Being born is a random event of our lives. We choose not where nor who from. Yet, this plays a great part in our life, and remains that way to our death.
So, I like many millions of others was by chance born on the soil of Persia, the land of many of my ancestors, though not all. This land again like millions of others I left with mch joy to settle in a free society, one which is modern, developed and liberal. Yet, my childhood memories, many of my recipes and the colour of my skin remain from the sun that shone on the land where I was born. I watch with sadness the chaos unfolding there for most of my lifetime. I know that this is but a blip in the country's seven thousand year history and will pass. I do however happen to live right now.
A country of enormous history, Persia/Iran, is once again making history. For good or bad, this time will pass and Persia will remain, Iran will remain Persia and Persia will...
What really upsets me, I object to is the the "support" certain elements afford my motherland. I do not see why Islam became a definition for Persia. It was the country that changed that religion beyond recognition into a new form, a new monarchy, through the claimed descendents of Ali. Yes, Shiaism may be a Persian invention, but Persia is not defined by Shiaism. Iran is not a country made up of or based on one single religion, but an amalgamation and union of many ethnic tribes with different beliefs and different cultures with a common goal. All those who "support" their brother Muslims in Iran, do not understand this. Certain other countries may have been divided along the religious line, but not this one.
To be Iranian (be it Persian, Kurd, Turk, Baluch or anything else) is to share the blood of its Shahs, Khans; is to share its hopes, its history and land. The peoples of Iran were formed from the soil and sun of that land, and are not defined by one religion or belief, whether Islam or otherwise.
I worry about these "supporters" whether they hail from Pakistan, Bangladesh, UK, Egypt or anywhere else. I do worry about Iran. I do not want it bombed either, but people you "supporters", do not claim the lives of "westerners", "whites" or "Jews" in my name, not for me. That does not give Iranians their country back.
MaYa [Feb 2006]