Now this is insane! Iran has gone too far!

[Black&Tan]

According to the news reports, Iran is trying to pass a law that all citizens must wear a standard uniform, and all non-muslims must wear a colored swatch of clothing!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20060519/wl_canada_afp/iranrightsreligion;_ylt=AnALlP3b5139NHiDWf1o6bis0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTA3ODdxdHBhBHNlYwM5NjQ-

Sorry for the link, I just wanted to get this out there!!

[Dont Hurt Me]

They also have banned satellite dishes. Wouldnt want anyone hearing anything but the state propaganda.

[Black&Tan]

...and here's a different link:

http://www.canada.com/components/print.aspx?id=11fbf4a8-282a-4d18-954f-546709b1240f&k=32073

It really sounds as if the President of Iran is forcing a confrontation with the western nations. This issue has been bogged down in Parliament for years and he has pushed it through, and is now waiting on approval from Iran's Supreme Guide.

I have a feeling Israel would not stand for this! According to the news site, there are almost 25,000 Jews living in Iran.

How soon before the US is in Iran?

[Dont Hurt Me]

Sounds like the same thing Hitler did to the jews in the late 30s.

[Lyle]

How soon before the US is in Iran?I think maybe the U.S. should sit this one out for a change. Let someone else play world police this time.

[Dont Hurt Me]

I think maybe the U.S. should sit this one out for a change. Let someone else play world police this time.It would be nice but No One will. Sad but the true, World Police because no one else will. Those in Power allways will become corrupt if there arent any check & balances. Islam is running Iran and if you arent a Muslim then you are a infidel.

[Black&Tan]

I think maybe the U.S. should sit this one out for a change. Let someone else play world police this time.

I agree somewhat. We should not take the lead on this, it should be an international outcry. Sadly, we have a cowboy for a president who feels he is an agent of God. How long before he acts....

[freeny]

These guys (Iran) are just asking for it.:confused:

[ziwi]

Yeah, sit this out and let everyone in the world villify the US for NOT getting involved - damned if you do damned if you don't...so why bother...Iraq is enough of a nightmare...

[Lyle]

I agree somewhat. We should not take the lead on this, it should be an international outcry. Sadly, we have a cowboy for a president who feels he is an agent of God. How long before he acts....So would you be OK if we sit this one out and let someone else take the lead?

[Lyle]

damned if you do damned if you don'tBingo.

[skunk]

Bingo.Possibly a slight over-simplification. There are other choices between going in with guns blazing and sitting back doing nothing.

[Black&Tan]

So would you be OK if we sit this one out and let someone else take the lead?

I don't think we have the resources to take the lead. I'm also afraid that if we go into another Middle Eastern country, we would inflame the entire region. How would that play out?

I'm not saying we should avoid any involvement, far from it. Just that we should not be the dominant military presence if it goes that far.

[Dont Hurt Me]

Possibly a slight over-simplification. There are other choices between going in with guns blazing and sitting back doing nothing.How about phasers on stunn?

[ziwi]

Possibly a slight over-simplification. There are other choices between going in with guns blazing and sitting back doing nothing.

Like what, foreign policy :P The US is the laughing stock in that department - the UN is just about pointless at this point - they have no real power. There have already been threats of sanctions, etc. What exact method would you propose if not muscle flexing in this case that has not already been tried?

[FCPnewbie]

Now correct me if I'm wrong here, but didn't the Grand Pubah of Iran say in a speach not too long ago that history as we know it would end in two years or less... it just seems like he's itching for a fight with someone.
Maybe he figures that if he can get us to attack his country that the world will indeed ignite into war and his prediction could possibly come true. We're living in strange times. Anyone have a left over Y2K stockpile they might be willing to sell for a good price?

[iris_failsafe]

It reminds me when jews had to wear David's star on their clothes in Nazi Germany...

