By Buhari Jega
The US has unfortunately lost wisdom and prudence in dealing with international issues. It depends only on power. They have lost rationality; we are prepared for the worst but we hope they think twice before they put themselves on a collision course with Iran – Ali Akbar Salehi
It is yet another February, where lovers of freedom and humanity joins hands in words and actions to celebrate and commemorate with the passionate, good and spirited leader, and people of Islamic Republic of Iran at 35. 35 years of courage, determination, spirituality and true independence and sovereignty. It is indeed, 35 years of peoples’ revolution through the spiritual guardianship, teachings and motivation of the 20th century Imam and reformer, Imam Ruhula Musawi Khomeini (qss). Historically, the Islamic revolution in Iran was an unexpected political and geostrategic upset in 20th century. A huge setback to global economic and political hegemonic builders and international Zionism, who though the world of Islam and Muslims have been conquered and destroyed, through the installation and support of puppetries in power across the Muslim world; puppetries whose actions and inactions were not only inimical to the growth and development of Islam and humanity, but, a disgrace to the religion of Islam.
The Islamic revolution in Iran came at a time when religious scholars, researchers, analysts, students and Muslims have lost hope and focus over the ability, principles and teaching of Islam to inspire and change the socio-economic contradictions in their society. But, the vision, mission, courage, pragmatism, teaching and spiritual guidance of the 20th century Imam, change this historic turn of events, into something never anticipated in the history of the century. At the inception of Islamic Republic of Iran in 1979, political and international analysts, geopolitical builders, and enemies of the new Islamic Republic were united in optimism that, the new, Islamic Republic will not survive the taste of time, due, to the contradiction and vulnerability of the fragile Islamic Republic. This optimism was echo by the arrogance displace of perfidy and optimistic bunkum by Saddam Hussain of Iraq, when he attacked the young Islamic Republic less than one year, after the victory of the revolution. Here lies a nation, on its journey to nationhood now confronted by a very aggressive military armed Republic of Iraq under western influence. The war was basically an unequal war. Unequally, because, the new Islamic Republic was fighting the signpost of global hegemonic builders through Saddam Hussain; which he informed his paymasters that in less a week, he will defeat the Islamic Republic and its leaders and restored the signpost of unbelief and stooges of the west. Unfortunately, from two weeks, it became the longest fought war in history of the Persian Gulf, because, it lasted for Eight (8) years.
For me, that was the first victory of the revolution against hegemonic builders and their stooges in the Persian Gulf. Today, 35 years after the great peoples’ victory through the guardianship, support, prayers and pragmatism of the 20th century Imam, a nation is standing among the community of nations, with high moral and spiritual standing. No doubt, this is unanticipated in the history of nations, especially those tagged as developing or Islamic countries. The so called superpower and supremacists today, are mere paper tigers in the eyes of the Islamic Republic, under the courageous displace of intellectual and pragmatic leadership never anticipated in the history of the Persian Gulf. 35 years of scientific, military, political, self sufficiency and achievements to the chagrins of friends and enemies alike. An achievement never imagine for a nation under severe sanctions and international blockage. This was a price the Islamic Republic of Iran has to pay for choosing to be at the service of Islam, and Muslims around the world. A service, in which the Islamic Republic of Iran has never failed to hide, but, championed and supported in cash, material and even weapons; a service to which the people of Bosnia were grateful for, because of the assistance, support and sending troops to assist them. A gratitude which was display in every home, shops and public places, where the picture of Imam Khomeini was hanged to portrait the intense emotion and love by Bosnia Muslims for Imam Khomeini; a love that can only be compared to children who have been separated from their parents. A service which created the soldiers of Allah, – The Hezbollah in Lebanon; without which the usurped and blood thirsty beast of Middle East could have colonized like it is doing to Palestine – the illegal state of Israel. A service indeed, that is supporting and campaigning for the rights, independence and sovereignty of the good and spirited people of Palestine after 60 years of massacred, carnage, genocide and crime against humanity. The miracle of Fajr Five, not only exposes the invisibilities of the usurped, but, send a chilling fear into the heart of the aggressor – because, her so called invisibilities had being expose, by the weapons and support of the Islamic Republic of Iran. That was when, the usurped recognizes and accepted the power of negotiation and diplomacy to cover her face in shame.
