Many people do not know or are not old enough to know that Iran was a modern country before the Islamic revolution of 1979.

Despite the restrictions the Shah put on freedoms of speech and press with the control of his regime over many aspects of the government, my Iran was a colorful, happy and safe Iran. I went to a coed school. Girls were free to expose their hair, wear short skirts and laugh out loud!

After school, I watched my favorite shows on TV such as “I Dream of Jeannie,” “Bewitched,” “Mission Impossible,” “The Six Million Dollar Man” to name a few. All those shows dubbed masterfully to Persian. I felt one with the rest of the world -- not isolated.

The Islamic revolution came out of nowhere. It was a result of some quick hidden maneuvers that tricked the entire nation and made them hostage now for 30...