Ahmadinejad- Love Him Or Hate Him?
By Arfa Siddiqi • Jun 21st, 2009 • Category: Politics • 8 CommentsFollowing the turmoil in the protests against the Iranian 2009 election results, the public opinion would be highly critical, to put it subtly, with regards to the Iranian President, Mahmoud Ahmedinejad. The conservative politician is known for stirring up heated debates in his policies with the west, and his conservative views clash with the modern and progressive Iranian society.
However, I believe Ahmedinejad is worthy of praise- atleast when it comes to his foreign policy. I for one admire his audacious and courageous stand against being dominated by oil-hungry countries and he stays adamant and firm with regards to the ruling of his country. Allow me to explain. Ahmedinejad, with his audacious behaviour adopted towards dealing with subtle, hinted threats from the United States of America, has dealed with them in a way that I think is very admirable- because it’s upfront and ‘in-your-face’. People may argue that he lacks professionalism or that he should be more diplomatic, but considering how that policy is working for similar third-world countries, I think Iran is good on that front.
Don’t get me wrong- I support freedom and justice as much as the next person, and I in no way mean that I am an avid supporter of Ahmedinejad’s policies, but what I’m implying is ‘hate the crime, not the criminal’.
I highly criticise his policies and ruling system in Iran, and the enforcing of his conservative views upon the rest of the society and upon those who are forced into following them, but his dealing with threats and abuse from developed countries is admirable.
On the other hand, I would like to commend world leaders for their reaction upon the re-election of Ahmedinejad. It is better for the countries in general to not get involved in internal issues regarding other countries, because it’s not fair for them to do so. Elections and the like are internal matters that should be solved within the countries, and stay limited to that country, to avoid riffs and rows between different countries. It’s only fair that if we expect other countries to stay confined to their matters when they enforce their policies upon us, that we also expect them to mind their own matters when we’re facing political unrest. While I do think that human rights violations should be spoken against, it would be politically unwise to go ahead and denounce the re-elected president, a more subtle approach taken by the world leaders this time around has been applaudable.
I think this time around, with all the political tension among the various countries, many of the world leaders have opted for the safer route and merely hinted their disappointment over the re-election instead of going all out and public bashing the entire issue.
In the end, we are left with one notion: It is indeed frustrating, and to some extent- confusing for non-Iranians to understand which policy they should opt for- denounce a human rights violation with regards to no freedom or justice, or to quietly accept a situation which is does not represent them or their country and walking along the sidelines would be a safer option.
Which would you choose?
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Click For More Articles By Arfa Siddiqi I'm a teenage blogger, born in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. I'm of Pakistani ethnicity. I choose to blog about the current human rights violations and political activism, as a means to speak out against injustice and to create awareness and do my part in this world. I'm working towards becoming a journalist and a human rights lawyer. Through the process of blogging, I'm looking to share and debate ideas in order to increase my knowledge and understanding of the world around me, so any ideas, thoughts and notions you have, please share and enlighten me.
"Peace, in the sense of the absence of war, is of little value to someone who is dying of hunger or cold. It will not remove the pain of torture inflicted on a prisoner of conscience. It does not comfort those who have lost their loved ones in floods caused by senseless deforestation in a neighboring country. Peace can only last where human rights are respected, where the people are fed, and where individuals and nations are free." -Dalai Lama
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No doubt Admadinejad is one of successful President of Iran..But you know this win in Iran is going in favor of Israel and Arab countries. As you know Israel was waiting for that moment when differences starts in Iranian people and Israel get chance to attack on Iran.
Why Arab world is happy and very near to shake hands with Israel because a fear is spread in Arab world after Iranian minister claimed Bahrain as their province. This statement created tension in Arab world and now they want some one to attack and finish Atomic capability of Iran to keep Iran away from any action.
Lets see what happens but any new war will bring “End of Time” closer to us.
