How lawmakers can leverage the Persian New Year
As the March 31st deadline to reach a political framework agreement between the P5+1 (United States, United Kingdom, France, China, Russia, and Germany) and Iran fast approaches, Congress is considering a number of initiatives dealing with Iran’s nuclear program. Whether or not there is an agreement with Iran, the issue is bound to be a significant focal point in U.S.-Iran relations for the foreseeable future. At the same time, policymakers would be wise to think more creatively about crafting policies that would support and engage the United States’ greatest asset in Iran – the Iranian people.
Rep. Mike Honda (D-Calif.) last week introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives that recognizes the cultural and historical significance of the Persian New Year, Nowruz. The legislation wishes Iranian Americans, the people of Iran, and all those who celebrate the holiday a prosperous New Year. The resolution also underscores the importance of human rights and religious tolerance as embodied in the spirit of Nowruz and supports the rights of all Iranians to exercise freedom of assembly, freedom of expression, and freedom of speech.
{mosads}“This celebration of the arrival of spring is enjoyed by Iranian Americans, as well as the people of Iran and those of Iranian descent around the world and of all religious backgrounds,” Honda said after the resolution was introduced. “Nowruz reminds us of our desire to see a democratic Iran that respects the human rights and religious diversity of its citizens and those of all of its Middle Eastern neighbors.”
Nowruz, meaning “New Day”, is the traditional Persian New Year celebrating the arrival of springtime, and dates back more than 3,500 years. The celebration is neither religious nor national in nature, as it is celebrated by members of the Baha’i, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and Zoroastrian faith throughout Iran and Central Asia.
By embracing the spirit of Nowruz, which cultivates a renewed sense of hope for the future, the resolution serves as more than just a reminder to lawmakers about the positive aspects of Iranian society, but it also sends a powerful gesture of goodwill to the Iranian people.
Many experts have remarked that Iran is unique in the Middle East, in that the Iranian people maintain a favorable disposition towards America and its values. A recent survey conducted in 2012 by Israeli political strategist Yuval Porat, showed that Iranians held liberal and democratic values that stand at odds with the values of the current Iranian regime. The survey found that Iran exhibits a higher potential for liberal democracy than 23 of the 47 countries surveyed, including Arab countries such as Egypt, Morocco and Jordan.
Honda’s resolution not only pays respect to a revered ancient Iranian tradition but also engages the majority of Iranians who are seeking to end Iran’s isolation in the world and begin a new chapter of hope in the coming year. By supporting such a measure, lawmakers can enhance U.S. public diplomacy efforts and cultivate American goodwill towards the Iranian people.
Ghorban is the director of Government Affairs and Policy for the Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA.)
Volmar is the legislative/research assistant for PAAIA.
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