Alireza meybodi biography for kids

By SORAYA SARHADDI NELSON
Los Angeles Times
November 11, 2000

In a rustic, soundproof room in Santa Monica, Alireza Meybodi fanned the flames of wounded Iranian pride as he recounted the latest assault upon his homeland's 2,500-year-old history.

Five ancient mummies--including one believed to be that of Mandana, mother of the founder of the Persian Empire--have turned up in a merchant's home in Pakistan, the talk show host said during a recent broadcast from KSMI, or National Voice of Iran.

At least one of the Persian artifacts had been sawed in half, he added.

"This is Mandana, so beautiful, our love," Meybodi said in Persian, his voice heavy with emotion as expatriate Iranian callers lit up his producer's phone lines.

"Send them [the Pakistani authorities] a message. Order that they return this princess home."

Using Iran's rich culture and history to draw listeners into political activism is a staple of Iranian-operated talk radio in Southern Califor