Saleem
Arab countries where monarchy is always way of ruling on the masses are biggest enemies of Iran after kominei revolution.Sadam was also supported on the same grounds and war was imposed on Iran so that it couldnt be emerged as real islamic bomb for Israel and common working class of Muslims.Production of talibanic characters is also chain of such dirty games in which our govt played pivot role so that they could be used anywhere against whabism or anti US sentiments.
Recent tension in urban cities of Iran is also linking with this game for which war on terror was planned in our sides.US here wants complete control so that in future china will try to interfere in her supremacy plans which they are forecasting then they will use this area as water bag or may be new war territory against china.These days new debate is started in US that why not hired the services of other nationals for fighting wars instead of sending US sons and daughters on the front line. So in such kind of messy stories Iran and ahmed Najit are really bones of contention in such maneuvers.
I strongly believe he is extra ordinary honest person with his nation but his rigidity on some issues are creating problems for their educated young class as they really want to match Iran with west.So he should be little bit of flexible for his new reforms in coming time.I hope that his honesty and dedication to his country will find some kind of positive solution of latest uprising in Iran.
Nazia- I agree with what you said, except maybe on the honest front- the elections do seem to be rigged, isn’t it?
He is extraordinary as he was the only leader in Iran to stand up to the west upfront, but he does need to tweak some of his policies a little bit.
My all prayers are for safe and prosperous Iran. Ahmadenejad is no doubt very honest and sincere President for its country.
I also have very good experience with Iranians, as good friends and colleagues. May Allah keep this whole region safe and away from any kind of war.
Miss Arfa,
I don’t think that elections were rigged. I was listening and reading analysis quite before the elections but not even a single time I heard/read that he will loose elections. No doubt there is a demand of changing policies up to some extent and allow young generation to use many new technologies as rest of world use (some how not in China also). but those people mostly lives in Tehran and in big cities… people living in country side still love Ahmadinejad and voted him.
So without proves no one can say that election was rigged? These anti Ahmadinejad people are playing in the hands of some other forces..nothing else. System should be tunned a bit but in Iran (not like Musharaf) one man cant change all policies. That is different nation..a nation where 65% of women do work… Not like Pakistan where women struggle to visit Masques even.
Arfa
you might don’t know that why ahmed is popular in majority.Its not his vision for anti US polices but his fair system of governance where all his team of ministers are accountable to people in transparent ways.That is why even his enemies couldn’t put any kind of criminal charges on him and just restricted their criticism on his orthodox styles.It might be requirement of urban youth of Iran too so that’s why He should seriously look into his weakness but it is also true that majority almost 65% is towards him and world shouldn’t have any doubt on his clear success.
here is beautiful poem tribute to the great dear leader Altaf Hussain pls share it with others and spread this word
TRIBUTE TO A GREAT LEADER Mr. ALTAF HUSSAIN
BY SYED KAMRAN
There are many kinds of leaders
But there are very few
Who turn out to be good leaders
And excel in all they do they do.
The way things ought to be
And sets a good example for
Everyone to see.
He teaches us to try our best
And strives to make us better
Yet must insist the rules be met
Right down to the letter.
Fairness and integrity
Must be realized
They play the most important part
And can’t be compromised.
Talent on this level
Can’t be found everywhere
But i know one great leader.
His name is Altaf Hussain
Nazia and Saleem-
Strong points made. I do strongly believe that Ahmed is good for his own country as long as he tweaks his policies up a little bit. He is courageous and upfront and brave and that’s what makes him powerful in his approach towards leadership.
The only problem one really has is the internal disputes that Iranians are facing with the clashes int heir views. The urban Iranians (which have become a majority) do not agree with Mahmoud while the others do. I think the solution to the problem would be for Mahmoud to change his orthodox views just a little bit and then let’s see how the Iranians respond to that.
I’ve always admired Ahmedinejad’s strong character and ability to say things as they are, however, I am in disagreement with his views of ruling a society with his opinions. Should that change come, I think simply put, he would be one awesome leader :]