I agree with many of your criticisms of this book. Clearly, it has some anti-arab biases. However, let me hasten to remind you that whenI asked why you insisted that Iranians are not Arabs, you made many of the same points that Leon Uris did!! Beyond this, I would point to the fact
that much of the Arab world is still in the dark ages (economics, science, social advancement etc.) because so many Arabs have this primitive
mentality. Again, I remind you of your very own statements in this direction. In closing, let me make one observation that is sure to fire up your anti-Israeli sentiments. If the Arabs (especially the Palestinians) were smart, they would seek a firm peace with Israel immediately for the Jews would be thrilled to help these disadvantaged
peoples arrive in the modern world. Can anybody possibly deny that the Jews are brilliant in science, math, the arts and business? Only a stupid, backwards people would deny themselves this precious resource and favorthis eternal blood-letting. As Abba Eban once said of the Palestinians,"they never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity!". Please understand that I'm not saying the Jews are blameless. But again I'll point to the Camp David discussions when Barak offered Arafat 95% of everything he wanted and he had the gaul to turn it down. One final comment. Why is it that we never hear comments from moderate Palestinians, people who are tired of the killing and want peace? Is it that there are no such people or that they're afraid to speak out for fear of being killed?
FRED

My friend:   You make me laugh with your statement "be calm." I had to chuckle a little when I read that.   Do I seem to behave irrational to you? Okay, I may be strongly opinionated on some issues, but you are my friend, it's never meant against you or your ideas or opinions. Your statement made me smile. Well, what can I say to the article? Do you want to hear my opinion again? You are a brave soul. I agree that politics makes strange bed fellows indeed. I'm aware that this same man that my government helped in the past, is the very same tyrant that we're  against now. It doesn't make sense to me either. I don't agree with my government making friends with dictators and evil men such as saddam Hussein. I believe it is wrong and hypocritical to look the other way at injustice and tyranny, because it happens to serve our goals and plans. I never said that my government is perfect, or has always acted according to the principles of what our country was founded on. We have made many mistakes in foreign policy over the years, and probably will make more in the future as well. I'm not condoning it whatsoever. Having said that, I don't think that my country is the only one with blood on their hands either. I wonder at the Arab countries lack of concern and obligation to their fellow Arab neighbors. When saddam was killing the Kurds and anyone he felt opposed him, where was the outrage? Saddam led a very false life while in office. His family lived a very wealthy life in Iraq. While his family traveled the world in luxury, and acted like westerners outside the country, his people were starving and going without the necessities of life. The man had many, many palaces throughout the country. He lived like the Shaw. He treated the country's oil reserve like his own bank account. I am personally happy for the Iraqi's to be rid of him. They just had an election, and on the way to becoming the country of their choice. I hope the best for Iraq, the people deserve to have a government that represents "their" Interests. Not the interest of a dictator, or any other country, including my own. I think a positive thing has happened in the area from this war. Lebanon's citizens are in the streets demonstrating for democracy, and self govern from Syria. I think people all over the world are yearning to breathe free. It's deep in the human spirit for a man to want to be master of his own destiny. I think democracy is a good thing. People should have the right to voice their own opinions regardless of who they may be directed at. The people are the government, not the other way around. Well, how's that for my opinion? Was I calm enough? I'm passionate like you are regarding these issues as well. I think we both hate injustice no matter where it comes from. Hussein you are a good friend. You make me think, sometimes laugh, but always informed. You are the best. I liked your story about your class and the taxi. It doesn't surprise me that your class would feel that way about you. I do, and I've never even met you! Your a man of character, and of class. And I know that must reflect in your teaching as well. Take care my friend. Best regards to your family.                                             Your "calm" friend,                                           David

Teaching Rewards:

The school bell rang, the students were shuffling through the door and I was on my way home and some of my students sticking to me like glue and saying jokes and things to entertain me. I  had punished one of them severely  exactly  before we left school but  it was as if nothing serious had happened between us, maybe because he knew that  its for his own good !any way, I was on the other side of  the street to take a taxi_here in especially big cities because of peoples poor condition of living ,every one who has his private car (Peykan is Iranians national car) can be a taxi driver and carry passengers though there are people who have special license  to be a taxi driver . I   know it isn’t the same in other countries. Any way, one of those kids raised his thumb to get a taxi. Finally one stopped and I got in.”Pay special attention to the guy on the backseat, he is our teacher.”Said that student of mine. as the taxi was getting away I  heard a bunch of them yelling “Honest, we love you and leave you. “ when the taxi driver understood that I was a teacher he said” that’s really nice when someone appreciate someone’s job, nobody appreciate taxi drivers job ,it’s The hardest job one can imagine.” I was smiling as he was talking because everyone sees the hardships and the dark sides of his/her life according to other peoples happiness and the point is that there are only limited who understand that everyone has his ups and downs in his life. The taxi driver stopped and shook hand with me without getting his fare.