I watched the DVD Rick Steves' Iran. It is an overview of Iranian history and culture.
What I learned is that Iranians are Persian, not Arab. Their written history goes back over 2500 years. This is the home of Babylon, the place of exile for ancient Hebrews.
In 1951, the popularly elected prime minister nationalized oil companies. People rallied against this move. The CIA intervened in 1953, to remove the prime minister and bring in the Shah of Iran. The oil companies came to life again. But the Shah irritated some Iranians because he imbibed liquor, lived richly, and generally behaved decadently in their eyes. Eventually students erupted in 1979, and took Americans in the embassy hostage for over 400 days. Most of us remember this. Now Iran is the Islamic Republic of Iran. There is a president, but it is the Imam who has final say about government actions.
For a delightful look at the country, which our Congress loves to hate, and to see young and old sending loving greetings to Americans, check out this DVD.
Another detailed look into Iran that I would recommend is Nobel Laureate Shirin Ebadi's book, Iran Awakening, which is in Acorn Public Library's collection. A most readable entree into understanding Iran.
-Janice Gintzler, Acorn patron
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