Comments (112)

nice article

I understand Google’s position on calling Persian Gulf "Arabian gulf” on Google Earth. Despite all history, geography and political books and evidence it must be a business decision to appease to some of the Arabian countries in the Persian Gulf in order to allow Google, presence on their land. You see, Google has been pretty nervous lately with Microsoft/Yahoo moving on their territory, so survival is name of the game, even if it takes distorting reality. Business must go on.

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Hello, nice site :)

Hello, nice site :)

I must say I am quite troubled by this questioning of Dr. Meshakti's loyalties. Clearly, this is an individual who has made important contributions to our own growth as a leader in technology, and is grateful for the opportunities that this country has provided him. But why is it wrong for him to feel ties to his country of origin, to his family and friends? Would you not feel nostalgic for America if you were residing abroad?

Just like many Americans, this man feels love for his country, his people and his culture, while not necessarily supporting its political leadership. This idea that one gives up all aspects of their own culture to become a citizen of another country is ludicrous. Can we try not to view this man's legitimate feelings through a lens of ultra-nationalism?

As for his son, I can understand how difficult it is to contemplate that his own son does not feel as connected to Iran as he does. However, I think that such is the experience of second-generation immigrants. They will experience their identity in fundamentally different ways from the parents who immigrated.

What a liar I doubt this Iranian fool had much high level involvement in designing such technology. It's simple Iranians are too stupid.

As an Iranian, I feel proud of Meshakti's contributions to the eternal kingdoms of science, technology, explorations, innovations, ...

I see no reason for his concerns or any guilt feeling. Any confrontation would be temporal, non-fatal, and avoidable, if and only if,the rulers of IRI
(1)- discard the suicidal patterns of
thinking and planning, disguised under
the name of "martyrdom".
(2)- adopt a strategy of "Live and Let Live'

Masood Raji,
66 years old, Iran
Neyshabur, IRAN.

Quoting "the professor says, dread is replacing pride." End of quote.

Professor, scientist and engineer Meshkati : That, Will all due respect, is shallow.
Us the Persians while blessed with incomparable minds in the world, have our own inadequacies in turn too.
As, one born in Iran, who have been out of Iran since 1973, I have developed a tendency not to allow myself to call myself an Iranian while my love for my family, Iranians and the greatest piece of real estate on this planet which I also know as holly land since just and justice is the core of Persian culture, is immeasurable, reasoning while it is easy to get some attachments to the country I was born in, it is deceiving and would be fooling myself if I would attempt to link myself to some sort of its citizenry while my citizenry and personal fulfillment's which are due only there, are vastly or may be I should say entirely absent.
At Fifty and for the last thirty years I have witnessed the Iranians travel abroad and virtually build countries or make revolutionary advances in science and medicine in countries like Europe, North America and Australia, unprecedented in their history and yet Tehran holds title for the most air polluted city in the world with unimaginable health consequences for the present residents and worse, generations to come.
Here in States, the brightest students and top professors in reputable schools are Iranians. After the Jewish community whom have built a country here within a country solely to benefit and advance their own agendas and their commitments are only to their real Motherland, no offense to any of them and for the record, my only idol is an Iranian Jewish woman Mehri, we have most successful entrepreneurs and businessmen among the minorities in the country. the hospitals have more than their share of (percentage wise) Iranian Doctors and specialists among minorities here. The more I learn about the NASA community I find how it is saturated with the Iranian engineers, specialists and projection managers in there.

These all makes me sad and sometimes feel not to want to be alive anymore. But the facts remain once we leave Iran and seek and obtain residency or citizenship in another country and start contributing in our new homeland we give up our Iranian identities no matter how reluctantly or how much to our dislike, and any attempts, thereafter, on our parts to link ourselves to Iran or even compliment or criticize the country or its deficiencies, would be an affront to all the Iranians in EERAN.

To all who don’t understand Mr. Meshkatis nightmares and question his loyalty:

Do you remember the worlds most known scientist Albert Einstein?
Do you remember E=mc2?

In November 1954, five months before his death, Einstein summarized his feelings about his role in the creation of the atomic bomb: "I made one great mistake in my life... when I signed the letter to President Roosevelt recommending that atom bombs be made!

Mr. Einstein and many, many other scientists had the same feelings about their role in creation of deadly weapons. It is the mixed and the nightmarish split between the good and the bad. A feeling that every sane person on the surface of this planet should have!

Another side of the story is: That’s our leaders responsibility to take the moral stand not to use the weapon against the innocent, not the scientists! But sadly, today one can buy any leader of the world with money, propaganda and lies!