[skunk]

How about phasers on stunn?Sounds good to me.:)

[skunk]

Now correct me if I'm wrong here, but didn't the Grand Pubah of Iran say in a speach not too long ago that history as we know it would end in two years or less... it just seems like he's itching for a fight with someone.
Maybe he figures that if he can get us to attack his country that the world will indeed ignite into war and his prediction could possibly come true. We're living in strange times. Anyone have a left over Y2K stockpile they might be willing to sell for a good price?Your own Grand Poobah apparently awaits the Rapture, too. Funny, that.

You can only "win" here by refusing to be provoked. For a change. If your White House spent half as much effort on repairing the UN as it does on its foolish posturing, there would be a true, collective alternative.

[blitzkrieg79]

Iran, I don't care, I don't plan on traveling there anyway. It's a different strange culture by western standards but most of the Arabic countries are like that. This time I would wait till they would attack, I don't think USA can afford another fiasco like in Iraq (considering a deep budget hole, creating chaos, and lack of real results, and Irans military is definately better than that of Iraq). Besides, now that I live in US and have the citizenship, I, for one, don't feel like going in to another war that is one ocean and one continent away and doesn't directly affect US.

I just don't understand why in times like this instead of wasting more American soldiers lifes they would actually invest that money into drilling Alaska, Pacific Ocean, or Gulf Of Mexico for oil (or invest into reasearch of alternate forms of energy, actually I think the technology is here but the big oil lobby has too much of a grasp on the world scene). Everyone knows that this is all about controling the worlds energy supply and not about freedom.

If it was about freedom then USA would also take care of Chechenya, Turkey (Armenia), and probably the most violent of it all, Africa where warlords have been running most of the countries there for years.

I wonder how many of the people who support the attack of US on Iran would actually in their right mind go on the battlefield and duke it out, considering that Iran so far hasn't done anything to hurt USA except exchange few words. And if Iran would really want to make and use weapons of mass destruction they could have easily obtain it a whole lot soon from post Soviet countries (same goes for Iraq, they were supposed to have nuclear weapons and up to today they found squat, oh wait they found Hussein who used more body doubles then Stalin).

[Black&Tan]

There is too much posturing going on, both here in the US and in Iran. Posturing has got us nowhere with Korea and nowhere with Iran. Its time for a new plan.

Maybe a rational, one on one discussion between all interested parties.

[IJ Reilly]

Countdown until this thread is moved to the Politics board:

Three... two...

[Blue Velvet]

One... :D


Gone too far? A clothing code?

Pity that the U.S. turns its head on graver matters.

United Nations: U.S. Aligned With Iran in Anti-Gay Vote

Rice Must Explain Repressive UN Ban on LGBT Rights Groups

(Washington, D.C., January 25, 2006) - In a reversal of policy, the United States on Monday backed an Iranian initiative to deny United Nations consultative status to organizations working to protect the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people. In a letter to Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice, a coalition of 40 organizations, led by the Human Rights Campaign, Human Rights Watch, the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, called for an explanation of the vote which aligned the United States with governments that have long repressed the rights of sexual minorities.

http://hrw.org/english/docs/2006/01/25/iran12535.htm


You have people over there persecuted and tortured because of their sexual orientation, with a sly nod from the US. Contemptible.

[blitzkrieg79]

Countdown until this thread is moved to the Politics board:

Three... two...

Hehehe, yeah, of course it will.

Anyway, I don't know what is wrong with the world today, everyone wants more and more, it's like a race to total world domination except that it's an impossible task. US won the war in Iraq in couple of days but so what if they can't maintain peace and order there which costs them more than the actual war.

Anyway, I have my Mac, I have my PC, I have my job, I have my wife, I have a kid, I have my EVO, soon maybe I'll buy a house, I travel, I live my own little life and yet I never killed anyone to accomplish what I've accomplished. I understand and appreciate lifes lost for fighting for the real freedom but the stuff that is going on right now is all about greed.

[freeny]

Why havent we seen this news item on any of the major networks?

[Queso]

Sounds like the same thing Hitler did to the jews in the late 30s.

Exactly the parallel they want you to draw. This is just another nasty dig at Israel. Standard policy in Teheran.

