“THE BRIDGE” welcomes contributions from talented writers, graphic designers, artists. Please contact us at: thebridgejour­ [email protected] T he Bridge Be the first to read “THE BRIDGE” . Join our mailing list to receive regular updates. Write to : [email protected] with SUBSCRIBE in the subject box. IRAN’S FIRST INDEPENDENT JOURNAL IN MULTIPLE LANGUAGES

Sunday, October 25, 2009 4 The United States and the Islamic Republic are using a weapon of mass destruction against the workers of Iran

Lead Article: ew circumstances have arisen from the civil disturbance to­ N wards the repressive rule and inhumane policies in existence. Both national and international attention on the fundamental and class movement has increased. Perhaps the people’s war with the government on the streets is not in the manner of the films and reports we witnessed in the days immediately following the elections, but it is the ash that with the slightest breeze will be a flame lit anew. Anger poured onto our streets with the excuse of election fraud, but it’s enough to hear the talk on the street to realize that this isn’t an atom bomb that may go off at any mo­ ment, but a bomb of mass anger the explosion of which becomes more and more imminent with each day. The issue that has caused such widespread discontent and despair is above all the dismal state of the people’s of Iran’s economic situation and welfare…[Continued on pg 18]

NEWS >Interview with Amin Ghazaie >Why the Islamic Republic is Not Our Afghan Children Not Slogan Registered In Schools he reopening of universi­ ome claim that the 40 million par­ Bidari Student Newslet­ ties, the current climate ticipants in the election were those ter at Shiraz University is in society and the exten­ who believe that reforming the Banned sive protests we’ve seen Islamic Republic is is possible and T were good enough reasons ... Alborz Ceramics Factory S therefore ... Workers Block Road [Continued on pg8 ] [Continued on pg 3] Jila Bani Yaghoub Wins International Press Free­ >Workers Take Stand Against Charges Brought Against Union >Shirin Ebadi and Defending the Rule of dom Award Islam Iran: Student Activist on Members Trial ehran Bus Workers’ Un­ ion has issued a state­ hirin Ebadi in a recent speech at 12 Million Smokers In the Naropa University of Colo­ Iran ment condemning the charges by which la­ rado announced that the only way Iran’s supreme leader T bourers of Haft Tappeh have been for Iran and other Islamic coun­ ‘against direct talks with S sentenced to prison... tries to be relieved of ... US’ [Continued on pg 5] Arrest of participants at [Continued on pg 2] reform group gathering >The University: Green Politics >UN inspectors arrive in Iran to visit Masoud Bastani Sen­ and Deep Politics? secret nuclear plant tenced to Six­Year Jail nited Nations inspectors vis­ Term he university has never ited Iran’s most recently re­ Bakery workers on Strike been a warm and comfy vealed nuclear plant yesterday in Sanandaj house of learning. At U in an attempt to determine if it least not in Iran. is part of a … T [Continued on pg 12] [Continued on pg 6]

Pg 4 Shahin Najafi 1688: The First The Crisis FRIDA Modern Revolution of Capital­ Top 10 Books(2009) A new history of ism and the the Glorious tasks of the Revolution of Marxists – 1688 labours too Part One hard to prove that it was every bit as bloody as France in 1789 or Russia The New Hostage Crisis in 1917. Pg 14 ART MAGNET Pg 15,16 Pg 16,21,25 Pg 22,23,24 2 2 Workers Take Stand Against Charges Brought Against Union Members

ehran Bus Workers’ pearances of labour activists held job. The office blames consecu­ to receive their salaries of the last Union has issued a in custody on International La­ tive long absences by Mr Nejati, two months. Furthermore their statement condemning bour Day. even though he was in the cus­ hours have been reduced, cut al­ the charges by which Members of the board of direc­ tody of the Intelligence Minis­ most, creating enormous finan­ T labourers of Haft Tappeh have tors of labour workers of Haft try. cial pressure. been sentenced to prison, and re­ Tappeh Sugarcane ‘s Union are Davoudi, who is head of the Human rights and democracy ac­ quested their immediate release. on the verge of getting fired and company’s security, has doubled tivists in Iran condemn the heavy The statement by Tehran Bus face possible incarceration. the number of security guards prison verdicts , dismissal and Workers’ Union explains that Based on recent reports on Haft from 50 too 100. These guards prevention of worker activist following the demonstration of Tappeh Sugarcane Company, the occupy the communal areas of presence in their workplace and labour workers of the Haft Tap­ threats and pressure from the in­ the company, reporting instantly call the International Labor Or­ peh Sugarcane Company, in 2007 telligence agency of Shoosh on any sightings of gatherings. Also, ganization (ILO) and Interna­ for overdue wages ­ their basic the board of directors and labour to avert potential strikes and pro­ tional Union of Workers (IUW) work rights ­ some were de­ activists of this association has tests against suppression and to support the members of the tained and after repeated interro­ increased. According to state­ breach of basic labour rights, Union workers of Haft Tappeh gation were released on bail with ments released by human right they have instated informants who are members of this organi­ the organization of an independ­ activists and democratic associa­ among the workers, creating mis­ zation. ent support group. At the first tions in Iran, four members of the trust, pessimism and an anoma­ court hearing, the court sentenced these individuals to one year of imprisonment, with a six month Mourning Mothers Continue suspended jail term. The labour Their Protest, Lighting Can­ activists had asked the court to dles in Laleh Park and Sing­ revise this decision, only to be faced with the same verdict. ing “Ey Iran…” The labour activists of Haft Tap­ peh Sugarcane Company were issued these verdicts, while their ccording to reports a wages were overdue by three large number of months, while they acquired mourning mothers minimal overtime hours and were made their weekly Aprotest on S aturday 24 October deprived of their basic job rights and benefits. against the bloody repression, During the past years, the labour continued arrest of detainees and movement of Iran has paid a the issuing heavy verdicts hefty price to improve the work­ against them, demanding the ing conditions of its members. freedom of political prisoners Many of the workers have been and prosecution of the perpetra­ unable to make their monthly Board of Directors of Haft Tap­ lous environment. Madadi, the tors of the bloody repression of rent payments and some have peh union, Fereidoun Nikou­ president of the company, is the Iranian people. lived below the poverty line, hav­ Fard, Jalil Ahmadi, Ramezan largely responsible for supervis­ The protest began at 5pm and ing to spend long periods of time Alipour and Mohammad Heidari­ ing these crackdowns on the la­ many others joined the mourning behind bars just to get their very Mehr were banned from entering bour workers. mothers, families of killed pro­ fundamental rights as a worker. the company’s building. The se­ Reports also site the rage and testers, women activists and stu­ The actions of labour activists are curity guards of Haft Tappeh frustration labour workers ex­ dents. Mourning mothers lit can­ encountered with daily threats, Sugarcane Company adminis­ pressed following the arrests and dles and moved towards the wa­ limitations, unemployment and tered by the city of Shoosh’s in­ prohibition of members of their terfront square of Laleh Park . imprisonment. However, this has telligence agency, responsible for board of directors. They have an­ They gathered around the water­ never prevented them from voic­ suppressing the workers from up­ nounced and warned future pro­ front and held a 1 minute silence ing their concern. Thus, we are rising, prohibited their entrance. tests and strikes in the event of in remembrance of those killed. sure it will not quash the labour The four have recently been sen­ refusal to release these individu­ They chanted Allah Akbar (God activists of the Haft Tappeh’s un­ tenced to six months’ imprison­ als, demanding the immediate is great) for the freedom of all ion from protesting for their ment and a six month suspende and unconditional discharge of those held in the prisons of the rights now and the Tehran Bus penalty. Mr Heidari­Mehr has all workers in custody. In addi­ dictator regime. Worker’s Union will not spare been condemned to four months’ tion, they demand the return of The group of 200 sang the an­ any endeavors to attain and as­ imprisonment and and eight Mr Nejati to his post and full them “Ey Iran” and protest song sure these labour movement rep­ month suspended penalty. back payment of his overdue sal­ “Yare Dabestani”. Security resentatives’ freedoms and Mr Ali Nejati, Head of the Board ary. They have also requested an forces on motor bikes, plain rights. of Directors of Haft Tappeh official public apology, in front clothes and uniformed police On top of condemning the court Worker’s Union, was fired from of workers, from the president of were at the scene carrying batons verdict they demand the immedi­ his job ad banned from entering the company to Mr Nejati and to intimidate the protestors. The ate dismissal of all detained the premises some time ago. He other members of the board of protest continued until 6pm. workers including, Ibrahim has been deprived of his salary directors. Last but not least they Democracy and Human Rights Madadi, Mansour Isalou, Farzad and job benefits for more than six demand the firing of Davoudi, Activists in Iran Kamangar, and Mehdi Farahi­ months despite submitting a Haft Tappeh Sugarcane Com­ Shandiz. In addition, they stipu­ complaint concerning the illegal pany’s Head of Security. late the abrogation f court ap­ and inhumane dismissal from his As it stands, the workers have yet

2 3 3

By: Saeed Qaseminejad cal parties did the maths and Islamic Republic, namely a re­ gime stays in war out of stupid­ knew that by participating in public without a supreme leader, ity and without thinking it ome claim that the 40 elections their situation may im­ a republic without special privi­ through and causes the loss of million participants in prove a little, and the re­election leges for clergymen, a republic lives of many young adults, how the election were those of Ahmadinejad would destroy without discrimination against can this be explained as its le­ S who believe that re­ and corrupt the country further. women and religion. And if all gitimacy? If this is the case then forming the Islamic Republic is They participated because they these exist, there will be no Is­ Hitler’s regime was the most le­ possible and therefore the chant­ had no other choice, and in the lamic Republic. What kind of gitimate regime in history since ing of slogans against the Is­ hope for a better tomorrow. Par­ logic is this? For instance, if many German soldiers died out lamic Republic is unacceptable. ticipating in the election for peo­ someone accepts to work for a of loyalty to him. The third point Not all those who participated in ple and the majority of political low salary during economic de­ is that were Basij and Revolu­ the elections believe that reform­ parties has nothing to do with cline does that mean that he or tionary Guards the only ones ing of Islamic Republic is possi­ giving credit to the Islamic Re­ she should receive the same sal­ killed in the war? Why do those ble or believe that reform of the public, since the state has a di­ ary for the rest of their life? innocent conscripts and un­ Islamic Republic means we rect effect on everyday life there All the sacrifices and people’s known soldiers who were not shouldn’t demand a different were more critical issues for revolt was not for Ahmadinejad enamoured with the Islamic Re­ system. But before analyzing people to deal with than giving to go only to be replaced by public remain unknown? Why these two points it’s essential to legitimacy to this regime or not. Moussavi. Have you not heard does someone not delve into explain an obvious point. Most Today, many are forced to serve the Death to Khamenei slogans? what was in the hearts of these of those who participated in the their time in the Revolutionary Our people did not revolt for people for their country? It’s cer­ elections do not believe in the Guard (instead of the army). Khamenei to go only to be re­ tain that they did not want the regime and they are against it Does this mean they believe in placed by some other spiritual regime that brought a lengthy from the bottom of their hearts the legitimacy of the Revolution­ leader. The problem is not the unwanted war and caused them and want the Islamic regime to ary Guard or that they are forced person; it is the place of despot­ their lives. be overthrown. to join and serve their time? Peo­ ism and institutionalized dis­ The Islamic Republic has no In the 2005 elections, a signifi­ ple are forced to go to the judici­ crimination. The further they get place in our slogans because the cant number of people did not ary to report issues and resolve from that place, the closer people Islamic Republic was built on Why the Islamic Republic is Not Our Slogan

participate in the elections and it problems. What does this have will come to a healthy mind, the human skulls. The Islamic Re­ was obvious that they have no to do with believing in reforming closer they get to that place, the public has no place in our slo­ interest in the Islamic Republic. the Islamic Republic or the judi­ more insane people become. The gans because of its extensive hu­ But what’s important here and cial system? scholar, Ayatollah Montazeri is a man rights violations. The Is­ even the reformist are well Did all those participants believe unique exception taking the test lamic Republic has no place in aware of, is that the majority of in reforming the Islamic Repub­ ring of power, throwing it away our slogans because instead of those who participated in the lic? No, but many, I insist many, and saving his faith. But almost equality it focuses on discrimi­ elections or attended the election believed that by participating in all others who are active in the nation: discrimination between campaigns of especially Mr. elections to demand basic needs green movement, have failed the Muslims and non­Muslims, Shi­ Moein and Mr. Hashemi, had no and in the case of the victory of test of this ring. This magical ite and Sunni between believers interest in the Islamic Republic. a reformist candidate, that there test ring of power has deceived and infidels, between men and The reason for the large turn out would be more opportunities to and infected them. Even if they women, between believers of participants in elections was that organize social and opposition don’t have blood on their hands, Islamic ideology and those people had to choose between groups to bring more desirable they have kissed bloody hands. against it, between the spiritual living under a retarded monster change. Such things were spoken Even if they haven’t tortured and non spiritual. or someone who at least could of many times prior to the elec­ anyone, they have embraced the make living in this prison a little tions, and historically this type torturers, or with their steps and tolerable, exactly that: Tolerable. of cheating and fraudulent result pencils have supported suppres­ It is important to remember that is pitiful. sion, or by their silence have ap­ the majority of educated seculars Does believing in reforming the proved the murdering machine supported the reformists in these Islamic Republic mean that no and suppression. These people elections, it’s not that they were one wants anything but the Is­ are as guilty as the system and also die hard fans of the Islamic lamic Republic? No, for instance the magical power ring. Republic. the freedom movement has Some claim that many have lost Some might say if they don’t be­ never endorsed the Islamic Re­ their lives for the Islamic Repub­ lieve in the Islamic Republic public and has demanded a de­ lic, and we must therefore all ac­ why do they participate in elec­ mocratic Islamic Republic. The cept it as it is. Such statements tions? It’s a good question, just freedom movement has always are more suitable for people like like some green supporters of been reformist so what does this Jafari, Jannati and Masoud freedom have stated if you want have to do with wanting an Is­ Dehnamaki. With regard to an Iranian Republic you had no lamic Republic? Recently Dr. losses I will only refer to three right in participating in elections Yazdi asked for the appeal and points. The majority of martyrs’ ­ worse than the supreme leader annulment of the Supreme testamonies (only those pub­ and Ayatollah Jannati, they Leader’s role. Dr. Yazdi is re­ lished by regime) have asked make decisions for people! It’s formist, but his ideas and views their families to support the su­ pretty simple, people and politi­ are about major changes in the preme leader. Secondly, if a re­

3 4 4

Bidari Student Newsletter Alborz Ceramics Factory Workers Block Road Afghan Children Not at Shiraz University is Registered In Schools Banned arlier this week a the products and he would group of Alborz pay them the wages as Ceramics Fac­ soon as they were sold. espite Iranian govern­ idari, a student news­ tory workers Based on this agreement letter, directed by ment regulations, Afghan Eblocked th e main road to the workers replaced the Nastaran Rafie was children are facing obsta­ the industrial zone of Al­ products, but once these cles to their undeniable banned by the cultural B director of Shiraz University. borz for hours in protest at products were sold the Drights to an education, and as result According to Herana quoting non­payment of four owner still did not pay the head to the streets to undertake gru­ Amir Kabir news agency this months of wages . The wages to the workers.” eling work. newsletter was banned upon governor of Alborz sent a publishing its 11th edition. Dr representative to put an Abbasi, Shiraz University’s end the protest. According Cultural Director announced to ILNA,Seid Ali Karimi, that the newsletter was banned Executive Director of due to its propaganda against Workers Center of Ghaz­ the regime, encouraging stu­ vin said: “Earlier, the dents to perform illegal acts and workers had a judicial war­ publishing fake news. A meet­ rant to seize warehouse ing to review these charges will take place on Sunday next products, but the owner week. suggested that they leave

