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a window to Iran and to the world
A R C H I V E Archive
A cosmopolitan Iranian looks at current events in Iran and beyond:
Located half-way between West and East, and influenced by its ancient Persian heritage as well as the dominant religion in the country, for decades Iran has been struggling with its schizophrenic identity. Tradition or Modernity? Is there a third way out?
Which direction are we moving to? Today, a new generation of young Iranians is shaping the future of the country. Many observers believe that Iranian youth and women are forces of change in the country--changes that will have implications beyond Iran, throughout the region or perhaps around the globe. In addition to these recurrent themes, you will read about my own trivial pursuits and interests, music, culture, movies, and etc. After all, life goes on, whether you live in East or West! See the world through the eyes of a young Iranian!
Yesterday This Day's Madness did prepare To-morrow's Silence, Triumph, or Despair: Drink! for you not know whence you came, nor why; Drink! for you know not why you go, no where. -From Rubaiyat by Omar-Khayyam (c. 1110 A.D.) *Title painting: "La joie de vivre" by Pablo Picasso ![]() Tuesday, February 11, 2003
Revolution
Today is the anniversary of the Iranian revolution of 1979: A revolution that changed not only my life, and lives of millions of Iranians, but also had repercussions well beyond Iranian borders (see a photo essay: here). There’s no point in speculating about what would have happened if the revolution hadn’t taken place, or if things had taken a different turn in the Iranian revolution (even though I could speculate in that line for hours!). For my generation, who grew up after the revolution, one thing is quite clear: no matter what we are told about the revolution and its ideals to overthrow another dictator and to achieve independence from foreign powers, things went quite wrong with this revolution! And we—a generation which had no role in this movement—paid and are still paying a heavy price for that! And on a related note: the Naked Emperor Yesterday and today, Professor Cass Sunstein delivered the most prestigious lecture of the Harvard Law School (Holmes Lecture). His lecture was entitled “The Naked Emperor: Why Societies Need Dissent”—inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s famous story. Very interesting talk about dissent and diversity. Part one (yesterday) was on “Extremism, Judges, Juries and Others” and today’s speech was on “Diversity.” He concluded his today’s speech with remarks on the role of dissent in democratic societies, and how dictatorships are weakened in their position because of lack of dissent. It made me think about Iran, where now thousands of children of revolution—and not only one kid—are shouting “the emperor is naked!” Their cries can’t be ignored forever; I’m sure! But hopefully change won't come through another revolution!
Posted at 11:01 PM
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