<nettime> Letter to Obama

[Heiko Recktenwald <heikorecktenwald@googlemail.com>]

Here is a Washington Post translation of Iranian President Mahmoud 
Ahmadinejad's letter to Barack Obama:

In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

Mr. Barack Obama

President-elect of the United States of America

I congratulate you on having gained the majority of the votes of those 
who took part in the election. As you know, the chances that God gives 
to his subjects pass swiftly. They can be used for the perfection of 
humanity and to the benefit of nations or, God forbid, to the detriment 
of nations.

I hope you will choose to honor the real interests of people and justice 
and equity over the insatiable appetites of the selfish minority. Use 
this chance to serve to the extent you can. And leave a good name behind 
for yourself.

People expect an immediate and clear response to the pressure for 
fundamental change in the American government's policies, both foreign 
and domestic. This is the desire of all the world's nations and of the 
American nation as well, and it should be the objective and basis of all 
your future government's programs and actions.

On the one hand, the American nation, which has spiritual inclinations, 
expects your government to focus its energy and will on serving the 
people; dealing with the current economic crisis; restoring the 
country's standing, morale and hope; eradicating poverty and 
discrimination; and renewing respect for individuals, their safety and 
their rights. It also expects policies that will strengthen the 
foundations of the family -- part of the teachings of the holy prophets, 
who are also revered in America.

On the other hand, the nations of the world expect an end to policies 
based on warmongering, invasion, bullying, trickery, the humiliation of 
other countries by the imposition of biased and unfair requirements, and 
a diplomatic approach that has bred hatred for America's leaders and 
undermined respect for its people. They want to see actions based on 
justice, respect for the rights of human beings and nations, friendship 
and non-intervention in the affairs of others. They want the American 
government to keep its interventions within its own country's borders.

In the sensitive Middle East region, in particular, the expectation is 
that the unjust actions of the past 60 years will give way to a policy 
encouraging full rights for all nations, especially the oppressed 
nations of Palestine, Iraq and Afghanistan.

The great civilization-building and justice-seeking nation of Iran would 
welcome major, fair and real changes, in policies and actions, 
especially in this region.

If steps are taken in the path of righteousness, toward the goal of 
carrying out the teachings of the holy prophets, it is hoped that 
almighty God will help and that the enormous damage done in the past 
will be somewhat diminished.

I ask the high God to grant all of humanity and all nations health and 
happiness, honor and prosperity, and to grant rulers and officials the 
ability to learn from the past and to use every chance to serve, to 
spread love and kindness, to eradicate oppression, to do justice and to 
follow the holy guidelines.

Mahmoud Ahmadiniejad


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