Shir-o-Korshid, Symbol of resistance by Peter Khan Zendran

It symbolizes everything about Iran. Shir-o-Korshid, the Lion, Sword, and Sun, for over 8,000 years the symbol of Iran. Even today with Iran under the mullahs it still the symbol of Iran for many Iranians. It has also gained a new significance today as well because of the mullahs, that of a symbol of resistance.

Shir-o-Korshid a symbol of resistance! How? First, with the revolution of 1978-9 the mullahs and other fifth column revolutionaries decided in the spirit of revolution to change everything they wanted about Iran. That included removing the Shir-o-Korshid from coins, flags, stationery, etc. and branding it as a reactionary symbol. The problem was like other revolutions, like the French and Russian revolutions, that desecrated cultural symbols the act of cultural desecration was repulsive to many Iranians, especially when the mullahs went too far and people began to realize how good they had it before the mullahs and many “revolutionaries” began to regret their hasty actions. Those people who took to the streets in 1978-9 soon realized they were the pawns of the CIA, MI6, Mossad as well Khomeini and his tick pickers and that many governments that Iranians thought were their allies, America in particular, had betrayed them. So like the French and Russian exiles of their revolutions the Shir-o-Korshid began to take on the same meaning as the fleur-de-leis and double-headed eagle, that of a country that had everything going for it, whose few problems could have been easily solved, and was betrayed by the very people it had trusted.

Today Iranians are starting to forget what the Shir-o-Korshid means, yet the main cause for this is not their own making. The main cause is the orwellian western propaganda media and marxist myths that have demonized pre-1979 Iran by bringing up the few things that were wrong with Iran. In doing so they have tried to drag the Shir-o-Korshid through the mud to serve their own ends. The western media bashes pre-1979 Iran because they know, particularly in America and Britain, that Mohammed Reza Shah was building up Iran to be independent of any western nation and felt their authority challenged. The marxists bashed the Shir-o-Korshid as the symbol of what they considered a reactionary, fascist regime. These views are starting to change as many Iranians use the Shir-o-Korshid and educate others about what it means as well. By educating others people start to realize the truth and that the only reason the Shir-o-Korshid receives the negative press it has is because two opposing sides agreed on something.

Displaying the Shir-o-Korshid today is a revolutionary act as well as one of Iranian pride. By showing it you not only say you are proud of your heritage but you care about your heritage as well. You are reminding people of the Iran that was betrayed by America during the 1978-9 revolution, that if Khomeini and the mullahs had been beaten there never would have been a Saddam Hussein or Osama bin Laden, no Gulf Wars, no 9/11, no war on terror, because Iran would have been strong enough to prevent such things from happening in the first place. You are telling people you are willing to do and consider doing what is right for Iran. Yet because of ignorance you run the risk of being bashed.

Case in point of taking risks. On March 19, 2005 International A.N.S.W.E.R. will be having a massive march down Madison Avenue in New York City at which millions are expected to attend, among other things to stand against American aggression against Iran. This happens to be the day before the Persian parade is scheduled to take place in New York City on Madison Avenue as well. Though many people who will show up at the March 19 event have no objection to the Shir-o-Korshid being brought there, be it on Iranian flags , pins, etc the steering committee for that event does not want it displayed. By doing so they are insulting Iranians after saying in their flyers for the event that they support Iran. I for one encourage every Iranian who plans on attending that March 19 event to bring the Shir-o-Korshid to stand for the Iran that was betrayed by America and the Iranians who are protecting themselves from aggression. Also consider that even if nobody brings the Shir-o-Korshid to the March 19 event the New York City police will be so aggravated by that event in providing “security” that they would be extremely agitated in having to provide “security” for the Persian parade on March 20 in the same area. Thanks to the hypocritical flyers for the March 19 event they would have a negative attitude towards the Persian parade as well and would be expected to take out any pent-up frustration on the Persian parade they were not able to vent on the March 19 event. So this March in New York City it is an extremely brave act to display the Shir-o-Korshid.

We should never be afraid to be proud of our heritage, and by showing the Shir-o-Korshid we are not only proclaiming our identity but we are saying we will not be bullied.