Who controls the Iraqi Shia?
Ahmedi-Nijad's Letter to Bush May 2006 - .txt format
Rebelling Against Our Selfish Genes
War in Iraq vs Containment
Full text of Ahmadinejad's letter to GWB
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also see discussion about Iran on our main forum - especially in the policy on Iran theread
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
To George Bush, president of the United States of America
"In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful, 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, especially in political forums and amongst university
students. Many questions remain unanswered. These have prompted me to discuss
some of the contradictions and questions, in the hope that it might bring about
an opportunity to redress them.
Can one be a follower of Jesus Christ (PBUH), the great Messenger of God,
feel obliged to respect human rights, present liberalism as a civilization
model, announce one's opposition to the proliferation of nuclear weapons and
WMDs, make 'War on Terror' his slogan, and finally, work towards the
establishment of a unified international community - a community which Christ
and the virtuous of the Earth will one day govern, but at the same time, have
countries attacked. The lives, reputations and possessions of people destroyed
and on the slight chance of the presence of a few criminals in a village, city,
or convoy for example, the entire village, city or convoy (are) set ablaze.
Or because of the possibility of the existence of WMDs in one country, it is
occupied, around one hundred thousand people killed, its water sources,
agriculture and industry destroyed, close to 180,000 foreign troops put on the
ground, sanctity of private homes of citizens broken, and the country pushed
back perhaps fifty years. At what price? Hundreds of billions of dollars spent
from the treasury of one country and certain other countries and tens of
thousands of young men and women - as occupation troops - put in harms way,
taken away from family and loved ones, their hands stained with the blood of
others, subjected to so much psychological pressure that everyday some commit
suicide and those returning home suffer depression, become sickly and grapple
with all sorts of ailments; while some are killed and their bodies handed to
their families.
On the pretext of the existence of WMDs, this great tragedy came to engulf
both the peoples of the occupied and the occupying country. Later it was
revealed that no WMDs existed to begin with.
Of course Saddam was a murderous dictator. But the war was not waged to
topple him, the announced goal of the war was to find and destroy weapons of
mass destruction. He was toppled along the way towards another goal;
nevertheless the people of the region are happy about it. I point out that throughout
the many years of the imposed war on Iran Saddam was supported by the West.
Mr. President,
You might know that I am a teacher. My students ask me how can these actions be
reconciled with the values outlined at the beginning of this letter and duty to
the tradition of Jesus Christ (PBUH), the Messenger of peace and forgiveness?
There are prisoners in
European investigators have confirmed the existence of secret prisons in
Young people, university students, and ordinary people have many questions
about the phenomenon of
Throughout history many countries have been occupied, but I think the
establishment of a new country with a new people, is a new phenomenon that is
exclusive to our times.
Students are saying that sixty years ago such a country did not exist. They
show old documents and globes and say try as we have, we have not been able to
find a country named
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
Mr. President,
I am sure you know how - and at what cost -
- Many thousands were killed in the process.
- Millions of indigenous people were made refugees.
- Hundreds of thousands of hectares of farmland, olive plantations, towns
and villages were destroyed.
This tragedy is not exclusive to the time of establishment; unfortunately it
has been ongoing for sixty years now.
A regime has been established which does not show mercy even to kids,
destroys houses while the occupants are still in them, announces beforehand its
list and plans to assassinate Palestinian figures, and keeps thousands of
Palestinians in prison. Such a phenomenon is unique - or at the very least
extremely rare - in recent memory.
Another big question asked by the people is 'why is this regime being
supported?' Is support for this regime in line with the teachings of Jesus
Christ (PBUH) or Moses (PBUH) or liberal values? Or are we to understand that
allowing the original inhabitants of these lands - inside and outside
The newly elected Palestinian administration recently took office. All
independent observers have confirmed that this government represents the
electorate. Unbelievingly, they have put the elected government under pressure
and have advised it to recognize the Israeli regime, abandon the struggle and
follow the programs of the previous government.
If the current Palestinian government had run on the above platform, would
the Palestinian people have voted for it? Again, can such position taken in
opposition to the Palestinian government be reconciled with the values outlined
earlier? The people are also asking 'Why are all UNSC resolutions in
condemnation of
Mr. President,
As you are well aware, I live amongst the people and am in constant contact
with them - many people from around the
It is not my intention to pose too many questions, but I need to refer to
other points as well.
Why is it that any technological and scientific achievement reached in the
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
Again, do such actions correspond to the teachings of Christ and the tenets
of human rights?
