From time to time I come across some young men and women that warm up my heart and send rays of hope about the future in my heart for Iran and Iranians.

Recently we went to see a young journalist, Massih Alinejad, at her office at Hambastegi newspaper. We met a very sincere, dedicated and earnest young lady who strongly believes in law and order and process of democracy and rights of citizen as well as clarity and transparency. This lady is a young daring journalist who is as determined as she is tough and sure of her goals, like the mountains surrounding Tehran.

Massih is gracious and friendly and dreams for a better tomorrow for all. She is quick and speedy, and she has a beautiful smile. We managed to get a few copies of her new book about her ordeal of being expelled from Iran’s 7th parliament. The expulsion happened because she revealed, with evidence, the perks and bonuses that the members of parliament had received on the occasion of the new year.

Permission for publishing of the book was not forthcoming; so she confronted President Khatami at the opening of the Tehran Book Fair last month and asked him why! There and then the president asked his minister in charge to see into this matter; and within days all was well and the book came out.

Please read her book and read about what happened. The book is in Persian and is called Tajeh Khaar which means the thorn crown.