Kafkaesque absurdity

[Renaissance_Man]

118 Days, 12 Hours, 54 Minutes

On June 21, reporter Maziar Bahari was rousted out of bed and taken to Tehran's notorious Evin prison—accused of being a spy for the CIA, MI6, Mossad…and NEWSWEEK. This is the story of his captivity—and of an Iran whose rampant paranoia underpins an ever more fractured regime.

...Continued at: http://www.newsweek.com/id/223862/

[baradar_jackson]

Wait... a PRISON is an unpleasant place to be?

I'm shocked and appalled!!!!

[Guest Zahratul_Islam]

Wait... a PRISON is an unpleasant place to be?

I'm shocked and appalled!!!!

Its a pretty bad place to be when you have not committed any crime

[baradar_jackson]

Its a pretty bad place to be when you have not committed any crime

Maybe not in the technical sense

But the dude doesn't have any honour. How can you report on your country through a foreign media outlet with a clear anti-Iran agenda?

[sayedzeeshan]

^^He didn't make up any lies. Or did he?

[kadhim]

Journalist Maziar Bahari's account of captivity in Evin Prison, Iran. For your consideration and entertainment.

http://www.newsweek.com/id/223862

Some select nuggets:

"You've been to New Jersey, haven't you, Mr. Bahari?" The thought seemed to infuriate him, and I was struck by the feeling that for some reason he might have wanted, secretly, to go to New Jersey himself. The worst thing that can happen in any encounter with Islamic Republic officials is for them to think that you're looking down on them.

"It's not a particularly nice place," I said, trying to sound conversational.

"I don't care. But it is as godless as what you wanted to create in this country."

"I'm sorry. I don't understand."

"You were planning to eradicate the pure religion of Muhammad in this country and replace it with 'American' Islam. A New Jersey Islam." He was building his case, and my responses were irrelevant. "Tell me," he said, "did any of the women at the dinner party have their veils on?"

"No."

"Then don't tell me that you didn't have a secret American network. A New Jersey network."

"Well," said Mr. Rosewater, who had been fairly quiet up to this point, "we have interesting video footage of you. That may persuade you to be more cooperative." I could not imagine what that might be. Something personal? Something that might compromise my friends? But…I reminded myself I had done nothing wrong.

I saw the flicker of a laptop monitor under my blindfold. Then I heard someone speaking. It was a recording of another prisoner's confession. "It's not that one," said the second interrogator. "It's the one marked 'Spy in coffee shop.' " Mr. Rosewater fumbled with the computer. The other man stepped in to change the DVD. And then I heard the voice of Jon Stewart on The Daily Show.

Only a few weeks earlier, hundreds of foreign reporters had been allowed into the country in the run-up to the election. Among them was Jason Jones, a "correspondent" for Stewart's satirical news program. Jason interviewed me in a Tehran coffee shop, pretending to be a thick-skulled American. He dressed like some character out of a B movie about mercenaries in the Middle East—with a checkered Palestinian kaffiyeh around his neck and dark sunglasses. The "interview" was very short. Jason asked me why Iran was evil. I answered that Iran was not evil. I added that, as a matter of fact, Iran and America shared many enemies and interests in common. But the interrogators weren't interested in what I was saying. They were fixated on Jason.

"Why is this American dressed like a spy, Mr. Bahari?" asked the new man.

"He is pretending to be a spy. It's part of a comedy show," I answered.

"Tell the truth!" Mr. Rosewater shouted. "What is so funny about sitting in a coffee shop with a kaffiyeh and sunglasses?"

"It's just a joke. Nothing serious. It's stupid." I was getting worried. "I hope you are not suggesting that he is a real spy."

"Can you tell us why an American journalist pretending to be a spy has chosen you to interview?" asked the man with the creases. "We know from your contacts and background that you told them who to interview for their program." The other Iranians interviewed in Jason's report—a former vice president and a former foreign minister—had been arrested a week before me as part of the IRGC's sweeping crackdown. "It's just comedy," I said, feeling weak.

"Do you think it's also funny that you say Iran and America have a lot in common?" Mr. Rosewater asked, declaring that he was losing patience with me. He took my left ear in his hand and started to squeeze it as if he were wringing out a lemon. Then he whispered into it. "This kind of behavior will not help you. Many people have rotted in this prison. You can be one of them."

Bizarro world. Bizarro world.

[kadhim]

Maybe not in the technical sense

What kind of response is this?! Seriously. What the hell? Maybe not in the technical sense? What is wrong with you?

