Iran is going through a stage of government enforced oppression. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is putting down any opposition to his governing and many of Iranians disagree with his ruling. Iran, which is a predominantly Muslim country, (ninety-eight percent of the entire country is Muslim) needs to come together so Iran can expand its global markets and come back into the good graces of the United Nations. Mr. Ahmadinejad is damaging Iran’s global economy by pushing for a nuclear program which the United States is against. Iran’s disregard of the United States is causing global companies to pull out of Iran and this is impeding their economy. For a country that is predominantly Muslim, a religion that preaches love and caring for one another, its president represents the opposite. The New York Times reported Mr. Ahmadinejad saying “the Holocaust (is) a "myth"”, he then continued onto say “Israel must be wiped off the map.” For a country that is so heavily religious, the people of Iran have elected a man who cares very little for his fellow human beings and just as little for his fellow countrymen. The people of Iran need to look at the root of their religious belief and the they need to elect Mr. Ahmadinejad out of office and put a more morally centered man in power. With a more religious centered person in office, the United Nations and United States would ease off Iran and their global markets could be more prosperous.
-Patrick
I completely agree that current president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is morally corrupt and one of the leading causes contributing to the impeding rate of globalization within Iran. Considering the amount of political, social, and religious corruption within Iran is it fair to say that the people chose him to be their president without any form of compliance to a threatening government? In an article in The Huffington Post it says “Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was heading for a surprise landslide with nearly 80 percent of votes counted in Iran's stormy presidential elections, the Interior Ministry said Saturday. But his pro-reform rival countered that he was the clear victor and accused authorities of fraud.” His opponent, Mir Hossein Mousavi, had the support of the youth reformists who were advocating for change in Iran. Mousavi felt confident he was going to win this election. After Mhmadinejad took the election, there was an enormous amount of speculation as to how he won by such a landslide.
ReplyDeleteThis election has declared a new era in Iranian society. “Iran's elections are among the few in the Middle East that can see surprises _ and this year's campaign riveted the world's attention with its wide-open passions and Western-style tactics, including a savvy Web campaign and all-night street parties by Mousavi's young backers.” (Johnson) After the news of Ahmadinejad’s win reached the public, those who voted for him yelled “allahu Akbar” which translated to “God is Great”. Traditional worshipping Muslims feel that he was supposed to win and thanked God for it so you also have a point by questioning what is being taught within the Muslim population.
So yes Iran is still being ruled by a corrupt man who is doing everything but building up his country on a local and global scale and yes there were those who support what he is doing, but it is also obvious that people are in fact taking a stand against him and trying to change their government by encouraging Westernization. It’s a struggle for Iranians to try and promote a new Iran with so many odds against them, but they are continuing to fight.
-Victoria
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/12/irans-presidential-electi_n_214657.html
I also concur with your take on the issue, which also brings up a very interesting point: That by controlling the government and as such the education system, Ahmadinejad is able to instill his own desired take on Islam into the public, effectively corrupting the outlook on the religion of Islam not only to Iranians, but to the rest of the world as well. While he may call such beliefs Islam just because he follows the Five Pillars, this is not the case. “‘Islam,’ comes from word ‘salam,’ which means peace”(Why do “They”). Therefore, actions and statements, such as your quote regarding Israel being “wiped off the face of the Earth” completely discredit his Islamic standpoints. Looking into the foundations of Islam and seeing even the most basic facts, such as it being a religion of peace, can publicly display Ahmadinejad as the power-hungry tyrant he is, and help to bring more supporters from around the world against him in the fight for a new Iran.
ReplyDelete-Jeremy
I agree with many of the statements regarding Mr. Ahmadinejad; he is the main face of the problem. However, he is just that: a face. One must "dig deeper" to see the roots of the problem. Ahmadinejad, although the ruler of Iran for a surprisingly long duration of time, was not behind the massive collapse of stability in the Iranian and Middle Eastern area. He is but a part of the problem - he represents the problem, but isn't the cause. He has rode the tide of distrust of outside (i.e. Western) influences on the Iranian culture, and has provided a haven for conservative and radical Islam. Truly, he and his regime are a major cause of the bastardization of the Muslim religion so often cited in today's media.
ReplyDeleteAlso, one must question why the Iranian people have not called for the overthrow of Ahmadenijad sooner. Although there have been recent uprisings against the oppressive government, specifically in the recent "democratic" elections, there has been a disturbingly small amount of resistance. This, in my opinion, is a result of the Iranian culture and its desire for stability at the cost of equality and globalization.
-David
I also agree that many of the current problems within Iran are a result of Ahmadinejad's radicalism and unethical personality. Adding fuel to the fire are the radical Islamic groups such as the Shiites who impose their beliefs on society by use of force. However while I agree Ahmadinejad may not have been the sole cause of the turmoil, he has done nothing to ebb its continuous growth. I think in order to establish order within Iran, society and its mentality as a whole needs to be changed drastically. The radical groups need to be exalted and the people should begin having a greater voice in society. In order to begin this reformation, Ahmadinejad needs to be removed from office by whatever means necessary and a new ruler with a democratic ideology and concern for the people should be elected. However I do not think as Pat had said it should be someone who is more religious centered considering many of the current problems are a result of religion. I do agree however that a moral person should rule.
ReplyDelete-Jimmy
ReplyDeleteDo you think that the people of Iran may be living in a state of fear which is why uprising or rebellion may not be occurring? Fear can cause inaction.
ReplyDelete