Editorial – PH-75, Fall 2014 – Shahrokh Ahkami
During the past few months the world has witnessed many upheavals. They have taken an emotional and physical toll on us all. With the founding and advancement of a group (ISIS) thousands of lives have been turned upside down. ISIS’s acts of displacement, murder, beheading and other atrocities against innocent civilians, Yazidis, Shiites and Christians in Iraq and Syria are inhumane and uncivilized. It is unbearable to watch what they have and continue to do with their captives. While we so want to believe the saying “history repeats itself”it is sadly true. We are horrified to see beheadings in the 21st century, during our lifetime! It is surreal and unimaginable. We must ask God to help put a stop to these atrocities. I always thought that the problems of Iran and Iranians, America and Americans were my priority, because these groups are first in my heart and have my love and compassion. Today, however, I ask myself how I can, how can anyone, ignore what is happening to these innocent displaced people in Iraq and Syria? How can I, how can anyone close their eyes to what is being done to innocent people? How is it that all religions teach love and compassion yet, all religions, have committed at some time, inhumane deeds? From where does this brutality come ? Is it from religion or from those who propose to be its interpreters and leaders, in other words not from the words of God but rather from the words of man?
The leaders in Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and other Arab states have given ISIS a stamp of approval, by not speaking out fiercely against this organization. Their lack of rage continues to fuel the world’s idea that Islam is the root of this brutality. Is that truly what Islam represents?
A few days ago I listened to a retired CIA agent on TV. He believed that the President of the United States was not concerning himself with the situation, because it is not the responsibility of the US to resolve the issue between the Sunni’s and Shiites. They should fight this battle until they rid themselves of each other. Interesting words, don’t you think?
These events and words distracted me from the events in Iran. But then I heard very sad news that brought my attention immediately back to them. According to the news in The Voice of America, one of the religious leaders in Iran was anxious about the hi speed internet and 3rd generation phones. In the hopes of satisfying his concerns, the Director of Communications stated that 3rd generation phones would be permitted if they did not have the ability to send pictures and videos.
Upon hearing this news the Iranian public became outraged. A few days later the Grand Ayatollah met with Parliament, where he stated that his statement about the internet was untrue and that he never said that. He believed however, the information being received and sent through technology should be filtered or purified. It is surprising to me that during this time in our society, when news and personal life events can be communicated around the world, within seconds, that someone would want to prevent this. In a world where Face book, Twitter, Google Plus and others have reduced the world’s size to a village why would someone want to prevent this? In a world where families and friends who are separated by miles and can have those miles removed by instant exchange of information through technology, why would someone want to prevent this? I ask how can an important religious leader, such as this Grand Ayatollah, want to prevent this? Does he think that this religiously imposed regulation will be followed by the youth and young adults in Iran? They are masters of technology, it is now part of their DNA.
One of my daily curiosities on Face book is to access information about Quchan, Iran, the place of my birth. I enjoy reading and seeing what the community is doing and I am always proud to read and see how many great poets, writers, artists and other prominent people have emerged from Quchan. I must ask this Grand Ayatollah, “ On what basis do you want to issue this religious regulation?”
We must be grateful that in these times you cannot easily tighten the lips of people by force and control, to prevent them from speaking. In these times you cannot blindfold people to prevent them from seeing. In these times you cannot muffle people’s ears to prevent them from hearing. In these times you cannot stop the growth of peoples mind. They will surmount obstacles, so why make it difficult for them? Do you truly want to stop brilliant minds like Maryam Mirzakhani, the 37-year woman who was the first female in the world to receive the highest Medal of Honor in mathematics? How could you look at her and others like her and tell them that it is in their best interest that internet access be filtered and the use of technology be controlled? What are these leaders thinking?
When my grandchildren, ages 4-12, come to visit us, after a brief greeting they spread around the room and get busy on their computers and iPads. They are researching, reading, listening to music, watching a movie etc. While we may not agree with it we must all admit that technology has not prevented their growth and education. It has instead for them and others created avenues that might not otherwise be available. Yes, technology has negatives, but is the job of the parents to govern that aspect of a child’s life, not a religious ruler. The children of this century amaze me on what they know at 4 to 12 years of age and what they achieve by age of 16 and 28; the creation of Apple, Microsoft, Face book and so on and so on.
Can this Grand Ayatollah and others in this age group, including myself, remember we traveled town to town, distances of 30 miles, on a donkey? We progressed to horses and carriages. Gradually we moved to gas moving vehicles. Today even the smallest town in Iran can be reached by private or public modern transportation. These sophisticated means of travel are from the west and developed from generations of advancement in technology. Does the Grand Ayatollah wish to regulate their use and go back to traveling on a donkey rather than in a comfortable climate controlled car or plane? Would he consider preventing the use of digital technology in religious centers? I think this would be doubtful!
He must accept the importance of technology for his citizens, as we ALL sadly must accept the fact that with each positive advancement made by mankind, someone has and will always abuse it, turning its goodness into evil. But the goodness SOOOOOOO outweighs the bad, and inspiring minds must continue to be allowed to inspire.
Again, as I have asked before, “are these new regulations and restrictions on the use of phones and technology in Iran something else to distract Iranians from the REAL social issues affecting their daily lives?”
I am happy to say that I close this editorial with a bit more confidence for the future of the Iranian youth.They will find a way to communicate with the outside world regardless of restrictions! They are HUNGRY, not just in their bellies. Their brilliant minds long for the continuous food technology provides for them. They are hungry to share space in the modern world, to work hand in hand with others. They are eager to share with the world their brilliant literature, art, culture, hospitality, humanity and friendship. They are eager to erase the present images unjustly and unfairly imposed on them by actions of a government. Are you not proud of that Iranian, the basis of our soul’s foundation? Iranians are people whose power lies in the greatness of their minds and souls not in the power of uncontrolled might!
Again I am hopeful for them as I am hopeful that their leaders will come to their senses and understand that Iran (Persia) has made in the past numerous historical contributions to the world. Restricting their youth in any way will prevent the necessity of Iran and Iranians to continue to contribute to global society.
I hope also that the leaders of Iran will soon understand that they need to open Iran’s doors and their hearts to the two million Iranian diaspora who love and adore their Iran. Though they may call other places home, they wish to, without fear, again feel Iran’s soil under their feet, smell the aromas of its food and flowers, hear the joy of the music and see the smiles of lost friends and relatives. I hope that this wish for me and others is not far from our grasp. What joy I would have in showing my grandchildren, as I did my children, the wonders of Iran. Wishing everyone good, peaceful and beautiful days ahead.