Iran

فارسی

The Fellowship of Reconciliation has been advocating nonviolence and peaceful resolution of conflict since World War I. One of the ways we at FOR practice building bridges of understanding among nations is civilian diplomacy. Civilian diplomacy, a “track two” diplomacy, has been practiced by FOR since 1920.

Iran and the United States have not had any formal relationship in more than three decades. In this situation, the government and the press are free to demonize their adversary, and to create a dangerous and wild picture that will justify their hostile stance, and rejection of the other side. Over time, future use of military force becomes acceptable to the people.

FOR believes that providing ordinary people in the United States an opportunity to meet with ordinary Iranians, and to see their world through their eyes, can begin to build a bridge between our peoples, who are separated by thick walls of propaganda and politically motivated disinformation.

In our civilian delegations, individuals try to meet with a cross-section of Iranian society including members of more than one political faction, and of more than one religion, cultural and nongovernmental activists, as well as to visit and appreciate the beauties of Iran. The only sure way to peace is love and understanding. This is the potential of the bridge that FOR chooses to build.

To foster the path of understanding, we also provide our members with news on Iran and the latest developments in Iran/U.S. relations. Through all our programs, FOR promotes nonviolent action in the tradition of Gandhi and King.