Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi - October 8, 2001 - Hashemi's Account of Ayatollah Khamenei's Strong Speech Against America During the Meeting with Friday Prayer Leaders

Hashemi's Account of Ayatollah Khamenei's Strong Speech Against America

Meeting with Alireza Nouri Regarding the Amnesty for His Brother Sheikh Abdullah Nouri and His Despair Over His Programs and Goals, Indicating That He Would Remain Silent Upon His Release

Meeting with Sirous Sharafati and a Report on the Ebahr Cable Factory

Meeting with Clerics and Religious Scholars from East Azerbaijan

Consultative Meeting with Mohammad Saeedi Kia, the Current Head of the Housing Foundation

Full Text of the Daily Note:

The third wave of attacks on Afghanistan occurred just before early morning. Two waves of attacks had taken place the previous night, targeting military and defense centers, as well as terrorist and Taliban positions. The fourth wave began at 9 PM.

Last night, Al Jazeera aired an interesting interview with [Osama] bin Laden, [the leader of al-Qaeda], which, according to the network, had been recorded shortly before the attacks. Bin Laden thanked God for taking revenge on America on September 11, stating that America would no longer see security and that Americans would not find peace unless they completely withdrew from Islamic countries and granted the rights of the Palestinians. These statements added to the anxiety of the American public, and some criticized the airing of bin Laden's comments. However, some believe it was broadcast to legitimize the war.

The U.S. and the U.K. stated that their goal was to eliminate the Taliban, while the Taliban claimed the attacks were acts of terrorism. Pakistan and China hypocritically expressed hopes that the Afghan people would not be harmed. Iran and Iraq condemned the attack, while European countries expressed support. The Taliban announced that no harm had come to Mullah Omar, [the Taliban leader], or bin Laden, and the United Islamic Front approved the attack.

In Pakistan, large demonstrations in support of the Taliban took place in several cities, with clashes with police in Quetta resulting in destruction. Similar protests occurred in Indonesia, Germany, Italy, and many other places. The Taliban claimed to have suffered around 37 casualties and shot down four American planes, although these claims were not verified. Movements from the Northern Alliance had also begun. In Gaza, Palestinians protested against the U.S., clashing with police from the Palestinian Authority, resulting in casualties and arrests, surprising many regarding Yasser Arafat's stance. In the Philippines, three hotels were destroyed in three consecutive explosions, although it was unclear whether this was related to the Afghanistan situation.

Today, Ayatollah Khamenei delivered a fierce speech against America during a meeting with the Friday prayer leaders, and I also expressed strong criticism of the American invasion of Afghanistan in a meeting with the Tunisian ambassador. He stated that Tunisia's position is similar to that of Iran and praised Iran's independence.

Bin Laden's interview [with Al Jazeera] created a significant wave globally, and the presence and comments of two of his associates were interpreted as efforts to legitimize the continuity of their movement; Mr. Ayman al-Zawahiri was introduced as his deputy, and Suleiman Buqayth as a spokesperson, both delivering harsh statements. It became apparent that this recording was prepared for release after the start of the potential American attack.

Mr. Alireza Nouri, [a representative from Tehran], came to inquire about the possible amnesty for his brother. He mentioned that Mr. [Abdullah] Nouri, [the former Minister of Interior], like many others, has lost hope in the effectiveness of his efforts and stated that if he is released, he will remain silent. He expressed that many representatives, citizens, and universities are also disheartened and that newspapers no longer have vibrancy. He mentioned that the Special Clerical Court had summoned him to write a letter stating that he would no longer publish the book "Shokrān [Reform]," adding that there are no buyers for it anymore.

Mr. Sirous Sharafati, [a member of the board of the Ebahr Cable Factory], visited and reported that the cable factory is in good shape, having imported machinery for the second phase, and criticized the banks. In the evening, a group of clerics from East Azerbaijan [including Mr. Nobari, Isaq Sarayi, Ahmad Gharavi, and Rasool Mashhadi] came to discuss the lack of financial resources for the clerical community and sought assistance.

Mr. [Mohammad] Saeedi Kia, who has recently become the head of the Housing Foundation, came to provide a report on the programs and sought assistance for further improving operations. Interestingly, after his term as Minister of Housing and Urban Development, he accepted this position and requested that I provide an analysis of the current events in the region. I mentioned that the region could be on the brink of dangerous events and that we must remain vigilant.

In Italy, two planes collided, resulting in 118 fatalities. In Georgia, a helicopter belonging to the United Nations crashed, killing 10 people. I spent a lot of time today and tonight reading the news. My heart ached for the oppressed people of Afghanistan, and Iffat cried as well.