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Inspirational Short Stories with Humor

“Inspirational Short Stories” is available in New Zealand in hard copy of PDF internet version fo $20 or more donation to Families of the Christchurch Terror Victims.

Inspirational Short Stories is a collection of interesting articles suitable for all ages particularly seniors.

It is written from the heart with sensitivity. Combining the inspirational stories with polished humour makes it a more enjoyable read. The book delivers a special compassion towards people who have suffered from wars, terror, hunger, illness, religion, natural disasters, and other unfortunate situations. The author’s unique style is complemented by articles from several great authors or sources to make it a perfect book to own or gift to a loved one.

There is no price on the cover because it is not intended to be sold for profit. It will be donated for fund raising to charity organisation to benefit needy people. Families of the sad Christchurch Terror Victims in March 2019 will receive the first proceeds from it. The author is committed to paying publishing and delivery expenses. The credit for charity, goes to all writers and sources contributed to the quality of this book.

This great book is best to read or gift to a loved one. To obtain a copy please Text your name, address, and proof of your donation to: (64) 021395775

Filed Under: Books

Syria: and the worldwide refugee crisis

These families had a home, a life, and a future, all without wanting to become refugees. They are dyeing in hundreds or pouring into and flooding their neighboring countries and Europe. Refugees are the result of wars and destruction that have been caused mainly by the U.S. since the 2003 invasion of Iraq and has only escalated with the war in Syria since 2011. No one wants to be a refugee.

Filed Under: Lecture Topics

My 2016 wish for peace in the world

Dr-Zarif_farsi-version

Filed Under: Blog

Dr. Javad Zarif in Wellington, New Zealand

Date: Monday, 14 March 2016
Venue: The Banquet Hall, Parliament Buildings
Hosted by: New Zealand Institute of International Affairs
Honorable Sir Doug Kidd, President NZIIA
Maty Nikkhou- O’Brien, Director NZIIA

Dr.Mohammad Javad Zarif is the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the administration of President Rouhani. He led the Iranian negotiation with the P5+1 countries, which produced the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on 14 July 2015, lifting economic sanctions against Iran on 16 January 2016, and bringing Iran back to the international community. The Deal has been praised by some as the most important multilateral agreement in decades. He also was instrumental in the negotiations for the Iran Nuclear Deal.

He is a career diplomat and served as Iran’s UN Ambassador from 2002-2007. He has written extensively on disarmament, human rights, international law, and regional conflicts. Javad Zarif and his American counterpart, John Kerry, Secretary of State, were top contenders for the 2015 Noble Peace Prize.

Excerpts from his talk: “Iran’s Role in the World”

Iran will always have a Nuclear Program, which will remain peaceful. Nuclear weapons will not led to security – they never have – they never will. The world should be free of all Nuclear Weapons. However, the US wants to keep the smoke screen of Iran as a threat, so that they can do their political agenda of war and regime change.

Sanctions (and wars) are not the answer. The US has an “addiction” with sanctions and needs to quit. Before the sanctions, Iran’s dependence on oil was 50%, now it is 34%. The sanctions only made Iran more self-reliant.

Talking with respect always works. According to International Law, where is the justification of Israel saying that it is going to bomb Iran or Netanyahu threatening Iran on a daily basis. And why does the US say all the time “all options are on the table” when talking to Iran. This means war – and in a war – everybody loses. We still have people dying because of the chemical weapons used by Saddam in the Iran-Iraq War.

Furthermore, both the US and Iran must stop their rhetoric of “Axis of Evil” and “Great Satan”. With globalization and for the human race to survive, we need to define our problems differently, and we must have shared objectives – especially now with, ISIS. We need to work together to fight ISIS together. Nothing is a gain for one and a loss for another. The thugs and terrorists that make up ISIS are non-state activists and they are a problem to everyone in the region and the world. They must be stopped at the source. They are similar to a disease, such as, Aids and Ebola, and as a disease spreads rapidly and throughout the world so will terrorism.

