Understanding Iran
As political turmoil continues in Iran, many Americans lack the basic information needed to assess these tumultuous events. So here's a simple introductory lesson you can share with family and friends.
![](http://d.yimg.com/a/p/rids/20090616/i/ra256989339.jpg?x=400&y=265&q=85&sig=bxK.fhBq8syq7TmXbrUtBg--)
This is a mass political demonstration in Tehran. In the US, this would be a line for the latest iPhone.
![](http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20090615/capt.7bdf362a27704e1799929e428e155917.mideast_iran_election_xhs118.jpg?x=400&y=266&q=85&sig=r.DCNiLqgGO0Fg93i0QMlw--)
Here, angry Iranians set fire to a car, showing their extreme displeasure with election results. In the US, this sometimes happens after a home team wins a big game, or loses one, depending where you are. East Lansing, Michigan, for instance.
![](http://d.yimg.com/a/p/afp/20090617/capt.photo_1245216755443-3-0.jpg?x=400&y=313&q=85&sig=etDsye3sufKCUBndxvqpzA--)
Here, an Iranian riot cop beats an unarmed citizen. In the US, this would be the opening to a Spike TV reality show.
![](http://d.yimg.com/a/p/rids/20090616/i/r1931015820.jpg?x=400&y=306&q=85&sig=ZkupZCvQQnL7eZ7Qkgsrwg--)
Here the Shah's son begs for a chance to rule Iran as did his father. A lot like George W. Bush, crossed with comedian Jackie Mason.
![](http://d.yimg.com/a/p/afp/20090616/capt.photo_1245130417868-7-0.jpg?x=400&y=278&q=85&sig=Pi6H3c2lzYc.bVKK4dADAg--)
Here, an Iranian protester deals with being shot in the arm. In the US, this happens in countless backyards on drunken Saturday nights.
![](http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20090615/capt.04fdd5117702476cbb7f8ae756ef5d44.mideast_iran_election_abc105.jpg?x=400&y=245&q=85&sig=YQ7EByTkAlwXXEPSPoPRig--)
Here, a young Iranian spray paints "Down with the dictator" on a public building. In the US, this would read, "No fat chicks!"
![](http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20090615/capt.82dd8172bf764dbebae78a79628c29ef.iran_election_vah105.jpg?x=400&y=266&q=85&sig=AgwJQGOgV9_1cXiQiDVPNg--)
Here, a suspected government agent is beaten by angry demonstrators. In the US, this happens when a New York Giants fan wanders into a Philadelphia Eagles tailgate party.
![](http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20090615/capt.6d268812bfd3412087751f74c86cf9a1.iran_election_abc116.jpg?x=400&y=239&q=85&sig=uqhaJaBPxdjeDrEoei50ww--)
Here, an Iranian demonstrator wears a mask to hide his identity from government agents. In the US, this guy would be attending the Comic-Con comic book convention.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5c/Iran_BMNG.png/250px-Iran_BMNG.png)
Here is a satellite photo of Iran. In the US, 67% would identify this as a Sara Lee coffee cake with vanilla frosting.
![](http://d.yimg.com/a/p/rids/20090616/i/ra256989339.jpg?x=400&y=265&q=85&sig=bxK.fhBq8syq7TmXbrUtBg--)
This is a mass political demonstration in Tehran. In the US, this would be a line for the latest iPhone.
![](http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20090615/capt.7bdf362a27704e1799929e428e155917.mideast_iran_election_xhs118.jpg?x=400&y=266&q=85&sig=r.DCNiLqgGO0Fg93i0QMlw--)
Here, angry Iranians set fire to a car, showing their extreme displeasure with election results. In the US, this sometimes happens after a home team wins a big game, or loses one, depending where you are. East Lansing, Michigan, for instance.
![](http://d.yimg.com/a/p/afp/20090617/capt.photo_1245216755443-3-0.jpg?x=400&y=313&q=85&sig=etDsye3sufKCUBndxvqpzA--)
Here, an Iranian riot cop beats an unarmed citizen. In the US, this would be the opening to a Spike TV reality show.
![](http://d.yimg.com/a/p/rids/20090616/i/r1931015820.jpg?x=400&y=306&q=85&sig=ZkupZCvQQnL7eZ7Qkgsrwg--)
Here the Shah's son begs for a chance to rule Iran as did his father. A lot like George W. Bush, crossed with comedian Jackie Mason.
![](http://d.yimg.com/a/p/afp/20090616/capt.photo_1245130417868-7-0.jpg?x=400&y=278&q=85&sig=Pi6H3c2lzYc.bVKK4dADAg--)
Here, an Iranian protester deals with being shot in the arm. In the US, this happens in countless backyards on drunken Saturday nights.
![](http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20090615/capt.04fdd5117702476cbb7f8ae756ef5d44.mideast_iran_election_abc105.jpg?x=400&y=245&q=85&sig=YQ7EByTkAlwXXEPSPoPRig--)
Here, a young Iranian spray paints "Down with the dictator" on a public building. In the US, this would read, "No fat chicks!"
![](http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20090615/capt.82dd8172bf764dbebae78a79628c29ef.iran_election_vah105.jpg?x=400&y=266&q=85&sig=AgwJQGOgV9_1cXiQiDVPNg--)
Here, a suspected government agent is beaten by angry demonstrators. In the US, this happens when a New York Giants fan wanders into a Philadelphia Eagles tailgate party.
![](http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20090615/capt.6d268812bfd3412087751f74c86cf9a1.iran_election_abc116.jpg?x=400&y=239&q=85&sig=uqhaJaBPxdjeDrEoei50ww--)
Here, an Iranian demonstrator wears a mask to hide his identity from government agents. In the US, this guy would be attending the Comic-Con comic book convention.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5c/Iran_BMNG.png/250px-Iran_BMNG.png)
Here is a satellite photo of Iran. In the US, 67% would identify this as a Sara Lee coffee cake with vanilla frosting.
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