Hal Womack 3-dan
2006-05-14 17:31:49 UTC
PRESIDENT MAHMOUD AHMADINEJAD'S LETTER TO SONNABUSH [ '06/05/09 ], FULL
TEXT
Mr. George Bush, President of the United States of America:
For sometime now I have been thinking, how one can justify the
undeniable contradictions that exist in the international arena --
which are being constantly debated, specially 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 hopes 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 and 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 ... of a ... criminals in a village city, or convoy for
example the entire village, city or convey 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 love
ones, their hands stained with the blood of others, subjected to so
much psychological pressure that everyday some commit suicide ant those
returning home suffer depression, become sickly and grapple with all
sorts of aliments; while some are killed and their bodies handed of
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 ... 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 theses
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 no exist.
The 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
rationalised 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 indigenous people were made refugees.
Hundred 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 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, Muslim 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 observes have confirmed that this government represents the
electorate. Unbelievingly, they have put the elected government under
pressure and have advised it to recognise 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 saying
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 dot 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 to 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 regions is translated into and portrayed as a threat to
the Zionist regime? Is not scientific R&D 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 utilised
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 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 corroborates 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-à-vis the scientific and nuclear
progress of the Iranian nation (just when all Iranians are jubilant and
collaborating 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
neighbours 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
traumatised by the attacks - some Western media only intensified the
climates 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 citizen 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 contrive 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 -
which I am hoping you will agree to some of it - is : Those in power
have 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 manage 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 raised the specter of intimidation and threats? Did we tell
the truth to our nation and others around the world or presented an
inverted version of it? Were we on the side of people or the occupiers
and oppressors? Did our administration set out to promote rational
behaviour, 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 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 distinguishing 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 governments?
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 behaviour?
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 Moslems and millions of people who follow the
teachings of Moses (PBUH). All divine religions share and respect on
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 an 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 Allah and (that) we shall not associate aught. With Him and
(that) some of us shall not take others for lords besides Allah, 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
which 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 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 salvations. 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 Allah is my
Lord and your Lord, therefore serves Him; this is the right path,
Marium.
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 wants to guide and
give dignity to all His servants. He has given greatness to Humans.
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 purity 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 the 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 effected by our actions.
All prophets, speak of peace and tranquillity 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 man 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 this 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 wolrd 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 organisations, because their
rights are not advocated by these organisations.
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
Mahmood Ahmadi-Najad President of the Islamic Republic of Iran
{ Text above was copied from:
Ira Krakow's Newswire
http://www.irakrakow.com/blogcritic/2006/05/09/full-text-of-letter-from-ahmadinejad-to-bush/
}
Links referenced within this article
Page 1
http://edition.cnn.com/interactive/world/0605/index.html
2
http://edition.cnn.com/interactive/world/0605/lemonde.2.html
3
http://edition.cnn.com/interactive/world/0605/lemonde.3.html
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http://edition.cnn.com/interactive/world/0605/lemonde.4.html
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http://edition.cnn.com/interactive/world/0605/lemonde.6.html
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http://edition.cnn.com/interactive/world/0605/lemonde.8.html
...........................
Find this article at:
http://edition.cnn.com/interactive/world/0605/transcript.lemonde.letter
TEXT
Mr. George Bush, President of the United States of America:
For sometime now I have been thinking, how one can justify the
undeniable contradictions that exist in the international arena --
which are being constantly debated, specially 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 hopes 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 and 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 ... of a ... criminals in a village city, or convoy for
example the entire village, city or convey 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 love
ones, their hands stained with the blood of others, subjected to so
much psychological pressure that everyday some commit suicide ant those
returning home suffer depression, become sickly and grapple with all
sorts of aliments; while some are killed and their bodies handed of
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 ... 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 theses
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 no exist.
The 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
rationalised 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 indigenous people were made refugees.
Hundred 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 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, Muslim 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 observes have confirmed that this government represents the
electorate. Unbelievingly, they have put the elected government under
pressure and have advised it to recognise 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 saying
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 dot 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 to 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 regions is translated into and portrayed as a threat to
the Zionist regime? Is not scientific R&D 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 utilised
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 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 corroborates 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-à-vis the scientific and nuclear
progress of the Iranian nation (just when all Iranians are jubilant and
collaborating 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
neighbours 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
traumatised by the attacks - some Western media only intensified the
climates 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 citizen 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 contrive 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 -
which I am hoping you will agree to some of it - is : Those in power
have 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 manage 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 raised the specter of intimidation and threats? Did we tell
the truth to our nation and others around the world or presented an
inverted version of it? Were we on the side of people or the occupiers
and oppressors? Did our administration set out to promote rational
behaviour, 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 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 distinguishing 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 governments?
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 behaviour?
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 Moslems and millions of people who follow the
teachings of Moses (PBUH). All divine religions share and respect on
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 an 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 Allah and (that) we shall not associate aught. With Him and
(that) some of us shall not take others for lords besides Allah, 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
which 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 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 salvations. 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 Allah is my
Lord and your Lord, therefore serves Him; this is the right path,
Marium.
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 wants to guide and
give dignity to all His servants. He has given greatness to Humans.
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 purity 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 the 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 effected by our actions.
All prophets, speak of peace and tranquillity 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 man 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 this 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 wolrd 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 organisations, because their
rights are not advocated by these organisations.
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
Mahmood Ahmadi-Najad President of the Islamic Republic of Iran
{ Text above was copied from:
Ira Krakow's Newswire
http://www.irakrakow.com/blogcritic/2006/05/09/full-text-of-letter-from-ahmadinejad-to-bush/
}
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