I have colleagues and friends who've immigrated to my country from Iran and who're in in daily contact with as well as take regular trips to the friends and family they've got living there. The image I've gotten of the place is nothing like the devilish hell hole that US and European media depicts it to be. It's a modern society with an ancient culture. Sure it's a country which struggles with poverty, social injustice and religious fundamentalism, that's undeniable. However, in many regards the same image could be painted of the US or even my own country of Sweden, should anyone feel the desire to do so, even if the degree to which the national problems manifest themselves vary. What is so very important to keep in mind, and what the media is very careful not to show you, is the actual people. That's why I like this video and others like it (although the music in this one wasn't really necessary IMO), because it humanizes them in a media conversation which otherwise thrives on dehumanizing to push a political agenda.

*promote

For others interested in see what Iran is really like, I would highly suggest one of the videos Rick Steves has done on Iran:
http://videosift.com/video/Rick-Steves-travel-show-in-Iran-aired-Jan-2009
http://videosift.com/video/Rick-Steves-Lectures-Iran-59-minutes

Promoting this video and sending it back into the queue for one more try; last queued Saturday, January 7th, 2012 11:39am PST - promote requested by Skeeve.

Dick Santorum, real mature. We all know it's Cock Santorum.

The people of Iran are not our enemy, Their government is pretty darn sketchy, But so is mine. My government has been fucking with Iranian politics for over 60 years, It we would be best for everybody if we just butted-out for once.

Ron Paul for Prez!