Criticism of Merz: Kermani outraged by dirty work statement!

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The German-Iranian author Navid Kermani criticizes Chancellor Merz for his statement about “dirty work” in the ZDF interview.

Der deutsch-iranische Autor Navid Kermani kritisiert Bundeskanzler Merz für dessen Aussage über "Drecksarbeit" im ZDF-Interview.
The German-Iranian author Navid Kermani criticizes Chancellor Merz for his statement about “dirty work” in the ZDF interview.

Criticism of Merz: Kermani outraged by dirty work statement!

The German-Iranian author Navid Kermani recently found harsh words for Chancellor Friedrich Merz. In a ZDF interview, Merz used the term “dirty work” to describe Israel’s military actions. Kermani strongly criticized this language, describing it as insulting and dehumanizing to the civilian victims of war. He makes it clear that such choice of words is not only inappropriate, but also reflects dangerous social tendencies. In a world characterized by conflict, politicians, regardless of whether they are called Helmut Kohl or Angela Merkel, should use differentiated language, believes Kermani. According to schwarzwaelder-bote.de, Kermani thinks about the suffering of his relatives in Iran and emphasizes that prominent Iranian figures such as Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi spoke out clearly against the war.

Kermani, born on November 27, 1967 in Siegen, has established himself as one of the most sought-after intellectuals in Germany. But who is this writer who is able to choose words with such force? His training in oriental studies, philosophy and theater studies in Cologne, Cairo and Bonn shaped him. He not only analyzes social and political circumstances, but also reflects on human borderline experiences and the complexity of life. “I never needed clarification that this, what is, is not everything,” he says about his approach to what is written, which is also reflected in his literary work, as sueddeutsche.de documents.

Influential voice in times of crisis

Kermani warns urgently about the consequences of an escalating conflict. He makes it clear that the war will not bring security to Israel or freedom to Iran. Persecution of the civilian population, chaos in Iran and the threat of chemical weapons are serious issues that he brings to the fore. The Iranian regime could unleash a wave of repression against its own people if it survives the conflict. Kermani praises Iranian civil society and highlights courageous voices that are actively working for peace and justice despite harsh repression, as emphasized at de.m.wikipedia.org.

His commitment to social issues is tireless. Kermani has supported numerous aid projects and worked as a reporter in crisis areas. In 2015 he received the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade and last year was awarded the Thomas Mann Prize for his life's work. These awards reflect not only his literary brilliance, but also his deep understanding of the challenges facing the world. On October 22, 2023, he read at the Berlin Philharmonic Hall and often addressed the connection between war, cultural experiences and the search for identity in his writings.

Kermani remains an indispensable voice in a complex world. His ability to raise questions and inspire thought through writing is needed more than ever at a time when linguistic brutalization and incomprehension are increasing.