Nowruz Greetings

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Dear Friend,

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On behalf of everyone here at the American Iranian Council, we wish you a happy Nowruz!

Nowruz is the first day of spring and the first day of the new Iranian calendar year, which will be 1397 on March 20 (2018).  Nowruz has been celebrated for over three millennia, and Iranians of all religious and ethnic orientations share in the joys and prosperity it promises.  
 
The year 1396 was an especially difficult period in US-Iran relations marked by (i) uncertainty over the future of the JCPOA, (ii) concern over growing “Iranian influence” in the region, (iii) US support for Iranians protesting economic and social conditions, and (iv) the continued implementation of a US travel ban on Iranians, among other significant matters. 

Furthermore, the recent replacement of Rex Tillerson with Mike Pompeo as Secretary of State does not bode well for a positive start in US-Iran relations. To be sure, difficult periods for the relationship are nothing new. However, as a long-standing organization with nearly three decades of experience in this field, we have handled similar challenges before.  

In light of our mission to further dialogue between the U.S. and Iran, the Council continues to closely monitor the situation between the two countries, and provide accurate information and analysis as well as advise on reasonable policies.  This year, the AIC is also continuing its educational initiatives to reach a wide range of constituencies, through:

  • Publishing a 2018 Whitepaper with recommendations for the Trump Administration
  • Holding Congressional Roundtables to advise members of Congress
  • Issuing Media Guides to inform news outlets reporting on Iran
  • Demystifying Iran for the broader public through informed news and analysis, publications, conferences, and social media outreach.

Despite the difficult headwinds, we sincerely hope that this Nowruz will usher in more realistic policies on both sides for a reduction of tension. We believe the situation holds opportunities and threats.  Let us work to advancing opportunities. Please help us work towards this important goal by making a tax-deductible contribution today.  

Sincerely,

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Senator J. Bennett Johnston                     Professor Hooshang Amirahmadi

Chairman                                                   President