Tehran: Lebanese writer and thinker Roni Alpha has articulated his deep affection for Iran, attributing it to his Christian values that prioritize justice, human dignity, and resistance to oppression over power and identity.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, in an article titled "Why I Love Iran," Alpha emphasized that his Christian faith compels him to stand with the oppressed rather than aligning with the powerful. He described his political beliefs as an extension of his religious convictions, highlighting that Christianity taught him to seek the most wounded rather than the strongest. For Alpha, the Gospel is not merely a book of prayer but also a call to take a stand.

Alpha perceives Iran as embodying principles that transcend politics, such as independence and resistance to domination. He finds in Iran a narrative that champions independence as more than a slogan and opposes domination as a crime, with dignity often outweighing prosperity.

While acknowledging legitimate criticisms of the Iranian government, Alpha emphasized that such critiques should not overshadow a broader historical and civilizational reality. He argued that viewing Iran through a narrow lens reveals only half the truth, rejecting decades of colonial propaganda that oversimplify the nation.

Drawing parallels with his own experiences as a Lebanese, Alpha pointed out how public perceptions of countries are constructed and perpetuated until they become accepted as fact. He refuses to reduce a nation to mere political or economic headlines, emphasizing the rich historical and cultural heritage of Iran, which includes diverse peoples, languages, and religions.

Alpha further stated that he evaluates governments and political movements based on their actions rather than their slogans. He expressed apprehension towards any power that diminishes human beings to mere numbers or builds prosperity on the destruction of others, asserting that Eastern Christianity inherently resists injustice and tyranny, siding with justice over sectarian interests.

Conceding that his political views could be flawed, Alpha insisted they should not be dismissed as sectarian. He believes Iran is engaged in a struggle beyond its borders, focused on independence in decision-making, rejecting coercion, and enabling regional peoples to shape their own futures.

In response to those questioning how a Lebanese Christian could support Iran, Alpha concluded by stating that Christ taught him to judge by the justice one creates rather than by name, asserting that love should build bridges between those who are different.