A Minute's Silence for a Despot

I would observe the minutes silence, but direct my thoughts and prayers towards all who have been murdered, suppressed, tortured and forced to flee their homes by this tyrannical regime…

I know it feels horrific and hypocritical, but it's part of diplomacy, isn't it?

...and if the League of Nations predecessor to UN had been expected to show such deference to Hitler? Or did the UN do the same on Stalin's death?. Diplomacy it might well be but its also hypocracy and demonstrates a disregard for the victims of appalling regimes.

MaizieD

I know it feels horrific and hypocritical, but it's part of diplomacy, isn't it?

Diplomacy should stretch that far?
I am assuming he did what he is accused of, but of course people can get things wrong.

What else may the UN be doing for "diplomacy", I now wonder.

Stalin was very friendly with Churchill back in the day. Just saying.

Maybe the protocol around diplomacy should change, why should that be set in stone in a rapidly changing world.

It's a diplomatic gesture, no more, no less. Showing respect for the Nation. As GrannyGravy says, thoughts can be elsewhere. I hope the Iranians are subtle in any rejoicing, to avoid more punishment.

nanna8

Stalin was very friendly with Churchill back in the day. Just saying.

Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

Russia were allies during WW2, did everyone know about the gulags and how many people perished during Stalin's tenure back then?

This regime has killed and tortured far more people than the Shah did. Evil in the name of religion.

I visited Iran in the 1970s and then again in the early 1990s to see how things had changed. Not for the better. Some of the neighbours I have now fled the country.

Yes I agree biglouis, life was certainly a lot better for women under the Shah. I had some relatives that lived in Tehran in the '70s, they said it was pretty similar to living in a western European country. There was also freedom to practice religions other that Islam, all that's gone. The Iranian neighbours who lived next door to us in our previous house were Zoroastrian the ancient religion of Persia and their followers are a persecuted minority now, they managed to get out around the time of the Revolution.

We had some Iranian friends,too. They used to visit Iran every year and the wife would wear the full gear when she went there. She said everyone was ‘normal’ at home. Very poetic, well educated people with a long and fascinating history. What has happened is not good, I feel sorry for the women in particular.

Yes it's sad that Iran is so closed in on itself. The Iranians I've met have been very interesting people, it's a fascinating country that has so much to offer, amazing history, with wonderful buildings, culture and cuisine, if the political landscape were different it would be a winner of a place to visit.

TerriBull

...and if the League of Nations predecessor to UN had been expected to show such deference to Hitler? Or did the UN do the same on Stalin's death?. Diplomacy it might well be but its also hypocracy and demonstrates a disregard for the victims of appalling regimes.

👏👏👏

nanna8

Stalin was very friendly with Churchill back in the day. Just saying.

Allies in WW2 fighting Hitler.
Expediency.

I for one rejoiced with these beautiful women. I was literally dancing with them.
At least there is now one less evil bastard stealing oxygen. 😡

x.com/mersedeh_eye/status/1792274450722791904

Churchill was diplomatically friendly with Stalin in the war years as was Roosevelt. Come the end of the war and the start of the cold war, friendship soon evaporated!