To all who don’t understand Mr. Meshkatis nightmares and question his loyalty:

Do you remember the worlds most known scientist Albert Einstein?
Do you remember E=mc2?

In November 1954, five months before his death, Einstein summarized his feelings about his role in the creation of the atomic bomb: "I made one great mistake in my life... when I signed the letter to President Roosevelt recommending that atom bombs be made!

Mr. Einstein and many, many other scientists had the same feelings about their role in creation of deadly weapons. It is the mixed and the nightmarish split between the good and the bad. A feeling that every sane person on the surface of this planet should have!

Another side of the story is: That’s our leaders responsibility to take the moral stand not to use the weapon against the innocent, not the scientists! But sadly, today one can buy any leader of the world with money, propaganda and lies!

To my fellow Iranians living abroad,

You all seem to love your country and always say you love Iran, yet I doubt that.

You dont love Iran, you love your "freedom", your "discos" and the fact that you are living in America.

If you guys really loved Iran, then you would pack up your bags and MOVE BACK TO IRAN!

I am 33, I was born and raised outside of Iran. The first time I ever went to Iran was in 1998 (Khatemi allowing people who had never been to Iran, to visit Iran for 3 months every year), then I went back in 2001 to buy my military service (cost me around 4000 USD), and finally in 2004 I packed up my bags in Germany and moved to Iran.

I started working in Iran and was selling American cables in Iran (mostly Audio/video cables). I was living quite a nice life, and was able to actually save up money. Only thing that was hard for me was to find real friends, since the ones I had ended up being more interested in money than friendship.

Anyways I am now back in Germany and have applied for my German citizenship (I will have dual citizenship then) and will move back to Tehran once I get it. The only reason why I want the German citizenship is because I dont feel like applying for a visa for Dubai everytime I go there for my work.

Damn that was off topic. Anyways all I am trying to say is that I am sick and tired of Iranians who live in America/Europe and always say "I love Iran, I miss Iran bla bla bla" and yet they would rather live in the west and not in their homeland.

If you love your country then you should be able to bear its hardships too, but you guys want to have your cake and eat it too!

And Mr.Meshkati, like many in this thread I have no sympathy for you. You knew you were working for the American military. Maybe you didnt develop the bombs or whatever for the B2, but you did know that your research and work was just going to make the B2 an even more deadly weapon. Besides, the IRaqis and the Afghanis that died from the bombs that America used in its "war on terror" were humans too and had family too!

Arrogance has been the single cause of destruction of previous civilizations and this is not any different. No one could even immagine the collapse of the Soviet Union, now it is a reality. I hope our new civilization does not follow the same path but I think my hope is very shallow. I am not a fotune teller but I did predict the collapse of the Iraqi regime soley because it caused so many blood shed and now I am afraid it is our turn to pay for our sins. As if destroying Afganistan and Iraq was not enough now we are talking about nuking Iran. A country that has not initiated any aggression against any country in the last 250 years. Lets wait and see. Such a waste that I voted for the Bush. Surely I am guilty too.

Arrogance has been the single cause of destruction of previous civilizations and this is not any different. No one could even immagine the collapse of teh Soviet Union, now it is a reality. I hope our new civilization does not follow the same path but I think my hope is very shallow. I am not a fotune teller but I did predict teh collapse of the Iraqi regime soley because the caused so many blood shed and now i am afraid it is our turn to pay for our sins. As if destroying Afganistan and Iraq was not enough now we are talking about nuking Iran. A country that ha snot initiated any aggression against any country in the last 250 years. Lets wait and see. Such a waste that I voted for the Bush. Srely I am guilty too.

Well Mr. Meshkati, as Einstein, Oppenheimer and numerous others including a recent Nuclear physicist from Iraq discovered, US, Russia or any other regime are no different than others. The fact that you have created this killing machine and might be used against your own country is a major dilema. My suggestion is that rather than weeping and crying, you provide the other side the weakness and how to bring down such planes!!..that would clear your conscious. Maybe its time for you to provide your services to your homeland before they get bombed out by a crazy neocons who have no conscious but the profits of the multinationals!!

Sorry, correction

Unbeknownst to some, Iran has been around (AKM), ...

"As for Iran having been a safe haven for whatever religion that was prosecuted in the past... well... first of, in the days when Rome hunted the Christians... there was no Iran"

AKM, you're not too familiar with history. By what we identify a nation by definition, Iran (Persia, as it was officially called until the 1930s) is the first nation of the world. By the same definition China became a nation 300 years later (around 220 B.C.). Yes there are thousands of years old regional civilizations, including many in Iran prior to 2500 years ago (there are 6 and 7 thousand year old cities in Iran).

