I am not ‘anti anybody’!
After I wrote the messages on World War III, and the one on lesson 134, some wrote to me and wanted to know if I am ‘Anti American’!
The answer is ‘one thousand times no’!
Seemingly, I have gone a bit far in my writings! If, through my writings, you came to such a conclusion, you are simply wrong. I am trying to spread peace not war. I have no reason to be anti American. Most of my best friends are American. I am not anti anybody! I just write what I think is honest and true. This is our right to express ourselves freely. This, however, does not mean that I am gathering troops against somebody. (Terrorist is a hot topic these days and I don’t want to be one!)
Simply, I do not like the nature of cruelty, hatred, and dictatorship. That’s it. No matter ‘who’ the dictator is. If we are to judge, we should be honest in our approach. We should be willing to see different aspects of something from different perspectives. My point is that I don’t think we are always right. Others might be right too. As you might probably remember, Sohrab Sepehri says, “Let us wash our eyes. We have to see things differently.”
We should know why we hate somebody and vice versa. It’s that simple.
To relieve your mind, let me say it again that, ‘I do love people of all nations regardless of their color, ethnicity, and background’. People of the world are not the problem. The main problem is the policy of world leaders that is going to put people of different nations against one another. If leaders had mainly focused on their domestic issues as their top priority, our world would not have this much trouble today. By ‘world leaders’ I mean ‘all leaders’!
Hope this solved the matter.
Best,
Hassan H.

The world needs to be realistic
To attack a nation, to destroy the infrastructure of a country, to displace hundreds of thousands, and to murder hundreds of civilians in exchange for two captured soldiers is not logical. We are at the threshold of World War III.
We always assume those who are running massive propaganda against one nation or one group are always right. We almost never ask ourselves what that nation or that particular group is looking for. We never ask ourselves to go explore such groups and nations based on our own understanding. We simply put our trust and understanding ability on the shoulders of our governments. We simply accept such groups and movements are big threats to our nations since our governments say so. We simply believe such groups are terrorists by nature; and therefore, have got different chromosome and DNA. We simply believe other nations hate us because they are jealous of our progress, our freedom, etcetera; and therefore, are trying to attack us. We simply believe it is our duty to stand against any group or movement our government dislikes. We simply believe those who have got Middle Eastern faces are terrorists and must be avoided in our daily life. We are simply spreading hatred. We are simply telling everybody that we are better than others. We are simply racist and we do not want to understand this. We are blind since we have chosen our governments as our very own eyes. These are happening while we keep calling ourselves ‘civilized’.
We are reluctant to explore the truth. We do not want to take the risk to look for the roots of such hatred. We are so afraid and so selfish that we do not even wish to spend some time with those Middle Eastern faces.
The world today is filled with fear and hatred. For sure, this does not come from the civilians since they have lived in each other’s neighborhood for thousands of years. Such hatred is rooted in our governments’ policies and approaches. They want us to hate others because if we learn to live together peacefully they will have no more excuses to expand their empire. They want us to avoid others because if we learn to love our enemies they will not be able to satisfy their selfish ambitions. They want us to happily see off our children to war because they want us to get involved in what they are doing so that we will not be able to criticize them in future.
This new war on Lebanon is just one example. Those who are defending their nation must be called terrorist because our governments don’t like them. Instead of finding a peaceful way, the governments teach both parties to hate one another as if they are mother-born enemies. The point is that one party is rich; it has lots of tribunes, and has the support of most powers while the other is hardly equipped and has to use rooftops as their free tribunes in order to reach the world. Both, however, are the victims. The result is that they are killing each other in hatred. The result is that the world believes those who throw stones are dangerous people and must be hated. The result is that, from now on, if anybody tries to save his country in the form of a revolution will be simply called a dangerous threat to the society. They will be called Separatists and Terrorists since they throw stones to the dear soldiers of a government. The word ‘Terrorist’ has left the hands of authorities open in dealing with any kind of dissidents.
The picture I see now is this:
The world focused on Iran as an axis of evil. They were almost ready to attack such an evil when, surprisingly, the world witnessed the outburst of a new war in a different location. So, thoughts suddenly shifted from one location to another. Suddenly, Lebanon became the hot news maker. Yet, still, Iran is found guilty. This time, not merely because of their domestic crisis, but because of supporting a terrorist nation called Lebanon. As a result, things get connected more than before. One wrong step taken by Iranian authorities, by supporting Lebanon, could be enough to convince the world leaders that Iran deserves the attack since the world has no doubts that the Lebanese militants are already proven to be terrorists. According to the world leaders, terrorist supporters are terrorists themselves. The leaders of the world have worked hard on this to convince the world to believe in this approach. Those who do not believe are called ‘stupid’. So, this time, they will have enough proof to get the support of the people of the world should they start war on Iran or on any other country.
Based on the world leaders’ attitudes, Israel, for example, has the right to defend itself while Palestine must be called terrorist should they do anything to defend their soil. Strange world! People are brainwashed to believe that stone has become a weapon of mass destruction!!
Unfortunately, such policies are to spread hatred and war. Based on such policies, the world cannot live in peace anymore since the backbone of such approaches is self-centeredness, hatred, invasion, and domination. The world leaders are simply pushing the world towards the World War III. Believe me or not, such policies are the beginning of an end.
To avoid such a huge war, there is another way though. People of the world can prevent such a war. It is time for people to wake up and foresee what is going to happen to their planet. It is time for people of the world to stretch out their hands to reach people of other nations peacefully to get united and to stand against what the political leaders are doing. It is time to say no to such political ambitions. We can bring a lot of change before it is too late. The politicians are so involved in their politics that cannot see the reality anymore. They are no more realistic. All they are focused on is to get their selfish policies done regardless of the consequences.
Dear leaders of the world, I do not want to be rude or offensive. However, this is the truth that your foreign policy is spreading animosity.
My words may seem bitter. This is the nature of truth! Bitter medicines cure diseases better! Please think about it before you are put to eternal shame.
I am going for a global peace. Welcome aboard if you are on the same path!
Hassan H.

