Twenty years ago, one day in June 2005, I had the opportunity to talk with an Iranian man who was selling underwear at the bustling Tehran Grand Bazaar. As we chatted, he shared his thoughts on the state of the world and the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran. His words have stayed with me ever since, and with the recent events taking place in the Middle East, they have resurfaced in my mind once again.
“People all over the world want peace,” he told me, “but governments won’t let them have it.” As I listened to him speak, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of sadness and frustration. It was disheartening to hear such a sentiment from someone who, like many others, just wanted to live a peaceful and prosperous life.
His words rang true then, and they still ring true today. The desire for peace is universal, regardless of race, religion, or nationality. It is a fundamental human need, and yet it seems to be constantly out of reach. The world is plagued by conflicts and tensions, and innocent people are often caught in the crossfire.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. We, as individuals, have the power to make a difference. We can choose to spread love and understanding instead of hatred and fear. We can choose to see the humanity in others, even if they come from different backgrounds and hold different beliefs.
As I thought back to that conversation with the Iranian man, I couldn’t help but wonder how different things could be if the governments of the world put aside their differences and prioritized peace over power. How many lives could have been saved? How many families could have been spared from the pain and suffering of war?
The recent events in the Middle East have once again highlighted the destructive nature of war and the devastating impact it has on innocent civilians. The attack on nuclear sites in Iran by the U.S. government has only escalated tensions and put more lives at risk. It is a stark reminder that we need to do better as a global community.
It is easy to feel overwhelmed and helpless in times like these, but we must not lose hope. We must remember that the actions of governments do not define us as individuals. We can choose to be agents of peace and spread positivity in our own communities and beyond.
It starts with small acts of kindness and understanding. It starts with having conversations with people from different backgrounds and trying to see things from their perspective. It starts with educating ourselves and being open to different ideas and opinions.
We must also hold our governments accountable and demand that they prioritize diplomacy and peaceful resolution over aggression and violence. We must speak up and make our voices heard, because ultimately, it is the people who have the power to bring about change.
As I reflect on that conversation I had in Tehran twenty years ago, I am reminded that the desire for peace is universal. It knows no borders or boundaries. It is up to us, as individuals, to work towards achieving it. Let us not let the actions of governments define us, but rather let our actions be a reflection of our humanity and our unwavering commitment to peace.
