What happens when an entire justice system is built on punishing addiction instead of treating it? In his memoir and prison reform book, author Hassan Nemazee grapples with challenges like these. Persia, Politics & Prison, written by Nemazee during incarceration, illuminates the lasting impact of harsh policies, many of which stemmed from the War on Drugs. While the United States holds only about 4% of the world’s population, it accounts for nearly 20% of its incarcerated individuals. Much of this stems from decades-old policies that didn’t just tackle drug use—they redefined incarceration as we know it. 

Mass incarceration wasn’t always the norm. The War on Drugs, officially declared in the 1970s, drastically reshaped sentencing laws. Mandatory minimums and "three-strikes" policies put thousands behind bars for nonviolent offenses. Federal and state-level lawmakers introduced these measures to appear “tough on crime,” but this crackdown came at a cost. Overcrowded cells and understaffed facilities are just the start. The unspoken ripple effect? Families and communities are torn apart, particularly in marginalized groups already struggling to gain a foothold in society.

These policies fundamentally altered the concept of fairness in the justice system. Offenders were no longer seen as individuals worthy of empathy or redemption but reduced to mere numbers. The focus shifted from rehabilitation to punishment. Even now, many prisons fail to offer proper reintegration programs, creating a cycle where those released are likely to return behind bars.

Taxpayers also bear a significant financial burden. Housing a single inmate costs the government around $40,000 per year, with expenses skyrocketing sharply for older inmates needing medical care. Meanwhile, funding for education and healthcare continues to be cut. Policymakers often ignore these trade-offs, failing to consider that every dollar spent on prisons is a dollar taken away from social programs that help reduce reoffending over time.

Public sentiment has slowly shifted in favor of prison reform, yet resistance from entrenched systems remains strong. Calls to reduce harsh sentencing guidelines often lead to backroom debates that delay real change. Meanwhile, organizations that profit from mass incarceration, from private prison operators to companies selling goods and services to inmates, continue lobbying against reform. It’s a classic case of vested interests overpowering good intentions.

There’s also the human element that’s frequently ignored. A prison sentence doesn’t just affect the person serving time—it reverberates through their family, friends, and communities. Kids grow up without parents, and families lose their main earners, all while society labels these individuals as irredeemable. For many, the moment they’re incarcerated marks the beginning of an uphill battle to regain basic human dignity, even long after release.

Fixing these systemic issues requires bold action, starting with understanding how we got here. Awareness can lead to advocacy and advocacy to policies that prioritize rehabilitation over retribution. Investing in drug education programs or expanding access to treatment centers could drastically reduce incarceration rates. Imagine addressing the core issue rather than its surface-level symptoms.

For more insight into these complex and critical topics, visit Hassan Nemazee’s website. You can explore his memoir and learn about his speaking engagements focused on prison reform. Every click brings us closer to understanding—and hopefully resolving—this ongoing crisis.