Why the Threat? What is the Wisdom of My Birth in February 1979?

Jafar Shirali-Nia

"Publishing a book without a license in any form or platform is an illegal and irresponsible act. Legal action will be taken against violations."  

This statement was recently made by one of the country’s cultural officials. Many friends have sent it to me, saying it refers to the publication of the "Historical Notes" file.  

Assuming they mean this file, I have a few points to write:

1.  

On September 9, 1964, Ayatollah Khomeini, addressing the Shah's government at the Masjid Azam in Qom, said:  

"Give us two or three hours of radio time... but leave us free, don’t even write the program yourselves... I promise you it will not oppose your monarchy... just give us some control over the Ministry of Culture and the broadcasting system, and we will familiarize the people with Islam’s teachings and the world with our Islam."  

This is the same speech in which Imam Khomeini said: "Let the Ministry of Endowments be ours... we will even appoint one person as its minister... then you'll see it won't be looted as it is now... give it to us and see what happens." (*Sahifeh-ye Imam*, Vol. 1, pp. 391-392)

2.  

I’m not asking you for even an hour of radio or TV time, nor for a share of the Endowments or Ministry.  

I have no interest in what is being "looted."  

I also don’t want any share of the budgets that are spent in the name of the Sacred Defense.

For the past six years, I’ve been writing notes on this channel. I wanted to turn these notes into a book, but they had the power and didn’t let me.  

I waited a year and negotiated, but to no avail.  

Now, I’ve published the file of those notes right here, where they were previously posted.  

Is this a threat?

3.  

These days, I sometimes wonder:  

What was the wisdom in being born in February 1979?  

When I opened my eyes to the world, the revolution had already happened.  

A few years ago, after four decades of revolutionary control, where they had tried to make us see the world as they do, a senior military official sat across from me and said that the publication of my books about the war would be blocked. I thought it was just another empty threat.  

During that meeting, there was not only a threat but also an attempt to entice me, to which I replied that I believe sustenance comes from God, and I don’t need projects like these.

4.  

For God's sake, think about it for a moment:  

What honor is there in depriving a writer of his most basic rights?  

Today, you might have the power to impose your will, but these oppressive acts won’t bring you honor in history.

5.  

For four decades, you’ve narrated events however you’ve wanted, and we’ve listened. Now, please, listen for a moment. This narrative is based on careful consideration of your own accounts.

6.  

The honorable Deputy Minister of Culture, in a meeting I attended at his invitation, told me which institution’s opinion led to the ban on publishing the book *Historical Notes*. When I asked if I could share his response, he said I could.  

My request to him was to have that institution inform me of the issues they found with the book. The honorable deputy said that it’s up to that institution. Despite his follow-up, to this day, no reason has been provided for the book’s ban, and I still don’t know what problems my writings present from the perspective of those in power.