“The sweet spot of human experience is when our mind is open to change, while our heart keeps us grounded in who we are.”
Prem Rawat
The other night, my wife Delia and I were watching the movie “Not Without my Daughter.” It was based on a true story that took place in 1984. It was about Betty, an American woman who married Moody, a Muslim, in the United States. When Moody informs Betty that his family in Iran wants Betty, their daughter Mahtob, and him to visit, she is reluctant because of the country’s harsh treatment of women. Moody promised that she and Mahtob would be safe and that they would return to the US in a couple of weeks. In Tehran, Betty discovers that her husband is lying all the time. He never intended for them to return to the US and was doing everything he could to prevent them from leaving, including resorting to domestic violence. Eventually, Betty and Mahtob escaped. In 1987, Betty published the book, which was the same name as the movie, and became a worldwide bestseller.
It’s important to emphasize that at the time of Betty and Mahtob’s visit (1984), Iran was going through a transition. The Shah had been ousted, and Iran was in the middle of an 8-year war with Iraq. There was also hatred against the United States because the government was supplying weapons to both sides.
Although the movie depicts an understandable harrowing experience for Betty and Mahtob, it shows nothing positive about life in Tehran. Almost all Iranians in the film were aggressive, including the women, who were dressed in a black body cloak (aka chador), from head to foot. Husbands were dominating and in control of the daily lives of their wives. When the movie ended, my first reaction was, “what a depressing and backward country.” Then I wondered if the Iran depicted in the film still exists today…or if it has changed. Is it still like it was in 1984?
Iran Supports A Multipolar World
Throughout history, the world order has been either unipolar (dominance by one major power), bipolar (dominance by two powers), or multipolar (a balance of power among nations where constraints prevent the supremacy of individual countries). When a world order’s existing conditions are unfavorable or no longer sustainable, countries may desire a New World Order to replace the old one.
A Multipolar World is one in which more than one nation has leadership, power, and influence over the global economy, society, culture, and military. It is the antithesis of a unipolar world and is perceived by developing countries as a more supportive, forgiving, and friendlier alternative. It envisions respect for each country’s sovereignty and prefers diplomacy and negotiations, instead of sanctions and war, to settle disputes between nations.
Iran Joins Brics
In January 2023, Iran was accepted, along with Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates UAI), as members of the BRICS alliance. Membership implies that Iran agrees to participate in the following BRICS proposals and programs as a pathway to peace and prosperity:
- Industrial and technological growth, social improvement, and respect for each state’s sovereignty.
- Collaboration and exchange of views among Member States, fostering innovation while protecting each member’s creative and technological advancements.
- Strengthening economic ties while ensuring that partnerships promote sustainable growth, development, and mutual benefit among all member states.
- Membership in the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB), established in 2015. The NDB is a supportive and preferable alternative to traditional Western-dominated financial institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.
- Member states control and manage their own resources, products, and services that are unique and considered essential to other members.
- A system that relies on fair and honest trading partners and investors.
- Programs for promoting science, high technology, healthcare, environmental protection, culture, sports, and youth exchanges.
- Member states show mutual respect by not interfering in another member state’s internal affairs and politics. Each member is free to choose their preferred path to peace and prosperity.
Life in Iran
Recently, I discovered that there are people living in other countries who are committed to showing what life is like where they live. They speak English and, with a cell phone camera, take the viewer on a live guided tour of their city. It’s fascinating and inspiring to see how similar our lifestyles are. First, it began with tours of Russia, China, Turkey, and Mongolia. Yesterday, I Youtubed the phrase Life today in Teheran and voilá; several videos appeared on my TV screen. I was surprised! Tehran was like any large city in the US: the fashions, the stores, the markets, a super modern subway, and the street music. The women were not dressed in chadors, nor did they cover their faces. The scenery was beautiful, and the ambiance was pleasant and peaceful. But instead of taking my word for it, why not check it out?
What Do People Want?
If you ask people worldwide what would make them happy, you would get similar answers from almost everyone. Why? Although we may have different religions, cultures, beliefs, skin colors, languages, and foods, it’s safe to say that the vast majority would gladly welcome the following with open arms:
- Feel peace, comfort, and love in our lives
- Financial security
- Optimal health and well-being, free of chronic diseases
- Enjoy the company of family and friends
- Freedom to travel without feeling fear and insecure
- Have enough to eat and a roof over our heads
- Freedom to speak our mind without repercussions or judgment
- Freedom to pursue our goals
- Find meaning and purpose in our lives
- Live in a world where people and countries get along with each other
My Take
Yes, we have differences, but it is critical to remember that essential human wants and needs are fundamentally the same, regardless of where and how we live. At the same time, we must not forget that there are people and groups hell-bent on promoting hate and violence by emphasizing the differences between people instead of the similarities. They divide us by using the mainstream media to manipulate information, spread lies, and distort the truth. Their objective is to facilitate hate and anger against other human beings to achieve their own agendas that have nothing to do with yours or mine.
Final Thought
As a member of BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Iran is committed to growing its economy and improving relationships with Eurasian, Middle Eastern, and Global South countries.
Iran’s new moderate President, Masoud Pezeshkian, is also pitching closer ties with Europe “based on mutual respect and equal footing.” He scolds the US for the heavy sanctions that still exist and has caused enormous suffering imposed on its people.
Presently, war does not serve Iran’s purpose of growing the economy and improving the country’s standard of living. However, although the government is not interested in instigating hostilities, it will defend itself against any nation that still prefers war over diplomacy and negotiations to resolve frictions and disputes. Suffice it to say that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, is Iran’s most powerful political authority. He has the final say. Nevertheless, with Iran’s new perspectives and opportunities as a participant in the emerging multipolar world, I have hope that the country will experience a brighter future that promises Peace and Prosperity for all its citizens.
