The article by Abbas Saffari, “Public hanging”, reminded me of a poem I wrote on my return from my last visit to Iran:   I

“The sorrow of love is but one tale Yet, each time I hear it, sounds like the first.” — Hafez Over the past couple of

It is a rare event to find Iranians of diverse trades, different religions, and groups who seem to have little in common gather for a

During a writer's conference, I met a lady who said she was fascinated by the culture of the Middle East. She insisted I should read

In the middle of a busy schedule, and with a deadline drawing near, I read a very good article [A new language?] by Mr. A.R.

Last June, once again I attended the Santa Barbara Writer's Conference. An entire week in the company of some of the best writers, I felt

It has been some time since I've read a book I could not put down. What is out there these days is either too involved

Finally the Iranian movie, “Marmoolak” (Lizard), opened in San Diego. It had been advertised for some time. Having viewed a photo essay in iranian.com and

These days a single topic has kept my mind occupied for weeks, indeed months. But, since the subject pops up every single day, I can't

Most of the stories I read at school in Iran seemed to end with a moral conclusion. Unfortunately, only some of those words of wisdom

Regardless of how many weddings I attend, each time the thrill is there. Weddings are an emotional event that bring out the best in me. While

I watch the TV screen in horror for the umpteenth time and wonder when-if-the war in Iraq will come to an end. It is now

In response to April Fool's feature on messages from Iranians to “others” in the universe: Hello out there! I don't know if you have a

Every year Norooz seems to pass quicker than before and the post holiday depression sets in stronger and stays longer. I wonder what could be

The magic in the air reminds me that one more year has come to its end. “Norooz,” a new day, the beginning of another year

The news of yet another untimely death makes me wonder if there is such a thing as “timely death?” I mean with the technology helping

I used to live in a fairytale garden — long before my Valentine  long before I became someone else's the whole universe used to be

My sixteen year old son walks around the house with a slouched back and lips pointing south. “I'm bored.” He declares. I surprise myself as

It's “the night before Christmas, and all through the house” we rush our last minute gift wraps, my kids, me, and my spouse pomegranates hang

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend a sneak preview of House of Sand and Fog. I'm one of those people who don't particularly

They called me a rose a flower, by the wrong name I am the narcissus: …………….a reflection in your watery eyes ……………………..a voice blown into

There I was, thinking I had written my article for iranian.com and it's time to move on to the other publications who have been good

In early works of Tori Amos, one is immediately drawn to a sense that she is in a precarious situation, a feeling of dread (

Every time I meet a celebrity, the thrill is overwhelming. But nothing can match what I feel when meeting an accomplished writer. I had such