ABE: "Currently, the Iranian nation is the only counter balancing force against true enemies of USA, namely Saudi, UAE and Pakistan".

Iranians don't hate the west (despite all that Britain, Russia and later U.S. did, it's water under the bridge). Even the government officials in power extended offers to start a dialog, leading to relations with the United States. It started when Khatami was president (numerous calls for dialog), and in 2003 the government proposed to discuss all matters with U.S., this was a very serious proposal. It was decided not to even address such an offer, and the media of course was completely silent and never disclosed these to the public. If there is one country that will have a serious impact on moderation in the region, it is none other than Iran (take this to the bank). It would be a very big mistake to not take this into consideration. Unbeknownst to some, Iran has been around (Abe), and there haven't been sky-high walls between the people of Iran and the people of the new nations around Iran.

May Mr Meshkati should use his knowledge for the good of people instead of helping military establishment. The US are using these weapons in Iraq and Afganistan against Civilian and may be later against Iran and Mr Meshkati must bear responsibility for us aggressive policy instead of hanging B2 photo in his office, He had a choice to help create a better world or to prop up US militarism. Iraq or Iran have never had anything to do with Al-qaeda. Bin laden is laughting thanks to US illegal war in Iraq which has created the biggest recruiting facility for his murderous gang.

My advice to Mr Meshkati is do something useful for a change. Iranian have never attacked US, 911 terrorist were mostly from friendly countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt, UAE, Pakistan and Yeman and US has killed hundreds of thousands of Iraqi and Afgani civilian . Do not try to make Iranian people against yourself. They will get rid of the regime in Iran relying on their forces. They do not need US B2 to drop a nuclear bomb on Iran.

Pulling in "international law" is somewhat ridiculous. Nobody, ever, gave a damn about it. Not Iran, not the US, not Israel, not Germany, not anyone, ever.

The B2 is a weapon. Newsflash: a weapon is there for one reason, to kill. Should there be an exchange of fired between the US and Iran, then the B2 is used, just like the F-22, like the M16, like the M1A2. That's how things are.

It'd be illegal under international law for the US to attack Iran? So what? Since when has that ever stopped anyone? It didn't stop Germany from invading Poland. Didn't stop Israel from the Yom Kipur war, or the Six Day War (or any other aggressive action taken by Israel towards its neighbors). Didn't stop China from skirmishing around with India and Vietnam. Didn't stop anyone, ever. International law... what a joke. Who really gives a crap about that anyway?

As for mister Meshkati, here's an idea for him: grow up. He was designing a bomber, for crying out loud. What the hell did he think this machine is used for? It's a weapon in the armory of the United States and as such it will be used in any conflict the US see fit. Honestly... Our dear mister Meshkati reminds me of those idiots who think that killing for peace works.

By the way, it's not just American that's building "killing machines". Europe is. China is. North Korea is. Japan is. Iran is. Lybia is. Russia is. Everyone is. But that's not really America's fault, is it?

As for Iran having been a safe haven for whatever religion that was prosecuted in the past... well... first of, in the days when Rome hunted the Christians... there was no Iran. When the Jews were prosecuted in Europe... well, that wasn't today's, intolerant, Islamist Iran either. So, bringing in such historic things isn't really smart.

As for the UN charter... it's worth absolutely nothing. The UN can... sit in a corner and pout. Nothing else. The UN is a joke and has to go ASAP.

Micheal, you missed my point. Not everyone is born a Jesus Christ or Mother Theresa.
To understand the psych of a scientist, you need to be one yourself. Every young ambitious scientist would look for recognition through contribution to a novel application. Would Einstein stop research, had he known his discoveries would lead to development of nuclear bomb years later? Probably not in his early young life.

There are now thousands of scientists who vie for a piece of pie in defense-related research in the US; many from China, India and Iran. I can attest personally that none would be happy if his or her discoveries would lead to destruction of his/her country of origin.

Hey ABE, If your moral human foundation for justification of making B-2 bombers and development of nuclear bombs and weapons of mass destruction is just your justified cause then no wonder you and your genius scientist and as a result the rest of America will always have enemies. Maybe this will help you and your bomb maker bodies to make more bombs to fight more enemies. For ever.

And if this is your genius way of justification of America running the business of building killing machines, then you are in the right business in the right part of the world. Just remember genius, your enemies have found you and now they know how to get you. So good luck with building more bombers and bombs.

