Washington Post: A Different Face of Iran
- Everywhere I went -- from the traffic-choked streets of Tehran in the north to the dusty desert town of Yazd in central Iran, to the elegant cultural centers of Isfahan and Shiraz -- I was overwhelmed by the warmth and, dare I say it, pro-Americanism of the people I met.
While much of the rest of the world seems to be holding their collective noses at us Americans, in Iran people were literally crossing the road to shake an American's hand and say hello. Who knew?
Initially, when Iranians asked me where I was from, I'd suggest they guess. But this game quickly proved too time-consuming -- no one ever guessed correctly. So instead I would simply mumble "American." And then their faces would light up. For better or worse, Iranians are avid fans of America: its culture, films, food, music, its open, free-wheeling society.
6 comments:
I second the last bit and I'd add to it : the only govmt that can bring them Democracy.
Odd how those in power are not a mirror to the society they govern. Canada's previous government, with its culture of entitlement, seemed to reflect where Canada was at. We elected in the Conservatives as a minority government though many of their policies were not conservative. It seems like a step in the right direction for us. How can the Iranians make their government mirror their thoughts and attitudes?
John M Reynolds
That is wonderful to hear. Did you see where Ahmadinejad wants to meet with Bush for a debate???
Just a word of warning. In 1991, 2/3 of the population of Russia were very pro-American. These days, the percentage is in single digits. Corrupt Harward economists (the same Harward that hosts Khatami, btw), stupid Balcan War, and unreasonably pro-European stand on all sensitive issues made USA an enemy again. Even the people who owe their current prosperity to US opposition to Communism do not seem to appreciate that.
The answer I think is building a strong pro-American party with support and participation of writers, public figures, politicians, technocrats, military etc.
Actually, a lot should be done on American side. They don't have definition of "friend" really. Except for Israelis, of cause, who have no choice but to fight and die for American interests.
Neo-cons went a pace ahead of others, at least producing some answer - "democracy". Well, France is an established democracy, they aren't exactly a friend of US. Every one can describe "their ideal friend", except for Americans.
Winston I ran (pun intended) across this puff piece in the Miami Herald http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/opinion/15440272.htm
and was wondering if this fits into your list of self deluded Iranian exiles.
Although she attacks the regime in Tehran, she also says crap like this:
Another exceptional Iranian-American woman, living in America since she was a child, says she keeps thinking about the Japanese Americans -- sent to camps by the U.S. government during World War II -- and worries it could happen again to people like her.
Now this is just my take on itwhat do you think
Terry,
Every one can describe "their ideal friend", except for Americans.
Do you think that's really true? I don't. I think the criteria for a "friend" on the world stage is the same as for a personal friend. Somebody who is there to offer a helping hand when you stumble, somebody who accepts (or at least tolerates) your flaws, somebody who offers support and encouragement, etc.
Who in Europe fits that bill, for America? Nobody. Not even the Brits, our best allies. They tear down America every single day in the BBC and say the vilest possible things about us.... and not just about the politicians, about America's culture and people in general.
I don't think that it is America that has lost it's concept of international friendships. I think it is most of the rest of the world. Although I'll freely admit, US diplomats and policy wonks have set us back repeatedly with their machiavellian attitudes. Some of the criticism of the US is much deserved... however, a friend would make sure that criticism was constructive, and would present it in a manner which might be helpful. That's not what the US gets. The US gets over-the-top cheap shots and outright slander, instead.
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