true to today while the male mind set protects and defends that which is his. these two mind sets, working together, honoring each other's role with respect and admiration is what has brought our human race to the "civil" state it is now. countries that least adhere to this are more likely to have more human injustice and community lacking in opportunity, education, health etc etc. women demand civility,justice as needed for preservation of the baby human.
Yes, rights are important but not as much as a person's life! We Americans are the biggest hypocrites in the history of mankind! I want Fareed/MSM to tell us how many millions of people U.S.A has killed in the last 50 years in compare to Iran and Saudi Arabia? I like to see a chart!
If we killed them they either deserved to die, or, for every innocent life we took UNINTENTIONALLY, we saved hundreds, as in Lybia. Your leaders, on the other hand, are a couple or rungs down in the evolutionary scale, and need to be put down, which we will , not too regretfully, do sooner or later !!
AE, well said! but not gonna happen!
That woman has a strikingly beautiful face!
The problem with the two countries is that they both adhere to the letter of Islam and its holy book about the status of women in society. To put it in a nut shell, women are only a step above the female camel; work hard in the house and don't complain, have the children of a male not of your choice, and stay out of site just in case another male has an interest in (knowing) you. There is not even a hint that Islam ever intended for women to be equal to men in any aspect of life. The sad thing is that Muslim women still don't see the atrocious discrimination in their own religion; therefore nothing will change until women in the Muslim world rebel against their own religion’s teachings.
Saudi Arabia:
-Lack of women's autonomy and the absence of a law criminalizing violence against women.
-Women also face discrimination in the courts, where the testimony of one man equals that of two women, and in family and inheritance law.
-Saudi women are weak, no matter how high their status, even the 'pampered' ones among them, because they have no law to protect them from attack by anyone. The oppression of women and the effacement of their selfhood is a flaw affecting most homes in Saudi Arabia.
Iran:
-Women make up almost 30% of the Iranian labor force, and the percentage of all Iranian women who are economically active has more than doubled from 6.1% in 1986 to 13.7% in 2000.
-27.1% of the ministers in government are women and 3.4% are parliamentarians. In 2009 Fatemeh Bodaghi became Vice President for Legal Affairs and a top advisor to President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad. Maryam Mojtahidzadeh who runs the women's ministry was also selected as an advisor to the president.
Israel doesn't hate the Saudis but they do hate the Iranians, therefore the U.S. likes the Saudis and hates the Iranains. Ever see the tail wag the dog?
You mesauring the two societies via western Standard. The ideal situation is that women should have the option to wrok only if she desired. This is the Islamic Perspective on this matter. Working should be always a choice for women.
Much of the middle east is behind most of the world when it comes to laws, government, equality, freedom, etc. We perceive them to be "behind" because their systems mirror what we abolished in our nations hundreds of years ago, usually with blood. To them we appear to be in the wrong, but we have the added piece of perspective in being from cultures that used to be their way, chose to change, and gladly stuck with it.
They just need some time.
So it is evident that Iran is more advanced and Saudi Arabia is more retarded, as far as the way how they treat women.
I am wondering what would be Fareed's opinion about about Libyan Arab Jamahiriya if compared on the same subject
with the two countries above. Yes, I mean Jamahiriya, not the moderately-fundamentalist Islamic madness democracy
regime being established in post-Qaddafi's era.
...There is a MASSIVE evidence from mostly Ukranian women who were working there as doctors and nurses
that it was a reasonably modern society. Overall it seems that civil (non-religion based) middle-Eastern societies
are becoming a manner of the past. The most recent election in Tunisia have brought moderate fundamentalists
already, and, while it is not clear yet what will happen in Egypt, it is clear now which direction it is going. On a longer
time scale Nasser –> Sadat –> Mubarac –> post-Mubarac in is clear tendency that region plays bigger and bigger
role. Same applies to Iraq. Syria and Jordan are the last standing civil societies with Syria's days are winding down.
Why are we discussing the differences between Arabs and Persians? They're Muslims and not Americans. Who cares?
The comprison between Iran and Suadi Arabia is a wrong comparison, if iranian women are ahead of Women in Suadia, because Iran had different government for long time which promoted womens right in society to prove to western countries that it is a advanced government, in Suadia the regime of Suadia has been in power for so long that why women in that country never had a chance to participate in their society, of course Iranian regime wants to push Iranian women to stay at home and has not been sucessfull yet ( Thanks God), look at the main oposition of Iran (MEK) a women is the leader of the movement, look at the member of the MEK, women are main desicion makers of the oposition just because they were raised by parents from different generation. If Suadia had a different government in the past then women of Suadia would have been almost the same as Iranian women.
I believe MR. Zakaria goal with this artical is to give some credit to his friend in Iranian regime ( Ahmadinejad), NO Mr Zakaria, you can not give credit to your friends in iranian regime as well as your iranian friends in America like Mr Trita Parsi which every body know that his an agent of Iranin regime and your TV station bring him as Middle East Analyst to your program. Stop support Iranian regime and be with people of Iran not with the regime.
Another worm from MEK don't forget that mariam Rajavi is W.ho.re
If you do not allow the west to take advantage of you,you will automatically get a label.No country should dictate to the other how to run the affairs of it citizens.Different culture,different way of doing things.
Right to do something does not automatically translate to being happy,the world will be a boring place if we all dress alike,think alike,do everything the same way.
The west,most especially US citizen do not travel far and vast in large number to appreciate the difference.Just because suit and tie looks good in US,does not mean the rest of the world should abandon their culture just to be like the west.
China has worst human right record than Iran if you take population into account but they are the best trading partner to most western countries.If you are not as strong and you try to protect what is yours,you get labelled by those who are stronger and want to exploit you.Cuba is an Example,why is China different from Cuba,both are communist countries but one is strong enough to protect it rights.
Fareed Zakaria I like to read your articles they are some of the less bias articles about the region. I find the culture of that region to be interesting, but never feel as though I get a good picture of what it really is like there. US media is so filled with propaganda and anti-Iran rhetoric that it is impossible to get a clear picture of anything that happens in the country, you are left questioning everything. I would like to perhaps go to Iran someday and see the country through my own eyes and get an idea of what their culture and people are really like. Hey if you ever need an extra photographer out there shoot me an email
Are you serious? Comparing the status of women in Saudi Arabia and Iran?
It's simple. The Iranians use bigger rocks than the Saudis use to stone their women for misbehaving.
Okay, so according tot this article Iran is still horrible when it comes to womens' rights, it's just that Saudi Arabia is a little bit worse.
Cracks me up when you refer to "You Americans" kind of like someone saying "All Arabs" or "All Muslims". Hate being generalized but love to generalize it appears.
If one were to examine the globe, we would see great accounts of crimes against women in many countries. It is not an isolated problem to the Middle East. Here in the U.S., one in four women is a victim of domestic violence – this does not include other forms of violence against women.
We would also see, unfortunately, crimes against other groups of people, by virtue of ethnicity, religion, birth place or some "other". Many of us are inclined to see the faults in others to avoid examining our own – myself included.
What about religious minorities? I wonder what Fareed Zakaria has to say about Baha'is in Iran.
Saudi women are very affectionate. I got lots of hugs and kisses when I went to visit family friend in Saudi. I think I was allowed in because I was under 14.
i think whenever you have a story like this it is essential to differentiate between religion (scripture) and cultural inserts which has become part of the religion over time. The thing to get out this article would be that both countries follow Islamic guide lines and not strictly the scripture. If anyone is familiar with the scripture, would agree that the scripture does not limit anyone women, men, white, black, brown or green or red. women are given all right man have, however they are required to carry themselves as "women" caring and nurturing. Women are told in the scriptures to be covered up and walk gently, not because suppression of the women but for suppression of the men's desires. its to prevent men from sinning and to protect women from violence and immodesty. God says that, your women, children and wealth can be a gift, a test, or an enemy or a combination of all three. you might be someone's daughter but the person looking at your immodestly might be someone's husband.
The author is a secret mole for the committee.
I'm all for women fighting for their rights. I just hope those women in Iran and Saudi Arabia [or anywhere else] don't use American women as a goal or standard. As a man in America it gets nauseating and tiresome to hear a woman say, "I can do anything a man can do." Truth be told ladies, guys really could care less if you can or not. You annoy men by trying to bust up our social circle that doesn't involve you. This by no means indicates your lack of ability. It just means you're not invited. So I ask you, what's stopping women from creating their own paths that doesn't involve men? Why can't you create your own sports? Your own Fortune 500 company? You're own vision of what a woman should be? Is Oprah really your only argument? I think women have more going for themselves than they give themselves credit for, but to see them constantly ride on the backs of men then change the rules when they get there is by all accounts buffoonish. Women are viewed more as pests than equals by doing this and it's sad because they have more to offer than trying to do what men do. I have no interest in what it takes to be a woman and, my apologies again, women have no idea what it takes to be a man. We'll never be equal, but we'll always be different. It's not a bad thing. Ladies, create your own space that reflects your vision of your world should look like. Stop invading a man's vision by putting pink curtains up and saying you deserve to be here too. [that's a metaphor]
This isn't a religious problem. This is a cultural problem. The holy Koran holds women in high esteem. Society gives woman no value. The Profit Mohamed's wife Kadijah was a business woman. He worked for her. She supported him in his religious quest. His daughter Fatima was one of his warriors. Yet culture has put aside the value of these women in Islam. Neither Saudi Arabia or Iran will ever grow and become a true world power until women are given equal rights as men. Their society will alway be treated as thrid world because that it what they are. How can a country be strong when halfof their population is used as an unpaid slave? The Holy Profit must be very sad at what they have done to women.
You lost me on your argument that the Koran holds women in high esteem as you went on about the multiple wives held by the Mohamed. Polygamy is inherently anti-female (Let me guess, the women can't have multiple husbands, right?).
Anti-female!? What, you don't like sharing the spotlight? You do realize that 4 year olds need to be the center of attention all the time, too, right?
Remember were talking about religion here and not worldly laws. God created Adam first and created Eve from Adam so that they might have companionship. If you look at it from a religious point of view and not a feminine one, it’s easy to see that women were created for men. And the reason that Islam / rather the Quran, allows polygamy is because of wars and misfortune; also the fact that there are naturally more women in some population than men. It’s a question of whether you allow millions of women to die alone without knowing love or you allow a man capable of having more than one wife to love more than one woman. Just as the dress code for women is to help men, Polygamy is to help women. If a man wanted to be with more than one woman, he can without having deal with two wives. And furthermore, if a men decided to marry a second wife he must have the permission of the first wife and be able to threat both wife's equally in love and life.
So did the Bible. Less we forget. Abraham had two wives. Remember when both these books were written. Multiple wives was the norm. It is not today. Society/culture has to grow and be progressive. It is obvious that these two cultures have not grown and is not progressive.
Let's not forget that one of the wives (Aisha) was only 6 when she married and 9 when the marriage was consummated.
thats 3 year married and they did not sleep together. remember this wasn't 2011 it was a norm to marry off girls at a young age. would you have a young girl sleeping around and get pragnent with no one to take care of her or the baby. or would you rather have a husband taking care of the girl and the baby. the reason he married aisha was because her father requested that of the prophet. her father tought whats the best thing i can do for my daughter and he concluded that he should marry her to the prophet. see the ultimate goal of this whole world is for everyone to find faith. your wealth and your children will mean nothing at the end. aisha's father knew that she would most suredly find faith if she was married to mohammad.
Look at how women in America are treated. Not very well. For all of the gains that women have made, men have not advanced spiritually or psychologically at the same rate. A strong and intelligent woman is still seen as a threat to both men and women. Women are still viewed foremost as objects of desire, and looks matter way too much for women than for a man. It's even worse for non-white women. Many women in ethic households are still viewed as property by the men. Violence and poverty against women still exists in epidemic proportions. Still, many women do not have the luxury or support to escape poverty and violence.
I'm pretty sure most women view their husband as their property around here too sweetness.
Dr. Zakaria, I know many female friends who grew up and were educated in Iran. Their thoughts were that, while the government of Iran is religious and conservative, the people of Iran are more liberally-minded. Perhaps, this public sentiment has worked its way into some nominal opportunities for women in Iran that have yet to be realized in Saudi Arabia. Unfortunately, I do not know anyone from Saudi Arabia personally for better contrast.
As an aside, the women of Iran are some of the most beautiful in the world. No joke. Look it up.
...I definitely agree. I hate that they cover themselves up.
US has the HOTTEST chics HANDS DOWN...Every nation has hot women. If you like brunettes than I can see how you'd go BONKERS over Iran. The chic in the photo looks good. I live in DC and there are TONS of pretty chics outnumbering men 5-1.
the biggest problem is that iran goverment thinks that democratic values are from christianity,so untill they are wrong with this issue ,we couldn,t compair anything.I,as a iranian man,know that islamic rules are not suitable for anybody untill we differ those rules and human rights values.when they mix politics and religions ,it means you enter ideological matters in people life ,so you dicide for them what to do and what not to do.
Dr. Zakaria, I'd be curious to know why you chose Saudi Arabia as a comparative? With all due respect this article and its content isn’t very informative-I would not rate this as some of your better work Sir that I have come to enjoy. However thank you for your insight and your continued pursuit of the story.
Corvus, am with you on this. and we need to take in consideration the cultural aspect. some woman don't want to work, they rather want to stay home and take care of the house and kids. who are we to tell them how to manage their life, or how to live.
I agree, espcially I do not see the relevant comparison when you consider that some of the rights these women achieved were given by a different Iranian regime. The Iranian owmen it seemed had a leg up some years prior to Fundamentalist rule.
The problem is ISLAM. Islam is pure lie. Islam is pure evil.
No one has the 'whole picture'...not the U S nor Iran, Saudi Arabia....we keep going for the 'light'. I look at some of the 'ways' our American young women dress or 'undress'...while I am for freedom...I wonder if this is what they got from all the marching for women's rights, I did in the sixties...
So what Fareed is itimating here is IRAN is BETTER for WOMEN than Saudi Arabia.
I'd say TELL THAT TO NEDA. The Iranian girl SHOT DEAD while peaceful protesting. WHAT ABOUT NEDA?!?!?!?
Who will cry for NEDA?!?!
Dear Fareed,
Your comparison of women in Iran vs Saudi Arabia is just incorrect to begin with. Saudi is a backward society which has never advanced. Iran 32 years ago was as free and liberal as today's US. We indeed went backwards!
Women before the revolution had already risen to the level of judges and ministers. You judge both societies on eaqual footing as if they have been the same. Please watch some of the pre-revolution movies and read about the people's and specially women's lifestyle before the revolution.
Karan- I agree with you! Iran has been going backward for the last 32 years. The descent applies in almost all aspects of society. Although, the living situation was by no means perfect for Iranian women in Shah’s time, many of the rights they had then have now been taken away. That said that applies to the entire society. Rights of Iranian citizens in general have been taken away from them. Of course, women have been dealt a much (much) shorter end of the stick.
I am not sure about comparing SA and Iranian women. Iranian and Arab cultures are completely different. In the US, are constantly bombarded with negative images of the ME, especially Iran. We are told that the culture in that part of the world (all countries) is the same. That may be true in terms of the regional dominate religion of Islam, but the culture of Iran differs from its neighboring countries and the Iranian citizens for the most part are A LOT more liberal and open minded- in my opinion.
When looking in to education and job prospects of Iranian women, one must also take in to consideration the entire economic picture in the country. It is important to note that Iran had an eight year imposed war with Iraq, has had years of economic sanctions which combined with utter mismanagement at every level of the government, have produced a depressed economy. Who knows what the percentage of working women in Iran would be if the country had a functioning economy?
SA seems to be starting to slowly reform its backward culture now, but Iran’s government unashamedly has gone (and continues to go back) a few hundreds years. Even with all the reverse traveling the Iranian government is doing, its women are still better off than SA. That should really put things in perspective.
Is she single?
Gosh...is that woman Iranian or Saudi in the picture? She is beautiful!!!!
If photos from their brief uprising a year ago are any indication, then yes, many Persian (Iranian) women are very easy on the eyes....
Fareed, Keep in mind that your observations don't just reflect on Persian women but also on Persian men. The reason for the oppressed behavior of Saudi women is because the male Saudis oppress them. The fact that Iranian women behave as freely as they do is a testament not only to the women themselves, but also to the men who exercise tolerance and respect for them. It is a shame that they are our political adversaries, given the cultural commonalities in this regard.
Wow she's gorgeous
Dr. Zakaria, with all due respect, why not take the extra step and interview (or if necessary have a female counterpart interview) women of both countries? It's very difficult to form a valid opinion of my own without hearing from these women myself. What do they think of their situation, and of you – a man – interpreting it on their behalf? In America, the only thing we ever hear about that status of Iranian and Saudi women is what we see in the movies (Soraya M., Not Without My Daughter, etc.) – and it sickens us. Please – you have the megaphone here. Enlighten us all.
While I understand your viewpoint Fareed, (I have lived in Saudi Arabia so I am well versed with the plight of the female social status there) one must agree that Iranian women were much more liberated until the Islamic regime took over and changed their status altogether. The same has been true in Turkey and much worse in Afghanistan and Pakistan which were more liberated 30 years ago with respect to women. The other phenomenon that you may be aware of is more and more people of Persian origin who grew up knowing the difference in freedom between the post Shah and present situations are personally disowning Arab infused Islam and proudly proclaim their Zoroastrian heritage and spirituality. This is the not so new but silent shift.
"There are only two infinites in reality, the universe and human stupidity."
A person (aka – individual) can achieve a state of awareness of their surroundings and enviroment to form a well thought and educated opinion on subject matters.
People (aka – the masses) will never evolve. History has shown us this repeatedly. Occasionally a collective increase of the quality of life for the general population of a given area can occur, but this has ALWAYS been as an effect of tremendious efforts of key individuals working to essentially drag the masses up from oblivion. Likewise, talented individuals can also bring a society down to it's knees.
Do not confuse the difference between persons and people. Persons have influenced the entire direction of our species. People exist merely to reproduce.
"Ask not what your country can do, but what you can do for your country."
The trick to beating the system is to make yourself better then the system. Playing the game only feeds the game.
I would love to hear your thoughts on women's role in Iran's uprisings and human rights demands.
All this time American men have been advertising for single women to enter into marriage and posting in Russia or thereabouts.......man did someone ever take a wrong turn on that road! They should look further south!
What both of these countries, as well as Islam in general, need is an islamic equivalent of a Reformation. And the Sunni / Shia split does not count – it merely created to equally reactionary sects over what is really in the grand scheme of creation/life/death/after-life a minor issue. The recent revolutions will hopefully pave the way for liberal thinking, an environment that welcomes all view points and that enables freedom to believe, to interpret and to reject belief altogether. Here's to another the intellectual liberation of the Arab world.
peter--great post–you are soooooo correct!!!!
All the comments about Persian beauty makes me wonder if that perhaps affects the Iranian situation for the better. Even the fundamentalist can be shallow men.
I agree with Ritz. It is a real phenomenon that Persians are actively advertising their connection with their heritage. The very fact that they identify themselves Persians and not Iranians is an evidence. They are increasingly rejecting the Arab imposed Islamic religion reverting to their Zoroastrian roots. Something they couldn't do back in Persia fear of their freedom, fear for their lives.
there has NEVER been a society or country that was free that was a thecoracy .first separaction of church and state must be put in place.
the ugly sacks and veils that women must wear, supposedly to protect men from the sin of impure thoughts, is a silly way for the men to keep power and should be removed.
women must be accepted into the society as free human beings-able to drive–vote-divorce–remarry- practice birth control–live and go alone and as they please. both men and women should be able to go to church and prayers or not go in g=freedom of action.
but you can not have a free society without SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE.
THe problem of both countriee i ISLAM. Islam must be completlly destroyed for the worl of evolve
THE SIIMPLE QUESTION THAT EVERY WOMAN IN THE WORLD NEEDS TO ASK MEN IS THIS: Who are you to tell me what to do, what to wear, whether I can go to school, whether I can drive, whether and where I can work? The only way you can make me do anything is by force or brutallity and that makes you only one thing: an animal, not a man. So, the simple question is this: WHO ARE YOU TO TELL ME ANYTHING?
great post–perfectly stated–
This is just foolish. Men need Women, Women need Men. I don't recall a single historical point where one lastingly succeeded without the other.
Men judge women, just as women judge men. Both are usually guilty of over-simplifying. This is the result of the incredibly limited human mind trying to cope with the infinite possibilities of a universe.
The question every person on this world needs to ask themselves is this: How can I work with anyone else when the only 'right' way to see things is 'my' way?
I have observed little boys who are Iranian and Saudi and they are given far more privileges and much more respect than girls. I was in a YMCA pool in Kansas one summer, and there were about 100 Muslim teens at this camp. Not once did I see a boy look at a girl, or vice versa. Since I was not part of their group, I used the big swimming pool whenever I wished, and one day a boy about 10 literally crowded me away from the ladder exiting the pool. I spoke to him about it and and he just glared at me. So Muslim boys are raised to be jerks and their parents, including Mommy, are blame. So they grow up being jerks. I am guessing that group of kids were Americans. But Muslims live separately from the rest of the population because of stuff like this. I wonder how they integrate into the business world.....Another thing I observed that upset me was the boys were sitting in a reception area taking up all the chairs and couches while the girls had to stand outside in the HEAT! I was soooo tempted to walk up to a couch and tell the brat to get his behind out of it so I could sit down.
My reaction is not particularly to the countries you mention. The question
that strikes me is the difference between having the right and opportunity to work
on the one hand, and being forced economically or socially to work whether they
want to or not (I am not figuring in possible abuses by husbands here).
Are there any statistics that take account of this? If it would be possible.
After all a good number of Saudi women may feel restricted and oppressed,
while some may actually feel protected by the system. Given all the other tasks
women seem to have to keep on doing even though employed this is a question
worth raising. Although forced economic and other dependence on a husband
clearly has largely negative effects.
I don't understand what does that have to do with you F. Zakaria. I mean, if a woman is covering herself or not, and if she is looking pretty while doing that or not, why are you bothered by it. Did you ever hear any journalist from the arab world asking the americans why do their women love exposing and why do they walk around in underwear..! Thats because journalism should be above these petty matters. There are so many things to talk about..people dying of guns, hunger, crime, joblessness, poverty, poor schooling are just to name a few. Why do some of us get stuck on such personal choices as hijab and head scarves, being stylish or un-stylish. You have a much bigger responsibility here..
Mr. Fareed Zakaria, can you please post what women are required to dress and to who with they are allowed to mingle in society as per their religion Islam in accordance with their Quran and Hadith? As is obvious by your name it looks like you are a muslim too, so it will not be difficult for you to post some quotations from Quran and Hadith.
My critical comment failed to get through. Testing.
If you study a little bit about Iran's great history you never compare Iran with any of its neighbouring countries. Iran has been Iran for more than 3000 years and Persian is still spoken in Iran. When Iranians had women as rulers of their country before Islam, tell me what were you doing in the West? Tell me who wrote the first charter of human rights and when was it written? Have you even seen Iranian palaces that were made before Greeks'? Did you know Iranians were the first people who brought wine on their tables? Did you know wine is the biggest symbole of happiness in Persian poertry? Please stop your propagandas against Iranian people Mr. Zakaria. Your job is only to report the news. You are from India yourself Mr. Zakaria. Did you now know for homany centuries Persian language was used at India's officials before Indian colonization by British? Do you know how large your population was bigger than Iranians' but they never became a colony as they always have been the super power of the region? Because Iranians are patriotic and brave.
Got baited by the article's pic once again!
Is it because Iranians are Persians and Shia Muslims?
Well there is some kind of an automated censorship here. I wasted my time writing a critical comment but it is not getting through. Good luck with congratulatory comments since that is what you obviously want to get through the filters.
It seems Iranians are ahead of us since women have right to buy properties for last 1400 yrs whereas women in USA got their right in 1965. In addition, women right to vote in Iran was allowed in 1963 whereas in USA it was allowed in 1965.
Bababooey
How did this conversation about womens' rights in Iran and Saudi Arabia turn into a men against women debate? Need I remind everyone that men were allowed to vote before women and women suffered greatly to acquire that same right. That being said, today is a completly different world. I'm sure there are women who would prefer to stay at home and raise their family, but that's no longer an option. For many families its a necessity for both the male and female to work in order to house and feed the family. Today's issue seems to be more about the extremely wealthy corporations versus the average joe who is just trying to survive.
USA = still mad that they got kicked out of Iran during the revolution and that they can't get their paws on any of Iran's oil. USA doesn't care that Saudi women have NO rights and aren't even considered human beings. USA doesn't care that it is perfectly legal for a man in Saudi Arabia to openly masterbate in front of a woman in public. Saudi's give USA oil in exchange for weaponry and money. Iran does not. This is the simple reason as to why Iran is an enemy and Saudi Arabia is a friend. USA couldn't care less about Saudi women.
On a lighter note, when was the last time US regime had allowed an Iranian media personality to visit US and report on the condition of black women living in US who have a maternal mortality rate on par with central Africa? When was the last time US regime had allowed an Iranian media personality to interview US president?
