Memories of Akbar Hashemi - March 10, 2001 - Continuing Controversies Surrounding the Supreme National Security Council's Declaration of a State of Emergency in the Country

The promotion and support for Crown Prince Abdullah's proposal regarding Israel's return to the 1967 borders in exchange for recognition continues. In Zimbabwe, President Robert Mugabe faces pressure from the United States and the European Union, with sanctions having started. However, he maintains a facade of serious support for the black majority, as they comprise the majority of Zimbabwe's population. As elections approach, Mugabe has arrested several opposition leaders on charges of attempting a coup.

The killing of 57 Hindu extremists in a train in India by Muslims, alongside the deaths of several Shia individuals in a mosque in Rawalpindi at the hands of the Pakistani group Sipah-e-Sahaba, reflects the ongoing violence and crisis. The United States has requested genetic material from the family of Osama bin Laden to compare with the remains of the victims, as part of efforts to justify its new missile strikes and mass killings in Afghanistan.

Foreign media and radical reformists are focusing on the planned declaration of a state of emergency and political blockade in Iran by conservatives, despite the fact that the Supreme National Security Council's resolution has been signed by the President and endorsed by the Leader, and does not include a political blockade.

Russia has expressed opposition to the presence of American troops in Georgia, while the simultaneous increase of military forces from seven Western countries, primarily France, at the Manas military base in Kyrgyzstan is noteworthy and reminiscent of reports regarding Russia's role in the September 11 attacks.

I worked in the office until the evening. At four o'clock, I headed to the village of Sulqan for the memorial for the martyrs. The local imam reported that there are 63 martyrs, 83 war veterans, and eight freedom fighters, despite the village's population being only eight thousand. I delivered an extensive speech about the value of sacrifice in the face of selfishness. The son of a martyr recited a poignant poem. A large and enthusiastic crowd gathered, with students lined up in the street. After the ceremony, accompanied by Dr. [Ali Akbar] Velayati, the Leader’s advisor on international affairs, we visited the graves of the martyrs, where many people also came to pay their respects.

In Palestine, eight individuals have been martyred, with Israel launching an attack involving seventy tanks. A Palestinian student detonated a suicide bomb at an Israeli base, injuring three soldiers. A Gallup poll from nine Islamic countries indicates a majority opposition to U.S. policies. A gathering of twelve socialist leaders in Stockholm, Sweden, condemned the unilateral policies of the United States. It has been reported that the Pentagon has established an organization to create false news for psychological warfare purposes.