-----Original Message-----
From: "Yasir Shah" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Date: Wed, 17 May 2006 13:49:32
To:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: [ICSB Youth] The 18-Page Letter from Iran (Ahmedinejad to Bush)
http://www.finalcall.com/artman/publish/article_2607.shtml: <http://www.finalcall.com/artman/publish/article_2607.shtml> .
[CNN has it too, but not in a format that can be copied.]
In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful,
Mr George Bush,
President of the United States of America,
For some time now I have been thinking how one can justify the undeniable
contradictions that exist in the international arena -- which are being
constantly debated, especially in political forums and amongst university
students. Many questions remain unanswered. These have prompted me to
discuss some of the contradictions and questions, in the hope that it might
bring about an opportunity to redress them.
Can one be a follower of Jesus Christ (PBUH), the great Messenger of God,
feel obliged to respect human rights, present liberalism as a civilization
model, announce one's opposition to the proliferation of nuclear weapons
and WMDs, make "War on Terror" his slogan, and finally, work towards the
establishment of a unified international community - a community which
Christ and the virtuous of the Earth will one day govern, but at the same
time, have countries attacked. The lives, reputations and possessions of
people destroyed and on the slight chance of the presence of a few
criminals in a village, city, or convoy for example, the entire village,
city or convoy (are) set ablaze.
Or because of the possibility of the existence of WMDs in one country, it
is occupied, around one hundred thousand people killed, its water sources,
agriculture and industry destroyed, close to 180,000 foreign troops put on
the ground, sanctity of private homes of citizens broken, and the country
pushed back perhaps fifty years. At what price? Hundreds of billions of
dollars spent from the treasury of one country and certain other countries
and tens of thousands of young men and women - as occupation troops - put
in harms way, taken away from family and loved ones, their hands stained
with the blood of others, subjected to so much psychological pressure that
everyday some commit suicide and those returning home suffer depression,
become sickly and grapple with all sorts of ailments; while some are killed
and their bodies handed to their families.
On the pretext of the existence of WMDs, this great tragedy came to engulf
both the peoples of the occupied and the occupying country. Later it was
revealed that no WMDs existed to begin with.
Of course Saddam was a murderous dictator. But the war was not waged to
topple him, the announced goal of the war was to find and destroy weapons
of mass destruction. He was toppled along the way towards another goal;
nevertheless the people of the region are happy about it. I point out that
throughout the many years of the imposed war on Iran Saddam was supported
by the West.
Mr. President,
You might know that I am a teacher. My students ask me how can these
actions be reconciled with the values outlined at the beginning of this
letter and duty to the tradition of Jesus Christ (PBUH), the Messenger of
peace and forgiveness?
There are prisoners in Guantanamo Bay that have not been tried, have no
legal representation, their families cannot see them and are obviously kept
in a strange land outside their own country. There is no international
monitoring of their conditions and fate. No one knows whether they are
prisoners, POWs, accused or criminals.
European investigators have confirmed the existence of secret prisons in
Europe too. I could not correlate the abduction of a person, and him or her
being kept in secret prisons, with the provisions of any judicial system.
For that matter, I fail to understand how such actions correspond to the
values outlined in the beginning of this letter, i.e. the teachings of
Jesus Christ (PBUH), human rights and liberal values.
Young people, university students, and ordinary people have many questions
about the phenomenon of Israel. I am sure you are familiar with some of
them.
Throughout history many countries have been occupied, but I think the
establishment of a new country with a new people, is a new phenomenon that
is exclusive to our times.
Students are saying that sixty years ago such a country did not exist. They
show old documents and globes and say try as we have, we have not been able
to find a country named Israel.
I tell them to study the history of WWI and II. One of my students told me
that during WWII, which more than tens of millions of people perished in,
news about the war, was quickly disseminated by the warring parties. Each
touted their victories and the most recent battlefront defeat of the other
party. After the war they claimed that six million Jews had been killed.