It is 35 years indeed of praises to Allah for abundant mercy and protection of the Islamic Republic amidst conspiracies, sabotages, espionages, sanctions and media propaganda. All praises to Allah for the honour of worthy successor, who not only amplifies the voice, footsteps, teaching and guardianship of Imam Khomeini, but, have spiritually, morally and politically guided the revolution and the Islamic Republic to the highest of its glory. May Allah prolong the shadow of this leader upon the heads of Muslims of the world. The existence of Sayyed Ali Khamene’I is a ray of hope and mercy for all Muslims throughout the world. For holding and leading the country through thick and thins, amidst conspiracy and gang up, shows the mercy and protection of Allah on the peoples’ Islamic revolution and Muslims and humanity in general.
The reality today, Islamic Republic of Iran is regional leader in the Persian Gulf, whether the hegemonic builders like or not. The regional power of the Republic was not accidental, but, design by Allah to protect and safeguards the light of his religion and humanity against a baby cancer (Israel) that was planted in the region to achieve some sinister material and geostrategic objectives in a region that defined and control the future of world economy; a cancer (Israel) that monopolizes power and terror amidst cowardice and complete surrender by Muslims and their puppetries leaders. No doubt, 35 years of tenacity, courage, steadfastness, support and spirituality, the Islamic Republic of Iran has emerge by the grace of Allah and the sacrifice of the people and leadership, as the new power in the Persian Gulf, that balance the power and terror of the cancer of the Middle East, if the new chess game in Lebanon, Syria and Palestine is anything to go by.
Ever since the victory of the Islamic Republic on February 11, 1979, the hegemonic builders and their surrogates realizes their greater plans and policies in the Middle East had hit the rock of Sinai. This is Allah’s fulfillment of promise, when, he informed his greatest servant (S), to informed the Arabs, that: “O ye who believe! If any from among you turn back from his Faith, soon will Allah produce a people whom He will loves as they will love him, lowly with the believers, mighty against the rejecters, fighting in the way of Allah, which He will bestow on whom He pleaseth. And Allah encompasseth all, and he knoweth all things Q5:54. No doubt; when the said verse was revealed, Allah’s greatest servant (S), tapped the shoulder and pointed to Salma Farsi, that among his people, they will restore the glory of Islam. And today, whatever name you will call them the reality is that, a man emerged from that part of the world and he has restored the glory of Islam. Islamic Republic of Iran can be said to be the only true Islamic and sovereign nation that is supporting and championing the course of Islam in the whole of the Middle East or Persian Gulf. A nation whose slogan can be equated to a verse of the Holy Quran “Say: nothing will afflict us save what Allah has ordained for us. He is our Patron, and on Allah let believers rely”.
The politics and propaganda of Nuclear weapon is the weapon now the hegemonic builders have against the Islamic Republic of Iran. A Propaganda fanned and supported through their controlled mainstream media targeting the Islamic Republic when the leadership have denied exploring the nuclear bombs and warheads. The Islamic Republic has explained and even the spiritual leader has said it and outlawed it, because of the danger to humanity, but, the hegemonic builders have none to that. The Islamic Republic has informed the world their nuclear weapon is for increase in electricity generation, which the Islamic Republic has in abundant leading to industrialization, yet, the hegemonic builders, will not accept this sincere explanation of the Islamic Republic. The politics of Nuclear Weapon has now become something the hegemonic builders are using to demonize and blackmail the Islamic Republic amidst double standard and multiplicity of imageries. The Middle East cancer has never denied not having nuclear weapon, and I believe the world should be more concern with illegal State of Israel having the Nuclear Weapon than Islamic Republic of Iran, because the former has no rule of engagement in using chemical weapons against innocent Palestinians and Lebanese than the later that refuses to used chemical weapon against Saddam Hussain’s used of Chemical weapon against Iranians. A chemical weapon supplied by the British government. However, in a deeper research, one was confronted with reality, that, the building of nuclear reactors and supply of nuclear technology was actually started by the United State of America, Soviet Union, France and German during the reign of Mohammed Pahlavi Shah 1958.