Iran is an important force in the region and will not leave. It is an Old Country with a Young Democracy. 70% of the people voted in the election for Parliament last month, and contrary to what most people think, religious minorities are represented in Parliament. Jews with a population of about 20,000 have one seat in the Parliament; Armenians/ Christians with a smaller population have 3 seats; and Zorastians have 1 seat.

In regard to Iran’s military and launching missiles, Iran’s government doesn’t even spend 10 billion a year on weapons whereas other countries in the region spend much more. For example, Saudi Arabia signed a contract with the US for more than USD 100 billion for the purchase of weapons in the next 5 years. Iran has every right to protect itself and the right to test missiles, as long as they are not capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Iran has not started a war in 250 years and is a peaceful nuclear-free country. However, Iran will defend itself if it is attacked. During the Iraq-Iran War, 1980-1988, Saddam launched missiles with chemical warheads, and not one country in the region or the world came to the defense of Iran. The government begged for 1 Scud Missile to defend its people, but no one helped. Iranians learned the hard way that they must protect themselves.

However, when Iraq and Saddam invaded Kuwait 2 years later in 1990, Iraq became the enemy of the West. The US led the Coalition of the Willing and US boots were on the ground to defend Kuwait from the monster Saddam. He was no longer the Darling of the West.

Filed Under: Blog

My 2016 wish for peace in the world

I was born and raised in Iran and understand the culture and complexity of the Middle East very well. I became an American by choice in 1980. I have seen my birth country ruined by oil and foreign politics. It is difficult for me to witness my second country, America, which was my home for 34 years, possibly be damaged because of wrong foreign policies.

I hope we can have peace in 2016 to stop further hardship in the Middle East and the world. My award-winning book, “The Power and the Peril of Oil,” describes the major players in oil, the power and the misery that came with it, the Middle East, division in Islam, and Iran’s nuclear facility, with helpful suggestions for peace. It is a well-researched documentary based on its reviews.

The U.S. policy of “War Against Terrorism” has been a failure. Security has gone from bad to worse in the U.S., European countries and other places. We have more terror organizations than before the heinous attack on the World Trade Centre on 9/11. The way to fight terror, is by not creating any more.

President George W. Bush’s Administration had plans to control the oil of the Middle East and Africa. Their policy failed but millions have been killed with many wounded in the process. “War Against Terrorism” and “Democratizing” other nations was a clever cover. There is no way to bring democracy to a nation with fighter-bombers from overseas; it has to come from within and by education not force. And, it will not work for every country.

The decision by U.S. politicians to remove Bashar al Assad, President of Syria, is absurd and another attempt for control of oil. The U.S. politicians and mainstream media are deliberately making the public believe that they are bringing democracy to Syria, not mentioning that Assad was elected by his people democratically. Allegations about Assad are very similar to the erroneous claims made about the former presidents of Iraq and Libya, who were killed because of U.S. foreign policies.

Some basic information about Syria:

Syria is a unique Arab nation that has total freedom of religion. They had Sunnis, Jews, Shi’ites, Alawites, Kurds, Yazidis, and 1.8 million Christians living in harmony.
Syrian women have the same rights as men to public offices, work, business, health, and education.
Syrian women are not forced to wear the burqa.
The Sharia (Islamic law) is unconstitutional in Syria.
Syria is the only Arab country with a secular constitution and does not tolerate Islamic extremist movements.
Syria was the only country that admitted Iraqi refugees without any social, political or religious discrimination.

Contrary to “Fighting against terrorism,” The U.S. supports the Al Qaeda in Syria to oust Assad. It is not the job of any country to remove an elected president of another nation. This is illegal, immoral and against the United Nations’ charter.

Syria before 2011 and Syria in 2015 – Courtesy of Google

The U.S. occupation of Iraq, insurgency, terrorism, and executions has destroyed the country. They have democracy, but it turned into a human slaughterhouse! Removing Saddam was because of Iraqi oil, but it created ISIS.

