Since I’m currently living in the Arabian/Persian gulf, I’m finding the current debate about whether the "gulf" is Arabian or Persian rather fascinating. For me, personally, it makes more sense to refer to it as the Arabian Gulf, although history reveals otherwise, as it has been called the Persian Gulf for thousands of years.
Apparently Iranians are irked by National Geographic‘s decision to include the term Arabian Gulf in their latest Atlas decision. I understand their sense of identity, but I think their reaction is a bit over-exaggerated! This Iranian blogger is encouraging what he calls “Google Bombing” to make sure the “Persian Gulf” tops the list of Google search results! Wow, what dedication.
Another blogger suggests Iran should team up with Israel in order to eliminate what he terms "the Arab dominance of the Middle East." That’s a novel point of view that I think will never happen in our lifetime.
A journalist working in Dubai told me that following the Iraq/Iran war, the term “Persian Gulf" was banned indefinitely across the UAE. This applies to textbooks, publications and newspapers among others. I’m not sure about the remaining Gulf countries, such as Qatar and Bahrain. Any insights?
I think what this arguement needs is an infusion of a third party in the fray. All I hear is Persians and Arabs fighting over regional dominance. Nothing wrong with nationalism and self-identity. As far as I’m concerned, the Persian Gulf should remain the Persian Gulf. Historically, the Persian gulf has always been hallowed grounds for Persian fleets, and persian power. It seems to me that the root of all this arguement is zionist policy. They’ve got Persians and Arabs at each other’s throats, Shias against Sunni’s. Both of your histories are proud and noble. There was a lot of give and take between and one would not exist in its present form without the other. I understand the typical territorial animosities between Iran and Iraq, but let’s look at the big picture.
Who holds the winning hand at the current moment? Zionists of course. Pitting one group against another, is not a difficult task.
It is very typical of imperialistic policy to change traditional and historical names to appease certain power groups within that entity. Look at Israel and it’s forceful namechanges on Palestinian land. You Persians and Arabs are beyond these tiny squabbles. Keep your eyes on the real enemy. Neighbors will always have an uneasy alliance, but it’s better to band together against a common enemy then let yourself be divided through mundane issues.
As an Armenian, I’ve never had any trouble relating to either Persians or Arabs. Our histories are all intertwined. Whether it’s music, food, culture, the similarities are astonishing, and this ocassional uneasyness should not be thrown away. Let’s remember that every ethnic group has a feeling of superiority against another. It’s always us against them, cause otherwise, what’s the point of belonging to a group, if you feel you’re inferior to the other? It’s human nature, and should not be used as a weapon against the other. To deny this is to deny our humanity.
In short, fight the real enemy, not petty squabbles. Therefore, the Persian gulf should remain the Persian Gulf, and watch your backs, cause while you bicker and fight, you’re falling right into the trap of a 3rd party agenda, and I’m pretty sure we all know who that is by now.
O…k!
OOOOH did you people know that Nazi movement rose after WWII and I repeat after WWII at least according to ARASH loool
well, thanks for providing more evidence about my theory. You are even getting abusive when failing in a logical discourse. I didn’t know people showing symptoms of “unglaubswillikeit” could get abusive too. You have been very helpful as a labrat. Thank you very much indeed.
You reject a fact based on hot air. Try working on that stagnating memory of yours and I may take you seriously next time.
By the way, I cannot help it you haven’t enjoyed a good educaton and don’t understand my jargon.
However, allow me to congratulate you since I had never encountered so many contradictions in a single discourse, claiming something and then when exposed claiming the opposite and blaming me for misinterpreting it.
I guess you consider putting Persian (the only foreign language than you accidently happen to speak as your mother tongue) and English on your CV is a major advantage lool. Why don’t you try applying for Toyota I am sure they need Persian or Arabic speaking people lol. By the way, I never applied as a salesman or sth. in that nature (that would be more suitable for ppl. like you). The post I applied for required business trips to Japan once a month.
But then again I don’t blame you.You’re living in a monolingual linguistically backward country (this is commonly known about English speaking countries). You wouldn’t know the importance of foreign languages and their application in global village. Try crossing your state border sonny. It broadens your horizons.
I reject your claim based on a total lack of evidence. Speaking of Germans, do you know Goebbels? “If you tell a lie, tell a big one?” Now get your ‘fact’ and nonsensical jargon and put them where sun doesn’t shine. Since our friend here doesn’t know how to use a search engine, or doesn’t value the discourse so much as to do a 5-second lookup on Google, I provide you this link. Click on any given result and find that he is totally out to lunch.
Sorry pal. If you think I am going to find an article I read months ago then you’re overrating the importance of this conversation. You rejected my claim. Say us based on what?
Sometimes facts may be shocking and human beings sometimes don’t want believe them merely because it is shocking or too different from what they are used to see or hear. It is called in psychology “unglaubswillikeit”. It’s German because it was first observed among the Jews who couldn’t or rather didn’t want to believe they were being sent to gas chambers. You’re showing similar symtoms. Listen … suit yourself… take it or leave it… I know what I read.
“as equals”? here you go this is what I mean:
“but the same people are so culturally ass backward that it’s not even funny”.
Let me remind you Iran is not Afghanistan. We may be nr. one in brian drain but there are still enough intellectuals and scientists to help the country on its feet.
The article? Which one Sirus? That’s the problem, there isn’t one! That’s not how a dialogue works, you make a claim, YOU back it up.
I never contradicted myself. I am not making a moral statement, but merely an observation.
What does it mean to take my “countrymen as equals”?
People are indeed more educated than 25 years ago, but I have sadly learned that education does not bring maturity.
As far as Arabs are concerned. I really hope we could put aside our differences and work together. Afteral, wars are never good for business, only good for outsiders’ business who are more than eager to sell us their arms.
However, I know it is going to be a very bumpy road but worth trying.
On the other hand, I am sure after the Mullahs Iran and Isreal would be strong allies again becasue honestly we Iranians never really hated the Jews. Naturally, many sympathise with Palestinians but it is not really our war. There are plenty of Arab countries to defend their rights. We need to take care of ourselves.
Then again, I am sure having good relations with Israel could be more constructive than sending arms and money to Hammas and Hezbollah.
Sorry pal I am not the one who remembers only part of the article.
No misinterpretation at all. I am not the one saying one thing now and contradicting myself a minute later.
I suggest you start looking at your countrymen as equals in stead of taking up a patronizing attitude taking them for children. People evolve and Iranians of today are much more mature and much more eudcated than 25 years ago and were exposed to horrors of Islam and its lies. In other words Islam has been a good eye-opener and we mustn’t underestimate them.
I don’t want to do your research for you. I never make such opulent claims when only relying on months-old memory, especially about such substantial issues.
No, I’m not one. Despite my clarification you still misinterpret the sword comment?
Again, when working in the immigration office, you’re exposed mostly to those who indeed hold opposing views to those of the general public back home. Hence, making a balanced judgement difficullt.