© the eyeranian

I'm Back!

The highlight of my Toronto visit, aside from spending time with my father, other family members and friends, was the conference on the anniversary of The Coup (picture above). Despite some rather questionable opinions (one actually considered the backwards and regressive uprising of Khomeini goons in 1963 to be a "moment of democracy"), most other speakers offered insightful and sharp presentations about different aspects of historical, social and political events surrounding this 1953 event. My favorite was probably Abbas Milani's lecture on Shah. I can hardly wait for his upcoming book on the same topic.

The other event I attended, my own presentation for IAUT was also a pleasure. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting all the bright minds and hard working activists working with this organization. As I said in my presentation, about 4 years ago, my dear friend Ramin Jahanbeglou (Persian links 1 & 2 ) was telling me about the plans for him and other friends starting this group and I told him how skeptic I was about their success. My view was surely tainted from unpleasant experiences with other endeavors and these guys have proved me wrong, many times over. I am glad they did and wish them all the best.