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We went to Iran as Peace Corps volunteers in 1974, and came back in 1978, having finished our 2 years in Peace Corps and continuing there in private sector jobs. Our son was born there in 1978. We love Iran, and in June 2006, we returned for a two-week tour with Global Exchange.

Remarkably, we found the same outgoing people welcoming us to their country at every turn. Iran is poorer now than it was 30 years ago, but it retains its splendor, pride, and hospitality toward westerners, especially Americans.

The idea of attacking or bombing Iran when we haven't even spoken diplomatically with them is beyond belief. In this day and age, war, unless in self-defense, is obsolete. Preemptive war is barbaric, and should be out of the question.

Iran has offered us opportunities for discussion, which we have ignored. It is behaving in a mannner consistent with its situation of being surrounded by nuclear powers and watching the US wage wars on two sides. A visionary, yet pragmatic American leader would see the possibility of enlisting Iran as an ally and helper in bringing calm ad stability to this turbulent corner of the world.

It is a very small world these days, and we have to work together. There is no other way.

posted 4 years, 11 months ago
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