Available for your Talk Show is Iran native Slater Bakhtavar the Author the new book, Iran: The Green Movement. His book shows the desire of the people of Iran to replace their current form of government with a democratic republic with details heretofore unknown to its readers about the Green Movement that has sprung from the streets of Tehran to the rural parts of the country.
A spokesman for Iranian opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi is telling the “citizens of the world” and especially “the people and government of America” that the opposition shares international concerns about the possibility of a nuclear-armed Iran.
The statement by Mohsen Makhmalbaf — an Iranian film director — goes as far as to say that any agreement signed with President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad’s “coup-empowered illegitimate government” would not be honored by the opposition, known as the Green Movement. He added: “All such agreements will be subject to review in the future.”
Makhmalbaf’s statement coincides with Ahmedinejad’s appearance before the U.N. in New York today, his first since the disputed June elections and the violent aftermath that followed.
“The Iranian Green Movement does not want a nuclear bomb, but instead desires peace for the world and democracy for Iran. The Green Movement in Iran furthermore understands the world’s concerns and in fact has similar concerns itself,” the statement said.
In the past, Mousavi has made it clear he supports a peaceful nuclear program for Iran, but has emphasized the need for international “confidence building” and dialogue with the U.S.
But by reaching out so overtly to the West, the opposition risks playing into government accusations that the widespread protests were instigated by meddling foreign agents and do not reflect the will of most Iranians. Moreover, the statement’s assertion that agreements with the current government will be “subject to review in the future” appears to be a bold threat to the current government that the opposition will continue its attacks until its demands are met.
Source: LA Times
Link:http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/babylonbeyond/2009/09/iran-green-movement-understands-worlds-concerns-over-nuclear-iran-reaches-out-to-us.html
About the Author:
Slater Bakhtavar, an Iran native, is a published journalist, policy analyst, and practicing attorney. His interest in politics has enabled him to contribute his knowledge to several journals, magazines, and media outlets. Additionally, Slater is actively involved in analyzing foreign policy for various organizations.
Slater has earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Kennesaw State University, a Juris Doctorate Degree from South Texas College of Law, and a LL.M in International Law from Loyola Law School. In addition, Slater Bakhtavar received a certificate in alternative dispute resolution from the University of Georgia Law Center.
Currently, Slater resides in Dallas, Texas where he is engaged in the practice of law at his own law office. Outside of his law practice, Slater can be found devoting his time to The Republican Youth of America organization, where he sits as the founding President. With the various things that he is actively participating in, Slater Bakhtavar continues to spend his spare time at the gym and playing sports.