But the dude doesn't have any honour. How can you report on your country through a foreign media outlet with a clear anti-Iran agenda?

He works for Newsweek.

Edited November 26, 2009 by kadhim

[baradar_jackson]

He works for Newsweek.

I know that. It says that in the article.

But of course, you believe that all Western media outlets have only the purest intentions.

Moreover, I should add that Jon Stewart's brand of political humour is indeed specific to the United States. When I first saw it, I didn't understand it either. The fact that it looks like a news show doesn't help, either.

And I don't think you really know what "bizarro world" means. Bizarro world is where everything is the opposite of what is normal. And Bizarro Superman is Superman's counterpart in that world. I bet you thought I didn't know that, didn't you? Anyway you're using the term incorrectly.

Edited November 26, 2009 by baradar_jackson

[Bahadur Ali]

A white cat is searching for food in a dustbin.

The Western media will accuse it of being a Jihadist terrorist. The Iranian media will accuse it of being a Zionist spy. The whole world has gone insane....

[baradar_jackson]

A white cat is searching for food in a dustbin.

The Western media will accuse it of being a Jihadist terrorist. The Iranian media will accuse it of being a Zionist spy. The whole world has gone insane....

The difference being that our media doesn't reach a Western audience

Their media reaches an Iranian audience, and there are many Iranians who trust their media more than ours

That's the difference which everyone seems to be overlooking

[nme]

So suspecting a clown in an 'american spy' attire after an orchestrated riot is very undemocratic act of the Islamic Republic's authorities...? I dare anyone in the US or Europe to dress like a 'terrorist spy' and hang out somewhere after a bomb blast or any other acts that the so called terrorists are thought to have a hand in.

[Gypsy]

Moreover, I should add that Jon Stewart's brand of political humour is indeed specific to the United States. When I first saw it, I didn't understand it either. The fact that it looks like a news show doesn't help, either.

(salam)

I actually saw this specific Daily Show segment (spanning few episodes) with Jason Jones in Iran. It was not bad as what you normally see on the Western media. They were focusing more on Iranians on the street. All the issues being discussed were light weight and fluffy. I don't think people should be offended, because the Daily Show is a comedy show about fake news.

However last Sunday, they had Maziar bahari on CBS 60 minutes. I believe there is a complete transcript of the interview. I actually have a question. How does Iranians view these tortures which are being carried out in prisons? Is it acceptable over there? :unsure:

I know the USA carried out water boarding and other "torture" like techniques over here, but a majority of folks over here are against this. At one time, the administration did tried to put a positive spin on "torture".

Edited November 26, 2009 by Zareen

[kadhim]

So suspecting a clown in an 'american spy' attire after an orchestrated riot is very undemocratic act of the Islamic Republic's authorities...? I dare anyone in the US or Europe to dress like a 'terrorist spy' and hang out somewhere after a bomb blast or any other acts that the so called terrorists are thought to have a hand in.

Well, you certainly wouldn't end up spending 4 months in a prison getting beaten and interrogated by security officials for it, I can tell you that much.

[Returniste]

Unless there is some compromise and renewed terms of understanding between political/ideological groups within Iran, the polarization shall increase and national security will continue to deteriorate, making it more difficult for Iran to defend itself.

[Returniste]

Well, you certainly wouldn't end up spending 4 months in a prison getting beaten and interrogated by security officials for it, I can tell you that much.

Didn't you know that such imprisonment and torture is part of the 'legacy of 124,000 Prophets'?

[Guest]

I wish I could post this video every time I see all these posts, but then I wouldn't want to become a spammer......

[repenter-gone4awhile]

I wish I could post this video every time I see all these posts, but then I wouldn't want to become a spammer......

Case Closed!

Good post brother!

[nme]

Well, you certainly wouldn't end up spending 4 months in a prison getting beaten and interrogated by security officials for it, I can tell you that much.

yep, instead they ship you to their client states and outsource beatings and tortures. They call it 'rendition'.

[kadhim]

yep, instead they ship you to their client states and outsource beatings and tortures. They call it 'rendition'.

For spending time in public with a goofy commedian? No.

You might want to seek out better sources on the Western world than www.dieporkfilledwesterndogkaffirs.com

[nme]

For spending time in public with a goofy commedian? No.

You might want to seek out better sources on the Western world than www.dieporkfilledwesterndogkaffirs.com

I am sure you know about Maher Arar's case. If not then check the following link

http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/arar/

I really cant understand those muslims here in west that still believe in the existence of whatever values that are propagated & perpetuated by the western politicians and western political system. After 911 not only muslims were not judged by the merit of their association for that would be understandable during chaotic times (like it was the case in Iran) but by appearance and by race. If you looked like a muslim- you were a terrorist before proven innocent.

