Iranian Supreme Leader slams US presence in Middle East

[syed_z]

http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=134157&sectionid=351020101


Leader slams US presence in Mideast
Sat, 10 Jul 2010 10:05:59 GMT

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Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei


Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has slammed US military presence in the Middle East.

"US claims about going to war in order to establish security and justice are sheer lies," Ayatollah Khamenei said on the anniversary of Muhammad's (PBUH) rise to prophethood in a meeting with top Iranian officials and foreign ambassadors in Tehran on Saturday.

The Leader added that Washington had spent 600 billion dollars in 2009 to fund its military endeavors in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as to help Israel maintain instability in the Middle East.

"Such military weapons are used to suppress the Muslims nation of Afghanistan, dominate the Iraqi nation and help the evil Zionist regime to cause tension in the Middle East," Ayatollah Khamenei added.

The Leader reiterated that as long as superpowers are in charge of international affairs, wars, insecurity and injustice will continue in the world.

Ayatollah Khamenei went on to say that the worlds leading arms producers initiate wars in order to profit from selling arms, adding that Islam opposes such powers and considers them corrupt.

"One of the reasons behind the collapse of arrogant powers is Muslim consciousness which has caused these powers to lose their capability," Ayatollah Khamenei stated.

The Leader stressed the importance of strengthening unity among Muslim nations and said those against the prosperity of humanity are more threatened where there is more Muslim consciousness. "This is why hostilities have increased towards the Islamic Republic of Iran."

"Arrogant powers have made efforts against the Islamic establishment over the past 31 years. Despite all hostilities, the Islamic Republic has become more powerful than before."

Ayatollah Khamenei urged Muslim nations and countries to improve self-confidence and do not fear arrogant powers "because their power is fake, unreal and nearing collapse."

 

[Rhubarb Tart]

wow he can talk? I mean Iran is such a lovely country and absolutely fabulous!

 

[Jedi]

wow he can talk? I mean Iran is such a lovely country and absolutely fabulous!

Hi sweets,
The natural country may be as you say!

Do you know how iran treats it's people?

i.e. If you were walking down the street, and your head scarf had slipped and the modesty police were about!
They would would give you a good beating with wooden sticks!
Hope you don't wear trousers either!
That's almost a hanging offence!

 

[جوري]

Why not ask Iranian women instead of speaking on their behalf?

more Iranian women in their parliament than you have in the west and I guarantee you far better educated than your ghetto trash!

 

[Predator]

Hi sweets,


Do you know how iran treats it's people?

i.e. If you were walking down the street, and your head scarf had slipped and the modesty police were about!
They would would give you a good beating with wooden sticks!

The same ruling should be implemented in your zionist countries so that the rapists can be kept in check

Western talk of women’s liberalization is nothing but a disguised form of exploitation of her body, degradation of her soul, and deprivation of her honour. Western society claims to have ‘uplifted’ women.
On the contrary it has actually degraded them to the status of concubines, mistresses and society butterflies who are mere tools in the hands of pleasure seekers and sex marketers, hidden behind the colorful screen of ‘art’ and ‘culture’.

Your zionist countries have the highest rates of rape and Saudi Arabia which implements the islamic ruling is last


http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/cri_rap_percap-crime-rapes-per-capita


Consider a scenario where the Islamic hijaab is followed in America. . Every woman wears the Islamic hijaab, that is the complete body is covered except the face and the hands upto the wrist. After this if any man commits rape he is given capital punishment. I ask you, in such a scenario, will the rate of rape in America increase, will it remain the same, or will it decrease? It will decrease

As soon as Islamic rules are implemented , positive results will be inevitable and when it is implemented in any part of the world, whether it is America or Europe, society will breathe easier.

 

[Abdul Wahid]

It's a pity other Muslim nations stay quiet. They are the puppets of the West.

More power to Iran. They have the courage and guts to stand up to the West.

 

[Woodrow]

I find Iran to be very much a paradox. It reminds me of Churchills description of Russia:

A form of Winston Churchill's quotation, made in a radio broadcast in October 1939:

"I cannot forecast to you the action of Russia. It is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma; but perhaps there is a key. That key is Russian national interest."

Sometimes I see Iran as being the most Western Like country in the Middle East. The people seem to have a fascination with all products American and American Tourists to Iran see a very Westernized Iran from the Discotheques to the music to the clothing. I also see many very pious Muslims from Iran, but also some very fanatical Shii. The country is a paradox often a strong allie of the USA and at the same time the most outspoken critic.

I have a strange feeling that Iran is a "closet" supporter of the USA. Just basing this on the huge Iranian population here in the USA. I believe it is safe to say that every person living in Iran has at least one relative who is a US citizen. Also Iranian language and cultural is much more like English/Germanic than it is to the culture of the Arab world. Farsi is considered to be an Indo-European language and is in the same family as English

A very Paradoxical country..

