Memories of Akbar Hashemi - February 9, 2001 - Hashemi's Account of Widespread Arrests Resulting from Critical and Protests Gatherings

Hashemi's Trip to Mashhad

Hashemi's Account of Widespread Arrests Resulting from Critical and Protests Gatherings

Full Text of the Daily Notes:

The results of the Israeli elections have sparked significant discussion in global political circles, overshadowing other events. Voter turnout was notably low, with Ariel Sharon, often referred to as the butcher of Sabra and Shatila, winning 59% of the votes, defeating Ehud Barak, who received 62.5% of the votes. Barak failed to fulfill his promises regarding peace, leading the Arabs who supported him to become disillusioned and boycott the elections.

Concerns are rising about instability in the Middle East and the potential for renewed conflict. Palestinians have stated their intention to continue the Intifada. The United States has endorsed Sharon and adopted a new policy regarding peace. Sharon has declared that he will not return the Al-Aqsa Mosque, stating that a unified Jerusalem is the capital of Israel and that he will maintain the Zionist settlements, while refugees will not be allowed to return. Arab governments are alarmed and convening to formulate their positions. Yasser Arafat, the President of the Palestinian Authority, has stated that Sharon must resume negotiations from where they left off, but Sharon has indicated he will not negotiate until the Intifada is halted.

I worked in the office until the evening. In the early evening, I went to the airport and flew to Mashhad. At the airport, I was welcomed by Mr. Abbas Vaez Tabasi, the representative of the Supreme Leader in Khorasan and the custodian of the Astan Quds Razavi, along with local officials. We visited the shrine of Imam Reza (AS), where several scholars also gathered. After dinner, we went for pilgrimage. Reports indicate that in Tehran and several other cities across the country, gatherings of opposition members took place, and some individuals were arrested. These desperate movements have received widespread coverage in foreign media, which have amplified the news.