Edited November 27, 2009 by nme

[Returniste]

I am sure you know about Maher Arar's case. If not then check the following link

http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/arar/

I really cant understand those muslims here in west that still believe in the existence of whatever values that are propagated & perpetuated by the western politicians and western political system. After 911 not only muslims were not judged by the merit of their association for that would be understandable during chaotic times (like it was the case in Iran) but by appearance and by race. If you looked like a muslim- you were a terrorist before proven innocent.

This is a complete sidetracking of the issue that you people engage in--as usual. Shias who criticize the 'Islamic' Republic do not do so on the basis of Western guidance or ideologies; they do it because of their own adherence to the Imami teachings and their understandings of that. Yes, the West is brutal and wrong in many aspects and yes they do so much wrong; but, so does Iran and it has been thoroughly proven.

It makes no difference if the 'innocent' Supreme Dictator "didn't authorize it"; his clowns certainly commit all manners of the worst and most brutal acts of oppression, resembling Yazid and Saddam. The Shah's men also did many things he probably did not know about, but it is all irrevelant to the victims, don't you think? If Khamenei is in opposition to what his dogs do, then let him stop it or make the truth known. Why the rest of this hysterical nonsense?

[Guest]

This is a complete sidetracking of the issue that you people engage in--as usual. Shias who criticize the 'Islamic' Republic do not do so on the basis of Western guidance or ideologies; they do it because of their own adherence to the Imami teachings and their understandings of that. Yes, the West is brutal and wrong in many aspects and yes they do so much wrong; but, so does Iran and it has been thoroughly proven.

It makes no difference if the 'innocent' Supreme Dictator "didn't authorize it"; his clowns certainly commit all manners of the worst and most brutal acts of oppression, resembling Yazid and Saddam. The Shah's men also did many things he probably did not know about, but it is all irrevelant to the victims, don't you think? If Khamenei is in opposition to what his dogs do, then let him stop it or make the truth known. Why the rest of this hysterical nonsense?

Unfortunately your second paragraph does zero justice to your first paragraph.

Your second paragraph sounds like (in terms of language, attitude, content) something straight out of Fox News. This sounds more emotional than factual. We as Shias should have a much higher standard in argument than this.

Please, watch this video for all of our sakes, if you are actually interested in constructive discussion and dialogue, instead of counterproductive and insulting rhetoric....

Edited November 28, 2009 by Mahdaviat

[shiasoldier786]

It makes no difference if the 'innocent' Supreme Dictator "didn't authorize it"; his clowns certainly commit all manners of the worst and most brutal acts of oppression, resembling Yazid and Saddam.

Please enlighten me.

[kadhim]

I am sure you know about Maher Arar's case. If not then check the following link

http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/arar/

I really cant understand those muslims here in west that still believe in the existence of whatever values that are propagated & perpetuated by the western politicians and western political system. After 911 not only muslims were not judged by the merit of their association for that would be understandable during chaotic times (like it was the case in Iran) but by appearance and by race. If you looked like a muslim- you were a terrorist before proven innocent.

LOL. You know why that became a big story and something happened in response? Because in Canada we have freedom of speech and press. The press, including, and especially the state sponsored station, CBC, were active in publicizing this story and criticizing the politicians about it. Opposition politicians spoke out about the case without fear of being jailed or added to some blacklist of politicians who are blocked from running for future office.

In a word, it became a story because of our system working.

[Guest]

^That's great to know that the system is working, especially since Canada for a long time has been under constant military threat, economic sanction, and was forced into this eight year war with the United States, and many lives were lost. All of Ontario was pretty much in ruin. Add that to a brain drain as well as some general incompetence in middle level management, and yeah, I'm surprised Canada is doing so well.

I fear for the nature of the Canadian revolution, apparently France has been pumping millions into satellite channels and cultural propaganda about how the Canadian way of life is inferior to the French. Apparently all the Canadian martyrs fought for nothing. And apparently some outside militia force is being funded to strike Canada, missiles from neighboring Greenland.

But the Canadians better watch out, they better not get too tough on the choas around them, because only the French and Americans are allowed to be tough, and they have a nice fancy and beautiful rug to sweep it all under, so it's fine. And that rug is so nice, it's beautiful, clearly nothing could be hidden under such a beautiful rug! Also, those mean and inferior Canadians better not accidentally trip and fall, because the world revolves around their weaknesses, not their strengths. And the French are unforgiving for revolutions in their infancy, unless its their own of course.

