Lety’s Adventures Through Persia’s Wondrous Looking-Glass

Engaging with Persians living in the West, colleagues, friends and lovers, I have seen and experienced Persia’s beauty and passion! But before one dances “Through the Looking-Glass” of Persia does one really need to first fly down rabbit holes to be surprised? Not so.

Learning Farsi is its own sweet reward. U.S. State of Maryland’s professor Saeid Atoofi’s Farsi language books and audio discs have presented me with applied linguistics and culture. Farsi speakers “believe speaking Farsi is a sweet treat to the tongue.” Yes, I’m smiling 🙂

In the story of “Alice in Wonderland,” we see Alice sink into a rabbit hole where to her amazement discovers a land of surprises – from a talking rabbit she understands, to attending a tea party to playing croquet with a Queen.

Yet, had she first walked through the two-way mirror, she could have easily maneuvered her trip when she followed the rabbit underground. She would have cleverly figured when to shrink and when to grow. Or, at tea parties, unraveled the riddles posed by her fellow guests. And left the party before hearing “Off with her head” after being accused of stealing by the Queen.   

Of course, had Alice down in the rabbit hole, a 😉 TWIN 😉 sister able to walk the two-way mirror, she would have benefited from her meeting the White Queen and her power “to remember future events before they have happened.”

In the end, we find “Life, what is it but a dream?” Perhaps for the English. But not a dream for South American or African children who fall into real toxic chemical holes dug up by pawns of Western and European Kings & Queens.  A story for another day.

Persia’s Puzzles and Mirrors

If Kenneth Pollack’s 2004 book, The Persian Puzzle: The Conflict Between Iran and America provided a window into Iran’s past and present conflicts, Elaine Sciolino’s 2000 book, Persian Mirrors: The Elusive Face of Iran opened the door to “real people with needs and desires.”  

But nothing compares to the ride one experiences in a land of wonder taking in the sights, scents and sounds. Yes, “Iran has become an exciting, daring laboratory where experiments with two highly volatile chemicals – Islam and democracy – are being conducted…” But I dare you not find it exciting!

Still, I dare you to look into Persian’s piercing black or emerald colored eyes and not feel a chemical reaction! Sciolino notes “the women of Iran are steel magnolias.”  No doubt, but I can attest that Persian men’s nerves of steel are matched only by their deep passions and intensity.

Engaging with a new friend, competitor or enemy requires first coming to an understanding of them. My compass changed course to Persia, due West from China. And like with China, I have immersed myself in Persian history, culture and language. And eyed her friends and enemies.

New chain reactions can give rise to new nuclear energy power sources. China and Russia are looking like very sweet deals. But do not overlook Koreans to the North.

Pollack, with all due respect, I disagree on your two points: “The key…is to craft an approach that can both solve the problem and preserve the interests of all the states we hope will join in the effort.” No, not ONE key can fit both doors.  And your statement that “No country other than the United States can put together such an effort…” is flawed. Why?

I direct you to your two correct statements, “Yet, for an administration frequently criticized as overly responsive to Israel’s concerns…the Bush administration was remarkably low key about Iran’s nuclear program.” Yes, Pollack, and like then, today the “principal problem on the American side… [are the] internal divisions…” of the Biden administration.

More importantly, “the faulty logic of ‘atoms for peace.’” Because “The problem for those who would like to prevent proliferation is that once a country has the fissile material, it is virtually impossible to stop it from putting it in a bomb…” In a strike, the West will not be able to put back together Humpty Dumpty with “All the king’s horses and all the king’s men.”

Pollack, no question that “A great deal rests on our allies in Europe and Japan, China, and Russia.” Focus is once again on the chessmen on the giant chessboard. Yet, remember the “West separates actions from words while Iran makes no distinction.” Unless, the remarks of past Iranians noted in Sciolino’s book still hold true. So then, if “Everybody lies. Let’s be good liars.”

Sea or air, look out for the “icebergs” and “geese.” The responsibility of a nation’s people requires taking action in the face of challenges at the right and wrong place and time.

Captain Smith and Captain Sullenberger understood this. While one is remembered by the sinking vessel Titanic, the other became a celebrated hero.

Americans, Following the Right White Rabbit?

In The Persian Puzzle final chapter, “Toward a New Iran Policy,” Pollack points to the clicking of two clocks, “the clock of regime change in Tehran… [and] slowing the nuclear clock.” What do oil and nuclear have in common? IRAN. Or, as I note, Iran: Oil to Future Nuclear Fission Power.

Yes, but the right question to ask is HOW and WHEN will they use them? If data the new oil, then fission nuclear the new power. Keep an eye on the right white rabbit, for it holds the pocket watch!

In the “Author’s Note,” Pollack shares his regret in “not having been able to travel to Iran” or his not speaking Farsi. No doubt the objection to his entering Iran may be as Pollack suggests, his background.

Still, given his background in the CIA and National Security it seems to me Pollack could have found a way in through a “rabbit hole.” Or, simply pulled a rabbit out of his BlackHat of tricks 😉

In fact, learning the language and developing a connection with the people may be the first step to piecing together the “puzzle.” And, as Tuvia Tenenbom author of The Lies They Tell: Journey to America notes, “You actually have to talk to people.”  

In any case, much has transpired in the last two decades. Technology has facilitated opening “rabbit holes” in the sky and in cyberspace, where one’s mirror image can be linked to others in a multitude of wondrous lands.  

Yet, before you embark on your venture, do not forget to craft a set of multiple sized keys. BUT, I remind you. No amount of intelligence, artificial or otherwise, will unlock that which has no doors. Sciolino notes Paradise defined as a “pleasure park of the King.” Another door?

But do not forget the White Queen with her power “to remember future events before they have happened.”

Just be sure you follow the right white rabbit with a pocket watch for when Persian Empire Ready to Strike Back!

As Bugs Bunny says, “It just goes to show ya that a one-eyed jack rabbit can beat a King.” 😉