JustBeMe.Blog - portrait

Le pays des paradoxes

noreply@ (Just) — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 00:50:00 +0100

Je mets en lien le blog d’une journaliste iranienne, Azadeh Akbari, qui après avoir travaillé quatre ans au sein des quotidiens réformateurs, est aujourd’hui correspondante pour Associated Press ainsi que pour le journal japonais Mainich.

http://iranianjournalist.blogfa.com/

C’est une femme célibataire, indépendante et journaliste. Elle travaille sur des sujet sociaux, politiques et religieux mais traite également de la prostitution, la drogue ou encore l’homosexualité. C’est en lisant un livre d’Oriana Falacci, (une journaliste italienne qui ne ménagea pas ses mots envers la religion musulmane, en particulier vers la fin de sa carrière) qu’elle trouva sa vocation. Son premier texte se suffit à lui seul pour exprimer l’incroyable contradiction inhérente à la république islamique d’Iran :

“When I was born, Iran-Iraq war has reached the highest point. People were escaping from the cities and everywhere was unsafe. In the day I was born, Freedom Mountains in west of Iran obtained after long time of occupation by Iraqi forces, so my father gave me the name: "Azadeh" that means free woman. All my childhood spent in war and fear. Once there was a horrible raid in our neighborhood, I remember the fire flames, people crying and children shouting for their parents. Tomorrow morning some of my friends were in the heaven that was what my mother told me.

Since then, I tried to understand why people allow themselves to kill each other. Can't they do the ceasefire from the first moment, without any killing, without this much suffering and pain?

When I got 13, there was an old bookshop near the bus station I used to go for taking a bus to school. One day I saw a book titled "life, war and nothing else" written by Oriana Falachi, an Italian journalist. In that book she wanted to answer her little sister's question that what is life and she started to find the answer in Vietnam War, A very hard place to understand the truth that how villainous can be humankind. When I finished the book I was fascinated by the way she looked for the truth: journalism.

Since then I started my first step to become a journalist, 2 years later when I was only 15, I won the national press prize for the very young journalists and that was how I became a journalist.

By the time I started my professional job as a journalist, I was 19. On that time I was suffering from inequalities in the society like gender discrimination. I was young and full of energy but the society wanted to reduce my speed in any way. I felt that the whole society is ignoring the rights of children, women, old or disabled people. So I started to write about these things and little by little I was one of those few ones that they were writing about social problems in Iran . I won my second national press prize when I was 20. I tried to write about prostitution, addicts, homosexuals, child abuse, domestic violence, etc. I wanted to show the government that despite all their propaganda through governmental TV channels, lots of problems do exist in the society and we should think about them. I decided to get closer to people in trouble, so I worked for one year in very poor areas of the Capital, Tehran . I used to publish a magazine for street children that all the articles in that, were written by street children themselves. When I was working for them, I felt how they can express themselves and get free form all that pain they have to tolerate. I understood that my words in newspapers can help people who do not have any medium or they are not educated enough to show how problem full is their lives. I wrote a report on abortion operations in Iran . Abortion is illegal in Iran . I found out that every year there is more than 90,000 illegal abortions being done and lots of these poor mothers die because of very dirty underground operation rooms. My report helped to take people's attention to what they want to ignore despite its existence. I had lots of phone calls and emails from girls who had abortion and that was a sense of an impression that a journalist can have. I hope that one day if I can be more strong and educated to be more influential.

During presidential elections, 2005, associated press invited me to work with them. This opened another window to my professional life. I understood how different and higher the international standards for journalism are. I met lots of great journalists and I had wonderful experiences to work for them. I traveled so much and day by day I felt that there should be something more about journalism. I read some AP books about journalism but that was not enough. These books are very useful when you are in a developed country. But in Iran with a very complicated bureaucratic organizations and a government that does not feel any responsibility to answer the journalists, what should I do? This is the question I always have that in a country with undemocratic government, how should we adapt the international standards to local work? I would love to hear other people's experiences about how could they work professionally in their countries despite censorship and discrimination.

