Iran Bans Buddhas, Confiscates Statues From Tehran Stores

The "Buddha" has become persona non grata in Tehran after "he" became the latest target of stupid Iranian government fatwas. Iran has previously banned Barbie and Ken and Homer Simpson dolls for promoting that evil Western culture, so what's up with Buddha statues? They're not Western at all. It seems in this case it's viewed as a "cultural invasion", at least so says Saeed Jaberu Ansari, an official with the protection of Iran's cultural heritage. Maybe someone should inform him that Buddhism isn't a culture, it's a religion, and even so, most people who buy Buddha statues do so because they are an exotic decorative item for home and garden (and in Iran, their cars), not because they are adherents of the religion. But since the only minority religions allowed in that country are Christianity, Judaism and Zoroastrianism, as per Article 13 of their Constitution, the Buddhists are out of luck.

So, in order to stop the spreading of Buddhism through the purchase of those insidious statues, Tehran police have been "cleansing" Iran by confiscating Buddhas from stores located in the capital city.

According to one store owner who carries the mostly China-made statues:

“As I understand, none of customers cared about Buddhism, they only bought it for decoration,” said Reza Sanaei, a shopkeeper who sells the statues.

And a comment from a customer:

Marjan Arbabi, said she personally did not like the statues. “But my parents have set of five Buddah’s statues at their home simply because they think the statues are beautiful,” she said.

I wonder if they'll start raiding people's houses and cars?

Canada Under Influence of 'Zionist Regime' Claims Iran After Diplomatic Ties Severed

Canada isn't paying much attention when it comes to private Muslim elementary schools, like Wali ul Asr- which is obviously teaching the children there to hate Israel, if the children's art is any indication.

Note there is no Israel on this child's artwork

At least they're doing the right thing as far as Iran goes.   The U.S. has had no formal ties with Tehran since 1980, as a result of the Iranian hostage crisis at the American Embassy. Like Cuba, we have an 'Interests Section" working out of the Swiss Embassy, but that's it.  But  now, the Canadian Government has  broken ties with Iran in response to various factors including the dire situation in Syria and the Iranian government's support of Syria's Assad.

According to a statement by Foreign Minister John Baird:

“Canada has closed its embassy in Iran, effective immediately, and declared personae non gratae all remaining Iranian diplomats in Canada.

“Canada’s position on the regime in Iran is well known. Canada views the Government of Iran as the most significant threat to global peace and security in the world today.

“The Iranian regime is providing increasing military assistance to the Assad regime; it refuses to comply with UN resolutions pertaining to its nuclear program; it routinely threatens the existence of Israel and engages in racist anti-Semitic rhetoric and incitement to genocide; it is among the world’s worst violators of human rights; and it shelters and materially supports terrorist groups, requiring the Government of Canada to formally list Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism under the Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act.

“Moreover, the Iranian regime has shown blatant disregard for the Vienna Convention and its guarantee of protection for diplomatic personnel. Under the circumstances, Canada can no longer maintain a diplomatic presence in Iran. Our diplomats serve Canada as civilians, and their safety is our number one priority.
“Diplomatic relations between Canada and Iran have been suspended. All Canadian diplomatic staff have left Iran, and Iranian diplomats in Ottawa have been instructed to leave within five days.

Naturally, Iran did not take kindly to having diplomatic ties severed, and its diplomats forced to pack their bags and hit the road. Canada is "under the influence of the Zionist regime," Iran claims, and Ramin Mehmanparast said they will get back at Canada's 'extremist' government for its decision. Whatever that means. Canada an extremist government? How's that for a good laugh.

Now we need the rest of the world to follow suit, then maybe things will change in Iran.

After Attack On Its Embassy In Iran Britain Closes Iranian Embassy and Gives Staff 48 Hours To Leave

I was under the impression that the Iranian people (especially the youth) were fed up with the lack of freedom and major oppression they've been subjected to for the  past 30 plus years. After all, wasn't it mostly students who initially galvanized the pro-democracy "Green Movement" in 2009 after what was deemed a fraudulent presidential election?   But there are still those who are so mired in that backward, Islamist mentality, that they would rather live under subjugation than live in a free society. Witness the students who attacked two British diplomatic compounds in Tehran, vandalizing and destroying property and shouting the usual "Death to" England mantra, all in full view of the Iranian police who did pretty much nothing at first.  Unlike the pro-democracy crowd who risked everything to protest against a repressive regime, these students love their religious masters.

The demonstrations were reported to have been staged by a new pro-regime group called The Muslim Students Followers of the Supreme Leader. They were protesting against tough new financial sanctions imposed by London last week over Iran's nuclear programme.

And though I believe that the attack could not have taken place without government knowledge and approval, officials deny any involvement.  One Tehran University associate professor, Mohammad Marandi,  claims that

 “It was planned and organized by the students but it was not something that came from the government. The students were telling me days before that they were planning to be there in large numbers. They said some students would try (to storm the embassy),” he said. “I don’t think the government is happy with what happened.”

But that seems unlikely.

Britain has now retaliated by closing down its Embassy in Tehran, removed all personnel for their own safety, and has ordered the closure of the Iranian Embassy in London. Iranian diplomats have 48 hours to leave the country. I say, good for the Brits!

 Not surprisingly, Iran has responded with what they do best- veiled threats.

“The British government’s asking Iranian diplomats in London to leave this country is a passive and hasty action,” the Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said in statements emailed to AFP.

“Obviously the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran will take reciprocal action in this regard and holds the British government responsible for protecting the diplomatic properties and belongings in London,” he added.

“What happened at the British embassy in Tehran was unpredictable. It occured due to the anger of some demonstrators over Britain’s policies regarding the Islamic republic,” Mehmanparast said.  He noted that none of the British diplomats were hurt and said the judiciary was “dealing” with the “violators.”

Right, unlike many of the pro-democracy activists who are still rotting in jail, nothing will happen to these pro-regime thugs; and since Britain is a civilized country, nothing will happen to the  personnel or the property belonging to the Iranian Embassy.

It's hard to imagine that there are still people who are pro-Ahmadinejad, pro-Mullahs. Then again, it was  the Persians themselves who ushered in those dark years of Islamism back in the late 70s when they actually voted for an Islamic Republic.