Six million people that were surely related to at least two million
families.
Again let us assume that these events are true. Does that logically
translate into the establishment of the state of Israel in the Middle East
or support for such a state? How can this phenomenon be rationalized or
explained?
Mr. President,
I am sure you know how - and at what cost - Israel was established:
-Many thousands were killed in the process.
-Millions of the indigenous people were made refugees.
-Hundreds of thousands of hectares of farmland, olive plantations, towns
and villages were destroyed.
This tragedy is not exclusive to the time of establishment.  Unfortunately
it has been ongoing for sixty years now.
A regime has been established which does not show mercy even to kids,
destroys houses while the occupants are still in them, announces beforehand
its list and plans to assassinate Palestinian figures, and keeps thousands
of Palestinians in prison. Such a phenomenon is unique - or at the very
least extremely rare - in recent memory.
Another big question asked by the people is "why is this regime being
supported?"
Is support for this regime in line with the teachings of Jesus Christ
(PBUH) or Moses (PBUH) or liberal values?
Or are we to understand that allowing the original inhabitants of these
lands - inside and outside Palestine -- whether they are Christian, Moslem
or Jew, to determine their fate, runs contrary to principles of democracy,
human rights and the teachings of prophets? If not, why is there so much
opposition to a referendum?
The newly elected Palestinian administration recently took office. All
independent observers have confirmed that this government represents the
electorate. Disbelieving this, they have put the elected government under
pressure and have advised it to recognize the Israeli regime, abandon the
struggle and follow the programs of the previous government.
If the current Palestinian government had run on the above platform, would
the Palestinian people have voted for it? Again, can such position taken in
opposition to the Palestinian government be reconciled with the values
outlined earlier? The people are also asking "Why are all UNSC resolutions
in condemnation of Israel vetoed?"
Mr. President,
As you are well aware, I live amongst the people and am in constant contact
with them -- many people from around the Middle East manage to contact me
as well. They do not have faith in these dubious policies either. There is
evidence that the people of the region are becoming increasingly angry with
such policies.
It is not my intention to pose too many questions, but I need to refer to
other points as well.
Why is it that any technological and scientific achievement reached in the
Middle East region is translated into and portrayed as a threat to the
Zionist regime? Is not scientific R&D [Research & Development] one of the
basic rights of nations?
You are familiar with history. Aside from the Middle Ages, in what other
point in history has scientific and technical progress been a crime? Can
the possibility of scientific achievements being utilized for military
purposes be reason enough to oppose science and technology altogether? If
such a supposition is true, then all scientific disciplines, including
physics, chemistry, mathematics, medicine, engineering, etc. must be
opposed.
Lies were told in the Iraqi matter. What was the result? I have no doubt
that telling lies is reprehensible in any culture, and that you do not like
to
be lied to.
Mr. President,
Don't Latin Americans have the right to ask why their elected governments
are being opposed and coup leaders supported? Or, Why must they constantly
be threatened and live in fear?
The people of Africa are hardworking, creative and talented. They can play
an important and valuable role in providing for the needs of humanity and
contribute to its material and spiritual progress. Poverty and hardship in
large parts of Africa are preventing this from happening. Don't they have
the right to ask why their enormous wealth - including minerals - is being
looted, despite the fact that they need it more than others?
Again, do such actions correspond to the teachings of Christ and the tenets
of human rights?
The brave and faithful people of Iran too have many questions and
grievances, including: the coup d'etat of 1953 and the subsequent toppling
of the legal government of the day, opposition to the Islamic revolution,
transformation of an Embassy into a headquarters supporting the activities
of those opposing the Islamic Republic (many thousands of pages of
documents corroborate this claim), support for Saddam in the war waged
against Iran, the shooting down of the Iranian passenger plane, freezing
the assets of the Iranian nation, increasing threats, anger and displeasure
vis-Ã -vis the scientific and nuclear progress of the Iranian nation (just
when all Iranians are jubilant and celebrating their country's progress),
and many other grievances that I will not refer to in this letter.
