The Sorts Of Words We’ve Been Asked To Fear...
Noble Americans,
Were we not faced with the activities of the US administration
in this part of the world and the negative ramifications of
those activities on the daily lives of our peoples, coupled
with the many wars and calamities caused by the US administration
as well as the tragic consequences of US interference in other
countries; Were the American people not God-fearing, truth-loving,
and justice-seeking, while the US administration actively conceals
the truth and impedes any objective portrayal of current realities;
And if we did not share a common responsibility to promote and
protect freedom and human dignity and integrity; Then, there
would have been little urgency to have a dialogue with you.
While Divine providence has placed Iran and the United States
geographically far apart, we should be cognizant that human
values and our common human spirit, which proclaim the dignity
and exalted worth of all human beings, have brought our two
great nations of Iran and the United States closer together.
Both our nations are God-fearing, truth-loving and justice-seeking,
and both seek dignity, respect and perfection. Both greatly
value and readily embrace the promotion of human ideals such
as compassion, empathy, respect for the rights of human beings,
securing justice and equity, and defending the innocent and
the weak against oppressors and bullies.
We are all inclined towards the good, and towards extending
a helping hand to one another, particularly to those in need.
We all deplore injustice, the trampling of peoples' rights and
the intimidation and humiliation of human beings. We all detest
darkness, deceit, lies and distortion, and seek and admire salvation,
enlightenment, sincerity and honesty. The pure human essence
of the two great nations of Iran and the United States testify
to the veracity of these statements.
Noble Americans,
Our nation has always extended its hand of friendship to all
other nations of the world. Hundreds of thousands of my Iranian
compatriots are living amongst you in friendship and peace,
and are contributing positively to your society. Our people
have been in contact with you over the past many years and have
maintained these contacts despite the unnecessary restrictions
of US authorities.
As mentioned, we have common concerns, face similar challenges,
and are pained by the sufferings and afflictions in the world...
You know well that the US administration has persistently provided
blind and blanket support to the Zionist regime, has emboldened
it to continue its crimes, and has prevented the UN Security
Council from condemning it. Who can deny such broken promises
and grave injustices towards humanity by the US administration?
Governments are there to serve their own people. No people wants
to side with or support any oppressors. But regrettably, the
US administration disregards even its own public opinion and
remains in the forefront of supporting the trampling of the
rights of the Palestinian people...
The legitimacy, power and influence of a government do not emanate
from its arsenals of tanks, fighter aircrafts, missiles or nuclear
weapons. Legitimacy and influence reside in sound logic, quest
for justice and compassion and empathy for all humanity. The
global position of the United States is in all probability weakened
because the administration has continued to resort to force,
to conceal the truth, and to mislead the American people about
its policies and practices.
My questions are the following:
Is there not a better approach to governance? Is it not possible
to put wealth and power in the service of peace, stability,
prosperity and the happiness of all peoples through a commitment
to justice and respect for the rights of all nations, instead
of aggression and war?
We all condemn terrorism, because its victims are the innocent.
But, can terrorism be contained and eradicated through war,
destruction and the killing of hundreds of thousands of innocents?
If that were possible, then why has the problem not been resolved?
The sad experience of invading Iraq is before us all.
What has blind support for the Zionists by the US administration
brought for the American people? It is regrettable that for
the US administration, the interests of these occupiers supersedes
the interests of the American people and of the other nations
of the world. What have the Zionists done for the American people
that the US administration considers itself obliged to blindly
support these infamous aggressors? Is it not because they have
imposed themselves on a substantial portion of the banking,
financial, cultural and media sectors?
... To sum up:
It is possible to govern based on an approach that is distinctly
different from one of coercion, force and injustice. It is possible
to sincerely serve and promote common human values, and honesty
and compassion. It is possible to provide welfare and prosperity
without tension, threats, imposition or war. It is possible
to lead the world towards the aspired perfection by adhering
to unity, monotheism, morality and spirituality and drawing
upon the teachings of the Divine Prophets.
Then, the American people, who are God-fearing and followers
of Divine religions, will overcome every difficulty. What I
stated represents some of my anxieties and concerns.
I am confident that you, the American people, will play an instrumental
role in the establishment of justice and spirituality throughout
the world. The promises of the Almighty and His prophets will
certainly be realized, Justice and Truth will prevail and all
nations will live a true life in a climate replete with love,
compassion and fraternity.
The US governing establishment, the authorities and the powerful
should not choose irreversible paths. As all prophets have taught
us, injustice and transgression will eventually bring about
decline and demise. Today, the path of return to faith and spirituality
is open and unimpeded.
We should all heed the Divine Word of the Holy Qur'an... I pray
to the Almighty to bless the Iranian and American nations and
indeed all nations of the world with dignity and success.
from “A Letter To The American People,” meant for
publication in US media, written and broadcast by
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, President the Islamic Republic of Iran
November 29, 2006