Iraq before U.S. occupation and after democracy – Courtesy of Google

Saddam protected Iraq from terrorists, and Gaddafi made Libya the most advanced country in Africa. On the other hand, the Kings of Saudi Arabia have been America’s “best” allies; yet have the worst record on violations of human rights. They have beheaded more people than ISIS. The highest number was 151 during 2015. Saudi Arabia breeds and trains Wahhabi Jihadists. Osama bin Laden, Al Qaeda, and 15 out of the 19 hijackers of 9/11 were from Saudi Arabia.

The 2015 San Bernardino terrorist couple were married and trained in Saudi Arabia to become Jihadists. But there is no drum roll for democracy or fight against terrorism with Saudis. It is oil and money! The U.S government in 2015 signed a one hundred billion dollar contract with the Saudis for weapon sales for the next 5 years. This is a good reason to say that, the land of the free and the brave has lost its soul and security for oil.

The biggest risk with removing Assad is who will replace him. It very likely could be handing the country to ISIS. Changing Syria to an Islamic State would be a disaster!

To prevent more chaos in the Middle East it is better to:

Leave the legally elected president of Syria alone.
Stop the bombing of Syria to prevent more refugees into Europe and other countries.
Support the Syrian military to defeat Islamic State.

As of January 2016 the attempts of ousting Assad with strong allies that Syria has, such as Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah has not been successful, since 2011 with the huge financial and military support given to the opposing terrorists from the U.S., Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, and Turkey. The situation only has made ISIS become stronger. They are selling oil on the black market earning more than $1.5 million per day. And many poor innocent Syrians have been killed, fled their country, or were forced to convert to Wahhabi Muslim under ISIS.

President Putin of Russia has openly stepped-in to assist the Syrian government and to prevent ISIS from taking control of more territories and oil fields. It is up to the UN and powerful countries to join Russia to stop the expansion of Islamic State.

Writing is my passion, and I want to make a difference. I hope that I can be instrumental in fostering peace in the world. If I sit silently, I have sinned. I feel a moral responsibility and hope that others will join me in this cause for peace.

The hard copies of, “The Power and the Peril of Oil,” can be purchased from Copy Press www.copypress.co.nz and the e-books are available at:
http://mebooks.co.nz/politics-and-social-issues/the-power-and-the-peril-of-oil-ebook
Or: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B019KXI4TG55

Filed Under: Blog

The Power and the Peril of Oil

The Power and the Peril of Oil is a passionately written account about how oil has given strength and empowered some Middle Eastern countries while it has imperiled others, causing numerous problems. This book documents the history, politics, and players in the quest for dominance of the region and its highly prized resource. It explains how oil has been the criteria for choosing allies or enemies for the U.S. disregarding the hidden consequences.

Filed Under: Slider

The Power and the Peril of Oil

It is an eye opening, captivating read, full of scintillating documents, maps, images, and facts, peppered with straightforward information about the history of Iran’s nuclear program. Written from the author’s firsthand experiences, personal knowledge, and research, the book provides information on the major players and moneymakers in oil, the influence of Islam, the complexity of the Middle East, and Iran’s geopolitical importance today for control of oil.

The Power and the Peril of Oil, ISBN 978-0-9941070-8-4 can be purchased from book stores or direct from the publisher: The Copy Press. Phone: 643-547-2972. Fax: 643-547-2973. www.copypress.co.nz. E-mail: infor@copypress.co.nz. Price $27.50

The E-book version is available. Both the hard copy and electronic (Kindle) version of the book may be purchased from Amazon.com, as well as major book stores. ISBN # 978-0-9941070-8-4

INTRODUCTION:

The failure of the U.S. to gain control of Iraq and its oil has made Iran a more sought-after target for the greedy, rich oil companies. Iran’s nuclear program is being used as an excuse and a pretense for starting a war for oil with Iran. The accusation by U.S. politicians and the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, that the Islamic Republic of Iran is trying to build a bomb to destroy America and Israel is far from the truth. It is one more deception by politicians and the mainstream media, deliberately trying to make the public believe something that is not true. Allegations in regard to Syria and Iran are similar to the erroneous claims made about Iraq.