The brave and faithful people of Iran too have many questions and
grievances, including: the coup d' etat of 1953 and the subsequent toppling of
the legal government of the day, opposition to the Islamic revolution, transformation
of an Embassy into a headquarters supporting the activities of those opposing
the Islamic Republic (many thousands of pages of documents corroborate this
claim), support for Saddam in the war waged against Iran, the shooting down of
the Iranian passenger plane, freezing the assets of the Iranian nation,
increasing threats, anger and displeasure vis-á -vis the scientific and nuclear
progress of the Iranian nation (just when all Iranians are jubilant and
celebrating their country's progress), and many other grievances that I will
not refer to in this letter.
Mr. President,
September Eleven was a horrendous incident. The killing of innocents is
deplorable and appalling in any part of the world. Our government immediately
declared its disgust with the perpetrators and offered its condolences to the
bereaved and expressed its sympathies.
All governments have a duty to protect the lives, property and good standing
of their citizens. Reportedly your government employs extensive security,
protection and intelligence systems - and even hunts its opponents abroad.
September eleven was not a simple operation. Could it be planned and executed
without coordination with intelligence and security services - or their
extensive infiltration? Of course this is just an educated guess. Why have the
various aspects of the attacks been kept secret? Why are we not told who
botched their responsibilities? And, why aren't those responsible and the
guilty parties identified and put on trial? All governments have a duty to provide
security and peace of mind for their citizens. For some years now, the people
of your country and neighbors of world trouble spots do not have peace of mind.
After 9.11, instead of healing and tending to the emotional wounds of the
survivors and the American people - who had been immensely traumatized by the
attacks - some Western media only intensified the climate of fear and
insecurity - some constantly talked about the possibility of new terror attacks
and kept the people in fear. Is that service to the American people? Is it
possible to calculate the damages incurred from fear and panic?
American citizens lived in constant fear of fresh attacks that could come at
any moment and in any place. They felt insecure in the streets, in their place
of work and at home. Who would be happy with this situation? Why was the media,
instead of conveying a feeling of security and providing peace of mind, giving
rise to a feeling of insecurity?
Some believe that the hype paved the way - and was the justification - for an
attack on
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
Will the truth not be lost in a contrived and deceptive climate? Again, if
the truth is allowed to be lost, how can that be reconciled with the earlier
mentioned values? Is the truth known to the Almighty lost as well?
Mr. President,
In countries around the world, citizens provide for the expenses of governments
so that their governments in turn are able to serve them.
The question here is 'what has the hundreds of billions of dollars, spent
every year to pay for the Iraqi campaign, produced for the citizens?'
As Your Excellency is aware, in some states of your country, people are
living in poverty. Many thousands are homeless and unemployment is a huge
problem. Of course these problems exist - to a larger or lesser extent - in
other countries as well. With these conditions in mind, can the gargantuan expenses
of the campaign - paid from the public treasury - be explained and be
consistent with the aforementioned principles? What has been said, are some of
the grievances of the people around the world, in our region and in your
country. But my main contention - which I am hoping you will agree to some of
it - is:
Those in power have a specific time in office and do not rule indefinitely, but
their names will be recorded in history and will be constantly judged in the
immediate and distant futures.
The people will scrutinize our presidencies.
Did we mange to bring peace, security and prosperity for the people or
insecurity and unemployment?
Did we intend to establish justice or just supported especial interest groups,
and by forcing many people to live in poverty and hardship, made a few people
rich and powerful - thus trading the approval of the people and the Almighty
with theirs?
Did we defend the rights of the underprivileged or ignore them?
Did we defend the rights of all people around the world or imposed wars on
them, interfered illegally in their affairs, established hellish prisons and
incarcerated some of them? Did we bring the world peace and security or 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 administrations set out to promote rational behavior, logic, ethics,
peace, fulfilling obligations, justice, service to the people, prosperity,
progress and respect for human dignity or the force of guns, intimidation,
insecurity, disregard for the people, delaying the progress and excellence of
other nations, and trample on people's rights?
And finally, they will judge us on whether we remained true to our oath of
office - to serve the people, which is our main task, and the traditions of the
prophets - or not?
Mr. President,
How much longer can the world tolerate this situation?
Where will this trend lead the world to?
How long must the people of the world pay for the incorrect decisions of some
rulers?
How much longer will the specter of insecurity - raised from the stockpiles of
weapons of mass destruction - hunt the people of the world?
How much longer will the blood of the innocent men, women and children be
spilled on the streets, and people's houses destroyed over their heads?
Are you pleased with the current condition of the world?
Do you think present policies can continue?
