From the Editor’s Desk – Shahrokh Ahkami – PH 61
Happy New Year from our entire staff, to all of our readers and supporters. Norooz is Persian New Year and falls on the anniversary of Persian Heritage magazine. This is the beginning of our 16th year. Looking back we can remember the dedication and hard work it took by the staff to keep this magazine going. Success, however, does not come from hard work alone, other contributing ingredients are faithful subscribers, advertisers and of course the writers. Persian Heritage has been lucky to have an ample supply of all of these ingredients. Persian Heritage magazine has allowed us a vehicle to introduce the richness of Persian culture to our younger generation and to non-Iranians within and outside of the United States. We hope that our presentation has neutralized the negative exposure to Iran and Iranians that has been at the forefront of the news since the 1979 Revolution.
Presenting our material and exposing the ugly side of Iranian politics (good and bad) has not been easy. But when you believe in something you must stay focused on your goals and not on the possibility of repercussions. Before I wrote this editorial, I looked back at the past 15 Norooz issues. Regrettably the editorials I wrote have been negative. Despite our continuous wish for human rights (freedom of speech, press, choice) for Iranians and world citizens, our wishes are still not granted.
In June of 2009, we thought that Iran broke through. The movement started. The voices of men, women and children were heard around the world. hese voices screamed out for governmental changes and basic freedoms. They wanted an answer to their question, “WHERE IS OUR VOTE?” The faces of this movement filled the news broadcasts and papers. The faces of this movement brought a new enthusiasm. The faces of this movement brought us tears of joy. And, the faces of this movement brought us unforgettable sadness; sadness from the death of the innocent demanding their rights. We thought with their death the fire of their movement was extinguished.
Suddenly this February, the movement that the world believed was dead rose from the ashes. Its flame grew with a new fury. Iranians gathered in Iran in support of their own and other’s movements for freedom. And so the movement is very much alive, unfortunately the government is more brutal in their attempt to contain it. But this time the people will not allow their flame and their spirit to go out. Instead this movement will continue to grow and possibly cause an internal war, one that may be far more destructive.
When, I ask, will the dictators of the world realize that the oppression and brutality imposed on their people does not create a wining situation? Instead it creates more anguish, hatred and the desire for revenge. Look at Libya, the people are not stopping. Their fear of retaliation for standing up for their rights has been put aside. Losing their life for a better tomorrow is their goal and they will not stop until the present regime is toppled. In their eyes their dream of freedom is no longer impossible. Yet, the obstacles they face may be greater than what the imagined.
In Iran there is a giant gap between the rich and the poor and the poor population is increasing. Unemployment, drug addiction, prostitution, family disruption and corruption are on the rise. The religious leaders who were suppose to bring equality; brotherhood, freedom, security and comfort to the Iranian people have delivered the opposite. Once in power they loosened the belt gorging themselves at the expense of their people. Control replaced compassion.
A few days ago I was picking up my grandchildren. One of my grandchildren, Ryan was going to have a birthday. I reminded him of the coming event and asked what he wanted as a present. He said, “Papa because you are the boss I wish for you to buy me a cellular phone.”
I immediately told him that I was his grandfather and that his parents were his bosses. If you get permission from them, then Bibi and I will get you a phone.” Ryan would not give up and insisted that he should get a telephone. I told him that his wish is similar to my wish to have ten million dollars. Is that possible I asked him, is that a reality? Surprisingly he informed me “Papa having ten million dollars for you is not impossible, but having a cell phone for me is possible.” This direct and honest response from an eight year old made me laugh. He made my day.
Looking at Iran in this 21st Century, when contact with the universe is at the tip of one’s finger, their dream of freedom should now be a reality. Choosing what to wear, where to go, who to vote for, to speak freely and openly without fear and to love who you want are simple primitive wishes and should not be denied by force. How can anyone, who is less than evil, be so brutal against the bravery of these freedom fighters? Their wishes are not different, from the simple wish of my grandson, in this new and modern society, to have his own cell phone.
The conflict I have with the country of my birth is that its citizens are being denied their human rights for no other reason than this regime’s belief that they need to control their people. They do not need to be controlled. Iranians are only seeking freedom, simple human rights a change in the way they are being treated. Have faith in your people. Work with them not against them, this will guarantee the future success of Iran in the world.
I have said this so many times before and will say it again, hoping it may fall on ears willing to listen.” Please concentrate on bridging the communication between you and your citizens, your neighboring countries and the world. Do not let the conditions within your country worsen. Do not let the animosity with the west increase. Do something to stop the poverty level of your people. Where are you spending the income coming into Iran from oil? Why is it not spent on building your society, instead of building bank accounts and arsenals?
Is it sad to you, it is to me, that in this 61st issue of the Persian Heritage, the Norooz issue, a holiday that coincides with the beauty of the rebirth of Mother Nature, that I am still writing about wishes and unachieved rights of people? Wouldn’t it be nicer to write a story about Haft Seen, teaching our younger generation and non-Iranians about this joyous holiday and other Persian traditions and culture? Perhaps others, unlike me, do not look negatively at the events of today. Perhaps it is my age and my personal acknowledgement that the years I have left to make things right are diminishing. Regardless of the reason, I cannot ignore writing about this because, as an Iranian, as a journalist and as a grandfather, I long for a better world for their future.
We see the successful uprising and victory in Egypt and hope that the joy of its citizens, with their successful movement, is not brief. But the dictatorship in Egypt is replaced now with a military junta or military group. Only time will tell if Egypt’s citizens prevailed. Regardless of this incomplete change in Egypt, its citizens used the media in a positive way. The continuous hours of coverage, by all the major networks focusing on the turmoil certainly had an impact.
I often wonder had Michael Jackson not died and interrupted the news coverage of the June 2009 movement in Iran, if Iran would now be enjoying the fruits of their demonstrations. I wonder how many people in the world even remember the face of Neda as she lay lifeless in the street. I wonder how much of the world remembers the brutality waged against the Iranians for their movement. I wonder if the bravery and sacrifices of that movement inspired others who have been successful or are on the verge of success. I wonder when Iran’s movement will receive international coverage. I wonder when it does, if there will be demonstrations of support in countries around the world, as Iranians gave them during their most desperate hours. And, I wonder if next year my letter to you for Norooz will start like this… “As we enter into the 17th year of Persian Heritage magazine and celebrate Norooz we also celebrate the first year of a new life of freedom for Iran, Iranians and the world.”
Have a joyous Norooz, but never forget those who still fight for their freedom.