Sick of this Persian vs. Arab vs. American thing! We are all people and we are certainly different in many senses and have our own visions, cultures, and lives, still we are able to share some ideas and learn from each other. There have been true reasons to have borders between countries throughout the civilization history. If some of you feel better by comparing yourselves or your countries to others, they have doctors for that issue.
Sounds like they both suck, but Iran less so that SA in regards to women. It's like pitting a turtle vs. a slug in regards to speed. Sure, the turtle is faster, but nothing compared to the multiple other animals that far outpace it. I hope, that women in both countries get what they deserve, equal right to men.
How does Vatican compare to Iran or Saudi Arabia in giving rights to women?
saudi society is much stronger than all other society in the middle east, more so than the depthless society of isreal and the sick society of Iran.
OMG, freedom of speed is not a freedom of ignorant! Most comments over here are ignorant that most people are trying to compare which country is superior or inferior. Thumbs down! That's how wars started. wake up
If America has a Spine then why don't you start Arab Spring in Saudi Arabia. Ballsless America.
It's not America's responsibility to start an Arab Spring in Saudi Arabia. That's why it's called "Arab" Spring..the Saudi Arabians need to start it themselves.
It amuses me when we Americans are so quick to call other countries corrupt. What can be more corrupt than our lobby and election campaign systems? The only difference between other countries and America is that we wrote corruption into our laws thereby making it legal. Others have not quite caught on yet.
blaming Islam doesn't change the reality. Islam is the religion of peace and harmony and its not cliche its the prophecy .islam believes in protection of human rights in fact, Islam is the religion which talks about woman protection rights fourteen hundred years ago,yes off course, there are people who uses Islam for their personal benefits but they are not projecting the right pictures of Islamic teaching!!!!
whether its Iran or saudiarabi Islam doesn't support any kind of violation of human rights.woman who are working outside doesn't make them modern and civilized. Muslim woman have responsibilities at there homes which are far more imp and tough. Islam allows woman to go out side and work but with certain conditions which are for their own benefit and safety.
islam didn't give this right to woman 30 or 40 years ago but 1400 years ago.just imagine!!!!!!!!!
people who blame Islam should look in to broader perspective. please read Islamic history before judging islam.
"Islam is a religion of Peace" Right. "Women rights were given 1400 years ago." Right. Then, why the regimes don't allow the freedom to women to decide , to have a choice of her own, what to wear, where to work, either home or outside? Why to make rules and laws to limit the choices? I don't know if there is a God, but if He is, why with so many contradictions and conflicts?
It takes time. Even women in the US were different 50 years ago. Some countries change or accept change fast while other go slow. It is the value system that goes deep into a countries history and culture. Just because the west has a different view on how people should be it is not necessary other nations should give up their values that were followed for 100s of years. For a change why can't the west follow what is practiced in other nations.
If the evangelics gain power in the US you will see similar treatment of women.
thanks for the informative comparison,dear Farid.just do not forget that this some vera little rights that have in iran as women,is some thing which is inherited from the pre_revolutionry time,otherwise the fundamentalist islamic regime would do his best to confine the women as much as possible.
With all do respect Mr. Zakaria, I think comparing Iranian women with Saudis is like comparing apples and oranges. Their similarity is that they they are both female the same as apples and oranges that are also fruit. But remember Iran has been only under the Islamist thumbs for little bit over 30 years and that religion has not been able to break these women's spirit yet because their parents would not allow it. Furthermore, Saudis are Arabs and very much different than Persians. And there is a big cultural differences between these people.
That is encouraging to know and i hope that would help change or rather improve image of Muslims globally!
So, if a woman entered the public square and said that the leader of her country was not doing a good job, is there a difference between what the Saudis and Iranians would do to her?
Mr. Zakaria, why don't you focus on real issues where people's lives are in danger, like the Indian Wife-Sharing concept
http://news.yahoo.com/wife-sharing-haunts-indian-villages-girls-decline-083401584.html
or how they are abort female embryos,.... Picking on these Muslim countries is sort of played out now, I do it w/ my collegues over lunch all the time (not that I'm proud of it, but w/e). But you sir, as a journalist, need to have a degree of class, try saving lives, not rolling with the norms. Thank You!
....and they will murder you in both backwards ass countries for being a gay man. Thanks to God for having me born to an American mother in a hospital in the U.S.A!
today, the most powerful weapon society has is unity thru telecommunications, where power of the people is truly beginning to be felt by all, worldwide, where changing reality with of the power of the people is going to be felt more and more, a unity long over due, especially for those who perpetuate foolish notions that a woman's voice need not be heard........such barbaric people, that we continue to do business with? How is this possible? Oh right, we of greed are equally as sick of an illness of heart as are those we happily do business with......ok then, well, on we go, marching in hell, like it is every moment of every day, the falsehood oppressions of all unwise about our divine true nature. Truth judges all eternal, of what we look for has already come, of which none escape, and only the foolish unwise who think they do, who don't think at all; absurdness
I'd like to see a comparison of women's participation in the job markets of the two countries
(1) Before marriage, &
(2) After marriage, but before children.
Another important criteria which differentiate the two country and depicts the suppression, is the comparison of the family size in Saudi Arabia and Iran, particularly number of wives per husband. I do not how it works, but in Saudi Arabia it is completely accepted, even culturally, for a man to have 4 wives. It is not so in Iran. I do not know if there is any solid statistic about this.
Very good question, James!
Understanding different cultures is not easy. Cultures throughout the world define roles differently. What is accepted in one part of the world might not necessarily be accepted in another part of the world. In the Islamic religion men and women roles are equal yet different and it is strongly accepted this way. In our American way of life their roles and dress codes might not be ones we would readily want to adapt. Yet in the same token they might not be so open to our customs. Most of the woman who cover (if not all) choose to because they believe it is their duty as a muslim woman. So let them be. If they ever tire of it they will rise and make changes. 'Til then, lets stop trying to change the world.
So basically you have two countries where women are still second class citizens and one is not AS bad as the other, but still bad.
What else can you expect from countries bogged down in out-dated religious dogma completely supported by the men. This will not change anytime soon, and even when it does the women will find that there are many men who will still fight to keep them down.
thank you for reading, and sorry for the long message
It would be interesting to compare stats in Iran pre and post revolution. One wonders to what extent expectations/rights were entrenched enough under the shah to survive the revolution, or whether the Islamic Republic itself has its own more moderate views. Maybe vis-a-vis SA, but unlikely compared to the shah.
I hate Iran cuz its Afghanistan's enemy. Iran has stolen our history and heritage. Moreover, it has made poor Afghan refugees drug addicts. Every Afghan will be happy if America intrude in Iran cz that will be the only way to take our revenge.
Your heritage? Are you joking? Afghanistan is creator of England in 19 century. Show me even a sentence older than 300 years that refer to Afghan as a nation? Those land were always Iranian lands till Britain stole them from us
Oh sure, U.S. is still busy giving you what you deserve! How is that for revenge???
I'd really like to see a comparison between:
1- The value of the woman in Islam (with reference to the true Islam believes and values, and not based on the current world impression on Islam, which is unfortunately greatly effected by the Muslim extremists, and whom of course you can find in any religions or believes).
2- And the value of the woman under the current global trend. which is calling for the ultimate freedom of the woman, with no limitation or rules.
Kindly, i really liked your article. and would like to ask you to make a small honest research about:
- Islamic nations and Islamic Civilization " in history"
- Christian nations " in History", under the Islamic rule, and how these nations one and the above one used to be a like in values and believes..
- And the recent western nations, which supposedly should belong to the old Christianity. and which in fact unfortunately very far away from it and it's old values and virtues.
Thank you!
)
very true analyses I do agree with u.
Although both of these nations have shown great improvement in womens rights over the years, they still have a long way to go. Even if the legislators make changes that facilitate and promote the employment and role of women, especially in Saudi Arabia in government posts, the culture of the nations will take a while to catch up. Reality is that they are both nations that emphasize the role of man in the family and the community, and it will take a couple of generations to change that perception of life. It must begin with a reform in the education, which will produce both able bodied, free thinking men and women. United, both can improve the development of the nations, and this goes beyond Iran and Saudi Arabia; it also includes other nations where women are given little voice in the politics of their country. Overall, Iran is better off than Saudi Arabia, but not by much. Both nations must realize that if these changes aren't made, similar waves of feminism that were seen in Western Societies will occur in these societies. Although peaceful, they could end up troublesome such as the ones witnessed across Libya, Egypt and other states with authoritarian leaders and governments.
Comparing two Islamic countries with very two different cultures and interpretation of Islam with western/developed/OECD/high GDP per capital or whatever u mean to call them can not be true. Just comparing the rate of women in the labour force in Iran and lets say the UK does not necessarily means women in Iran do no enjoy them freedom women have in Iran. Before my dear friends here object to my comment on freedom of women in Iran, let me make it clear that definition of freedom also varies within cultures, countries and regions of the world. I think there need to be done a survey comparing the willingness of Iranian woman to be employed on a certain pre-set scale and the woman in other countries. As a person with Iranian parents who have travelled and can claim to have an idea to some certain extend about woman mentality, I have to admit that comparing women participation in the labour force and etc can not be a measurement of political freedom.Thanks..
Participation in the labor force cannot be the ONLY comparison of women's independence, but it is very much a major one. Any time any person must rely on someone else for sustenance, he or she cannot be truly free, politically or otherwise. The sustainer can control almost every phase of the sustainee's life, like it or not.
Just comparing the rate of women participation in the labour force in Iran and lets say the UK does not necessarily means women in Iran do not enjoy the freedom women have in the UK.* sorry for the typo, thats what happens using a mobile phone!;)
Historically and culturally , women status in Iran and Saudi Arabia is diffident ....the comparison is illogical !
"...granted Saudi women the right to vote and run in the next round of municipal elections" So they can run in an election but are not allowed to drive a car?
If you look around the world there are numerous other countries where the plight of women and the general population is even worse, but no one cares about them. This whole propaganda about women not having equal rights or there being dictatorships in certain middle eastern countries, is purely to a build a case to go to war with select countries, and make the dumb hilly billies at home feel good about these wars. For some dumbos this is enough and will even happily pay taxes to share the cost of these war. What a shrewd way of socializing the cost of wars for all to repay but privatizing the profits from these wars to a few oil and defense companies.
Thank you Mr. Zakaria.
As a saudi woman, I believe that we have a lot to do, its really depressing to see how women in the gulf region exceed, while we still cant move freely in our country. I studied economics and never had a chance to work on that field. Now I am in the Stats trying to build myself almost from the bingeing, difficult to compete with people who worked since they were teenagers.
Good luck, Alaa!
All Mid East countries are stuck in the 4th Centruy when it comes to the position, status and treatment of the unfortunate women who are born in that region.
It should be noted that Muhammad the man who most Mid East countries pattern their backwards behavior after treated women in general and the women in his life with great dignity and respect. Additionally, his 1st wife was a wealthy merchant. That could NEVER happen in today's Mid East.
Summary: Arabs and Iranians are opressive fools, it has nothing to do with Religion or anything to do with Islam.
I wish the Western Media would stop saying that!
you are a fool
By any chance, are you a RED NECK John??
I think if Ayaan Hirsi Ali analysed this issue very well in her book 'Infidel'. She offered various solutions to this issue in the same book and also in 'The Caged Virgin'. Generally, her opinion is that Islam should be interpreted and examined critically, and the Quran not interpreted rigidly. She didn't specifically argue for women's rights in her books but advocated for the liberation of women from domestic abuse, genital mutilation and the punishments demanded on women for adultery.
Nonetheless, Ayaan is a prominent critique of Islam holds a very polarised opinion – she denounced her faith in Muslim and became an atheist after the Sept' 11 attacks. Her views are sometimes difficult to swallow but I think they should be examined with an open mind.
Saudi form or rule is non even islamic, it is barbaric. They are spreading a sect of so called islam that is contrary to the fundamentals of this religon. Majority of hijacker of 911 were Saudi, the sect of islam that has created problems all over the world originates from the kingdom and the House of Sauds, yet we cuddle with them as much as we can. A few bunker busters could not have hurt us if we aimed it at the kingdome. All we did in Irag and Afganistan is move dirt and help the Sausi's fund more terrorism. Hmm, and people ask where did we go wrong, my friends we are holding hand and cuddling with the devil and evil empire yet we go along for the ride...
Iran is only approximateley 51% Persian, about a quarter of Iran's population are Azeris, there are other minorities as well such as Kurds, Turkmen, Baluch, etc
What is your point exactly? I am half Azari, I am still persian. But I still don't get your point or the relationship to this article. You guys need to get over it.
It's true that it has no relation to the article but a poster above made a nonsensical comment saying that Iran is basically Persian which far from the truth.
Some of the readers tried to be honest with their opinion and a few readers tried very hard to be untruthful with their comments. To those who are not truthful or don't know the fact, please if you don't know who is your father's just ask your mother about your father, you don't have to do DNA's to every men's for trying to know who is your father.
Farid Zakaria is trying to show us the comparison only with the facts. The one of the main faults of Iran is, – Israel doesn't want Iran to achieve Nuclear bomb, that's why United States doesn't want because Israel don't want it. Israel afraid Iran will be the more powerful in that region and other powerful countries also feel same way. But, other powerful countries don't want to admit that Israel is also one of the most powerful countries in the world. Just look at the relation among Israel and other Middle East countries are, so pathetic. But, I strongly admit it, Israel has the most Democracies in that region.
I hope you will find now who is your father is!
Mr. Zakaria is an accomplished journalist and all he can compare is this. I think hs should take another trip back to Iran and the kingdom and do some more comparison
Persian women are beautiful!!!
Regarding voting in Saudi arabia, municipal elections do not mean that people's will can influence government policy, even men there are not interested in voting over the placement of garbage containers.!
I think the things that stood out, at least without deeper digging on my part, when I visited Iran last years was:
1. The stylish, almost defiant way many women dress, even when hair not only showing, but styled to do so, from under their head coverings.
2. Women on many occasions who would approach me, a man, and initiate conversations.
3. The number of women in smoke shops, sitting and visiting with men as they smoked their hookahs.
I left with the impressions, that while Iran was certainly not woman friendly, it didn't fit the stereotype is often saddled with in the west.
The Arab Israeli conflict hurts the US and favors China who is free to make deals with Iraq and Iran.
I think its important to take note of the 'cultural' view as well. Putting all politics aside (as hard as it may be when it comes to Saudi Arabia and Iran) its important to put in a cultural aspect when it comes to looking at employment of women. Yes, there is an issue of trying to go from education to the work force for many women, but at the same time, there is the issue of women CHOOSING to get an education but then choosing to stay at home with their children once they come along. As an Iranian-Canadian I can personally attest to that. I was born here in Canada and have lived here most of my life, but when I look at my extended family and my aunt and female cousins...the majority chose to get educated but the majority also CHOSE to stay at home afterwards. (out of 5 aunts 2 are educated and 1 worked after having children, and of my female cousins ( I have 8) each one of them is educated – some very highly (doctors and lawyers) 6 of them are single and either working or still in school and 2 of them have kids and have chosen to stay at home.
In Iranian culture (of what I have been exposed to) females being educated is highly desirable, but a career woman isnt (and not necessarily just by men). Perhaps it is because I grew up here in Canada (and plan on having a career and working) but I get soo surprised when I talk to my cousin who is the same age as me who thinks that a woman being 'forced' to work when she has kids is 'soo cruel'!
Just my two cents
that was supposed to be 8 not a 8) :p
To quote Zareed " they both have a long way to go"! In another 100 years they will still have a long way to go unless religion is put aside, which doesn't look like happening any decade now. Long live the secular west!
I am now living in USA but I see religion is as important here as in Iran. Even I saw this on presidential debates. I think American people are actually more religious than Iranian. In the long run, thanks to Islamic Republic, Iranian people are losing their whole belief system and many as myself are becoming agnostic/atheist while other becoming BAD Muslims. I can assure you Iran is the only country in ME with a secular future (for now)
This is about splitting hairs, both suppress freedom of all people except the chosen few, including women. In Iran women are allowed to vote in rigged elections, in Saudi Arabia they are not allowed to vote in rigged elections. OK, I see, distinct difference. Pointless comparison, they both s u c k as countries for both men and women.
Given the option, if some women decide not to enter the workforce, we should respect their decision. having more or less working women does not indicate libation.
It is also worthy to mention that Iran is one of the most equal environments to for work for women in terms of glass ceiling; in this respect, the U.S has a long way to go...
Dear Fareed, please don't confuse the Iranian regime and the people. In our culture, our generation has come to a point where we see men and women as totally equal and if it was up to us, the people, we would let the women progress as much as the men. The problem is this regime that does not represent us and that is illegitimate and not chosen by us.
this article is very childish. its comparable to a doctor in the ER diagnosing and treating a patient with an abdominal gash for his scratches on his arm. Moreover, we are comparing two highly repressive regimes, who do not tolerate any sort of personal freedom or liberties. And then giving Iran the passing grade for beating Audi. this is why when the natives of these countries can afford, they flee and almost always go to a western society, Europe or the Americas.
And the deafening silence coming from all the liberal activists/feminists about women's rights in the islamic world.
Women in Saudi Arabia will be given the right to vote. However, they must show their drivers license to get a ballot.
Why did you not post my comment????
I would like to point out that Iran is a Shia majority country while as Saudi Arabia is a Sunni majority country. In India where I belong to and where we have sizeable chunks of both of these kind of Muslims it is observed that the Shia's are much more progressive than Sunnis even when they are deeply religious. They are well integrated in the society while for Sunni's they still continue live by their ancient book and not in the 21st century and thus are mostly poor and suffer from exclusion from society.
If US and her western allies had not subverted Iran's truly democratically elected government in1953 through Gun- boat diplomacy,perhaps Iran would have been far ahead of it's regional neighbors in terms of Women's rights,freedom of expression,political participation etc.US and western powers often care for their Geo-political interests more than any concern for values and ideals.Any gesture seemingly promoting human values is political gimmick and rhetoric for pubic consumption.
Both are bad – why do this "comparison"? Let me guess – to make Iran seem "not so bad" and the Saudis, who work with the US government, seem worse. Agenda, as usual.
But I'd still hit that. Several times.
It is useless to compare these two countries, they are BOTH atrocious.
I knew this long ago!!!
Back in 1991, I had seen a lot of TV coverage of Gulf war. I have seen how women are treated in Saudi and in Iraq.
And women in Saddam Hussein's Iraq were much better off.
I strongly felt US should have waited until Saddam Hussein invaded Saudi, and wiped out the Saudi regime, then US and allies should step in to liberate Saudi, Kuwait, and Iraq, and bring democracy to these countries!!
Now, let Arab Spring come to Saudi.
This article is not about Iraq. Did you read it?!
As others have said or suggested, these comparison are valid but ultimately irrelevant. Neither society is remotely democratic nor is the value of human life respected. It is a bit like saying Stalin did a great job of supplying clean drinking water. He might have, but the 20 to 30 million people he killed or sentenced to the Gulag probably out-weigh the water issue.
Agree with your comment. Comparing Stalin's soviet union with Hitler's occupied Europe would be a similar comparison made by this article.
Americans are lying, hypocritical b@stards who are obsessed with Iran and trying to malign Iran's visionary leader Ahmadinejad by fabricating lies. I would advise Americans to mind their own business now that their economy is fucckked.
Just reading all these comments, I keep thinking how US is any better than Iran or saudi-arabia? Do a little research before talking about other countries and linking all the bad things to these countries like they are some historic facts. No wonder US government can easily fool its citizens to waste their taxes on wars in middle east.
Ayatollah Khamenei is a religious bigot and a viable nut case. To base a country's leadership on a "religious" islamist opiate is ridiculous. Ahmadinejad's position will be phased out in the next few years but he will not be replaced with anyone positive of mind. Iran seems to be doomed forever.
How about this one....
'
Malevolently
Unholy
Sadistic
Lying
Incestual
Madmen
A bit of history:
In 1872 the muslims invented the condom by using the lower intestine of a goat.
In 1873 the British improved the invention by first removing it from the goat.
"ISLAM IS GUILTY,,,"
"of inciting HATRED and DISCRIMINATION against non-muslims,,, "
"of CRIMES against humanity,,, "
"of OCCUPYING non-muslim lands,,,"
"of ENSLAVING non-muslims for 1400 years,,"
"of GENOCIDE of non-muslims,,,"
"GUILTY,,, GUILTY,,, GUILTY,,, GUILTY,,, GUILTY,,,"
THIS IS ISLAM, THE SO CALLED "RELIGION OF PEACE":
Kill the unbelievers wherever you find them.” Koran 2:191
“Make war on the infidels living in your neighborhood.” Koran 9:123
“When opportunity arises, kill the infidels wherever you catch them.” Koran 9:5
“Any religion other than Islam is not acceptable.” Koran 3:85
“The Jews and the Christians are perverts; fight them.”... Koran 9:30
“Maim and crucify the infidels if they criticize Islam” Koran 5:33
“Punish the unbelievers with garments of fire, hooked iron rods, boiling water; melt their skin and bellies.” Koran 22:19
“The unbelievers are stupid; urge the Muslims to fight them.” Koran 8:65
“Muslims must not take the infidels as friends.” Koran 3:28
“Terrorize and behead those who believe in scriptures other than the Qur’an.” Koran 8:12
“Muslims must muster all weapons to terrorize the infidels.” Koran 8:60
"ISLAM IS GUILTY,,,"
"of inciting HATRED and DISCRIMINATION and VIOLENCE and MURDER against non-muslims,,,"
"SEARCH YOUTUBE"
"Dispatches – Undercover Mosque – The Return – (Part 1 of 5) "
"ISLAMIC Necromongers plan to convert or kill all humans on the PLANET"
Hey LIBERALS, your ISLAMIC buddies are stoning women, beheading and blowing people up and not a peep out of you about it. Just keep up your hate-AMERICA Christian bashing ways and ignore the real problems in the World. TRAITORS, hopefully muslims will eventually behead liberals !
Iran : What an exhausting, selfish and diabolically deceitful wasteland of immense distrust !
How about Saudi Arabia? Are they the good guys because the government is an American puppet in the Middle East?
Fareed one statistic you left out-Iran is a mostly monogamous nation and polygamy is widely practiced in Saudi Arabia
I must say that this is indeed a very objective feature. I'm interested in gender issues within the Middle East and have been so for a long time. What I can not understand is this – why is it that in their respective countries they fight for their rights and when they come to the US or Europe they go 100 years back in time? Where is integration? Why is it that such a humiliating aspect as the burqa – is so rampant in Europe? In Afghanistan women are literally voiceless (a very interesting feature about this issue can be found in Foreign Affairs journal October 2010) – yet human rights activists cry blue murder if anyone so much as tries to figure out why a woman should be shut out from the world. And it is not only the veil – in a very good book by Marc Sageman – there is the issue of Pakistani girls in British school with very high IQ level who at 14 years of age are being forcibly taken out of school, sent to Pakistan to get married to men twice their age – illiterate men at that – so that they will adhere to their own culture. Same goes for honour killing. What is being fought against in their country of origin is being practiced openly in other parts of the world.
No matter how much you polish a turd, it's still a turd.
who is the girl very pretty!
Iran has had two female vice presidents so maybe they will have more in the future
As a European raised Iranian born US educated woman I must say this issue is very close to my heart, and as I do admire Mr. Zakaria's work I am glad he brought this under the attention.
I think comparing the womans rights situation in Iran and Saudi Arabia, is like comparing the two stages of a deadly disease! I mean does it realy matter weather the disease is going to kill you today or tomorow??
The core of the problem is that women are derfined by their male "custodians" because in general in Islamic countries women are seen as infants in need of custodians. I so often hear women from so many cultures say " my brother and or father is so wonderful they LET me work/ study/ date" or what ever else. the fact that men and women alike think that a womans rights are in controle of a man to give or take away speaks volumes to me. part of the problem is culture part of it religion.
Great point.
I'm always surprised by how much we talk about women in other countries, especially those countries that are so far behind the US as far as human rights and women rights. But how about we talk about how the US compares to countries as wealthy and as 'advanced' instead for once. Let's talk about how we are treating women here. Let's talk about the economic participation, health, political empowerment and access to education HERE IN THE US. As far as I know, every time I watched the news, most of the representatives are men. In fact we have never have had a woman as president and it's 2011. Look at Liberia, Chile, Costa Rica, countries that are far behind the US, but yet women are more represented politically. Let's talk about maternity leave. Only four countries have NO NATIONAL LAW mandating paid time, and the US is one of them. YES, our own country the US, does not have a mandate. This systematically keep women at a disadvantage right away and in essensce family life. Let's talk about ways to help women here at home in the US, before we point the finger at other countries in order for us to feel better about our own mediocre ways.
I think you are absolutely right!!! that is a must have discussion!
Education does not lead to wealth, it only lead to understanding of the world around and make you a slave of the system that be. Get Wisdom and in all thy getting get understanding then you can change the world to what you want it be.
Women are seeking more education thinking it will lead to empowerment, while I advice a little education and more wisdom since wisdom does not come through education.
