By Nikahang Kowsar
Nikahang Kowsar, 54, is an award-winning Iranian-Canadian journalist and analyst based in Washington, DC. With a background in geology and sedimentology, he learned the trade of recharging aquifers through floodwater spreading on alluvial lands under the guidance of his father, Professor Ahang Kowsar, a world-renowned scientist in the field of groundwater management. Kowsar was also Iran’s most famous political cartoonist and one of the very few who dared to ridicule the powerful Ayatollahs. The Washington Post once stated that Kowsar had one of the world’s most dangerous jobs.
As an environmental journalist and analyst, Kowsar predicted Iran’s current water crisis in 2001. He then briefed former President Khatami on the effects of his administration’s disastrous policies and miscalculations in managing water resources. This led to him being censored and banned from writing about the problems in the water sector.
Kowsar fled Iran for Canada after years of harassment by security forces and receiving a death threat in 2003.
He has produced over 500 episodes of his weekly show "Let’s Talk About Water,” addressing Iran’s dire water situation and raising awareness about solutions and techniques from other countries to help Iranians overcome the present environmental catastrophe. Kowsar also helps Iranians hold their officials accountable for environmental degradation. He frequently appears on major networks as a commentator and expert on environmental and water issues and writes for think tanks about Iran’s water and environmental situation.
Nikahang Kowsar is a vice president and a member of the board of directors of the Cartoonists Rights Network International. For years, many of his cartoons were published worldwide through the New York Times Cartoon Syndicate.
