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04/01/09
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AIC Event in Washington DC a Great Success
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Source:
American Iranian Council (AIC)
March 27: The
Policy Symposium and Norouz Reception (25 March) was a great success. Over
150 participants from the United States and Iran came together to discuss the
US-Iran relationship. The Norouz reception helped to bring a better
understanding of Persian culture, cuisine and art to everyone, especially to the
Capitol Hill participants. The AIC would like to thank everyone for helping make
the debates informative and lively as well as the Norouz celebration full of
hope for a "new day." (The next AIC event is already in preliminary planning
stages.)
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The
Policy Symposium began when
Mr. Roger
Cohen of the New York Times spoke about the importance of each person
developing an "updated" understanding of the Iranian nation, its peoples and its
potential. Mr. Cohen demonstrated an eloquence, sophistication, and
thoughtfulness in speaking on par with that of his writing. Although he noted
his belief that Iran had human rights issues which needed to be addressed, such
as with the Bahai's, he also noted that comparisons with Nazi Germany were not
only off the mark, but harmful, counterproductive and indeed dishonoring. He
explained that such statements "dishonored" the victims and survivors of the
Holocaust and that Iran is a far more complex, divided and nuanced power than is
often portrayed. |
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Ambassador James Dobbins (Rand Corporation) echoed many of these same
points. His speech was very well received by the audience, not only due to his
tremendous understanding of the history and politics of the Middle East,
especially Afghanistan, but also because of his great intelligence, charm and
wit. Ambassador Dobbins discussed an example of how useful Iran had been in the
construction of the government in Afghanistan after the 2001 US invasion.
Ambassador Dobbins noted that in his many dealings with diplomats from countries
throughout the world, Iranian diplomats were among the very finest and
sophisticated. |
The
Norouz Reception was the first Norouz celebration ever to be held
on Capitol Hill. Norouz means "new day" and marks the Spring Equinox and start
of the Persian New Year (March 21st). It is an occasion to celebrate renewal and
reunion. Norouz is widely celebrated by Iranians of all ideological and
religious persuasions including Muslims, Jews, Christians and Baha'is. Norouz is
rooted in the traditions of Zoroastrian belief system, the pre-Islamic religion
of the Iranian people, and it has been celebrated by Iranians and all the major
cultures of ancient Mesopotamia for over 3000 years.
Dr.
Masood Khatamee spoke on the history and meaning of Norouz. Norouz art was
presented by
Ms. Laurie
Blum. Ms. Blum discussed her many trips to Iran as well as her hopes that
art might help to bridge the distance between the two countries and their
peoples.
About AIC: The mission of the AIC
provides for a sustainable dialogue and a more comprehensive understanding of
US-Iran relations. The AIC organizes and promotes the Iranian-American community
and encourages its participation in the efforts for a more democratic,
transparent, mutually respectful, and sustainable relationship between the two
countries. The AIC also promotes the conditions for the development of Iran
through increased national dialogue, charitable works, and international
exchange. (read more)
... Payvand News - 04/01/09 ... --
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