Sincere apologies
After I wrote the message on Zidane’s action, I read in news that what he did was personal. Today, Thomas wrote me from France. He also forwarded me the updated news on Zidane’s explanation that said, “French forgive as Zidane explains”.
So, I am happy to hear such piece-giving news. I guess Zidane’s relieving words give some better feeling to everyone now.
As a result, I wanted to delete what I wrote earlier about Zidane. However, I think what we do and the way we think is part of our own history. So, it’s not fair to cut out part of our past!! It’s all ‘new lessons’!
Special thanks to Thomas and sincere apologies to Zidane. Be careful man! You are a world star now. You do not belong to yourself anymore since millions of people have opened a room for you in their heart across the globe! You see, it’s not that easy to be so famous!
Hassan H.

Why Zidane?
I watched the final match that France played against Italy. Frankly speaking, it was not a very good game for the final! I think the best team this year was Argentina and the best game was the Argentina-Holland match.
Anyway, what was surprising in the final was what Zidane did! Zidane had 10 minutes to his glorious end. He had 10 minutes to say goodbye to soccer while, still, he was at his highest level as a footballer. Suddenly and surprisingly, he used his head not against the ball, but against the Italian player! What you read below is what passed through my mind at that very night. However, I thought I was exaggerating the events. So, I did not put my thought on paper until today after I read something strange in BBC news. The news said that some government authorities in Iran have welcomed Zidane’s action. They have even written to Zidane to praise his work as a peaceful Moslem player!!
Because of this, I changed my mind and decided to put on paper what passed through my mind during the game that night. This is what I thought:
Why Zidane? Your action could be ignorable if you did it as a normal player since such things are inevitable in such important matches. But, if it was politically motivated and you did so based on a preplanned mission and advice, you would be hated forever. If you did that to merely show an aggressive manner of people of one religion, you are simply a traitor. If what I think is true, you are like a chess piece in the hands of political powers; no matter if those powers are from West or East. The authorities in Iran are defending one religion in a wrong way to destroy it. Could they also be some ‘pieces’ chosen by some powers? If yes, what is the target?
If what I think is true, the World Cup in Germany started with a good message (say no to racism) and ended in a hateful action. Who are behind such movements? Such policies are to plant hatred among people of different nations and beliefs.
I deeply hope, and even pray, that I am wrong. I just wish Zidane will explain this to the world.
Hassan H.

در اضطراب چه باید کرد؟

دیروز سراسر در اندوه گذشت
و فردا
در التهابی نامعلوم
و من اما
در مرز میان اندوه و التهاب
با اضطراب چه باید کرد؟
هم خانه ام
Hassan H.

تفاوت

گنجشگکان جالیز
بر رویای سبز فردا می خوابند
و
جغد پیر باغ
کابوسی شبانه را
در طراوت خورشید می پزد
Hassan H.

This is another message from Thomas. He has kindly shared 5 of his pictures with us. Please click on the links below to see them.
Thomas, thank you again.
Best,
Hassan

Thomas says,
“Salam dear Hassan-jun
I just wanted to share 5 of my favourite photos from my trip – my farewell dinner after spending several days with my friends in Behbahan. You see the “simple country meal” (!!!!), even the 92-year old grandmother was there to wish me well, and finally, as I left …. A traditional “good-bye” ceremony that brought me to tears (I’m sure you’ll recognise it).
Take care and best wishes – Thomas”
NOTE: All pictures are copyrighted to Thomas Hodge

1- Sofreh or dinner table in Behbahan city!
2- Thomas and friends at Sofreh!
3- Iranian grandma at the age of 92!
4- Thomas goes under water, green leaves, quran, sugar cube, and money as a farewell ceremony!
5- Farewell ceremony tray/plate!