:angel:

Edited November 29, 2009 by Mahdaviat

[nme]

LOL. You know why that became a big story and something happened in response? Because in Canada we have freedom of speech and press. The press, including, and especially the state sponsored station, CBC, were active in publicizing this story and criticizing the politicians about it. Opposition politicians spoke out about the case without fear of being jailed or added to some blacklist of politicians who are blocked from running for future office.

In a word, it became a story because of our system working.

same irrelevant arguments. There is a joke about Pashtuns in Afghanistan that relates to such arguments as free speech or freedom of press etc. The story goes- The Judge asks the defendant (Pashtun) why he stole the gardener's fruits" to which the defendant replies 'It was so because his daughter had pink sandals'..... totally unrelated.

I dont believe in any freedom but the expediency of the apparatus of the state. Where they have TOTAL control they throw the masses bones under the name of freedom of this or thte right of that.... but the moment its monopoly of control is challenged it takes those freedoms far too quicker than they give them. You know that people could be deported without even getting to see the evidence tying them to whatever they are accused of? Not untill so long ago the West (contrasting itself with the godless commies) prided itself with freedom of religion. They were so convinced by their propagated arguments that they even started believing in it as some noble truth. How is the case today? Religion is the number one institution that is under attack. In the name of religion resource wars are waged and masses discriminated. Today French children of muslim faith cannot wear their headscarves or the ridiculous and retarded move of the oh so liberal swiss to have banned the minarets etc. All it took to derail West of its bs freedom wagon was apparently some 19 terrorists and three planes.

No amount of freedom of press or the operation of the system could justify the amount of pain that mahr's family and friends went through.

My Point- freedom etc are meaningless and non existent. Its a concept that justifies oppression of the strong over the weak. It was through such arguments that the wealthy secured the Iraqi resources through the suffering of the masses- be it that american family that lost their dear ones or the countless and nameless innocent Iraqi victims.

[nme]

This is a complete sidetracking of the issue that you people engage in--as usual. Shias who criticize the 'Islamic' Republic do not do so on the basis of Western guidance or ideologies; they do it because of their own adherence to the Imami teachings and their understandings of that. Yes, the West is brutal and wrong in many aspects and yes they do so much wrong; but, so does Iran and it has been thoroughly proven.

It makes no difference if the 'innocent' Supreme Dictator "didn't authorize it"; his clowns certainly commit all manners of the worst and most brutal acts of oppression, resembling Yazid and Saddam. The Shah's men also did many things he probably did not know about, but it is all irrevelant to the victims, don't you think? If Khamenei is in opposition to what his dogs do, then let him stop it or make the truth known. Why the rest of this hysterical nonsense?

I am not really sure what you are talking about but I still will give it a try. You are talking of the 'most brutal acts of oppression' right, let me quiz you then.

Weapons accelerates mass murder. Whether in Republic of Congo, or Rwanda or Afghanistan or Iraq or Vietnam- masses were slaughtered by weapons of different sizes and calibers, Weapons are the instrument of chaos and abuse. Whose economy depends on producing those weapons? Whose wellbeing is inversely related to that of the world?

1- Iran

2- Western countries.

[kadhim]

same irrelevant arguments. There is a joke about Pashtuns in Afghanistan that relates to such arguments as free speech or freedom of press etc. The story goes- The Judge asks the defendant (Pashtun) why he stole the gardener's fruits" to which the defendant replies 'It was so because his daughter had pink sandals'..... totally unrelated.

I dont believe in any freedom but the expediency of the apparatus of the state. Where they have TOTAL control they throw the masses bones under the name of freedom of this or thte right of that.... but the moment its monopoly of control is challenged it takes those freedoms far too quicker than they give them. You know that people could be deported without even getting to see the evidence tying them to whatever they are accused of? Not untill so long ago the West (contrasting itself with the godless commies) prided itself with freedom of religion. They were so convinced by their propagated arguments that they even started believing in it as some noble truth. How is the case today? Religion is the number one institution that is under attack. In the name of religion resource wars are waged and masses discriminated. Today French children of muslim faith cannot wear their headscarves or the ridiculous and retarded move of the oh so liberal swiss to have banned the minarets etc. All it took to derail West of its bs freedom wagon was apparently some 19 terrorists and three planes.

No amount of freedom of press or the operation of the system could justify the amount of pain that mahr's family and friends went through.

