Bomb carefully
Some of the earliest civilisations grew up in Mesopotamia, between the banks of the Tigris and Euphrates, which run through Iraq. Neighbouring Iran has its fair share of ancient history; Persepolis - the great city of the Persians is in south central Iran and is dramatically different to the image President Bush portrays of the country.
Modern Iran is caricatured as an evil state, menacingly stockpiling nuclear weapons to assault Israel and Europe. While the Iranian government should be seen this way, the Iranian people should not.
Like many populations ruled by despotic governments, the people of Iran should not have their name sullied by the actions a government imposed upon them.
James Vlahos of National Geographic took advantage of a new Iranian initiative to welcome tourists - even Americans - to learn about the real Iran. It’s a brilliant way to counter the propaganda from the US.
He visited Persepolis and Esfahan, the latter being an extraordinarily beautiful city. More Casablanca than Syriana. In Esfahan he chatted with locals, explored beautiful and ancient Mosques, and witnessed the real change happening in Iran today: his guide Maziar Rahimi spoke to him of “The young women wearing their scarves far back and more makeup. Change is coming.”
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad remains a serious threat to global security. His nuclear weapons program is not only real but must be halted immediately. However, that does not mean blowing up the parts of Iran James Vlahos visited. We already know of Humvees rampaging through ancient Iraqi towns and the rampant looting in Baghdad. This is what we must avoid. These countries are led by evil men, but they themselves are not evil. An hour speaking with Vahid Mousavifard, an ordinary citizen, an example of the real Iran, would make this plainly clear to all who deign to find out.
