I remember reading several months ago about the “Israel loves Iran” campaign that turned into a mutual sign of respect between people in each country. At first I was surprised by it, because the impression that I received was that Israelis must have a harsh impression of Iran based on the words of Prime Minister Netanyahu. However, as you described Israel’s government is providing a different future for the country than what the people appear to be asking for. Of course, these issues are very complicated but whether it be questions of military service or rhetoric with Iran, the farther right/ orthodox groups in Israel always seem to be in the way of progress. It really shows the weakness of multi-party systems, as the Prime Minister has his hands tied to a minority group.

I will be travelling to Iran in one month, and I am positive I will bear witness the difference between the different social classes and the government. From the richer North Tehran neighborhoods selling apple products in independently owned “Apple Stores,” to the massive unemployment among the young people, to the massive inflation caused my economic mismanagement and harsh sanctions, you could say Iran too is facing contrasting realities. In fact, Iran has the highest sales of Porsche cars than any other city in the Middle East. To me, this makes Iran a prime example of the “schizophrenia” you described in Israel.

I believe the theme of contrasting realities is a common one among Middle Eastern countries, maybe perhaps even in much of the world impacted by the world recession. I recall last time I visited Iran back in 2006 I was relaxing by the Caspian sea while visiting a 5-star hotel (that once upon a time was owned by Hyatt). Even with comparably minor economic problems back then, I thought it was interesting how one can just escape to a beautiful place when so much is going on right by you. It will be interesting see how Iran has changed in the past 6 years, but unfortunately I bet it has turned for the worse.

I enjoyed your post, please keep them coming!