By Susan Akbarpour
October 2001

Have you ever browsed the Internet, in search of typical Iranian names like Behrooz, Shahram, Anousheh, Farid, and Daryoush? I have. At first, it was just for curiosity and fun, a hobby that turned to be an extensive research lasting seven months. The results were amazing. The most amazing aspect was the demographic of the individuals. Most of them were pioneers in high tech fields!

As a member of the Iranian community of California and a new arrival of four years, let me share my observations with you.

I believe that Iranians, who go abroad, settle on a self-created island, called "the little Iran". In the Ò little Iran,Ó the spoken language is Farsi. The inhabitants live, trade, and get involved mainly with each other. They practice their traditional cultures and impose on themselves a degree of non-integration. Some of these individuals never look at the ocean of opportunities around them. But, most of them, after a while attracted by the wonderful new land, or disillusioned with the stifling behavior of the traditional inhabitants of Ò little Iran,Ó move away from the nest and begin building successful lives and careers and never look back. However, there are a few exceptions.

Subsequently, after some years, these successful individuals neglect to look back or visit their "old neighbors" for fear of rediscovering and experiencing again what they ran away from in the first place. Ironically, it is quite possible that if these groups find each other they might just discover that they have a lot in common in their backgrounds and the struggles they have experienced.

However, confronting their old neighborhoods might be one of the common bonds that can unite them. Getting spiritually and economically involved will enrich all of us.

But how to find and identify these successful, but negligent Iranians? Where can we hear or read about their experiences and their success stories? How can we identify them, when there are no accurate statistics and demographic information about them? And, finally when will "Global Iran" realize the value of these movers and shakers and channel their energy to empower the community.

What is the common link? Soccer, Cinema or a Magazine!

In response to these questions, and in agreement with the opinion of many individuals, we have unanimously concluded that the most effective way to unite and propagate the successes of global Iran, is to publish a magazine that will dedicate itself to helping the community celebrate our successful men and woman and to provide a forum for others to learn from the experiences of those who have traveled the road to success before.

Thanks to all my valued colleagues and patriots for their support and encouragement.

Susan Akbarpour
October-2001