Now the subject of equality; I will advice women as you gain power remember that it was a woman (women in power) that seized the goods of the Tunisia Boy that later set himself on fire. Remember everyone on the street is your son, brother, sister, father, and mother.
How do you compare women in India to Iran. In India thousands of girls are buried alive soon after they're born, or then burnt alive for not bringing enough dowry. Just because you don't want to publish any negative news about your home country does not mean the evil does not exist there.
Society does not condone it in India and it is treated as a criminal case
Women will never have equal rights under ISLAME. ISLAME is vile, backwards, oppressive, and violent. You know...like a cult.
Is there any organized religion that is not lame?
this is an interesting story
I wish you compare the government of saudi arab with the government of Iran. How many innocents killed and punished without any court by Iranian regime compare to Saudi arab. Also you compare women of Iran and saudi arab, you could also compare the women of Afghanistan with two countries Iran and saudi arab. You were Iran, you could also visted Afghanistan to compare the situation of women in Afghanistan with other two countries.
The problem is not Iran nor Sauid Arabia, it's women's rights all over the world. Over 147 countries offer paid maternity leave however the United States does not. Yes, women are more supressed in Islamic cultures but we cannot deny discrimination in more developed countries as well. We should all support organizations such as UN Women to help further the rights of women.
Yes, which prison is better or bigger. May be Zakaria needs to move in either one and live there. How about if we throw in a head scarf for him too!
One can get a deeper perspective of the Middle East in novel – king of Bat'ha
Half the people quoting comments and making remarks are truly doing so through their bias beliefs which they pick up from the MEDIA especially from places like CNN, NBC, and other American News Broadcast channels. Being a modern Muslim in Canada- I am proud to say that I am Canadian-Pakistani-Puerto Rican where I can freely practice my faith and be modern at the same time which my faith emphasizes that I do so-living the life of the world and the life of a Muslim. Iran is a Shia Muslim country where they have their Majlis (Congregation of there Parliment) based on the Shia faith which is the most modest sect of Islam. We are not extremists, we have beautiful centers for women and men. We have open houses and our ideology is very closely linked to the Prophets family and their beliefs where we treat our women with upmost respect and love. In Iran this Shia belief system is openly practiced. Women wear a semi-head scarf in Tehran, they drive, they go out with their friends, they smoke sheesha, they go to the malls, which are actually more cleaner and safer than North American malls, they can shop, wear make up, wear jeans, wear heels, we hot clothes provided that they are not exposing their breasts and but. Saying this I went on the Tehran Subway and let me tell you Americans that they have their security on the subway system, Women got to be in their own part of the subway, the subway system is much more organized than any American system possible. They also have women police officers who are avide in the city who greatly protect the women in the nation. In Iran, women have great power THE VOICES OF THE FEMALE POPULATION CAN be heard in their parliment, schools, university, hospitals, public service sectors and so forth. Women in Tehran and other parts of the country wear the most expensive clothing, wear one of the best perfume and fragrances all from Europe. The food in Iran is all organic and grown correctly unlike you Americans who eat 4000 level fake vegetables and fruits which is causing Obesity, sickness and crime. Women are prominent leaders in the financial industry they are managers, VP's and so forth. Women in Iran have the best Salons for hair make up and other health service related clinics. Women have the right to divorce and may go to Court and seek council at all times. Now on the other hand, Saudia Arabia is a Sunni-Wahabi state where extremism is everywhere in the country where they are okay with terrorists being on their soil. Iran has no terrorists because their faith does not believe in extremism, Iranians are very modest and love being family oriented people. Saudia Arabian women- cannot vote, they cannot go out in Public freely as they would like to do so. If they go to a hospital they need a male figure at all times to accompony them, they also need all sorts of bs done to gain legal council. They are beaten if they do something incorrectly. They have absolutely no freedome to practice their beliefs and MUST BE COVERED IN BLACK AT ALL TIMES unlike in Iran where they are free to do dress modestly and Islamicly. I been to Pakistan women can do what ever they want on their soil, went to Iran many times and lived there for a few months for vacations because I love their ski resorts and beaches where you can get the best food in the world! I have also visited Saudia Arabia many times but out of all countries that supposedly follow Islam the best of all nations would be Iran! The Shia Islamic country is clean, fun, safe and very beautiful where I may freely do what I chose to do so. The last Prophet of Islam loved his wife Lady Khadijah- he helped with her chores, she was a business women, she practiced happily with her husband side by side in her daily life. She was always heard out and lived like a Princess without any sort of complaint. Iran emphasizes on the idea of family lifestlye, healthy living and being clean and pure with Islam emphasizes on. Saudia Arabia have their own wrong Islamic practices which in turn creates hatred, insanity, ill-treatment for women, and terrorism. Americans need to open their eyes and educate themselves rather than eating their heads off, creating babies which they cannot afford and hating the world!.......Good day and Stay Blessed everyone:)
Can Iranian women become the supreme leader or the president? Can iranian women divorce her husband even if her husband refuses to give the divorce? Can an iranian women take a second husband like her husband can take a second wife? Can iranian woman (or even any woman visting iran ) go out without any head scarf at all?
Many claim that Saudi is not following "true islam". Can they provide any practice of the saudis does is not in the quran or the hadiths?
fareed have you visited saudi arabia ?
Any effort to encourage women's rights in any oligarchic society is better than none, hoping it will be heard by some deaf ear. That's how Mr. Zaharia,s article reads to me. But at the same time, it's like comparing two evils trying to figure out which evil is more evil. In that, I don't see any difference.
I am an American woman who has spent years living in Iran before the revolution and many times visiting since. I agree with Zakaria's description of Iran's strong and elegant women,and with the many accounts here of how hospitable and cultivated Iranians are. I have consistently experienced those qualities.
Many people think it is dangerous to visit Iran, especially if you are American, and that just isn't so. I look foreign even with a scarf and am always asked where I'm from; when people hear "America" they are invariably friendly and interested: they will say outright that they disagree with US foreign policy but will want to hear your perspective, and are more politically educated than in the Shah's time. These people distinguish our government from our people – something we could learn to do instead of identifying all Iranians with Ahmadinejad or Ayatollah Khomeini.
Americans do not have anything against Iranian people. Iranian/Persian culture is more than just islam. In fact, many Iranians are today discovering their non islamic roots.
American government had made it a point in recent times to address iranian people directly. As for the iranian complaints against American policy, please remember that it was the iranians that had taken american diplomats as hostage against all rule of diplomatic conduct.
Why didn't you post my comment CNN?!
My experience is that many Americans know nothing about Iran and can sometimes attribute what they hear in the press to Iranians here. This has happened to my young son, whose father is Iranian, and I certainly observed this during the hostage crisis, which janaki correctly states was against all rules of diplomatic conduct–though Iranians here (and even most people there) were hardly responsible or supportive.
Iranians are very aware of their non-Islamic roots, and of their brilliant history from at least Cyrus the Great. I know Iranians who are Zoroastrian, Jewish, and Christian. My experience with Iranian muslims, as reflected by my husband's family, has been like that of another poster here, that they don't press Islam on others. Contrary to the fanatic impression we get, my experience there is that religion there is as inspiring or as mundane as it is in the US.
You opine that Americans do not know much about Iranians. I would say that Iranians too do not know much about Americans other than what they hear from government approved channels. Iranians do have a wonderful culture and history (before the islamic takeover). However, after the islamic takeover a number of zoroastarians (as well as others) were forced to flee. As for you personal experience, just as there may be families that are liberal and open minded, there are others that are ultra conservative. I have met women whose experience were not like yours but rather like betty Mahmoody's. I even know an woman who had to leave her son behind with fanatic husband and has only recently got in touch with him via internet. So it is not roses and peaches for everyone.
From what II understand from iranians these days, the old open ways are making a comeback in Iran. More surprising and wonderful is that people are actually starting to question the supreme leader (which was never done before)
I agree my family are Muslims while I am agnostic and I have a cousin who choose to be Christean. There are all kind of people with all kind of viewpoints in our extended family but at least I can say no one force anything on me. I am not saying that they are really liberal/open minded but they have far more tolerance that many people think
Education has its own place and education for employment has very limited scope. If a woman is educated she can still contribute to the betterment of society by upbringing responsible citizens. I'll love to see your comparison between and Iranian (or Saudi Arabian) mother vs. a western outgoing working mother. A social worker recently told me that an average US child gets only 15 minutes of quality time with parents. Don't scope down the education by limiting it to a means of making money while you screw up the family building block and fill the homeless shelters with teens.
Only if given chance and put religion aside, the Iranian women can and will be dominating the arena by a greater percentage. Islam seems to be the problem not only in these two countries but in all of muslim countries. Did you ask the women in Iran what their views are about religion? I am sure you have, would you share them with us.
Unfortunately, women are generally more religious than men in Iran. For example, in my own family my mother is practicing religious (praying, fasting ,...) but my father does not. Through my observation it is a fact (relatively) but I could not tell what is the reason
Woman are generally more religious than men in societies where laws are lopsided in favor of men. Even in societies where laws treat men and women equally, you will also find cults have more women than men. In these cases it is usually women with low self esteem, abusive childhood etc. My theory is that this is because when reality does not offer hope it is easier to believe that some supernatural thing is going to come and save them (that or drugs).
But then women being more religious does not turn out harmful to the society as a whole. Men becoming more religious, however, could be the recipe for disaster for those societies especially if the religious background also has elements of violence in it.
Women prefer not to have their "rights" and would rather have the security of being looked after. Equality is not conducive to the well being of most women in the Third World, if they are properly educated and have acquired the required wealth of knowledge they will certainly do extremely well in the Western World.
And who qualified you to make that decision on account of any woman??? or any humanbeing for that matter.
I ll support the Choise of any woman to stay home as long its her CHOISE not yours!!
Do people say christians are murderers because of KKK? open your eyes people. All religions promote the same thing. Haven't we learned our lesson from history? All religions have bad interpreters.
No, not just because of KKK. Because of Vietnam, Iraq, Afganistan, Panama, Palestine, Cuba, Somalia, Iran, Chile, Cambodia,
& on & On & on........
Fareed the biggest problem in Islam and in all the muslim countries, is that the muslim women whether married or bachelors are not permitted to enter mosques to pray while only the muslim men are permitted, I don't know whether Quran says so, but I find it very unjustly for the women folk, when this changes in future, only then I think will muslim women will be able to fight for equal rights.
Dear Mr. Zakaria:
Everything is relative. Compare Iranian women to what they were before revolution of 1979. Also compare Suadi women to what they were 20 years ago. Did you also travel to villages in Iran, or just north of Tehran?
yes, Iranian women are very bright. Education system in the country works better than in Saudi Arabia. Even, in Iran, women are very well respected. You can see everywhere they pray for and honor Fatima bin Ali bin Abu Thalib. Almost every women would like to follow her way of life. In Saudi, they do not have such kind of figure.
Iranian government is ARAB, The rest are PERSIAN, IRANIAN, ARYIAN. Understand it.
BTW, how 3 US tourists cam accidentally to Iran. Are they visting Afghanestan, or Pakistan, or Iraq? The cam to spyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
I'm glad that someone finally highlighted, in a public domain, the complete lack of rights of women in Saudi Arabia. You will be even more appalled to know that the lack of rights does not stop at women, it carries on to the countries huge expatriate population. I'm talking about foreign employees who have not been paid in months, the standard practice by employers of holding on to foreign employees' passports, and the fact that you need to get a visa to LEAVE the country.
I could go on an on, but most appalling is the fact that the world seems to turn a blind eye to all of KSA's human rights violations, while never loses a chance to criticize Iran.
Amen brother!
The Saudi women live in dark ages, thanks to their despotic regime which we American admire; & hold dear as friend, & claim shamelessly to be the defenders of human rights.
Our flagarant hipocricy is continuing to make an ass of us, thanks to our brilliant diplomacy in the ME.
Please google Misyar if you wish to be further disgusted by the hypocrisy that is Saudi Arabia.
What you missed in your analysis, is that Iranian Woman does not identify themselves as Moslem womem. On the other hand Saudi Arabian Women identify themselves as Moslem Women.
Iranian Woman seeks her freedom OUTSIDE of the Religious Bounderies, but Arab Woman seeks her Freedom INSIDE Religious Boundaries.
Iranian woman
I
THIS IS A TOTAL BULL, IRAN PRACTICE WHAT SO CALLED AL MOTAA, IT IS KIND OF LEGAL ADULTERY, DID YOU ASK THEM ABOUT MOTAA IN YOIUR VISIT OF COURSE NO AS YOU DONT KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THIS SICK CULTURE IN IRAN, DO YOUR RESEARCH CORRECT. Dont try to mask the problem here , IRANIANS governemtn and their AYAT ALLAH THUGS are trying to kill the saudi embassador in usa and this is a fact, AHMAD AL JALABI OF IRAQ WAS ALSO INVOLVED IN THIS PLOT WITH HIS SO CALLED RAFAH ARMY AND USA KNOW ABOUT IT BUT USA TRIED TO HIDE THE NAME OF AHMAD AL JALABI THE IRAQI THUG WHO USED LIES TO TELL USA TO ATTACK IRAQ, usa are leaving iraq after raping the women killing more than 1 million people, leading 4 other million sunnies to leave home so the shiia iranians take over easy, USA GAVE IRAQ TO IRAN ON A SILVER PLATER AND NOW USA RUNNING AWAY AFTER IRAN ARMY KILLED MANY USA SOLDIGERS , IRAN STILL HAS THE WEAPON OF MASS DESTRUCTION LIKE SYRIA THOSE 2 EVIL IRAN AND SYRIA ARE THE TRUE TERROR IN THE MIDDLEAST AND THEU MUST BE FINSHED ONCE AFTER ALL, THEY ARE THE SNAKE HEAD AND THE SNAKE CANT BE KILLED UNTIL YOU CRUSH THE HEAD.
50% OF IRANIANS WOMEN ARE DIVORCED COMPARE TO ONLY 4 % IN SAUID, 35 % OF IRAN WOMEN HAS A BOY FRIENDS ON THE SIDE AND PRACTICE MOTAA ( LEGAL ADULTERY), MOJAHEDI KHALQ ARE PROSCUTED AND MOJAHEDI KHALQ WOMEN HAS NO RIGHTS IN IRAN ALONG THE SUNNI ARABAS, THE TURKS THE CHRISTEANS IN IRAN ALONG THE BOLOSH AND THE LORE NATIONS ALONG SIDE THE STUDENT MOVEMNETS , IRAN IS A PAPER TIGER AND USA MUST GET RED OF THIS SICK REGIEME AND ALLOW THE REAL FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY FOR ALL NOT ONLY FOR THE SHIIA IN IRAN. SHIIAZIM IS EVIL AND IT IS WELL PROVEN
DOCTOR SAAD ABO WAQASS- ALBERTA – CANADA
What are you, a doctor of idiocy? What's all the shouting for you moron?
Do you think that by putting a DOCTOR in front of your name you'd give legitimacy to your BS?
Another stupid Arab!
Jesse I like you.
Yes Jessie, I like your comment too! I guess he thinks typing in capital letters also make him right! Or maybe he has had really wild lizards for lunch!
How is Shia'ism evil? The same god that created you created Shia's, and Christians, and Jews and Buddhists. Maybe if you guys got over hating people because they are different you could actually progress in life. And by the way the divorce rate in Saudi Arabia is well over 30% at the moment and dont even get me started on the unemployment rate.
I was glad to get out of that country after 3 years. They were the worst 3 years of my life, and the thought of going back makes me nauseous.
another stupid wahabi arab wit no brain.
Not one word anywhere on CNN about the IDF attack on Gaza today. As usual, CNN is covering up the Israeli's crimes.
its true. very true..and article is simple, without an offense. Nice. thanks for sharing
any kind of restraint, including mental emotional oppression, by another, upon another, be it religious or whatever, is social privilege abuse, at the individual level, no matter who you are, no matter who you think you are, you have no right to force upon another (your beliefs), of what freedom helps us realize fully, what is one's own psychological level of well being, and what can one do to improve upon it?......starting with healthy boundaries with any other, that one is able to choose, at all times, here in our land of the free, separation of church and state, rightfully so....we are nations of psychological well being concern, before we are anything else, albeit religions can and do play a valuable part, should one choose to participate, but force it upon another, no, and that is the much needed change, away from the mostly unwise forefathers, in light of our psychological case study findings of many decades.
I THINK YOU ARE ABSOULTLEY WRONG THE SHIAA IS A CULT AND NOT CONSIDER A MUSLIM JUST LIKE IN USA A CULT CALLED THE MORMANS, OR JEHOVA WITNESS OR THE NEW BORN AGAIN OR THE 7 ADVENTISTS OR THE SCIENTOLOGY, THE SHIIA IS THE SAME CULT LIKE THE BAHAEE ALL THESE RLIGIOUS GROUP HAVE NO LINK TO THE REAL FAITH. THE ARE HERE TO COLLECT MONEY , SADAQA, ZAKAT, AND DONATIONS . MILLIONS OF PEOPLE DIES IN THE NAME OF THEIR GODS .....
الرسائل البحرينية في المسألة الشيعية
(8) اكتشافات شيعية مذهلة !
نحن أهل السنّة والجماعة نتصف –ولله الفضل والمنّة- بالعدل والنزاهة وإنصاف الخصم، فخصوماتنا العقدية والتاريخية، وخلافاتنا الفكرية والسياسية مع الشيعة لا تمنعنا من ذكر فضائل القوم وإنجازاتهم.
لأجل ذلك، خصصنا هذه الرسالة، لذكر بعض الاكتشافات الشيعية المذهلة التي أفادت الجنس البشري أيّما فائدة ! وهذه الاكتشافات –كما سنرى- تغطي الجوانب التاريخية والعلمية والطبية وغيرها، وسنذكرها هنا مع تعليقات خفيفة حسب الحاجة..
1) كشف تاريخيّ مذهل: أبو طالب هو أمّ الرسول من الرّضاعة
عن محمد بن يحيى، عن سعد بن عبد الله، عن إبراهيم بن محمد الثقفي، عن علي بن المعلّى، عن أخيه محمد، عن دُرست بن أبي منصور، عن علي بن أبي حمزة، عن أبي بصير، عن أبي عبد الله عليه السلام قال: "لما ولد النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم مكث أياما ليس له لبن، فألقاه أبو طالب على ثدي نفسه، فأنزل الله فيه لبنا فرضع منه أياما حتى وقع (أي عثر) أبو طالب على حليمة السعدية فدفعه إليها".
(الكافي 1/519).
تعليق: أفنى علماء وعامّة أهل السنّة والجماعة أعمارهم وهو يظنّون أن أبا طالب هو عمّ الرسول صلى الله عليه وسلّم فقط ! وها قد علمنا من (ثقة الإسلام محمد بن يعقوب الكليني) أنّه أيضا أمّ الرسول عليه السلام من الرضاعة !!!
عتاب قويّ وعنيف نوجهه إلى المؤرخين والمحدّثين من أهل السنّة على تقصيرهم في كشف هذه الحقيقة !
2) سرّ عسكري خطير: الأواكس اختراع شيعي
عدّد المحدّث الكليني في (الكافي) عشر صفات للإمام يتميز بها عن غيره من البشر، وذكر منها: "ويرى من خلفه كما يرى من أمامه" !! (الكافي 1/452).
تعليق: أي أن الإمام يتميز بقدرة بصرية على مدى 360 درجة، وهي خاصية لا تتوفر للبشر إلا باستخدام الرادار المركّب على طائرات الإنذار المبكر المعروفة بـ (الأواكس AWACS) !!!
يجب على المنظمة الدولية أن ترجع الحق إلى أهله، وتلزم أمريكا بأن تدفع 50% من أرباحها في بيع طائرات الأواكس إلى المراجع العظام في (النجف الأشرف) و(قمّ المقدّسة) باعتبارهم نوّابا عن المهدي المنتظر (عجّل الله فرجه الشريف العميق البعيد) !!!
3) حقيقة جهلها علماء الأديان: هندوس شيعة
قال آية الله عبد الحسين دستغيب (قدّس سرّه الشريف !!):
"العديد من التجار الهندوس (عبدة الأصنام) كانوا يعتقدون بسيد الشهداء عليه السلام ويحبونه، وكانوا يشاركونه في أموالهم لكسب البركة، وكانوا يصرفون قسما من أرباحهم السنوية في إحياء ذكره، وبعضهم يقدم قسما من أرباحه إلى المسلمين الشيعة في يوم عاشوراء ليوزعوا بها الحلويات والمرطبات على مجالس إحياء ذكر الحسين عليه السلام، بل وحتى أن بعضهم كان يشارك في العزاء.
وواحد منهم كان يسير كل عام مع موكب العزاء والندب ويلطم صدره، وعندما مات ذلك الرجل وأرادوا حرق جسده حسب تقاليدهم، فاحترق كل بدنه وأصبح رمادا ما عدا يده اليمنى وقسم من صدره فلم تحرقهما النار. فنقل أهله يده والقسم المتبقي من صدره إلى مقبرة المسلمين الشيعة وقالوا لهم: هذان العضوان لحسينكم".
(القصص العجيبة لعبد الحسين دستغيب ص117).
تعليق: تقصير خطير ارتكبه علماء الأديان من المعاصرين والأقدمين لجهلهم بهذه الديانة الشيعية الشريفة، ذات الطابع العالمي، والتي تستوعب حتى الهندوس !!!
كما يجب الحذر –من الآن فصاعدا- من كتّاب الفرق والملل، كالنوبختي (الشيعي) والشهرستاني (السني)، الذين لم يطلعونا من خلال كتبهم على هذه الفرقة (الشيعية الهندوسية) !!
4) وحقيقة أخرى جهلها علماء الحيوان: حيوانات شيعة
ويطلعنا آية الله دستغيب (نفعنا الله بعلمه) على حقيقة أخرى خفيت على المختصين بعلم الحيوان ! يروي دستغيب عن ولي من أولياء الله، أمضى 18 عاما في البرّية يتعبد، يقول هذا الوليّ:
"عندما أتيت إلى هنا أول مرة كان الوقت في شهر رجب، وبعد انقضاء خمسة أشهر وعدة أيام وبينما كنت في إحدى الليالي مشغولا بصلاة المغرب سمعت فجأة صوت ولولة عظيمة وأصوات غريبة، فخفت وأسرعت بصلاتي، وبعد الفراغ منها نظرت إلى الوادي فوجدته مليئا بالحيوانات، وكلهم قادم نحوي، فزاد اضطرابي وخوفي، وتعجبت من اجتماعهم، ورأيت بينهم حيوانات مختلفة ومتضادة كالأسد والغزال والبقر الجبلي والنمر والذئب، وينادون بأصوات غريبة، فاجتمعوا في هذا المكان حولي ورفعوا رؤوسهم نحوي وهم ينادون، فقلت في نفسي: أستبعد أن يكون سبب اجتماع هذه الحيوانات والوحوش المتضادة لأكلي، ولكان أكل بعضهم البعض، ولا بدّ من أنّ هناك أمر عظيم وحادثة عجيبة قد وقعت، فتأملت قليلا فخطر ببالي أنها ليلة عاشوراء، وأن اجتماعهم وصراخهم هو عزاء على مصيبة سيد الشهداء عليه السلام، وعندما اطمأننت لذلك وضعت عمامتي على رأسي وقفزت إليهم صارخا: يا حسين يا حسين، يا شهيد يا حسين وما شابه، فأخلت الحيوانات لي مكانا بينهم، وشكلوا حولي حلقة، وكان بعضهم يضرب رأسه بالأرض، والبعض الآخر يرمي بنفسه على التراب، وبقينا هكذا حتى طلع الفجر، عندها بدؤوا بالرحيل فذهب الأخطر فالأقل خطرا حتى ذهب جميعهم".
(القصص العجيبة لعبد الحسين دستغيب ص259)
تعليق: كنّا معجبين بقناتي (ناشونال جيوغرافيك National Geographic) و(ديسكفري Discovery) لما تبذلانه من جهد كبير في تعريف البشر بالمخلوقات الأخرى التي تشاطرنا الحياة على هذا الكوكب، ولكن ها قد ظهر تقصيرها الشديد، بل وتحيّزها الفظيع ضد الشيعة، بعدم بثّها ولو حلقة واحدة عن الحيوانات الشيعية !!!
ولا يفوتنا أن نوجّه اللوم أيضا إلى (الجاحظ)، الذي لم يتطرق إلى هذه المسالة في كتابه (الحيوان) !!
5) واكتشاف مذهل يتعلق بعلم الأجناس: الأكراد من الجنّ
عن أبي الربيع الشامي قال: قال لي أبو عبد الله عليه السلام: "لا تنكحوا من الأكراد أحدا، فإنّهم جنس من الجنّ كشف عنهم الغطاء".
(الكافي للكليني 5/356).
تعليق: الآن فهمنا، أي نعم فهمنا، كيف استطاع البطل المسلم الكردي صلاح الدين الأيوبي رحمه الله أن يستردّ القدس الشريف بعد احتلال صليبي دام 88 سنة !!