The United State of America was the first country that helped Iran to apply civilian nuclear energy and pursued the same policy until the victory of the Islamic revolution. When the America decided to help India develop its nuclear program, Ali Asghar Hekmat, then Iranian ambassador to India, in a letter date January 11, 1954, wrote to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that the government of India and Pakistan were trying to develop nuclear technology and had even set up several institutes for this purpose. Hekmat further mentioned that an America nuclear delegation was in New Delhi to visit the nuclear sites and they had agreed to provide the India government with nuclear assistance. This marked the beginning of talks between the Pahlavi government and United State of America, through exchange between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Washington officials. Subsequent to these negotiations, the Iran-US agreement of mutual cooperation in civilian nuclear activities was signed whose introduction reads: “Given the use of nuclear energy is welcome news for all human beings, the governments of Iran and the US are willing to work together to develop a civilian nuclear technology. Also the plan and the development of research reactors are on the right tracks; the technical research reactors are useful for conducting research on radio isotopes and radiotherapy treatment as well as various research applications; nuclear technology is a tool for valuable test in the science of nucleus particles engineering; and it helps advance other peaceful applications from nuclear energy such as military clout of nucleus atoms. Since the Iranian government is willing to pursue a research and development program to better understand peaceful atomic energy application and innovation, it is willing to win the much needed assistance of the US government and industrial firms. The government of the United State of has decided to assist the Iranian government through the U.S Nuclear Energy Commission, and both parties agree to the following terms and conditions”. The final agreement’s act was sent to Mohammed Reza Pahlavi for final approval on March 18, 1958.
This was when saint United State government felt the Iranian government can develop such, because, a puppet is on the leadership spectrum. Iran’s efforts in this respect got the world’s attention. For example the Financial Time in an article on November 13th 1975 and under the name of “Shah Has Decided to Purchase Nuclear Reactor” wrote: “Iran’s decision to pursue nuclear program has been welcomed by the world public opinion. This is the first time that a major oil producing country has decided to pursue such a program, with the belief that it is dangerous to depend on oil as an energy source”. One, wonder if Financial Time can amplifies this statement under the current leadership of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Interestingly, when the new Atomic Energy Organization was established headed by Akbar Etemad. According to Akbar Etemad, international companies which were building nuclear facilities announced that they were ready to enter negotiation with Iran. In the early month Etemad wrote, “Vultures started to come to Tehran. Different companies selling nuclear facilities invaded the country. Plane after plane they came to Tehran and I also had to meet them nonstop”.
This is how the vultures behave, money is their gods. Now, the question we may ask to whom were the contracts to build the various nuclear facilities in Iran during the reign of Shah awarded to. Interestingly, all the projects were executed by Western European companies during the reign of Shah. For examples the Bushehr Nuclear power plant (Iran 1 and 2) in 1974 was contracted to a German Company Kaft Werk Union at the sum of 7,778,759, 000 Deutsche Marks; Karun 2 Nuclear Power Plant (Iran 3 and 4) which began in July 1977, was contracted to French Consortium Alton, Atlantic, DEPI, Batitol and FRAMATECH headed by Framatome contract value of 8,950, 290, 00 French Francs plus 31,733,300, 300 Rials; thirdly, Isfahan and Central Province Nuclear Power Plant (Iran 5, 6, 7 and 8) was contracted to German company Kraft Werk Union in November 1977 with a total 35 million Marcs paid in advance and North West Nuclear Power Plant (Iran 9 and 10), contracted to German company Braun Bavary. So, why the outcry over the Islamic Republic of Iran peaceful nuclear energy, when it foundation and the technology was sold and built by the same distracters during the reign of the dictator. I think from history, it is evidence, that, European vultures built the nuclear facilities they are condemning today.