If billions of dollars spent on security, military campaigns and troop movement
were instead spent on investment and assistance for poor countries, promotion
of health, combating different diseases, education and improvement of mental
and physical fitness, assistance to the victims of natural disasters, creation
of employment opportunities and production, development projects and poverty
alleviation, establishment of peace, mediation between disputing states, and
extinguishing the flames of racial, ethnic and other conflicts, were would the
world be today? Would not your government and people be justifiably proud?
Would not your administration's political and economic standing have been
stronger?
And I am most sorry to say, would there have been an ever increasing global
hatred of the American government?
Mr. President, it is not my intention to distress anyone.
If Prophet Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Ishmael, Joseph, or Jesus Christ (PBUH)
were with us today, how would they have judged such behavior? Will we be given
a role to play in the promised world, where justice will become universal and
Jesus Christ (PBUH) will be present? Will they even accept us?
My basic question is this: Is there no better way to interact with the rest
of the world? Today there are hundreds of millions of Christians, hundreds of
millions of Muslims and millions of people who follow the teachings of Moses
(PBUH). All divine religions share and respect one word and that is
'monotheism' or belief in a single God and no other in the world.
The Holy Koran stresses this common word and calls on all followers of
divine religions and says: [3.64] Say: O followers of the Book! Come to an
equitable proposition between us and you that we shall not serve any but 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 end and eternal paradise belong to those servants who fear His majesty and
do not follow their lascivious selves.
We believe a return to the teachings of the divine prophets is the only
road leading to salvation. I have been told that Your Excellency follows the
teachings of Jesus (PBUH) and believes in the divine promise of the rule of the
righteous on Earth.
We also believe that Jesus Christ (PBUH) was one of the great prophets of
the Almighty. He has been repeatedly praised in the Koran. Jesus (PBUH) has
been quoted in Koran as well: [19.36] And surely Allah is my Lord and your
Lord, therefore serve 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
We again read in the Holy Book: 'The Almighty God sent His prophets with
miracles and clear signs to guide the people and show them divine signs and
purify them from sins and pollutions. And He sent the Book and the balance so
that the people display justice and avoid the rebellious'.
All of the above verses can be seen, one way or the other, in 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 Heaven and evildoers will meet divine
retribution. I trust both of us believe in such a day, but it will not be easy
to calculate the actions of rulers, because we must be answerable to our
nations and all others whose lives have been directly or indirectly affected by
our actions.
All prophets, speak of peace and tranquility for man - based on monotheism,
justice and respect for human dignity.
Do you not think that if all of us come to believe in and abide by these
principles, that is, monotheism, worship of God, justice, respect for the
dignity of man, belief in the Last Day, we can overcome the present problems of
the world - that are the result of disobedience to the Almighty and the
teachings of prophets - and improve our performance? Do you not think that
belief in these principles promotes and guarantees peace, friendship and
justice? Do you not think that the aforementioned written or unwritten
principles are universally respected? Will you not accept this invitation? That
is, a genuine return to the teachings of prophets, to monotheism and justice,
to preserve human dignity and obedience to the Almighty and His prophets?
Mr. President,
History tells us that repressive and cruel governments do not survive. God has
entrusted the fate of men to them. The Almighty has not left the universe and
humanity to their own devices.
Many things have happened contrary to the wishes and plans of governments.
These tell us that there is a higher power at work and all events are
determined by Him.
Can one deny the signs of change in the world today? Is the situation of the
world today comparable to that of ten years ago? Changes happen fast and come
at a furious pace.
The people of the world are not happy with the status quo and pay little
heed to the promises and comments made by a number of influential world
leaders. Many people around the world feel insecure and oppose the spreading of
insecurity and war and do not approve of and accept dubious policies.
The people are protesting the increasing gap between the haves and the
have-nots and the rich and poor countries.
The people are disgusted with increasing corruption.
The people of many countries are angry about the attacks on their cultural
foundations and the disintegration of families. They are equally dismayed with
the fading of care and compassion. The people of the world have no faith in
international organizations, because their rights are not advocated by these
organizations.
Liberalism and Western style democracy have not been able to help realize
the ideals of humanity. Today these two concepts have failed. Those with
insight can already hear the sounds of the shattering and fall of the ideology
and thoughts of the Liberal democratic systems.
We increasingly see that people around the world are flocking towards a main
focal point - that is the Almighty God. Undoubtedly through faith in God and
the teachings of the prophets, the people will conquer their problems. My
question for you is: 'Do you not want to join them?'
Mr. President,
Whether we like it or not, the world is gravitating towards faith in the
Almighty and justice and the will of God will prevail over all things.
Vasalam Ala Man Ataba' al hoda
note:
also see discussion about Iran on our main forum - especially in the policy on Iran theread
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