Iran is a nation that, due to its diabolical deeds, demands constant surveillance. Consequently, the slightest remark relating to the Iranian Nuclear Program triggers fear within the United States Government. The Program is infamous for the controversial use of nuclear facilities and research sites. David Ignatius writes in his novel, The Increment, about a clandestine effort by the United States to stop the Iranian production of weapons-grade nuclear materials. The novel commences in Tehran, Iran, with a scientist who works for the Iranian nuclear program. The scientist, named Karim Molavi, is distraught with his country’s government because his father, a martyr, was killed by the national military. To compensate for his rage, Karim sends …show more content…
an intimation of the presently secret nuclear program of Iran to the Central Intelligence Agency of the United States. Subsequently, the CIA establishes firm, but secretive communications with Karim through email. Harry Pappas, the chief of the Iranian Operations Division in the CIA, involves Britain’s intelligence agency, the SIS. This is done behind the back of the CIA to prevent chaos in the White House, which is ready to attack Iran. The SIS as well as Harry Pappas recruits a team called The Increment whose purpose is to exfiltrate Molavi from Iran. The Increment’s mission further expands to reverting Molavi back into Iran so he can sabotage the nuclear equipment. Eventually, after accomplishing the objective, The Increment and Karim Molavi perish at the hands of Iranian authorities. In this journal, there will be questioning of the White House’s averseness towards a more gradual approach, evaluating of Karim Molavi’s bravery, and connections to the martyrs of Iran. To begin with, one should marvel at why the White House hungers to take such cursory action on Iran. In the novel, the White House is prepared to take militaristic action against Iran for freely formulating ferocious ☺ (alliteration) weapons. A White House official is discussing strategy: “The President likes the idea of a naval embargo in the Gulf, once we have the goods. Go to the UN with the evidence that they are building a weapon” (Ignatius 113). This shows that the White House is a belligerent governmental body. It is a warhorse ☺ (metaphor) that is prickling to get violent. To clarify, activating a naval embargo and publicizing the Iranian situation would be a bold move. The scale of the argument would quickly augment from an issue between two countries to a global conflict. It would infuriate Iran and its allies to a point where it could not be resolved through diplomatic discussion. Then, this would divide the world into two sides that are for and against the Iranian Nuclear Program. As a result, a third World War involving nuclear technology would take place. This, in turn, would destroy the planet. In this situation, the White House’s lack of consideration for others and the environment could be treacherous for all. It wants to engage in a war with Iran that endangers civilians all across the world as well as the survival of the planet in habitable conditions. As the head of a world superpower, the White House should take responsibility for its actions and think of consequences before it acts. Additionally, the White House is an unpredictable organization. Harry Pappas speaks about the White House: “This White House, as you say, is wobbly. You can’t be sure which way it’s going to spin” (Ignatius 100). To explain, this quote means that the White House is erratic. It will act conservatively one day and aggressively another day. Its decision-making is as based on chance as flipping a coin ☺ (simile). This shows immaturity within the executives responsible for commanding the country because their decisions are not thorough. Instead, decisions are shallow and self-centered. Grounded on this logic, it is visible why the White House has a desire to take such hasty action against Iran. Second, Karim Molavi’s bravery in revealing the secrets of the Iranian Nuclear Program should be extolled.
