The larger question is, what does this statement mean for Iran-US relations? Since for the past 30 years any remark made by the US has been spun by the Iranian regime as ‘meddling’ in their affairs. And some of it has been true, as we all know US-Iran relations has been less than pleasant the past few decades. While this may be taken as meddling, it is not. Meddling would be much more. It is right of US and other countries to speak up about the freedom of speech especially in this digital age where with the click of a button one should have access to vast resources of information not available just 10 or 15 years ago. Globalization is taking effect, and anyone who thinks they can maintain a repressive society which shuns the internet and the exchange of ideas, is now on the wrong side of history.

The question is whether Pirouz and other such Fellow Travelers of the murderous IRI line are freelancers expressing their own opinions or working in a more formal capacity for the Ministry of Intelligence or other organs of the IRI.

This article is about Iran.

This is about Syria, but it equally applies to Iran.

Furthermore, many people, especially Iranians both inside and outside of the country, including myself to some extent, who were once inclined to support the Iranian government are now joining in condemnation of Iranian government.

It is my guess that it is this sort of emerging unity against the Iranian government from free, open-minded and well-educated people from around that world, that is leading to these absurd and illogical outbursts from the few regime supporters. I can’t help but feel a sense of growing frustration from such people.

It is unfortunate, but at the same time amusing. It is funny that someone would suggest that a student who is sentenced to 8.5 years for expressing certain views should have spent more time studying rather than engaging in political agitation and then complain about being put on the No Fly List (I know Terrorist Watch List sounds scarier ). These little things must make anyone chuckle. I still like the middle-east football theory.

It really sickens me as well, that Iran was one of the top downloaders of firefox 3. But, that’s how some must survive when faced with sanctions.

But in all seriousness, Pirouz should be happy to know that there is a bill called the H.R. 4301: Iranian Digital Empowerment Act which is in committee.

“…that these very same Iranians communicating over the internet are being FORCED to use pirated copies of OS and web browser software…”

I knew it. Pirouz is a lost traveler from an alternate reality. That’s why alot of his remarks make completely no-sense to most observers. I mean, FORCED to pirate? And not just Windows OS, but forced to pirate free web browsers, free linux, software, messengers, movies and music……..only one could hope that Iranians will eventually be saved by US copyright laws. One day.

Poor Pirouz and his grandiose delusions of being on the watchlist of a secret government task force for his dangerous political views and military expertise. Thankfully, now I can fly on a plane without fear.