The first set of posts after these ramblings will be the notes I take as I explore bits of Iranian history. But, before we get going that way, I'm inclined to discuss why we're going there.

I want to explore Iranian history to evaluate the claims I heard about the Sazeman-e Mojahedin-e Khalq-e Iran (The Organization of Crusaders of the Iranian People)[aka the MEK, the PMOI, the MKO, the NCRI, the NLAI, the MISS, etc.] at a People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran rally. I want to evaluate these claims about the Mojahedin-e Khalq Organization because I'm interested in the relationships they have developed with various persons who stalk in the US halls of power- Congressmen and Senators, presidential advisors, and Attorney Generals and the like. I'm interested in their relationships with the various persons who stalk in the US halls of power because the National Council of Resistance of Iran is on the US and EU lists of terrorists organizations, and was an international terrorist organization that Saddam Hussein actually did have significant ties to.

There's been a fair amount of talk about the US using this group in a manner similar to how Ahmed Chalabi's Iraqi National Congress (INC) thought they would be used. [At least one PMOI spokesperson I spoke with has a pronounced dislike of this comparison, but it's a good if not entirely accurate short-hand. PMOI spokespeople also hate being called terrorists.] If this were done, there's some potential fallout and a number of ramifications that should spring immediately to mind and cause concern.

Earlier this year, I attended a convention the PMOI held at the Daughters of the American Revolution's Constitution Hall. Tepid descriptions of my experience are available here and here. The focus of the event was to get the group taken off the list of terrorist organizations.

At this event, I watched what I would call a propaganda piece. It featured marching military personnel and tanks, superimposed images of founders' faces and a voice over describing the noble struggle that the group has endured to bring democracy to Iran. This film introduced me to the People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran's history of the People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran. It varies in places from other versions that I've encountered.

Being as ignorant as I am, I sought a transcript of the film to use as a starting point for a more critical investigation into the groups' history. Since all these things happened and/or didn't happen decades ago on the other side of the world in languages and cultures I don't understand, it seems only reasonable for me to be open minded.

Despite what one might think about a group with a terrorist designation, the folks I met were awfully friendly, kind and hospitable. It was almost like being back home down-home.

And from there we get to here where I'm to be sharing my humble, humble research notes on Iranian history with you people in far-off places.