The reality, the West and hegemonic builders are only hiding under the canon folder of nuclear weapon as pretense to demonize and create tension in the region, especially against a background of verdurous ideological rivals in the region. The West and hegemonic builders are against the Islamic Republic of Iran for two reasons. First is the Islamic character and orientation of the Islamic Republic, especially against the backdrop of internationalization of its Islamic character and championing the course of Muslims and oppressed. The West and hegemonic builders fears Islam more than any ideology, because, of the tendency of Islam to fight injustice and create the necessary impetus for emancipating humanity from the shackles of oppression, injustice and exploitation by few psycho pathetic bastards. The West and hegemonic builders seriously fears the Islamic nature of the Republic of Iran, because of sound ideological basis underpinning it (Shi’ism); centralized leadership command; and the fire of restlessness in the hearts of followers, due to the exemplary life and sacrifice of the sunshine of the households of the Holy Prophet (A), Imam Hussain at Karbala. The sacrifice of Imam Hussain (a) at Karbala, shows the oppressed people of the world especially Muslims the only way for dignity and refining the true religion of Islam. The loyalty and restlessness Iranians to the spiritual leaders, made it difficult for sinister groups in the name of serving Islam to be created and impossible to have different voices or units of commands. These are the legacies of households of the Holy Prophet (s). Unlike what is happening around the world. In a word confusion
The Second factor is the strategic location and mineral resources endowed by the Islamic Republic of Iran. Iran occupies a strategic location on the north side of the Persian Gulf. From the perception of the hegemonic builders, Iran position threaten oil fields in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirate, which together possess more than half of the world’s known oil reserves. Iran also sits athwart the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway through which daily 40% of the world’s oil export passes. In addition, Iran is becoming a major supplier of oil and gas to China, Japan, and India thereby giving Tehran additional clout in world affairs. On the issue of oil, according to Oil and Gas Journal 2005, report, that Iran houses the second-largest pool of untapped petroleum in the world, an estimated 125.8 billion barrels. Only Saudi Arabia, with an estimated 260 billion barrels, possesses more; Iraq, the third in line, with estimated 115 billion barrels. With this much oil – about one-tenths of the world’s estimated total supply – Iran is certain to play a key role in the global energy equation, no matter what else occurs.
No doubt, the hegemonic builders are not just concern about the sheer quantity that matter to Iran case; no less important is its future productive capacity. Although Saudi Arabia possesses larger reserves, it is now producing oil at close to its maximum sustainable rate (about 10 million barrels per day). It will probably be unable to raise its output significantly over the next 20 years while global demand pushed by significantly higher consumption in the United States of America, China and India is expected to rise by 50%. Iran, on the other hand, has considerable growth potentials: it is now producing about 4 million barrels per day, but, is thought to be capable of boosting its output by another 3 million barrels or so. Few, if any, other countries possess, this potentials, so Iran’s importance as a producer, already significant, is bound to grow in the years ahead. Interestingly, to the anger of the hegemonic builders, Iran possesses in great abundant natural gas. According to Oil and Gas Journal, Iran has an estimated 940 trillion cubic feet of gas or approximately 16% of total world reserved. (Only Russia, with 1,680 trillion cubic feet has a larger supply). As it takes approximately 6,000 cubic feet of gas to equal the energy content of I barrel of oil, Iran gas reserves represent the equivalent of about 155 billion barrels of oil. What all this means is that Iran will play a critical role in the world’s future energy equation. For me, the politics of nuclear weapon and the propaganda against the Islamic Republic of Iran are geared towards these two strategic but critical dynamism that would influence the global peddles of development and emergence of new power at the mercy of humanity.
Thanks to its geographical position, rich natural resources, population density, economic and technological development and military strengthen; Iran has become an influential power across the region and the globe. So far the Islamic Flag stating "There is no god but Allah" is flying high over the skies of the Islamic Republic of Iran; it awakens the giant one-billion-strong Islamic Community, pumping fresh blood into their veins and arteries. The existence of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in the present situation could be compared to the motor of an automobile, which is currently providing the required energy for the motion of the Islamic World. The Islamic Republic of Iran is now the undisputed regional power, containing and frightening the cancer of the region and her hegemonic builders and supporters. Sometime these hegemonic builders, amazes me, for a cancer that is unable to defeat a baby or at best an NGO in Lebanon (Hezbollah Islamic group), one wonder what, will happen to this usurper when they finally confronted the Islamic Republic: your guess I believe is better imagine.
Unfortunately, the contemporary challenges facing the Muslims call for sober reflection and the need to look for the political qibla of Iran, for support and model if our existence is going to be anything meaningful. The actors and conspirators are more cunning and powerful than most of the so called mujahiddums, but, the Iran model and guardianship is a reflection and solution to our problems under the guardianship and advice of the supreme leaders. It is rather sad, today, the modern and civilized world cries for the rights of dogs, cats, fish, bears, and other animals all over the world, but for crimes committed against Muslims, there is no crying, no tears, and no rights are considered to have been violated. Nevertheless, this present state of the world awakens and tests Muslims. The sun of hope is slowly rising on the Islamic World, and there is absolutely no doubt that if we could become united and preserve our steadfastness, the future belongs to Islam. The Islamic Republic of Iran, sincerely aspire for unity and our hearts bleed for all of our brothers and sisters who are daily killed and mutilated especially in Nigeria where a pseudo myth was created called Boko Haram through which, Muslims are slaughters daily including the innocent children of Federal Government College Buni Yadi Yobe State of Nigeria. Muslims must appreciate and understand the call for unity by the Islamic Republic of Iran and our leader here in Nigeria Sayyed Ibraheem Zakzaky lies strengthens, because, that is the tradition of the Holy Prophet (S). The Prophet (may peace be upon him and his holy progeny) said: "Truly the believers in their acts of co-operation and mutual aid are like the head to the body; should it complain, the rest of the body rallies to it in vigilant defence."