A member of a network committee to Jila Bani Yaghoub Wins International Press help children saying: “We know of a Freedom Award Agency at the Tehran Press school that for three years has forced Fair. an Afghan pupil to remain in third Vaghaie and Sarmaie newspa­ grade even though the child has pers. She is a member of the He stated that the daily per ranian journalist Jila “One Million Signatures Cam­ capita consumption of ciga­ achieved an A+ average. The head of rettes in the world is 7 but the this school ­ the name of the school Bani Yaghoub and Rus­ paign” and was recently I sian newspaper Novaya Ga­ awarded International rate is 2.2 in the Islamic Re­ was withheld by the news agency ­ zeta have jointly won the In­ Women’s Media Foundation public of Iran. has stated that they do not have ca­ ternational Press Freedom (IWMF) Courage in Journal­ pacity in the next grades. When Award given by non­ ism Award. It is projected that Iranians school officials are asked why a pu­ governmental agency Cana­ The Russian newspaper No­ will smoke 61.2 billion ciga­ pil has not been properly registered, dian Journalists for Free Ex­ vaya Gazeta which has also rettes in the current Iranian calendar year of 1388 (began pression (CJFE). Jila Bani won the award is according to their response is that they do not March 21, 2009), up from Yaghoub described as a CJFE “One of the few inde­ have the capacity. Despite their 60.4 billion in Iranian calen­ claim, the main reason they refuse to “journalist, editor and promi­ pendent news sources in Rus­ dar year 1387 (March 2008­ register these children is because nent women right activist in sia” and four of its employees March 2009), showing a pro­ they demand money for registra­ Iran” was arrested during the have been murdered to date. jected rise of 1.2 percent over month of Ramadan at a fast According to this statement, the past year, he said. tion. Schools ask for $70­$100 from opening ceremony in front of journalists of Novaya Gazeta the Afghan children, while the ma­ Evin prison. CJFE stated publish criticism, corruption The Tobacco Atlas estimates jority of these children cannot afford “This agency is proud to an­ and human rights violations of that tobacco use kills some this amount. Therefore only those nounce that Jila Bani Yaghoub the government. six million people each year ­ able to pay this fee are registered in and Russian newspaper No­ ­ more than a third of whom schools. vaya Gazeta have won this will die from cancer ­­ and The committee member pointed award for their extraordinary 12 Million Smokers drains $500 billion annually out: “The children who are not able courage and overcoming ma­ In Iran from global economies. to register in schools to continue jor problems in the year 2009”. According to the World their education have no choice but to Health Organization, one in The statement adds that Jila he managing di­ work on the street. In each school at ten deaths among adults Bani Yaghoub was summoned rector of the Ira­ least 10 1st Grade Afghan children worldwide is caused by to­ and arrested several times due nian Tobacco are not registered due to their poor to her activities. On the last bacco. Tobacco caused 100 financial circumstances. We appreci­ Company says that million deaths in the 20th occasion she was arrested with T 12 million Iranians smoke century. Just in 2005, it ate the government of Iran’s issuing her journalist husband Bah­ cigarettes. of school ID cards given directly to man Ahmadi Ammoi. Jila was caused an average of one "However, drug smuggling death every six seconds. If the children instead of the father of released on bail after 60 days, in Iran has decreased by 10 but her husband remains in current trends continue, the the child. Now that society is trying percent over the past year," death toll is expected to reach prison four months later. to serve these children, why are Mohammad Abtahi said here over 8 million annually by Jila Bani Yaghoub has worked some officials creating new obstacles on Sunday while visiting the 2030 and could hit one billion with Hamshahri, Khordad, for them? booth of the Tehran Times deaths in the 21st century. Azad, Aftab, Emrooz , daily and the Mehr News [Continued on pg 7]

4 5 5 Shirin Ebadi and Defending the Rule of Islam

By: Hasan Salehi started a huge revolution to over­ government of the Islamic religion is not a product of people's reli­ throw the Islamic Republic. The is a government of torture and gious beliefs, but a counter­ Shirin Ebadi in a recent speech at social, cultural and human result execution, flogging and stoning, revolution from the West to ruin the Naropa University of Colorado of this revolution and the over­ amputating hands and feet, of ter­ the Iranian's revolution. This gov­ announced that the only way for throwal of this Islamic regime ror and rape and chain murders. ernment has been able to remain Iran and other Islamic countries to cannot be anything but a renais­ They know an Islamic government in power with its out of control be relieved of authoritarian gov­ sance. But the 21st century renais­ means the rule of poverty and ig­ suppression, and the tormented ernments is with the correct inter­ sance, is speaking of a leftist ren­ norance, superstitions and brutal people are using every opportunity pretation of the Qur’an and that aissance, the socialist renaissance exploitation of workers and bla­ to hold protests to express their especially among the Iranian peo­ which is deeply breaking down tant discrimination against hatred towards this regime. Don't ple the phenomenon of refuge in the intellectual, social, scientific, women. They have discovered the doubt that these people, even the “Secular Islam” does not have any artistic, philosophical aspects of true meaning of religious rule and ones with religious views are try­ followers. religion and discards it in muse­ know the Islam's capacity for most ing to clean out this Islamic barn. Ebadi's speech was in answer to ums as a preliminary and elemen­ rabid and most reactionary tenden­ If Shirin Ebadi had lived during three questions that she raised her­ tary point of view of a way of cies of Islam in decadent capital­ the struggle against church and self: life. ism. The Islamic regime does not religion in Europe, she would Is Islam compatible with human Shirin Ebadi who is among the even have a grain of origin in hu­ probably have joined the cam­ rights? If so, Why does discrimi­ Islamic critics of the Islamic re­ manity. Islamic rulers’ perform­ paign to justify the church. Pio­ nation, especially against women gime, like other factions of the Is­ ances not only in Iran but in Af­ neers of those days, who had exist in Islamic countries? Finally, clearly understood the painful re­ Can a secular Islamic democracy alities of their time and the ur­ be created and human rights be gency to change this ugly truth, achieved through a more correct came together and were able to interpretation of Islam? separate church and Christianity Shirin Ebadi's reply to these ques­ from politics and relieve European tions was that Islam is compatible societies from religious rule and with human rights and to prove its medieval disaster of the her point named some Islamic Church. Their movements did not countries such as Malaysia and have any roots in religious views. Morocco, that prohibit physical They had seen humanity's captiv­ torture. Of course she promises us ity at the Church's bloody hand in that Iran and Bangladesh are pre­ medieval times and were only ask­ senting similar bills for approval! ing for the respect and civilization She also insists that the root of of human beings to be recognized. discrimination is not in Islam but The results that humanity has ac­ can be traced to male leaders’ use complished in western societies of the law to remain in power. She owes to years of struggle and per­ also maintained that the discussion severance and separation from su­ of a Secular State is not worth be­ perstitious religious and non­ ing introduced to the people, that religious thoughts. achievement can be attained through a correct interpretation of lamic government fears such fu­ ghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Today, capitalism all around the the Qur’an. tures. That is why they are strug­ north Africa is before everyone's world is preserving most reaction­ Why does Shirin Ebadi oppose gling to remove the basis of an eyes. One must be in oblivion to ary and decadent institutions, in­ secular power and defend the rule Islamic government from the peo­ conceive that with all this hatred cluding the train of religious su­ of Islam instead? The answer to ple's protests and their revolution. and loathing accumulated over 30 perstitions. Religion in a place like this question must be investigated They are struggling to change the years of religious rule in Iran, that Iran is driven by crime and in in the negative contents of the view towards “kings” and people would even think of a sec­ other parts of the world by the people's revolution. After three “people's filth” and “corrupt peo­ ond Islamic regime. No! The Is­ military, police and other repres­ decades of bloody ruling by a reli­ ple” to in their own minds save lamic Republic has been illustra­ sive organs and is playing a sup­ gious government, society is fac­ the rule and retreat of Islam. tive and informative enough. An­ plementary role in people's captiv­ ing a tremendous renaissance. To Shirin Ebadi and her partners by other “less wild” version of Is­ ity and slavery. Religion, in to­ quote Hamid Taghvai the petrified resorting to “benign Islam” are lamic government is a fantasy and day's world is an industry that pro­ and inhuman Islamic regime of trying to gain the respect of west­ delusory concept. vides the right to take from the political opposition, has a fully ern governments on account of But don't doubt that Shirin Ebadi most septic areas. The Iranian modern and human resistance that putting the brakes on the revolu­ is hiding behind religious beliefs people's revolution against the Is­ is mobilizing its own team and the tion. of the people and is hostile against lamic regime is most definitely majority are the Iranian people Today’s people of Iran are laugh­ a secular government. All this is going to blow a worldwide anti who don't want an Islamic regime. ing at Shirin Ebadi's shameless in itself is an old trick of religion, religion whistle. The establish­ Not only do they not want an Is­ speech on the “sweetness” and to obtain legitimacy. All religious ment of a secular system and sepa­ lamic regime but they even want “wonderfulness” of Islam. They governments and institutions from ration of religion from politics is religion to be excluded from are laughing because over the past the church to the Islamic Republic the least Shirin Ebadi can expect. thoughts, art, culture and formal 30 years they have seen how much try to justify their crimes and dis­ This demand is a cry from within and social rankings. the religious and Islamic regime asters in the name of “religious Iranian society. If something does Society is undergoing huge intel­ has disrupted their lives. They people”. And here Shirin Ebadi is not agree with the people's point lectual, philosophical, artistic, po­ have experienced the Islamic re­ using the people's religious beliefs of view, it’s simply Shirin Ebadi litical and social developments gime's hostility towards culture as an excuse to condescend with and her colleagues. and this flag is in the hands of the and science and any dealings of the Islamic Republic. But every­ people. The people who have humanity. They know that the one knows that Islamic Republic

5 6 6

Fariba Pazhouh’s Deten­ UN inspectors arrive in Iran The group: the US, Russia, tion Extended with Threat China, Britain, France and Ger­ of Return to Solitary Con­ to visit secret nuclear plant many, is also known as the P5+1, representing the five permanent finement members of the Security Council with the power to pass resolu­ ariba Pazhouh a de­ tions on Iran, plus Germany. tained journalist’s tem­ porary imprisonment The Geneva talks were guardedly has been extended after F a week without visits. According hailed as a success after Iran agreed to a three­point plan al­ to Prisoner Human Rights Activ­ lowing inspectors into the plant ists in Iran, prison officials pre­ at Qom; agreeing to a deal to vented Fariba from having visi­ ship its enriched uranium over­ tors. and has only been able to seas for reprocessing, and agree­ have short phone conversations ing to meet again for talks solely with her family. on the nuclear issue before the Fariba Pajouh, was arrested on month was out. Western diplo­ the first day of Ramadan at her nited Nations inspec­ the International Atomic Energy mats, however, have been deeply parents’ house by intelligence tors visited Iran’s Agency, declared last month that disappointed by Iran’s efforts agents and was kept in solitary most recently re­ Iran was “on the wrong side of since then. confinement for one month. Dur­ vealed nuclear plant the law” by concealing the con­ ing this time she was repeatedly U The inspections team is to take tortured and has been under se­ yesterday in an attempt to deter­ struction of the underground ura­ mine if it is part of a clandestine nium enrichment plant at Qom. environmental samples to check vere psychological pressure. She weapons programme. The visit, it has no illicit military dimen­ was then moved to a cell with the first independent glimpse of The plant was first revealed to sion, interview scientists and Hengameh Shahidi, another im­ the site quietly disclosed to the the world at the G20 summit in compare engineering designs prisoned journalist. UN last month and dramatically Pittsburgh last month when with the facility. Negotiators say Judge Beigi announced the ex­ unveiled by the West days later, President Obama, President that the latter two may meet with tended detention time for Fariba comes at a key moment for Sarkozy and Gordon Brown an­ the most resistance, making them Pazhouh to her lawyer Mina Western countries considering nounced its existence along with a key test of Iranian co­ Jafari. There is now concern that whether diplomacy can succeed intelligence strongly suggesting a operation. Fariba may be returned to soli­ in forcing Tehran to respect in­ military use. tary confinement. Mina Jafari, ternational obligations over its Recent developments have told Herana news agency: nuclear programme. Iran is in The revelations were instrumen­ thrown Tehran’s willingness to “Fariba is prohibited from hav­ defiance of five UN Security tal in hardening Russian and Chi­ co­operate into serious doubt. ing visitors. We, her family and I Council resolutions ordering it to nese resolve over Iran, and in Last week in Vienna, Iran de­ are not allowed to visit her and halt uranium enrichment until it forcing Iranian concessions at manded more time to agree a this is a direct order from Te­ satisfies international concerns nuclear talks in Geneva on Octo­ uranium deal, saying the West hran’s prosecutor. Fariba is un­ that it is covertly designing a nu­ ber 1 with the E3+3, the group of was trying to trick it out of its der constant pressure. She is not clear bomb. powers negotiating with Iran on stockpile of the material. allowed to have contact with me behalf of the international com­ and I was only able to find out Mohamed ElBaradei, the head of munity. TIMESONLINE about her situation through her family”. Ms. Jafari who also represents Issa Saharkhiz, said of utes. Photographers and reporters ers. People at that Rajaie stand his situation: “Mr Saharkhiz is Families of Political still in prison and his detention Prisoners Attended of different news agencies and argued with the protests saying: newspapers photographed them in We are journalists too, how come has been extended, but we are Press Exhibition support. they haven’t arrested us?” not give any more information This argument ended when mem­ about his case”. he families of political The families first went to the bers of the public attending the prisoners, together with ILNA news agency stand, and exhibition came to the support of human rights activists voiced their objections against the families. and independent jour­ their family members’ imprison­ The attendance of the families of T nalists voiced their objections ment.. They also went to Etemad political prisoners and others was against the imprisonment of an newspaper, Haiate No, Sarmaieh prompted by rumours that extensive number of journalists and Iran Voice stands, asking for Khatami and Moussavi’s would and political activists at a press the media’s attention to the pris­ be at the exhibition. It was re­ exhibition. The families of Ta­ oners’ circumstances. They com­ ported that Moussavi was stopped jzadeh Tajernia, Ghoochani, plained about the media’s lack of from entering the building. Mehdi Ahmadi Amooie, Husain Ezami, attention with regard to the deten­ Karoubi was seen at the event and Msoud Bastani, Saeed Leilaz car­ tions and imprisonment and called was attacked by government sup­ ried images of the prisoners and for the release of all political pris­ porters while there, injuring his entered the hall as people chanted oners. forehead. “Political prisoners must be Some of the families and inde­ This year, the exhibition took freed”. Many welcomed their pendent journalists peacefully place while more than 30 journal­ presence at the exhibition and protested in front of the Fars and ists are in prison. some even sang the protest song Rajaie news agency stands while “Yare Dabestani” for some min­ holding images of political prison­

6 7 7

the burial of unknown soldiers on Student Activist on Trial And copies to: the campus of a Tehran university, Speaker of Parliament which was widely viewed as a move ohammad Pour Ab­ weeks, was sentenced in August to His Excellency Ali Larijani by the government to seek to con­ dollah, a male student one year's imprisonment, suspended Majles­e Shoura­ye Eslami trol student groups opposed to its arrested in February for five years, for participating in an Baharestan Square, Tehran policies. Burial of soldiers, called in Iran's capital, Te­ illegal student demonstration on 23 Islamic Republic of Iran martyrs on account of their sacrifice M hran, is now on trial, apparently on February. in fighting against Iraqi forces, ap­ Fax: +98 21 3355 6408 charges related to national security pears to enable non­students to enter for his activities in an Iranian stu­ PLEASE WRITE IMMEDIATELY Also send copies to diplomatic the campus without being required dent organization. He is still de­ in Persian, Arabic, English, French representatives accredited to your to show evidence that they are stu­ tained in Qezel Hesar Prison near or your own language: country. Please check with your dents, a normal requirement for ac­ Tehran and is likely to be a prisoner section office if sending appeals af­ cess to university premises. Student ter the above date. This is the sec­ groups fear that the presence of the Calling for the immediate and ond update of UA 60/09 (MDE graves would allow unrestricted ac­ unconditional release of 13/016/2009). Further information: cess to the campuses by security Mohammad Pour Abdollah if, as http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/ forces, including the volunteer Basij appears to be the case, he is held info/MDE13/016/2009/en and militia who are under the control of solely for the peaceful expression of http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/ the Revolutionary Guards and who his right to freedom of expression info/MDE13/028/2009/en have been responsible for human and association; rights violations over many years. Additional Information Students believe such access would Calling for him to be protected lead to further restrictions on de­ from torture and other ill­treatment Students for Freedom and Equality bates and discussions relating to while in detention; is a left­wing student organization government policy. that was established around 2006 Urging the authorities to review with objectives including the estab­ Others from Students for Freedom the suspended sentence of Sanaz lishment of a nationwide students' and Equality were arrested during Allahyari, as if detained she would network and an end to a military the unrest following the disputed be a prisoner of conscience, held presence in Iranian universities. It Iranian presidential election in June. solely for the peaceful expression of was involved in organizing peaceful Female student Bita Samimizad was her right to freedom of assembly, demonstrations in December 2007, arrested in the street in Tehran and and to drop any charges against following which around 70 people released after two weeks and is due other members of Students for Free­ were arrested, the majority of whom to stand trial in October. A male of conscience. Two other members dom and Equality related solely to were members of Students for Free­ journalist and student at Mayboud of the same organization arrested in the peaceful exercise of their rights dom and Equality (see UA 331/07 University, Amir Mohsen Moham­ March have been released. to freedom of expression, assembly and follow ups). Several were tor­ madi, was arrested in Esfahan on 15 and association. tured during their detention. For ex­ June after being summoned by In­ Mohammad Pour Abdollah's trial, ample, one student had his ribs and telligence Ministry officials. Ac­ believed to be on charges of several of his teeth broken when he cording to Human Rights Activists "gathering and colluding with the in Iran, an Iranian human rights PLEASE SEND APPEALS BE­ refused to be filmed "confessing" to aim of harming national security, having links with exile groups and group, he was accused of organizing FORE 30 NOVEMBER 2009 TO: propaganda against the system and attempting to destabilize the coun­ the election unrest, and was released membership of groups opposed to try. Another student lost the hearing on bail on 16 August. He had previ­ Head of the Judiciary the system" finally began on 12 Oc­ in his left ear after a hard object was ously been arrested in Esfahan on 6 Ayatollah Sadeqh Larijani tober after having been postponed inserted into it and was so trauma­ October 2008 and held for about 12 Office of the Head of the Judiciary on at least three occasions. No ver­ tized by his torture that he at­ days. Mohammad Sayyadi, a stu­ Pasteur St. dict has yet been passed. The dent at the Bou Ali Sina University Vali Asr Ave. south of Serah­e Jom­ tempted suicide. charges apparently relate to his pre­ in Hamedan, was detained on 25 houri vious arrest after a student demon­ At least seven members were ar­ June 2009. He had previously been Tehran 1316814737 stration in Tehran in December detained for three days in Septem­ Islamic Republic of Iran rested in February and March 2009, 2007, and other charges possibly including those named in this ac­ ber 2008, when he was held in a Email: Via website: http:// relating to articles he posted on his Ministry of Intelligence detention www.dadiran.ir/tabid/81/ tion. Another of those arrested, Ali blog after his release. Reza Davoudi, a 26­year­old man, centre where he was ill­treated. Re­ Default.aspx 1st starred box: your leased on bail, he was tried in De­ given name; 2 sd starred box: your was arrested on 12 February in Es­ Mohammad Pour Abdollah is a fahan and was released on bail on cember 2008, without a lawyer, and family name; 3rd : your email ad­ member of the left­wing Iranian stu­ 25 April. He was tortured during his sentenced in January 2009 to six­ dress dents' organization Students for detention, including with cigarette and­a­half years in prison, on Freedom and Equality. Two other burns and beatings. He also told his charges including "illegal formation Salutation: Your Excellency members of the same group, ar­ family he had been suspended from and direction of a group for the pur­ rested on 1 March by security forces the ceiling for three days. He be­ pose of overthrowing the system", Leader of the Islamic Republic apparently seeking male student ac­ came depressed following his re­ "propaganda against the system", Ayatollah Sayed 'Ali Khamenei tivist Amin Ghaza'i, have since been lease and was hospitalized in Esfa­ and "insulting Ayatollah Office of the Supreme Leader released: Maryam Sheikh was re­ han in July. His health improved, Khomeini" (Articles 498, 500 and Islamic Republic Street – End of leased on bail of 500 million rials but when his aunt called the hospital 514 of the Penal Code). The sen­ Shahid Keshvar Doust Street, Te­ (US$50,000) after seven days, while on 8 August to arrange his dis­ tence was reduced on appeal to two hran Amin Ghaza'i's wife Nasim charge, she was told he had died. years. He is believed to be held in Islamic Republic of Iran Roshana'i (also known as His family believe his death is sus­ Alvand Prison in Hamedan, al­ Email: via website: Somayeh) was released after eight picious. They were also warned by though it is not clear to Amnesty www.leader.ir/langs/en/index.php? days, also on bail of 500 million International whether he is serving p=letter (English) officials not to publicize his funeral. rials. Another femle member of the his prison sentence, or is facing new www.leader.ir/langs/fa/index.php? student group, Sanaz Allahyari, who charges. p=letter (Persian) The student demonstration on 23 was detained for just over two February was held to protest against [Continued on pg10] Salutation: Your Excellency