Judged by the expressions on this forum, I sense certain immaturity in some posts as related to understanding of human side of scientists. Case in point: American-born Robert Oppenheymer was a scientist whose leadership led to nuclear bomb development and mass destruction, albeit for a justified cause, and yet deplored the outcome of his genius years later. So, stop questioning Meshkati's psych for reasons other than his moral human foundation and not the least his country of origin.

Is it not true that the enemy of my enemy is my friend? Currently, the Iranian nation is the only counter balancing force against true enemies of USA, namely Saudi, UAE and Pakistan. Though their governments feign friendly posture out of their need to US support, large segments of their population are not. By weakening Iran or worse attacking her, the anti-American forces would be galvanized and united and could potentially pose a greater danger to USA.
Our way of life is already in decline due to loss of key industrial base, ever-increasing growth of under-skilled population, exhaustion of military resources and loss of faith in federal government. Another illegal war certainly will not help such a decline.

Subject of this article and the question surrounding it, what about if, is now the biggest dilemma for most American/Iranian citizens of this nation.

My answer is simple:

When I got my citizenship I did not apply for American/Iranian citizenship.

There is no "American/Iranian" mixture.

We are either American or we are Iranian. The two do not mix.

For all undecided ones, you should soon decide which nation do we belong to, and which nation's national interest is our interest as citizen of that country.

And just if you are wondering about me, as an American citizen, I am against bombing citizens of any country. It does not make any difference whose country it is. Bombing is wrong. It is a cowardish method of fighting. Personaly I prefer UFC.

My advise for Mr. Meshkati is that he should of thought of this subject when he was helping designing it. He knew it is going to drop bombs. Now what? He wants to pick and choose whose head the bomb should drop on to?

Now, as a reminder for the ones who decide to remain Iranian but stay in America, if there is going to be any bombing, by you guys staying and paying taxes, you are directly supporting the war against your country. Now go figure!

Subject of this article and the question surrounding it, what about if, is now the biggest dilemma for most American/Iranian citizens of this nation.

My answer is simple:

When I got my citizenship I did not apply for American/Iranian citizenship.

There is no "American/Iranian" mixture.

We are either American or we are Iranian. The two do not mix.

For all undecided ones, you should soon decide which nation do we belong to, and which nation's national interest is our interest as citizen of that country.

And just if you are wondering about me, as an American citizen, I am against bombing citizens of any country. It does not make any difference whose country it is. Bombing is wrong. It is a cowardish method of fighting. Personaly I prefer UFC.

My advise for Mr. Meshkati is that he should of thought of this subject when he was helping designing it. He knew it is going to drop bombs. Now what? He wants to pick and choose whose head the bomb should drop on to?

Now, as a reminder for the ones who decide to remain Iranian but stay in America, if there is going to be any bombing, by you guys staying and paying taxes, you are directly supporting the war against your country. Now go figure!

Many empires in history have fallen because of that one attack too many! I hope the U.S. is not foolish enough to repeat the same mistake!

The funny thing is that 10 of these bombers (which are more expensive than their weight in gold) haven't been able to do jack to a bunch of lightly-armed cave-dwelling former goat-herders, who have bested us in both IRaq and Afghanistan, just as a bunch of Vietnamese in black pyjamas bested us in Vietnam. When will we learn? But I suppose there is too much money to be made from contracts for useless bombers...

If you're a believer, it shouldn't matter to which country you owe your first allegiance. The Pledge of Allegiance, for example, has had the phrase "one nation, under God" for decades now. There is no religion that I know of that requires allegiance to a leadership cabal packed with war criminals. There's no philosophy I know of supporting, let alone justifying, crimes against humanity. It's only fascism that makes a virtue out of virulent, imperial nationalism, as in "My country--right or wrong." A people that supports a criminal leadership is a criminal people. Impeach the lot in the administration, try them and convict them. Then, when they're out of office, indict them, try them and sentence them to death for mass murder.

Some think that past members of the Iranian leadership have committed crimes. They certainly have committed plenty, including torture and murder. However the scale of American criminality in the Middle East and elsewhere makes them look like disciples of Mother Teresa by comparison. They have been suffering victims of crime and aggression more than guilty perpetrators of either. Do Iranians have a right to interfere in Iraq? Whatever arguments one can advance to justify any American presence there, theirs are a hundred times more valid. The American invasion is a good enough justification by itself, not to mention the support our erstwhile client Saddam and his gang enjoyed from past U.S. administrations.