6) اكتشاف علمي مذهل نقدمه لمنظمة الصحة العالمية
عن الحارث بن المغيرة قال: قلت لأبي عبد الله عليه السلام: إني رجل كثير العلل والأمراض وما تركت دواء إلاّ تداويت به، فقال لي: "أين أنت من طين قبر الحسين بن عليّ عليهما السلام فإنّ فيه شفاء من كلّ داء، وأمنا من كلّ خوف..".
(التهذيب للطوسي 6/74، وبحار الأنوار للمجلسي 98/118)
تعليق: هذا الاكتشاف سيكون مفيدا جدّا للبشرية، ولكنه سيسبّب بلبلة كبيرة أيضا، إذ قد يتسبّب في إفلاس الملايين من الأطباء حول العالم !
وهناك أمر خطير آخر، وهو أن معاناة الشعب العراقي الشقيق ستزداد.. فالأطماع الأمريكية لن تقتصر على النفط العراقي فقط !!!
7) واكتشاف طبّي مذهل آخر
عن حنان بن سدير قال: دخلت على أبي عبد الله عليه السلام وفي رجليّ نعل سوداء، فقال: "يا حنان، مالك وللسوداء، أما علمت أنّ فيها ثلاث خصال: تضعف البصر، وترخي الذَكَر، وتورث الهمّ؟" فقلت: فما ألبس من النعال؟ قال: "عليك بالصفراء، فإنّ فيها ثلاث خصال: تجلو البصر، وتشدّ الذَكَر، وتدرأ الهمّ..".
(الكافي للكليني 6/479).
GOOD! Maybe not everyone wants to be a F***ing fanatic muslim like you! I am glad you made it clear that Shia' is not even considered a part of Islam!
I think jessey is wrong , Iran proven to be evil doer, they are the main reason of terror as they support the terrorists hamas and hizboallah, they are killing arabic and sunni women who dont wear islamic wear! force and bully other minorities and they want to attack israel and push them to the sea thats what ahmadi najad the iran stupid presidnet said.
Saying nice thing about iran is like telling hitler you did a nice job ...........i wonder how much money mr ZAKARIA got paid to say that as he is one of them from the middleast. dare you to publish as i know you only publish for those who help iran and help every evil in this world.
You're a red-neck indeed.
How years of schooling have you had bumpkin?
Iranian Divorce Rate May Hit 100%
Although Iran is not found on current lists of countries with high divorce rates, it seems the country may possibly have the highest divorce rate in the world today. A study released by a research group at Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran earlier this month reports that the divorce rate in Iran could be as high as 90% among couples who marry by choice as opposed to more traditional arranged marriages. The split between traditional arranged marriages and more modern “love” marriages is larger than you might think though, with just 15% of marriages in Iran today being arranged and supervised by the parents of the bride and groom. The other 85% of marrying couples in Iran do so without parental supervision and choose their mates on their own.
The problem is that the Iranian couples marrying for “love” also have the horrendously high 90% divorce rate. Couples married with parental consent were reported to have a minuscule divorce rate of just 2%. The study concluded that the “new” marriages were almost exclusive to young Iranians who get married early without really getting to know their partners very well. The love marriages were often found to be based on unrealistic expectations and disregarded basic cultural, financial and religious preferences that are so important in more traditional unions.
Despite divorce being discouraged in Islam and historically disapproved in Iranian culture, the rate of divorce for love marriages may eventually reach a point of 100% failure if the current increase of 11% per year continues. As the population of Iran increases and shifts toward a younger median age, the number of couples marrying traditionally is decreasing and the younger generation is rushing headlong into modern matrimonial doom. The study noted that couples in love marriages do not receive the family guidance and counseling that arranged marriages provide. That marriages strongly rooted in traditional community ties seldom end in divorce underscores the importance and value of family relationships in all marriages, not just Iranian ones.
Young Iranians may be making steps toward a more modern Western approach to marriage, but at the same time they are also inheriting some of the West’s social ills in the form of high divorce rates. That fact is reinforced when you consider that divorce is almost nonexistent in the more traditional rural and tribal communities, and rising only in the urban communities and metropolitan areas. Among married couples in Iran, men from age 25 to 30 and women from age 20 to 25 had the greatest numbers of divorces. Divorce has traditionally had great consequences for Iranian women due to their low economic and social status and their dependence on men for survival. For today’s young Iranian working women breaking with tradition, it is not surprising that those employed outside the home have the highest rate of divorce.
Iran seems a country torn between the traditions of the past and the temptations of the future. As part of the population tries to remain rooted in their cultural heritage and apart from the problems of the West, the nation’s youth is trading that heritage for freedom to make their own choices, and ultimately, their own mistakes. The result is a country with two different extreme divorce rates, one so small it is hard to measure, and the other so large it threatens to reach a total eclipse of marriage. All that seems to be missing from the scenario is Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad announcing that "In Iran, we don’t have divorces like in your country."
by the way please dont go to the gulf states saudi or uae , qatar or kuwait we dont want you to come to our country you are not welcom stay here in USA WASH DISHES WE NEED WAITRESSES AND nurses here we dont want you to go and be naseous from our culture you stupid red necks, stay here drink and dance and have fun leave the gulf states alone there are millions of qualified muslims who want to take the jobs in qatar and duba we dont want you to go really we dont , your culture and behaviour make as naseous so stay smoke and drink and get YOUR FIX of the drugs and pain killers , go for a walk so you dont be a fat ass and your husband dump you for your best friend, . I KNOW IRAN IS NEXT AFTER SYRIA , WE PRAY THAT THE REPUBLICAN WILL TAKE OVER USA , so we can get red of this stupid presidnt you have and the republican can come and kik butts in iran and syria leaving usa high and dry on dept and bunkruptcy, GOOD FOR YOUR EMPLOYMENT HERE, more wars more weapon sale more money in your pocket ,WHERE KENNEDY IS KILLED, WHERE MARTIN LUTHER IS KILLED, WHERE JOHN LENEN IS KILLED IN USA MANY GREAT PEOPLE KILLED IN THIS EVIL COUNTRY CAUSE YOUR CULTURE IS SICK like IRAN, terrorists help terrorists, hizboallah, hizboaldawa, iraqi and iran shiia , hamas all those evil doer terrorists are asking for it and soon USA WILL SHOW THEM the real RED NECK BEAHAVIOUR THE YANKI WHO HAVE NO JOBS NO MORAL NO MONEY AND READY TO GO to steal the oil kick some buds and get some MOTAA IN IRAN.
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DR.,
You're still ranting on & on.....?
What's wrong with you man? Are you one of them wahaabies who got his phd in one those madresas in Pakistan?
I feel bad for the poor people in Alberta! I bet every body hates you there!
You've no one to talk to, so instead posting a normal comment you write a damn book. 2 books in 2 languages!
Go to a GOGO bar & have a beer, watch some dance, it'll help you DOC!
Doctor, What is your problem with divorce? Was that even mentioned in this article at all? I think you need to see a REAL doctor!
Fareed, women in Iran enjoy more rights because the conquest of islam was less complete in iran. their is still a bit of a persian or zorastrian culture in iran. you even find bahai's (although persecuted). basically there is still remnants of the real Persia. Saudi arabia on the other hand is a water tight container. repression there is a pure as Wahabbism itself and the discovery of oil is what advanced it and now keeps it tightly in place. oil $ is used to both repress and bribe women to accept the repression. if u.s. weans itself off oil, it will be a boon for women's rights in saudi arabia – until then not much will change.
well said.
Zakaria, you're on CNN payroll to bug the muslim nations. stop non sense.
jesse u sound like antisematic, ISRAEL has the right to protect its self from thugs like you and the hizboallah and the iranians who give them weapons and money channeling it from iran to iraq to syria and then to hizboallah WHY CNN has to side with hamas those are terrorists are you one of them!? if you dont like it here in USA go back home if you give moral help to the terrorists you are one of them , thise who help evel are evil.
DR,
stop changing names, posting comments under deifferent alias. You're the idiot here.
The terrorists that attacked America were your kind of Damned people, your kind of diper-head Arabs.
The real terrorists are the Wahaabis of the Persian gulf, where you're from.
Your mother is anti-Semite. I'm half Jewish moron!
No jesse I am a doctor of history from USA, I am an ethias and despite your God or other people Gods and jahovas and those who pray to super creators , you all are Monkies but we are Gorillas evolved while you are still monky on a tree.
VIVA THE 300 SPARTIANS WHO STOOD AGANIST 30,000 IRANIANS THUGS CALLED THE PERSIANS....
PEOPLE HERE LOVE ME CAUSE WE DONT GIVE A SH.....about your so called creator. drink your beer jesse while we enjoy our wine , support those evil terrorists in iran to destroy earth while we ethias scintists build it.
STAVROS
who care about hamas, hizboallah, hizboaldawa, al qodos army , almhadi army, iran national guards, al hotheen in yeman, al jafaria movments, they all are here in usa and canada hiding in so called hussyniat , like small rats hiding in small temple to pray to their evil God.
who care about hamas, hizboallah, hizboaldawa, al qodos army , almhadi army, iran national guards, al hotheen in yeman, al jafaria movments, they all are here in usa and canada hiding in so called hussyniat , like small rats hiding in small temple to pray to their evil God.THE RCMP , FBI AND CIA SHOULD OPEN their eyes and keep a close eye on those iranians as they are sleeping cells waiting to attack usa and canada when we start attacking IRAN IN JANAURY/ FEB 2013. those hussayniat are in arizona, texas, derborn-MIChigan, calgary, edmonton, montreal, newyourk, and california
Remember the lier AHMAD AL JALABI WHO LIED TO USA and lead them to attack iraq so IRAN CAN take control of it and creat a big front from iran to iraq to syria to attack our holly land ISRAEL, May god protect israel from those evil doers.USA ARE FRIEND WITH SAUDI CAUSE THEY need the oil and when the oil is gone they will leave them in the desert alone like they did with the SHAH OF IRAN ,AND MOBARAK OF EGYPT. USA are afraid to attack iran now but ISRAEL WILL AFTER they get red of the thugs in syria first.
JESSE YOU ARE JASSOOS ( SPY) FOR THE EVIL THUGS .be on the right side of history, cause HITLER and the terrorist shiia and iranians will be in the garbage dump of history.
whats all this crap all about we all are Monkies some of us are evolved like Gorillas ( USA AND THE FREE WORLD), SOME LIKE shempanzies like in EUROPE AND SOME LIKE ORANGETAN LIKE SOME ASIAN coutries and so on and so forth, but those Iranians thugs are still primitive monkies with tail and small brain while some but you jesse take the cake you are evolved from IKALE....THE UGLIEST MONKEY IN EARTH.
DONT GO TO IRAQ OR IRAN BE VERY CARFUL
نسخة سهلة الطبع الى كافة المغتربين : حذاري حذاري حذاري من العودة للوطن إلّا لأجل التغيير !!!!!!!!/( 2 ) إستيقظت في الصباح وحملت حقيبتي وفيها كل الوثائق والأوراق والشهادات والمستمسكات وبضمنها كتاب وزارة الهجرة والمهجرين المعنون الى وزارة الخارجية ونسخة منه الى سفارة العراق في كنـــــــدا والخاص بمنح المواطن كامل اللامي كافة الحقوق وإعادته للوظيفة ، وسرت الى الشارع وأوقفت سيارة الأجرة قلت له الى دائرة الهجرة في الحارثية ..قال ( 14 ) الف دينار !!! قلت له أخذت تاكسي البارحة ب( 7 ) آلاف ...قال سوّيها ( 8 ) فصعدت (كذبت عليه لمعالجة جشعه وهكذا مع كل الباعة ) . المهم وصلت دائرة الهجرة الشاغلة أحد البيوت القديمة في الحارثية وفي الباب سألني الموظف مهاجر لو مُهجّر ؟قلت ماذا تعني ؟ قال أنت مُهجّر داخل العراق لو جاي من برّه ؟ قلت جاي من كندا ، قال إذهب للشباك الأخير !! نظرت الى الشباك الموعود واذا بالناس كأنهم عند شباك الحسين في زيارة الشعبانية فلا وقوف بأنتظام ولا ضبط ولا ربط !!! ندمت على أناقتي التي لو تجرّات وغُصت في أعماق المراجعين لمسك شباك الأمل لخرجت بعدها ( كما خلقناكم أول مرّة ) . دنوت منهم فشممت أنواع الروائح المنبعثة من أُبطٍ تأثر بشحة ماء وحصة بلا صابون أو من فمٍ إقتات على فحل بصل أو ثوم أو فجل وكل ذلك في شهر تموز وتحت لهيب الشمس الحارقة بدرجة حرارة ( 55 ) أو أكثر . إنسحبت قليلاً وجلست على إحدى الأرائك المحيطة بمولّد الكهرباء الضخم بضوضاءه ودخّانه ، أنتظرت خارجاً الى نهاية الدوام حيث ينتهي الأزدحام وأقتربت من الشباك وتلقيت المساعدة من الأخوة الموظفين كالأخ مدير الأدارة والسيد نذير والأخ رائد والأخ داوود والآنسة زينب وغيرهم فالكل كان متعاوناً لأتمام المعاملة وبكل أدب وأحترام . قالوا إجلب لنا تأييد من مجلس بلدية منطقتك يؤيد مغادرتك لأسباب سياسية مع ثلاثة شهود .أتصلت بأقربائي وأصدقائي في البياع وذهبنا سوية لمجلس بلدية البياع فطلب رئيس المجلس ( أبو أحمد ) مني ( الأركان الصدامية الأربعة )قلت ما هي قال شهادة الجنسية والهوية وبطاقة السكن والبطاقة التموينية ) قلت عندي كل شيء الا بطاقتيّ السكن والتموينية فأصرّ أن لا يزودني بالتأييد الا بمبلغ ( 200 )دولار بعد ما أخبرته أني عائد من كنـــدا ولا أملك البطاقتين !!!.المهم حصلت على التأييد من منطقة أخرى وأتممت معاملتي وقالوا تفائل بالخير بعد أسبوعين ، أنقضت أسبوعين فأتصلت بهم فقالوا (زين أتصلت نريد الأسم الرباعي يعني أسم جدك الثاني !!) أعطيتهم الأسم وقالوا أنتظر أسبوعين لترجع المعاملة من الوزارة ، وبعد ثلاثة أسابيع قالوا لي ( ألف مبروك طلع رقم الحاسبة سجّله يمّك تره كلش مهم وتاخذ كل حقوقك به !!!) قلت ما هي حقوقي ؟ قالوا قطعة أرض ومبلغ من المال وإعادتك لوظيفتك قبل مغادرتك العراق !! قلت ممكن تزويدي بكتاب للمحافظة أو الأمانة أو البلدية لغرض الحصول على الأرض ؟؟ قالوا للأسف ماكو في الوقت الحاضر لأهل بغـــــــــــــــــــــــــــداد !!! نحن بأنتظار تشكيل لجنة وزارية تقرر بالتنسيق مع الأمانة لغرض منحكم !! قلت هل ستطول القضية أشهر أو سنين قالوا لانعلم !! (( أتممت المعاملة والحمد لله ولكن لم أحصل على سنتاً واحداً بل خسرتُ ( 3,000.00 دولار مابين أجور تاكسي ورشاوي ( بأنتظار اللجنة والله ولي التوفيق ) !! . وبعد أيام ذهبت الى وزارة الهجرة والمهجرين للحصول على تأييد معنون الى وزارة التجارة لغرض إعادة تعييني قالوا إصعد للطابق الثاني / القانونية ، دخلت الغرفة واذا بشلة شباب مراهقين لايعلمون ماذا يفعلون ، قلت أريد تأييد فردّ المراهق عند الباب (( والله أحنة متعودين ننطي التأييد بعد أربعة أيام فبعد باچرعيد الفطر ....تعال وره العيد بأربعة أيام وهذا رقم تلفون الوزارة ...أطلب القانونية وتأكد اذا التأييد جاهز أو لا )) !! أعطاني الرقم ورجعت للبيت .وجاء اليوم الرابع بعد العيد وحاولت الأتصال فلم أحصل حتى على رنة التلفون !! أستأجرت تاكسي وذهبت للوزارة وصعدت للقانونية وسألت وفي بعض السؤال مذلّة ... قال هل أتصلت ؟؟ قلت مئات المرات لكن دون فائدة .... ضحك وقال ( بس لا منطيك الرقم الخطأ ..خليني أشوفه، نظر للرقم وقال هذا الرقم خطأ ، قلت مو مشكلة وين التأييد ؟) بحثوا عن الطلب والفايل وقال بعد الكتاب ما مطبوع تعال باچر تلگاه جاهز !! فرجعت بتاكسي الى البيت ،وفي صباح اليوم التالي أستأجرت تاكسي ب( 12 ) ألف للوزارة وكالعادة صعدت للقانونية وسألتهم وبدأ كل منهم يسأل الآخر عن أضبارتي وكتاب التأييد وأخيراً عثروا عليها فحمدت الله ، قالوا الكتاب ما مطبوع أعطينا ساعتين لطبع الكتاب !!! سلمت أمري لله وسلّمت وزيرهم ووزير كل الوزارات بيد الله على ضياع العراق وتدميره على أيدي الجهلة . بعد ثلاث ساعات وأنا أراقب الطابعي يبحث عن الحروف في الكيبورد حرفاً حرفاً وببطءٍ قاتل قلت هل أكتمل الكتاب قال أحد المراهقين نعم وأرسلناه للصادرة خارج البناية عند الباب اذهب وأستلمه منهم ، ذهبت مسرعاً للصادرة فوجدت أصحاب الكفاءات ( شهادات دكتوراه ) يتوسلون بموظف الصادرة ( أسعد ) المتخصص بإعطاء رقم وتاريخ لكل كتاب صادر من الوزارة فقط . سألته عن كتابي ، قال أرجع للقانونية ما عندي كتابك !!! رجعت للقانونية فأرسلوني مرة أخرى وفي المرة الثالثة قلت لأسعد (( اذا ما تعرفون تشتغلون شكو گاعدين بمكاتب ومدوخين الناس ؟؟؟ )) أنتفض سعّودي من كرسيه وقال ( أنت جاي تعلّمنا شغلنا ؟؟ ) المهم تركته وصعدت لمدير القانونية ( علي ) فلم يُبالي !! دخلت غرفة معاون المدير العام للأدارة وكانت سيدة فقلت لها (( أنا عائد من كنـــــدا إستجابة لنداءاتكم المتكررة ووعودكم بالتسهيلات لكن وزارتكم كفّرتني بالعراق العظيم ، صارلي أسبوعين أركض وره تأييد وأصبحت مثل كرة طائرة بين فريق القانونية وفريق الصادرة ، ما أطلب منكم أن تعملوا مثل كندا بتطورها التكنولوجي بحصولنا على أيّ شيء على الأنترنت لكن أطلب منكم العمل كما كانت الدوائر تعمل قبل سقوط الطاغية !!! )) ثم أتصلت السيدة المعاونة بمديرة الصادرة السيدة (أم نبأ ) التي أستقبلتني عند باب الصادرة وأجلستني على كرسيها وأخذت تتوسّل بأسعد لأعطاء كتابي رقم صادرة : ( عفية سعودي الله يخلّيك مشيه لأستاذ كامل عفيه حبيبي سعودي أعرفك أنت وردة وراح تنطيه رقم ) فرد على مديرته( والله اذا أصريتي أروح أشتكي للوزير عليچ !! ) كل هذا حدث وأنا أتفرّج فلعنت لحظة السقوط التي قلبت الموازين وجعلت أراذل القوم ذي شأن !!!!! وبعد ساعة من توسّل أم نبأ وتمسيدها لسعودي حصلت على الكتاب وأستأجرت تاكسي الى وزارة التجارة فتوقفت التاكسي في بداية شارع النقابات بالمنصورلوجود سيطرة عسكرية وعليّ أن أمشي مئات الأمتار ، وصلت البناية وراودني الشك أنها ليست دائرة حكومية !! لعلها حسينية أو مرقد أحد الصالحين وما أكثرهم في عراق الفتن . أقتربت من الباب الرئيسي فكان مزدحماً بصورة كبيرة جداً للسيد محمد صادق الصدر وكُتب عليها ( يا وليّ ) وبجانبها صورة كبيرة جداً للسيد محمد باقر الصدر وبجانبها صورة كبيرة جداً لمقتدى الصدر وفي الوسط صورة كبيرة للأمام علي بن أبي طالب (ع) ، دخلت البناية فاذا بالصور نفسها تنتشر هنا وهناك في أروقة البناية وحتى في المصعد ، المهم عرفت أن الوزارة صدرية (( عوافي خلهم ياكلون )) . المهم ظننت أن الوزارة أنزه من كل الوزارات لكثرة صور السادة والأمام علي الذي كما يدّعون (( علي مع الحق والحق مع علي )) ، تقدّمت من الأستعلامات وقلت عندي إعادة تعيين فقال الموظف شغلتك يم فلان بس دير بالك عليه تره أموره داچّة أنطيه فلوس حتى يمشّيلك المعاملة !!! قلت في نفسي نزاهتكم تخُر من أذانكم !! ذهبت للموظف وتكلّمت معه قال والله آني صريح وهاي غرفة المفتش العام بصفّي ويسمع صوتي وگايل له آني آخذ من المراجعين مال تاكسيات روحه وجيّه !! بقيت في حيرة ....ان لم أعطه لم ولن يُكمل معاملتي وان أعطيته دخلت في ( لعن الله الراشي والمرتشي ) ، سألت الناس قالوا يجوز إعطاء الرشوة ويُلعن فيها المرتشي فقط لأن الراشي مُضطر لقضاء حاجته حينها أيقنت بضياع العراق سياسياً ودينياً وأجتماعياً وأخلاقياً وبكل المعايير. وأخيراً دفعت له ( 200 ) دولار فقط لأجراء معاملة إعادتي للوظيفة وفعلاً إكتملت الإضبارة وقدمتُ طلب للمدير العام لكن المدير كان مسافر لتركيا بصحبة السيد الوزير ، وعادوا وراجعت الدائرة فقالوا ( السيد المدير العام عاد من تركيا لكن ما داوم ديرتاح بالبيت ) وبعد أيام عدت للشركة باحثاً عن طلبي ، قالوا السيد المدير مشّى البريد المهم فقط وترك الباقي لأنه مسافر بعد يومين للبرازيل وبعدها لأسبانيا وعدة دول أخرى ) قلت لهم مو مشكلة آني راجع الى كنـــــــدا وتركت فيكم طلبي ان ضيعتموه لن أعود أبدا !!!! ولا زلت أتصل في الشركة من كنــــــــدا مستفسراً عن طلبي والجواب (( سيادة المدير العام ما موجود !!!!!!!!!! ) . ندائي للرئاسات الثلاث ولكافة القنوات الفضائية المأجورة : ( بالله عليكم كفوّا عن دعوة المغتربين للعودة وكفوّا عن تزييف الحقائق وإبدال صورة العراق السوداوية بالبنفسجية ..كفاكم كذباً ودجلا .. يبدو أن إعتكافكم في المنطقة الخضراء لازال قائما وقنواتكم الفضائية تزيّف لكم الحقائق لذلك أحببت أن أُخبركم أن العراق بلا قيادة ولا إدارة ، والفساد بكل أنواعه يعلو ولا يُعلى عليه ، أما وجودكم من عدمه فهو واحد في كل المقاييس ( ، أما أقلامنا فلا تظنوا أنها ستنفذ ما دامت تنطق بالحق لإنقاذ عراق الحضارات من أفواه أعداءه والله خير حافظاً وهو خير الناصرين
دوراحمد الجلبي في محاولة اغتيال السفير السعودي .. معلومات سرية ترفض الادارة الامريكية كشفها
10/26/11
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Hide details Dr sa3ad ramsey
From: Dr sa3ad ramsey (saa3d@hotmail.com)
Sent: Wed 10/26/11 2:07 PM
To:
ALJALABI IS ONE OF THE GANG LEADER WHO IS INVOLVED OF TRYING TO KILL THE SAUDI EMBASSADOR IN USA.
ا دوراحمد الجلبي في محاولة اغتيال السفير السعودي .. معلومات سرية ترفض الادارة الامريكية كشفها !
عبد الله الفقير
لقد اخبرناكم منذ فترة بخطر العراق المجوسي الجديد على الامن القومي العربي خصوصا والاسلامي عموما,
واخبرناكم عن الدور الخطر الذي سيلعبه جهاز الاستخبارات الجديد والميليشيات الشيعية في تنفيذ الاعمال "الارهابية" التي ستستهدف المصالح العربية والاسلامية,خصوصا وان خطر هذه الميليشيات يكمن في انها سوف تستخدم اطرافا عراقية في تنفيذ المخططات الايرانية !!.
مخطط استهداف السفير السعودي في امريكا ليس جديدا, وقد تم كشف خيوط وخطوط تنفيذه الاولية منذ الشهر الثامن (اب),اي قبل شهرين,
والسلطات الامريكية تعرف به وبتفاصيله منذ ذلك الوقت لكنها احجمت عن نشر تفاصيله ليس خوفا على السعودية او من ايران ,وانما خوفا على عملائها الجدد في العراق الذين اصبحوا اليوم راس الحربة في "النموذج الديمقراطي" الذي تريد امريكا التبشير به في منطقتنا العربية !!!.
