Obama and Now-Ruz

Posted on 03/21/2009 by Juan

President Barack Obama gave an unprecedented adress to the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran and to its people on the occasion of the Persian New Year, “Now-Ruz,” which is celebrated on the vernal equinox. Obama caught the spirit of renewal that marks the special day’s commemoration, when he spoke of a changed world situation.

The Iranian newspaper Hamshahri specifically mentioned more than once that Obama addressed both the government and the people.

Farideh Farhi, writing at “Informed Comment: Global Affairs,” explains the significance of the phrase:

‘unlike his predecessor, he did not attempt to drive a wedge between the people and government of Iran. He spoke explicitly to both the “people and leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” acknowledging their common history and culture. No more we love the people of Iran but hate their government taunt repeatedly brandished by the Bush Administration.’

0 Retweet 0 Share 3 StumbleUpon 0 Printer Friendly Send via email

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off | Print

Comments are closed.

  • Juan Cole

    Juan Cole

    Welcome to Informed Comment, where I do my best to provide an independent and informed perspective on Middle Eastern and American politics.

    Informed Comment is made possible by your support. If you value the information and essays, I make available and write here, please take a moment to contribute what you can.

  • IC Destinations



  • Keep up with Informed Comment at:

  • Donate to Global Americana Institute

    Donate to the Global Americana Institute to support the translation into Arabic of books about America.
  • Friends and Interlocutors:

  • Recent Posts

  • Recent Comments

  • Archives

  • Categories