221. Sometimes, being politically correct isn't the best choice 

Yes, sometimes being politically correct isn't the best choice. That is the advice I would give to Olexander Scherba, Ukraine’s ambassador to South Africa.

As is customary, Iranian embassies worldwide opened condolence books and invited people to sign in memory of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the US-Israeli airstrikes on Tehran.

However, after visiting the embassy and writing his note, Olexander Scherba decided to respond publicly, sharing it on social media, which wasn’t necessary. 

That is not the behavior expected of a gentleman and a diplomat.

Here is what he wrote: “Your leaders were complicit in bringing endless grief to Ukrainian civilians. As someone who has spent three years to the tune of Iran-created machines of death howling every night in the sky over Kyiv and other peaceful Ukrainian cities, I cannot help but wish for every culprit to meet the justice they deserve.”

It is now known that most countries around the world did not have a queue of well-wishers to sign the condolence book, but it is definitely a solemn occasion for followers of the Shia community and Iran. Whether you agree or disagree, the occasion should be honored in silence.

I have friends in Kyiv who are displaced, and I think about them every day. I also understand their anger and Olexander Scherba’s toward Iran. There are a few Ukrainians who would mourn the late Ayatollah or the regime he served.

And I have also never liked Ayatollah Ali Khamenei or any religious leader who makes people's lives miserable under the pretense of a God, whose existence I doubt after witnessing the world around us. It seems as if he is hiding somewhere after issuing licenses to such individuals. 

The anger is understandable as Kyiv's courageous residents have faced many nights in the past four years, hearing the loud noise of Iranian-designed Shahed drones flying overhead, supplied by Tehran to Russia. 

However, that's how the world operates, but we should never forget decency in public life and do everything we can to hide our emotions. 

An outburst accomplishes nothing. It only reveals our vulnerability and weaknesses.