* تفاصيل تخاف السلطات الامريكية من نشرها!!!:
التفاصيل التي ترفض او تخشى السلطات الامريكية نشرها عن مخطط محاولة اغتيال السفير السعودي في واشنطن هي تورط عصابة كبيرة يقدر عددها بستين شخصا اغلبهم من العراقيين,حيث نشرت وسائل الاعلام الغربية والعربية في حينها هذا الخبر الذي لم ينتبه اليه احد في حينها:
(( اعتقلت قوات الشرطة في كاليفورنيا الأميركية، الجمعة، 60 شخصا بينهم من اصل عراقي ضمن شبكة للجريمة والمتاجرة بالمخدرات، في حين ضبطت بحوزتهم اسلحة ومتفجرات وكمية من المواد المخدرة. وقالت الشرطة في بيان إن "شرطة كاليفورنيا القت القبض على 60 شخصا وفككت شبكة عراقية للجريمة متهمة ببيع مخدرات وأسلحة الية وقنابل بدائية الصنع من خلال ناد اجتماعي للمهاجرين"، مبينة أن "الحملة التي شنتها ادارة مكافحة المخدرات الأميركية والشرطة المحلية استهدفت شبكة تعمل في (ال كاجون) التي تقع بالقرب من سان دييجو وملاصقة للحدود مع المكسيك".وأضاف البيان أن "الشبكة تضم افرادا من اصول عراقية ويشتبه بان لها صلات بعصابة للجريمة المنظمة تأسست في مطلع الثمانينات في ديترويت بولاية ميشيغان"، مشيرا الى أن "هذه الجماعة تربطها علاقات تاريخية مع عصابة سينالوا المكسيكية والمافيا المكسيكية وعصابة مكسيكية – امريكية في السجون".وأشار البيان الى أن "التحريات التي استمرت ستة اشهر أدت الى ضبط كميات من مخدرات الماريوانا والميتامفيتامين والايكستاسي والهيروين وعقاقير اخرى، كما تم ضبط أكثر من 630 ألف دولار وثلاث سيارات فارهة و34 سلاحا ناريا بينها بنادق الية ونصف الية وكذلك اربع قنابل بدائية الصنع".ولفت البيان الى أن "التحقيق جاء بعد شكاوى من نشاط اجرامي في النادي الاجتماعي للمهاجرين العراقيين في ال كاجون على مدار سنوات بشأن بيع المخدرات ولعب القمار غير المرخص والدعارة")).
مداهمة الوكر حدثت في الساعة السابعة والنصف من مساء يوم الاربعاء المصادف (19\8\2011),وقد تكتمت الادارة الامريكية على تفاصيله,وحاولت الايحاء بان هؤلاء يعملون في المخدرات والجريمة "فقط" مستبعدة ان يكون لهم اي ارتباط باي منظمة من المنظمات التي تصفها بالارهابية!!!.
تطابق تاريخ هذا الحدث مع ما اعلنه وزير العدل الاامريكي عن تفاصيل محاولة اغتيال السفير السعودي كافية لنعرف بعض ما يحاولون كتمانه,خصوصا وهم قد اعتادوا مثل هذا الكتمان لاهداف الله يعلمها(منذ ان طالعت خبر القاء القبض على تلك المجموعة قبل اشهر وانا اتربص اخبارها,لعلمي بان امرا ما يقف خلفها!!).
*لماذا استبعدت الادارة الامريكية ارتباط هذه المجموعة بالقاعدة ؟؟؟
ببساطة لان اغلب هؤلاء هم من (المسيحيين) العراقيين وتحديدا من "الكلدان",
وانهم كانوا قد نزحوا الى تلك المنطقة منذ ثمانينات القرن الماضي واقاموا علاقات تشعبية مع منظمات اجرامية ومافيا ,وقد حاولت السلطات الامريكية جاهدة عدم ربط هذه الجماعة بمنظمات "ارهابية" حتى حين ذكرت بعض وسائل الاعلام ان" نوفل نوئيل سليمان" وهو احد افراد المجموعة كان قد وجه اليه تهمة حيازة اسلحة غير شرعية حيث عثر بحوزته على ((جهاز تدمير وهو قنبلة انبوبية تحتوي على مسامير))!!.
* من المعلوم ان المسيحي ميشيل عون يعتبر احد اكبر حلفاء حزب الله ,
بل وان كلب الصليب في لبنان "بشارة الراعي" قد كشف مؤخرا عن ارتباط وثيق بين الكنيسة والفاتيكان وبين الشيعة وحزب الله تحديدا,
* اذا لماذا اصرت السلطات الامريكية على نفي ارتباط تلك المجموعة بـ"منظمات ارهابية" خصوصا وهي تدعي دائما بانها تصنف ايران وحزب الله على انهم "ارهابيين"؟؟؟.
* القاصمة جاءت عندما تبين ان بعض الاشخاص المقبوض عليهم كانوا من الشيعة العراقيين وليس من الكلدان فقط !!,
وانهم مرتبطين بشبكة اخرى تم الكشف عنها بعد ايام استنادا الى ما اعترفت به المجموعة الاولى ,
حيث بعد اسبوعين وتحديدا في (1\9\2011) القت السلطات الامريكية القبض على شبكة مكونة من 13 عراقيا مهمتها سرقة السيارات ونقلها الى العراق عبر كندا,حيث ((ذكرت صحيفة "ذو غازيت الكندية"، أن السلطات الأميركية أعلنت عن "تفكيك شبكة كبيرة لسرقة السيارات المستأجرة، واعتقال 13 شخصاً، بينهم نساء، يتراوح أعمارهم بين الـ24 والـ59 عاماً في ولايتي ميشيغان وكاليفورنيا، بتهمة نقل البضائع المسروقة والتآمر".
وأضافت السلطات الأميركية أن السيارات الفاخرة وسيارات الدفع الرباعي المستأجرة دخلت عبر الحدود من الولايات المتحدة الأميركية إلى كندا، مشيرة إلى أن التحقيقات استمرت عامين وحملت اسم "عملية العجلات الساخنة"، بحسب الصحيفة.))..
((وكشفت السلطات الأميركية أن "المستأجرين قدموا تقارير إلى الشرطة يدعون فيها أن السيارات قد سرقت، ولكن في الواقع كانوا يعرفون بالضبط أنها موجودة داخل حاويات في كندا ليتم شحنها إلى العراق"، وفقاً للصحيفة.)).
(راجعوا هذا الرابط:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/09/smuggling-stolen-cars-iraq.html?lanow
)
الشبكة الاخيرة بعضهم من الشيعة,
واغلبهم ممن استقدمهم الجيش الامريكي من مخيم رفحا بعد طرد العراق من الكويت,
وكانت امريكا والجلبي تحديدا يعتمد عليهم في كسب وتجنيد العملاء في حربها على العراق,وقد قدموا لها خدمات جليلة في هذا المجال عندما استطاعوا تجنيد المئات من العملاء الذين اصبحت امريكا اليوم تدير العراق من خلالهم !!.
* الغريب في الامر
ان الخبر الاخير يقول في نهايت ه((يذكر أن وحدة مكافحة الإرهاب في الـ(أف بي أي) أجرت منذ أعوام تحقيقاً واسعاً لتعقب حلقات سرقة السيارات المتمركزة في الولايات المتحدة، بعد أن اكتشفت احتمال أن يكون بعض السيارات المستخدمة في التفجيرات بالعراق مسروقاً من الولايات المتحدة، وفقاً لمعلومات أدلى بها مسؤولون حكوميون كبار.)),
اي انها حاولت ان تربط بين تفجير السيارات المفخخة في العراق وبين هذه المجموعة,لكنها في الخبر السابق نفت اي علاقة لتلك المجموعة بالارهاب!!!.
* الخبر المفجع بالنسبة للشيعة ولحزب الله وللمالكي شخصيا
هو ارتباط تلك المجموعة بالعميل احمد الجلبي شخصيا,
وقد ابلغت الادارة الامريكية نوري المالكي بدور تلك المجموعة ومخططاتها والتي كان من ضمنها القيام ببعض الاعمال التخريبية في البحرين,والتي على اثرها نشب خلاف "ظاهري" بين المالكي وبين احمد الجلبي ليس حبا في البحرين وانما بسبب ورود اسم المالكي وحزبه في القضية خصوصا بعد ان ابلغته الادارة الامريكية ان احمد الجلبي قام بشحن سيارات مسروقة من امريكا وشحنها الى دول عربية لغرض القيام بها بعمليات تخريبية , وان باخرة المساعدات التي كان احمد الجلبي ومقتدى الصدر يرومون تسييرها الى البحرين كانت محملة بكثير من المواد المتفجرة الشديدة التاثير والخفيفة الوزن كان الجلبي ينوي نقلها الى البحرين.
(علما ان احمد الجلبي وشبكته المتخصصة في تهريب السيارات كان هو المسؤول عن شحن السيارة التي استخدمت لاغتيال الحريري,و كنا اول من كشف عن العلاقة بين الجلبي عميل امريكا الاول في العراق وبين حزب الله,تلك العلاقة التي ظل حزب الله ينكرها وينفي علاقته بالجلبي الى ان حدث ما حدث قبل ايام حين بث تلفزيون المنار حفلا تضامنيا نضمه الجلبي بمساعدة حزب الله لمساعدة شيعة البحرين!!).
* لماذا تم كشف الخبر الان؟؟:
لقد علمت السلطات الامريكية بتفاصيل محاولة اغتيال المسؤول البحريني والسفير السعودي منذ اشهر,
فلماذا لم تعلن النتائج في حينها؟,
السر يكمن في الطائرة الشراعية التي القت السلطات السعودية القبض عليها قبل ايام والتي قالت بانها كانت تحمل المخدرات,وقد كتبنا في حينها مقالا بعنوان " " كشفنا فيه كذب وجبن السلطات السعودية التي راحت توحي بان الطائرة قد تكون تابعة لتنظيم القاعدة بينما هي تعلم علم اليقين بان الطائرة خاصة بمجموعات شيعية وانها كانت تحمل المخدرات كشحنة تمويهية ,وان السلطات السعودية قامت باعتقال بعض الشيعة على اثر تلك العملية مما حرض الشيعة على الخروج بمظاهرات قبل ايام,وان السلطات السعودية انتقدت بشدة سكوت (او تغطية) الادارة الامريكية على قضية تلك الطائرة وعدم التصدي لها مع انها طارت من الاراضي العراقية التي تسيطر الطائرات الامريكية على اجوائه بصورة يصعب معها عبور مثل تلك الطائرة دون رصدها!!.
* القضية ببساطة هي كما يلي:
كانت اذرع من جهاز الاستخبارت الامريكي على علم بوضع احمد الجلبي وجماعته مخططا لاغتيال السفير السعودي وبعض المسؤولين البحرينيين بواسطة المتفجرات لكي يلقى بالتهمة على تنظيم القاعدة ولكي يقال بان الاغتيال جاء انتقاما لمقتل الشيخ ابن لادن بسبب تورط الادارة السعودية والبحرينية في مقتل الشيخ اسامة (اي بنفس الطريقة والتضليلات التي اتبعوها لاغتيال الحريري),
وكانت السلطات الامريكية قد سمحت بتمرير هذا المخطط وساعدت الجلبي على تنفيذه لولا حدوث جريمة قتل في منطقة"El Cajon" ادت الى فضح الوكر الذي كانت مافيا الكلدانيين العراقيين تستخدمه ,حيث عجزت "السي ا ي اي "عن كتم التفاصيل بعد ان نشرتها وسائل الاعلام وخرجت عن سيطرتها,
ثم لما ان ساءت العلاقة بين السعودية والامريكان على خلفية مساندتهم لشيعة البحرين ومحاولتهم اسقاط الملك هناك,وبعد ان ساءت العلاقة اكثر على خلفية القاء السعوديين القبض على الطائرة الشراعية,وجدت الادارة الامريكية نفسها مجبرة على كشف تفاصيل تلك العملية خوفا من ان تعلنها السعودية قبلها,
خصوصا وان الشبكة التي ارسلت الطائرة الشراعية هي نفسها التي كانت تخطط لاغتيال السفير السعودي في امريكا,وحيث ان امريكا تخشى على سمعة عملائها المجوس في العراق,لذلك حددت المتهمين بانهم ايرانيين فقط ولم تتكلم عن المجموعة الصليبية والمجموعة الشيعية العراقية!!!.
سوف تكشف الايام القادمة ان هذه الشبكة هي نفسها التي استخدمها الجلبي لاغتيال الحريري,وانها مرتبطة بميشيل عون في لبنان ,وان الجلبي اقام ارتباطاته معها منذ كان يقيم في لبنان,ويكفي ان تنظروا لوجه انتفاض قنبر,الذراع الايمن لاحمد الجلبي,حتى تعرفوا انه احد مؤسسي وكر الدعارة ذاك!!.
اليوم يتكشف للاعمى قبل المبصر بان هنالك تحالفا مجوسيا يهوديا صليبيا من اجل القضاء على الاسلام لا يستثني حتى العملاء من المسلمين كخائن الحرمين او ملك البحرين او منفوخ قطر حتى لو انفقوا ملايين الدولارات لاسترضائهم,فلن يرضى اليهود والنصارى عن المسلمين حتى يبدلوا دينهم,
هذا ما اخبرنا به قران ربنا,
فبماذا ا خبركم شياطين البيت الابيض ومواخير مردوخ يا امراء ال سعود؟؟؟,
والسعيد من اتعض بغيره!!.
والسلام عليكم
الهامش:
*العراق الايراني الجديد وخطره على الامن القومي العربي:
http://www.iwffo.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=26426:2010-11-22-04-37-55&catid=4:2009-05-11-20-54-04&Itemid=5
*ابشر يا طويل العمر فقد اصبح لجيش المهدي طائرات مقاتلة:
http://iwffo.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=44881:2011-09-30-01-16-49&catid=4:2009-05-11-20-54-04&Itemid=5
يا أيها الرجلُ المعلمُ غيرَهُ هلّا لنفسِكَ كان ذا التعليمُ
وأنا أستمع إلى وزير خارجية سوريا وليد المعلم وهو ينذر كل من يعترف بـ(المجلس الوطني السوري) باتخاذ إجراءات مشددة ضده!
أما حين هدد مفتي الجمهورية أحمد حسون في جمع من نساء لبنانيات (الراجح أنهن من شيعة "حزب الله") جئن حلب يعزينه بمقتل ابنه، بتفجيرات انتحارية ضد أوربا وإسرائيل عند أول صاروخ ينطلق على سوريا؛ فإن لهم استشهاديين واستشهاديات مزروعين في كل مكان في أوربا وأمريكا: فقد كدت أضحك! ولكن الله سلّم، وتداعى إلى ذهني قول رامي مخلوف (ابن خالة الرئيس) في بدايات الحدث: إن أمن إسرائيل مرتبط بأمن سوريا؛ ربما لرابط الحمق الجامع بين القولين.
لم أجد في هذه الأقوال إلا ما يشير إلى أزمة عميقة وهاجس رعب يعبر عن يأس تشرب مفاصل النظام، وإلا ما الذي عند المعلم كي يعاقب العالم كله؟! لقد بدأت أُولى حلقات مسلسل الاعتراف بالمجلس الوطني السوري بالظهور من ليبيا، وما ترحيب الاتحاد الأوربي به إلا مقدمة لذلك الاعتراف العالمي. وقبل يومين دعا الرئيس الروسي نظيره السوري إلى تنفيذ وعوده بالإصلاح أو التنحي! وهو كلام ينبئ عن شيء يدبر في الخفاء. فما هو هذا الشيء؟ والذي أظن أنه أحد العلل العميقة الكامنة وراء ذلك الشعور بالرعب؟ هل هو تدخل حلف الناتو عسكرياً في سوريا كما فعل في ليبيا؟ وإذا حصل ذلك فماذا عند المعلم من (إجراءات).. و (مشددة)؟ في تقديري أن تأخر التدخل العسكري الأطلسي لسببن: دراسة كلفة الفاتورة مع عائداتها، وضمان أمن إسرائيل. عندها لا نملك إلا أن نقول: اللهم احفظ إخواننا في سوريا، واجعلها عليهم برداً وسلاماً.
أما تهديدات إيران للسعودية فأختصر القول فيها بما يلي: إن إيران ليست أكثر من مُوقِد يشعل النار، ثم يجلس على التل يستمتع بمنظر ألسنة اللهب المتصاعدة منها. فعند ساعة الحسم لن تضحي إيران بمصالحها القومية لعيون كائنٍ من كان، بل ستلقي بسجادها الإيراني الأحمر تحت أقدام من يخلف النظام كائناً من يكون. كما أن إيران ليست بقد السعودية ولا بطول قامتها؛ وفيها مهوى أفئدة المسلمين، وليس أبناء نجد والحجاز بأقل عزماً وهمة وسطوة من إخوانهم أبناء الرافدين، وإن الكأس التي تجرع منها اللعين السم في 8/8/88 جاهزة لأن يتجرعها مرة أُخرى على يد بني يعرب وعدنان وقحطان. أما ما تسمعونه من تهديدات إيرانية فليس سوى جعجعات هوائية وفرقعات بالونية، طالما سمعناها منهم فما أجدتهم شيئاً. وهي من جنس مثيلاتها التي أطلقها المعلم أمس، وبالأمس.
إرهاصات النصر
إن ثورة الشعب السوري سائرة في طريق اللاعودة. إنها مسألة وقت لا أكثر، بعز عزيز أو بذل ذليل. لقد ذاق الشعب طعم الحرية، وسكر بنشوة التحدي، وصار يتبختر بسربال العزة بعد أن خلع (خردال) الذلة الذي أُلبس إياه كرهاً أربعة عقود ونيف.
سيقول الجيش قولته، ويزداد انشقاقه ويتحول – بإذن الله تعالى – من عصا غليظة بيد النظام إلى سيف بيد الشعب. ولن يبقى مع النظام سوى فلول من أزلام الأمن و(الشبيحة) والضباط الذين ارتبط مصيرهم بمصيره. ثم.. تحل ساعة الحسم. والأمور تسير في تحولاتها حسب طبيعتها وسننها الاجتماعية، وذلك بالتوازي مع حركة الثوار السلمية، وتنظيم المعارضة، وتعاطف الدول، وتدبر السلاح. وإن قانون ابن الوليد: "إنما يكثر الناس بالنصر، ويقلون بالهزيمة" الذي صرخ به في ساحة (اليرموك) في سبيله للتعبير عن نفسه عاجلاً أم آجلاً بعون الله جل في علاه.
في نيسان 2004 يوم هزمت طليعة الجيش الأمريكي في الفلوجة وكسر ظهره في اللطيفية والمحمودية، وبدا للناس أن النصر قاب قوسين أو أدنى، هب أبناء العشائر في أرياف اللطيفية والمحمودية حتى كأن أحداً من الرجال لم يتخلف لحاجة، وامتلأت الروابي وحواف الأنهر والمبازل بالمقاتلين. كان في بعض المناطق الريفية تجمعات عشائرية شيعية في وسط محيط العشائر السنية، فوجئ السنة ببعضهم يحمل سلاحه ويقف معهم. نعم: حتى لا يقال عنهم تخلفوا عن يوم مشهود فاز السنة دونهم بمجده، وصحيح كان ذلك من أجل أن يشاركوهم قطف ثمرته، ولكن الذي أريد قوله هو أن الناس تكثر بالنصر وتقل بالهزيمة كما قال سيف الله من قبل، أو كما قال نابليون من بعد: "الهزيمة يتيمة، أما النصر فله ألف أب"! وسترون مفعول هذا القانون الاجتماعي في سوريا ليس ببعيد إن شاء الله تعالى.
مقتلهم في حماقتهم
هذا.. وما زلت أقول عن الشيعة: (مقتلهم في حماقتهم)!
لكن لي سؤالاً أوجهه للشيعة النصيرية الذين حكموا سوريا بتسهيل المحتل الفرنسي وبغفلة بعض السنة هناك واغترارهم بالشعارات السائدة آنذاك، وما زالت: أي حمق أكبر من اغترار أقلية بقوتها أمام شعب بأكمله، واطمئنانها إلى أن الحال ستبقى أبداً إلى غير زوال؟ لقد كان مثلكم كمثل صاحب الجنتين إذ (قَالَ لِصَاحِبِهِ وَهُوَ يُحَاوِرُهُ أَنَا أَكْثَرُ مِنْكَ مَالًا وَأَعَزُّ نَفَرًا * وَدَخَلَ جَنَّتَهُ وَهُوَ ظَالِمٌ لِنَفْسِهِ قَالَ مَا أَظُنُّ أَنْ تَبِيدَ هَذِهِ أَبَدًا * وَمَا أَظُنُّ السَّاعَةَ قَائِمَةً وَلَئِنْ رُدِدْتُ إِلَى رَبِّي لَأَجِدَنَّ خَيْرًا مِنْهَا مُنْقَلَبًا) (الكهف:34-36). فماذا كانت النتيجة؟ (وَأُحِيطَ بِثَمَرِهِ فَأَصْبَحَ يُقَلِّبُ كَفَّيْهِ عَلَى مَا أَنْفَقَ فِيهَا وَهِيَ خَاوِيَةٌ عَلَى عُرُوشِهَا وَيَقُولُ يَا لَيْتَنِي لَمْ أُشْرِكْ بِرَبِّي أَحَدًا * وَلَمْ تَكُنْ لَهُ فِئَةٌ يَنْصُرُونَهُ مِنْ دُونِ اللَّهِ وَمَا كَانَ مُنْتَصِرًا) (الكهف:42-43)! وهذا هو مصيركم الذي جركم إليه حمقكم. ولكنكم لا تقرأون القرآن الكريم قط، ولا تعترفون به، فمن أين تعلمون؟
ألم تكونوا في غنى عن هذا الحمق الذي لن تعرفوا إلى أي مصير أسود سيودي بكم؟ أم إن العقد النفسية والعقائد الدينية والإغراءات الشرقية والغربية لم تترككم حتى أوردتكم هذا المهِلك، والله وحده يعلم إلام سيؤول بكم المصير، وأنى يتجه بكم المسير!
بين شيعة سوريا وشيعة العراق
وكلمة أتوجه بها إلى إخواني خارج العراق فيها عبرة ونظرة.. لقد عشت في سوريا الجميلة برهة من الزمن فوجدت النصيريين لا معابد لهم كحسينيات الاثنيعشرية، ولا علماء معممين بين أوساطهم يثيرونهم ويعبئونهم بالحقد والثأر كما يفعل علماء وحسينيات شيعة العراق. فمن الطبيعي أن لا يكون شيعة سوريا في حقدهم وعقدهم بمستوى ما عليه شيعة العراق من ذلك كله وغيره. ثم هم قلة قليلة جداً هناك. ومع ذلك رأيتم ولمستم من شواهد الشر الشيعي في سوريا ما تقشعر له الأبدان وتتزلزل الحيطان. إذن لكم أن تجيبوني: هل تصورتم الآن ماذا حصل لإخوانكم سنة العراق على يد الشيعة هناك، ومعهم شيعة إيران ولبنان وغيرهم من شذاذ الآفاق وشراذم النفاق؟!
صرح زهير الغرباوي مدير جهاز المخابرات وكالة لاحد عشيقاته عن هروب ابو مجاهد الركابي الى المانيا بسبب خلافات ماليه كبيره مع ( احمد نوري المالكي ) والمعلومات تشير انه سيقوم بتغيير اقامة عائلته من " استراليا " الى المانيا وبخبر هروب " كاطع نجيمان " الملقب " ابو مجاهد " ستكشف فضائح ماليه كبيره .
تعليقنا //
كاطع نجيمان الملقب ( ابو مجاهد ) كان يعمل شرطي بدون في الكويت غادر الكويت الى سوريه لينضم الى زمرة المالكي التي كانت تقوم بتزوير المستمسكات العراقيه وبيعها الى العراقيين لغرض السفر الى امريكا ودول اوربا كلاجئين للحصول على الاقامه في هذه الدول .
بعد الاحتلال اصبح كاطع نجيمان ويلقب ( ابن دكاك الربابه ) الرجل الثالث في مكتب المالكي بعد مدير المكتب ( طارق نجم ) الذي هرب الى لندن بسبب خلافات شديده مع احمد نوري المالكي وابو "مجاهد" الرجل الذي يدير صفقات ( الكومشن ) لحساب المالكي ويقف وراء جميع الاموال المسروقه في وزارة التجاره والنفط والكهرباء وتقدر ثروته بـ ( 500 ) مليون دولار امريكي .
ان الله يمهل ولا يهمل
في يوم الأربعاء الماضي مررت على قناة (العالم) الفضائية فسمعت كلمات غريبة: "طوق الكرامة"، "السيارات تتدفق على ساحة كذا في البحرين"، "احتجاجات.. مظاهرات"، "الطوق يشتد"... .