Dear all,
What you see below is a letter from one of our Easy Persian family members, who just visited Iran and wanted to share his experience with us. Let me thank Thomas for his time and concerns. I deeply hope he will be able to visit Iran again and again with lots of sweet memories!
If you happen to have something to share with others on this Weblog, please send it to me.
Thanks to all,
Hassan H.

The next is what Thomas has written:
Dear, dear Hassan-jun,
Just a short note to say “hello” and to tell you that my recent trip to Iran was totally fantastic and surpassed all expectations. It was, by far, the best of my 3 trips to your country. During the 25 days I was there I did a lot of travelling within the country, including trips alone to Shiraz and Behbahan (people told me I was the first tourist to visit Behbahan!), and not even the slightest negative incident happened : – every plane – bus – train – car – taxi trip was on-time and without mishap – and I discovered that my farsi is better than I thought (thanks to you). I was always able to make people understand me.
For the return trip to Paris, I was authorized to check 20 kg of baggage – but I had 54 kg (all carpets, kilims and textiles) !!!! The gate agent felt sorry for me – and charged me for 24 instead of 34 kg. Since my ticket was a free frequent flyer ticket, I didn’t really mind paying the €200 for the excess baggage. What turned out as a nice surprise was that after paying the money and returning to get my boarding card – I noticed the gate agent had put me in 1st Class! I thanked him profusely, and he told me he felt bad about making me pay for the excess baggage! I love those Iranians! Since the plane left Tehran at 01H35 (way past my bedtime) it was nice to have a bed on the plane.
I must say that with each trip to Iran I become more and more disillusioned and troubled by the way western governments submit us to mass brainwashing by giving us mostly negative images of Iran. We’re never shown that there is very little poverty and no visible misery, as you can easily see on the streets of San Francisco, in the suburbs of Paris or in numerous other western countries ; we’re not told that more than 90% of the Iranian population is educated (even the nomads!) and that essentially all young people can speak some English because it is required in school : we’re not told that the Mullahs, when you say you are American, insist you come to their home for dinner (this happened to me in Khomein); we’re not shown the grace and kindness of the average Iranian on the street when confronted with a lost tourist – they usually take you to your destination, or take your hand to help you cross the street; we’re not shown the chic and fashionable shops of north Tehran with Levi, Armani and Gucci boutiques (to name only a few) ; …. my list goes on and on and on ! The bottom line is that we’re being brainwashed by too many negative images from Iran and that the average Iranian is portrayed as chador-clad or bearded anti-American protestor, when, in fact, the average Iranian doesn’t care at all about politics and is only concerned with getting on with his or her life and having a better personal situation. For me, I’ve discovered that the Iranians still retain the “humanity” that so many of us have lost in the West. I only wish more people from the West would go to Iran to experience this first-hand. If they did, some negative western attitudes might change.
I love Iran and it’s people. With each trip there my emotional attachment with your country grows stronger. I’ll continue to go back every year as long as I’m able – Insha Allah !!!!!
With best wishes
Your friend in Paris
Thomas

