the aggression against our country and resulted in several thousands of Iranian casualties without the Iranian people deriving any im­ mediate or future advantage. After the failure of all these represen­ tations to your rulers, we owe it to ourselves, for the reasons previously stated and for other reasons. to send you this letter in order to tell you that it behoves every Iranian. wherever he may be, whether he hates us and whether he hates or does not hate our regime, to put to himself a specific question and to ask himself why this war, which is inflicting only losses and destruction on lrar,. should be continued. We are convinced that the reply to this question is a far cry from the buffoonery, slander and lies of the rulers and that it will enable you to come to the logical conclusion that it is not in the interest of the Iranian army and people to wage this war. the pernicious adven­ tures of which your leaders wish to perpetuate. The Iranian rulers tell you, as they have indeed declared publicly both before and during the war. that Iran is a Moslem State and that it is incumbent on it to liberate Iraq in order to make it a Moslem State in its image. We wish to examine this assertion with an open mind. The era of conquests is remote. if not over. and world public opinion now rejects. both in word and in deed. any expansion of a country. whichever it may be. at the expense of another in order to change the political map of States. Even when this is done by the great Powers. which have very much greater and more telling means and influence than Iran has, expansionism hides behind particular disguises and does not follow the same paths as those advocated by 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a diplomatic or political statement, discussing the reasons for a war between Iran and Iraq, and the futility of continuing the conflict. The language used is formal and rhetorical, suggesting that it is intended for a specific audience, possibly government officials or leaders.

**Category**
Politics, International Relations