[Les Kern]

These guys (Iran) are just asking for it.:confused:

Possibly. Imagine if we DID use small nukes on their nuclear program. The 5 countries that control all the oil (Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Venezuela and Russia) could halt shipments, destroying us in one week. China would pull it's money out of our economy, putting the final nail in the coffin. I make good money, but a week's salary wouldn't get a loaf of bread. Think I'm crazy? Maybe I am, but folks, all we have are nukes and iPods.

[xsedrinam]

Originally Posted by Dont Hurt Me
How about phasers on stunn?
Sounds good to me.:)
They actually work quite well on poisonous snake bites in the Amazon. :)

[Lyle]

There is too much posturing going on, both here in the US and in Iran... It's time for a new plan.Fair enough.

Maybe a rational, one on one discussion between all interested parties.This sounds so much more pleasant. Which country will take the lead on having the proposed rational, one-on-one discussion with the leader(s) of Iran?

Seriously. I so wish the U.S. would just keeps it's nose out of this conflict for a change.

[Lyle]

There are other choices between going in with guns blazing and sitting back doing nothing.I agree -- I really do -- I'd just like for some other country (or organzation, as the case may be) to be the one to step up to the plate for a change. I think the majority of United States citizens are feeling, well, a little burnt-out at this point.

[blackfox]

I think Iran will sort itself out on this one. I don't think the Iranian populace is going to stand for this kind of thing. The government in Iran is already under the usual pressures resultant from urbanization and unemployment.

The worst thing that could happen is for US (or other) intervention, as that will play right into the Iranian Government's hands - distracting the populace from the normal problems resultant from poor governance.

It is important to remember that Islam, although increasingly popular and practical on many levels, has an extremely poor record of being able to govern. People recognize this, and left to it's own devices, this erodes the legitimacy of Islam-based Governments. Considering such, this can be seen as another act of desperation by the Iranian powers-that-be.

Much like the US, catering to the extremist(s) and the heavy use of rhetoric only work so far, before the most of the population says "screw this".

[zimv20]

Why havent we seen this news item on any of the major networks?
maybe because it's not true (http://www.940news.com/locale.php?news=2511).

[skunk]

maybe because it's not true (http://www.940news.com/locale.php?news=2511).Well done, that man!

[blackfox]

maybe because it's not true (http://www.940news.com/locale.php?news=2511).
I assumed as much. Thanks zim...

[gekko513]

maybe because it's not true (http://www.940news.com/locale.php?news=2511).
I was going to ask why no one had pointed out that this was an unverified report quoted here as truth. Thanks zimv20.

[pseudobrit]

I think maybe the U.S. should sit this one out for a change. Let someone else play world police this time.

When was the "last time"?

[Dagless]

I remember seeing a show once waxing lyrical about Iran. I was thinking, no. not really. Until they sort out their problems they're just as bad as other bad countries. I'm not naming any others ;)

[Dont Hurt Me]

Fair enough.

This sounds so much more pleasant. Which country will take the lead on having the proposed rational, one-on-one discussion with the leader(s) of Iran?

Seriously. I so wish the U.S. would just keeps it's nose out of this conflict for a change.Perhaps if they gave up their, you know that little.....tiny.....winey.....ahem! enrichment program? Think that would help?

[skunk]

Perhaps if they gave up their, you know that little.....tiny.....winey.....ahem! enrichment program? Think that would help?We don't even know for sure that they have enriched any plutonium, or indeed if they can. There's an awful lot of propaganda and downright misinformation being put out on all sides.

[Dont Hurt Me]

We don't even know for sure that they have enriched any plutonium, or indeed if they can. There's an awful lot of propaganda and downright misinformation being put out on all sides.Then what did Russia do for them? just the plans? The how to guide:)

[skunk]

Then what did Russia do for them? just the plans? The how to guide:)China, more likely:Doubts have been raised about how technically advanced Iran's nuclear programme is, after it emerged Tehran may have used material from China.
Western diplomatic sources told the BBC the material used in Iran's recent uranium enrichment experiments probably came from materials supplied in 1991.

That was before China joined the Non-Proliferation Treaty, and before it was bound by its export controls.

