PLEASE NOTE: Community Language and Culture Bank officially changed its name to Center for Intercultural Organizing in August, 2005 to better reflect our mission, work and values.

PRESS RELEASE

Community Language and Culture Bank
Media Contact: Kayse Jama
kayse@interculturalorganizing.org
http://www.interculturalorganizing.org
More Information: (503) 287-4117

Iran & A Century of Political Struggle for Democracy
Film "The End of Empire" and Discussion with Goudarz Eghtedari

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2003
7:00 to 9:00 PM

"The End of Empire" is a documentary that covers British affairs in relation to Mid 20th Century Iran. During this period, Iran went through a major change from the Qajar dynasty to the modern era. The country was occupied by Russia and Britain during WWII, became a major source of revenue for the British oil industry, was the first country in the Middle East to nationalize its oil, and--in August of 1953--was the first country in the world where US agents executed a coup plot. This coup and infiltration was the beginning of decades of US intervention all over the world, and the start of a new era in US foreign policy. This strategy is believed to be the root of fundamentalism and extremism in the region. 

In addition to the video, there will be a short speech by Goudarz Eghtedari, who will review a brief history of democratic movements in Iran and discuss the how the 1953 Coup D’etat derailed secular democracy in Iran and facilitated the emergence of extreme Islam and the theocratic Islamic Republic of Iran.

Goudarz Eghtedari is a human rights advocate and peace activist, a writer, a commentator, and a radio producer with KBOO 90.7 fm (www.VoicesoftheMiddleEast.com). Goudarz works as community organizer with Iranian immigrants in the US, volunteers with peace and justice organizations such as PPRC, PAG, etc., and has served on the boards of the Oregon Peace Institute and Iranian Human Rights Group. He works with newly established "Unity for Democracy and Secular Republic in Iran" as chief editor of their international web site. Mr. Eghtedari is a Ph.D. Candidate of Systems Science at Portland State University.

Goudarz Eghtedari hosts the "Voices of the Middle East" on KBOO 90.7 fm in Portland every second Thursday from 6-7 pm. For previous interviews go to http://www.VoicesoftheMiddleEast.com. 


Where: Portland State University Multicultural Center
Smith Memorial Center, 2nd Floor (SW Broadway & Montgomery)
When: Wednesday, December 3, 2003 - 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Free and Open to the Public

Co-Sponsored by:
PSU Multicultural Center