The other problem is that In Iran an average person reads less than 5 minutes a year. There are only 6 TV channels that all of them are led by the government. Reformist newspapers are under censorship. If we write a word against the government they close down the newspaper. Self-censorship is very common between journalists. In this case more educated journalists who have met the same under developed countries experiences can help to increase the status of professional journalism in Iran .

I experienced 3 close downs during my work. Our newspaper were closed down because we published some news about the subjects the government did not want people to be aware of. After being jobless again and again I always felt happiness and pain together. Pain of being this much under pressure because of your thoughts and happiness because of being influential that much to be closed down!

I sometimes hope for a day of liberation, to a day that we can write about important things and people can read it, too. For a day that my name, becomes true!

Pour continuer sur cette vision alternative de l’Iran, allez voir l’excellent reportage de Kevin Site, journaliste américain indépendant, spécialisé dans les zones à risques :

Iran Video Report

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/ver/218/popup/index.php?cl=246748

Ghaleb Majadele: Arabe, Israélien et Ministre

noreply@ (Just) — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 08:55:00 +0100

Le journal Haaretz s’est entretenu avec Ghaleb Majadele, le premier ministre en Israël à être d’origine arabe et de confession musulmane. Il donne son opinion sur des questions essentielles : Relations avec le Hamas, négociations avec la Syrie, problème des réfugiés palestiniens et du droit au retour...

En voici des extraits :

Israeli politics once again played a practical joke. Ironically, or cynically, Majadele has become the only Arab minister in Israel, thanks to the only Jewish minister who resigned from the government in protest against the inclusion of a party whose platform calls for the expulsion of Majadele, along with his home and his belongings, from Israel. The new minister was clearly aware of the cloud hanging over his appointment. He has a ready answer for anyone who asks him about it. He says it is not true that he supported Labor's resignation from the government, and that he even begged Ophir Pines-Paz to remain. He says that Lieberman and his policy "are not the problem of Israeli Arabs, but of the entire democratic and sane Israeli society that believes in peace."

Majadele says he told Olmert that Lieberman would be an obstacle to the diplomatic process. "I claimed that without a peace process, the government has no right to exist and that the Labor Party would not be a part of it. And that if there is a diplomatic process, Lieberman would leave.

"When Amir Peretz first offered me the option of being a minister, I really hesitated, but I couldn't refuse. Once, I did reject such an offer. That was when Fuad [Binyamin Ben-Eliezer], who was then party chair, offered me Saleh Tarif's seat. But that was during the height of the intifada, when the Muqata was surrounded, when the government wanted to eliminate the Palestinian Authority, and when Sharon said that there was no difference between Netzarim and Tel Aviv. Today the situation is different."

How long are you giving the Olmert government to get out of the freeze and begin a diplomatic process? Do you have a red line?

Majadele:"I don't want to threaten. Interview me in another half a year."

But you are joining a government that is rejecting the offer of an Arab country, Syria, to begin negotiations.

"It's neither right nor logical for an Israeli government to reject offers by the Syrians to conduct a dialogue. Negotiations are conducted with enemies, and it is inconceivable that our future will be decided by another country. Why are the Americans allowed to conduct a dialogue with the Iranians, who openly want to destroy Israel, as long as they can leave Iraq honorably, and we aren't allowed to talk to the Syrians? We don't have to sacrifice our own interests because of American considerations. I call on the prime minister to allow talks with Syria in any way and through any channel he sees fit. A responsible government cannot allow itself to refuse to conduct negotiations with any Arab actor."

Even with Hamas?

"Hamas was chosen in elections that we and the Americans called for. But why should we enter this track, of recognition or non-recognition of Israel, as a condition for talks? I don't understand Israeli thinking on this issue. After all, the negotiations are in the hands of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen), who was elected by a larger majority than the Hamas government. He has full authority to conduct negotiations and to advance any diplomatic process in the name of the Palestinian public. The unilateral disengagement was a mistake. We should have credited the achievement to the head of the PA. That would have given the Palestinians the feeling that we want peace, and that we appreciate and cooperate with their leader. Instead we called Abu Mazen a chick without feathers. That's not how one treats a partner. This is all related to the present anarchy in Gaza. What happens there is important to us, too. Anyone who is happy that Arabs are killing Arabs is making a big mistake. When my neighbor is hungry, my home is in danger and I cannot sleep peacefully."