قلت: عاد الشيعة هناك يجربون حظهم من جديد في عمل جديد خدمة لعدو قديم. وقلبت صفحة الشاشة وفي ظني أن مظاهرات كبيرة تجتاح عاصمة البلاد.
في يوم الخميس كانت السيارة تنطلق بي في شوارع المنامة والمحرّق والرفاع وسترة وغيرها من مدن البحرين وبالسرعة التي يشاءُها السائق. الشوارع واسعة والمناطق جميلة، والسير في منتهى السلاسة. قال مضيفي: شفت الزحام؟! ضحكت ساخراً وقلت: ما أشد إحكام الطوق!
ولما استفسرت عما سمعته أمس قال: الأمر كما ترى بعينيك. أكاذيب في أكاذيب، يريدون أن يصنعوا قضية على الأرض بأهوية على الفضاء! رد آخر: هل تعلم أن قناة العالم تتحدث عن ثمانية ملايين............ ثمانية ملايين.......! سيارة تجمعت في الساحة!!! والبحرين كلها ليس فيها مليون سيارة بمدنيها وعسكريها ووطنيها وأجنبيها!
تزامن هذا مع موعد انتخابات مجلس النواب التكميلية التي جرت يوم السبت الماضي؛ لسد شواغر 18 نائباً شيعياً بعد استقالة نواب كتلة الوفاق خلال إحداث فبراير/شباط الماضي؛ من أجل وضع العراقيل أمامها أملاً في أن لا تتم، وأعلنت جمعية الوفاق ووعد والإخاء وغيرها من جمعيات الشيعة مقاطعتها للانتخابات، في وقت كان لهم ممثلون رشحوا أنفسهم للانتخابات بصفتهم الشخصية. وفي هذا يحققون المطلبين: فهم من ناحية مقاطعون للانتخابات يهاجمون البرلمان ولا يعترفون بشرعيته، ومن ناحية هم مشاركون فيه، يحصلون على ما في المشاركة من مكتسبات! وذلك على قاعدة (تعدد أدوار ووحدة هدف). الشيء نفسه تماماً كانوا يفعلونه في العراق قبل الاحتلال. إذ تجد في البيت الواحد معمماً يدرس في حوزات النجف ويلعن النظام، بينما أخوه عضو فرقة أو شعبة في حزب البعث يخدم النظام ويمجده ويتملق إليه. وكلاهما في طريق واحد لهدف واحد.
ألم أقل لكم: "ملة الرفض واحدة" في كل مكان.
المشاغبون في الستي سنتر
جرت الانتخابات وكانت المشاركة فيها عالية نسبياً (51%)، ولم تنفع المقاطعة، ولا كان الطوق. فماذا فعل الشيعة؟
لجأوا – كعادتهم – إلى الشغب والتخريب، يدفعهم إلى ذلك دوافع شتى، منها نفسيتهم الجمعية: (أنا أخرب إذن أنا موجود)، في محاولة يائسة لتعطيل الحياة، ربما لم يشعروا أن الزمن تغير سريعاً. فهاجموا مجمع (الستي سنتر) في العاصمة في عطلة نهاية الأسبوع وقدموا النساء أمامهم لغايات لا تخفى، وهم يهتفون: "يسقط حمد"، فواجهتهم الجماهير بالهتاف: "الشعب يريد خليفة بن سلمان".. أي رئيس الوزراء لما لشخصه من دلالة خاصة يعرفها الناس تغيظ المشاغبين.
بعد قليل فوجئ الناس بحضور رئيس الوزراء إلى المجمع في جولة تفقدية يرى ويسمع ما يجري بنفسه، ويطمئن الناس ويبث في نفوسهم الأمل والثقة. وفي الحال انطلقت نكتة شاعت في الوسط البحريني: السنة هتفوا: "الشعب يريد خليفة بن سلمان" فجاءهم خليفة، والشيعة هتفوا بالمهدي ليحضر لكن المهدي – ومرة أَخرى – اعتذر عن الحضور.
ماذا يريدون ؟
الشيعة في كل بلد يشكلون – متى ما تمكنوا – دولة داخل دولة.. (دولة) رئيسها المعمم، وشعبها الشيعي، وعدوها هو الآخر أي (المواطن السني). يستحيل على عقيدتهم وعقدتهم التعايش مع الآخرين:
1. فعقيدتهم تناقض السلم الاجتماعي حين تفرض عليهم قتل الآخر واستباحة ماله. فعقيدة الشيعي لا تؤمن بحق الآخر: لا في الحياة ولا في التملك.
2. وعقدتهم معبأة بالحقد والثأر والانتقام والشعور بالمظلومية والمحرومية، ولو كانوا في جنة من الأرض. ولو كانوا في البحرين التي يمكن لكل محايد أن يتجول في مدنها وقراها ويرى المؤسسات والعمران والخدمات التي لا تفرق بين أبيض وأسود، ويزور الشيعة في مناطقهم ويطلع على ما ينعمون به من خير ورفاه. ويتأكد بنفسه من أن (المظلومية) عند الشيعي هي (آيدلوجيا) وليست (واقعاً).
الشيعة – من ناحية أَخرى – ضحية.. نعم ضحية!
ولكن.......... للمشروع الإيراني.
إيران تستغل كل هذه الحيثيات لتدفع الشيعة ضد حكوماتهم ومواطنيهم؛ لتصل بهم إلى مآربها. ثم لا يهمها – بعد ذلك – ما يحدث لهم؛ لأنها لا تخسر شيئاً. إنها تجارة ليس فيها غير احتمال الربح. فما يصيب الشيعة في بلدانهم لن يؤثر على إيران، وما يربحونه يصب في جيبها.
هل يعي الشيعة هذه المعادلة؟ ومتى؟
خيبة إيران
إخواني! يقول الله تعالى: (قَالَ لَهُمْ مُوسَى وَيْلَكُمْ لَا تَفْتَرُوا عَلَى اللَّهِ كَذِبًا فَيُسْحِتَكُمْ بِعَذَابٍ وَقَدْ خَابَ مَنِ افْتَرَى) (طه:61)، ويقول سبحانه: (قُلْ إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَفْتَرُونَ عَلَى اللَّهِ الْكَذِبَ لَا يُفْلِحُونَ) (يونس:69).
ويقول العرب: (حبل الكذب قصير). وأقول لكم: (بيت الكذب خرِب).
ولكن عندما يكون الكذب من عيار: ثمانية ملايين سيارة في بلد تعداده – مع الأجانب – لا يصل إلى مليون وربع، وفي واقع أن عدد السيارات التي خرجت من أجل (الطوق) الموهوم يساوي............. (صفراً)...........!
ماذا تتوقعون النتيجة؟!
ماذا لو كان لأهل السنة إقليم؟
DR , S. ABO WAQASS- CANADA
2011
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المختصر/ كثر الكلام في الآونة الأخيرة عن الفدرالية والأقاليم، وعن الإقليم السني الذي يتململ بعض سياسيي أهل السنة ويلوحون بالدعوة إليه بين الحين والاخر، وانقسم أهل السنة إلى فريقين مؤيد لموضوع الفدرالية والأقاليم، وفريق آخر معارض للموضوع برمته، ويرى فيه تقسيما للبلد ولابد، وبين هذا وذاك تمضي أيام أهل السنة يوما بعد يوم، ويخسرون كل يوم يمضي من أعمارهم وهم بين الآهات والأنات، يقضون يومهم بين الحاجة الألم والحزن والخوف من المجهول.
ولسائل أن يسأل سؤالا عابرا: أهل السنة اليوم بلا إقليم وهذا حالهم، فكيف سيكون حالهم لو كان لديهم إقليم؟
قبل الإجابة عن هذا السؤال لابد من توضيح حقيقة، لأجل أن نفكر بطريقة متوازنة وننظر إلى الأشياء على حقيقتها، وهذه الحقيقة هي أنه لا تلازم بين إقامة الأقاليم وبين تقسيم البلد، وأن إقامة إقليم سني أو شيعي أو كردي لا يلزم منه بالضرورة تقسيم البلد. وهذا ما يتوهمه البعض من المعترضين على موضوع الأقاليم أو الفدرالية، فهم يتصورون أن العراق سوف يقسم إلى أشلاء متناثرة وأوصال ممزقة إذا ما تم تمرير موضوع الإقليم السني! مع أن الواقع يشهد بخلاف ذلك، ومن يسمع كلامهم هذا يظن أنهم هم الممسكون بالبلد لئلا يقسم وأنهم هم من سوف يعيدون اللحمة إلى شعبه بعد أن مزقته الطائفية وشتت أبناءه، وهذا الوهم للأسف يسيطر على عقول بعض واجهات أهل السنة، التي ما فتئت تحذر من موضوع الفدرالية والأقاليم وتسخر إعلامها لمحاربته، وكأن الفدرالية أصبحت من كبائر الذنوب وموبقات الآثام. وقد بالغوا في الأمر كثيرا، والظاهر أنهم لم يدرسوا الأمر بدقة واستقصاء أو هكذا يبدو. نقول هذا مع إجلالنا واحترامنا لكثير ممن يحملون هذا الرأي ويؤمنون به.
ولو نظرنا بتجرد وعملنا مقارنة بسيطة بين حال المحافظات السنية العربية التي ليس لها إقليم وبين المحافظات السنية الكردية التي لها إقليم، سنرى الاتي:
· الأكراد قواتهم الأمنية (الجيش والشرطة) مستقلة وتأتمر بأمرهم وهم يعينون قادتها وجنودها، ويحددون خطط عملها وحدوده، وتسهر على أمنهم واستقرار إقليمهم، بل التعاون الأمني بين كردستان وحكومة المالكي في أدنى مستوياته، بينما أهل السنة قوات الأمن (الجيش) عندهم طائفية وتأتمر بأمر المالكي وهو من يعين قادتها وجنودها، ويحدد حركاتها ويضع خطط عملها، وتسهر على تقويض أمن أهل السنة، واعتقال أبنائهم وتشريد عوائلهم داخل وخارج البلد، وما حادثة الرطبة الأخيرة ببعيدة عن الأذهان، ومن قبلها تفجيرات تكريت وديالى وما تكشف من خيوطها الخفية وإغلاق التحقيق فيها بأمر من المالكي، أما الشرطة فإنها وإن كانت من أهل السنة إلا أنها لا تملك من أمرها شيئا، فقادتها وأفرادها يعينهم المالكي، والملف الأمني بيد الجيش الذي يصر المالكي على إبقائه بيده ليسيطر على الوضع ويفعل ما يشاء ومتى شاء، أما الشرطة فهي على الهامش، بل يقتل ضباطها على يد الجيش! ولا أظن أحدا نسي قتل ضابط في الشرطة على يد الجيش قبل مدة في الأنبار، ولم يجرؤ أحد على المطالبة بحق أو تحقيق، لتنسى القضية مثل مثيلاتها وما أكثرهن.
· الأكراد محاكمهم مستقلة تابعة لهم ومعتقلوهم يحاكمون داخل الإقليم، ولا ينقل أي معتقل كردي خارج الإقليم مهما كان السبب، أما أهل السنة فمحاكمهم طائفية يديرها قضاة المالكي، ومعتقلوهم يحاكمون تحت رحمة المالكي وينقلون من أقصى أرض أهل السنة إلى محاكم المالكي، رغم وجود القضاة الكبار والمحاكم المؤهلة للبت في جميع القضايا.
· الأكراد مناهجهم التعليمية مستقلة يكتبونها بأيديهم وبخبراتهم، ليعلموا أبناءهم ما ينفعهم بلا تدخل ولا إملاء من أحد، أما أهل السنة فمناهجهم التعليمية يضعها المالكي كما يشاء ليعلم أبناءهم ويربيهم على دين ملالي قم وطهران، بما فيها من تحريف للدين والتاريخ وطمس للهوية.
· الأكراد لديهم قطاعهم الصحي المستقل، يستوردون الأجهزة الطبية المتطورة مع رقابة صارمة على استيراد الأدوية والمعدات الطبية، أما أهل السنة فمستشفياتهم عبارة عن مزابل مليئة بالأدوية الفاسدة والأجهزة ذات العلامات التجارية المزيفة، التي جاء بها المالكي وزبانيته لينهبوا عقود استيرادها وصفقاتها التجارية، وبعد ذلك فليمت أهل السنة ولا كرامة!!!
· الأكراد يتحكمون في ثرواتهم ويستغلونها لصالح شعبهم وأبنائهم، أما أهل السنة فثرواتهم مهدرة مهملة عرضة للسلب والنهب من قبل المالكي وأتباعه.
· الأكراد يأخذون ميزانية مقطوعة من ميزانية الدولة العامة، ويضعون خططهم الخاصة لصرفها في ما يخدم شعبهم وإقليمهم، أما نحن فالمالكي يتصدق علينا بميزانية هزيلة لا تمثل استحقاق أهل السنة الحقيقي، ومع هذا فهي عرضة للسرقة والاختلاس، ولا تصل كاملة إلى المحافظات السنية.
· الأكراد نسبتهم في السكان أكثر من الحقيقة ولا يقدر المالكي على التلاعب بها، أما أهل السنة فنسبتهم أقل من نصف الحقيقة ولا قدرة لهم على المطالبة بالتعديل، ووجود الإقليم يمكنهم من ضبط أعداد السكان وبالتالي ضبط نسبتهم في البلد.
· الأكراد لديهم علاقاتهم الدولية ومشاريعهم الاستراتيجية مع الدول المجاورة، ويتحكمون في حدودهم ومداخل إقليمهم البرية والجمارك ومطاراتهم وتجاراتهم الإقليمية، بل المالكي نفسه لا يستطيع دخول كردستان بغير إذن منهم، أما أهل السنة فحدودهم في أقصى الغرب يديرها المالكي، ويتحكم في الضرائب والجمارك ويفتح الحدود ويغلقها كلما أراد، وليست لديهم علاقات مع دول الجوار وليس لديهم مطار واحد على الأقل، إلا واحدا هزيلا متهالكا في الموصل، وكثير عليه أن يسمى مطارا.
· الأكراد يمارسون شعائرهم الدينية بحرية تامة دون مضايقة من أحد أو خشية من شيء، وكذا مدارسهم الدينية ومساجدهم، وحجهم وأوقافهم لهم يديرونها بأيديهم وتحت سمعهم وبصرهم، أما أهل السنة فمؤذنهم يرفع الأذان وهو يخشى أن لا يتمه، والمصلون يذهبون إلى المساجد تاركين وصاياهم في بيوتهم، إذ ربما تعتقلهم قوات المالكي دون رقيب ولا حسيب، أو تنفجر عليهم قنبلة في مكان ما، وليس ببعيد عن هذا حال المدارس الدينية، أما أوقاف أهل السنة فقد ذهب معظمها إلى الوقف الشيعي، ومنها ما نهبته أمانة بغداد ومحافظتها دون وازع من ضمير، والوقف السني لا يحرك ساكنا لضعف ربما أو خوف، وأما حجنا فحدث ولا حرج.
وبسبب هذا وذاك ضاعت هوية أهلنا السنية العربية، وضاعت معها شخصيهم الأبية، التي ما طأطأت رأسا أمام المحتل الغاشم، لكنها تعجز اليوم حتى عن المطالبة برد المساجد التي سلبت وجعلت حسينيات، بل تعجز عن إعمار تلك أحرقت أو هدمت، أما البيوت والممتلكات التي هجرها أهلها بسبب مليشيات القتل الطائفي فلا هم يقدرون على الرجوع إليها ولا على بيعها أو أيجارها، ديار أهل السنة يحكمها قانون المالكي، ويحرسهم جيش المالكي، يطعمهم ويسقيهم كف المالكي، وتكسوهم يد المالكي، ويزوجهم ويقسم إرثهم قضاة المالكي، ويداوي مرضاهم أطباء المالكي، وتعلم أبناءهم كوادر المالكي، ويصرف لهم جواز السفر وإجازة السوق والبنزين وهوية الأحوال المدنية وشهادة الجنسية والبطاقة التموينية، و و و و و كل شيء من المالكي.
كل هذا لأنه ليس لأهل السنة إقليم، ليس لهم إقليم يحفظون به هويتهم ويصونون به تراثهم، ويحافظون على دينهم ومقدراتهم، ويحفظون به أمنهم ويستغلون ثرواتهم، ويحمون أعراضهم عن امتهان المالكي.
ولآخر أن يسأل: لماذا يرفض الشيعة فكرة الإقليم السني؟
ولماذا أثار كلام أسامة النجيفي رئيس البرلمان العراقي عندما تكلم عن الإقليم السني، أثار حفيظة الأحزاب الشيعية وأربك حساباتهم، لماذا لو لم يكن الإقليم في مصلحة أهل السنة، وأنه يضعف قبضة المالكي الأمنية على أهل السنة، ويقوي شوكتهم، ويعطيهم السيطرة والتصرف في ثرواتهم وأمنهم ومقدراتهم،... الخ، لو لم يكن في مصلحة أهل السنة لما غضبوا وفقدوا صوابهم كأن صاعقة نزلت عليهم من السماء، وظلوا يصرحون وينادون بالعراق الواحد الموحد، والوطنية ووحدة التراب العراقي، وغيرها من الترهات التي يضحكون بها على أهل السنة، وهم أنفسهم لا يلتزمون بها؟ وللأسف كل هذا لم ينبه أهل السنة إلى خطورة الأمر وأهميته، فمجرد تخوف الشيعة من الأمر ورفضهم له، يعني أن فيه خيرا لأهل السنة، وهذا على قاعدة الأضداد، إذا لم تعرف ما ينفعك، فانظر ما يضر خصمك. وهذا في أسوء الأحوال.
وشخص آخر يتساءل: بالله عليكم.... ماذا تعني لكم خريطة العراق؟ وبتعبير آخر خريطة سايكس – بيكو؟ رجلان من رجال الاستعمار، يرسمان خريطة على أرض العراق المعروفة لكل العالم ويسميانها العراق، ويحدان حدودها شبرا شبرا، ويقرران أن هذا هو العراق! في خاتمة لمرحلة استعمارية من أبشع مراحل تاريخ هذا البلد، ويرحلان عنه مأزورين غير مأجورين، لتبقى الخريطة التي رسماها وحدّا حدودها، ولتصبح فيما بعد أغلى من الأرواح والدماء والأعراض! وليصبح الحفاظ عليها هدفا يضحي أهل السنة من أجله بالغالي والنفيس، ويرضون بالذل والهوان والتبعية للمالكي وأزلامه، ويرضون أن تهان كرامتهم ويداس شرفهم ويعتدى على نسائهم في سجون المالكي، وأطفالهم يبلغون الحلم في سجون المالكي، كل هذا وأكثر من أجل أن يحافظوا على خريطة مقدسة مرفوعة موقرة لا يأتيها الباطل ولا تمتد إليها يد الزور، اسمها خريطة سايكس – بيكو. أهل السنة الذين لم يحنوا رؤوسهم للمحتل العاتي، يحنون رؤوسهم للمالكي لكي لا يقسم البلد، هكذا يقولون!!!
يبدو بعد هذه المقارنة أن الأمر صار واضحا، وأن وجود الإقليم السني في مصلحة أهل السنة، وأن بقاء الحال هكذا ينبئ بمستقبل لا يود أحد من أهل السنة رؤيته ولا عيش أيامه.
هذه وجهة نظر لا أكثر. والعلم عند الله.
من أوراق الفريق طاهر جليل الحبّوش
– 1 / مسعود البرزاني
ابدأ بالصفحة الأولى من أوراق الفريق طاهر الحبّوش والتي يتولى هو رواية أحداثها , وسوف تتضح فيها حقيقة العلاقة التي جمعت مسعود البرزاني وأسرته وحزبه بالنظام العراقي السابق وبرئيسه . والقصة تدعو للتأمل بكون الحقيقة لا تُدفن مهما تراكمت فوقها الأكاذيب وطال عليها الزمن، وأن لا شيء كالكذب وإنكار الفضل يحط من قدر الرجال وقيمتهم.
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جرى آخر نزاع مسلّح على الموارد المالية بين الحزبين الكرديين في صيف 1996 , وقد استعان جلال الطالباني في معركته مع الحزب الديمقراطي الكردستاني علناً بقوات تركية وسراً بقوات إيرانية وبذلك استولى على مدينة أربيل معقل مسعود البارزاني الذي هرب إلى الجبال وتشتت قواته وضاقت عليه الأرض ووجد نفسه بلا حليف فاستغاث بالرئيس صدام حسين الذي بادر يوم 31-8-1996 بإرسال كتيبة من القوات الخاصة مع لواء مدرّع من الجيش العراقي وهزم بيشمركة الطالباني وحلفائها الإيرانيين هزيمة منكرة واستردّ أربيل خلال ساعات وأعادها لسيطرة مسعود . ويومها غلب الحماس عليه فقال ممتدحاً الجيش العراقي أنه على ثقة من أن فوجاً منه قادر بشجاعته على مواجهة فرقة من الجيش التركي, وزاد بأنه مستعد ليوقّع على بياض على كل ما قد يطلبه منه الرئيس صدام !
بدأت علاقتي مع مسعود البرزاني سنة 2000 عندما توليت رئاسة جهاز المخابرات , وكان أحد واجباتي التنسيق مع الحزبين الكرديين في منطقة الحكم الذاتي . لم تنقطع زياراتنا المتبادلة وكنا نبحث فيها جميع الأمور السياسية والاقتصادية والأمنية , وكانت علاقاتنا متينة وصافية لم يعكرها أي خلاف ولذلك تعددت لقاءاته و ابن شقيقه نيجرفان مع رئيس الجمهورية الذي كان حريصاً على تلبية كل طلباتهم , وذلك بعكس العلاقة مع جلال الطالباني الذي لم أزره في السليمانية إلا مرة واحدة , ويومها عتب عليّ نيجرفان البرزاني وقال لي أن مثل هذا الشخص لا يُزار لأنه كذاب وزيارتك له تعطيه حجماً أكبر مما يستحق .
وكان مسعود البرزاني يبدي لنا الامتنان والولاء ويشيد في كل لقاء بالرئيس صدام حسين وبحبّه للأكراد وأيضا بالجيش العراقي الذي وقف معه – على حد قوله – في كل المواقف الصعبة . وفي آخر لقاء بيننا قبل الغزو الأميركي بأيام قال لي مسعود أنه إذا دخل الجيش التركي من الشمال فإن البيشمركة قادرة على صدّه , وطلب مني إبلاغ الرئيس صدام أن يسحب الجيش من المنطقة الشمالية ليسدّ العوز في مناطق أخرى من العراق , وقال لي أيضاً إنه إذا دخل معهم الأميركان فنحن نحتاج للجيش , وفي كل الأحوال أطمئنك إلى أننا سنقاتل الغزاة مهما كانت جنسيتهم لأن العراق عراقنا وسنقف مع الدولة في الأوقات الصعبة .
وذكر لي في أحد لقاءاتنا : " إن والدي ومنذ وقت مبكر قال لي أن صدام حسين رجل فلولاه لما حقق الأكراد مطالبهم , ولقد أحببته كثيراً منذ ذلك الوقت , هل ترى رعايته لنا ؟ أطال الله عمره " . وفي زيارته الأخيرة لبغداد كان على موعد للقاء الرئيس صدام حسين , وقبل توجهه إلى القصر الجمهوري قال لي : " يا سيادة الفريق سأبلغ الرئيس أن موضوع الفدرالية الذي نطرحه هو سقف عال , ولكننا نرضى بتطوير بسيط على قانون الحكم الذاتي الذي تحقق للأكراد بفضل السيد الرئيس , ونحن لا ننسى فضله الكبير على الأكراد " . ويومها اصطحبته بجولة مسائية حرة في شوارع بغداد وكنت أقود السيارة وهو إلى جانبي يحدثني عن حبه لبغداد وعن ذكرياته في حيّ الأعظمية الذي تلقى العلم في مدارسه .
كرر مسعود البرزاني مرتين عبارة " أشعر بأني عراقي لأول مرة في حياتي " , وكانت المرة الأولى عندما سُلّمت له أربيل بعد أن أخرجه منها جلال الطالباني , والمرة الثانية عندما قمت شخصياً بتسليمه نقطة سيطرة "باعذره" وهي منطقة تابعة لقضاء "شيخان" وكان في جنوبها سيطرة تابعة للجيش العراقي ؛ ولأسباب أمنية قررت لجنة شؤون الشمال التي كان يرأسها نائب رئيس الجمهورية طه ياسين رمضان وتضم في عضويتها عدداً من الوزراء ورئيسيّ المجلس التشريعي والتنفيذي لمنطقة الحكم الذاتي ورؤساء الأجهزة الأمنية , أن تنقل تلك السيطرة إلى شمال المدينة لمسافة ألفي متر .
وفي اليوم التالي دخل أفراد من البيشمركة إلى منطقة تواجد الجيش كحركة احتجاج سلمية على نقل السيطرة , فتأزم الموضوع لكون الجيش لا يقبل بتواجد عناصر من خارج قطعاته بين صفوفه , وأوشكت لجنة شؤون الشمال ومعها القيادة العامة للقوات المسلحة معالجة الموضوع بالقوة في حال لم يخرج البيشمركة من بين قطعات الجيش معتبرة تصرفهم تمردا .