7 8 8

Interview with Amin Ghazaie movement that has not been right, deprived of theory and seek­ suppressed in the past four ing opportunities with a corrupt years in Iran. Some ignorants attitude influenced and weakened still maintain what I believed and believe that incorrect tactics us, which made activities within analyzed back then. If we chose such as independence cere­ the groups impossible. These peo­ e reopening of univer­ university as our place of activity monies, or the leaders’ dra­ ple thought that by stealing the Th sities, the current cli­ it was not because we had no matics caused the suppres­ name of the movement they would mate in society and the extensive place in society at large or that sion. Anyone who has a little be able to hijack our activities, but protests we’ve seen were good we doubted the growth of the stu­ knowledge of the tactic of they have no understanding of or­ enough reasons to prompt an in­ dent movement. University was Iran’s or any other security ganized Marxism and therefore terview with leftist student activ­ the only place to give birth to a agency should know that they they failed. So, if there is discus­ ists who have gained a breadth of practical left. When the inde­ watch activists closely for sion over a name, there is certainly no such thing as Students For valuable experience over the past pendent working class movement years. Once they have com­ Freedom and Equality since activi­ few years. The purpose of this has to start from scratch, cer­ plete information, they attack ties in this name have failed. But discussion is to gain a more accu­ tainly its most aware parts; the the activists brutally and ar­ this doesn’t mean that leftist activ­ rate understanding of this move­ leftist students and labour activ­ rest them. In fighting with the ists have failed, but that the work ment through its activists who ists have to be its vanguard. Just must barbaric dictator regime, style and tactic of the movement have not previously expressed like Marx in his you expect to be has changed. their views about the past and time had hopes suppressed. It is Q. Based on what you have said, future of this movement. in professional imperative to con­ you believe one of the factors of Q. Given the aforementioned workers and the tinue fighting by this movement’s failure at least background, please give us some English union. changing tactics, with this name, is the unrealistic information about the formation Finally, in 2007 work style and growth and the infiltration of and growth of the left movement we suffered getting moral sup­ members of the right. So it isn’t so at university. Tell us how it took from severe re­ port from oth­ wrong to say that there have been shape and what strengthens this pression of the ers. Just as when mistakes made by this student movement. student move­ Marx left the first movement and therefore many of A. To form a left movement at ment. We can’t international and the criticisms are not so irrele­ university or in society, two deny our weak political party in vant. changes were crucial. On the one organizational favour of the mo­ As I mentioned before, I support hand leaving the sad experience tactics, but each bilization of politi­ the existence of radical left phi­ of failure during the early revolu­ organization cal organization losophy at the university. Based tion years behind, and on the would take us and political strug­ on our ideas and beliefs we acted other taking the left’s growth forward to some gle in countries, he with strategy and in a way to cre­ from academic study to the next point. You can’t led every organi­ ate hegemony for a practical left. level. This is not to say that the expect to zation to the for­ I’m not saying our performance during those years was perfect or radical left, formed in early 2000 achieve the goal mation of a move­ without mistakes. However criti­ by myself and a few other stu­ of socialist ment. Usually in cisms that I’ve heard don’t even dents, did not consider the theo­ revolution with such cases where touch on the real issue. They are retical knowledge and experience one group or suppression is ex­ mostly concerned with competi­ of the fighter leftists of the previ­ organization. tensive, the left of tion between the different parties ous generation. Rather, the radi­ While other student activists society have to unite and in­ and when the Information Ministry cal left consisted of Iran’s most were confused we permeated stu­ ject the fighting spirit into the announced we are dependent on a ideological and intelligent stu­ dents’ hearts and chanted for in­ rest of society. This is an im­ particular movement, some imme­ dents from the remotest parts of dependent student organization. portant key that occurred only diately welcomed this idea and in Iran. The Traditional left had ac­ Now, in universities the left has during the time of repression, action joined the political police of cepted that the reformist bour­ propounded discussion, and left­ and later played a destructive the Islamic Republic. This is a sad geoisie has the supreme leader ist students are active and dy­ role due to competition be­ reality! Also, these criticisms are and initiatives in its hands, and namic. The radical left was able tween the parties and igno­ mainly related to the suppression, still believes the same. Their be­ to change the student’s de­ rance. The irony is, that if the but as I already mentioned, the lief has a real base and we still mands. conservatives on the right are suppression had nothing to do with witness this has not lost its legiti­ Q. What do you think of the cri­ arrested, the Islamic Republic our mistakes. It’s not as if had we macy among some people. How­ sis of 7 December 2007? Al­ is to be blamed, but if a leftist done things differently we would ever, the traditional left despite though a long time has passed… is arrested it’s his or her own not have faced suppression. Obvi­ its wrong analysis and sometimes but considering that period and fault. ously the Islamic Republic will not betrayal had lost its identity, the post crisis that led to the ar­ Q. After the 7 December suppres­ allow the leftist students to act hope, truth and horizon. We had rest of many students. We wit­ sion many believed this movement with such power. At this point in to leave its dead body and failed nessed comments and criticism would not have the ability to re­ time those who ask why we didn’t spirit as a first crucial step. from some people, organizations unite the students at university, keep our activities secret, or why Of course we grew from stu­ and parties. How do you explain others stating that the movement our approach was so harsh, don’t dents’ desperation and disap­ the crisis as one of the move­ had failed. What do you make of have an understanding of activity within the university climate. They pointment in the reformists and ment’s activists? What caused such criticism? don’t know that what’s more im­ discouragement from their stu­ the suppression of 7 December A. The founders of Students For portant than the survival of a dent leaders. Therefore, I’m up­ 2007? Freedom and Equality are no longer active in this field. This movement is bringing the discus­ holding the radical left philoso­ A. What is unfortunate is the sion and identity of an ideology to phy (though not all its actions) childish analysis of left par­ doesn’t mean anything is de­ stroyed, instead it means that life, which at that time we could and what it later called Students ties and the organization with changes have happened. Unfortu­ only find in the memories of re­ For Freedom and Equality. At regard to the reasons behind nately since early 2006, we have tired leftists. that time we had a correct under­ the suppression. There is not had unrealistic growth and some [Continued on pg 9] standing of our position and I a single political and social with the conservative ideas of the

8 9 9

From pg8 (Interview with tion thought our choice of From pg 3 (Why the Islamic Republic porarily hold, will not only destroy Amin Ghazaie)... Marxist­Leninist was based is Not Our Slogan )... the unity of the movement, but also on a puerile understanding of The fight ahead is certainly a long withdraw the reformists for good. It Q. Other student organiza­ the status quo. Our next goal one. So we must unite. But unity is is better for each of us to not forget tions with a leftist vision, was to create an independent not assurance for some to distort his­ the experience of the 2005 elections. though not “radical left” were leftist student organization, tory. Using the current dangerous A large number of those who didn’t active at university. What is and during that time we suf­ situation as an excuse to tell others participate learned important lessons. your opinion on these groups’ fered from supression. what to do and with the slogan of Not Reformists meanwhile, have not activities? Please share any Q. Considering events taking East or West, only the Islamic Re­ learned anything and continue with criticism or positive com­ place in Iran so rapidly, can public, the unity of the movement the same proud tone of voice which will be kept and those who don’t ments with regard to their ac­ you be optimistic on the role caused them the re­election of want the Islamic Republic have no Ahmadinejad. tivities. of the left in society, and are place in this movement, when this is A. If some students were ac­ you doing anything to ad­ the same people’s slogan against the In the end, regardless of all discus­ tive under the umbrella of the vance it? Are the leftist stu­ Islamic Republic and a demand for sion, this slogan is even wrong in the radical left, others under the dents at university able to an Iranian republic, one against the demonstration tactics. In protests banner of communist worker, play a role in these develop­ Yes to Gaza and Lebanon, chanting where the government chants the Not or democratic etc, all were ments? Not Gaza not Lebanon only Iran. East or West only the Islamic Repub­ childish divisions by some A. Currently the left is al­ Unity of the movement’s forces is not lic, asking people to chant along with students. If we’re talking ready playing a role, but un­ guaranteed when the reformists insist the regime with such slogans, is the numbers and influence of a dercover and with more prin­ on being the spokesperson for the same as supporting the government movement, none stood a ciple. If you look at student secular, traditional and those opposed to seize this day. chance. The main motivation activists they are only loud, to Islam. Unity will be granted when of the radical left founders and don’t understand the ba­ the reformists present their true social was not to create a fan base at sic alphabet of Marxism, cer­ base as defenders of political Islam university to show off. Some tainly you can’t expect much with democratic reading, regardless leftist activists are only inter­ from them. But the majority of its success. If the reformists are ested in having an interview of young students after listen­ truly thinking about a democratic so­ with the press after each event ing to our leftist discussions ciety, they better speak their minds. to become a known face have accepted our ideology. within their small group of Now if someone speaks about The temporary position gained by the friends and party. In the first socialism or if a student reformists by taking other groups out instance our strategy is to cre­ newsletter publishes an article of the picture violently and becoming ate hegemony for leftist dis­ no one is surprised. A leftist the representatives of parts of the so­ cussion at the university, to activist at the university, ciety with the logic of “it is what it is, convince the class of workers unlike us six years ago, has take it or leave it”, is about to change and it’s impossible to continue in the of the left’s rebirth at univer­ more hopes in promoting and same way. Insisting on the indis­ sities and get their attention. the success of the left. criminate use of the capital they tem­ Some in stupor and defama­

Mohammad Javad Larijani’s Comments On Moussavi’s Connection to 1980s Executions

ran’s Head of Judiciary, when the case of the Intelligence Mohammad Javad Larijani in Ministry’s killing of dissidents and a debate at the press exhibi­ intellectuals was exposed, the case tion, criticized Moussavi and was not reviewed. But now it seems Ithe re formist party stating: “I be­ acceptable to attack Moussavi and lieve that murdering prisoners in bring him out of the trenches of prison is wrong and must be investi­ Khomeini’s legacy to re­open the gated. But we must ask, why when case with Mohammad Javad Lari­ Mr Moussavi was prime minister, jani at the helm. He is saying that many were murdered in prison and Mr Moussavi doesn’t have democ­ he didn’t bother to raise the issue ratic experience and is objecting to then?” Mr Larijani claimed that re­ prisoner confessions and executions formists don’t have the experience for show rather than the pursuit of of democracy. Mostafa Kavakabian, freedom and justice because if he Head of the Human Oriented Party was a true defender of freedom he in response to Mr.Larijani said: “Mr would have objected to murdering Larijani can’t claim that democracy prisoners during the time he was a is part of his university education prime minister. Mr Moussavi and that others do not have, and to say many elderly statesmen of the Is­ that if Mr Moussavi did not protest knowing their rights as political attack of the Mojahedine Khalgh to lamic Republic can be the subject of the killings at the time, then he prisoners. The most reliable source Iran, made with the support of Iraq, Mr Larijani’s criticism, such as the should remain silent today, is not a of information from this time is Ayatollah Khomeini issued the mur­ current leader of the Islamic repub­ valid argument.” Ayatollah Montazeri who was de­ der of thousands of political prison­ lic who was the president at the To this day no one has accurate in­ nied his title as Khomeini’s succes­ ers. These people were executed in time. For this reason many believe formation on what happened to the sor in the role of supreme leader less than two months. For all the that such statements are not to de­ political prisoners of the 1980s. because he opposed these violent political parties of the Islamic Re­ fend those murdered in the 80s, but These prisoners were recognized by acts and was placed under house public this case has been a closed for political gain. the Islamic Republic as small under­ arrest for several years. In the sum­ book that must not be opened. Even cover groups and were deprived of mer of 1998 after the unsuccessful during the presidency of Khatami

9 10 10 Arrest of participants at Iran’s supreme leader ‘against direct talks gathering was reform group gathering held in the House with US’ of Music in Te­ he majority of partici­ ran’s Supreme gance”. He was referring to the hran last week to pants in a prayers cere­ Leader Ayatollah five permanent United A celebrate the inscription of mony for the release of Ali Khamenei is “Presently, the Supreme Nations Security Council the Radif of Iranian music on an executive member opposed to direct National Security Council members — the US , the Representative List of the Inegot iations with the US , and the supreme leader Russia, China, France and T of the reform group, Islamic Iran Intangible Cultural Heritage Participation Front were arrested newspapers quoted a sen­ emphasise that our strate­ Britain — and Germany. of Humanity. today. ior legislator as saying gic policies are based on Asked about Bahonar’s yesterday. the absence of negotia­ comment, ILNA news The Radif of Iranian music Norooz website reports that ac­ tions with the US ,” Ham­ agency quoted Mottaki as was Inscribed in 2009 on cording to eyewitness testimony But Foreign Minister bastegi newspaper quoted saying: “We accept Mr the Representative List of tonight's ceremony for the re­ Manouchehr Mottaki said Bahonar as saying.“That Bahonar’s opinion.” the Intangible Cultural lease of Shahabeddin Tabatabai, talks on the nuclear issue is why we will not have Heritage of Humanity which took place at the de­ would continue with six any direct negotiations The US severed ties with tainee's residence, was raided by world powers, including with the US,” he said at a Tehran shortly after The Radif of Iranian music is security forces who appeared at the US.“Presently we do meeting of an Islamic en­ Iran’s 1979 Islamic revo­ the traditional repertoire of the scene in three vans. The re­ not have any new issue gineers association, the lution. But Iranian and the classical music of Iran port maintains that the partici­ for talks,” Mottaki said, reformist daily reported. US officials took part in that forms the essence of Per­ pants were arrested and taken according to the semi­ discussions in Geneva official Fars News earlier this month in a bid sian musical culture. More away in the vans to an unknown He did not elaborate on location. Agency . what he meant by “direct to resolve a long­running than 250 melodic units, called negotiations”. standoff over Tehran’s gushe, are arranged into cy­ Amongst the detainees were the The comments by vice­ nuclear ambitions. cles, with an underlying mo­ spouses of some of the members, speaker Mohammad Reza Bahonar is a conservative dal layer providing the back­ as well as Mohammadreza Jalai­ Bahonar appeared to con­ MP who often criticises Bahonar did not mention drop against which a variety pour who had just recently been tradict discussions on Te­ the government of hard­ the Geneva meeting. of melodic motifs are set. Al­ released after suffering two hran’s disputed nuclear line President Mahmoud though the main performance months of solitary confinement. programme that took Ahmadinejad, who has “The policy of the Is­ practice of Iranian traditional place in Switzerland ear­ said he favours dialogue lamic republic of Iran is music unfolds through im­ Reports at hand also indicate that lier this month, and which with other countries in­ based on the absence of provisation according to the some of the participants are de­ included officials of the cluding the US if this is official negotiations with mood of the performer and in tained at Mr. Tabatabai's home two foes .But he may based on justice and re­ the US … the conditions response to the audience, mu­ and are prohibited from leaving. have been referring to spect. for such negotiations sicians spend years learning any wide­ranging bilat­ must emerge ,” Bahonar R1: The Radif of Iranian to master the radif as the set eral talks aimed at nor­ Khamenei has the final said. music is recognized as an of musical tools for their per­ malising US­Iran ties, say on all matters of state, expression of cultural iden­ rather than ruling out all including the nuclear pro­ The US and its allies ac­ formances and compositions. tity, transmitted from one contact between Tehran gramme and foreign rela­ cuse Iran of seeking to The radif may be vocal or in­ generation to the next as and Washington. tions. Asked whether develop nuclear bombs strumental, performed on a the principal emblem of variety of instruments with Iran's music culture; there was a possibility of with its nuclear pro­ Relations with the US are direct US­Iran talks, Mot­ gramme. different performance tech­ R2: Inscription of the ele­ a sensitive issue in the taki said : “We will be niques including the long­ ment on the Representative Islamic republic, whose continuing talks on the necked lutes and as List would strengthen cul­ Iran says it aims only to well as the santur hammered tural identity and raise visi­ clerical leaders see Wash­ nuclear issue and within generate electricity. zither, spike fiddle bility of intangible cultural ington as the Great Satan overall five­plus­one con­ guilty of “global arro­ and ney reed pipe. Passed heritage, as well as encour­ tacts.” from master to disciple aging and improving inter­ through oral instruction, the and intra­cultural dialogue Tehran's House of Music celebrates Radif's radif embodies both the aes­ and understanding among thetic practice and the phi­ the peoples of the region; Inscription by UNESCO losophy of Persian musical R3: Various safeguarding culture. Learning the radif measures are foreseen, supported by the will and stretches over at least a dec­ commitment of the com­ ade of self devotion during munity and the State to which the students memorize safeguard the element, in­ the radif's repertoire and en­ cluding training pro­ gage in a process of musical grammes in music univer­ asceticism intended to open sities and private schools, the gates of spirituality. This concert programmes, as rich treasury lies at the heart well as research and publi­ of Iranian music and reflects cations; the cultural and national iden­ R4: The element has been tity of the Iranian people. nominated with the in­ volvement of the commu­ Decision 4.COM 13.45 nities, institutions and indi­ vidual practitioners whose The Committee (…) decides free, prior and informed that [this element] satisfies consent has been given in the criteria for inscription on writing; R5: The element is registered the Representative List, as in the National Inventory of follows: the Intangible Cultural Heri­ tage of Iran.

