The U.S. State Department's False Flattery

State Department Pretends 1953 Coup Never Happened

Now this is funny.

An April 1, 2008 State Department press release meant to flatter Iranian Americans by honoring the Persian New Year tradition of Sizdeh Bedar includes the following outrage:

"For the past century, since the Constitutional Revolution, Iranians have fought for democracy, a struggle still carrying on today."

They should have added,

"Had it not been for the United States and Britain's violent intervention in the internal affairs of Iran in 1953 and decades of imposed dictatorship of the Shah, Iranians would not be forced to carry on with this bitter struggle today."

While the U.S. government sends wishes of peace, hope, joy and freedom to the Iranian people, it simultaneously threatens to "bomb bomb bomb Iran" and murder thousands of the same innocent citizens whom it claims to respect. Happy New Year!

Press Statement
Sean McCormack, Spokesman
Washington, DC
April 1, 2008

Message on SeezDeh Bedar

We extend best wishes to the people of Iran for a festive SeezDeh Bedar. The beginning of the new year, which we marked thirteen days ago on Nowruz, has given us an opportunity to examine the events of the past year, as well as look hopefully toward what the future will bring.

At this special time, we want to convey to the people of Iran our desire for peace and deeper mutual understanding between our two nations. Americans have the utmost respect for the Iranian people, and their rich and proud history. King Cyrus set a historical precedent by embracing religious tolerance and ending the enslavement of conquered peoples over 2,500 years ago. Throughout centuries, Iran’s poets, scientists, mathematicians and Islamic scholars have made significant contributions to civilization. For the past century, since the Constitutional Revolution, Iranians have fought for democracy, a struggle still carrying on today. We will continue supporting the aspirations of Iran’s citizens to express their opinions freely and practice their faiths openly without fear of imprisonment or retribution.

We remain dedicated to the ideals of hope and freedom around the globe. It is our hope that all other nations, including Iran, will join us on this path to realize these goals.

We wish you all joy and prosperity in the new year.