Mr. President,
September Eleven was a horrendous incident. The killing of innocents is
deplorable and appalling in any part of the world. Our government
immediately declared its disgust with the perpetrators and offered its
condolences to the bereaved and expressed its sympathies.
All governments have a duty to protect the lives, property and good
standing of their citizens. Reportedly your government employs extensive
security, protection and intelligence systems - and even hunts its
opponents abroad. September eleven was not a simple operation. Could it be
planned and executed without coordination with intelligence and security
services - or their extensive infiltration? Of course this is just an
educated guess. Why have the various aspects of the attacks been kept
secret? Why are we not told who botched their responsibilities? And, why
aren't those responsible and the guilty parties identified and put on trial?
All governments have a duty to provide security and peace of mind for their
citizens. For some years now, the people of your country and neighbors of
world trouble spots do not have peace of mind. After 9.11 , instead of
healing and tending to the emotional wounds of the survivors and the
American people -- who had been immensely traumatized by the attacks --
some Western media only intensified the climate of fear and insecurity -
some constantly talked about the possibility of new terror attacks and kept
the people in fear. Is that service to the American people? Is it possible
to calculate the damages incurred from fear and panic?
American citizens lived in constant fear of fresh attacks that could come
at any moment and in any place. They felt insecure in the streets, in their
place of work and at home. Who would be happy with this situation? Why was
the media, instead of conveying a feeling of security and providing peace
of mind, giving rise to a feeling of insecurity?
Some believe that the hype paved the way -- and was the justification --for
an attack on Afghanistan. Again I need to refer to the role of media.
In media charters, correct dissemination of information and honest
reporting of a story are established tenets. I express my deep regret about
the disregard shown by certain Western media for these principles. The main
pretext for an attack on Iraq was the existence of WMDs. This was repeated
incessantly -- for the public to finally believe -- and the ground set for
an attack on Iraq.
Will the truth not be lost in a contrived and deceptive climate?
Again, if the truth is allowed to be lost, how can that be reconciled with
the earlier mentioned values? Is the truth known to the Almighty lost as
well?
Mr. President,
In countries around the world, citizens provide for the expenses of
governments so that their governments in turn are able to serve them.
The question here is "what has the hundreds of billions of dollars, spent
every year to pay for the Iraqi campaign, produced for the citizens?"
As Your Excellency is aware, in some states of your country, people are
living in poverty. Many thousands are homeless and unemployment is a huge
problem. Of course these problems exist --to a larger or lesser extent--
in other countries as well. With these conditions in mind, can the
gargantuan expenses of the campaign --paid from the public treasury-- be
explained and be consistent with the aforementioned principles?
What has been said, are some of the grievances of the people around the
world, in our region and in your country. But my main contention --and I
am hoping you will agree to some of it --is:
Those in power have a specific time in office and do not rule indefinitely,
but their names will be recorded in history and will be constantly judged
in the immediate and distant futures.
The people will scrutinize our presidencies.
Did we mange to bring peace, security and prosperity for the people or
insecurity and unemployment?
Did we intend to establish justice or just supported especial interest
groups, and by forcing many people to live in poverty and hardship, made a
few people rich and powerful -- thus trading the approval of the people and
the Almighty with theirs'?
Did we defend the rights of the underprivileged or ignore them?
Did we defend the rights of all people around the world or imposed wars on
them, interfered illegally in their affairs, established hellish prisons
and incarcerated some of them?
Did we bring the world peace and security or raise the specter of
intimidation and threats?
Did we tell the truth to our nation and others around the world or
present an inverted version of it?
Were we on the side of people or the occupiers and oppressors?
Did our administrations set out to promote rational behavior, logic,
ethics, peace, fulfilling obligations, justice, service to the people,
prosperity, progress and respect for human dignity or the force of guns,
intimidation, insecurity, disregard for the people, delaying the progress
and excellence of other nations, and trample on people's rights?
