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It was stable when I was there in '73 & hitch hiked/walked across the Trans-Syrian desert, from North to South & into Iran without witnessing demonstrations, militancy or experiencing any hostile treatment .
The only times I was "kidnapped" was by friendly Iraqis who insisted on paying for my meals or that I join them for family dinners, meet their friends or allow them to show me some of the more obscure archeological sites.
There was no hostility toward America or Americans, only curiosity about life in America, U.S. Mid East policy, American music, cars etc.
Recent sentiments of the IRANIAN people toward Westerners are reportedly similar to those I felt in Iraq
“Iran is the most charming country on Earth”
John Simpson: Iran is the most charming country on Earth - Telegraph
EXCERPT "What you would encounter is a genuine delight to see you: a distinctly old-fashioned affection for westerners, who have vanished from everyday life in Iran. Eating in a Tehran restaurant can sometimes be a trial: so many people want to greet you and indeed pay for your meal."CONTINUED
The British author (John Simpson) relates his experience at a "Death To Britain/Thatcher" demonstrating that hostile rhetoric from Iranian clerics is not to be taken seriously:
[Same Article]
EXCERPT "I weaved my way through the crowd, smiling and explaining that I was a Brit, and they opened up a pathway for me, shaking hands and bowing.
I finally reached the ringmaster, a professional demonstrator who was beating his chest, the spittle shooting from his mouth in his anti-British fervour. “Welcome, welcome to Iran, sir,” he said, and actually kissed my hand. It went down well on the news that night, I promise you."CONTINUED
So, apparently, there is more anti Iranian sentiment by poorly informed Americans than there is serious anti American sentiment from Iranians.
The bellicose "Death to America/Israel/Britain etc" is meaningless rhetoric. Thanks