Jim Christie: Thoughts on Iran
On April 8, I sent the following to a group of people I thought might have a particular interest in the Iran situation:
“I’m sending this to only a few of you.
I’d appreciate your taking a look at, and perhaps commenting on, https://thoughtstowardsabetterworld.org/war-on-iran/, especially the postnotes for April 6 and 8 at the beginning and end.
I am no more an expert on Iran or anywhere than any other Americans, but I think there is a lot at stake at how this issue is approached in coming months.
Of course, feel free to share.
April 20, Jim Christie in Winnipeg ‘took the bait’. Here, with his permission, is his response.
“You are free to use whatever these few comments are worth wherever you wish, quoting me directly.
First, thanks again for circulating these thoughtful remarks. Making connections with past horrors like 9/11 is instructive for anyone of good will.
Second, the critiques of Christianity and the bellicosity of the Tenakh [the holy books of Judaism, one of which is the Torah] are warranted. Of course the Qu’ran has enormous violence imbedded in its pages, too. The sad reality is that all religious traditions are tainted in this respect. However, surely the pervasive problem is the determination by far too many in every generation to weaponize religion. And one can hardly gainsay the vast positive impact of religion in the lives of so many individuals and cultures. Religion has a place in the public square, but not in the political process.
Third, 9/11 and the current debacle; No two conflicts, despite congruencies, are ever identical. As Twain, I believe, said, “History does not repeat itself, but it does rhyme.”
The horror of 9/11 and the cowboy posse response of Mr. Bush does not compare with the ongoing campaign of the Islamic Republic of Iran to destroy Israel, murder Jews everywhere, and undermine even the best elements of the West, including the ongoing attempt at preserving the integrity and security of persons under law. Leave us not only be cautious of implicitly lauding the October 7 perpetrators, but also of a regime that routinely and profligately murders its own people, from the Baha’i to the January protestors.
As to Israel and Hamas and other Iranian proxies, the Israeli’s exist year over year amidst perpetual existential threats. Those threats are not only external. The extreme Haredim and the unholy Netanyahu cabal are also deadly to Israel. Benjamin Netanyahu is an abomination. But then, forgive me, so is your current President, tragically so during the 250th. Anniversary of your already great Republic.
It’s a mess, Dick. And like so many of our aging generation, beyond raising my voice where possible and welcome, I have reached the stage of life where I mainly observe.
Still, I find it impossible to give way to despair. For me, Easter is.
I find I reflect a great deal on Tennyson. “‘Tis not too late to build a better world.” But our tools are worn, our energy low.
Blessings on your continued thought and voice,
Jim
James Taylor Christie
Professor Emeritus
University of Winnipeg
Co-Editor/Author, Moral Pressure for Responsible Globalization, Vol. 2
DeGruyter-Brill, 2025
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