Zohir Andreas wrote this week in Haaretz that he is embarrassed about what is happening in Gaza.

"The vast majority in Gaza knows that what is happening there is not good for them - it's only a small group of people who believe the contrary to be true. The mother who blesses her son before he embarks on a suicide attack does not represent a nation's culture. She represents its distress. We don't have a culture of murder. I'm not familiar with such values in Islam, nor does it advance the Palestinian interest."

Do you consider yourself to be a Palestinian?

"I'm an Israeli Arab of Palestinian descent. Just as a Libyan born here would say that he is an Israeli Arab of Libyan descent."

You forgot to mention that you're a Muslim.

"The moment I get into the subject of religion, I can't say that I'm a Palestinian Arab who lives in Israel. That sounds negative, and why should I say something negative?"

Are you in favor of the right of return?

"Like demographics, the issue of the right of return is a kind of scare tactic. The demographic demon is meant to scare the Jews so they'll want to make peace. Even in another 15 years there won't be an Arab majority in Israel. The higher the Arabs climb on the ladder of advancement and education, the fewer children they will bring into the world. I'm the eldest son in a family of 10 boys and 4 girls. I have two sons and two daughters. The Palestinians are pragmatic people, and the moment the Israeli government makes progress in peace negotiations, they will make a wise and pragmatic decision regarding the solution to the refugee problem."

In Jewish youth movements abroad, it's very common to ask the banal question: "When the U.S. or Australia plays soccer against Israel, who do you root for?" If an Israeli team plays a Palestinian team, who would you root for?

"That's a dilemma I don't wish on anyone. Socially, in terms of mentality, I'll root for the Israeli team. Emotionally, for the Palestinians. I hope that the Israeli team will include a number of Arab players. That would make things much easier for me. When they play 'Hatikvah,' I stand up. When the anthem speaks to me, as an Israeli-Arab citizen, I'll be happy to sing it, too. Why do I have to be tested on the Song of Songs or on the Book of Ruth? If I decide to study them, fine, but in a progressive democratic society it's not right that Jews should dictate their culture to the Arabs. The time has come for Jewish children to begin studying Arabic in fourth grade, just as my children began to study Hebrew in fourth grade. That doesn't mean the differences between us should be erased. We can live together even when I retain my Arab culture."

Were you insulted, as an Israeli citizen, by the claim that you cannot be the minister of science because of state secrets?

"I'm not insulted. I only want to be put to the test. The entire issue of state secrets in the Science Ministry is nonsense. The politicians are ostensibly hiding behind the scientists. Ophir Pines-Paz has already stated that there are no secrets in this ministry."

Pour en savoir plus: http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/820177.html

"I love Teheran"

noreply@ (Just) — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 01:55:00 +0100

Dans un monde où il faut constamment choisir son camp, certaines personnes arrivent encore à nous faire comprendre que nos sociétés sont complexes, qu’il n’y pas vraiment de bien et de mal, mais plutôt des cultures, des idées, des opinions différentes.

Hossein Derakhshan's fait partie de cette espèce rare. Il est iranien et fier de l’être. Il ne supporte pas Ahmadinejad mais admire Khomeyni. Il ne croit pas en Dieu mais pense que la république islamique est une solution pour le futur. Il soutient l’idée d’un Iran nucléaire mais se considère comme un ami de l’état hébreu. C’est son deuxième voyage en Israël et Hossein, connu à travers son blog www.hoder.com, porte un T shirt I Love Teheran, ce que je trouve plutôt audacieux.