Molavi risked his life in order to gain international aid from the United States. In the novel, Ignatius writes of Molavi’s inner reflections: “Whatever it was that his father believed, he had suffered for it. He had been arrested twice…” (Ignatius 35). This quote demonstrates that Molavi’s father was a martyr and a part of the Iranian revolution against the shah. Indeed, his father was arrested numerous times and eventually killed by the shah’s forces. Consequently, Molavi feels the necessity to avenge the regime for taking his father’s life. Because Molavi works as a scientist for the nuclear program, he has access to confidential information. Therefore, he presents the CIA with intimation about the activities occurring inside the nuclear quarters in Iran. Molavi’s motivation for providing information to the United States is omnipotent as it involves obtaining revenge for the death of a family member. Karim feels bereft because his father was taken from him, despite the fact that his father fought for a just and practical cause. Subsequently, Molavi’s bravery is further showcased when Harry Pappas tells Molavi that Molavi must travel back into Iran and corrupt one of the nuclear neutron generators. Molavi reacts positively despite the extravagant request: “My father would tell me to go back. He would say I should do my duty. He was a brave man. Always” (Ignatius 306). It is apparent that Molavi regards his father highly and respects him for what he aimed to accomplish during his lifetime. Moreover, Molavi still seeks his father for guidance on decisions, even though his father is gone from the world. Molavi acts with tenacity: he strives to live in a way that he believes will make his father proud. Consequently, Molavi showcases bravery and determination every step of his life. For example, Molavi made the choice to travel back into the country of Iran,
which he had just escaped. What is more, he agreed to degrade a nuclear facility that holds as a prized possession of Iran. Accordingly, Molavi is a brave individual who follows in his father’s footsteps. Third, the martyrs of Iran are akin to the freedom fighters of India. David Ignatius writes about the martyrs of Iran, including Karim Molavi’s father. Ignatius writes of Molavi remembering the excitement of the rebellion: “When the revolution had come, his father had rejoiced…the look in his father’s eyes was one of revenge” (Ignatius 36). This quote shows the ferocity of the revolution that rebelled against the regime in Iran. Indeed, the martyrs imperiled their lives for the unifying cause of dethroning the shah. In a similar fashion, the freedom fighters in India jeopardized their existence in an effort to force the British Empire to leave the country. Both the Iranians and the Indians despised the plutocracies that ruled over them. Therefore, they had similar motivations when they endeavored to overthrow their respective governments. Each revolution suffered hardships and discouragements; nevertheless, each also had the motivation to persevere. This was made possible by the multitudes of individuals who would replace the perished. The end result provided successes for both the Iranian martyrs and Indian freedom fighters. Next, the rebellious characteristics of Molavi’s father as a martyr transferred to Molavi. To elucidate, from a young age, Molavi was surrounded by behaviors that encouraged fighting for rights. Ignatius writes of Molavi’s thoughts: “When he was a boy, after the revolution, the simple basiji treated him like a hero’s son, a martyr’s son” (Ignatius 36). From this, one can assume that Molavi was encouraged to revolt against circumstances that he believed were unjust. He was disciplined with this mindset from his childhood; hence, this was what he absorbed and learned to do best. Therefore, it is no surprise that Molavi, an Iranian resident, corresponded with the CIA in an attempt to hinder the progress of the Iranian Nuclear Program. Although this is a form of treason, it is a part of the foundation that Molavi’s brain is built on. Molavi did not want to represent a country that is in the process of forming nuclear weaponry. Therefore, he made his best attempt to modulate the nuclear production. While reading The Increment, the White House’s hasty attitude, Karim Molavi’s bravery, and the martyrdom of several Iranians are apparent points of discussion. Undeniably, the plot of the novel is a gripping tale that involves tension, tragedy, and triumph. Ultimately, The Increment team fulfilled the task of assuaging the danger of the Iranian Nuclear Program and returning safety to the world.
Struggling for his own survival, Dr. Nyiszli did anything possible to survive, including serving as a doctor’s assistant to a war criminal so that he could tell the world what happened at the Auschwitz concentration camp. This hope for survival and some luck allowed Dr. Nyiszli to write about his horrific time at Auschwitz. His experiences in Auschwitz will remain a part of history because of the insight he is able to provide. Dr. Nyiszli writes he was driven to survive so that he would be able to inform the world of what had taken place in Auschwitz. He knew if he survived he would be able to give a firsthand account of what happened and how the Nazis operated.