التقيت في اليوم التالي بنيجرفان البرزاني وكان منفعلا من ذلك الإجراء و متخوفا من حركة الجيش , فقلت له أنه ينبغي القياس على كبارالأمور وليس على صغارها , واستعرضت معه العديد من المكاسب الكبيرة التي حققها الأكراد وذكّرته بعملية التنسيق المثالية بيننا , ثم سألته عن قيمة نقطة عسكرية تجاه كل تلك الإيجابيات , فقال أن قيمتها لاشيء . فاقترحت عليه سحب البيشمركة وانتظاري ريثما ألتقي برئيس الجمهورية و أطلعه على التفاصيل وأزيد عليها بأنه قبل نهاية لقائي بنيجرفان فقد جرى سحب البيشمركة وانتهى الموضوع , و بذلك أثبت لكم موقفاً إيجابياً تحققون من خلاله ما هو أفضل لقابل الأيام , فوافق . وفي اليوم التالي التقيت بالرئيس صدام حسين وشرحت له الموضوع وأكدت له أن موقف الحزب الديمقراطي كان إيجابياً , فقال الرئيس : " انقل شكري لمسعود على هذا الموقف , وسوف يرجع الجيش إلى نقطة السيطرة السابقة تكريماً لهم " . وفي اليوم التالي توجهت إلى أربيل والتقيت مسعود ونيجرفان وأبلغتهما بنتيجة لقائي بالرئيس وشكره لهم , فقال مسعود " ارجو أن تبلغ السيد الرئيس حفظه الله أنه لو طلب أن يتواجد الجيش في دهوك فلا مانع لديّ بعد موقفه هذا الذي يضاف لمواقفه السابقة , ولو طلب مني مغادرة العراق فسوف أفعل , هذا أب يستحق منا كل التقدير والإحترام.................
التنوع... سلاح ذو حدين:
التنوع العرقي والديني والطائفي ميزة أغلب بلدان العالم. وهي حقيقة لا يمكن التغاضي عنها أو القفز عليها. ولكي يتم التعايش بين الفئات المتنوعة في بلد ما، فلا بد من ارتباطها بروابط وطنية أهمها الانتماء والولاء للوطن وما يقتضيانه من حقوق. وفي التنوع إثراء لحضارة البلد وتراثه وثقافته إن كان منضبطا بضوابط الوطنية ومنضويا تحت راية الوطن انضواءا حقيقيا للحيلولة دون تحوله الى كابوس (بالنسبة للبلاد الإسلامية، يجب أن لا تكون الوطنية فوق الدين بأي حال من الأحوال). أما طغيان المصالح الطائفية والعرقية والفئوية على المصلحة الوطنية، فهو إيذان بنهاية التعايش السلمي وبداية تصدع الأمن الوطني.
والعراق من أوضح الأمثلة على هذا التنوع الذي يسميه البعض بالموزائيك "أو الفسيفساء" التي تعني الزخرفة الجدارية ذات الألوان والأشكال المتعددة (يونانية الأصل). فقد عاش العراقيون بجميع أديانهم وطوائفهم وعرقياتهم بشيء من الوئام (ولو ظاهرا على الأقل) خاصة بعد ولادة الدولة العراقية الحديثة في عام 1921 وتعاقب الحكومات الوطنية التي ركزت على الروابط الوطنية بعين وأغمضت الأخرى عن تراكمات قومية وطائفية تبلورت ألغاما على أرض الرافدين.
الوطنية: جنح ظلام تمدد الصفويون تحته
فمن خلال عزف الحكومات العراقية على وتر الوطنية وتضخيم هالتها التي أعمت عينها عن تغلغل الشعوبية تحت غطاء "موالاة أهل البيت"، أخذ التشيع باجتياح مدن العراق برعاية ودعم إيراني. وهكذا تشيع الجنوب العراقي بعد أن كان سنيا قبل ثلاثة قرون أو أقل. وبسبب الميول القومية لحزب البعث الذي حدد هويته "العروبية" واختار لفظ "العربي" كأحدى مفردات عنوانه على حساب الهوية الإسلامية، شعر الأكراد بتهميش قوميتهم (رغم أنهم قد نالوا من الحقوق – كالحكم الذاتي وغيره- ما لم ينله بنو جلدتهم في البلاد المجاورة). أما السنة فهم المتضرر الأكبر من نهج الحكومات التي حسبت عليهم. فقد كانت تحارب أي جهد دعوي لأهل السنة وتضيق على الدعاة الربانيين، والتهمة كانت جاهزة... " الانتماء للإخوان المسلمين" الذين كانت تحاربهم كما تحارب "حزب الدعوة" العميل لإيران. وهكذا اضمحل الدور الدعوي للسنة مقابل تغول الشيعة وتمددهم الجرثومي حتى بلغت نسبتهم ما يقارب نسبتنا، باستثناء الأكراد.
وإبان الغزو الأمريكي عام 2003، انتهت سلسلة الحكومات (المحسوبة علينا- أهل السنة، رغم أننا أكثر المتضررين منها) والتي أهلكتنا وطنيةً جوفاءَ لم يجنِ العراق منها سوى تراكمات وألغام موقوتة تنتظر وقت انفجارها. وبسقوط نظام صدام حسين رفع الغطاء الحديدي الصلد الذي كان يلجم النوايا الطائفية والقومية المعادية للعراق وأهله، وها هي الأحزاب الشيعية والكردية اليوم تتفنن في تنفيذ المؤامرات الخيانية التي كانوا يحلمون بقطف ثمارها الخسيسة منذ كانوا يمارسونها على استحياء وتخوف أيام النظام السابق وما قبله.
السنة يدفعون ثمن الوطنية:
العراق اليوم فريسة يتقاسمها الإحتلالان الأمريكي والإيراني عن طريق أذنابهما من الأحزاب والشخصيات الشيعية والكردية المتسلطة على رقاب العراقيين. أما السنة، وهم المكون الأصيل والباني والحامي للعراق وأهله، فليس لهم سوى الإبادة والتهميش والإقصاء المادي والمعنوي، كل ذلك على أسس طائفية مقيتة لا يتواني الشيعة في تأجيجها باستمرار ولا يجدون غضاضة في البوح بها دون خجل. وكل متابع منصف لمجريات الأحداث في العراق، يدرك بأن الطائفية شيعية المولد والنشأة والتغذية، وهي اليوم تكشر عن أنيابها الدموية لتفتك بنا بوسائل يتورع اليهود عن اتباعها. فماذا عسانا أن نفعل؟
وأود هنا أن أهمس في أذن المتحذلقين من أهل السنة التي يعشقون ترديد عبارات مثل "الفسيفساء والموازائيك وألوان الطيف العراقي"، الخ، للإيحاء للآخرين بتجانس فئات الشعب العراقي وجمال "ألوان طيفه"، قائلا: إن ألوان الطيف المتنوعة، وأشكال الفسيفساء المختلفة لا يستأصل بعضها بعضا، ولا يغدر بعضها ببعض، ولا يعيش بعضها على دم البعض، ولذلك فهي جميلة تسر الناظرين. أما "فسيفساء" العراق فهي في الحقيقة سلة قدر لها أن تضم الدر والبعر معا، والأترج والحنظل سوية. فلا تخلطوا بينهما خلطا قسريا، فشتان بين ما تخلطون.. أفلا تعقلون؟
الطائفية: حلال لهم حرام علينا:
الغريب أن أهل السنة، رغم الاستهداف الطائفي الواضح ضدهم، لم تصدر منهم ردة فعل طائفية رغم أن لهم ذلك شرعا ومنطقا وعرفا (وهنا أحذر من أن يحسب تنظيم القاعدة على أهل السنة، فهو ذراع إيراني- ولا يهم ان كان ذلك عن حسن نية أم اختراقا لتنفيذ مخططات خارجية – فقد استهدف من السنة بقدر ما استهدف من الأمريكان والشيعة أو ربما أكثر). وبدلا من أن يتخذ السنة موقفا مماثلا ويقابلوا الطائفية بمثلها عملا بمبدأ (العين بالعين والسن بالسن)، نرى الكثير من أهل السنة – من النخب وغيرها- يستهجنون أي قول أو فعل – أو بالأحرى ردة قول أو ردة فعل – يصدر منا لجلب نفع أو دفع ضر. بل منهم من يستنكف من توصيفهم كسنة لأن في ذلك "خدشا لوطنيتهم المرهفة".
وقد برزت هذه النزعة الوطنية السلبية ذات الطرف الواحد بشكل أوضح هذه الأيام، بعد أن بدأت بعض الشخصيات السياسية والعشائرية السنية تنادي بتشكيل إقليم لأهل السنة أو إقليم الأنبار. فقد انبرى لنا من يعترض على هذه المطالب – التي هي اضطرار لا اختيار في ظل المعاناة المرة التي نعيشها بسبب الحكومة الطائفية التي فاقت كل تصور في فسادها وإجرامها. ولو كان المعارضون أناسا عاديين من ساسة وغيرهم لهان الخطب، لكن المصيبة أن من بينهم شخصيات "دينية" أقحمت الدين والأحكام الشرعية في أمور سياسية بشكل مغلوط أساء للدين والسياسة معا. فالمتتبع لطروحات هيئة علماء المسلمين مثلا (وبعض المعممين المروجين لها والمفتين نيابة عنها)، يرى مدى الخلط والتخبط والتعسف في فهم النصوص الشرعية وإنزالها على واقعنا بشكل خاطئ سيدفع أهل السنة عقيدتهم ودماءهم ثمنا باهضاً له. ومن يقرأ فتوى تحريم "التقسيم بعنوان الفدرالية" سيدرك بجلاء أن المفتي لا يفقه معنى "الفدرالية" أصلا ويحسبها تقسيما وما هي بتقسيم.
والسبب الذي يدفع هؤلاء لمعارضة تطبيق الفدرالية – التي فهموها خطأ على أنها تقسيم – هو تشبثهم بالأرض والحدود الجغرافية، متجاهلين عقيدتنا التي يتم استهدافها بشراسة من قبل التشيع، وأرواحنا التي تزهق ليل نهار. فأيهما أولى يا مدعي العلم الشرعي: التراب أم ديننا ودماؤنا؟ ما هذا الفهم الذي يقلب حقائق الدين والدنيا، التي من ضمنها أن الله خلق الأرض وما عليها من أجل الإنسان وليس العكس؟
تقسيم التراب ولا قطع الرقاب:
وعلى فرض أن الفدرالية (التي تعني الحكم اللامركزي أو اللامركزية السياسية والإدارية) تعني التقسيم، فأيهما أهون: تقسيم التراب أم تقسيم ديننا إلى متعة وخمس وتقية؟ أيهما أخطر.. تقسيم الأرض والنأي عن أعداء الله وأعدائنا أم تقسيم جثثنا الى أجساد ورؤوس؟
أين أنتم من قوله تعالى:
"إن الذين توفاهم الملائكة ظالمي أنفسهم قالوا فيم كنتم قالوا كنا مستضعفين في الأرض قالوا ألم تكن أرض الله واسعة فتهاجروا فيها فأولئك مأواهم جهنم وساءت مصيرا." (النساء : 97)؟ .......... وقوله تعالى:
" وَقَدْ نَزَّلَ عَلَيْكُمْ فِي الْكِتَابِ أَنْ إِذَا سَمِعْتُمْ آيَاتِ اللَّهِ يُكْفَرُ بِهَا وَيُسْتَهْزَأُ بِهَا فَلا تَقْعُدُوا مَعَهُمْ حَتَّى يَخُوضُوا فِي حَدِيثٍ غَيْرِهِ إِنَّكُمْ إِذاً مِثْلُهُمْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ جَامِعُ الْمُنَافِقِينَ وَالْكَافِرِينَ فِي جَهَنَّمَ جَمِيعاً" (النساء: 140)؟
وأين أنتم من هجرة النبي صلى الله عليه وآله وأصحابه الذين تركوا مكة بما فيها من أملاكهم لكفار قريش، فرارا بدينهم؟ ألم يتخذوا من المدينة موطنا لهم لينطلقوا منها بعد حينٍ فاتحين لمكة وغيرها من البلدان؟
هل تريدون لنا استضعافا أكثر مما نحن عليه اليوم؟ هل تنتظرون أن ننسلخ من عقيدتنا وندفع مزيدا من أرواحنا وأعراضنا وكرامتنا من أجل "وطن" ليس لنا فيه ناقة ولا جمل؟ الفدرالية هي هجرة لكنها ليست من البلد وإنما إليه. وهي وسيلة للإفلات من جور الظالمين ولو جزئيا، وإلا فهل لديكم من حل بديل؟
طائفية؟... فلتكن، ومرحبا بها:
وسؤالي للذين يصفون مطالباتنا بالإنتصاف من ظالمينا من الشيعة بالطائفية: أيهما أكبر... الطائفية المضادة أم مقاتلة الصائل وإن كان مسلما؟ أليس من حق المسلم مواجهة من يريد قتله بسيف أو غيره حتى لو كان مسلما؟ وهل يصح أن نسمي المدافع في هذه الحالة قاتلا؟ وإن كان كذلك، فهل هو قاتلٌ ظلما أم دفاعا عن النفس؟
إن مقابلة الطائفية بمثلها (والتي هي حق لا غبار فيه) ليست مثلبة أو سلبية تستدعي تجنبها، وإنما هي وسيلة للتوازن ومعادلة الكفة، وهي أدعى لحقن الدماء وأقرب إلى الأمن من التفرج عليها و"الترفع" عنها بحجج واهية. وأقولها صريحة: إن كان الدفاع عن الدين والدم والعرض ضد الطائفيين طائفية، فليشهد الثقلان أني زعيم كتائب الطائفيين، والناطق باسمهم، وخادمهم في نفس الوقت. فنعمت الطائفية هذه، ومرحبا بها، ولا مرحبا بالمتخاذلين المخذلين وعن الحقيقة غافلين
مناظرة بين الإمام جعفر الصادق رضي الله عنه و أحد الشيعة
هذه مناظرة بين الإمام جعفر الصادق رضي الله عنه مع أحد الشيعة في زمانه وتوجد منها نسختان :
النسخة الأولى نسخة تركيا في خزانة شهيد علي باشا باسطنبول ضمن مجموع رقمه (( 2764 )) حوى عدة رسائل في العقيدة والحديث هذه الرسالة الحادية عشرة منه .
أما النسخة الثانية نسخة الظاهرية وقد وقعت ضمن مجاميعها في المجموع رقم(( 111 )) وهي الرسالة التاسعة عشر منه.
نص الرسالة :
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
رب اعن...
حدثنا الشيخ الفقيه أبو القاسم عبد الرحمن بن محمد بن محمد بن سعيد الأنصاري – قرئت عليه بمكة حرسها الله سنة خمس وثلاثين وأربعمائة قال:
أخبرنا أبو محمد عبد الله بن مسافر قال : أخبرنا أبو بكر بن خلف بن عمر بن خلف الهمذاني قال :حدثنا أبو الحسن أحمد بن محمد بن أزمة قال: حدثنا أبو الحسن بن علي الطنافسي قال : حدثنا خلف بن محمد القطواني قال : حدثنا علي بن صالح قال :
جاء رجل من الشيعة إلى جعفر بن محمد الصادق رضي الله عنه ، فقال :
السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته ، فرد عليه السلام .
فقال الرجل :
1- يابن رسول الله .... من خير الناس بعد رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ؟
فقال جعفر الصادق رحمة الله عليه : أبو بكر الصديق رضي الله عنه .
2ـ قال : وما الحجة في ذلك ؟
قال : قوله عز وجل : (( إلا تنصروه فقد نصره الله إذ أخرجه الذين كفروا ثاني اثنين إذ هما في الغار إذ يقول لصاحبه لا تحزن 'ن الله معنا فأنزل الله سكينته عليه وأيده بجنود لم تروها )){التوبة 40} فمن يكون أفضل من اثنين الله ثالثهما ؟ وهل يكون أحد أفضل من أبي بكر إلا النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم ؟!
3- قال الرجل : فإن علي بن أبي طالب عليه السلام بات على فراش النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم غير جزع ولا فزع .
فقال له جعفر : وكذلك أبو بكر كان مع النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم غير جزع ولا فزع .
4- قال له الرجل : فإن الله تعالى يقول بخلاف ما تقول !.
قال له جعفر : وما قال ؟
قال : قال الله تعالى : (( إذ يقول لصاحبه لا تحزن إن الله معنا )) فلم يكن ذلك الجزع خوفاً ؟
(في نسخة الظاهرية " أفلم يكن..")
قال له جعفر : لا ! لأن الحزن غير الجزع والفزع ، كان حزن أبي بكر أن يُقتل النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم ، ولا يدان بدين الله فكان حزنٌ على دين الله وعلى نبي الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ولم يكن حزنه على نفسه كيف وقد ألسعته أكثر من مئة حريش فما قال : حس ولا ناف !
5- قال الرجل : فإن الله تعالى قال (( إنما وليكم الله ورسوله والذين آمنوا الذين يقيمون الصلاة ويؤتون الزكاة وهم راكعون )) ــ {المائدة 55} وهذا نزل في علي بن أبي طالب حين تصدق بخاتمه وهو راكع فقال النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم ((الحمد لله الذي جعلها في وفي أهل بيتي )).
فقال له جعفر : الآية التي قبلها في السورة أعظم منها .
قال : وماهي ؟؟
قال : قال الله تعالى : (( يا أيها الذين آمنوا من يرتد منكم عن دينه فسوف يأتي الله بقوم يحبهم ويحبونه )) ــ {المائدة 54} ... وكان الارتداد بعد رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ؛ ارتدت العرب بعد رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ، واجتمعت الكفار بنهاوند وقالوا : الرجل الذين كانوا يتنصرون به – يعنون النبي – قد مات ، حتى قال عمر رضي الله عنه لأبي بكر : اقبل منهم الصلاة ، ودع لهم الزكاة ، فقال : لو منعوني عقالا مما كانوا يؤدونه إلى رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم لقاتلتهم عليه ولو اجتمع علي عدد الحجر والمدر والشوك والشجر والجن والإنس لقاتلتهم وحدي . وكانت هذه الآية أفضل لأبي بكر.
6- قال له الشيعي : فإن الله تعالى قال : (( الذين ينفقون أموالهم بالليل والنهار سراً وعلانية)) نزلت في علي عليه السلام كان معه أربعة دنانير فأنفق ديناراً بالليل وديناراً بالنهار وديناراً سراً وديناراً علانية فنزلت فيه هذه الآية .
فقال له جعفر عليه السلام : لأبي بكر رضي الله عنه أفضل من هذه في القرآن ، قال الله تعالى :
(( والليل إذا يغشى )) قسم الله ، ((والنهار إذا تجلى وما خلق الذكر والأنثى إن سعيكم لشتى فأما من أعطى وأتقى وصدق بالحسنى )) أبو بكر (( فسنيسره لليسرى)) أبو بكر (( وسيجنبها الأتقى )) أبو بكر (( الذي يؤتي ماله يتزكى )) أبو بكر ((وما لأحد عنده من نعمة تجزى إلا ابتغاء وجه ربه الأعلى ولسوف يرضى )) أبو بكر ، أنفق ماله على رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم أربعين ألفاً حتى تجلل بالعباء ، فهبط جبريل عليه السلام على النبي فقال : الله العلي الأعلى يقرئك السلام ، ويقول : اقرأ على أبي بكر مني السلام ، وقل له : أراض أنت عني في فقرك هذا ، أم ساخط ؟ فقال : أسخط على ربي عز وجل ؟! أنا عن ربي راض ، أنا عن ربي راض ، أنا عن ربي راض . ووعده الله أن يرضيه .
7- قال الرجل : فإن الله تعالى يقول (( أجعلتم سقاية الحاج وعمارة المسجد الحرام كمن آمن بالله واليوم الآخر وجاهد في سبيل الله لا يستوون عند الله )) { التوبة 19} نزلت في علي عليه السلام .
فقال له جعفر عليه السلام : لأبي بكر مثلها في القرآن ، قال الله تعالى :
(( لا يستوي منكم من أنفق من قبل الفتح وقاتل أولئك أعظم درجة من الذين أنفقوا من بعد وقاتلوا وكلاً وعد الله الحسنى )){ الحديد 10}.
وكان أبو بكر أول من أنفق ماله على رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ، وأول من قاتل ، وأول من جاهد . وقد جاء المشركون فضربوا النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم حتى دمي ، وبلغ أبي بكر الخبر فأقبل يعدو في طرق مكة يقول : ويلكم أتقتلون رجلاً أن يقول ربي الله ، وقد جاءكم بالبينات من ربكم ؟ فتركوا النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم وأخذوا أبا بكر فضربوه ، حتى ما تبين أنفه من وجهه . وكان أول من جاهد في الله ، وأول من قاتل مع رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم وأول من أنفق ماله ، وقد قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم : ((ما نفعني مال كمال أبي بكر )).
8- قال الشيعي : فإن علياً لم يشرك بالله طرفة عين .
قال له جعفر الصادق : فإن الله أثنى على أبي بكر ثناءً يغني عن كل شئ ، قال الله تعالى :
(( والذي جاء بالصدق )) محمد صلى الله عليه وسلم ، ((وصدق به )) {الزمر33} أبو بكر . وكلهم قالوا للنبي صلى الله عليه وسلم : كذبت وقال أبو بكر : صدقت ، فنزلت فيه هذه الآية : آية التصديق خاصة ، فهو التقي النقي المرضي الرضي ، العدل المعدل الوفي .
9- قال الرجل : فإن حب علي فرض في كتاب الله ؛ قال الله تعالى (( قل لا أسألكم عليه إلا المودة في القربى )).
قال جعفر : لأبي بكر مثلها ، قال الله تعالى :
(( والذين جاءوا من بعدهم يقولون ربنا اغفر لنا ولإخواننا الذين سبقونا بالإيمان ولا تجعل في قلوبنا غلاً للذين آمنوا ربنا انك غفور رحيم ))ــ {الحشر10}.فأبو بكر هو السابق بالإيمان ، فالاستغفار له واجب ومحبته فرض وبغضه كفر .
10- قال الرجل : فإن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: الحسن والحسين سيدا شباب أهل الجنة ، وأبوهما خير منهما .
قال له جعفر : لأبي بكر عند الله أفضل من ذلك ؛ حدثني أبي عن جدي عن علي بن أبي طالب عليه السلام قال : كنت عند النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم وليس عنده غيري ، إذ طلع أبو بكر وعمر رضي الله عنهما ، فقال النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم : (( يا علي هذان سيدا كهول أهل الجنة وشبابهما ــ في النسخة الظاهرية شبابهم ــ فيما مضى من سالف الدهر في الأولين وما بقي في غابره من الآخرين ، إلا النبيين والمرسلين .لا تخبرهما يا علي ما داما حيين)) فما أخبرت به أحداً حتى ماتا .
11- قال الشيعي : فأيهما أفضل فاطمة بنت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم أم عائشة بنت أبي بكر ؟
فقال جعفر : بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم ((يس والقرآن الحكيم )) ، (( حم والكتاب المبين )).
فقال الشيعي : أسألك أيهما أفضل فاطمة ابنة النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم أم عائشة بنت أبي بكر ، وتقرأ القرآن ؟!
فقال له جعفر : عائشة بنت أبي بكر زوجة رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم معه في الجنة ، وفاطمة بنت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم سيدة نساء أهل الجنة . فالطاعن على زوجة رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم لعنه الله ، والباغض لابنة رسول الله خذ له الله .
12- فقال الرجل : عائشة قاتلت علياً ، وهي زوجة رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم .
فقال له جعفر : نعم ، ويلك .... قال الله تعالى : (( وما كان لكم أن تؤذوا رسول الله )) ــ {الأحزاب 53}.
13- قال له الشيعي : توجد خلافة أبي بكر وعمر وعثمان وعلي في القرآن ؟
قال نعم ، وفي التوراة والإنجيل .
قال الله تعالى : ((وهو الذي جعلكم خلائف الأرض ورفع بعضكم فوق بعض درجات )) ــ {الأنعام165}،
وقال تعالى : (( أمن يجيب المضطر إذا دعاه ويكشف السوء ويجعلكم خلفاء الأرض ))ــ {النمل62}،
وقال تعالى : (( ليستخلفنهم في الأرض كما استخلف الذين من قبلهم وليمكنن لهم دينهم الذي ارتضى لهم )){النور55}.
14- قال الرجل : يابن رسول الله ، فأين خلافتهم في التوراة والإنجيل ؟
قال له جعفر : قال الله تعالى :
((محمد رسول الله والذين معه )) أبو بكر ، ((أشداء على الكفار )) عمر بن الخطاب ، (( رحماء بينهم )) عثمان بن عفان ، ((تراهم ركعاً سجداً يبتغون فضلاً من الله ورضواناً )) علي بن أبي طالب (( سيماهم في وجوههم من أثر السجود )) أصحاب محمد المصطفى صلى الله عليه وسلم ، (( ذلك مثلهم في التوراة ومثلهم في الإنجيل )).
