stephen reeves, we expect bush to shut the hell up and stop trying to be our spokeman.
- By: sdfgf on August 12, 2005

I don't believe US cares at all if this or that guy is alive or not. Of course they (americans) are waiting for even more reasons to be given to them to support their opposition to Iran. And people feel sympathy towards Ganji. And we should not forget that the majority of people all over around the world does not know the exact situation there (or at least in my country - but I suppose we are not the only ones!). So, just because they don't know the truth they kind of support the regime saying "if this is how they want to live, it's their problem and their choice". US could "use" Ganji if he dies in an effective way against the regime in an effort to gain the impressions of those people as well. At the end politics it's a game.
- By: jenny on July 31, 2005

Rafsanjani wants dissident freed http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4730553.stm Former Iranian president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani has appealed to the judiciary to free an imprisoned writer who has refused food for 49 days.
- By: Younghusband on July 30, 2005

"Europe is interested in the preservation of the Islamic Republic of Iran. America is interested in the preservation of the Iranian people. So I came here," he said. Akbar Atri A spokesman for Tahkim Vahdat
- By: vida on July 28, 2005

Thomas Friedman, no neocon himself, said not too long ago, "I have to explain to my liberal friends sometimes that just because George Bush says it doesn't mean it's wrong." You're setting up an argument that's impossible to win -- if the US Administration doesn't support people like Ganji, they're turning a blind eye to the excesses of the regime (which is what the Clinton administration did, incidentally). If they speak out, they're playing into the hands of the mullahs. Would you prefer that Americans keep quiet and let Ganji suffer in silence? I have to say I have a lot of respect for you, Hossein, but on this you're letting your animosity toward the American conservative movement cloud your judgement. Seems to me any voice is better than no voices at all.
- By: mcj on July 26, 2005

thank you lets not forget the brains in neo-cons camps. those people will find a way to hijack ganjis cause as they are already trying to do. here visit the weblog of a neo-con: http://mynewznideas.blogspot.com
- By: Alborz on July 26, 2005

Your belief that the American right prefers a dead Ganji to a living one is false. It is also sad, because it reveals a total misunderstanding of the American right. I understand this misunderstanding is shared by many reformist blogger's. But you as an Iranian living in a free country, have much greater access to the ideas of the American right and are therefore in a position to know better. If you were to read or meet with U.S. policy makers or scholars of the American right you will discover we are not what you assume. I have been publishing the news on Ganji for years now and I have never met nor published anyone on the American right who fits your caricature. Visit my website, read the articles and comments on Ganji and you will discover that those on the American right genuinely support the Iranian people in their quest for real freedom and democracy in Iran. A free Iran would be our friend not a threat. You may be correct in thinking that Ganji’s support by the American right is keeping him alive. That should be a good thing. But your assumption that the American right prefers a dead Ganji is false on its face. If the U.S. wanted a dead Ganji as a unifying symbol, why are those on the American right increasing up its support for Ganji? The fact is that a living dissident is a much more powerful symbol for Iranians to emulate. While you seem to have a low opinion of Ganji, I have admiration for the transformation of this man. He has come a long way from his origins with the regime. While I may not share all the fine points of his political ideology, I admire his courage to live his convictions. Would he make a good leader for Iran? I don't know, but that is for the Iranian people to decide. The American right believes in the power of ideas. This is why we are encouraging the spread of democratic ideals around the world. We long to see leaders in Iran emerge that have freedom to consider and debate the critical foundational ideas necessary to creating a nation that will ensure a free and democratic future for Iran. The American right does not fear Ganji’s ideas. Ganji is a man pondering those ideas. He is asking important questions. We would love the freedom to discuss these ideas with individuals like him and all who are seeking a better path for Iran. But to do this he must be free and certainly alive. I hope you will reconsider your assumptions of the American right. Consider well who your friends and enemies are.
- By: DoctorZin on July 26, 2005

What do you expect Bush to do support Khamanei instead! Whose side are you on now,? Bush supports Ganji, so the left in it's usual kneejerk reaction supports the Regime.!
- By: Stephen Reeves on July 25, 2005

"Ganji : hero or loser" At least no one will ever that question for you.
- By: Ali M on July 25, 2005

You are NUTS!
- By: chester on July 25, 2005