It is funny reading the postings from the Americans here. It is taken as an article of faith that the Iranian nuclear programme is a military one when there is NO evidence of a weapons programme. After 2200+ inspections by IAEA they see no evidence of diversion of material outside of the civilian use. Also after all the noise, there has been no site that CIA or Mossad can point to which is a nuclear military base. As Americans you should seriously think why your government REALLY wants to go to war.

If there is a war, know this: this war is not what one that the Iranians want or would seek to provoke. Know that in this war, US is the culprit and the war-monger. And, one way or another you will pay for it over time.

It is funny reading the postings from the Americans here. It is taken as an article of faith that the Iranian nuclear programme is a military one when there is NO evidence of a weapons programme. After 2200+ inspections by IAEA they see no evidence of diversion of material outside of the civilian use. Also after all the noise, there has been no site that CIA or Mossad can point to which is a nuclear military base. As Americans you should seriously think why your government REALLY wants to go to war.

If there is a war, know this: this war is not what one that the Iranians want or would seek to provoke. Know that in this war, US is the culprit and the war-monger. And, one way or another you will pay for it over time.

Rob wrote: "Iran openly declared that the holocaust didn't happen, and then has a convention to support their position. Iran openly declares it's intention to destroy Isreal. We wont attack Iran unless they hit us or our freinds. We always let the enemy take the first swing".

Rob, there's many mistakes in that one paragraph of yours, many ("Iran this, Iran that, and US only invades and attacks after being hit with the first swing"). Never mind, just try to believe what you wrote is the truth.

By the way, when they were killing and persecuting Christians in Europe (before Rome imposed Christianity as the state religion), and before, during, and after Jews were being persecuted and killed in Europe, Iran was a safe haven for both, and with Iranians of the Jewish and Christian faiths living in Iran for many centuries and today, with their churches up and runnig . While I understand we have fanatics who want to fabricate and change the truth, it is for the decent humanbeings everywhere to be mindful of misinformation by the fanatics (irrespective of the fanatics' specific categories).

This is what happens when fanatics have influence in government, and in the better part of mainstream media, twisting and misrepresenting the facts.

As for the aspirations of Iranians for a moderate and representative government, catering to the will and wish of the majority of the people, it started by Iranians themselves over 100 years ago, is going on, and will go on, no one can stop it. Based on my two cents, Iranians are not war mongers and do not want to harm anyone.

Attacking Iran is a terrible mistake, and in many dimensions.

Shamshir is right. We should leave, take the Israelis with us, and leave the region to the benevolence of the Persians, Arabs, and Turks. In 20 years, the entire region will be either a charnel house or monument to civilization.

I'm taking bets.

Americans will never understand the mideast never so get the hell out right now and take your beloved Israelis(russian,European jews) with you then will see who's complaining becouse it wont be me PS Mad mullahs more like Crazy george and dick, IED's like russia and china didnt support the vietnamese during that war Iran is just doing what is in her best intrests that is drive the westeners out of the region

You so called Iranian's who call for Iran to be bombed disgust me truly disgust me MEK Scum
Long Live Jomhuri ye islami Iran

Pendergast said: "And, you have the anti-war activists pretending they have been in the Military. They haven't, they just like to use that as a cover."

I can't think of anything more insulting than a statement like this from a chickenhawk. I'm liberal and spent 24 years in the military. Pendergast, let me know if you have the courage to come on over. I'll show you my medals and you can show me your dolls.

Only a complete ass would make a comment like Pendergast did. But you know what, I served even for insulting jerks like him. Enjoy your freedom, chickenhawk.

Stop trying to justify yourselves in reaction to comments from these racist fools. Everyone knows that the middle east has the patents to the most important products ever invented (and exported). What are they you ask? Simple. They are: the father, the son and the holy spirit.

RESPECT. Keap it REAL.

Mike S.,

You're right, my friend. I answer in the same spirit you wrote "just for kicks...".

