Nazanin Z-R Radio 4 - the scandal

[ardcarp]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0014fzy/episodes/player

This is a 15 minute slot at 1345 each day this week.

No-one can condone the horror of imprisoning an individual as a hostage, as Iran has and is doing with Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe.
However, our government has been involved in the most scandalous and secretive behaviour. Many Forumistas may know about this, but those who don't (which includes me) may be fascinated and appalled in equal measure by this programme.

Do have a listen, and see which aspect of what has been uncovered horrifies you the most.

[Petrushka]

Let's hope that this disgraceful episode may soon achieve a long overdue resolution.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/15/iran-liz-truss-hopes-uk-soon-repay-debt

[french frank]

All very murky. I don't really understand how, in any circumstances, 'sanctions' could take precedence over an obligation under international law to repay the debt. Though I do understand why it might be used as an excuse …

[I have to whisper this as my understanding of these international deals is less than basic and it wasn't actually spelled out: the British government paid millions of pounds on the side to the Shah and this Shapoor Reporter in order to land the deal? Why was that an issue in the ensuing revolution?]

[Historian]

[I have to whisper this as my understanding of these international deals is less than basic and it wasn't actually spelled out: the British government paid millions of pounds on the side to the Shah and this Shapoor Reporter in order to land the deal? Why was that an issue in the ensuing revolution?]

The bribery is not the main issue I think. As far as I can recall the purchase money was originally paid upfront, before any of the tanks were delivered (not the usual proceeding). The tanks in question were not delivered, hence the Iranian Revolutionary government, as the successor regime to the Shah's, want their (considerable sum of) money back. It is possible to portray this as in some sense allied to sanctions as the Iranian government is unlikely to promise not to spend the money on anything objectionable to its current ideological adversaries. Britain and Iran have a long and not particularly happy relationship. Nazanin Zagahri-Ratcliffe is one of the innocent victims.

[french frank]

I probably misunderstood the explanation of the public anger (with sound effects!) at the time of the revolution. I thought he said it was related to the Shah's corruption.

[Serial_Apologist]

I probably misunderstood the explanation of the public anger (with sound effects!) at the time of the revolution. I thought he said it was related to the Shah's corruption.

I would say both.

[french frank]

I would say both.

Ah, yes - and one/two among many things. I'd like to think such a series as this one would prompt the government to get a move on and settle the whole business.

[DracoM]

All very murky. I don't really understand how, in any circumstances, 'sanctions' could take precedence over an obligation under international law to repay the debt. Though I do understand why it might be used as an excuse …

[I have to whisper this as my understanding of these international deals is less than basic and it wasn't actually spelled out: the British government paid millions of pounds on the side to the Shah and this Shapoor Reporter in order to land the deal? Why was that an issue in the ensuing revolution?]

Yes, yes ..............but an excellent and most revealing prog.

[Historian]

I probably misunderstood the explanation of the public anger (with sound effects!) at the time of the revolution. I thought he said it was related to the Shah's corruption.

No, that was my reading of what the presenter said too (although I imagine it was only one of the reasons for the revolution). However I believe that the issue between the two governments is what I outlined.

[french frank]

However I believe that the issue between the two governments is what I outlined.

Yes, and now we've taken back control of our own affairs, we could stop making excuses and pay it off without further delay.

[ardcarp]

Yes, maybe we should put Rees Mogg in charge. At the top of his priorities, I'm sure.