It breaks my heart to think that so many good people in beautiful countries with such rich cultures have to suffer because of some destructive idiots who are playing their petty, deadly games. Hope your friends will stay safe.
Thanks for this. I'm not much of a traveller, but I love Iranian cinema and have often been surprised by its progressivist elements that are woven in (in spite of censorship?) The films I've seen are some of the most poetically philosophical I've ever seen (without the pretentions of some European arthouse cinema traditions).
I love this story. And, though I have not been to Tehran, the picture you paint very much gels with those who I’ve known and who have been dear to me from Iran.
What an interesting story about a country many of us will never visit. As an American, I am devastated and ashamed of this military operation. Many, many Americans do not support our leadership or this war. I hope they are safe. I look forward to reading your next installment.
I appreciate it, thank you. Thinking more of it, I also fail to understand the logic of long-term American politics in the region, positioning themselves against Iran but with Saudi Arabia, whose culture and values are definitely less compatible with the West than Iran.
There is no *logic* to US politics there. A lot of people have emotions about Israel (and _maybe_ the rest of the Middle East) because of religious beliefs. There are still plenty of people who remember when the American embassy was turned into hostages in 1980 -- and that is most of what they know about Iran. We know that the Middle East in general can be a bad neighborhood, and sometimes that makes gas (which is in practice the easiest way for us to gauge inflation) more expensive.
Other than that, knowledge and interest are scarce enough that a few dedicated (and likely self-serving or clueless) people can sway government policy in somewhat random ways -- and sometimes do. (That lack of knowledge or interest is also true about our policy in many other countries, except that there are fewer voters with strong emotions.)
As bad as that sounds, tell me what the average person from country X knows about Arkansas, or one of our other small-to-medium states. Because our individual states are often the size of countries. Even as an American, I don't know all that much about Arkansas, because it isn't a neighboring state ... so I pay perhaps as much attention as a Swede would to Croatia. Not zero, but also no deep and well-informed opinions. In the past, you could expect better from our diplomatic service, but they are not the ones driving big and flashy decisions.
I am European who lived in the US. Funny enough, when here in Europe confronted with (common) sneering about an average American not knowing, say, the name of capital of Hungary, I use your example. I ask the man what’s the capital of Kentucky which, btw, has higher GDP than Hungary. Of course, the man does not know.
How many of friends now think the mullahs are just idiots after they murdered 30, 000 prostestors against their idiocy? I hope your friends stay safe. Idiotic war started by idiots.
Fascinating, reminds me of the gap between propaganda about Russia and the reality. Even liberal critics of the government joke that Moscow feels freer than London. Actually, they’re not even joking when they say it.
I was just making coffee, Monday morning, waiting for something to cheer me up. And now I smiled. Thank you, Rebel Nun! Ps. Are you really a Rebel Nun? Sounds like you should start blogging!!
I wish that you smile every day; your writing is an inspiration. 🪷 I’m afraid I’m much too lazy to be either a blogger or a real nun; it’s a mentality and a fantasy (Doctor Who is also here on Substack! One of my favorites.) Thanks for doing the work for us!
It breaks my heart to think that so many good people in beautiful countries with such rich cultures have to suffer because of some destructive idiots who are playing their petty, deadly games. Hope your friends will stay safe.
Yes, I think along the same lines. My friends are physically safe but don’t feel safe. The skies over Tehran have been black from smoke.
They are all alive. We talk often. But it’s far from OK. The country is on fire, pretty much.
Very interesting. Hope they’re all OK?
Thanks for this. I'm not much of a traveller, but I love Iranian cinema and have often been surprised by its progressivist elements that are woven in (in spite of censorship?) The films I've seen are some of the most poetically philosophical I've ever seen (without the pretentions of some European arthouse cinema traditions).
Really enjoying your writing, Pablo
Your kind comment Tommy, which I saw when drinking the morning coffre, made my morning.
I love this story. And, though I have not been to Tehran, the picture you paint very much gels with those who I’ve known and who have been dear to me from Iran.
Thank you. One day when it is more calm, yiu should go. It is impossible to be disappointed in Iran. I will write more soon, time permitting
What an interesting story about a country many of us will never visit. As an American, I am devastated and ashamed of this military operation. Many, many Americans do not support our leadership or this war. I hope they are safe. I look forward to reading your next installment.
I appreciate it, thank you. Thinking more of it, I also fail to understand the logic of long-term American politics in the region, positioning themselves against Iran but with Saudi Arabia, whose culture and values are definitely less compatible with the West than Iran.
There is no *logic* to US politics there. A lot of people have emotions about Israel (and _maybe_ the rest of the Middle East) because of religious beliefs. There are still plenty of people who remember when the American embassy was turned into hostages in 1980 -- and that is most of what they know about Iran. We know that the Middle East in general can be a bad neighborhood, and sometimes that makes gas (which is in practice the easiest way for us to gauge inflation) more expensive.
Other than that, knowledge and interest are scarce enough that a few dedicated (and likely self-serving or clueless) people can sway government policy in somewhat random ways -- and sometimes do. (That lack of knowledge or interest is also true about our policy in many other countries, except that there are fewer voters with strong emotions.)
As bad as that sounds, tell me what the average person from country X knows about Arkansas, or one of our other small-to-medium states. Because our individual states are often the size of countries. Even as an American, I don't know all that much about Arkansas, because it isn't a neighboring state ... so I pay perhaps as much attention as a Swede would to Croatia. Not zero, but also no deep and well-informed opinions. In the past, you could expect better from our diplomatic service, but they are not the ones driving big and flashy decisions.
I am European who lived in the US. Funny enough, when here in Europe confronted with (common) sneering about an average American not knowing, say, the name of capital of Hungary, I use your example. I ask the man what’s the capital of Kentucky which, btw, has higher GDP than Hungary. Of course, the man does not know.
Really enjoyed this.
You are kind.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. I enjoyed both your observations and the stories you wrote about.
Tragic that often the most pro European countries (Iran, Armenia, Kurdistan) are abandoned or vilified by Europe.
I truly believe that if, after 9/11, Iran had been charmed instead of vilified it would be a full democracy today.
How many of friends now think the mullahs are just idiots after they murdered 30, 000 prostestors against their idiocy? I hope your friends stay safe. Idiotic war started by idiots.
Fascinating, reminds me of the gap between propaganda about Russia and the reality. Even liberal critics of the government joke that Moscow feels freer than London. Actually, they’re not even joking when they say it.
Thank you, Pablo. You are doing more for world peace than all the diplomats together. 🌏🌟🌈
I was just making coffee, Monday morning, waiting for something to cheer me up. And now I smiled. Thank you, Rebel Nun! Ps. Are you really a Rebel Nun? Sounds like you should start blogging!!
I wish that you smile every day; your writing is an inspiration. 🪷 I’m afraid I’m much too lazy to be either a blogger or a real nun; it’s a mentality and a fantasy (Doctor Who is also here on Substack! One of my favorites.) Thanks for doing the work for us!