As you say 'name-dropping is not the answer here', nor is any 'survey of the state of science in Muslim countries' an unbiased indicator of current Muslim contribution to science. That is one of the criticisms I have against an otherwise excellent survey work done by the eminent Pakistani physicist Pervez Hoodbhoy [a Muslim who, by the way, was recently honoured with the International Humanist of the Year 2007 award] on Islam and Science, based on professional journal publications, citations, and patents, in Islamic countries,namely that, with globalisation, a significant proportion of the scientific advances made by British, American, Canadian, Australian scholars are by Muslims who have emigrated to those countries. However, many of Hoodbhoy's findings are important and should be of concern to the leaders of Muslim countries (I point this out to Mr. Kuttab in my posting on his comments in this same forum). (1) The proportion of the budget earmarked for education and specifically research and development is low although it has been increasing very fast in recent years. (2) Patent laws and commercial practice in Muslim counteies do not actively promote the culture of intellectual property rights, the Islamic philosophy that the new knowledge created by any scholar is the wealth of humanity and should not be privatised [an excellent illustraion of the predatory nature of American propoerty rights culture is that American one food reseacrh company, having developed an especially nice variety of rice, sought to secure for its variety the non-patented but highly identifiable rice variety known under the name Basmati -- in other words, the American comany wanted to have exclusive right to use the name Basmati for its variety, to the exclusion of Pakistani and Indian producers of this variety, who, for millenia, never bothered to patent the name brand. Of course it required a litigation in WTO, I believe, to stop the predator acquiring the brand name]. (3) in many areas Muslim scientists resident in the West are prominent contributors, one of them being stem cell research, although this area, however cutting edge, is not the most sophisticated or extremely-demanding scientific research field around. Quantum computing is now the most sophisticated scientific research topic and the niche's auxiliary areas, including Fuzzy Logic, have their fair share of Muslim scientific researchers. There are many other issues that I cannot all list here.

So, rest assured that they are being actively tackled, and a major Muslim scientific renaissance is underway, althogh it might take a couple of decades to bloom.

About the question "what is Islamic science, any way? Is there a cultural slant to the work that Muslim scientists do?', the answer is NO. Science is science, the pursuit of verifiable hypotheses. But, yes there are various types of sciences, and behavioural science in one where 'cultural nuances' may have a role to play, But in the hard sciences -- physics, biology, mathematics, chemistry, computer science, medical sciences, etc. -- there is no distinction except who does it, in which countries, with support from which institutions, and, importantly, to which end-use.

And what is Islamic science, any way?

rrr eee ss pppp eee c c ttt
r r e s s p p e c t
rrr eee s p pp eee c t
r r e s s p e c t
r r eee s p eee c c t

As the profit Mohammad (PBUH) once said, the future belongs to Salmon Al Farsi's people. Look them up and be nice to them.

RESPECT.
Keep it REAL.

Just for kicks,...

Malleck, Lyall et al.

"And then nincompoops will tellyou that Muslims are sceientificallt backward."

Let's not dismiss the nincompoops just yet, at least not with hoary old stories about the dawn of mathematics. There's no question that Islamic science, and scholarship generally, had a golden age that set the foundation for much of what we take for granted today. Perhaps that's less widely understood than it should be.

But the progress of science isn't measured in epochs, or centuries. Even 50-year old science can today legitimately be called "backwards." And the West has long since outpaced the Muslim world in this. Boosters of Islamic science need to understand this and be motivated by it.

And what is Islamic science, any way? Is there a cultural slant to the work that Muslim scientists do? (This is not a flip question, by the way. If there is a useful cultural slant it should be understood and employed by the global scientific community.)

In the West and most of the world, science is accelerated by an atmosphere of honest intellectual competition. Are today's Muslim societies able to accommodate this, as their predecessors once were?

Name dropping is not the answer here. Professor Zadeh, after all, is just one man, one ACM Fellow among 600, one IEEE Medalist among 80 or so. And he did his work in the West, educated at MIT and Columbia as well as the University of Tehran, and teaching at Columbia and Berkeley since 1950.

Iran openly declared that the holocaust didn't happen, and then has a convention to support their position. Iran openly declares it's intention to destroy Isreal. We wont attack Iran unless they hit us or our freinds. We always let the enemy take the first swing.

After Pearl Harbour we went to war for 4 years and lost hundreds of thousands of lives. The US is a great big nasty dog on a short leash. After 9/11, the leash was removed. It had to be.

Restraint will be used. But, don't let that confuse anyone that its weakness.

MM of Swift Current, Canada:

I recently read "In the Footsteps of The Prophet". You are named after a perfectly respectable man. What a shame that your surly, undignified comments are so unworthy of your name.

Deep kneebends, Swift Current. Maybe they will strengthen your legs enough that you will be able to follow his footsteps.

Iran has natural, commercialy exploitable reserves of uranium. All other things equal, it clearly has the right to develop and exploit those reserves for commercial nuclear power, especially in light of the need to resort to nuclear power instead of fossil fuels because of global warming.

Unfortunately, Iran violated its treaty obligations by failing tp comply with disclosure requirements and the inspection regime. The treaties do not define the sanctions for those treaty violations; but, certainly those wilfull violations put the onus on Iran to prove its good faith and undertake real bona fide confidence building measures, rather than just insist that the rest of the world rely upon its assertions of good faith and innocent development.