 

[Rhubarb Tart]

Hi sweets,
The natural country may be as you say!

Do you know how iran treats it's people?

i.e. If you were walking down the street, and your head scarf had slipped and the modesty police were about!
They would would give you a good beating with wooden sticks!
Hope you don't wear trousers either!
That's almost a hanging offence!

Salam

Bull

Some of their laws are abhorrent but their society isn’t as bad as you make out! I know plenty of Iranian Muslims and non Muslims women that tell me this. It isn’t as bad as you make out. Women can work there and etc.

If hanging occurs for those simple reasons, we would have heard about it at least. I haven’t.

It like people thinking Somalis are constantly at each others throat in Somalia, like they always hear on the news. I can tell you this, this is not true. Don’t generalise the experience even though the country does have its problems.

Jog on Troll.

 

[Woodrow]

Salam

Bull

Some of their laws are abhorrent but their society isn’t as bad as you make out! I know plenty of Iranian Muslims and non Muslims women that tell me this. It isn’t as bad as you make out. Women can work there and etc.

If hanging occurs for those simple reasons, we would have heard about it at least. I haven’t.

It like people thinking Somalis are constantly at each others throat in Somalia, like they always hear on the news. I can tell you this, this is not true. Don’t generalise the experience even though the country does have its problems.

Jog on Troll.

To add to what you said. Iran is still a very popular tourist destination for American Tourists. Nearly all come back with stories of what a wonderful time they had in Iran and how friendly Iranians are to Americans. The "stories" about atrocities in Iran are not verified by the experiences of tourists.

http://traveltips.usatoday.com/american-travel-iran-11325.html

 

[titus]

I read your link Woodrow.

If the West had any countries that treated its tourists or minorities like Iran did there would be an uproar.

So any American that visits has to be escorted by a guide or the police get involved, and wearing jeans will get you "unwanted" attention for your Western beliefs? Think about if Iranians (or Muslims from any other country for that matter) were to visit the US and told not to wear their "Muslim" clothing because it is a sign of their Muslim beliefs or that they were not allowed to go anywhere not approved first and that they had to have a guide with them. It would be called a human rights abuse, a lack of freedom and a lack of respect, and rightfully so.

Also look at how the Iranian government treats "non-official" religions.

Yes, Iran is advanced in many ways and it is not nearly as backwards as many people would like to believe, but should we have a lower set of standards for Iran than for other countries when it comes to what is acceptable and what is not? Or do Muslim countries get a free pass on such things?

 

[Rhubarb Tart]

The law and the government don’t always reflect the people and their way of life, People need to start separating the two. I remember my teacher telling how bad Somalia is, and I am half Somali lol!

He even had audacity to argue back at me. He even said (and he hasn’t been there) that Somalia is not a true beautiful country as Kenya. Poverty and war is all there is. He didn’t seem to realise Kenya had violence and poverty too. So I can understand when people say this is not how their country is and its people are when it hits the front news.

 

[Rhubarb Tart]

I read your link Woodrow.

If the West had any countries that treated its tourists or minorities like Iran did there would be an uproar.

So any American that visits has to be escorted by a guide or the police get involved, and wearing jeans will get you "unwanted" attention for your Western beliefs? Think about if Iranians (or Muslims from any other country for that matter) were to visit the US and told not to wear their "Muslim" clothing because it is a sign of their Muslim beliefs or that they were not allowed to go anywhere not approved first and that they had to have a guide with them. It would be called a human rights abuse, a lack of freedom and a lack of respect, and rightfully so.

Also look at how the Iranian government treats "non-official" religions.

Yes, Iran is advanced in many ways and it is not nearly as backwards as many people would like to believe, but should we have a lower set of standards for Iran than for other countries when it comes to what is acceptable and what is not? Or do Muslim countries get a free pass on such things?

Muslims would still get unwanted attention if they were to wear "muslim clothing" in L.A, California or even New york. The only differences are Iran actually tells you, you would get unwanted attention.

Why are you comparing America (a country that had significant time to evolve and is more multicultural then Iran) to Iran?

 

[جوري]

oh look.. is this rick steve in Iran

spewing the occasional crap but enjoying his stay nonetheless?

 

[Woodrow]

I read your link Woodrow.

If the West had any countries that treated its tourists or minorities like Iran did there would be an uproar.

So any American that visits has to be escorted by a guide or the police get involved, and wearing jeans will get you "unwanted" attention for your Western beliefs? Think about if Iranians (or Muslims from any other country for that matter) were to visit the US and told not to wear their "Muslim" clothing because it is a sign of their Muslim beliefs or that they were not allowed to go anywhere not approved first and that they had to have a guide with them. It would be called a human rights abuse, a lack of freedom and a lack of respect, and rightfully so.

Also look at how the Iranian government treats "non-official" religions.

