Lord Babak Darvish of the House of Darvish - I survived Civil War, Revolution and War

As an Iranian-American immigrant and survivor of the tumultuous events following the 1979 Iranian Revolution, I reflect on a journey marked by hardship, loss, resilience, and eventual hope in the United States. Born in 1973 into a family proud of its Khan heritage, my early years in Tehran were overshadowed by the rapid and violent changes that swept through Iran.

The Iranian Civil War and Revolution

In 1979, Iran underwent a seismic shift with the overthrow of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, the last Shah of Iran, by a coalition of Islamists, socialists, and communists. This revolution, initially promising democracy and freedom, quickly descended into chaos and conflict as different factions vied for power. As a young child, I witnessed the streets of Tehran erupting with protests, violence, and uncertainty. Our family, staunch monarchists and nationalists loyal to the Shah, found ourselves on the wrong side of the new regime's ideology.

Surviving the Iran-Iraq War

The outbreak of the Iran-Iraq War in 1980 added another layer of peril to our lives. Amidst the turmoil, I vividly remember the terrifying incident at Mehrabad Airport in 1980, when Iraqi forces launched a surprise attack. I was visiting my Aunt's penthouse, and confusion reigned as we initially mistook the attacking jets for Soviet aircraft. It was my father who returned home, revealing the grim truth: Iraqi fighter jets had struck our homeland, marking the beginning of a brutal war that would claim countless lives and devastate both nations.

Forced Exile and Resettlement in America

Fearing for our safety and future under the new regime, my family made the heartbreaking decision to leave Iran just days after the attack on Mehrabad Airport. We sought refuge in Germany, but bureaucratic visa challenges delayed our journey to the United States for a year. Finally, in 1981, we arrived in America, a land that offered us sanctuary and the promise of a new beginning.

Challenges of Assimilation and Identity

The transition to American life was fraught with challenges. As Iranian immigrants, we faced prejudice, cultural adjustment, and the daunting task of rebuilding our lives from scratch. Yet, through perseverance and determination, we embraced American values of freedom, democracy, and opportunity. We became proud citizens, cherishing the liberties and protections afforded to us under the Constitution.

Reflections on Ideological Struggles

Our experience as exiles from Iran underscored the stark ideological divisions that tore our homeland apart. The revolution, once seen as a beacon of hope, became synonymous with repression, intolerance, and the persecution of dissenters. Our family's loyalty to the monarchy and nationalism made us targets of the new regime's wrath. Tragically, in our absence, they arrested and executed my uncle Shoja, a painful reminder of the brutality inflicted on those who opposed the Islamist regime.

Conservative Perspective on Foreign Policy

From a conservative viewpoint, the Iranian Revolution serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of radical ideology and the destabilizing effects of regime change. The overthrow of a pro-Western monarchy led to the rise of an anti-American theocracy, setting Iran on a path of hostility towards the West and its own people. The Iran-Iraq War further exacerbated regional tensions, illustrating the consequences of geopolitical rivalries and proxy conflicts.

Conclusion: Embracing American Identity

In conclusion, my journey from Tehran to America has been shaped by the trials of war, exile, and adaptation. Through it all, I have come to appreciate the freedoms and opportunities that America offers—a stark contrast to the oppressive regime that forced my family into exile. As a conservative Iranian-American, I advocate for policies that uphold liberty, democracy, and human rights around the world. My story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of freedom.

References

1. Abrahamian, E. (1982). Iran Between Two Revolutions. Princeton University Press.
2. Kinzer, S. (2003). All the Shah's Men: An American Coup and the Roots of Middle East Terror. Wiley.
3. Ansari, A. (2007). Confronting Iran: The Failure of American Foreign Policy and the Roots of Mistrust. Hurst & Company.
4. Axworthy, M. (2016). Revolutionary Iran: A History of the Islamic Republic. Oxford University Press.
5. Dabashi, H. (2007). Iran: A People Interrupted. The New Press.