Pari Esfandiari's blog

Iran's president, Mahmoud Ahmadi-Nejad, arrived in a New York with a clear mission: to convince both the American public and UN general assembly that if anyone is eager for war it is American government, not Iranian. His efforts to strike a friendlier note began prior to his arrival with a request to visit Ground Zero to pay respect to the victims – a symbolic gesture. Considering Iran response right after 9/11 was immense sympathy and there has never been a link between Iran and al-Qaeda, the refusal to grant a visit seemed unnecessary and unfriendly.

Since few days ago the Iranian police have launched a crack down on women whose hijabs do not match the government’s expectations.

The murder of a Muslim woman, who was shot and killed recently while walking with her three-year-old child, has been labeled as a hate crime--sparked by her veil. In response, Concerned Women of Fremont have proposed Wear a Hijab for the Day as an act of solidarity with Muslim women.