First of all, I apologize for choosing such a confusing title! Read to the end and, maybe, you would choose the same!!
There is a Persian story that says,
“One day, a man saw a fox running away from a village towards a mountainous forest. He stopped the fox and asked for the reason of such a fear.
‘The villagers kill anybody who has three testicles!’ answered the fox.
‘This has nothing to do with you,’ the man replied, ‘everybody knows that you have got only two!’
‘I know,’ said the fox, ‘but, that is not the point. The point is that they kill first and then start counting!!’”
The international society experienced such a ‘testicle policy’ in Iraq where thousands of poor soldiers are still looking for the promised weapons!!!
Iranians also went through such a ‘testicle policy’ mainly in 1980s when hundreds of thousands were unfairly arrested, tortured, and killed by the government although the political oppositions were considerably guilty as well.
Poor Iranians called for help for about three decades while the entire world showed no sign of piece-giving interest or support. Millions of Iranians left their homeland because of their government while the international society, mostly European countries, started having brotherly relations with the Iranian government because of oil or lots of other ‘piece-giving’ products!!! This government is the same government that has been in power for the past three decades and the world recognized it as a legitimate power in Iran.
Then, one day, the world suddenly announced that this government is a big threat to the international society. There is a really big reason behind such a decision that should be explored. I guess the reason is related to those other reasons that put Sadam and the Taliban in power in both Iraq and Afghanistan and then, took them down when their mission was over while September 11 became the turning point in world’s new order. This is a ‘man-made’ history and common people of the world are encouraged to be obedient in ignorance!!
Whatever the reason, I doubt the recent efforts against the Iranian government are for the good of Iranian people because these people are those who cried for help for three decades and nobody cared.
I believe nuclear is not a ‘right’. It is a ‘capability’. I wonder if it is mentioned in any country’s constitution that having nuclear is the right of that country. Furthermore, I even doubt the international agencies, like human right agency, have given such a right to any country. So, this is not a ‘right’ for any country to have nuclear. However, as far as progress in science is concerned, countries are developing. We have lots of progress in science in different fields at our time, which our ancestors did not even think of. This progress will go on generations after generations. So, as far as progress in science is concerned, countries will move forward willy-nilly.
Now, we come to Iran’s issue.
This is what I do not understand:
1- If the international society accepted the government of Iran as a legitimate power in this part of the world, what is this crisis about? Why such a legitimate power cannot have the same facilities as others do?
2- If the international society does not accept the government of Iran as a legitimate power; and if they believe this government is a terrorist, why do they have such a close trade and diplomatic relation with such a government in the past 27 years? I remember President Bush once said both the terrorists and their supporters/allies must be punished!! Physicians, heal yourselves!!
As you see, there is a huge paradox here. This is such a lovely commercial world!!!
Please do not misunderstand me. I am not supporting the government of Iran. What I am trying to say is to be logical in your opinion and approach. We should be able to find out the truth. For example, we should know that not everything our enemy does is wrong and vice versa. What I want is peace and justice for everybody.
Based on the reliable documents, Iran has a long way to her first nuclear weapon. I have a question: do we have the right to attack somebody merely because we find him a potential threat?
The Iranian government killed and displaced millions of Iranians based on the ‘potential threat’ policy. And now, the international society is attacking Iran based on the same testicle policy!! Another paradox here. So, as a common person, I am left in confusion. Is this policy good or bad?
Let me give you a religious example since parts of such wars, maybe the main part, are religion-oriented.
Adulteration is condemned in almost all religions of the world. I am sure all of you know the weapons of adulteration!!! I am also sure that all of you already have such a weapon!!!! (Unless you have got some physical disorders!!!)
Now, this is the question:
Since your religion condemns adulteration and since all of you could be potential adulterous, do you have the right to punish each other?!
You see, you cannot punish somebody merely because he/she has something which is condemned. Well, you could do that if you were a dictator! Basically, people get punished for what they do, not for what they have (mainly, as far as knowledge and ideas are concerned). If you believe you had the right to punish the world for what they have, you would be somebody like Sadam, the Taliban, or the Khomeini regime, which you have been attacking now. As you see, this ‘Preemptive War’ policy leads to disorder, tension, hatred, war, and bloodshed. It is also spreading terrorism.
I know doctors say, ‘prevention is better than treatment!!’ However, you cannot apply such a policy here. If the world believes such prevention is good, they have no right to attack Iraq or Iran since whatever those governments do is also for the sake of prevention. They do all they can to destroy their oppositions to remain in power. And the world is doing the same to such governments. Another paradox. I am confused!!

In short, the idea of going for such dangerous weapons is wrong; no matter if you are part of west or east. Let us see the plank in our own eyes before we start looking for the speck of sawdust in the eyes of others. Let us have a world without such weapons so that the nations could live in peace. Such weapons could be dropped on Japan, Iran and her Airbus, Iraq, Israel, USA, Europe, or on any other parts of our world. Please be logical in your approach and let us have a peaceful world village free of dangerous weapons. Amen?
Hassan H.

“راهی نیست اگر بخواهم ”

از پنجره تا کوچه
از من تا تو
راهی نیست اگر بخواهم
بوران است و برف
اشکی در چشمانم زمزمه ای بر لب:”خدا ذلیلتان کند جوان مردم را اینطور…”
از من تا کوچه
تا باری که بر دوش داری
تا دژخیمانی که به دار می برندت
راهی نیست اگر بخواهم
غلغل سماور مشغولم می کند
“چه سماور خوبی خریده ام! جلدی آب را می جوشاند!”
شرشر آب جوش در قوری
“باید سه دفعه آب بکشم!”
قوری پر بر روی سماور
“تیار است!”
سینی را بر می دارم و در دلمشغولی مبهمی از دستم می لغزد و نقش زمین می شود
صدایی دور
طنین گلوله ای شاید
در صدای سینی گم می شود
حسی عجیب
می لرزاندم
تا پنجره می دوم
با دست
خطی بر بخار شیشه می کشم
اما از پنجره تا کوچه – تا ده – تا دریا
برف است و بوران و تنهایی
و شیشه هایی که بر بخارشان
حتی دستی
به گرمی
کشیده نشده است .
Hassan H.