10 11 11 Masoud Bastani Liberties Union of Iranian Workers’ Declaration Sentenced to Six­ Regarding Haft Tappeh Prison Sentences Year Jail Term idespread arrests, layed wages, living below the asoud Bastani is summons and poverty line and standing against a journalist and sentencing of the destruction of Haft Tappeh’s political activist W workers in differ­ wealth. They fearlessly at­ who has been in ent parts of the country in 2009 tempted to create an independent M detention for the past three and and the politics of imposed slav­ organization to defend them­ a half months, and in his first ery and starvation of millions of selves and they deserve the most trial, he received a six­year jail worker families with the passing support from workers in every term. a bill to cut subsidies will now part of Iran. put the last nails in the coffin of The Liberties Union of Iranian Mr. Bastani’s family members the livelihood of the working Workers strongly condemns the have confirmed the news. The class. prison sentences against Haft sentencing includes one year for We the Liberties Union of Ira­ Tappeh workers and demands the spreading propaganda against nian Workers believe that the re­ unconditional and immediate re­ the regime and five years for pression of enlightened workers ­ Vahd of Tehran, Haft Tappeh in peal of these sentences and the collusion to hold gatherings and though part of the permanent Alborz, in the textile industry freedom of union and public ac­ cause unrest. politics of the ruling class to si­ and hundreds of other work tivists from prison. They ask lence the worker class ­ to be in­ places has not been silent in re­ their members and workers all In the early days of unrest human. Inhuman in its political cent years. Worker protests grow over Iran for solidarity against which followed the general goals in our present circum­ every day and this is how they this false imprisonment, through election, a group of agents en­ stances and the vastness of its have proven that in defending the organization of protests and tered the residence of Mr. Bas­ reach since the start of 2009. In­ lives and livelihood they will not extensive support in all aspects tani and Mahsa Amrabadi (a re­ human in suppressing the work­ surrender to repression or fear, of these workers and their fami­ porter form Etemad Melli Pa­ ers more than ever, instilling fear and this time as before the poli­ lies to block the offensive attack per) in absence of Mr. Bastani, among them and passing new tics of suppression will not get of supporters of capitalism. and his wife and two other bills to cut subsidies and bring the officials anywhere. Long live labour solidarity! house guests identified as Seyed about changes in work laws in Haft Tappeh workers in defend­ Long live Haft Tappeh workers! Khalil Mir­Ashrafi and Behzad order to continue the pillage and ing their lives and livelihoods Liberties Union of Iranian Bashu were detained and sent to plunder of workers wages. have been sentenced to prison. workers Evin Prison. But the Iranian worker class with They have committed no crime its glorious fights at Sherkate other than protesting against de­ Eight­Year Jail Pressures and Constraints port them financially so have to the number of prisoners occupying against Female Prisoners cope with the situation. The food each cell is many times more than Sentence for Hiva has minimal or no protein. Fruit cell capacity. For political prison­ and vegetables have been removed ers telephone contact has been Bootimar ased on reports from from prisoners’ diets for two limited to 3­5 minutes per day the women’s ward of months now food for couple of with prolonged waits between vis­ Evin Prison, pressure, months now. Malnutrition is ap­ its – that take place in cubicles. n appeals court sen­ harassment and restric­ parent in adverse signs on prison­ Health and hygiene in the tenced Haiva Booti­ Btions again st female political and ers’ faces, especially on those of women’s ward is appalling with mar to an eight­year non­political prisoners and their children who are subjected to bedbugs and lice intensifying the jail term. new born have intensified in the prison conditions because their pressure on prisoners as prison A last few days. One of the pressures mothers are there. They witness resembles an inhuman camp inhu­ Saleh Nikbakht, a lawyer repre­ on the prisoners is shutting down the daily violence and humiliation man camp. senting Mr. Bootimar, an­ the hot water on consecutive days against their mothers by wardens Political prisoners are deprived of nounced the news. Previously, causing prolonged periods without and the conflicts inside the ward vital medical treatment and the the initial court had sentenced bathing. The situation has been between prisoners. only medicine that they can take is Mr. Bootimar to a one­year jail especially difficult for sucklings Prison stores have been estab­ a painkiller for temporarily relief term after he was charged with and children and their mothers lished to exploit prisoners as from their acute discomfort. spreading propaganda against the who are in urgent need of hot wa­ goods are sold at several times Among the political prisoners regime, and another ten­year jail ter. Prisoners are allowed one their retail price and authorities presently in the women’s ward are term for dealing in arms and am­ flask of hot water per day and this neglect to make useful items avail­ Nazila Dashti, Sediqeh Falahat, limitation on hot water affects able at all or in sufficient quanti­ Zadeh,Shanam Madadzadeh, Ma­ munition. making milk for newborns and tea ties. Prisoners are allowed to buy hsa Naderi, Fatemeh Ziaei and for adults. Furthermore the unhy­ 2kg of fruit every 2 weeks. Lack Atefeh Nabavi. Mr. Nikbakht appealed the sen­ gienic environment for newborns of goods causes long queues in Human rights and democracy ac­ tencing, and in another trial, the and restricting the amount of hot front of the prison store and some­ tivists in Iran condemn the applied charge of propaganda against the water that they have access to has times leads to physical conflict pressures and inhuman and anti­ regime was dropped and, consid­ exposed them to various diseases. among the prisoners. Political women restrictions against politi­ ering the absence of a prior In the last few days mothers have prisoners are being forced to sur­ cal and non­political prisoners and criminal record and Mr. Booti­ refused their daily quota of hot vive on biscuits due to the poor demand immediate and practical mar’s special condition, his arms water in protest against the restric­ quality of food. directives from UN Human Rights ­dealing sentencing was com­ tion. These are the repressive plans of High Commissioner and women's muted to eight years. The quality and quantity of food in the intelligence service and prison rights organizations to end the in­ the women’s ward is very inferior organizations to make conditions human conditions of female politi­ and most female prisoners from harder for political prisoners. The cal prisoners in Iran . poor families have no one to sup­ number of prisoners is so high that 11 12 12

Bakery workers on The University: Green Politics and Deep Politics? Strike in Sanandaj By: Amir k. who, on September 18, raised the slogan, "When akery workers in San­ From: Khiaban # 48 the university opens, andaj, West of Iran, Iran will see Armageddon!" (Daaneshgaah ke went on strike against he university has never been a warm baaz besheh, Iran qhiyaamat misheh!), understand their law monthly sal­ and comfy house of learning. At least well the importance of fighting in the universities. B ary and lack of improvement in not in Iran. Here, it has been a long al­ The university is that nerve center that, with its their dreadful working conditions leyway shaped by various struggles and [youthful] enthusiasm and idealism, can blunt and today. T fights paving its path; a compact arena of struggle nullify those mercantilist type of calculations of a between despotism and freedom, between dicta­ dictatorship­ridden society. It is also a nerve cen­ They have announced that their torship and self­management/autonomy, between ter that can prevent deviation and cooptation of protest will be in limited areas in the science of oppression and control on the one the people's movement, and be the center for pro­ the beginning in order to meet hand, and the science of liberation on the other; viding consciousness and alertness as well as de­ public’s need. But, if their de­ the main artery of the contemporary political his­ fense of the interests of those whose voices have mands are not met, they will start tory of Iran. been expropriated, who have no spokespeople, an all out and unlimited strike on and the oppressed. The dictatorship too, with its Thursday, October 29. The Islamic Republic was strengthened by its con­ trembling, shows us the importance of this fight. quest of the universities. I do not mean merely the The organized assault against the student activists, There are more than 4,500 bakery shutting down of the universities in 1980 and the the absolute militarization of the university, wide­ workers in Sanandaj and they violent elimination of the vanguards of the student spread expulsions and the habitual Islamizing of have problems in managing their movement in Iran, which in itself was a seminal the university are the regime's strategies for de­ deprived families. Workers are arena, and the courageous resistance of students ­­ feating the people in the university trenches. suppressed and officials and who fought back when confronted with members of their union are ar­ Khomeini's religious fascism and lost their lives, The battle in the university is one of appropriating rested in order to prevent protests. and did not silently surrender to the cultural that space as one's own. By determining the sub­ counter­revolution of the Islamic Republic ­­ will jects, by [implementing particular policies for] shine in the history of the [Iranian] university. But student admissions, by enforcement of [gender] Day seven of Ahvaz also, declaring Tehran University to be the loca­ apartheid, appointment of instructors from their tion of the Tehran's Friday prayers clearly high­ own ranks, dragging their own ceremonies into Pipe Mills protest lighted the relationship between the university and the university space, expulsions, and imposition of the current regime. The spatial conquest of the dispersion and spreading of waves of reaction, the university perhaps was primary to the conquest of regime tries to achieve its goals. But, the students orkers at Ahvaz the social discourse and the military­political coup too, just like the ordinary people at the beginning Pipe Mills Com­ of 1981 and the [total] closing of the social public of their new revolution, have realized that in order pany held a gath­ space. [The process of] Islamizing of the univer­ to defeat the enemy they must capture the univer­ W ering for the sev­ sity was an important part of putting shackles on sity spaces. They do not fear, for they are all to­ enth day running on Monday the society by the new power bloc, which had just gether. They have the power to cut off the hands outside the governorates office to begun battering the body of the revolution. of the rulers from their educational and living protest against non­payment of spaces. their wages and bonuses for the The rapid consolidation of the ruling regime past 10 months. within the life of Tehran University was the re­ The university, up to now, has been a collection of sponse given by Khomeini and his murdering co­ classes, spaces, doors and gates, corridors and Protestors were chanting, horts to freedom, diversity and the collective books as well as cold and regime­afflicted discus­ “Living in Iran is our indisput­ splendor that the 1978 revolution had spread sions that the students merely passed through; a able right,” “Government of across the green grass of Tehran University. Tak­ collection brimming with student populations, coup d'état, resign, resign,” ing the Friday prayers into the university apace who are nonetheless captives of the rulers. A vic­ “Death or justice,” “With God’s was done to guarantee the [continued] control of tory for the movement, however, means taking help, victory is close, death to the university space by reactionary religious back this space from the regime. the deceitful government” and forces. [...] The goal of the Shiite clerics was to “We will not surrender to hu­ impose their own system of thought on the mod­ [Continued on pg 13] miliation.” Members of public ern structures of the university. joined the workers in their pro­ The weekly presence of numer­ Editor: test. ous believers in Islam in a space Saeed Valadbaygi which is [supposed to be] the Associate Editor: Negar Esfandyari In fear of the spread of their pro­ main vessel of critical thinking, Advice & assistance: test, the suppressive agents at­ and the weekly sermons of the Abbas,Amin,Ana,Babak tacked the workers and brutally religious functionaries of the Translation: Sara,Navid,Elham,Negin,Mahan,Cristina,Pascal,Shohre,Keyvan,Arsham beat and disperse them. regime for the purpose of dis­ Bahareh,Pegah &… seminating their thoughts and Newsgroup: The governor of city of Ahvaz ideas, instead of disseminating Saeed,Maryam,Bahareh,Amir,Lara,Negin,Sima,Kamelia,Kaveh, Saman and the head of the company concepts and ideas by academic &… have refused to respond to the and progressive forces, was a NOTICE: legitimate demands of the work­ giant step by the regime in bury­ PLEASE HELP THE PUBLICATION OF THIS ers who are unable to provide the ing the revolution. JOURNAL WITH DIRECT DONATION OR BY PRINTING & DISTRIBUTING basic needs of their families. EACH EDITION IN YOUR AREA. Now and once again, the univer­ sity has been turned into the BEST heart of the society. People J o u r n a l 12 13 13 From previous page (The University: quarters. Green Politics and Deep Politics? )... Letter of the Socialist Justice Party In deep politics, however, the main strategy is to take the university back of Sweden to stop executions in Victory does not mean huge gatherings from the ruling regime and to re­ Iran in defense of this or that political appropriate it. Women students who, leader, a gathering, at the end of which in their dormitories and university sur­ everybody goes back to their previous roundings, are subjected to discrimina­ o: Leader of the ever, the barbaric viola­ situations and only some photos of tion, ridicule or repression, can chal­ Islamic Repub­ tions that your govern­ flags and placards will remain of it in lenge the baseless power of the reli­ lic: Ayatollah ment carry out against some media. Overcoming dictatorship gious interference and university ad­ Sayed Ali your own people such as T Khamenei executions of young peo­ means the creation of free and social ministration with their collective or­ spaces. Without such creations, and ganization; students can themselves The Office of the Supreme ple who have been sen­ without taking back the university determine the criteria regulating what Leader Islamic Republic tenced to death as minors from the dictatorship, only an illusion to wear, how to behave, how to inter­ of Iran is no internal affair, but of victory will remain in place. act, etc. Their collective solidarity is crimes against humanity. their real power for taking back those Head of the Judiciary: Green politics or deep politics? spaces that in principle belong to them. Ayatollah Sadeqh Larijani We hereby declare our full The higher education institutions in In defending their right to engage in Let Safar Angoti and other solidarity with the Iranian Iran bring together within them mil­ student­related and political activities, juvenile offenders live. people´s own struggle to lions of students and tens of thousands a majority of students organize them­ Stop the executions! liberate themselves from of educators. If we add to that number selves and break the blade of fear and The Socialist Justice Party any government that carry the staff and workers employed in oppression. They will voice their opin­ of Sweden want to express out such barbaric acts of these institutions, it can be observed ion about what to read and resist the our condemnation of all repression. that compared to this large population, imposition by the clergy of reactionary death penalties and in par­ even thousands of thugs, Basiji's and subjects on the university. They take ticular all notoriously vi­ We demand the immediate killers of the regime are insignificant. control of their dormitory spaces into cious death sentences and cancellation of the execu­ The Islamic Republic can maintain its their own hands and defend their living executions of juvenile of­ tion of Safar Angoti and fenders, which seems to all other juvenile offend­ be a particularly barbaric ers and the immediate end practice of your govern­ of the death penalty. ment. On behalf of the Socialist We would like you to Justice Party of Sweden know that our party re­ Stockholm October 25th main in the forefront of 2009 the struggles against all Arne Johansson US and EU imperialist wars and interventions Member of the Executive such as the wars in Af­ Committee and editor of ghanistan and Iraq as well the Socialist Weekly Of­ as against all imperialist fensive . threats against Iran. How­ occupation of the university only on environment against the fascists. They Trial of Shabnam Madadzadeh to the condition of the indifference of a organize free seminars, extra­curricular Take Place in 40 days majority; just as it had an absolute oc­ classes, study groups, they organize cupation established on the streets only their own gatherings and [political] ac­ until the collective street movement of tions and determine their contents and ranch 2 of Te­ sons such as negligence of hran’s Revolu­ the branch office manager the people. Today, however, nobody in defend them. With such a strategy, tionary Court has or lack of prosecutor. This the university is indifferent. And this is with every step taken backward by the for the fourth latest delay will bring Shab­ exactly our point of departure: dictatorship, a free and democratic Btime postpo ned the hearing nam Madadzadeh’s tempo­ space is created which in turn prevents of Shabnam Madadzadeh, rary detention to 300 days. Green politics, in recent days has been the return of the dictators. The com­ Vice President of Tahkime Shabnam Madadzadeh who focused on showcasing general dissat­ mitment or the treachery of political Vahdat. According to Her­ is a member of the Central isfaction regarding the coup. This pol­ leaders will become clear with their ana news agency quoting Council of Tehran Teacher icy tries to challenge the legitimacy of commitment to, or treachery against, Amir Kabir, the date given Training University and is the current government and to legiti­ these collective efforts of the students. to Mohammad Oliaie, Ms. Vice President of Tahkime mize its own political alternative. Madadzadeh’s lawyer is 14 Vahdat has already been Visualization of its sign as the color Such an effort will provide the founda­ Azar. The lawyer and his detained for more than eight green, slogan writing its swift tactics, tion for a nationwide federation or or­ client have objected to this months. She has spent three the date. In response, the of these in solitary confine­ and organizing green sit­ins and gath­ ganization of the country's students. Revolutionary Court has ment. Ms. Madadzadeh is erings are the ultimate tactics in its ar­ An organization that is open to all, and announced that the hearing charged with apostasy and senal. This form of politics is still con­ different groups are active within it is based on an agreement propaganda against the re­ fused because the reformist leaders are while maintaining their positions, as with the Information Minis­ gime. According to her law­ as of yet incapable of formulating their factions, an organization that includes try and they have no power yer such charges have no larger goals and strategies. In this type all students, and for this very reason over it. legal value. Her arrest was of politics, the students keep doing will turn into the organized power of Prior to this, they had given originally reported to the busywork while they wait for further the students in the fight to push back hearing dates of 23 Tir, 22 information offices by her commands from the leadership head­ dictatorship and to achieve freedom. Shahrivar and 18 Mehr, all brother Farzad postponed for different rea­ Madadzadeh.