قال الرجل : ما معنى في التوراة والإنجيل ؟
قال الأمام جعفر : محمد رسول الله والخلفاء من بعده أبي بكر وعمر وعثمان وعلي ، ثم لكزه في صدره ! ، قال : ويلك ! قال الله تعالى :
(( كزرع أخرج شطأه فآزره )) أبو بكر (( فأستغلظ )) عمر ((فاستوى على سوقه)) عثمان ((يعجب الزراع ليغيظ بهم الكفار )) علي بن أبي طالب ((وعد الله الذين آمنوا وعملوا الصالحات منهم مغفرة وأجراً عظيماً )) أصحاب محمد رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم رضي الله عنهم ، ويلك !، حدثني أبي عن جدي عن علي بن أبي طالب قال : قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم :
(( أنا أول من تنشق الأرض عنه ولا فخر ، ويعطيني الله من الكرامة ما لم يعط نبي قبلي ، ثم ينادي قرّب الخلفاء من بعدك فأقول : يا رب ومن الخلفاء ؟ فيقول :
أبو بكر الصديق ، فأول من تنشق عنه الأرض بعدي أبو بكر ، فيوقف بين يدي الله ، فيحاسب حساباً يسيراً ، فيكسى حلتين خضراوتين ثم يوقف أمام العرش .
ثم ينادي منادٍ أين عمر بن الخطاب ؟ فيجئ عمر وأوداجه تشخب دماً فيقول من فعل بك هذا ؟
فيقول : عبدٌ للمغيرة بن شعبة ، فيوقف بين يدي الله ويحاسب حساباً يسيراً ويكسى حلتين خضراوتين ، ويوقف أمام العرش.
ثم يؤتى عثمان بن عفان وأوداجه تشخب دماً فيقال من فعل بك هذا ؟
فيقول : فلان بن فلان ، فيوقف بين يدي الله فيحاسب حساباً يسيراً ويكسى حلتين خضراوتين ، ثم يوقف أمام العرش .
ثم يدعى علي بن أبي طالب فيأتي وأوداجه تشخب دماً فيقال من فعل بك هذا ؟
فيقول : عبدالرحمن بن ملجم ، فيوقف بين يدي الله ويحاسب حساباً يسيراً ويكسى حلتين خضراوتين ، ويوقف أمام العرش.
قال الرجل : يابن رسول الله ، هذا في القرآن ؟
قال نعم قال الله تعالى :
(( وجئ بالنبيين والشهداء)) أبو بكر وعمر وعثمان وعلي ((وقضي بينهم بالحق وهم لا يظلمون )).
وأخيــــرا ...
قال الرجل الشيعي : يابن رسول الله ، أيقبل الله توبتي مما كنت عليه من التفريق بين أبي بكر وعمر وعثمان وعلي ؟
قال : نعم ، باب التوبة مفتوح فأكثر من الاستغفار لهم . أما انك لو مت وأنت مخالفهم مت على غير فطرة الإسلام وكانت حسناتك مثل أعمال الكفار هباءً منثوراً .
فتاب الرجل ورجع عن مقالته وأناب .
والحمد الله رب العالمين الذي صدق وعده ... ونصر عبده ... وأعز جنده ... وهزم الأحزاب وحده ...
لااله الا هو له الملك وله الحمد وهو على كل شيء قدير.
لماذا يسمى بعض الشيعة بالرافضة ؟
يستغرب البعض من تسمية الشيعة بــ ((الرافضة))ويتصورون أنها من أفتراءات السنة عليهم ، والصحيح الثابت حتى في مصادر الامامية، هو أنهم جاءوا إلى الأمام زيد بن علي زين العابدين بن الحسين عليهم السلام عندما طلبهم ليكونوا معه في الحرب .
فقالوا : تبرأ من أبي بكر وعمر حتى نكون معك .
فقال : هما صاحبا جدي ... لاأتبرأ منهما ... بل أتولاهما .
قالوا : إذاً نرفضك .
فقال : بل أنتم الرافضة .
فسموا منذ ذلك الحين بالرافضة ......... أما من بايعه و وافقه فسموا بالزيدية ، والزيدية طائفة كبيرة تتواجد في اليمن ، الفرق بينهم وبين بقية طوائف الشيعة أن هؤلاء يحبون أبي بكر وعمر وعثمان ويؤمنون بخلافتهم ولايسبونهم ولايشتمونهم . (انظر مقدمة ابن خلدون).
كما أن هذه التسمية ذكرها الشيخ باقرالمجلسي في كتابه ( البحار ) وذكر أربعة أحاديث من أحاديثهم .
وأورد الكليني في الروضة من كتابه (الكافي) رواية طويلة عن محمد بن سلمان عن أبيه و في جزء منها أن أبا بصير قال لأبي عبد الله جعفر الصادق عليه السلام : (.. جعلت فداك فإنا قد نبزنا نبزاً انكسرت له ظهورنا و ماتت له أفئدتنا و استحلت له الولاة دماءنا) . في حديث رواه لهم فقهاؤهم ؟
قال : فقال أبو عبد الله عليه السلام : الرافضة ؟ قال : قلت : نعم ، قال : لا والله ما هم سموكم ولكن الله سماكم به.....) جـ8 ( مقامات الشيعة وفضائلهم ) ص (28) . (نبز أي لقب).
أما الحديث الذي أشار له الكليني فهو ما قاله علي أبن أبي طالب رضي الله عنه :
سيكون بعدنا قوم ينتحلون مودتنا يكذبون علينا ، آية ذلك أنهم يسبون أبا بكر و عمر رضي الله عنهما
by the way any body can tell me the strory of the 72 vergins those idiots iranians beileve in? or is it 4 wifes only and 68 girlfriends, and what is the motaa means i heared that if you go to iran you can ask any shiia to mary his doughter or his sister for one week or one month give some money to them and you can sleep with her and leave her after the 1 week or 1 month with no problem or no child support, i am going to iran tommorow can i have 4 wifes at the same bed with me? USA should do that i love it
Opinion
CIA veteran: Israel to attack Iran in fall
The Israeli security establishment is increasingly worried by Netanyahu's bellicose stance towards Iran.
MJ Rosenberg Last Modified: 17 Jul 2011 10:50
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Israel may bomb Iran in the fall. Meanwhile, a faltering Iranian government may welcome war [GALLO/GETTY]
A longtime CIA officer who spent 21 years in the Middle East is predicting that Israel will bomb Iran in the fall, dragging the United States into another major war and endangering US military and civilian personnel (and other interests) throughout the Middle East and beyond.
Earlier this week, Robert Baer appeared on the provocative KPFK Los Angeles show Background Briefing, hosted by Ian Masters. It was there that he predicted that Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is likely to ignite a war with Iran in the very near future.
Robert Baer has had a storied career, including a stint in Iraq in the 1990s where he organised opposition to Saddam Hussein. (He was recalled after being accused of trying to organise Saddam's assassination.) Upon his retirement, he received a top decoration for meritorious service.
Baer is no ordinary CIA operative. George Clooney won an Oscar for playing a character based on Baer in the film Syriana (Baer also wrote the book).
He obviously won't name many of his sources in Israel, the United States, and elsewhere, but the few he has named are all Israeli security figures who have publically warned that Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak are hell-bent on war.
Most former Mossad chiefs wary of Netanyahu
Baer was especially impressed by the unprecedented warning about Netanyahu's plans by former Mossad chief Meir Dagan. Dagan left the Israeli intelligence agency in September 2010. Two months ago, he predicted that Israel would attack and said that doing so would be "the stupidest thing" he could imagine. According to Haaretz:
When asked about what would happen in the aftermath of an Israeli attack Dagan said that: "It will be followed by a war with Iran. It is the kind of thing where we know how it starts, but not how it will end."
The Iranians have the capability to fire rockets at Israel for a period of months, and Hizbollah could fire tens of thousands of grad rockets and hundreds of long-range missiles, he said.
According to Ben Caspit of the Israeli daily Maariv, Dagan's blasts at Israel's political leadership are significant not only because Mossad chiefs, in office or retired, traditionally have kept their lips sealed, but also because Dagan is very conservative on security matters.
Caspit writes that Dagan is "one of the most rightwing militant people ever born here. ... When this man says that the leadership has no vision and is irresponsible, we should stop sleeping soundly at night".
Dagan describes the current Israeli government as "dangerous and irresponsible" and views speaking out against Netanyahu as his patriotic duty.
And his abhorrence of Netanyahu is not uncommon in the Israeli security establishment. Accordingto Think Progress, citing the Forward newspaper, 12 of the 18 living ex-chiefs of Israel's two security agencies (Mossad and Shin Bet), are "either actively opposing Netanyahu's stances or have spoken out against them". Of the remaining six, two are current ministers in Netanyahu government, leaving a grand total of four out of 18 who independently support the prime minister.
In short, while Congress dutifully gives Netanyahu 29 standing ovations, the Israelis who know the most about both Netanyahu and Israel's strategic situation think he is a dangerous disaster.
But according to Baer, we ain't seen nothing yet.
There is almost "near certainty" that Netanyahu is "planning an attack [on Iran] ... and it will probably be in September before the vote on a Palestinian state. And he's also hoping to draw the United States into the conflict", Baer explained.
The Israeli air force would attack "Natanz and other nuclear facilities to degrade their capabilities. The Iranians will strike back where they can: Basra, Baghdad", he said, and even Afghanistan. Then the United States would jump into the fight with attacks on Iranian targets. "Our special forces are already looking at Iranian targets in Iraq and across the border [in Iran] which we would strike. What we're facing here is an escalation, rather than a planned out-and-out war. It's a nightmare scenario. We don't have enough troops in the Middle East to fight a war like that." Baer added, "I think we are looking into the abyss".
Another US war?
Masters asked Baer why the US military is not mobilising to stop this war from happening. Baer responded that the military is opposed, as is former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, who used his influence to thwart an Israeli attack during the Bush and Obama administrations. But he's gone now and "there is a warning order inside the Pentagon" to prepare for war.
It should be noted that the Iranian regime is quite capable of triggering a war with the United States through some combination of colossal stupidity and sheer hatred. In fact, as Baer explained, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard would welcome a war. They are "paranoid". They are "worried about ... what's happening to their country economically, in terms of the oil embargo and other sanctions". And they are worried about a population that increasingly despises the regime.
They need an external enemy. Because we are leaving Iraq, it's Israel. But in order to make this threat believable, they would love an attack on their nuclear facilities, love to go to war in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia and Iraq and hit us where they could. Their defense is asymmetrical. We can take out all of their armored units. It's of little difference to them, same with their surface-to-air missile sites. It would make little difference because they would use terrorism. They would do serious damage to our fleet in the Gulf.
Given all that, is it possible that the United States would allow Israel to attack when the president knows we would be forced to join the war on Israel's side?
"The president is up for re-election next year," Blair pointed out, and Israel is "truly out of control".
What happens when you see 100 F-16's approaching Iraq and there is a call to the White House [from Netanyahu] that says "We're going in, we're at war with Iran"? What does the President of the United States do? He has little influence over Bibi Netanyahu. ... We can't stop him. And he knows it.
It's a pretty frightening scenario, made infinitely more so by the fact that top Israelis (who have heard Netanyahu's thinking from Netanyahu himself) also see the future the same way. Those Israelis deserve a world of credit for sounding the warning bell loudly enough that we would hear it and do something about it – although it's impossible to know if the people who matter are paying attention.
Actually, only one person matters: the US president. If Israel bombed Iran tomorrow, Congress would forget all about their partisan differences and run, not walk, to the House and Senate floors to endorse the attack and call for unstinting support for Israel. That is what Congress always does, and will always do so long as the lobby (and the donors it directs) are the key players in making our Middle East policies.
And who knows what Obama would do? So far, he has not exactly distinguished himself when it comes to standing up to Netanyahu.
But an Israeli attack on Iran would be different. It would endanger countless Americans (in the region and here at home, too). It would kill off any economic recovery by causing oil prices to skyrocket. It would engulf us in another Middle East war. And it would threaten the existence of the state of Israel.
This is something the president needs to focus on instead of being forced to nickel and dime with the likes of Representative Eric Cantor and Senator Mitch McConnell. How incredible that these two, and their right-wing allies, have our government tied in knots in their incessant effort to elevate themselves by destroying the President of the United States. It is sickening.
MJ Rosenberg is a Senior Foreign Policy Fellow at the Media Matters Action Network.
This monster AHMADI NEJAD OF IRAN must not be permitted to enjoy the dignity that will accompany the visits of other world leaders. We must show Ahmadinejad that we do not forget his persistent denials of the Nazi Holocaust and his repeated threats to perpetrate a second Holocaust by wiping Israel off the map. We must show him that we do not forgive his energetic support of Hezbollah and Hamas terrorists. And we must demonstrate to him that we will not permit him to achieve his dream of developing nuclear weapons.
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad must be met with the loudest of protests.
So next Monday the 24th, as Ahmadinejad speaks at the UN, there will be a massive protest rally across the street. The rally will be from 12:00 noon until 2:00 pm at Dag Hammarskjold Plaza on 47th Street between 1st and 2nd Avenue in Manhattan. CUFI is co-sponsoring this event under the leadership of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish organizations. We urge everyone who can make it to join us there.
A similar rally was held when Ahmadinejad visited the UN last year. Diana Hagee was one of the featured speakers and, thanks to the hard work of CUFI Regional Director Robert Stearns, the audience was a sea of Christians United for Israel signs and banners. To this day our Jewish friends in New York talk about how much it meant to them to see that they were not alone in confronting this modern Hitler.
God created 3 things in this earth to bother us and these are ( EVIL, IRANIANS, AND MOSQUITOES ) we can use prayers to get red of evil, we can use spray to get red of mosquitoes but I dont know the antidote for Iranians, if any body can tell me what kind of repellent to use so I dont smale their arm pits odor when they sit beside me in glass..........
I am so sorry for you that you been so damage and hit by Iranian, but Iran and Iranian are the great nation with one of bigest history. They are not violated nation, and in fact they are very loving people. Next time when you want talk about any nation or country make sure that you educate yourself about them,then talk about them. There is different between the regim who run the country and the people who live in country. The 3 creations need to be disappear is: Stupid people, Dictators, and Politician.
First learn to speak English correctly.
Comparing apples and oranges! Although I respect Fareed, I have objections. I believe that this comparison is just based on what you have seen and statistics you have collected , we should never underestimate the underlying aspects of this bitter reality. Iranian woman always have played important and critical roles in the Government throughout the history. We had a Queen 32 years ago, n now we have downgraded to a point that we are compared to a country in which women can not even drive? My grand mother used to drive, my mom used to work and have been to college this is like 40-50 years ago. It is not fair to compare a country that has a strong cultural background to a country that has never had a leading women in their history. What is written about women at the present time in Iran is technically right, but the big question rises when we examine Iranian women's role in the society in the past 50-60 years time.
Jesse if u r a Jew then good for you , you should protect Israel our country need protections from those Muslims and Arabs in the middleast Wahhabi Hezbollah Iranians all are thugs it is shameful that USA helping Saudi and Iraqi shiia....oil make them blind..........................SHALOM
SHALOM JESSE עברית
VIVA ISRAEL
DR ABOWAQAS-ALBERTA
Hey Dr. Idiot,
I HATE ISLAM, I HATE ARABS, & I HATE YOU!
HEY DR. IDIOT,
LONG LIVE IRAN!
we are a peace loving nation, steadfast in our at ease enjoyment of careers, freedom to live however we choose to live, of whatever religion, orientation, or career path we want, of human rights laws as our most valuable life learning lessons, where we need to think of all who live in this world, the same way, and this is where Fareed shines the brightest, introducing us to one another, regardless of where we stand in the world, as it is the same soil of planet earth under our feet, the same air of planet earth we all breath, where truly, truly, there is only one safe passage for the one eternal all generation, of what heaven is, our collective intellect worldwide, as the one human being we all are, exactly the same feelings, our brothers, our sisters, of only love good enough for any of us to EVER feel, at all times. Peace be to you. At all times, where our heart is, there too shall be our treasure and our life. What we turn towards we become, at all times. Therefore be steadfast in remembering the truth, that anger is a mask for our sadness, which stems from all things unloving, from all falseness of our pure true intuitive loving compassionate (wiser) nature. The only question one need ask, is what do we want to teach the children about our true nature? bless you all with only peace and love good enough for you all, forever more
So the situation of women in IRAN enjoy more freedom than in Saudi Arabia
Why IRAN is a evil and Saudi Arabia is a good friend For US ???
It's the policy for the benefit
Iranians do not blackmail anyone in history
Iran is a country with great history And people who hated the war and seek Slh
We are proud to be Iranian. and we know most think about IRAN cause we live in That
This is a simple comparing between two nation, why some people getting to politic and hateres? It's comparing between two muslim nation, and that is nothing to do with state of Israel. This great world is for every nation and every religion not just for Jew or Muslim or any others.
Which is worse? AIDS or Cancer? Take your pick.
Only people living inside Saudi Arabia and Iran have the right to critsize their domestic cultural, political, etc issues. Those who immigrated they are no longer attached to the problems they should only wish the best for their previous country unless they want to come back to their home. As for those who are not citizens neither residents nor migrants I say to them "mind your own business" you are only have the right to talk about the international relationship.
I believe all humans are created equal, regardless of their race, color and place of origin. That said, had you visited Iran 32 years ago, you wouldn’t even remotely think of comparing Iranian women to the tortured and isolated women of Saudi Arabia. Oh my God, what has become of us? Of course, 32 miserable years have passed since evil (Mullahs) possessed the soul of Iran, and unfortunately no exorcism attempts have succeeded in freeing this beautiful and enriched soul. Once Iran is peaceful again within, it will affect the rest of the world in a positive way.
As much as anti-semantic comments are criminal, anti Iranian or Arab or Islam should be and it is not. The above statements are clear evidence of this!! Iranian people love Jews and have always done so in the past. They have not been the aggressor throughout the history. Comparing Iranian woman with any Arab nation is superficial due to deep cultural differences. One of the fundamental contributions of Islam to Arabic culture has been abandoning the practice of girl killing that we still witness today in south/far asia and still perhaps rarely in the middle east.
I'm not claiming Iranians are somehow better, they aren't like some others, and I respect Farid's article and I watch him all the time, big fan!!
No matter the regime in Iran you cannot take away the culture of the Persians. Persian women are protected and respected in the Persian culture. Prior to the revolution the women were on a directional path of equal opportunity. My mother constantly reminds me how she never felt she couldn't accomplish what she wanted. When you transcend to the Iranian-American women you see what is behind closed doors out in full force in America. The statistics of Iranian-Ameircan women , as far as, education, family, and career is above that of other cultures. They have grasped the full democratic potential that they could endear, with grasping onto their cultural roots. Persians are a very special group, that people try to place with others. They are very cultured, democratic and educated society. I once asked my father how are those in Iran so educated, yet they have such a hard time overthrowing the regime. He replied saying that they focus all their attention on math, science, and grammar, and no time in history, geography, etc.. They can be smart, but if they don't know what's going on in the world around them, they don't know that something is wrong or how wrong it is.
JESSE U R NOT JUST IDIOT U R STUPID TOO, U R with those terrorists iranians and hizboallah thugs. iran is next just wait until jan/ feb 2013 iran will be no more.
VIVA USA ..........JES U LIKE IRAN GO BACK HOME , THIS IS THE LAND OF FREE, GO BACK TO THE DARK AGES
VIVA ISRAEL DOWN WITH iranians government, VIVA IRANIAN freedome fighters and mojahedi khalq, viva the people of IRAN who dont like those idiots clergy with MOTAA ,and taqeya and teh stupid ahemdi nejad , AHMEDI NEJAD THE crossed eye is your boss the chief of the idiot, u r really the village idiot jess...
i enjoyed reading it. Would you please also write about rights of Christians in both countries. I would appreciate.
Hi .. i can only comment on Saudi .. The only accepted religion in public is Islam .. so if you talk about "rights" i expect you mean the right to practice it .. or establish Churches etc. if that is what you mean .. then there are no rights as it is forbidden. Regards
Thank you Fareed, for your fair coverage of Iran.
I just returned from 11 days in Iran with one of my frequent tours. http://www.irancustomravel.com and totally agree with your assessment of the country, the women, and the extensive development we saw throughout the country ,
Tall residential buildings cover the landscapes, subways are being built in Isfahan and Shiraz,we saw fast new trains speeding by.as we drove from city to city.
It is so frustrating from me to read the comments from people whose only source is media muddle.
To : C
Iranian people have a very bad goverment , and their people hate them as much as people outside Iran.
but for those 3 hickers all I can say is for heaven sake why did you have to go hicking in the country that is in the war to begin with , and why do you have to go in the boarder of two very unsafe zones? cant you hick somewhere other than Iraq and Iran's Boarder. It sounds so cheesy to me.dont you think???
By the way Farid no other reporter has reported about Iran as real as you did, great take. I love your show.
http://www.irpedia.com is a website regarding travel in Iran that has been helpful to me there are some travel agencies there
The UN's nuclear watchdog says it has information indicating Iran has carried out tests "relevant to the development of a nuclear explosive device".
AHMED NEJAD IS THE ANTICHRIST HE IS WORSE THAN HITLER, Iran must be stooped in any cost , USA should start sending the bugs and nano technology weapons the micro spies with cameras and deployed hundreds of drones craft just in case.it will be the robats war against the mullahs idiots and the Persians thugs we must aid all resistant to be prepared before it is too late , i will go with USA to fight in Iran...I will make a nice motaa with you soon......
HOW CAN WE ATTACK IRAN- part 1 of 10 parts.
I USE USA FORCES IN AFGHANISTAN INCREASE THE JETS FIGHTERS IN THAT SIDE.
2- KEEP SOME GOOD FORCE IN IRAQ AND KUWAIT TO DEAL WITH THE SHIIA THUGS WHO WILL SUPPORT IRAN FORM the Iraqi evil government side.
3- keep tanks and jets in Kuwait
4- improve the bases in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and uae
5- ask Qatar to not help or involve with Iran
6- increase USA sea base and naval strength in Bahrain
7-prepare the submarines in the red sea, Mideastern sea, and the Arabian sea
8- close down the straight of hermoze and increase inspections on Iranians boat and ships
9- keep forces in Turkmenistan north of Iran ,and the turkey borders.
10-keep economic bloc-aid
11- attack with multi nations France, Germany, Italy, holand, and UK ,use every thing you got to finish the mission
12-help with money and arms the resistant ( KURDS, ARABESTAN, LOURS, TURKS, BAHA'I, PERSIANS, BELOOSH, SUNNIS , CHRISTENS , ASSYRIANS GROUP AND MUJAHEDIN KHLAQ FIGHTERS ) use every means of propaganda TV, radios, news and secret short wave radios to teach the masses what to do and where to get weapon and money and how to attack the enemy and destroy the enemy war machine and infrastructures,
13- use virus to attack Iran computers and army computers, destroy their satellites, command and controls, nooks sites,
and attack QUM as the mullahs will hide at their shrines and use it to make fatwas .
14- freeze all Iran assets, stop them from immigrations or coming here as most are using USA and Canada to send money to Hezbollah and Iraqi thugs, stop Ahmad AL jalabi and arrest him as he is one of Iran spies
15-help Dr ayad alawi to take over Iraq as he won the election but Iran put AL maleki instead, Al maleki pretend he is with USA but he is a lire,
16 control the Iran Iraqi boarder and Syria Iraq border by using drones so no shiia can cross to Iran from Iraq and Syria
17- Iraqi kurds can help from north Iraq, the Sunni can help from west Iraq and the resistant can attack from inside Iran
18-Israel can take care of Hezbollah and leash hell if those terrorists Hezbollah attack Israel , that's why we must get red of Syrian regimes now to cut Iran arms before attacking Iran
I will write part 2 in detail on how we can do it .
go ahead and do all of these plus more and Iran and Iranians will always be more educated ,informed and cultured than all of the Arab countries together.
Wow... just went and had a look at the movie again. When he takes the picture of page 47 on his phone the number 51 is clearly highlighted... strange.... lol. Oh and Captain Jack if it wasn't in order how did he find what he was looking for so quickly?
All I care about is seeing more of Riley!
I am Saudi ... and I am a woman ... what is written may be true .. but my question is .. so? since when is that new news? Why is it a big deal NOW Fareed?
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women in these places are so severely threatened abt the punishments they face on the last day that submissiveness is ingrained in them. but iranian women are far more fiesty. theyll overcome anything
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I find Iranian society to be more westernized than Saudi society, even after all these years of the mullahs ruling the nation. This is not to say that Iran's culture is not rich, because it is very much so, even more than Saudi culture, as Persia was once a great empire. What I mean is that you'll find more liberal, tolerant, freethinking Iranians, both in Iran and oversees, than you will find liberal Saudis.
Iran is a really islamic country where each and every one is freely offers islamic cusioms as per their believe because islam is not allow to any one that he will impose his views on the other persons believe