Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi - July 28, 2000 - Continuing Reactions to Ayatollah Khamenei's Remarks on the Definition of Reforms in the Media, Politics, and This Time in Friday Prayers

Wedding Celebration of Zahra Lahouti, Granddaughter of Hashemi Rafsanjani
Emergency Landing of an Iran Air Flight in Shiraz Airport
Continuing Reactions to Ayatollah Khamenei's Remarks on the Definition of Reforms in the Media, Politics, and This Time in Friday Prayers

I stayed at home, spending my time reading on ethics, making final revisions to the [book Karnameh and] memoirs of the year 1982 [Post-Crisis], and editing the index of Tafsir Rahnama. Efat went to Karaj to attend a reception held by the Lahouti family to celebrate Sara’s wedding.

In the news, it has become clear that [Bill Clinton], President of the United States, has placed the primary blame for the failure of Camp David II on Yasser Arafat, which actually benefits Arafat’s reputation. This is why he was warmly welcomed by the Palestinian people upon his return. Russia is slowly coming to realize that it cannot end the Chechen guerilla war by force alone and is now considering negotiations.

Last night, an Iran Air flight was forced to make an emergency landing at Shiraz Airport. The front landing gear failed to open, and the plane had to land using only the rear wheels, fortunately without any damage. The Times of London reported that [Saddam Hussein], President of Iraq, is suffering from leukemia. In the state of Florida, an unprecedented tornado has formed, drawing a massive column of seawater into the air and spreading it hundreds of meters high.

Unfortunately, Lake Bakhtegan in Fars has dried up due to the drought, and now the lakes of Arzhan, Maharlu, and Bakhtegan in Shiraz are completely dry, as are three important international wetlands in Mahabad. The full extent of the drought’s damage is gradually becoming evident. The situation in Saudi Arabia, the southern Gulf countries, and Afghanistan is even worse than in Iran.

Mullah Mohammad Omar, leader of the Taliban, has announced a ban on poppy cultivation in Afghanistan. If properly enforced, it could be a significant turning point in the [production and trafficking] of narcotics, as most of the world’s opium is produced in Afghanistan. In most of today’s Friday prayers, the issue of reforms was raised. The discussions reflected Ayatollah Khamenei’s perspective on reforms and condemned the interpretation of reforms by the Second of Khordad movement.