13 14 14

By: Karim Sadjadpour young hikers ­­ Shane Bauer, Sarah Shourd, and Josh Fattal (an My friend, the Iranian­American The New Hostage Crisis outspoken Palestinian­rights ac­ scholar Kian Tajbakhsh, was re­ tivist) ­­ detained in June along cently sentenced to 15 years in the Iran­Iraq border in Kurdistan. Tehran's Evin prison. For those Why Iran's rulers imprison people they know are innocent familiar with the ways of authori­ What, if anything, Tehran seeks tarian regimes, the charges him. pawn in the regime's campaign to in return for these human sub­ against him will ring familiar: portray indigenous popular pro­ jects is unclear, and frankly it's a espionage, cooperating with an Over the last two years, he regu­ tests as orchestrated by foreign difficult issue for Iran to broach, enemy government, and endan­ larly met with his minder from powers. Though the unrest gradu­ given that it undermines the ac­ gering national security. the Ministry of Intelligence. ally subsided, we went from cusations the regime has con­ Aware of the fact that the gov­ counting Kian's detention in days cocted. That said, the official line Since his arrest last July ­­ he ernment was monitoring all of his to weeks to months. can often change abruptly, and was accused of helping to plan activities and communications ­­ for no apparent reason. After Ira­ the post­election uprisings ­­ including e­mail and telephone Along with dozens of other pris­ nian­American journalist Roxana Kian's family and friends have conversations ­­ he kept a very oners, dressed in pajamas and Saberi was sentenced last year to made countless appeals for clem­ low profile and exhibited great sandals, he was forced to partici­ eight years in prison (on prepos­ ency to the Iranian government, caution. pate in humiliating show­trials terous charges of espionage), she written letters to Supreme Leader that were broadcast on official was summarily released a few Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and During this period, Kian and I state television. Hard­liners used weeks later. President Mahmoud Ahmadine­ regularly exchanged e­mails. He Kian to attack their reformist op­ jad pleading his innocence, and urged me to read his favorite ponents, inventing fantastic Until recently, it was accepted signed dozens of petitions. All to book, Polish writer Czeslaw claims that he was the link be­ wisdom that the uptick in Te­ no avail. Milosz's brilliant novel, The Cap­ tween former President Moham­ hran's repression of its own citi­ tive Mind, which examines the med Khatami and OSI founder zenry and detention of U.S. na­ I've come now to realize that the moral and intellectual conflicts George Soros. tionals was merely a reaction to regime probably thinks we're ob­ faced by men and women living the hostile policies of the Bush tuse. Indeed, they know better under totalitarianism of the left or Though his face looked visibly administration. This thesis is be­ than anyone that Kian is an inno­ right. different, haggard, his two­year ing quickly disproven as the cent man. As the expression goes old daughter Hasti ran and kissed Obama administration's hands­ in Persian, "da'va sar­e een On the 30th anniversary of the the television screen when she off approach to human rights in neest," i.e. that's not what this fall of the shah we debated the saw his image. His wife sobbed. Iran proves equally unsuccessful fight is about. successes and failures of the in getting the regime to improve 1979 Islamic Revolution, and he When our courageous mutual its practices. Allow me to explain. told me he believed that the for­ friend, Canadian­Iranian News­ mer outweigh the latter. Hardly week reporter Maziar Bahari, was Whether Republican or Democ­ Kian was first arrested in 2007. the worldview of a subversive finally released from Evin after rat, U.S. officials are often puz­ His crime was having previously counterrevolutionary. four months, we thought it boded zled by the detention of dual na­ worked as a consultant for the well for Kian. These hopes were tionals, and unsure how to react Open Society Institute (OSI), a Even amid the massive popular dashed by Tuesday's almost to them. Do U.S. statements and/ U.S.­based NGO. Though his uprisings following the tainted comically harsh sentence. 15 or diplomatic efforts help or hurt work was nonpolitical, focused June 2009 presidential elections, years! the cause of the detainees? on educational and developmen­ Kian remained cautious and un­ tal projects, and had received the moved, steering way clear of any The over­the­top severity of the Based on the experience of sev­ explicit consent of the Iranian political activity and continuing sentence makes it eminently clear eral Iranian­Americans who have government, he was accused of to meet with his minder. that this case really has little to served time in Evin ­­ including trying to foment a "velvet revolu­ do with Kian, and everything to esteemed scholar Haleh Esfan­ tion" on behalf of U.S. intelli­ On June 14, two days after the do with Iran's negotiating posture diari, Saberi, and peace activist gence agencies. election, he wrote me an email toward the United States. A dis­ Ali Shakeri ­­ we know that saying, "I'm keeping my head affected contact in the Iranian thoughtful public statements While in solitary confinement in down ... I have nothing to add to foreign ministry ­­ the vast ma­ from U.S. officials coupled with Evin, he was subjected to count­ all the reports that are here." In jority of whom were thought to behind­the scenes intervention less hours of interrogation. Had the same e­mail, Kian even ex­ have voted for Mir Hossein were helpful to their cause. the authorities found any evi­ pressed skepticism about the op­ Mousavi ­­ bluntly confirmed my dence for the above charges dur­ position's accusations of electoral suspicions. "Eena daran bazi ing all this, Kian certainly would fraud, saying he had seen "little mikonan," he told me. "These not have been freed after four hard evidence." guys are just playing." months. A few weeks later he was ar­ While neighboring Dubai and He was permitted to leave the rested, bafflingly, on charges of Turkey have managed to build country after his release, but helping to plan the post­election thriving economies by trading in chose to remain in Tehran with unrest. goods and services, Iran, even 30 his wife and newborn daughter. years after the revolution, re­ He reassured his worried family Given the government's intimate mains in the business of trading and friends that he was now an familiarity with the benign nature in human beings. In addition to open book to the Iranian govern­ of Kian's activities and communi­ Kian, Iran is now holding at least ment and there could be no fur­ cations, it appeared he was sim­ five other American citizens ther rationale or pretext to detain ply needed as an unfortunate against their will, including three

14 15 15 TOP 10 BOOKS (2009) Wild

The Opposite of Love by Jay Griffiths Wild is the product of Jay Griffith’s journey to find a childhood view of by Julie Buxbaum Emily, a successful young wilderness. She spent seven years on the book Manhattan attorney, should be overjoyed when and to complete her journey she gave every­ IT'S ME, HUMAN her boyfriend seems on the verge of proposing. thing that she had – time, money and energy. Instead she finds herself abruptly ending her Her search took her from the freedom fighters If I were a vixen, the starling of tree happy relationship for reasons she can’t even of West Papua to icebergs where polar bears I would rip so explain to herself. As her world gradually slept, from kindly cannibals to sea gypsies, starts to unravel there are laugh­out­loud mo­ and finally it yielded a sweet surprise, the As if I was a partridge headed in the ments but also times when the reader may be knowledge that “what is savage is in the deep­ snow moved to tears. est sense gentle, and what is wild is kind”. Would ripped by Bad Traffic Season of the Witch If I were a sickle, the middle of the by Simon Lewis Inspector Jian, a Chinese cop by Natasha Mostert Season of the Witch tells wheat from the Siberian border, thinks he’s seen it the haunting story of a man who gets drawn all. But when his student daughter phones him into the mysterious world of two beautiful I would break so frantic for help, he is pitched into an alien and witch sisters who are practitioners of the lost, frightening world – the mean streets of rural ancient Art of Memory. Part murder mystery, As if it weren't bread England. He needs to hunt down a gang of part love story, this novel is wholly original in ruthless people traffickers and he needs to do it both theme and scope and takes on big themes. Would break mine fast, but he has two problems: no English and no cash. Fifteen Modern Tales of Attraction If I were Creator, the complex law

Imagine This by Alison MacLeod In Fifteen Modern Tales I would release so of Attraction you will meet lovers, would­be by Sade Adeniran Lola is a nine­year­old lovers and lovers gone wrong. You will dis­ As if I'm a creature child who is wrenched from all that is familiar cover modern life laid bare and the literature and thrust into village life in Nigeria, a culture of the past re­imagined. You will travel from Lawbreaker, ripped and broken so alien and removed from her childhood in the Brighton seafront to the Nova Scotia coast. Kent, that she is left bereft and adrift. You will be in Ikea one minute and in the Hay­ But, I'm a hawk bell leaning on goat's ward Gallery the next… neck The Fantastic Book of Everybody’s Secrets Catch a Fish from the Sea (Using the Inter­ Hear me by Sophie Hannah Sophie Hannah, already net) well known for her acclaimed crime fiction Conquering of the tops and award­winning poetry, serves up these by Nasreen Akhtar Insightful and gripping, contemporary tales of the unexpected with a this is the true story of the realities of search­ I would repeat thousand times… relish rarely matched since the offerings of Ro­ ing for a lifetime partner using the internet. It ald Dahl. The more comic the scenario, the is the powerful memoir of a thirty­something Poet: Bahare Sh scarier the consequences… British Muslim woman of Pakistani origin who embarks upon a remarkable journey of the self, DESCRIPTION: Goat: icon of human­ Vicky Had One Eye Open society, soul and love. capricorn zodiac sign by Darryl Samaraweera Vivid, honest and heart­wrenching, this novel chronicles how a patient, Vicky, and her family deal very differ­ ently with her lapse into a coma. Vicky’s Sri Lankan family struggles to cope with the tradi­ tional closeness of their family unit, made in­ creasingly claustrophobic by the confines of the NHS. Tensions amongst the waiting family rise, whilst Vicky openly invites the reader into her mind.

Random Deaths and Custard by Catrin Dafydd Sam Jones is a perfectly ordinary Valleys girl. Except for the random deaths, that is. Random deaths she only just manages to avoid. Narrowly escaping decapi­ tation by the kitchen cupboard, concussed by a fall on the bus, then saved from choking on a fish finger by a complete stranger on her door­ step, she begins to see her life as a succession of near misses.

15 16 16

rida is a 2002 bio­ The two travel to New York welcome and house Leon Trot­ Shahin Najafi graphical film which City so that he may paint the sky, who has been granted po­ depicts the passion­ mural Man at the Crossroads at litical asylum in Mexico. She ately professional the Rockefeller Center. While in and Trotsky begin an affair F and private life of the surrealist the United States, Kahlo suffers which forces the married Trot­ Mexican painter Frida Kahlo. It a miscarriage and her mother sky to leave the safety of her Co­ stars Salma Hayek in her Acad­ dies in Mexico. Rivera refuses to yoacan home. emy Award nominated portrayal compromise his communist vi­ as Kahlo and Alfred Molina as sion of the work to the needs of Kahlo leaves for Paris after her husband, Diego Rivera. the patron, Nelson Rockefeller; Diego realizes she was unfaith­ ful to him with Trotsky. When The movie was adapted by she returns to Mexico, he asks Clancy Sigal, Diane Lake, Greg­ for a divorce. Soon afterwards, ory Nava, Anna Thomas and Ed­ FRIDA Trotsky is murdered in Mexico ward Norton (uncredited) from City. Rivera is temporarily a the book Frida: A Biography of as a result, the mural is de­ suspect and Kahlo is incarcer­ Frida Kahlo by Hayden Herrera. stroyed. The pair return to Mex­ ated in his place when he is not It was directed by Julie Taymor. ico, with Rivera the more reluc­ found. Rivera helps get her re­ It won Oscars for Best Makeup tant of the two. leased. and Best Original Music Score (recipient: Elliot Goldenthal). Kahlo's sister Cristina moves in Kahlo has her toes removed with the two at their San Ángel when they become gangrenous. "Frida" begins with the trau­ studio home to work as Rivera's Rivera asks her to remarry him matic accident Frida Kahlo suf­ assistant. Soon afterward, Kahlo and she agrees. Her health wors­ fered at the age of 18 when a car discovers that Rivera is having ens, including the amputation of hahin Najafi was born trolley collided with a bus she an affair with her sister. She a leg, and she ultimately dies af­ in 1980 in Bandar­e was riding. She is impaled by a leaves him, and subsequently ter finally having a solo exhibi­ Anzali in Gilan Prov­ metal pole and the injuries she sinks into alcoholism. The cou­ tion of her paintings in Mexico. ince of Iran. He studied sustained plague her for the rest ple reunite when he asks her to S of her life. To help her through sociology in university, but failed to obtain a degree after convalescence, her father brings expressing a desire to learn so­ her a canvas upon which to start ciology from within society painting. Throughout the film a rather than a classroom. scene starts as a painting, then slowly dissolves into a live­ Originally working as a poet in action scene with actors. Iran, he was also trained in both classical and Flamenco style Frida also details the artist's guitars.He also began working dysfunctional relationship with with several underground music the muralist Diego Rivera. When groups in Iran.Under pressure Rivera proposes to Kahlo, she from the Iranian government to tells him she expects from him remove the political messages loyalty if not fidelity. Diego's from his music, he immigrated appraisal of her painting ability to Germany in 2005, and began is one of the reasons that she performing with Tapesh 2012. continues to paint. Throughout the marriage, Rivera cheats on The group was well received by her with a wide array of women, the Iranian community and me­ while the bisexual Kahlo takes dia, in part due to Najafi's so­ on male and female lovers. Natalia and Leon Trotsky arriving in Tampico, Mexico, January 9, 1937, greeted by cially and politically charged artist Frida Kahlo, center. lyrics. He left the group at the beginning of 2009. 1688: The First Modern Revolution Najafi's songs are a mixture of A new history of the Glorious Revolution of 1688 labours too hard to prove that it was every protests against religious gov­ bit as bloody as France in 1789 or Russia in 1917. ernments, poverty, sexism, cen­ sorship, and drug addiction. The The future's orange ica and France. In less than an­ estant daughter Mary and her song The Power Of Students In other century, it will go, as well Dutch husband, William of Or­ Iran focuses on harassment en­ Thomas Paine, in his Rights of as Mr. [Edmund] Burke's la­ ange ­ have been published. countered by progressive stu­ Man (1791), predicted that in­ bours, 'to the family vault of all Add to this Liza Picard's work dents in Iran, while We Are Not terest in the Glorious Revolu­ the Capulets'." on the Dutch influence on 17th­ Men is a response to the govern­ tion of 1688, "however from century English culture, Mi­ ment's attempts to suppress the circumstances it may have been In this regard at least, Paine has chael Barone's account of the burgeoning movement to secure exalted beyond its value, will proved a poor prophet. Since revolution's impact on Ameri­ equal rights for women. find its level. It is already on 2006, three new histories of the can history … the wane, eclipsed by the revolution of 1688­89 ­ when [Continued on pg 21] enlarging orb of reason, and the the Catholic James II was re­ luminous revolutions of Amer­ placed as monarch by his Prot­

16 17 17

Does Obama really deserve the Nobel Peace Prize?