Iran recently announced it had been able to produce enriched uranium.

This was despite calls from Western powers to suspend the programme because of fears it could lead to the production of a nuclear weapon.

Iran may have used stocks of high-quality uranium gas - or uranium hexafluoride gas - from China to speed up a breakthrough in enrichment, diplomats say.

This allowed them to proclaim Iran's enrichment programme was under way.

'Impure' material

Nuclear experts say Iran has had some problems with impurities in its own production of the material.

So it would be logical to use the good quality Chinese material to test out its enrichment machinery, says the BBC's Jonathan Marcus.

The Iranian move had great propaganda value, but it may also have had a clear political purpose: to demonstrate that the Iranian enrichment programme was a reality, our correspondent says.

It may also have put down a marker that in the event of any future deal, Iran's right to conduct at least some enrichment activity would have to be acknowledged, he adds.


http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4994828.stm

[Dont Hurt Me]

Interesting Skunk.

[solvs]

Are people trying to bring about the Apocalypse? All this posturing and people making stuff like this up. What do you want to bet there are people in Iran spreading propaganda against us too.

[FFTT]

I say we bomb Iran immediately!



with iPods

[vniow]

maybe because it's not true (http://www.940news.com/locale.php?news=2511).

The link (http://hrw.org/english/docs/2006/01/25/iran12535.htm) that BV posted earlier unfortunately is. :(

[cait-sith]

It's not true. You can access the law from the Iranian Parliamentary website and if you read the actual law in persian language, it makes no mention of minorities. I read it myself and couldn't find a single word relating to non-muslims. Though my persian is not perfect, it's good enough to read the document.

[cait-sith]

Here's an english translation of the law from some persian blogger (http://zharf.blogspot.com/2006/05/blog-post_19.html)

1) Encouraging fabric designers and producers in using Iranian and Islamic patterns and styles in producing fabric and dress.

2) Respecting the traditional patterns and lively symbols of Iranian ethnic groups and paying attention to proper body coverage based on Islamic Sharia.

3) Taking advantage of research in obtaining original(to Iran) fabric patterns.

4) Encouraging the public in using the Iranian styles.

5) Supporting local producers of traditional clothes with loans and providing them exposure in clothes fairs and festivals.

6) Helping the public access to traditional clothes by establishing permanent dress fairs on local and regional bases.

7) Organizing regional (international) dress fair for exchanging experiences with other Muslim countries.

8) Inspecting and Controlling the imports of fabric and clothes to prevent the import of clothes incompatible with cultural, Islamic and national values.

9) This draft is written with coordination with the managing body in charge of clothing and dress.

10) Financial support for NGOs, unions, and non-governmental institutions in providing national clothing.

11) Media, in special the national TV, must help in establishing the usage of national clothing and they have to avoid advertising styles inconsistent with our culture.

Though it's a hoax, I can't say I was shocked to hear it. A national uniform is sort of interesting too isn't it? One less thing separating the people from their government. Orwell should not be consulted for leadership ideas.

And whether or not you make us wear ribbons or just don't let us dress like everyone else, it's kind of the same isn't it?

[zimv20]

A national uniform is sort of interesting too isn't it?
what's next? a national language? (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=202165)

[takao]

haha i didn't have to read zimv20 link to know it's not true.. after all the people are just like people everywhere interested in fashion etc.
and with all the ethnical groups of iran it would be kinda ridiculous

apart from the "inspecting imported clothes" (i would like to see them controlling 100% of the important clothes ;) ) i don' see big troubles ..

let's see .. they want to help their own textile industry partly through encouraging local traditional clothes ?

how evil :rolleyes:

[pseudobrit]

Following the neo-con Bloviating Playbook, let's see how many of the criteria this covers:

12a) appeal to emotion

1c) make **** up

[toontra]

Following the neo-con Bloviating Playbook, let's see how many of the criteria this covers:

12a) appeal to emotion

1c) make **** up


That's more like it. The neo-cons have a long track record of (and some even openly advocate) inventing a fake adversary through lies in order to galvanise public support for interventionist foreign policies.