Equally unfortunately, the Bush Administration has shown its usual incompetence by relying on nothing but public criticism and insults, bluster, and coercive sanctions. The Clinton Administration, which imposed a total unilateral investment and trade embargo in the first place, did only marginally better. The embargo has done nothing but send Iran to China for goods, equipment and money, while hurting US firms, and their employees, that could be selling oil field equipment and non-strategic goods in the Gulf.

The US must offer Iran something positive instead of purely coercive sanctions. No Iranian government could survive if it were seen to be giving in to coercive sanctions. The history of the Cold War shows that unilateral sanctions and trade embargoes are completely ineffective in infuencing the behavior of adversaries. The US should offer to end the embargo and specifically to allow US firms to build refineries in Iran in exchange for real controls and confidence building measures on Iran's uranium enrichment program. Given the gas shortage, this would do more to undermine popular support for the government and the hostile mullahs than anything else.

Meskati,Meskati what a whiner you have become! You come to America from a failed nation, avail yourself of an outstanding education, engage in lucrative employment, and generally enjoy the benifits of a truly free society. Now, NOW you knash your teeth and pull your hair! You never really became an American, rather you continue to be an Iranian. You see your (American) life's work possibly being used to the detriment of your Irainian life. Oh the humanity!

The fact are:

1. The American military power might be supersized, but leaves much to be desired in planning and execution. Take a look at Iraq. Four and something years later, it has not managed to stabilize a country a third of Iran's size (in geography and population).

2. The B-2 Bomber is about 20 years old. It was designed with technological assumptions of 20-25 years ago. Radar techonology has leaped forward, namely "passive radar" and GPS jammers. We all remember that even Saddam's creampuff army had it, courtesy of Bosnia, when the missiles were not hitting targets.

3. If you live by the sword, Mr. Meshkati & Americans generally, you will die by the sword! This is a time-tested fact in history.

No, and out of intellectual bankruptcy if you must, bring 'em on! Just remember that there should be no crying after battle!

Finally, read the UN Charter....and a violation of UN charter is clearly and plainly defined as ".....the threat or use of force". This means America that is making these threats is in fact in violation of UN Charter and the UNSC must enact sanctions against it. Rules are for every body, no?

Hi,

I am a German-Iranian. Americans attacked Germany and Japan during the WWII and now these contries are the second and third economy power after america. Mr. Meshkati: I know you love iran, like all of us Iranians. We know all that mullahs destroyed Iran and our history and our future. I am one on the iranians who is supporting America if America attacks my homeland Iran (I still have all my relatives in this country) we need to get rid of the mullahs otherwise they will destroy this bit of Iran which is still remaining! you should be proud of yourselfe when B2 Bombers kill Mullahs and fenatics! I know many innocent people will get killed as well. But how many innocent will get killed, how many futures will destroyed if mullahs remain in Iran?

I am an Iranian-Canadian. I read professor Meshkati‘s point of views and his comments I think they are totally understandable and he is absolutely right.

Both countries’ politicians “Iran and US “need to know WAR won’t be the solution in this sensitive issue.
This complicated issue must be solved with negotiation and mutual respects, in this case “WAR” won’t be the solution at all as starting a new war will make it MORE complicated and it won’t be the end.

Hopefully those politicians who only know one language for negotiation which is
“BOMBING/ KILLING” will learn for administration a country there are more languages than “WAR” which is deferent ways of reasonable diplomacies for avoiding the disasters for innocent people, and then for whole the world.

Thanks to professor Meshkati for bringing up this important subject and thanks to all of his efforts in human factors/agronomy to keep and design a safe place to work for workers and citizens for decades in US as an Iranian-American.

At the end I hope in the future we will have decent and capable politicians to save people and whole the world from disasters “WAR”.

What we learn here is some variant of "he who lives by the sword, dies by the sword."

What did the author expect when he went into the weapon design business?

And why is he more upset at the thought of Iran being devastated than at the thought of Iraq or Israel, or Syria or Serbia or Korea?

He illustrates how foolish patriotism is, and how foolish it is to imagine that only the people you want to be killed will be killed by the weapons you build.

Instead of aligning yourself with America or Iran, how about aligning yourself with humankind? But then you would have had to have lived a very different life, and it would not have involved a comfortable middle class life as an engineer of death machines, would it have?

When you align yourself with humanity you'll find that the current fascist American regime in D.C, and the Iranian nuclear Mullahs are both your enemies... and that you were a fool to supply the weapons to one against the other.