By: Elham In the last few weeks, the Israeli­ More importantly, this award risks dis­ Palestinian peace talks have all but frozen crediting the prize even more than some verybody with a foot in the news under Obama's leadership, and the threat earlier choices. We don't know what world has gone bananas over of nuclear Iran appears to make our cur­ Obama will be forced (or will choose) to Obama getting this year's Nobel rent president mimic the words of our last do in the rest of his presidency (which Peace Prize, so why shouldn't I one. could last another 7+ years) and if he ends E add my two cents? I am from a nation up escalating any existing conflicts or­ whom has been deeply effected by presi­ Put bluntly, President Obama does not de­ heaven forbid­starting a new one, it will dent Obama's recent actions and just serve the Nobel Peace Prize. The current make a mockery of the whole idea of the wanted to yell out my input from a roof president lacks any significant accomplish­ prize. I wouldn't be surprised if this award top, but saw The Bridge as a better source ment on the matter of conflict resolution doesn't generate more than a little resent­ of communication. with the exception of his beer summit on ment around the world, especially if U.S. race relations earlier this summer. foreign policy changes less than many Speaking from the Rose Garden President people still hope it will. Obama announced that he would accept The matter of international or domestic the Nobel Peace Prize. The president said peace is the result of a body of work ­ not Finally, the Peace Prize is awarded by the that he does not view it as a recognition of something accomplished in nine months. Norwegian Nobel Committee, and all the his own accomplishments, but as a call to Obama now stands in a league with only Norwegians I've talked to thus far think it action for the international community to two other African­Americans who have was a bizarre decision. One Norwegian confront global issues. won the Noble Peace Prize: Dr. Ralph friend had a simple explanation: the chair­ Bunche and Dr. Martin Luther King. A man of the committee is Thorbjorn The Norwegian Nobel Committee an­ review of their work for domestic and in­ Jagland, a former president of the parlia­ nounced its decision to award President ternational peace towers over the largely ment who is apparently something of a Barack Obama the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize symbolic accomplishments of our current running joke in Norwegian political circles for "his extraordinary efforts to strengthen president. and famous for boneheaded statements. international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples." The decision, a surprise There may be a time when President Consider this a handshake congratulations to many, appears in large part to be based Obama is deserving of this award, but for to President Obama. The Nobel Peace on Obama's campaign for the U.S. presi­ now, he will have to try his best to live up Prize is nothing short of a tremendous dency. The deadline for nominations was it. honor. February 1 meaning that Obama was nominated before serving his first eleven As for my reaction, I'm with the many With that said, I agree with the people days in office. voices who think this is a way, way pre­ questioning the reason. Yes, he's changed mature, and also with those who think the way our 'president' is viewed. Going An excerpt from the will of Alfred Nobel, Obama's best move would have been to from Bush to Obama is perhaps the most the founder of the Nobel Prizes, instructs decline it peacefully, while saying he drastic scenario possible. But he hasn't that the Nobel Peace Prize should be would be thrilled to be deserving at some seen any of his plans come to fruition....yet awarded "to the person who shall have later date.,which by seeing his actions so done the most or the best work for frater­ far I highly would doubt that. The Nobel So far, and this is coming from the award nity between nations, for the abolition or Committee might have felt dissed, but I presenter himself, Obama's presidential reduction of standing armies and for the believe he would have won enormous campaign "Hope and Change" has taken holding and promotion of peace con­ plaudits elsewhere. him to Infinity and Beyond. The man pre­ gresses." senting the award said Obama was given Why is the prize ill­chosen? Because we the award because he represents hope and So how does Obama stand up against this all know that "talk is cheap," and thus far change.... notice he doesn't cite something criterion set by Nobel? Unfortunately not that's mostly what Obama has offered us. accomplished or finished or tangibly bene­ well. We're getting out of Iraq (though maybe ficial. not completely), but George W. Bush had The prize comes at a time when Obama already signed the deal to do that before he At this moment in time, no, Obama does has had little success in the way of creat­ left office. We aren't getting out of Af­ not deserve this prestigious award. ing or sustaining peace. The new president ghanistan any time soon. He's given a Somewhere down the road? Sure. I abso­ is currently debating Gen. Stanley great speech in Cairo, and then whiffed on lutely think he will accomplish things and McChrystal's recommendation to increase the follow­through towards Israeli­ be the most deserving candidate. But now? troop levels in Afghanistan due to in­ Palestinian peace. He's given another nice I'm sorry. He falls ever so short. creased U.S. causalities. In Iraq, 124,000 speech about eliminating nuclear weapons, U.S. soldiers remain in armed conflict. but anyone want to bet on whether he de­ In any case, I'm putting in for next year's livers on that particular pledge? America's peace prize now. I haven't done anything Further, the growth in U.S. military expen­ image is improved (except in the Middle to deserve it either, but what if I promise ditures has continued. On Tuesday, the East), but I can't think of a single conflict to write a great book or article in the next U.S. Senate approved $636 billion in mili­ that has gone away (or even significantly twelve months that will substantially con­ tary funding, $3.9 billon less then the decreased) since he took office. So far, his tribute to world peace? In fact, I'll even White House requested. The propensity for main tangible foreign policy achievement promise to retool as an economist and put armed conflict does not appear to be abat­ was getting the Olympic Committee to a mathematical model in the piece, so that ing, which makes Obama a very odd unite in rejecting Chicago's bid and award­ I'm eligible for two prizes, not one. OK? choice for the Peace prize. ing the games to Rio!!

17 18 18

From pg 1(The United States and sanjani and Bani Sadr…all are in sein’s government , they will not worker action with inhuman sen­ the Islamic Republic are using a favour of this plan and this can succeed against the inhumane tences, against the most diligent weapon of mass destruction be concluded from their queuing policies of the Islamic Republic, members in the community, against the workers of Iran )… in front of the working class. but instead open the hands of the making itself the most damned Meanwhile the Islamic Republic mafia gangs and government of all time in its downhill slope. is busy killing humans in the factions to loot the people all the Before this the Islamic Republic I speak for the masses, the class economic and welfare wheel in a more. Years of treatment against had issued flogging and prison of workers and community gen­ far more lethal and inhumane workers and various industrial sentences to workers in Sanan­ erating people that have no capi­ way and it’s not without reason sectors by the Islamic Republic – daj. Their crime was the partici­ tal other than the power of their that the entire so­ particularly in re­ pation in International Worker’s work for sale. Poverty, unem­ called streams are cent months – are Day on 1 May. The Islamic Re­ ployment, the high cost of living sitting silently. The outcome of eco­ testament to the public by suppressing syndicate and inflation are nothing new in nomic sanctions in the country’s eco­ leaders like Mansour Osanloo Iran. The people of Iran have for But Washington will not too distant past and nomic mafia. A and Ebrahim Madadi for the years lived with economic pres­ put another plan ­ in Iraq show that close mafia that was strike action of bus drivers, has sure, but in recent years the cri­ for “wider economic to 5,000 children and even drawn into shown that it will stop at nothing sis ridden economic situation to­ sanctions” ­into ac­ elderly lose their lives pre­election televi­ in its attack of workers and their gether with the failure of interna­ tion. US Congress each month because of sion debates, and rightful demands. But in recent tional policies in dealing with with this decision the effects of such sanc­ whose cases be­ days there is different news in West have created very difficult that was apparently tions. This figure came the subject of the papers. Yes, more prison circumstances for the Islamic made in the face of should be multiplied discussion in front sentences for worker leaders and Republic. These circumstances Iran’s nuclear pro­ for a 10­year period to of people’s eyes. this time the syndicate leaders of have advanced to the point gram, will put the see the effects of these As a result of the Haft Tappeh Neishekar, who in where the government has fired people of Iran under weapons of mass de­ current situation, recent years have represented its own fatal bullet. The legisla­ the most severe eco­ every day a large well the workers’ struggle struction more clearly... tive parliament of the Islamic nomic and social section of the news against the government. The Is­ Republic has in recent weeks ap­ pressure so that in the end is devoted to the workers and lamic Republic has issued prison proved a plan for “targeting sub­ through the people’s remonstra­ this alone is a small corner of the sentences for these workers. sidies”. This occurrence is pre­ tion it can be victorious at high common pain that every day re­ Their crime is establishing syin­ cisely the other side of a coin level economic and political dis­ sounds and punches and rebels dicates and organizing strikes in that is multiplied in America. cussions. The direct outcome of from the dilapitated low ceilings an effort to collect their overdue Congress has finally approved approval of both these plans is of the lower classes of society. wages. This is a clear and the plan for “wider economic unbearable pressure for the peo­ Iran’s workers know well that shameless attack on the workers sanctions”. ple of Iran. Economic sanction­ they must stand against inhu­ that must be answered by people ing is a weapon of mass destruc­ mane policies and with their own nationwide. The aim of the plan approved by A few days ago the workers of the Islamic Council is the eradi­ Ahvaz Pipeworks and Wagon cation of “government subsi­ Pars took to the streets in protest dies” in the sale of energy such against anti­worker laws and non as oil and gas and petrol and ­payment of overdue wages. Set­ electricity…and in addition ting fire to tyres and taking con­ some basic food stuffs. It has trol of the roads surrounding the been predicted that in imple­ town and factory, they sounded menting this plan a figure in the the siren of the workers revolt. region of 20 billion dollars (a Though insignificant and reac­ quarter of the country’s annual tionary slogans may be heard budget) will impose directly n these days, the breath of the the cost of living of the masses. workers’ fight for their rights The removal of subsidies is not a with national organization gives phenomenon particular to the hope for the future of the work­ Islamic republic but a common ers’ movement. Workers’ pro­ Bourgeois exercise for the so­ tests are of the most popular called “efficient” economic forms of protest in society as we function of the government. A have witnessed in recent days tion, a weapon that is used by strength change the status quo to directive that Ahmadinejad in­ when the people of Ahvaz in both poles against the people. the benefit of the majority. They tends to implement so that the their hundreds joined the work­ economic burden and budget The outcome of economic sanc­ have organized and created inde­ ers’ protest, shouting slogans deficit falls on the shoulders of tions in the not too distant past pendent unions on this same against the policies of the gov­ and in Iraq show that close to principle many times before and the hardworking masses. But the ernment. Before this, in the run other issue is that this plan corre­ 5,000 children and elderly lose their actions have been sup­ up to elections the workers an­ sponds with other bourgeois their lives each month because pressed with prison sentences nounced that they would not par­ streams without consideration to of the effects of such sanctions. and flogging. The Islamic Re­ ticipate in the elections and that This figure should be multiplied public knows well that the as­ political matters. they believed that they would for a 10­year period to see the sembly of workers in the class not take place in democratic con­ From multiple national­Islamic effects of these weapons of mass struggle is very dangerous and ditions to the benefit of the ma­ destruction more clearly. Just as the cause of collapse of the foun­ streams to pro­West nationalism jority. economic sanctions did not suc­ dations of order. For this reason to conservatives, from Dariush [Continued on pg 20] Homayoun to Khatami and Raf­ ceed in weakening Saddam Hus­ the regime reacts to any sign of

18 191 9

From previous pg9 (The United 1 May is an international day of class families, and we insist on 10­Capitalism is the driving force States and the Islamic Republic solidarity among the working the immediate increase of the behind child labour. We demand are using a weapon of mass de­ class and a day of workers minimum wage on the basis of that all children, irrespective of struction against the workers of around the world’s struggle workers’ legitimate demands, their gender, ethnicity and relig­ Iran )… against the oppressive rule of conveyed by workers’ real repre­ ion, be able to benefit from equal capitalism and an expression of sentatives and their independent educational, health and hygiene When Moussavi visited the south their desire for a world free of unions. opportunities. of Iran, workers carrying count­ oppression and exploitation. 3­The Formation of independent 11­We demand the release of all less placards announced that all This year the working class is workers’ unions, the right to incarcerated workers from the election candidates were of celebrating May Day as the strike, protest, free gatherings prison, including Mansour the same ilk and that none had a world capitalist system is mired and free speech are our legiti­ Osanloo and Ebrahim Madadi, distinguishable programme for in an increasingly destructive mate rights, and these demands and the revocation of all judg­ the welfare and improvement of economic crisis and is struggling must be granted unconditionally ments rendered against them, and workers’ conditions. Therefore to free itself from this quagmire as the inalienable rights of all an end to the arrests and harass­ not only would they refrain from by any means possible. workers. ments of workers. taking part in the elections but The present economic crisis has 4­Workers’ unpaid wages must 12­We hereby pronounce our they also take exception to the demonstrated the inability of the be settled immediately and from support for all freedom­loving status quo. As such the workers’ capitalist system to deal with its now on, this exercise must be and equity seeking movements, presence on the streets cannot be problems, having found no alter­ deemed a criminal act, prosecut­ such as the student movement on account of the reformists and native but to transfer the brunt of able in the courts of law and the and women’s movement, and we representatives of Moussavi and the crisis onto the shoulders of consequences enforced. strongly condemn the arrest and Khatami and seized in the name the working class around the 5­Firing of workers by using imprisonment of their activists. of the green movement. The de­ world. This bears witness to the various excuses must stop and all 13­We are part of the interna­ sires of this movement were fact that in the post Eastern Block those sacked, or newly entering tional working class movement, clearly stated on 1 May, Interna­ era and the declaration of the end the job market, should benefit and as such, we condemn the tional Worker’s Day. I will end random sacking and the double this piece with a statement from exploitation and harassment of the Free Workers Union of Iran, Afghan and other migrant work­ which expresses and represents ers in Iran. the workers’ voices directly: 14­We are grateful for interna­ tional working class support for Iranian Workers’ May Day our struggle in Iran, and we are Resolution their allies in solidarity with their The present financial crisis and struggles against the hardships its destructive consequences for imposed by the capitalist system. the working class around the 15­1 May must be declared a world is yet to spread its ominous civic holiday in the Iranian cal­ shadow on the everyday life of endar and any ban on May Day the Iranian workers; But the in­ celebrations must be revoked and justices they suffer is nothing but prohibited. the outcome of the rule of the Ira­ Long live May Day! nian capitalist class. Long live the international soli­ Injustices such as: of history by the decadent capi­ from employment insurance suit­ darity of the working class! Wages that keep workers under talist world, there remains no able for a decent living standard. May 1, 2009 the poverty line, Widespread lay­ other alternative for the working 6­We demand equal rights for May First Committee offs, Withholding of workers’ class and the civilized world but men and women in all aspects of Syndicate of Workers of Tehran wages for months, Imposition of to free itself from the inhumane economic and social life and we and Suburbs Vahed Bus Com­ temporary and blank contracts on capitalist relations of produc­ demand the abolition of all exist­ pany Syndicate of Workers of the workers by companies, Imprison­ tion. ing discriminatory laws. Haft Tappeh Sugar Plantations ment and flogging of workers in We deserve a decent lifestyle and 7­We demand a decent pension Free Union of Workers in Iran order to inhibit disobedience and we will make sure we alleviate plan for all retirees and we con­ Founding Committee of the Syn­ resistance, The absence of fair these problems by forming un­ demn any discriminatory prac­ dicate of Builders and Decora­ and legal contracts. ions, which are independent of tices in the payment of these pen­ tors These are not problems that have government and company influ­ sions. Collaborative Council of Labour emerged in Iran with the new ence, and by our ongoing solidar­ 8­We firmly support all the de­ Organizations and Activists wave of economic crisis. Such ity. mands put forth by teachers, Coordinating Committee to Form injustices have existed in Iran for Therefore, our workers demand nurses and all other hard­ Workers’ Organizations many years and the crisis is deep­ the following as a minimum pro­ working white collar workers, Committee to Pursue the Estab­ ening every year. We shall not gramme to take effect immedi­ and we consider ourselves their lishment of Free Work­ keep quiet in the face of such ab­ ately: ally in their struggle. We also de­ ers’ Organizations horrent and inhumane practices, 1­Job security for all workers mand revocation of Farzad Ka­ Women’s Council and will not allow them to in­ and the abolition of temporary, mangar’s death sentence. Centre for Workers’ Rights in fringe upon our rights any more blank and newly­formulated con­ 9­As seasonal and construction Iran than they already have. We are tracts. workers are deprived of the nec­ the principal producers of wealth 2­We consider the minimum wage essary social insurance rights, we … in the society, and we deem it our set by the high council of labour support their struggle to achieve Saeed Valadbaygi lawful right to live according to as the imposition of gradual their humanitarian rights and a the highest standards of living. death on millions of working decent living. ZEDBAZI 19 20 20 Reformists and the Coup Government Cooperate in Keeping the Protesters Inline