IOW, don't believe all you read, especially when it relates to countries which the administration wishes to attack!

[zimv20]

juan cole has his say on the matter (http://www.juancole.com/2006/05/another-fraud-on-iran-no-legislation.html)


The National Post was founded by Conrad Black and has been owned by CanWest since 2003,* is not a repository of expertise about Iran. It is typical of black psychological operations campaigns that they begin with a plant in an out of the way* newspaper that is then picked up by the mainstream press. Once the Jerusalem Post picks it up, then reporters can source it there, even though the Post has done no original reporting and has just depended on the National Post article, which is extremely vague in its own sourcing (to "human rights groups").

The actual legislation passed by the Iranian parliament regulates women's fashion, and urges the establishment of a national fashion house that would make Islamically appropriate clothing. There is a vogue for "Islamic chic" among many middle class Iranian women that involves, for instance, wearing expensive boots that cover the legs and so, it is argued, are permitted under Iranian law. The scruffy, puritanical Ahmadinejad and his backers among the hardliners in parliament are waging a new and probably doomed struggle against the young Iranian fashionistas. (The Khomeinists give the phrase "fashion police" a whole new meaning).

There is nothing in this legislation that prescribes a dress code or badges for Iranian religious minorities, and Maurice Motamed was present during its drafting and says nothing like that was even discussed.

also of interest, as long as we're talking about the disinformation campaign against iran:

This affair is similar to the attribution to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of the statement that "Israel must be wiped off the map." No such idiom exists in Persian, and Ahmadinejad actually just quoted an old speech of Khomeini in which he said "The occupation regime over Jerusalem must vanish from the page of time." Of course Ahamdinejad does wish Israel would disappear, but he is not commander of the armed forces and could not attack it even if he wanted to, which he denies.

[obeygiant]

That's more like it. The neo-cons have a long track record of (and some even openly advocate) inventing a fake adversary through lies in order to galvanise public support for interventionist foreign policies.

IOW, don't believe all you read, especially when it relates to countries which the administration wishes to attack!



wow, i was waiting for some one to post something like this. nice going.

[Fukui]

I don't think we have the resources to take the lead. I'm also afraid that if we go into another Middle Eastern country, we would inflame the entire region. How would that play out?

Well, thats one reason to explain already what's already happening over there in Iran.

[Chip NoVaMac]

Countdown until this thread is moved to the Politics board:

Three... two...


One!

And now I see it has been moved. :)

[mactastic]

And now it appears that they man who penned the story that started this whole farce has been invited to the White House (http://www.tpmmuckraker.com/archives/000785.php) by President Bush to provide 'expert advice'. Heck of a job you did Taheri. Might even be a medal of freedom in it for you...
Two weeks ago, Amir Taheri published an op-ed in Canada's National Post about an Iranian law that forced Jews to wear a yellow stripe. The story, reminiscent of Nazi Germany, quickly provoked outrage, but was just as quickly revealed to be a total fabrication. It also ran in the New York Post.

Apparently this is just the sort of reliable advice that President Bush needs. Yesterday, Taheri had a face-to-face with the President as one of a small group of "experts" on Iraq that visited the White House.

According to Press Secretary Tony Snow, the experts were invited to the White House for their "honest opinions" on Iraq.
Some 'expert' he is!

[leekohler]

One... :D


Gone too far? A clothing code?

Pity that the U.S. turns its head on graver matters.



http://hrw.org/english/docs/2006/01/25/iran12535.htm


You have people over there persecuted and tortured because of their sexual orientation, with a sly nod from the US. Contemptible.

Well gosh Blue, don't you know that being told what you can or can't wear is far more important than some deviant being tortured or killed?
:rolleyes:

I mean really! :rolleyes:

[freeny]

And now it appears that they man who penned the story that started this whole farce has been invited to the White House (http://www.tpmmuckraker.com/archives/000785.php) by President Bush to provide 'expert advice'. Heck of a job you did Taheri. Might even be a medal of freedom in it for you...

Some 'expert' he is!

Damn!:eek:

This wins the "scariest thing Ive read all week" award.