---

And to Shahnameh ... Israel has not threatened "to wipe Iran off the map." That's a fantastical projection based on fear and ignorance and propaganda. You too would do well to consider how you could align yourself with the humanity of both Jews and Arabs in Israel and Palestine.

If our elected officials work as hard as American tax payers in search of truth in the direction of American National Interest with good judgment and no hidden agenda then most probably many of future Wars might be avoided. The following case is an example of bad mistake or bad decision or bad judgment or dirty hidden agenda by Condi Rice or State Dept. for your review and hope freedom-loving Journalist, Senate would consider to investigate and ask questions from responsible officials regarding Kavousifar case :

Majid and Hossein Kavousifar, they both left Iran for Abu Dhabi following the assassination of the top murderous Islamist judge, Hassan Moghaddas,( Washington Post called him as “Judge, Jury and Prosecutor”) and they both took refuge in the US Embassy where they had applied for US asylum (2005). So far State Dept. has not provided information as to why they were handed over to the Islamic Republic of Iran agents in 2005 when they were aware that they would definitely be facing, torture and execution.
What was the Secretary Condi Rice’s logic for her actions regarding Kavousifar case to send them for Torture and finally Execution by Mullah’s agents where there is no diplomatic relation with Iran and Mullahs are declared as Terror State by State Dept and responsible for killing many Americans in past 28 years …? (News source: VOA on Thursday, August 2, 2007 ) Condi Rice action does not match president Bush statement on June 16, 2005 “And to the Iranian people, I say: As you stand for your own liberty, the people of America stand with you.”
Majid Kavousifar 28 and Hossein Kavousifar 24 executed in public in front of family members on August 2, 2007 Majid (4 weeks ago) smiled with victory, no remorse and waved good bye. The mother of Hossein cried out: “God, please give me back my son.” Search Google and write to your Senator for public investigation for Unjust Law and sign petition related to this case.

The best way to handle Kavousifar case is to resolve this issue ASAP and avoid any future conspiracy theory. Senate has the responsibility to investigate and tell the truth to the public about this case as bad as it might be and let the American public opinion decide whether anybody should resign at any levels for bad mistake or bad judgment or bad decision or dirty hidden agenda. After 4 weeks the State Dept. under leadership of Condi Rice has not provided complete information or formal statement regarding Kavousifar case and American journalists and major Media did not ask questions.

If the Senate decide to investigate this case truthfully then they are doing big favor to themselves not us for creating a good name in history and avoid future damage to the long term American National Interest and possible good relation with great majority of pro American Iranian people who are against Mullahs and also considered as hostage of Mafia Mullahs .

FYI please search Google with a name Kavousifar and find out about this case yourself with all photos or visit: http://activistchat.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=8657

TO THANK YOU MUSLIM BROTHERS,

You are such an idiot, you think that you have baited others. In fact, it is you who are the hopeless ignoramus.

If you read my first post at 7:45 p.m. on Sept 4, you will see my mention of another Persian (Iranian) named Lotfi Zadeh.

He is one of the topmost authorities in Fuzzy Logic. In my assessment, considering what you have written, chances are at least 80% (probably more) that you don't know what Fuzzy Logic, Fuzzy Computing, Quantum Computing are. Look them up. The easiest might be in Wikipedia. Look up Lotfi Zadeh, Fuzzy Logic, Fuzzy Computing.

A few years ago, The Economist magaxine had an article on Fuzzy Logic and Fuzzy Computing. It is the most advanced technique used by the Japanese in aircraft software. The Economist story started by inviting the reader to imagine a helicopter with a pilot having to stay completely stationary on a given spot, moving not even a centimeter from a given point. At that time it was impossible for a human-piloted helicopter to achieve that. (You who, no doubt, know Grumman Northrop engineers very well can verify with them that it is even now almost impossible to acjieve that). Well, the Economist story was that the Japanese had been able to achieve precisely that feat with a helicopter that is REMOTE-CONTROLLED. The technology to achieve it was Fuzzy Computing!

Check it, buster, check it, don't take my word for it.

Hereunder is a brief excerpt from WIKI about Lotfi:

Other Contributions
Because of the importance of the retraction/relaxation of Aristotelian logic, which opens up applicability of rational methods to the majority of practical situations without dichotomous truth values, Zadeh is one of the most referenced authors in the fields of applied math and the computer sciences among others but his contributions are not limited to fuzzy sets and systems.

Zadeh is also credited, along with John R. Ragazzini, in 1952, to have pioneered the development of the z-transform method in discrete time signal processing and analysis. These methods are now standard in digital signal processing, digital control, and other discrete-time systems used