By: Ramin Rahimi of both wings of the Islamic Re­ the protesters might fall into a Meaning, wherever they are public, frightened of what can dangerous structure breaking stronger than the people, they n the last days of the initial happen on the “Pupils’ traps and has explained about his will brutally take the offensive; period of Anti Coup dem­ Day” (November 3rd) demon­ move that: “These statements and, wherever confronted with a onstrations (June 12th to strations, ascended to the top of and the previous actions and mass concentration of the peo­ August 17th, 2009) the slo­ their religious stands and trib­ statements were meant to keep ple, they shall hide in allies and I gan, “Independence, Freedom, unes to condemn this slogan and people’s struggles within the passageways. Iranian Republic” began to echo the “destructive” actions and call system’s framework and not to in the demonstrations. This slo­ on the people to change the fall into traps of these structure However, on the Reformists gan of the people was a direct struggle’s direction by respect­ breakers… we cannot forsake side, day by day, they will ex­ response to the reformists, whom ing laws and the Constitution of our duties to prevent its happen­ pand their activities, relying on by forming the “Green Path of the Islamic Republic. Funny, is ing in order to please the ones their mass media, and that of Hope” Party, were intending to the fact that the first broadcasted who cannot see this hazard, the their Western Countries’ sup­ prevent the people’s demands to statement in this regard came same way that without proving porters’, propagating even surpass the framework of the Is­ from the chief of security, our dedication to people’s de­ greater lies and empty promises lamic Republic regime, and the Ahmadi Moghadam, clumsily mands and speaking on their be­ to fool the people in to submis­ channels that can be contained admitting to the Special Units’ half in our speeches we cannot sion. by the regime’s inner­circles. ineffectiveness and added: “We invite them to calm.” However, the people, by chant­ do not have a problem with the The most shameful lie is the ing this slogan had bluntly de­ Green Movement or any other Now, it has been over two weeks claim that if slogans such as clined the reformists’ proposed movement that would protest that political observers are con­ “Iranian Republic” and, other goal of the “Execution of the Is­ within the limits of the law, or vinced that on November 3rd – slogans that indicate a departure lamic Republic’s Constitution in even outside of it, as long as Pupil’s Day – there is going to from the Islamic Republic dicta­ Totality” and showed that their they do not act chaotically. But, be yet another mass demonstra­ torship is chanted, then, the re­ aim is to replace the Islamic re­ if there will be commotions lead­ tions in the capital city and, all pressive forces will find an ex­ gime with a democratic order. ing to disturbance, then the secu­ over the country by the people. cuse to violently attack the dem­ (1) rity forces will act firmly.” Genuine and influential groups onstrations. As if when these With this speech, he offered the have announced their support for slogans were not used and peo­ After the August 17th, when the Reformists some leverage to demonstrating on this date with ple’s actions and demands were daily demonstrations turned in to convince the people that if they calls of participation to their sup­ within the autocratic regime’s an apparent “calm”, gave both want to prevent repression, then, porters. As of today, only few laws, then the suppressive forces sides of the regime (the Coup they must refrain from radical days more than two weeks is left did not attack the demonstra­ Supporters & the Reformists) an demands back into the frame­ to this action. Both wings of the tions. Even a single primary illusion that the street demon­ work acceptable to the regime. regime are aware that asking school student cannot be fooled strations will give way to more On the other hand, in two Friday people not to attend is futile. by such a lie. The repressive accepted forms and this slogan Prayer sessions after the security Hence, as we get closer to this forces were murdering the peo­ will fade away from the minds chief’s speech, Ahmad Khatami event, both of the regime’s Coup ple when their slogan was only of the people. But, pervasiveness and, Janati (2 coup supporters) Supporters and the Reformists, “Where’s My Vote?”, , they of this slogan in the Ghods Dem­ directed their speeches to the increase their efforts to effec­ killed , tens of individuals, such onstration – i.e. Jerusalem’s day people chanting the “Iranian Re­ tively impress the people to limit as Neda and Sohrab, using (September the 18th) – woke the public”, threatening them with their struggle and demands to the sniper shots from the rooftops of statesmen out of their fantasy the accusation of “War on God” framework of the Islamic Re­ the buildings, just to create terror and showed that during the pe­ and the verdicts of execution. public Constitution and to a tol­ to discourage peoples’ participa­ riod of “calm”, not only the peo­ Right along such threats, and the erable level of action. The Coup tion in peaceful protests. There ple have not forgotten the de­ retreat of the security force chief, Supporters’ stand is quite clear. are many more individuals that mand of over­passing the Is­ on the coup supporters’ side, the Verbally they have retreated in their whereabouts are unknown lamic Republic, but also, they reformists also started to move front of this slogan and the radi­ since the very first days of the have combined it with the rejec­ along the same direction. First calization of the tactics used by protests. They are sacrificed for tion of submissive and surren­ one who brought the matter un­ the people in Ghods (Jerusalem) believing in reformist illusions. dering attitude towards the sup­ der attention was Mir Hussein day, and as Ahmadi Moghadam Khameneyi (The Leader) or­ pressing forces, replacing it with Mousavi during his 12th and indicated they are ready to re­ dered shootings in the crowd more aggressive street tactics of 13th public messages. Here, we spect popular right of assemblies when Mousavi and Karoobi’s attacks and counter attacks to read in “Ayandeh” website, under the condition of keeping suggestion of “Silent Demon­ protect the protest lines. These bonded to the reformists, report­ them within system regulations. strations” was carried out by the defensive actions of our militant ing of the Mousavi’s messages: Although we know better than to people. With further research people and the youth in reaction “Hearing caustic slogans \during believe such claims. The repres­ and investigation we can see that to the police and thugs’ brutality, the Ghods (Jerusalem) Day dem­ sive forces on November 3rd – the retreats in suppressions and shook both sides of the regime in onstrations from people who be it people’s chanting is limited killings and finally verbal retreat their foundations and alarmed were presenting themselves as in saying “Allah o Akbar” and of the coup government began them that if they do not change Mousavi’s supporters and mem­ “Ya Hussein, Mir Hussein,” or after the slogans and demands their approaches, there will be bers of the Green Movement has they escalate to the level of say­ were elevated to the levels of re­ nothing left to compete for. caused some of the country’s ing “Death to Khameneyi (The jecting the totality of the Islamic concerned elements to be wor­ Leader)” and “Down with Is­ Republic and the change of tac­ From the morning after the ried; in his recent texts, Mir Hus­ lamic Republic” they will act as tics to confronting the repressive Ghods’ demonstrations, speakers sain Mousavi has warned that they have previously done. forces. 20 212 1

From previous pg( Reformists and political activists whose line is and will lower the number of par­ the regime leaders (Coup Sup­ the Coup Government Cooperate in dictated from abroad and chant ticipants in the protests. This is porters and Reformists) and their Keeping the Protesters Inline)... incompatible slogans. This lie is the complimentary propaganda to lackey writers will become more intended to deceive the new com­ their last claim. Then again, to disgusting in nature and diver­ ers to the movement, since who­ whoever participated in the dem­ sity. Therefore, through relying Making such fallacious claims ever that was in the Ghods day onstration on Ghods day, it was upon experiences we have gained are the evidence for insincerity of demonstration knows that how clear that these slogans were during these struggles, we must the reformist forces and its lead­ widely the slogans calling for Is­ chanted by almost all the partici­ strive to broaden its popular base; ership toward the people, who lamic republic’s downfall and pants, and not only did it not by calling out to the oppressed count themselves as members of specially, call for “Iranian Re­ cause division among them, but classes, the toilers and popular the Green Movement. Since, the public” was chanted. This also raised the level of the unity of the movements, which are already others were already aware of indicates how these liars are on people against the current re­ involved in their separate strug­ their ill wills, as individuals and a the same boat as the coup sup­ gime’s forces. There is only a gles, to join ranks in these central group, and had no illusions of porters. Since, until yesterday, very few number of the ones in and national political protests. their leadership to follow their and even now, they have been power and their bought out re­ We should go forward with more directives. Thus, such sayings are making such allegations against formist cadres and agents, who organized steps and clearer de­ only to deceive the people who the reformists themselves. The have separated themselves from mands, rejecting all calls to com­ have faith in their veracity. We story of Ahmadinezhad calling the people’s majority through op­ promise by the reformists and advise that group of people to the demonstrators as “Twigs and posing such slogans. Our sugges­ coup supporters. come out of this illusion and in­ Dusts” dependent to the foreign tion to them is that to prevent dis­ fluence and stand beside the ma­ powers is still young and fresh in unity and tension among the Down with the Islamic Republic! jority of the people, taking deci­ everybody’s mind. masses to stop their false propa­ Bread, Housing, Freedom, Soviet sive steps toward democracy. ganda and respect people’s will Republic! Another one of these false claims and demands. http://nedaanews.com/English/? But the most important of these of the reformist media and their p=135 lies is the claim that people who mercantile writers is that chant­ Anyhow, as we are getting closer chant “Iranian Republic” are only ing the radical slogans causes to the November 3rd Demonstra­ a small number of the people and schism in the ranks of the people tion, the false claims and lies of

Former opposition candidate Karroubi From pg 16 (1688: The First Modern progressive with the traditional, nor Revolution)… even the replacement of one mode beaten during visit at media fair of production with another. Rather, and the translation into English of they are the product of the conflict n Friday, heavy skirmishes took place between sup­ much important research by schol­ between rival modernisation move­ porters and opponents of the Iranian opposition ars from the Netherlands, and you ments, culminating, usually vio­ leader Mehdi Karroubi. As reported by news agency could be forgiven for thinking ­ in­ lently, in the profound transforma­ O ISNA, the fights began when Karroubi arrived at a tion of the state. fair in Tehran, and his supporters chanted slogans. As a result, viewer's sales are anything to judge the defied candidate of the presidential elections in June had to by ­ that the history book­buying In the case of England, the rival leave the premises, and apparently he also got beaten. public has an insatiable thirst for all teams of modernisers were made up things glorious and revolutionary. of James II and his Catholic advis­ Photos show the cleric without his white turban and with a red ers on one side and the Whigs and scratch in his face. According to news agency Mehr, the police So, is there space in this crowded their Dutch helpmeet William of did not arrest anybody, and claimed that Mr Karroubi’s appear­ field for Steve Pincus's hefty new Orange on the other. According to ance at the fair had caused the fights. tome? The short answer is yes, be­ cause what Pincus offers is not yet and sought to create a modern ab­ The European Union on Friday expressed concerns about the another narrative treatment of the solutist state, and an accompanying human rights violations committed by the Iranian government in 1688 revolution's causes and conse­ empire, along French lines. Though the context of the controversial presidential election of June 12. quences, but instead a lengthy, in­ outwardly he pursued the goal of The Swedish EU Concil Presidency in a statement condemned terpretative essay that stakes a religious toleration, the authoritar­ the “continuing arrests” of journalists and human rights activ­ claim for England's last 17th­ ian James really had little truck century revolution as the world's with religious pluralism and made first modern one. This might make no secret of his dislike for the Hu­ the book a less­than­ideal entry guenot refugees who had flocked to point for the uninitiated, but its am­ English shores in flight from bitious scope should secure it a Louis's persecutory policies. broad audience. And that is because Pincus is moving into territory re­ [Continued on Pg 25] sembling more that of the late soci­ ologist and political scientist Charles Tilly than the narrow, paro­ “THE BRIDGE” welcomes contri­ butions from talented writers, chial furrow ploughed by most graphic designers, artists. Please scholars of later­Stuart Britain. contact us at: thebridgejour­ [email protected] According to Pincus, England's revolution of 1688­89 established Be the first to read “THE BRIDGE” . Join our mailing list to the fundamental pattern followed receive regular updates. Write to : by all uprisings since, from France [email protected] in 1789 to Cuba in 1959. Pincus with SUBSCRIBE in the subject After leaving the media fair, a supporter of Ahmadinejad threw a shoe at suggests that modern revolutions box. Karroubi do not represent the clash of the 21 22 22

t this year’s World School of the Interna­ The Crisis of Capitalism and the tasks of the Marxists – tional Marxist Ten­ dency held at the end Part One Aof July, A lan Woods deliv­ ered a speech on the nature of It is an elementary proposition of we understand with how the conditions, is false. This crisis is the present crisis of capital­ dialectical materialism that hu­ masses see things. Most workers, not a normal crisis, it is not tem­ ism, in which he deals with man consciousness is innately you must understand, the masses, porary. It marks a fundamental the relationship between the conservative. Most people don’t don’t have the same conscious­ break in the process. That does economic cycle and the class like change. They resist new ness as the Marxists. The first not mean that there cannot be a struggle, and also looks into ideas. And they will cling to the effect of a deep crisis, a deep recovery of the business cycle. what kind of recovery we can existing forms and ideas of soci­ slump and this is a deep crisis That is inevitable at a certain expect, considering the enor­ ety until they are compelled to as far as the masses are con­ point. mous contradictions that have abandon these ideas on the basis cerned, is shock. The workers are accumulated within the sys­ of the massive hammer­blows of stunned, traumatized, and they At this moment in time, the bour­ tem. events. don’t understand what is happen­ geois economists and politicians, ing. and above all, all the reformists, The present situation of world are desperately seeking some sort The economic cycle and the capitalism reminds one of what Most of them believe that the cri­ of revival to get out of this crisis. class struggle Trotsky said in 1938. sis will be temporary. They draw They look to the recovery of the “Objectively speaking, the condi­ the conclusion that if they pull in business cycle for salvation. The world is experiencing the tions for world Socialist revolu­ their belts, make sacrifices, put They are constantly talking about deepest crisis since the 1930s. tion are not only ripe and mature, their heads down, eventually the “green shoots” of recovery. Trotsky pointed out that one of but they’re rotten ripe!” The things will get better and they But so far the “green shoots” are the most difficult and compli­ situation has revealed its bank­ will go back to the previous con­ extremely weak and almost in­ cated tasks that faces Marxist ruptcy from a historical point of ditions. From the standpoint of visible. analysis is to answer the ques­ view. That is clear to everybody. most ordinary people, this is a tion, “Through what phase are And yet we are left with a contra­ fairly logical assumption. This The measures which have been we passing?” diction, a paradox. If this is true, crisis appears to be something taken by all the Capitalist gov­ why is it that the ernments in the world, from a There is no such thing as a final forces of Marxism standpoint of orthodox capitalist crisis of capitalism. The boom still remain a tiny mi­ economics, are completely irre­ slump cycle has been a constant nority? sponsible. The only explanation feature of capitalism for almost for these measures is panic. The two hundred years. The capitalist The answer to that ruling class is terrified of the so­ system will always eventually get question is very sim­ cial and political repercussions of out of even the deepest economic ple. Consciousness is the economic crisis. That is why crisis until the system is over­ lagging far behind they are pumping vast sums of thrown by the working class. the objective situa­ money into the economy and tion. The mass or­ they are creating huge unprece­ This is evident. But the concrete ganizations of the dented levels of debt. As every­ question is: how do they get out working class are one knows, sooner or later debts of the crisis and at what cost? lagging far behind must be repaid. That in itself is a And the second question is: what the real situation. recipe for a gigantic crisis in the is the relationship between the Above all, the leadership of the abnormal, something out of the future. economic cycle and the con­ proletariat is lagging far behind ordinary. And people want to get sciousness of the working class? the objective situation. back to the “good old days”. What kind of “recovery”? Trotsky explained many times that the relationship between the These factors did not drop from The “leaders” of the working It is absolutely clear that some economic cycle and conscious­ the clouds, but they have been class, the trade union leaders, the kind of recovery in the business ness is not an automatic relation­ conditioned by decades and gen­ Social Democratic leaders, the cycle is inevitable at a certain ship. It is conditioned by many erations of capitalist economic former Communists, the Boli­ point. But it is equally clear that factors, which must be analysed upswing, of full employment, varian leaders, all encourage the it will not solve any of the prob­ concretely. relative improvements of living idea that this crisis is something lems facing capitalism. On the standards. This has been the posi­ temporary. They imagine it can contrary, it will prepare a newer There are two marvellous articles tion, particularly in the advanced be solved by making some ad­ and deeper economic crisis, and by Trotsky that deal with this capitalist nations, not for a short justments to the existing system. above all a deep social and politi­ question: “Flood­Tide,” which time, but for a period of over And when we talk of the subjec­ cal crisis. The bourgeoisie is des­ you will find in “The First Five fifty years. That is what condi­ tive factor, the leadership, we perately trying to recover the Years of the Communist Interna­ tions the consciousness of the must also understand that for us economic equilibrium, which has tional”. The other article of fun­ working class in Britain, in the leadership of these organiza­ been shattered by the collapse of damental importance was written France, in Spain, in the USA. Of tions is not a subjective factor. It the last year to eighteen months. in 1932, that is to say, during the course the conditions in the so­ is an important part of the objec­ The problem that they face is that deep crisis that followed the 1929 called “third world” are different. tive situation, which for a time all the measures that they have crash. It is called “The Third Pe­ can hold the process back. taken to restore the economic riod of the Comintern's Er­ Consciousness of the working equilibrium will completely de­ rors” (January 8, 1930). These class Of course, this idea of the re­ stroy the social and political two articles deserve to be dis­ formists, that all that is needed is equilibrium. cussed thoroughly at every level. It is a very serious mistake for more control and regulation, and revolutionaries to confuse what that we can return to the previous [Continued on next pg]

