Some nice images there, thanks for posting it.

Kind of convenient that there were no pictures of their nuclear weapon plants or terrorist training camps.

...sent this one to my Grandma...

Thanks.

For what it's worth...
these are the first two results in a Google image search of "Iran"


The rest of the first page is very similar.

I have a few friends from Iran who have shown me similar pictures and encouraged me to travel there for a bit of tourism to get the 'real deal' on that country. From what I gather, it seems to be quite an all right place in spite of the government and fundamentalist/authoritarian assholes. Much like the United States.

Go watch this BBC documentary. It's a full length movie, but even if you only watch part of it, you'll get the idea. Just because their president is fucked, just like ours is, is no reason to buy into the full on propaganda blitz. these people aren't the Nazis.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=554201962695917482

Nor is it safe to buy into the assumption that their government is oh so wonderful either.

It is my ardent fear as a leftist that we are way to quick to embrace governments who in NO way represent our ideals.

It seems like Ahmadinejad is being embraced by the left and all I'm saying is watch out. This guy is in no way someone who should remotely be embraced by the left. Nor is his government.

We also do it with Hugo Chavez. The right was guilty of it with Augusto Pinochet. (One among a long line, he's just the most famous one I could think of.)

This does not mean I want war with Iran. If the people in the country want regime change, they can handle it themselves. Not our business at all. If they don't fine, I'll just keep pointing out what dumbfucks they are for electing a dumbfuck just like people have a right to point out what super dumbfucks we are for "electing" a dumbfuck twice.

But please, lets be careful of who we willingly embrace. The torture, executions, and general oppression is not something we can casually brush aside with a few pretty pictures.

double post

ODM, I'm not especially well read on current affairs, but I am still surprised by your assertion that "Ahmadinejad is being embraced by the left". I have not read anything of the sort here, or anywhere else.

What I have read and heard is extensive critique of his failing leadership, its negative effects on the economy, and the huge disillusionment felt within his electorate.

With regards to the "dumbfucks who voted him in", his platform was to reinvigorate a faltering economy. He has done the opposite, which is why it is highly likely that in the spring his already weak powerbase is going to be beaten down further in parliamentary elections.

Rick Reuben posted a couple of very informative links the other day which I'm going through at leisure:

NPR radio discussion; and

The blog of Azadeh Moaveni, a former Time reporter who has spent much of her recent years in Iran (she's on the show above).

They offer a more measured and informed view of the country, and offer a alternative to the lamentable hysteria surround Ahmadinejad, who appears to be a loudmouth, grandstanding figurehead.

Again: nowhere do I see any Western embracing of this guy, his flirtations with Chavez notwithstanding. I find it a little depressing that every time someone tries to offer a more realistic and nuanced view of Iran, people feel obliged to ignore the view, and go, "but Ahmadinejad is evil!"

Well, he's a dick to be sure, but all Noddemix et al are trying to do is give a relatively unseen (here) perspective on the country, not just the machinations of a theocracy-corrupted political class.

Honestly, I wholeheartedly recommend all of the links posted here. They're interesting, and not just from the point of view of calming this "New Hitler" heat; the people, surrounding culture, art and movements within Iran are fascinating. I'd love to go (friends already have and heartily recommend it.)