Admittedly, Saddam Hussein of Iraq was a tyrant dictator. There are other dictators in our world like him and even worse, such as King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia with his notorious record on human right issues. Saddam was not a threat to the world or the security of the U.S., but he was to Israel. He was a stabilizing force and held his country together. Osama bin Laden himself called Saddam a “sick Arab,” for not aligning with Al Qaeda nor allowing militants access into his country. Today Iraq is divided, and insurgency and terrorism have made it a human slaughterhouse.

My intention in writing this book is to disclose enough information so that responsible leaders, politicians, and the general public can make wise and informed decisions, in the hope of preventing another war for oil and further economic hardship to the U.S and the rest of the world. Through my personal experiences, I have witnessed my birth country, Iran, ruined by oil and foreign politics. It is difficult for me to see my second country, America, possibly be destroyed because of wars for oil and politics of Israel and Saudi Arabia. By showing the other side of the coin, we could be one step closer to peace in the Middle East.

One of the hidden problems of a war with Iran, which the mainstream media does not report, is the possible negative consequence. I concur with General Dempsey, the former commander of Joint Forces in Afghanistan and the Middle East, saying that: “A war with Iran at this point would be disastrous, foolish, destabilizing, and not prudent”.

Iran is well prepared to defend itself as Persians are united. It is quite different from the situation in Iraq, where the population is divided into Kurds, Shi’ites, and Sunnis, and the U.S. was able to break the mold between the three groups and topple Saddam. Iran is a much larger country with a population three times greater than Iraq, and has the capability to close the Strait of Hormuz. In addition, it has several strong allies, such as Hezbollah and Russia. There is no doubt that Iran’s military is not comparable to that of the U.S., and the American military would be able to take over that country within a short time. However, I would expect that the guerrilla warfare and covert retaliations would never end. I fear that not a single foreign soldier would come home without harm – mental or physical.

Also, Russia would not want the U.S. to have another military base on its doorstep. Furthermore, Iran supplies natural gas to Pakistan. A war with Iran would interrupt the flow, and Pakistanis would have to live in the dark, which would not be without retaliation toward those who attack Iran.

I felt an obligation to write this book, because of my knowledge about the culture, the history, and the people of the Middle East, especially Iran. Therefore, after months of research for my well-received presentations on ‘The Power and the Peril of Oil’, as a guest-lecturer on cruise ships I began writing. I thought that more people in the world should be aware of the perils of oil, which are often hidden and much more damaging to countless people, than the power or value it brings to the wealthy oil companies, tyrants, dictators, religious leaders, and some countries.

Writing is my passion, and I want to make a difference, hoping that through my books I can be instrumental in fostering peace in the Middle East. “If I sit silently, I have sinned”, is a poignant and valued saying by Dr. Mossadegh. And to quote Nelson Mandela: “When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace”. I, too, feel a moral responsibility.

AWARDS AND REVIEWS:

HONORABLE MENTION AWARDS

March 7th, 2015 Great Northwest, USA, Book Festival

June 23rd, 2015 Amsterdam Book Festival

June 19th, 2015 New York Book Festival

23rd Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards
Books are evaluated on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 meaning “needs improvement” and 5 meaning “outstanding”. Judge’s Comments:
Structure, Organization, and Pacing: 5
Spelling, Punctuation, and Grammar: 5
Voice and Writing Style: 5
Production Quality and Cover Design: 5

