Patriot of Persia - Dr Mossadegh

An excellent biography of the extraordinary politician and human-being, Dr Muhammad Mossadegh. He was truly a great Iranian patriot. Being English-Iranian, I am embarrassed by Britain's "colonial" role in Iran at that time and its exploitation of Iranian oil. I have to side 100% with Mossadegh on this matter and his distrust of the British at that time was understandable. British officials of the period come across as extremely pompous and out of touch, not only with a changing world but also a post-colonial Britain. The coup against Mossadegh in 1953 was a complete disaster for Iran as Mossadegh was the right man in charge at the right time. All the problems that occurred in Iran after 1953 were the responsibility of the USA and the CIA. Again, they miscalculated in 1979. There can be no doubt, Dr Mossadegh was a truly great hero and should have equal status to Gandhi. The only reason he isn't is because he is a huge embarrassment to both Britain and the USA.

'Wave' by Sonali Deraniyagala

A memoir of life after the Tsunami. This book was recommended by 'The Sunday Times'. It is a very powerful book about the loss of loved ones and the grief that follows. It is a book that everybody should read.

http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5073918-simon-zohhadi

Recommended Current Books:

Wave - Sona Deraniyagala
Bed of Nails - Antonin Varenne
Sweet Tooth - Ian McEwan
The Liars' Gospel - N.Alderman.

http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5073918-simon-zohhadi

Habemus Papam

Pope Francis 1 Elected 13th March 2012

Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was chosen as the new Pope and Leader of the Catholic Church.

As a Catholic, I'm pleased with the choice by the Cardinals. Like his two predecessors, he believes in traditional values.

He is from South America (Argentina)
and is a Jesuit. By all accounts, a humble and intelligent man. He also has vast experience and supports social justice.

The Next Day - Bowie

Just finished Bowie's new album 'The Next Day'. This is an outstanding Bowie album. A lot of interesting & unusual sounds. Not a bad song on the album. My rating 5/5.

Favourite songs on the album:

(You Will) Set The World On Fire
If You Can See Me
Love Is Lost
Dirty Boys
You Feel So Lonely You Could Die
Heat

Favourite 10 Books

The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter
My Uncle Napoleon
Bed of Nails
A Tale of Two Cities
Sweet Tooth
The Blind Owl
The Colonel
The Old Man & The Sea
Crime & Punishment
The Prague Cemetery