Norouz, The Persian New Year

My wife, Fariba, and I were pleased to be able to sponsor the Naghmeh Ensemble in a performance of traditional Persian music at our local intermediate school. This performance was particularly special because it occurred on Norouz, which is the Persian New Year celebrated on the spring equinox as it has been for perhaps 6,000 years. Shahram of the Ensemble took the opportunity to explain to the sixth graders the significance of Norouz and the history of the Persian people that well predates the Islamic conquest of that country. The soul of the Persians still shines through even in a country seemingly dominated by the Mullahs--the Islamic Fundamentalists. In reality, the Persians are an open and loving people who yearn for interaction with the U.S. and the West in general. But, as we continue to sanction the citizens of Iran and limit their access to U.S. products and ideas, the power of the Mullahs can become further entrenched. It was heartening to hear President Obama extend Norouz greetings to the Persian people. We cannot let the rebuff by the fundamentalists factor into our dealings with Iran.