The posts in this weblog are mainly about history, heritage, language, art, and culture of Persia (that is named Iran since 1934). Persia is, therefore, equal to Iran, and Persian is equal to Iranian. Note that Persian is a nationality not an ethnicity. Pars (or Fars) is the major ethnicity in Persia but there are also Persian Kurds or Arabs. Similarly, the official language in Persia is Persian (Farsi is the local name and may not be used internationally). For more details please read my posts.
Monday, September 25, 2006
BBC Radio 4: Uncovering Iran [Persia]
Since mid September, BBC Radio 4 started a season of programmes aimed at challenging some of the perceptions still held about Persia. It is interesting to have a look at the homepage of this programme. It covers many topics from ancient to contemporary history, social matters, food programme, etcetera. The webpage also contains some interesting links. You may like to read the article "Uncovering Iran's [Persia's] ancient past" related to this radio programme.
One of the discussed issues about contemporary history is about a letter from the Persian government to the US government in 2003. The programme "Mixed Messages and Secret Diplomacy" broadcasted this morning (Monday 25 Sep 2006). You can read a summary of that radio program in this article: "Missed chances?" Here is a part of it:
The US and Iran [Persia] almost never speak to each other ... [but a] potential opening came in May 2003 [at the time of Khatami's presidency].
America's swift march to Baghdad the previous month had led to fears in Tehran that it would be next. So Tehran made a dramatic - but surprisingly little known - approach to the Americans.
...
[In that offer, they] appeared willing to put everything on the table - including being completely open about its nuclear programme, helping to stabilise Iraq, ending its support for Palestinian militant groups and help in disarming Hezbollah. What did Iran [Persia] want [in return]? Top of the list was a halt in US hostile behaviour and a statement that "Iran [Persia] did not belong to 'the axis of evil'". The letter was the product of an internal debate inside Tehran and had the support of leaders at the highest level.
...
But in Washington, the letter was ignored. Larry Wilkerson, who was then chief of staff to US Secretary of State Colin Powell, thinks that was a big mistake. "In my mind it was one of those things you throw up in the air and say I can't believe we did this." He says the hardliners who stood against dialogue had a memorable refrain. ... "Why talk ... when you could simply dictate terms from a position of strength?"
Soon after that, the government in Persia changed. This was indeed "one of those things you throw up in the air and say I can't believe we did this!"
* Also available in Persian language
Since mid September, BBC Radio 4 started a season of programmes aimed at challenging some of the perceptions still held about Persia. It is interesting to have a look at the homepage of this programme. It covers many topics from ancient to contemporary history, social matters, food programme, etcetera. The webpage also contains some interesting links. You may like to read the article "Uncovering Iran's [Persia's] ancient past" related to this radio programme.One of the discussed issues about contemporary history is about a letter from the Persian government to the US government in 2003. The programme "Mixed Messages and Secret Diplomacy" broadcasted this morning (Monday 25 Sep 2006). You can read a summary of that radio program in this article: "Missed chances?" Here is a part of it:
The US and Iran [Persia] almost never speak to each other ... [but a] potential opening came in May 2003 [at the time of Khatami's presidency].
America's swift march to Baghdad the previous month had led to fears in Tehran that it would be next. So Tehran made a dramatic - but surprisingly little known - approach to the Americans.
...
[In that offer, they] appeared willing to put everything on the table - including being completely open about its nuclear programme, helping to stabilise Iraq, ending its support for Palestinian militant groups and help in disarming Hezbollah. What did Iran [Persia] want [in return]? Top of the list was a halt in US hostile behaviour and a statement that "Iran [Persia] did not belong to 'the axis of evil'". The letter was the product of an internal debate inside Tehran and had the support of leaders at the highest level.
...
But in Washington, the letter was ignored. Larry Wilkerson, who was then chief of staff to US Secretary of State Colin Powell, thinks that was a big mistake. "In my mind it was one of those things you throw up in the air and say I can't believe we did this." He says the hardliners who stood against dialogue had a memorable refrain. ... "Why talk ... when you could simply dictate terms from a position of strength?"
Soon after that, the government in Persia changed. This was indeed "one of those things you throw up in the air and say I can't believe we did this!"
Labels: Persian history
¶ 10:12:00 pm
