Wednesday
February 14, 2001
Paradox
Merci, Setareh Sabety, for mining the essence of the revolution, and
holding it up for all of us to admire its brilliance ["Inspiring
revolution"]. It has been buried for so long beneath resentment
and anger and frustration- all justified. But when has revolution ever
yielded instant, perfect results? Which philosopher was it who extolled
the easy virtues of revolution? Of self-actualization, even? ["Happy
anniversary"]
By all Western accounts, we could have had it all- but for a price:
a genuine national identity, autonomy, dignity ["Memory
lane"]. I am fascinated by my people's refusal to be geopolitical
pawns. I am proud of their strength and resilience. The Shah undermined
that strength. Khomeini and the clerical regime, in all their perversity,
have made Iran a force with which to be reckoned- not toyed. This is deeply
perplexing, but in discovering myself, I have come to appreciate Iran and
its complex, confounding past. For, its driving force, its most intrinsic
quality echoes in me: paradox.
S. Shirazi
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