This philosophy had been elegantly described by the late Ayatollah Sayyid Mahmoud Taleqani, in his sermon, on the occasion of first "Qods Day" on August 17, 1979 (Ramadhan 23, 1399) in Tehran, as follows: "All Muslims, wherever they may be, in their co-operative relationships with each other, their acts of compassion toward each other are like the head to a body when it feels pain and complains. Whenever a member of the human body feels pain, its complaint is brought to the command centres by means of the nerves, afterwards to reach the other members. This afflicted member becomes like the head; all thought and attention, one’s eyes and ears, attend it until it is taken care of. Why? Because if it is not taken care of, all the members will become paralyzed. The Muslims of the world must know that they are all members of a single body; they must not suppose that by remaining indifferent to the lot of other Muslims they can preserve themselves from the painful calamities that are besetting them."
35 years of sanctions, conspiracy, demonization, blackmails, the Islamic republic is still standing. The courage and perseverance of the good and spirited leadership and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the path of championing the course of Allah and Islam gave them the grace and successes they are recording so far. This is in line with the sermon of the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.): "When Allah witnessed their patience in resisting the tortures and hardships, which were inflicted upon them, because of their love for Him and following the path of truth. He opened over them gates of divine assistance in the midst of those difficult bottlenecks of misfortunes. The deprived of yesterday, after that found themselves as rulers and governors. Their glory, fame, prestige, reached to a point, which had never been imagined by them in their best of dreams." Further, Allah has clearly reminded us that Islam is the greatest source of power and it can do wonders, that the power of faith is far mightier than that of the superpowers. There is a saying of Imam Khomeini: "It is our duty to struggle in this fashion, and the result is with Allah". In the words of the Holy Qur’an, Allah has promised us the result as follows: “Allah has promised, to those among you who believe and work righteous deeds, that He will, of a surety grant them in the land, inheritance (of power), as He granted it to those before them; that He will establish in authority their religion — the one which He has chosen for them; and that He will change (their state), after the fear in which they (lived), to one of security and peace. They will worship Me (alone) and not associate aught with Me. If any do reject faith after this, they are rebellious and wicked. So establish regular prayer and give regular charity; and obey the apostle; that ye may receive mercy. Never think thou that the unbelievers are going to frustrate (Allah’s plan) on earth: their abode is the Fire, — and it is indeed an evil refuge! Quran 24:55-57′.
This is a reflection of success amidst hostility and sanctions. In the word of Nouruddin Shireen, a Turkish writer, whose interview was published in the Turkish newspaper "ALAMDAR", upon his returned from the ravaged and destroyed Islamic country Bosnia-Herzegovina during their struggles and war engineered by the hegemonic builders. He writes as follows: "As far as helping Bosnia by other governments was concerned, there was only one single government and that was the Islamic Republic of Iran. In principle, it should be mentioned that the goal of Imam Khomeini and his holy struggle was to free all Muslims and to accomplish freedom and independence for the entire Islamic Community. He stood for the defence of oppressed Muslims all over the world. Till the Islamic Republic of Iran exists (inshaallah), the Muslims of the world will never remain without defence and support. In the word of Mallam Adamu Adamu lies wisdom on the future of the Muslim world. Adamu Adamu was quoted to have said, “Whether the West likes it or not, the path taken by Iran is the one that will ultimately be taken by the rest of the Muslim world”. Congratulations the good and spirited leadership and people of Islamic Republic of Iran for achieving and safeguarding the Islamic character of the revolution and for your pragmatism and service to Islam and humanity. As Nouruddin Shirreen echoes, we in Nigeria under the leadership of Sayyed Ibraheem Zakzaky equally re-echo same enthusiasm through the grace of Allah’s mercy and the blessing of His Holy Prophet (S) and members of his purified households, in this land of lost opportunity called Nigeria Illah.
Bukhari Muhammed Bello Jega
Writes from Abuja
Bukharijega12@gmail.com