“It is your reaction to adversity, not the adversity itself, that determines how you life’s story will develop” (Dieter F. Uchtdorf). Most people can deal with difficulties, but their reactions to the hardships are different. Only some people can manage their problems. We should try to manage our behaviors in tough situations. If we can deal with our situations, we can overcome difficulties easily. In the story of Farewell to Manzanar written by Jeanne Wakatsuki, the story shows how war can change humans, their life, and their ranks. Although all of the characters of her book face the same problems due to the war and the camps they had to live in, they responded to those situations differently. All of them presented
In the novel All The Shah’s Men we are introduced to Iran, and the many struggles and hardships associated with the history of this troubled country. The Iranian coup is discussed in depth throughout the novel, and whether the Untied States made the right decision to enter into Iran and provide assistance with the British. If I were to travel back to 1952 and take a position in the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) for the sole purpose of examining the American Foreign Intelligence, I would have to conclude that the United States should have examined their options more thoroughly, and decided not to intervene with Iran and Mossadegh. I have taken this position after great analysis, which is something that Eisenhower and his staff never did. By discussing the history of Iran, the Anglo-Iranian oil company, and Document NSC-68 I will try to prove once and for all that going through with the coup in Iran was a terrible mistake made by the United States.
What is an ideal parent ? In A Thousand Splendid Suns Khaled Hosseini strenuously suggests a good parent is someone who shows affection to their child, shows attentiveness in their child’s life, encourages them to do marvelous things, and have a positive influential affect on their life. Throughout this book it’s exemplifies good parenting, and Laila’s father Babi is an example of an authoritarian parent. In the book , he spends all of his free time with Laila and always tells her how much he loves her even when her mother Fariba is secluding herself from Laila’s life this is clear when he says, “Sometimes , when your mother’s having one of her really dark days, I feel like you're all I have, Laila.” Good parenting also comes with the ability of being able to provide abundant amounts of attention towards the child and show interest in their life.
After Marjane learns that her great grandpa was an emperor of Iran, she pictures him living an extraordinary life as royalty. Her image includes her great grandpa riding an elephant with a crown and the sun shining with a castle in the background (Satrapi 22). This illustration of her imagination is comedic because it shows Iran’s past being perfect through Marjane’s eyes when, in fact, it was nothing like she envisioned. Her limited knowledge causes her to perceive things almost opposite of how they really are, while distracting the reader from the conflicts occuring in the country. Futhermore, Satrapi uses comedy to demonstrate that Marjane’s personality is similar to an average child her age, despite the environment she is living in . When Marjane’s father goes out to take photos of the revolution, her mother and grandma become worried about him, and they start to discuss the matter. They are clearly not talking to her, but
I wish in this paper to sketch a project involving nuclear iconography and post-Cold War culture. At the heart of this project is the claim that the current historical moment forms a legitimation crisis for the scientific, military, industrial, governmental, and "cultural" institutions whose interests are configured in the design, manufacture, deployment, and "use" of nuclear weapons. Within this moment, a variety of progressive and regressive movements have been intitiated through the production and reception of nuclear weapons rhetoric. The role of visual iconography in nuclear hegemony has traditionally received minor attention (e.g., compared with the "nukespeak" of foreign policy, mass media news coverage, and literary works). Recent scholarly articles and books have attempted to correct this verbalist imbalance by examining the genres and discourses of nuclear art (e.g., painting), cinema and photography. Collectively, this work establishes that the Bomb is -- after W.J.T. Mitchell -- an "imagetext" in which verbal and iconic discourses interanimate to produce ways of (not) seeing and forms of (not) feeling that have historically positioned cultural subjects in relation to the technologies, policies, figures, locations, events, and institutions (in both senses as "customary practices" and "formal organizations") which have constituted the nuclear condition . . .
