Thanks for sharing your thoughts and I do appreciate the feedback! Glad you like it.

I think it is time we stopped being bitter or resentful as a community about the past and focused on the road ahead. It’s been centuries since the balance of power shifted in Iran and I would hold our leadership responsible for that failure. There will always be an oppressor and the oppressed. We weren’t prepared and thus we fell.

I don’t think we were completely innocent at the height of our powers. While benevolence was a priority, “shock & awe” was a very valid second option.

All I want is Iran to be free and capable. As the GDP numbers will show, even in the current state, it is good for number 18 in the world (Purchasing Power Parity scale).

Many, I am sure, are happy with the way of life there. Yet many, I am sure, wish to run free and truly aspire to better things. It has many treasures, and some truly brilliant people. The world, as a whole would benefit if it re-adopted the Cyrus Cylinder’s premise.

I read the National Geographic’s feature on Iran recently and found it to be very good. I want to share with you some of my comments, first as a Parsee and second as someone who has been to Iran and worked with the UNHCR serving the Iranian refugees.

Iran is a very beautiful country, in all aspects. The people there are very humble and as the National Geographic’s article writer puts it, they are humble at heart. I take great pride in our Zoroastrian heritage and feel all the more stirred when I read or learn more about what others have to show / share about our ancient past. When I worked as a Protection Assistant for United Nations High Commission for Refugees, I truly understood how tough it must have been for our Zoroastrian community to have survived the conquest over time of the Arabs in Persia. History has repeated itself time and again in that part of the world. I served refugees from the Bahai, Jewish, Christian and our own Zoroastrian community feeling Iran and the Islamic oppressions. Interestingly, I also served the Kurd population that was feeling the rape of their land by the Arabs, before the Iraq invasion by US. At the bottom of all these communities are strong ties to our ancient past and their rituals. I heard so many glorious stories through these refugees and was moved to tears to know what treasures lies out there. I would love to share more, but cannot hog too much of your blog space, but liked what you had to share and hope this topic continues amongst others.
Thank you again for letting me share and for others to inquire of learn more from.

Thanks for reading! When it comes to Iran or Persia – it’s basically interchangeable because the terms have been in existence over a thousand years.

I’ve never been there, but from what I read and the people I have interacted with, the Iranian people either embrace Western or Islamic ideals depending on how they perceive the world.

The common thread, regardless of perception, is their heritage. So in my opinion, that’s really what should galvanize the people of Iran and set forward a 5/10/20/50 year vision for their own future.

It would be silly to presume that everybody in Iran is confused, unhappy & craving change. Iran’s average per-capita income is $6800, which isn’t exactly bad. All I am saying is that it can do better. Plenty of talent there.

Very nice write up on the call to the emperor/empress within. So in this present century: Are all Iranians, considered Persians? or the other way around.

Also, a request on a new blog:
IYO, What is the Best Technology Stack / tools favoring the real world startups.

Thanks
Bala.