Invité à l’Université de Ben Gurion à Be’er Sheva dans le cadre d’une conférence intitulé «Réformes, oppositions et conflits au Moyen Orient», Hossein s’est exprimé sur la session dirigé par le professeur Yoram Meital, traitant du «phénomène des bloggers comme véritable symbole de l’opposition au Moyen Orient». Journaliste ne manquant jamais une occasion de rabaisser Ahmadinejad, Hossein s’est fixé deux objectifs dans son travail : montrer aux lecteurs iraniens qu’Israël n’est pas un ennemi et expliquer aux israéliens que l’image désastreuse qu’ils ont de Téhéran reste loin de la réalité. «Ahmadinejad a été élu sur la promesse électorale d’un meilleur niveau de vie, mais tout ce qu’il sait faire c’est menacer Israël, nier l’holocauste et frimer avec ses capacités nucléaires», raconte Hossein. «Il faut faire la distinction entre la rhétorique et les actes» ajoute-t-il. «Si Téhéran voulait réellement détruire Israël, il aurait permis au Hezbollah de lancer des roquettes à longues portées sur Tel Aviv en juillet dernier. Ce n’est pas Ahmadinejad qui contrôle l’armée, c’est Khamenei, il ne faut pas l’oublier».

Il maintient que l’opinion publique iranienne n’est pas hostile envers Israël, c’est parfois même le contraire : «Les iraniens se souviennent du soutien des palestiniens envers Saddam Hussein lors de la guerre Iran-Irak», lance-t-il. «Et ils se rappellent également du rôle d’Israël dans la vente d’arme à Téhéran lors de l’affaire des Contras. Ce qui est en faveur d’Israël».

Pour Hossein, Téhéran et l’état hébreu possèdent plus de points communs qu’ils ne veulent l’admettre. Ce sont deux états vivant dans une région à majorité musulmane sunnite et surtout, ce sont les deux seules véritables démocraties du Moyen orient. «Les journalistes et les étudiants peuvent critiquer et se moquer du président sans se faire arrêter, ce qui n’existe pas dans les autres pays de la région, et les associations féminines jouissent d’une véritable influence au sein de la société aujourd’hui», explique Hossein. Il ajoute que Téhéran est une ville similaire à Tel Aviv qui vit 24 heures sur 24 et où «les jeunes écoutent la même musique et utilisent les mêmes drogues».

Pour ma part, je ne prendrai pas encore le risque de me balader en Iran avec un T-shirt I love Israël et Hossein reconnaît que ce n’est pas encore le paradis sur terre. Avant de quitter son pays pour vivre à Toronto (Il a suivit sa femme qui avait obtenu un visa canadien), il fut obligé de signer un document afin de s’excuser d’avoir écris des articles contre le régime. Il y a deux ans, son blog, qui était l’un des plus populaires en Iran, fut bloqué par les autorités pour avoir violé une sacro-sainte règle d’or de la presse iranienne : avoir critiqué le chef spirituel, l’ayatollah Khamenei.

Malgré tout, Hossein croit encore en l’idéal de la révolution islamique de Khomeyni. Il affirme que la révolution de 79 était aussi importante que la révolution française. « L’égalité et l’indépendance représentent l’idée centrale de Khomeyni. Je suis athée et je me moque pas mal de Mahomet et de tout ce qui concerne la religion, mais on ne peut pas là nier comme ils le font en Turquie. Ca ne fonctionne pas et ça crée des contre-réactions violentes», souligne-t-il. «La religion est une partie organique de nôtre société. Il lui faut une nouvelle interprétation et c’est ce que l’Iran offre au monde musulman».

Il y a certain point de vue que je ne partage pas avec Hossein, notamment l’idée d’un Iran atomique qui, selon moi, ne fera que «nucléariser» une région déjà sous extrême tension (genre : si il y en a un qui éternue, on meurt tous !). Mais je ne peux être qu’impressionné face au travail d’un individu, qui cherche à transmettre une vision alternative et constructive entre deux pays dont les relations futures définiront la nouvelle configuration stratégique mondiale.

Vous pouvez en savoir plus sur Hossein Derakhshan's avec l’excellent article issue du journal Haaretz : http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArtVty.jhtml?sw=iran+Blog&itemNo=812597
Pour mieux connaître le personnage, une interview de Hossein sur la chaîne canadienne CBS :
Lors de son premier voyage en Israël, Hossein a réalisé plusieurs vidéos destinées aux iraniens. En voici des extraits :

Yigal at Ginsburg
envoyé par hoder

Walking in Jerusalem
envoyé par hoder

Israeli Musician
envoyé par hoder

Rinat
envoyé par hoder