22 23 23 From previous Pg (The Crisis of provement, which will serve to em­ able to work out how to predict the 8.5 percent, and the European Un­ Capitalism and the tasks of the bolden the car workers to take ac­ cycle. I’ll tell you something: I wish ion, a continued fall of 0.1 percent. Marxists – Part One)... tion. they were right and that they would tell me the formula, in private. We So what we are facing here in the Let us take a historical example. In could make a lot of money. But best case scenario is an extremely the United States, from 1929 to sadly, I have to say that for as long feeble recovery, which will be ac­ 1933, there were no strikes. No as I can remember, our own guesses companied, not by an improvement movement, except riots of the un­ at the specific movements of the in living standards, but by ferocious employed. But when there was a economic cycle more often than not attacks on living standards, cuts in slight upturn, in 1933­1934, there were wrong. public spending, and increased taxa­ was the beginning of a huge wave tion which will fall on the working of strikes and factory occupations, That is not an accident. Economics class and the middle class. Is this a including the Minneapolis strike is not an exact science. It never has scenario for social peace and stabil­ which was led by the Trotskyists. been, and never will be. All you can ity? A recovery with those charac­ do is to explain the broad underly­ teristics will serve to infuriate the That had an immediate effect on the ing processes and make an educated working class and that will be ac­ mass organisations in the United guess concerning the timing of companied by a wave of strikes and States. It led to the creation of the events. Nevertheless, we are entitled general strikes, you can be sure of CIO, the Congress of Industrial Or­ to have a little laugh at the bour­ it. ganizations, which was a breakaway geois economists. They worked out from the old craft unions, the a wonderful new theory called the Let us deal now with the question of American Federation of Labor. The “efficient market hypothesis.” Actu­ debt. The fact of the matter is that CIO was a very radical union that ally, it’s a very old theory, there’s the bourgeoisie, particularly in the nothing new about it. It amounts to There is an interesting article by organized previously unorganized United States, is so terrified of the the old idea that: “Left to itself the Trotsky, written in 1932 — at the sections of the workers. And we effects of a deep slump that it has market will solve everything. It will very lowest point of the economic will see the same process again. been pumping in money and re­ balance itself out. As long as the crisis called “Perspectives for the sources in a desperate attempt to Upturn”, where he refers to the ef­ In the same article Trotsky writes government doesn’t interfere, does­ avoid the slump getting any bigger. n’t distort this beautiful market fects of the economic crisis on the that a revolutionary must be patient. According to the IMF, the gross mechanism, sooner or later every­ consciousness of the masses. He Impatience is the mother of oppor­ public debt of the ten richest nations thing will be ok.” To which, John says the following: tunism as well as ultraleftism. He by 2010 will be 106% of the gross also writes that every Party member Maynard Keynes issued the very domestic product. In 2007 in was celebrated reply, “Sooner or later “Discontent, the wish must be obliged to join the trade 78%. That means an increase of ex­ to escape poverty, hate unions. He stresses the need for the we’re all dead.” tra debt, in three years, of more than nine trillion dollars. This is an in­ for the exploiters and revolutionaries to establish closer their system, all these links to the mass organisations, I can’t resist giving two quotes from credible state of affairs. It is without prominent bourgeois economists, precedent in the whole of history. emotions which are above all the unions. That is no ac­ now suppressed and cident. In a crisis, the workers feel which are a confession of bank­ And it cannot be sustained. ruptcy. Barry Eichengreen, a promi­ driven inward by fright­ the need for the mass organisations ful unemployment and to defend their interests, and these nent economic historian, now In the 1930s, Hitler resorted to simi­ writes: “The crisis has cast into governmental repres­ organisations will be affected by the lar policies through a massive pro­ doubt much of what we thought sion, will force their crisis. gramme of arms expenditure. In the about economics.” And here is Paul way out with redoubled USA, Roosevelt resorted to the New Krugman, who was given the Nobel energy at the first real Blindness of the bourgeois Deal, which, by the way, did not Prize for economics in 2008, only signs of an industrial solve the crisis in America. What last year: “For the last thirty years solved the problem of unemploy­ revival.” Trotsky said in the Transitional Programme that the bourgeoisie is macroeconomic theory has been ment in America was not the New spectacularly useless at best, and It is a very concrete question. Work­ tobogganing to disaster with its eyes Deal but the Second World War. positively harmful at worst.” So And the same is true for Germany. ers see the factories are being closed. These words could have that’s it: they confess that they closed, their jobs are at risk, their been written yesterday. The bour­ Hitler had to go to war in 1938, be­ haven’t got the faintest idea about cause if he hadn’t done so, the Ger­ families are at risk, the trade union geois understands nothing; they leaders don’t offer any alternative. don’t know what’s happening. They economics, or anything else. man economy would have col­ So temporarily this has a restraining are in a state of panic. That is why lapsed. That was the fundamental The whole system is breaking reason for the Second World War: effect on strikes. But when there is they are taking these irresponsible down. And now they try and com­ even a small upturn, and they see measures. It is a sign of desperation. the imperative necessity of German fort themselves with talking about capitalism to solve its problems at that the bosses are no longer sack­ the “green shoots” of recovery. Yet ing people but taking a few people This again is no accident. Lenin the expense of Europe. if you look at the figures you see on and the order books are begin­ pointed out that a man on the edge that the US economy is continuing ning to fill up, this can act as a pow­ of a cliff does not reason, he doesn’t Hitler solved the problem by the to decline, especially in the indus­ erful stimulus to the economic think rationally. And the most igno­ simple expedient of invading trial sector. Although the fall seems Europe and seizing all the wealth of struggle. rant and stupid section of the capi­ talists are the bourgeois economists. to be less steep than it was. France and its other imperialist ri­ For example, there is world over­ For the last twenty years they vals. However, the perspective of production in steel. There’s “too bragged and boasted that there Debt war now is ruled out. Nowadays, much steel” (for the limits of the would be no more boom and slump, the European capitalists are in com­ capitalist system, that is). This is that the cycle had been abolished. It I have got here the figures of the petition with the United States. Who related to a sharp fall in the produc­ is an actual fact, that in the whole of IMF. They have projected a recov­ is going to fight against the United ery for 2010. This is a guess, it will States? The very idea is a joke. tion of cars. There is something like the previous period, for decades, the a thirty percent excess capacity in bourgeois economists never pre­ probably be wrong, but I will men­ There cannot be a world war under tion these calculations anyway. these circumstances. Of course, the automobile sector worldwide. dicted a single boom and never And excess capacity is only another predicated a single slump. Here is their wonderful perspective there will be small wars all the time. way of saying overproduction. The for next year: United States 0.8 per­ Iraq was a small war. Afghanistan is cent growth; Japan 1.7 percent a small war. There is a small war in car manufacturers are selling off I might add that the same thing is their surplus stocks, closing facto­ true of Marxist economists. Over (which if you know anything about Somalia. But a major war between the history of Japan, is very poor); ries and sacking workers. But once the years I have heard many won­ the major powers is ruled out. they finish running down the stocks, derful theories put forth by many China (which has pumped huge re­ there will be a certain small im­ clever economists who claim to be sources into stimulating demand) [Continued on next Pg]

23 2424

From previous Pg (The Crisis of The post­war upswing lasted for Capitalism and the tasks of the about thirty years (until 1974). Marxists – Part One)... But that is no longer on the agenda. No one is suggesting such a perspective. The bour­ That is not an accident. Econom­ geois economists are all agreed ics is not an exact science. It that it will be a long and painful never has been, and never will process to struggle out of the be. All you can do is to explain mess which they’re in now. And the broad underlying processes because they can’t go to war, all and make an educated guess con­ of the contradictions must be re­ cerning the timing of events. flected internally in a ferocious Nevertheless, we are entitled to class struggle. That is the real have a little laugh at the bour­ perspective for the next period. geois economists. They worked anyway. Here is their wonderful by the way, did not solve the cri­ out a wonderful new theory perspective for next year: United sis in America. What solved the The enormous accumulation of called the “efficient market hy­ States 0.8 percent growth; Japan problem of unemployment in debt means years and decades of pothesis.” Actually, it’s a very 1.7 percent (which if you know America was not the New Deal deep cuts and a regime of perma­ old theory, there’s nothing new anything about the history of Ja­ but the Second World War. And nent austerity. We can express about it. It amounts to the old pan, is very poor); China (which the same is true for Germany. this as a kind of equation: the rul­ idea that: “Left to itself the mar­ has pumped huge resources into Hitler had to go to war in 1938, ing class of all countries cannot ket will solve everything. It will stimulating demand) 8.5 percent, because if he hadn’t done so, the afford to maintain the conces­ balance itself out. As long as the and the European Union, a con­ German economy would have sions that have been given for the government doesn’t interfere, tinued fall of 0.1 percent. collapsed. That was the funda­ last fifty years but the working doesn’t distort this beautiful mar­ mental reason for the Second class cannot afford any further ket mechanism, sooner or later So what we are facing here in the World War: the imperative ne­ cuts in their living standards. everything will be ok.” To which, best case scenario is an extremely cessity of German capitalism to That is a recipe for class conflict John Maynard Keynes issued the feeble recovery, which will be solve its problems at the expense everywhere. In the advanced very celebrated reply, “Sooner or accompanied, not by an improve­ of Europe. Capitalist countries (including later we’re all dead.” ment in living standards, but by countries like Sweden, Switzer­ ferocious attacks on living stan­ Hitler solved the problem by the land, Austria) class struggle is on I can’t resist giving two quotes dards, cuts in public spending, simple expedient of invading the agenda. This perspective is from prominent bourgeois econo­ and increased taxation which will Europe and seizing all the wealth the best perspective from our mists, which are a confession of fall on the working class and the of France and its other imperialist point of view. bankruptcy. Barry Eichengreen, a middle class. Is this a scenario rivals. However, the perspective prominent economic historian, for social peace and stability? A of war now is ruled out. Nowa­ ABOUT WRITER now writes: “The crisis has cast recovery with those characteris­ days, the European capitalists are into doubt much of what we tics will serve to infuriate the in competition with the United Alan Woods (born in Swansea, Wales in 1944) is a Trotskyist thought about economics.” And working class and that will be States. Who is going to fight political theorist in the British here is Paul Krugman, who was accompanied by a wave of strikes against the United States? The Labour Party. He is one of the given the Nobel Prize for eco­ and general strikes, you can be very idea is a joke. There cannot nomics in 2008, only last year: leading members of the Interna­ sure of it. be a world war under these cir­ tional Marxist Tendency and “For the last thirty years macro­ cumstances. Of course, there will editor of the "In Defence of economic theory has been spec­ Let us deal now with the question be small wars all the time. Iraq Marxism" website, Marxist.com. tacularly useless at best, and of debt. The fact of the matter is was a small war. Afghanistan is a In response to the United States­ positively harmful at worst.” So that the bourgeoisie, particularly small war. There is a small war backed coup attempt of 2002 in that’s it: they confess that they in the United States, is so terri­ in Somalia. But a major war be­ Venezuela, he was an important haven’t got the faintest idea fied of the effects of a deep tween the major powers is ruled figure in founding the Hands Off about economics, or anything slump that it has been pumping out. Venezuela campaign. else. in money and resources in a des­ perate attempt to avoid the slump I said that these figures of debt He was born into a working­ The whole system is breaking getting any bigger. According to were unprecedented, but what I class family with a strong Com­ down. And now they try and the IMF, the gross public debt of should have said is unprece­ munist tradition. At the age of comfort themselves with talking the ten richest nations by 2010 dented in peace time. War is a 16 he joined the Young Social­ about the “green shoots” of re­ will be 106% of the gross domes­ different matter. After the Second ists and became a Marxist join­ covery. Yet if you look at the fig­ tic product. In 2007 in was 78%. World War, the public debt of ing the Militant tendency within ures you see that the US econ­ That means an increase of extra Britain was 250% of gross do­ the Labour Party. He studied omy is continuing to decline, es­ debt, in three years, of more than mestic product. And America had Russian at Sussex University pecially in the industrial sector. nine trillion dollars. This is an a debt of over 100% of GDP. and later in Sofia (Bulgaria) and Although the fall seems to be less incredible state of affairs. It is That was a result of the Second at the Moscow State University steep than it was. without precedent in the whole of World War. But they solved (MGU). He his wife and two history. And it cannot be sus­ these debts by an enormous eco­ small daughters, moved to Spain Debt tained. nomic upswing after 1945. I in the early 1970s, where he par­ won’t go into the reasons for it ticipated in the struggle against I have got here the figures of the In the 1930s, Hitler resorted to because we’ve stated the reasons the Francisco Franco dictator­ ship, [citation needed] and speaks sev­ IMF. They have projected a re­ similar policies through a mas­ for this in previous documents eral languages, including Italian, covery for 2010. This is a guess, sive programme of arms expendi­ (See Ted Grant: Will there be a English, Spanish, French, Ger­ it will probably be wrong, but I ture. In the USA, Roosevelt re­ Slump?). man and Russian. will mention these calculations sorted to the New Deal, which,

24 25 25

From pg 21(1688: The First Modern contends, a moderate political only by including in his calcula­ A fleshy man with upraised eyebrows Revolution)… fudge. Ending his discussion tions British casualties from Wil­ and mustache proper with an account of the out­ liam III's European campaigns. It is come of the failed assassination never quite clear why he thinks he Walked through the circular square Similarly, England's Catholic king plot against William in 1696, Pin­ needs to show that the upheaval sought to weaken the independence cus sees a nation transformed in its was so very nasty, except that this Incessantly stalked by the spot­light of parliament, altering the political economic and foreign policy out­ might elevate it to the status of the make­up of boroughs and corpora­ look and now officially wedded to acknowledged mass bloodlettings And absorbed people in his steps and dark blue clothes tions to ensure, he hoped, the elec­ Lockean ideas of rule by contract in France or Russia. tion of pliant royal yes­men. In his and consent. Cage (1): lions and addicted felidae American territories, too, James The extremes to which Pincus dissolved the representative assem­ Pincus marshals an impressive ar­ pushes his argument are, however, Cage (2): white rabbits with red eyes blies of the New England colonies ray of evidence to support his case one of the main attractions of his and placed them under the govern­ ­ indeed, he has done an astonish­ book. Not for him the cautious And … ment of a hand­picked royal gover­ ing amount of archival research ­ humming and hawing of so much nor. Trade would also become a Tamed animals seem as the magi­ and the book, though long, is com­ academic writing. Pincus is, to re­ cians monarchical monopoly, with the pelling and forcefully argued. deploy J H Hexter's description of king seeking to extend the grip he However, the argument is so bold Christopher Hill, a "lumper", not a And Audiences seem as the rabbits held over the slave trade through that parts of it are less than con­ "splitter". As with Hill, one might in the hat his involvement in the Royal Afri­ vincing. For example, James II accuse him of taking a selective can Company. may have admired the government view of the many sources he con­ And ticket sellers as their advertise­ of Louis XIV, but it is not clear sults ­ did people in the late 17th ments century really care that much about And advertisers as ... political economy? But, like Hill, he also manages to write in a way OH! that is both contentious and thought­provoking. This is not the Dynasty of seemly, strangely likeli­ definitive history of the 1688 revo­ hood! lution, but it is a book that will Write on: Red and Golden Medals prompt intense historical debate for many years to come. Who's that man lying flabbily as a piece of meat smoking his cigar? By Steve Pincus His closet smells damp

You can feel badge of merits among THE SHOW his striped suites While mum tries to fill up your pocket with nuts

Write on: The Silent Plaything and Caused you not falling in love with Hands behind the Scene Hitler or Oedipus complex

From the right side of crowded Character (1): sadistic The Whigs, meanwhile, looked that he was really attempting to hall, rises trumpet yells over the North Sea to the Dutch erect a French­style monarchy. For Character (2): masochistic Republic for their political inspira­ one thing, his policies in North Spot­light showed reddish of the velvet curtain tion. They wanted to create a mod­ America ­ most notably the crea­ And … ern state based on commerce, not tion of the Dominion of New Eng­ Puppet (1): black­dirty­bold Children seem as their parents land, and sought religious tolera­ land ­ more closely resembled tion not only to protect tender con­ those of the Spanish vice­royalties Puppet (2): pallor­passionate­ And Schizophrenia seems as disor­ sciences, but also because it was than French colonial government. thoughtless ganized parents believed to be good for business. (Tolerant societies such as the In fact, in many respects, James's And … And baby births seem as the ticket Dutch provided refuge for skilled domestic policies followed those of show Puppeteers seem as the show workers, such as the French Hu­ his brother Charles II: the use of Here's ticket seller mentioned about guenots, fleeing intolerant rulers.) borough and corporation charter And Audiences seem as the tickets advertisers: "say: Silencio" Likewise, the political analogue of revisions to pack parliament, or the a commercially successful nation strategic employment of And ticket sellers as their adver­ ­Silencio! was an open, participatory polity, "declarations of indul­ tisements responsive to economic interest gence" (toleration by royal pre­ Poet: Bahare Sh groups and with a free press that rogative). Overall, Pincus struggles And advertisers as ... would ensure the availability of the to find a smoking gun that would *DESCRIPTION: Silencio: The Span­ UH! ish Word for silence .Used to quiet best economic information at all show definitively that James or his Dynasty of seemly, strangely likeli­ various size groups of people in a times. advisers had a pre­prepared Gallic hood! fast effective manner. blueprint for a new kind of English Although ultimately the Whig state. Similarly, while it is true that Write on: Travelling Circus modernisers were the victors, Pin­ some historians have underesti­ Drums exciting hails heard this cus is keen to stress that their vic­ mated the violence of the revolu­ time tory ­ given James's position of tion of 1688­89 in England and relative strength ­ was far from the Wales, the claim that it was more preordained outcome that many bloody than the French Revolution contemporaries believed. The post­ seems hard to sustain. Indeed, Pin­ revolutionary state was not, he cus can come to this conclusion

25