Congratulations on writing and publishing your book! The packaging is extremely professional. The front cover image immediately drew my attention and does a great job of marketing the book to your readers. The book is highly informative and is an important read for Americans and people from around the world. I appreciated that you included so many references and reading suggestions at the end of the book. You have clearly done a great deal of research and you present your material in a conversational, reader-friendly style. You present enough evidence to make your point without belaboring it, keeping the pace brisk. The structure and organization of the book are strong. You have a wonderful collection of photographs, maps, and other images, all of which are reproduced with great clarity on these pages. I particularly appreciated the excellent use of color, which really sets this book apart. Great job with grammar and proofreading. The formatting of the interior of the book is excellent.
Judge Number: 87

Firooz, I wish to congratulate you on a superbly compiled work on a complex topic – Oil and the Middle East. As an English teacher, I can scarcely believe it has been written by a non-native speaker. Your long period of earnest enquiry has paid off handsomely. This work should prompt those of us who are daily bombarded with journalistic half-dash truth and lazy untested assertions, to burrow further into this complicated world of intrigue and power politics. I look forward with eager anticipation to your next publication.

Mr. Doug Hill BA CELTA. Director, Richmond Hills Language School

Firooz your book is so timely and right on the spot about oil, Islam, Iran, and the Middle East. The way things are going you may have to make some changes! The USA may partner with Iran to save Iraq’s bacon from the Sunnis because there is no other option or another country to ask for help in this situation in Iraq. Also, now that the U.S. and Iran are actually in talks about Iran’s nuclear program the ball game has to change. So Firooz you, may have to change things from “why we should partner with Iran” to “why it was a good idea to partner with Iran”.

Chris Hill

The Power and the Peril of Oil, is an insightful and enlightening piece of literature. Firooz Zadeh gave me a rare insight into the complex and confusing world of the Middle East’s greatest ‘asset’ oil. It also introduced me to the life of the Iranian people, both in Iran and abroad. They truly live in a beautiful country and one they obviously love a great deal. Jenny Bates, Waimea Weekly and Nelson Weekly Oil’s Human Cost Divulged: For such a small book The Power and the Peril of Oil is an information blockbuster that reveals how greed and how the United States and Britain’s drive to control the Middle East’s oil has destroyed nations and democracy, supported terrorism and turned countries into future-less slaughterhouses.

Helen Murdoch, The Tasman Leader, July 31, 2014

The Power and the Peril of Oil, is a good read for those who would like to know more about the troubles which beset the Middle East. Written in a clear style, which explains the meaning of words and actions, which have been used by the propaganda machine to legitimize their actions of aggression and crimes against humanity. A wise person told me that, if you can find out who is making money out of war, you will see who is causing it. Thank you Firooz. I wish you well with your message of peace from John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’.

Alan Gardiner

Filed Under: Books

Iran: An Important Force in the Region

Zadeh presents an informative lecture on Iran, a major player for peace in the Middle East, with insight from personal knowledge, research and observations. He was an invited guest to the conference for “Iranian Scholars Living Abroad” held in Tehran in 2009 and 2010 and discusses his findings from the conference, along with a look at Iran’s history of nuclear programs and the 2015 nuclear agreement with the U.S. and five other nations.

Filed Under: Lecture Topics

The Power and the Peril of Oil

Firooz Zadeh explains why Westerners call it Black Gold, and Middle Easterners refer to it as Black Pain. This is a thought-provoking presentation on how oil has given strength and empowered some countries and its people while it has also dislocated and imperiled many others. It has truly been a double-edged sword. And because of making alies with with Saudi Arabia for its oil, the U.S. has lost its soul and security.

Filed Under: Lecture Topics

Understanding Islam and the Culture of the Middle East

An intimate view of Islam that dictates the lives and cultures of the region. Zadeh gives information on a faith that influences an estimated 1.6 billion Muslims around the world. This presentation is designed to explain the basic philosophy of the faith for a better understanding of the religion in interacting with Muslims. Zadeh does not condemn nor condone, he only describes its different divisive sects along with misleading interpretations by ISIS and the media.

Filed Under: Lecture Topics

HONORABLE MENTION AWARDS

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