And finally, they will judge us on whether we remained true to our oath of
office --to serve the people, which is our main task, and the traditions of
the prophets --or not?
Mr. President,
How much longer can the world tolerate this situation?
Where will this trend lead the world to?
How long must the people of the world pay for the incorrect decisions of
some rulers?
How much longer will the specter of insecurity - raised from the stockpiles
of weapons of mass destruction -- hunt the people of the world?
How much longer will the blood of the innocent men, women and children be
spilled on the streets, and people's houses destroyed over their heads?
Are you pleased with the current condition of the world?
Do you think present policies can continue?
If the billions of dollars spent on security, military campaigns and troop
movement were instead spent on investment and assistance for poor
countries, promotion of health, combating different diseases, education and
improvement of mental and physical fitness, assistance to the victims of
natural disasters, creation of employment opportunities and production,
development projects and poverty alleviation, establishment of peace,
mediation between disputing states, and extinguishing the flames of racial,
ethnic and other conflicts, were would the world be today? Would not your
government and people be justifiably proud?
Would not your administration's political and economic standing have been
stronger?
And I am most sorry to say, would there have been an ever increasing global
hatred of the American government?
Mr. President, it is not my intention to distress anyone.
If Prophet Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Ishmael, Joseph, or Jesus Christ (PBUH)
were with us today, how would they have judged such behavior? Will we be
given a role to play in the promised world, where justice will become
universal and Jesus Christ (PBUH) will be present? Will they even accept us?
My basic question is this: Is there no better way to interact with the rest
of the world? Today there are hundreds of millions of Christians, hundreds
of millions of Muslims and millions of people who follow the teachings of
Moses (PBUH). All divine religions share and respect one word and that is
"monotheism" or belief in a single God and no other in the world.
The Holy Koran stresses this common word and calls on all followers of
divine religions and says: [3.64] Say: O followers of the Book! Come to an
equitable proposition between us and you, that we shall not serve any but
God and (that) we shall not associate aught with Him, and (that) some of
us shall not take others for lords besides God; but if they turn back,
then say: Bear witness that we are Muslims. (The Family of Imran)
Mr. President,
According to divine verses, we have all been called upon to worship one God
and follow the teachings of divine Prophets.
"To worship a God which is above all powers in the world and can do all He
pleases." "The Lord who knows that which is hidden and visible, the past
and the future, knows what goes on in the Hearts of His servants and
records their deeds."
"The Lord who is the possessor of the heavens and the earth and all
universe is His court" "planning for the universe is done by His hands, and
gives His servants the glad tidings of mercy and forgiveness of sins" "He
is the companion of the oppressed and the enemy of oppressors" "He is the
Compassionate, the Merciful" "He is the recourse of the faithful and guides
them towards the light from darkness" "He is witness to the actions of His
servants" "He calls on servants to be faithful and do good deeds, and asks
them to stay on the path of righteousness and remain steadfast" "Calls on
servants to heed His prophets and He is a witness to their deeds" "A bad
ending belongs only to those who have chosen the life of this world and
disobey Him and oppress His servants" and "A good end and eternal paradise
belong to those servants who fear His majesty and do not follow their
lascivious selves."
We believe a return to the teachings of the divine prophets is the only
road leading to salvation. I have been told that Your Excellency follows
the teachings of Jesus (PBUH) and believes in the divine promise of the
rule of the righteous on Earth.
We also believe that Jesus Christ (PBUH) was one of the great prophets of
the Almighty. He has been repeatedly praised in the Koran. Jesus (PBUH) has
been quoted in Koran as well: [ 19.36] "And surely God is my Lord and your
Lord, therefore serve Him; this is the right path." Service to and obedience
of the Almighty is the credo of all divine messengers.
The God of all people in Europe, Asia, Africa, America, the Pacific and the
rest of the world is one. He is the Almighty who wishes to guide and give
dignity to all His servants. He has given greatness to Humanity.
