Just finished reading Barbara Slavin's Bitter Friends, Bosom Enemies, a book about the U.S. and Iran, for my thesis. I'm fascinated. Those who believe Iran is just a totalitarian state hell-bent on unleashing nuclear weapons against Israel and the West had better read this book. For one thing, it's not totalitarian, but heavily factionalized. The Iranian parliament actually reminds me of the British parliament with their heated debates, only instead of knocking off each other's wigs they're knocking off each others turbans. Also, it's funny how the atmosphere among the youth in Iran generally mirrors America's - from punk-flavored rebellion (perhaps climaxing in the "pink revolution" of the late 90's, when all the girls wore hot pink under their chadors), to more conservative religious piety now. Again, that's a huge generalization, but nonetheless true, according to Slavin.
But the book is depressing because there have been so many missed opportunities for a renewed relationship with Iran. The fault lies with both sides. If only there was a way to restore relations with Iran without further alienating Sunni Arabs; of course that's a tall order.
The book reinforced my desire to visit Iran. It also reinforced my desire to see Persepolis, the animated film based on the graphic novel by Marjane Satrapi. Anyone wanna come with?
not ready to join you on your trip, but would like to read your book
I've heard such interesting things about the movie!
ooo, I want to come see Persepolis!