Iran Discrediting the Zionist Lobby
The Iranian new government is undermining and discrediting the Zionist Lobby that is thirsting for war with Iran, by taking a conciliatory position that has integrity, Reverend Dr. Stephen Sizer, Christ Church of England Vicar told IQNA in an interview.
What follows is the full text of the interview.
Q: The idea of Islamic civilization-making for the Islamic Awakening movements in the region in order to confront Western liberalistic models is among Ayatollah Khamenei’s intellectual innovations. What do you think about the idea?
A: I don’t know enough about these innovations to comment. I do believe there is great value in religious based initiatives that emphasize the benefits to family life as well as business of following the teaching found in our Makers instructions. But it has to be voluntary. We cannot force people to adhere if their hearts are not in agreement.
Q: How do you evaluate resistance against US and European domination and confronting the Zionist regime in the statements and views of Ayatollah Khamenei?
A: Statements in themselves, however true or profound, have little impact. When those statements are translated into government policy and international relations they have influence. President Rouhani is having a profoundly positive effect on the West at the moment. He is undermining and discrediting the Zionist Lobby that is thirsting for war with Iran, by taking a conciliatory position that has integrity. He is building trust that I am sure President Obama will want to reciprocate.
Q: In Ayatollah Khamenei’s view, leadership and structure-making for the regional uprisings is an effective way for forming a resistance and a protection against threats. What are your thoughts on that? What do think are the main reasons behind the failure of some the revolutions in the region?
A: I support the development of leadership which has popular support. I favor initiatives that educate the entire population to take responsibility for electing and shaping government policy. The failures in Egypt and Syria have occurred where political parties and factions have tried to seize power and impose their values without popular mandate.
Q: In the Leader’s opinion, spread of divisions among revolutionaries and foreign infiltration are among the main causes that do serious harm to regional revolutions. How can they be avoided, especially considering what we are witnessing in Egypt?
A: Some are actively encouraging and facilitating such divisions. These need exposing and discrediting. Where a revolution has popular support, wise leaders will lead with integrity and humility and form as broad a coalition as possible among those committed to the welfare of the majority, while respecting and protecting the aspirations of minorities – especially ethnic and religious minorities.
Q: The Leader of the Islamic Revolution considers understanding among Islamic schools of thought as the key to salvation. What strategies could be adopted now to douse the flames of sectarian conflicts spread in the region by Takfiris?
A: As a Christian I would add that interfaith dialogue and mutual respect also further the path of salvation and help douse the flames of sectarianism that wish to divide us. I would recommend the film With God on our Side – www.withgodonourside.com which I helped produce and which refutes the exclusive agenda of Christian Zionism.
Interview by Javad Arabshirazi
Q: The idea of Islamic civilization-making for the Islamic Awakening movements in the region in order to confront Western liberalistic models is among Ayatollah Khamenei’s intellectual innovations. What do you think about the idea?
A: I don’t know enough about these innovations to comment. I do believe there is great value in religious based initiatives that emphasize the benefits to family life as well as business of following the teaching found in our Makers instructions. But it has to be voluntary. We cannot force people to adhere if their hearts are not in agreement.
Q: How do you evaluate resistance against US and European domination and confronting the Zionist regime in the statements and views of Ayatollah Khamenei?
A: Statements in themselves, however true or profound, have little impact. When those statements are translated into government policy and international relations they have influence. President Rouhani is having a profoundly positive effect on the West at the moment. He is undermining and discrediting the Zionist Lobby that is thirsting for war with Iran, by taking a conciliatory position that has integrity. He is building trust that I am sure President Obama will want to reciprocate.
Q: In Ayatollah Khamenei’s view, leadership and structure-making for the regional uprisings is an effective way for forming a resistance and a protection against threats. What are your thoughts on that? What do think are the main reasons behind the failure of some the revolutions in the region?
A: I support the development of leadership which has popular support. I favor initiatives that educate the entire population to take responsibility for electing and shaping government policy. The failures in Egypt and Syria have occurred where political parties and factions have tried to seize power and impose their values without popular mandate.
Q: In the Leader’s opinion, spread of divisions among revolutionaries and foreign infiltration are among the main causes that do serious harm to regional revolutions. How can they be avoided, especially considering what we are witnessing in Egypt?
A: Some are actively encouraging and facilitating such divisions. These need exposing and discrediting. Where a revolution has popular support, wise leaders will lead with integrity and humility and form as broad a coalition as possible among those committed to the welfare of the majority, while respecting and protecting the aspirations of minorities – especially ethnic and religious minorities.
Q: The Leader of the Islamic Revolution considers understanding among Islamic schools of thought as the key to salvation. What strategies could be adopted now to douse the flames of sectarian conflicts spread in the region by Takfiris?
A: As a Christian I would add that interfaith dialogue and mutual respect also further the path of salvation and help douse the flames of sectarianism that wish to divide us. I would recommend the film With God on our Side – www.withgodonourside.com which I helped produce and which refutes the exclusive agenda of Christian Zionism.
Interview by Javad Arabshirazi
