I want to write about the gates, my new friends from the Cameroon, and our Anniversary meal. In fact I really desire the opportunity to tell you about the many meals that I have eaten in the last few months at some wonderful and not so wonderful restaurants and cafes around Wales. But that all pales into insignificance compared to the urgent need to still press the Islamic Republic of Iran for the release of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani. Who followers and readers of this Blog will know was sentenced to Death by Stoning.
I read of Ms Ahtiani's intended fate while at our flat in Cardiff, after an extremely hard day of prepping the gates for painting. When I read the story in The Times it was in the early hours of the morning and the story was on Page 27. I was horrified by what I read, and was moved to stop working on the gates and instead add a page or two to the Blog and then write the first of two letters that I sent to both the U.N. and the Iranian Embassy in London. After updating the Blog and writing and sending the letter, I went about my business for the day. After a lot more hard work I ended up at Cafe Nero in Cardiff and then read The Times to find that the story had spread overnight from Page 27 to dominate the front cover and the main pages of The Times. Well done to the The Times for taking such a strong stance in such an important matter.
I followed up the initial letter with a second, in which I again set out my position and reasoned arguments. I have learnt that all too often, people shy away from the evidence and reasoned argument of a debate and instead immerse themselves in the emotive dialogue of defence. Sometimes, some things, cannot be defended.
My academic hero is Norbert Elias. Again, followers and readers of the Blog will know of his stature and worth. My academic hero from the United Kingdom is World renowned Professor Andrew Linklater. His work on Harm in World Politics is to say the least 'eye-opening'. Professor Linklater cares for people, and I suppose that my caring nature was enhanced by my exposure to his teaching.
Just when you think that you have all of your heroes in position, and can proceed to buy the Box Set. Along comes a new contender, on this occasion a beautiful looking lady by the name of Nazanin Afshin-Jam. I can advocate her beauty without appearing sexist, as the delightful looking Nazanin is a former Miss World Canada. But her recent beauty is not enhanced by her looks, but by her position as a Human Rights Activist. I have read about Nazanin, because on the 17 July 2010 (our Anniversary), The Times was still running material regarding Ms Ashtiani and The Islamic Republic of Iran. This article was on the 'Opinion' page and was written by Nazanin Afshin-Jam.
Check out http://freesakineh.org/ and http://www.nazaninafshinjam.com/ and while you are at the former Website, take the time to add your name to the petition concerning Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani. And if you can find some new and relevant addresses for me to send my two letters to the Islamic Republic of Iran; then please drop me a note at rba@hotmail.co.uk
Custom Search