My Point- freedom etc are meaningless and non existent. Its a concept that justifies oppression of the strong over the weak. It was through such arguments that the wealthy secured the Iraqi resources through the suffering of the masses- be it that american family that lost their dear ones or the countless and nameless innocent Iraqi victims.

Your lame post is a joke, that's for sure. I accept your admission of defeat.

[nme]

Your lame post is a joke, that's for sure. I accept your admission of defeat.

unlike you, i am not concerned with defeat or victory but explaining the truth of the reality around me as a human being and not as a western or an eastern or any other man made overlays. If you vant viktory however then prove it aint so.

[kadhim]

unlike you, i am not concerned with defeat or victory but explaining the truth of the reality around me as a human being and not as a western or an eastern or any other man made overlays. If you vant viktory however then prove it aint so.

Buddy, you clearly are not living in reality if you are unable to acknowledge the benefit of human freedom, and the basic differences in levels of freedom between a place like Canada and a place like Iran.

Here in Canada, we make our share of mistakes. The difference here is that when they happen, any person can read about them or hear about them in the daily news. That you try to laugh that basic difference off as "irrelevant" just goes to show how out of touch you are with the things that are truly relevant.

[Guest]

^Bro, I don't think anyone is denying that there are certain short-term perks and individual freedoms (within a Canadian cultural context at least). But not every nation has the same goals, objectives, and more importantly, does not have the same history. Making some kind of comparison between Canada and Iran based on a skewed Canadian perspective is misleading, and if you are so inclined, unfair.

I think my only point is that it is not free, it came with a price, and more than often such "free" systems in the West were done at the expense of third world nations, either through centuries of military, corporate, or cultural domination. Kind of like a big tree with roots branching and absorbing all the soil around it.

I don't believe it has anything to do inherently with individualism or secularism as an absolutist system, it merely works within a relative context, in a particular part of the world and a particular history, and now, in a particular time period. We know during the time of Imam Mehdi (a), such a system will be dismantled in favor of a fair and just Islamic system, and then the discussion will be irrelevant. It will be time for the grown ups who actually invented the wheel to rule again, rather than their contemporary human beings who claim they are the inventors and saviors.

Just don't compare apples and oranges. One runner is in a nice condition because he stole other people's training equipment and took a few drugs here and there, while the other runner has bad shoes, a few bullet holes, and is pretty dehydrated. I don't know, but not just as a Muslim, but as a human being at large, something is wrong with this picture.

[kadhim]

^Bro, I don't think anyone is denying that there are certain short-term perks and individual freedoms (within a Canadian cultural context at least). But not every nation has the same goals, objectives, and more importantly, does not have the same history. Making some kind of comparison between Canada and Iran based on a skewed Canadian perspective is misleading, and if you are so inclined, unfair.

I think my only point is that it is not free, it came with a price, and more than often such "free" systems in the West were done at the expense of third world nations, either through centuries of military, corporate, or cultural domination. Kind of like a big tree with roots branching and absorbing all the soil around it.

I don't believe it has anything to do inherently with individualism or secularism as an absolutist system, it merely works within a relative context, in a particular part of the world and a particular history, and now, in a particular time period. We know during the time of Imam Mehdi (a), such a system will be dismantled in favor of a fair and just Islamic system, and then the discussion will be irrelevant. It will be time for the grown ups who actually invented the wheel to rule again, rather than their contemporary human beings who claim they are the inventors and saviors.

Just don't compare apples and oranges. One runner is in a nice condition because he stole other people's training equipment and took a few drugs here and there, while the other runner has bad shoes, a few bullet holes, and is pretty dehydrated. I don't know, but not just as a Muslim, but as a human being at large, something is wrong with this picture.

What a load of BS. If the majority of Muslims are as deep in denial of the roots of Western successes and the roots of their own failures, the winter will last for a good deal longer yet.

[mohalamine]

786-92-110

EDITED

Mod's Note: No swear words, unmannered replies or racist comments, especially when directed at other members. A warning followed by a temporary ban shall be met. If a member repeats their offensive or racist language, a permanent ban will take place. No excuses.

3 day suspension.

Edited December 3, 2009 by Zareen
warning issued

[Guest]

What a load of BS. If the majority of Muslims are as deep in denial of the roots of Western successes and the roots of their own failures, the winter will last for a good deal longer yet.

Wow, i'm just, wow.

Have you ever taken a step outside your home?

[kadhim]

Wow, i'm just, wow.

Have you ever taken a step outside your home?

Yes. Have you?