All posts by Nir Boms

14May/08

Orwellian Censorship

Freedom and the Internet, Iran, , , ,

By Nir T. Boms and Elliot Chodoff
Published November 10, 2006

“Ignorance is power,” wrote George Orwell in his famous book “1984,” referring to the information police that kept bad ideas from the eyes of good people. The rationale of the Big Brother has, unfortunately, often appeared throughout history. According to this approach, the only way to maintain the strength of an idea is to eliminate all suspicion or doubt. If one has no reason to question a belief, then that belief will remain, and if the absence of questioning can be sustained indefinitely, then the belief will be upheld indefinitely. Welcome to Iran. 

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14May/08

The Other Iran Crisis

Iran, , ,

By NIR BOMS
July 19, 2007; Page A14

While the world focuses on Iran’s centrifuges, the regime in Tehran appears to be in the midst of one of its most ferocious crackdowns on dissent in years. The government has focused on labor leaders, universities, the press, women’s rights advocates, a former nuclear negotiator, Iranian-Americans and even civil servants who demanded higher salaries. Iran’s cruel treatment of its own citizens is yet another sign that it can’t be trusted to respect the welfare of other nations. Continue reading →

14May/08

Jihadist Indoctrination in the Schools

Iran, , , ,

December 17, 2007

By Nir Boms and Shayan Arya

A new U.S. intelligence assessment suggests that Iran may have halted its nuclear weapons program in 2003 and that its weapons program remains on hold. This revelation has created much consternation in Congress on both sides of the aisle. Indeed, despite the latest estimate, other intelligence reports and Iran’s own statements point to Tehran possibly acquiring a bomb before the end of this decade. Hence the discussion regarding the possible nuclear intentions of the Iranian government remains a crucial one. Continue reading →

14May/08

Orwellian ‘New-Speak’, Iranian Style

Iran, , ,

By Nir Boms, 26th June 2007

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

  • An examination of the Iranian curriculum under former President Mohammad Khatami, considered a moderate and reformer, demonstrates that there has been no change in the values taught in Iranian schools since the time of Ayatollah Khomeini.
  • The indoctrination of Iranian children in the Iran-Iraq war is celebrated by references to their martyrdom. This “martyrdom” involved their committing suicide by running into minefields along the border areas in order to reach paradise.
  • The Millenarian patterns of thought of the Iranian leadership can be seen by constant references to clashes between the Islamic State and the “Oppressors” (i.e. the West). Seen in this light, President Ahmadinejad’s international statements acquire an even more sinister resonance.
  • Iran’s continued use of such a curriculum demonstrates the leadership’s mindset is not a benign one and that it sees education as a tool of its control mechanism.

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