«کرکس مغشوش»

اثری از کاوه عادل

“Titled: “Vulture Baffled

2013©KavehAdel.com

In a sleazy move, Ahmadinejad (the current President of the Islamic republic of Iran) along with his right hand man, and his pick for the next president of Iran, Mashaei, (that is if he can even get the approval to be a candidate from the council) conned, cornered and exploited a famed Iranian Actor, Ezzatollah Entezami, an 88 year old man, for a photo.

This photo was used to erroneously show the actor’s support and endorsement for Mashaei and Ahmadinejad.

Nothing could have been further from the truth. Entezami after the news broke inked a letter to the media explaining what actually happened without accusations and using metaphoric language. A class act from a classy man rarely seen nowadays in Iran and around the world.

For months he had been trying to get approval for a foundation in his name promoting cultural and artistic activities. He had been denied repeatedly and was told that he needs to appeal to higher authorities. he had requested, repeatedly, to get approval directly to Mashaei and Ahmadinejad but nothing had come of it. but when he received a call a few days ago that he was granted a visit with Mashaei he had assumed that it was about his foundation. But he was driven to a different location and the rest is captured in a photo.

in a span of two days, Mr. Entezami’s reputation and artistic accomplishments, wrongfully, suffered the equivalent of an enemy combatant at Guantanamo Bay detention center. His intellectual merits were questioned and dressed in an orange “jump suit” masquerading as a hoodie. People are so quick to judge in this day and age. I admit…… I have fallen victim to manufactured news.

A vulture feeds off of a dead carcass. Even vultures are baffled. Even they don’t take advantage of a live prey!

This is the Iran that in reality my compatriots live in. This is not the Iran I envisioned after 26 years of living in Diaspora. This is not the Iran that I envision my children visiting and even contemplating making a home. Rampant corruption, backstabbing, fear mongering and terror runs my home land. I see the same thing in the West although it is more polished and packaged more neatly….. with one difference, I can speak freely about it. Not in Iran.

I hope for a better day.

Peace and Love.

Kaveh