For Lily

High school times we had an Arabic story to translate as a class lesson. The story was about an Arab tribal chief who is the guest to a Caliph. When they all are ready to eat, the chef puts a tray of his special foodstuff on the table. It is a pair of roasted Partridges. To the surprise of all audience, the Chief starts laughing at the roasted Partridges. Somewhat embarrassed Caliph asks the reason of the Chief's laughter. The Chief Recalls: "There was time when I was younger and I used to be a bandit. Once I robbed a man who had been far left behind a Caravan. He gave each and every one of his belongings to me and begged his life. But I denied to let him go and I was about to kill him that, he looked in the vicinity hopelessly, since no one was around, sighing to the two Partridges near to us, that; they should be eyewitnesses to his being killed sinless" The astounded audience were wordless. "Now", Chief went on saying: "I am laughing at the foolishness of that poor man who desperately was convinced that those two birds can revenge his murder". The Caliph angrily cried: These birds indeed are exactly those two Partridges, and I command this ridiculous man to be punished now".
Mr. Ladurne, to me is playing the role of those two birds for: the Afghans, Colombians Iraqis Iranians who have faced the worse tyranny ever can be imagined. The Colombians who to report their agony and deprivation. When he goes to Colombia to Iraq to Iran
He is far from home and specially you as his dear daughter
He sacrifice He listens to a people that no one else would care. I witnessed myself that he went to a young boy's funeral has been killed by British bombardments of
While he , like any of his colleagues back home

Lady in Room 1424

Gravestones at Dulab cemetery have many things to say, at least for the lady in room 1424 Enqelab hotel, Tehran.Exactly, 60 years ago a group of 114000 polish people, a combination of military and civilians left Soviets and came down to Iran. Most of them left the country soon after to join the war against allies, some sought refuge in other countries and very few established new families and preferred to stay in the land, which they found it to have plenty of sunshine. But, some 3000 fell victims of ‘‘War’’ as the worse human-made disaster and the most foolish and ignorant decision made by politicians.Among the tragic casualties was the mother of 12-years-old Krystyna whom 60 years later, in a 2 weeks visit stays at the room 1424. Krystyna Sass, a senior lecturer recalls the time when she used to walk the distance between the camp where she lived with her family and the hospital where her mother was confined. ``I never forget the hospitality of the people and their goodness, which helped us to regain our life``, she said. After a 12 days tour in Iranian cities; Anzali, Isfehan, Shiraz, at their good-bye party she told me that people behaved toward them as if they were celebrities and even had asked her autograph. I was there to hand them my two reports published in Iran daily and Iran newspaper (Persian) on this occasion. They were surprised and very happy seeing their photos and interviews on the press.They are gone now to continue their lives, which had a very tough beginning. And what is left is a series of questions that I’ve asked myself several times; do I owe them? What am I striving for? Perhaps, the notion of such destiny for my own 7 and 13 years old children is the very motive of my concern. Or; I as an Iranian whose nation is named axis of evil by U.S. officials, am trying to bring into west’s public opinion that, we are the kind of people whom irrespective of religion, colour or nationality received those needed shelter and escaped inhumane treatment. To remind inexperienced Americans and Britons, how it is to be a subject, what is the feelings of a secondary citizen in a so-called global village. No matter how civilized one may be, every nation or even man has his ups and downs; a period filled with wealth and glory, and inescapably times to be down. Undoubtedly generations to come shall judge us, and surely not for things, which the weak did not do, but of course for the decisions the strong made.A. Saremi

Neglected Sins,

In Islam there is a wide variety of acts considered to be sins, and naturally must be avoided by Muslims. Among sins some are regarded as major sins, meaning to be more serious and must be observed more carefully. Though there are different opinions on numbering and grading them, most scholars' list contains items in common, namely; Interest (Riba),which is strictly forbidden, yet we can see being widely practiced and tolerated handsomely in most of Muslim states. The question is why then, Hejab matter despite being not a direct major sin appears to be the favorite topic of Islam related discussions inside and outside Islamic communities today? What really makes this issue superior comparing with many other obligations we are to observe as Muslims?

Is it a personal decision? Or a sign for piety. Perhaps emblem of an ideology or a political manifest. Every individual may have a certain impression of it. However, watching people -particularly men- describing passionately the disobedience in lady's outfit they witness now a days in public, would provoke a Freudian look on the case too. It seems that commenting about women's hair or clothing instinctually is desirable for fellow men. In other words, it is a part of our human nature to be attracted by the opposite gender. Many of us unconsciously hide behind socially acceptable terminology and instrumentalize ethical duties by expressing our concern over Islamic values, to satisfy our restricted innermost self.

Frankly speaking, who among those very much concerned with Hejab, does not close eyes to the very obvious sins he witnesses in every day life?

A. Saremi

Rendezvous

I was asked by a very dear friend to give assistance to a foreign student of Persian Language who was due to stay here in Tehran about four months. Before coming to Iran and after arriving in Tehran, I only had talked to her by phone. And now it was the first time I was about to see her. I knew nothing about her age and how she might look alike. What I had in my mind through her voice and approaching manners, also my experiences on such kind of people and sort of conditions (I mean people who dare coming to Iran and taking Farsi course at this period). I presumed the woman should be around 35 to 50, tall and blonde but just typical and a bit stout. Our appointment was 1 pm and 2-3 minutes had passed the hour that she sent me sms telling, in minutes she will be with me. These waiting minutes added to my curiosity and being honest, increased my enthusiasm. I recalled my German colleague who calls this style of passion, "Masochism". While waiting for her, several people passed by. Whom I thought was she. At last, I saw a young and very good-looking woman (I am not sure how many "very" do I need for this) coming to me while smiling. A tall, charming girl with dark hair and a pretty fair complexion (the closest I can compare is Demi Moore). The eyes were colored but neither blue nor green, a pair of light hazel jewelry, which could captivate any spectator. The scene was just like in a TV fashion show, but this time with my own eyes and here in the heart of Islamic republic.
We had a drink together and talked about her plans while here in Iran. Beside being a real Barbie, she was really smart and cheerful. I do not remember how long we stayed but people at tables next to us changed three times. A number of short times we met after. I looked for events taking place in the city that might be interesting and informed her. I also arranged some contacts useful to her studies. There was an Animation Film Festival in the town. I told her I could arrange two tickets for her, so she can watch the films a whole day with a friend. "I prefer to see them with you". She told me! It goes without saying how I felt, and even if there is a need of saying, I can not put my feeling in words. The day was approaching and I was counting the moments to come. The day was Thursday. My son had asked me to bring him to a gym close to our house and my wife had some weekly instructions for me too. I should now decide. What is the probability? How many percent could there be another case like this. As a 45 years old, do I have enough time for a similar state of affairs? Then again, I asked myself; how about as a father and husband can I have the same opportunity to be with them in a right time?
Late Thursday, my wife sighed distressing; "lengthy staying home for Men is really irritating".