Iran and Its Intangibles

Recently, I returned from a 10-day trip to Iran that was primarily a touristic visit for me and my wife. However, I did talk to friends and others whose political views reflected both sides of the government-opposition divide. I sought firsthand appreciation of Iran that went beyond the American- and Israeli-influenced Western media’s heavy focus on Iran as an irresponsible international menace. I suspected that beneath the story of a nuclear standoff with the West was a deeper tale of a nation, a culture, history, identity and human values that could only be appreciated on the spot.

So, this week in Beirut, when I read reports that US President Barack Obama had briefed journalists on Wednesday about US-Iranian issues, especially the possibility of resuming nuclear negotiations, I juxtaposed that against the realities and sentiments I encountered in Iran a few weeks ago. The balance sheet was mixed.