In his latest New York Times op-ed, "Not-So-Crazy in Tehran" (http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/24/opinion/sunday/kristof-not-so-crazy-in-tehran.html), Jolly Old Nick acknowledges discrimination against Baha'is, gays and women (no mention of repression of Iran's Kurdish or Sunni minorities), but it's all about growing pains:
"Iran looks childish when it calls America the 'Great Satan' or blusters 'Death to America.' Let’s not bluster back or operate on caricatures. And let’s not choose bombs over sanctions and undercut the many Iranians who are chipping away at hard-line rule in tiny ways."
Or in other words, there is no need for the US to descend to their juvenile level of behavior. And when Iran bombs a Jewish community center in distant Argentina, killing 85 people and injuring hundreds, we need only remember that boys will be boys.
Iranian anti-Semitism? Sure it exists, but Kristof would have us know that it is counterbalanced by a single Jew in their government:
"Iran’s regime sometimes embraces anti-Semitism, yet Parliament has a Jewish member."
Wow, Iran has a token Jew in its parliament, who can be showcased by useful idiots such as Kristof? Here we have the travesty of Roger Cohen's "What Iran's Jews Say" (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/23/opinion/23cohen.html) all over again. I suppose if Iran has a token Jew in its parliament, surely there is no reason to concern ourselves with Tehran's threats to eradicate Israel.
And for the sake of good order, Kristof would remind us that the US brought this headache upon itself by eliminating Iran's archenemies, Saddam Hussein in Iraq and the Taliban in Afghanistan.
This blog entry would not be complete without reference to Kristof's observation that in Iran "gays can be executed." "Can be" executed? In fact, Nicholas, they are hanged. Just as women in Iran, who are accused of adultery, are stoned to death.
I am trying hard not to vomit. I hope that the LGBT community in the US boycotts The New York Times and its advertisers until Kristof issues an apology.
I am avoiding looking at these pictures, so I didn't read you post, but I read previous, related and I am familiar with Kristof's production. I think he's very "traditional" and continues the NYT wonderful traditions going back to Duranty and missing the Holocaust.
ReplyDeleteYour opinions reveal much more about your personality than about what goes on in Iran. If you want to drink blood, go to an abattoir. You wouldn't fight anyway. You want to send poor boys from rural states and slums to do it for you.
ReplyDeleteDear Anonymous,
DeleteThank you for your imaginative remarks that evidence far-reaching insights into the complexities of human nature. It might interest you to know:
1. I served as reservist in a combat unit for some 20 years and saw "action";
2. I continue to serve as a reserve officer.
3. Two of my children have served in combat units;
4. As all who read this blog know, I opposed US ground involvement in Afghanistan and opposed the Second Gulf War.
5. If Iran acquires a nuclear weapon, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Jordan have all indicated that they will initiate nuclear weapons development programs.
6. Even Kristof seems to acknowledge that if Iran acquires an atomic bomb, it will be used.
"Why don't you talk about the 200+ Nuclear weapons that the the Zionist entity has? Why don't say something about them being the one who introduced the nuclear bomb in to Middle East?! Or why don't you say something about the Zionist annihilating the Palestinians just because they are Muslims?!
ReplyDeleteThe Iranians don't need your help. You can't even help yourself you arrogant piece of ----.
Get real."
Well, this "charming" comment by a "charming" commenter was posted in response to Kristof's column. My response to it and similar ones wasn't.
Can you tell me where to find this comment? I will be pleased to have a "word" with Andrew Rosenthal. Thanks.
DeleteThank you, Jeff. This comment is signed "Esther Haman" (posted today) and there some other similar comments by the same person. There are of course other "charming" comments too.
ReplyDeleteAh, clearly I am upset. This comment was posted in response to Kristof's "Not-so-Crazy Tehran."
ReplyDeleteThanks. I sent an e-mail to Rosenthal. I will let you know what he has to say.
Delete"Iran’s vice president delivered a BALDLY [emphasis mine] anti-Semitic speech on Tuesday at an international antidrug conference here, saying that Judaism’s holy book"
ReplyDeleteThis how some Thomas Erdbrink starts a front page article in the NYT (spelling is his)
Make no mistake - The so called NYT is Der Neue Stuermer.