Yes, Iran is advanced in many ways and it is not nearly as backwards as many people would like to believe, but should we have a lower set of standards for Iran than for other countries when it comes to what is acceptable and what is not? Or do Muslim countries get a free pass on such things?

Gee I wonder why the Iranian government would place any restrictions on tourists. I wouldn't think that they have any reason to fear any acts of sabotage? It wouldn't because they have any reason to believe some people might have reasons to visit with intents other than tourism? It can't be that there are people who want to destroy Iran?

These restrictions are of fairly recent development. I suspect they have more to do with self preservation and protection of the people than to control genuine tourists. It would be a bit fool-hardy for Iran to allow unrestricted travel for foreign tourists given the current animosity by many against them. The last time I was in Iran was while it was still under the Shah, so my personal experiences are no longer valid. I can only speak of what I learned from tourists and immigrants.

Personally I am quite anti-Iranian government, but I do find the majority of Iranian people to be friendly-- almost to a fault.

We do have some similar restrictions here in the USA. Try piloting a small private aircraft cross country and see the number of "no fly zones" you have to avoid. It is at the point I would rather walk across the Eastern states than having to dodge certain "areas" that are usually right smack in the middle of my shortest route.

 

[titus]

I wouldn't think that they have any reason to fear any acts of sabotage? It wouldn't because they have any reason to believe some people might have reasons to visit with intents other than tourism? It can't be that there are people who want to destroy Iran?

Do Iranian tourists have to have someone with them 24/7 when they visit? Yet how hard is it to find Iranians yelling "Death to America"?

If you think it is appropriate for Iran to place such impositions on tourists, do you think it would be appropriate for the US to put such policies in place for Iranians? Or Pakistanis or Iraqis or any other nation in which some segment has hostile intentions?

We do have some similar restrictions here in the USA. Try piloting a small private aircraft cross country and see the number of "no fly zones" you have to avoid.

I don't see how no-fly zones (which apply to US citizens as well) are analogous to tourists all having to be chaperoned by government approved baby-sitters and only being able to go where the government allows you.

Personally I am quite anti-Iranian government, but I do find the majority of Iranian people to be friendly-- almost to a fault.

With one exception every Iranian I have met has been quite nice also.

 

[Woodrow]

Do Iranian tourists have to have someone with them 24/7 when they visit? Yet how hard is it to find Iranians yelling "Death to America"?

I wonder if it is even possible for an Iranian to get a tourist visa to the USA.

http://www.globalvisas.com/us_immigration/us_tourist_visa__b2_.html

If you think it is appropriate for Iran to place such impositions on tourists, do you think it would be appropriate for the US to put such policies in place for Iranians? Or Pakistanis or Iraqis or any other nation in which some segment has hostile intentions?

Yes I do in fact I would like to see more restrictions set for visitors from all nations. I doubt if that will happen as the tourist industry makes more than 50 cents off of every tourist.

I don't see how no-fly zones (which apply to US citizens as well) are analogous to tourists all having to be chaperoned by government approved baby-sitters and only being able to go where the government allows you.

Just pointing out, restricted travel sometimes makes sense and is necessary.





With one exception every Iranian I have met has been quite nice also. [/QUOTE]

 

[titus]

I wonder if it is even possible for an Iranian to get a tourist visa to the USA.

LINK

It is. There are 3 month visitor visas as well as student visas which are more long term.

Yes I do in fact I would like to see more restrictions set for visitors from all nations. I doubt if that will happen as the tourist industry makes more than 50 cents off of every tourist.

I guess we can agree to disagree here then. I see no reason to treat all visitors like potential threats and assign government sponsored watchers for everyone.

Just pointing out, restricted travel sometimes makes sense and is necessary.

No fly zones are for everyone, though. The restricted travel in Iran is for some visitors only.

I think the issue is more one of paranoia than reality.

 

[Ramadhan]

LINK
I think the issue is more one of paranoia than reality.

When country A could just accuse of another for having an imaginary WMD and then attacked, invaded and occupied it, it is not really paranoia for another country who is being put in the similar position ("demonized") by country A to place travel restrictions for the citizens of country A.

 

[Zafran]

Its stuff like that makes people think your a troll - dont you know that wikiislam is an anti Islamic site??

 

[Pygoscelis]

When country A could just accuse of another for having an imaginary WMD and then attacked, invaded and occupied it, it is not really paranoia for another country who is being put in the similar position ("demonized") by country A to place travel restrictions for the citizens of country A.

I have to agree. Given all the posturing by the USA and the outright threats Iran has received and the invasions of not one, but 2 of Irans neighbours by the USA, I think Iran has every reason to be weary of any tourists from there or from associated nations.

That said, Iran IS under a very opressive regime, but I think that could change in time as we've seen with the recent protest rallies. Remember that Iran's demographic has a very high population of youth, and these youth are looking for change. I think it is only a matter of time before a new more secular government takes over, unless of course the USA or Israel attacks Iran, in which case the radicals will get more support and Iran could go the other way.