Margi had been out shopping for jeans with her friend Shadi. Then all the sudden there was a big boom and Margi`s heart sunk when she found out that a missile had landed right in her neighborhood. ‘I didn't want to look up. I looked at my trembling legs. I couldn't go forward, like in a nightmare. Let them be alive. Let them be alive Let them…” (Satrapi 140). She quickly took a taxi to her house and found out that her family was alright and that everything was going to be ok. This made Marji reflect on how she acted to her mother and father and really question what she would do without them. If her parents had died then the last thing she would have said to her mother was for her to give Margi one thousand Tumans which was a ton of money because their currency value had dropped drastically. The bombing of the Baba-Levy`s house was one of the most influential parts of Margi`s life to that day. It forced her to reflect on how she has treated her parents and in the future she will remember that things could change any second so you should treat every second like it's your
Through her devotion to the art and music of the United States, she was able to rebel. The encouragement of the pursuit by her parents created further inspiration for her to use it as a way to protest. Already having a deep devotion to American culture, the ability of Satrapi to use her passion to disobey the regime only strengthen her love. The affection she felt for American culture gave her the courage she needed to stand up to the harsh government of Iran. Despite the risks associated with possessing items from America, Satrapi did so anyway. She was willing to risk serious punishment to pursue happiness through the means of her favorite hobbies. The influence of said entertainments helped shaped Satrapi’s views. By providing her with experiences that were foreign to the majority of her peers, the culture that Satrapi enjoyed influence her open-minded opinions. Listening to the music of artists such as Kim Wilde and Iron Maiden and following the clothing trends like denim jackets and Nikes exposed Satrapi to ideals she normally would not have been growing up in post-revolution Iran. They provided a door into a different, more accepting world and a glimpse into the possibilities of what could
The novel describes his family life in the Austro-Hungarian Empire and his rebellious teenage years in the newly created state of Czechoslovakia. The novel informs the reader of Oskar Schindler’s relationship with his father and how his father abandoned Oskar’s mother, in which Oskar never forgave his father for leaving his mother alone. This information of how Oskar Schindler became to be how he is, is all significantly missed with Schindler’s List, Because it gives the viewer a whole outlook of Oskar Schindler and a better understanding of the ...
The Iranian government is fighting a losing battle against a rapidly growing Western force. Although Iran is not physically waging war against the United States, the government is fighting to eradicate its increasing cultural influence in Iran. The young, Iranian population is currently speaking out against the Islamic Republic’s attempts to rid the country of Western culture, demanding more freedom and less censorship, similar to how Marjane Satrapi acts out against the regime in Persepolis.
In the 1970’s Iran, under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi was a very centralized military state that maintained a close relationship with the USA. The Shah was notoriously out of touch with working class Iranians as he implemented many controversial economic policies against small business owners that he suspected involved profiteering. Also unrestricted economic expansions in Iran lead to huge government expenditure that became a serious problem when oil prices dropped in the mid 1970’s. This caused many huge government construction projects to halt and the economy to stall after many years of massive profit. Following this was high rates of inflation that affected Iranians buying power and living standards. (Afary, 2012) Under the Shah, political participation was not widely available for all Iranians and it was common for political opposition to be met with harassment, illegal detention, and even torture. These measures were implemented by the Iranian secret police knows as ‘SAVAK’. This totalitarian regime combined with the increasing modernisation of the country paved the way for revolution.
Maghen, Z. (2009, January). Eradicating the "Little Satan": Why Iran Should Be Taken at Its
Young Marjane Satrapi displays the characteristics that any child might have. She is simple, innocent, and easily influenced. For example, when her parents are demonstrating against the king, Marjane Satrapi says, “As for me, I love the king, he was chosen by God” (Satrapi 19). Her teacher tells her this, and she believes her teacher because Marjane Satrapi is a child and, in all innocence, will believe anything because her teacher, in her eyes, knows everything. Situations such as this show the influence of authority on her as a child because the teacher is an authority who tells Satrapi a misleading fact and Satrapi believes her, or is influenced by her.... ...
Griffith, William E. “The Revial of Islamic Fundamentalism: the Case of Iran.” International Security. Volume 4, Issue 1, 1979, 132-138.
The Revolution in Iran has had far reaching consequences in the Middle East and affects the political and cultural world as a whole. The war on terror has become a major component of the military efforts of the United States. The westernization of Iran and the large presence of American advisors during the reign of the Shah caused a religious backlash that changed the face of the government of Iran. It essentially became a religious dictatorship that opposed all things American. The Revolution that changed Iran was a direct response to the economic, political, cultural and religious values that occurred under the Shah that stood as an affront to the Shiite Islamic religion.