Envision a new beginning
Work on tolerance, compassion
and compromise
April 7, 2005
iranian.com
In the history of every nation, there are moments of pride and humility with
recurring episodes of glory and defeat. While sweet and bitter experiences
are unavoidable, adoptability to external challenges remains the deciding factor
in the rise and fall of civilizations.
Arnold Joseph Toynbee, the author of Study of History, argues that
the well-being of a civilization depends on its ability to respond successfully
to challenges, human and environmental. Tracing the history of human race,
Toynbee develops his 'challenge and response' thesis based on the premise that
every civilization encounters challenges at one point and its survival depends
on the leadership's response.
In short, the onus falls on leaders to protect their
nations from ultimate demise in face of political, economic, military
and other ordeals. At times, nations rise from the ashes of defeat
and regain their glory mindful of their vulnerability and determined
to take lessons of past mistakes.
Today, Iranians stand at the crossroad of history
with memories of short-lived glory, polarizing affects of revolution
and war, and an unknown future. Their tremulous experiences may
be the single distinctive reason for reluctance to change.
In the 20th century, Iran has been the center stage
for policies and reforms that have produced incredible results
with ensuing metamorphosis of a feudal society and its emergence
as a pseudo-modern nation-state. History records the fast paced
modernization process under the Pahlavis whose proactive response
and leadership have inspired the nation's resurrection from ashes
of defeat and humility.
Within a short time span, Iranians have made the
remarkable transition from dark ages without going through periods
of renaissance, enlightenment, industrial revolution, etc. With
reforms having been imposed from above, the modernization process
has created a cultural rift between traditional and Western oriented
segments of society.
It can be argued that the 1979 Iranian revolution
has been partially due to leadership's failures to build solid
institutions capable of withstanding challenges of the time. And
we all know what has happened afterwards...
 Thus, let us distance ourselves
from the past and move closer towards a brighter future.
Let us declare this moment in our nation's history
as the 'zero hour' and take on new challenges with a positive attitude
beginning with forgiving our worst enemies and forgetting past
hostilities as the initial milestone to national reconciliation.
Envision a new beginning whereby Iranians embrace
change from within starting with a cultural shift towards tolerance,
compassion and compromise.
To meet new challenges of time, Iranians need to
embrace these values, work towards nation building, and regain
international recognition as peace loving people.
As a nation, Iranians need to recognize and respect
diversity in beliefs and opinions, demonstrate understanding for
the suffering of others, and accommodate concession for the common
good.
Tolerance, compassion and compromise are noble ideas
that constitute the foundation of a harmonious and peaceful society.
These ideas may be perfected over time but nothing should prevent
us from breaking apart the mold of past cultural practices.
Tested by time and challenged by internal and external
forces, Iranians have now the opportunity to self-acknowledge their
potentials and bring forth change under the leadership of a new
generation capable to overcome social polarization and distrust.
It is possible to build a strong foundation for national consensus
and the resurrection of a proud civilization.
About
Behshad Hastibakhsh, 34, is an award winning Political Scientist
by training, Marketing & Public Relations Specialist
by experience, and published Writer with passion. Behshad
leads a professional career in the high-tech business sector
and maintains vast interests in global politics. Visit
his site, Behshadh.com.
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