We again read in the Holy Book: "The Almighty God sent His prophets with
miracles and clear signs to guide the people and show them divine signs and
purify them from sins and pollutions. And He sent the Book and the balance
so that the people display justice and avoid the rebellious".
All of the above verses can be seen, one way or the other, in your Good Book
as well.
Divine prophets have promised:
The day will come when all humans will congregate before the court of the
Almighty, so that their deeds are examined. The good will be directed
towards Haven and evildoers will meet divine retribution. I trust both of
us believe in such a day, but it will not be easy to calculate the actions
of rulers, because we must be answerable to our nations and all others
whose lives have been directly or indirectly affected by our actions.
All prophets, speak of peace and tranquility for man --based on
monotheism, justice and respect for human dignity.
Do you not think that if all of us come to believe in and abide by these
principles, that is, monotheism, worship of God, justice, respect for the
dignity of man, belief in the Last Day, we can overcome the present
problems of the world -- that are the result of disobedience to the
Almighty and the teachings of prophets - and improve our performance?
Do you not think that belief in these principles promotes and guarantees
peace, friendship and justice?
Do you not think that the aforementioned written or unwritten principles
are universally respected?
Will you not accept this invitation? That is, a genuine return to the
teachings of prophets, to monotheism and justice, to preserve human dignity
and obedience to the Almighty and His prophets?
Mr. President,
History tells us that repressive and cruel governments do not survive. God
has entrusted the fate of men to them. The Almighty has not left the
universe and humanity to their own devices.
Many things have happened contrary to the wishes and plans of governments.
These tell us that there is a higher power at work and all events are
determined by Him.
Can one deny the signs of change in the world today?
Is the situation of the world today comparable to that of ten years ago?
Changes happen fast and come at a furious pace.
The people of the world are not happy with the status quo and pay little
heed to the promises and comments made by a number of influential world
leaders. Many people around the world feel insecure and oppose the
spreading of insecurity and war and do not approve of and accept dubious
policies.
The people are protesting the increasing gap between the haves and the
have-nots and the rich and poor countries.
The people are disgusted with increasing corruption.
The people of many countries are angry about the attacks on their cultural
foundations and the disintegration of families. They are equally dismayed
with the fading of care and compassion. The people of the world have no
faith in international organizations, because their rights are not
advocated by these organizations.
Liberalism and Western style democracy have not been able to help realize
the ideals of humanity. Today these two concepts have failed. Those with
insight can already hear the sounds of the shattering and fall of the
ideology and thoughts of the Liberal democratic systems.
We increasingly see that people around the world are flocking towards a
main focal point --that is the Almighty God. Undoubtedly through faith in
God and the teachings of the prophets, the people will conquer their
problems. My question for you is: "Do you not want to join them?"
Mr. President,
Whether we like it or not, the world is gravitating towards faith in the
Almighty and justice and the will of God will prevail over all things.
Vasalam Ala Man Ataba'al hoda
(Peace be to those who follow the guidance)
Mahmood Ahmadi-Nejad
President of the Islamic Republic of Iran
© Copyright 2006 FCN Publishing, FinalCall.com
http://www.finalcall.com/artman/publish/article_2607.shtml
: <http://www.finalcall.com/artman/publish/article_2607.shtml> .  [CNN has it
too, but not in a format that can be copied.]
--------------------------
I will share a note from History Prof. Emeritus JOHNÂ Â A WILLIAMS
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]
: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > :
Mr Bush has dismissed Mr Ahmadinejad's letter as offering nothing that
merits discussion.  That is extraordinarily arrogant.  There is a great deal
here which might form a basis for fruitful discussion of nuclear
proliferation and oppression among nations.  Why has the text not been
made public in the American media?  Why should it have to be available
for distribution only on the internet?  As he points out, rulers and nations
are subject to judgement, whether in this world or one to come.
---------------------------------
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