Roya Hakakian

Roya Hakakian, an author and journalist, joins Mohammad Jafar Mahallati, a former Iranian official turned peace advocate, to discuss Mahallati's controversial time at Oberlin College. They delve into Mahallati's complex past and the students' unawareness of his role in a regime linked to human rights abuses. The conversation covers the intricacies of post-9/11 peace efforts, the haunting legacy of Iran's mass executions in 1988, and the ethical dilemmas facing academic institutions when vetting their faculty.

In this conversation, Roya Hakakian, an author and poet who immigrated from Iran, shares her heartfelt journey to America. She reflects on the bittersweet nature of immigration and the emotional complexities tied to identity. Roya highlights the warmth of American customer service as a comforting contrast to her past. The discussion delves into the paradox of comfort and insecurity in U.S. life, the challenges of navigating social justice, and the importance of embracing America's diverse identities, particularly from immigrant perspectives.