Old foes Iran, U.S. wrestle it out

Douglas Miller, Detroit, Michigan — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 21:34:03 GMT

We are not "old foes" as the author falsely claims. The West in general and America in particular have had good relations with Persia for quite awhile. It is only since the mid 70s when the Ayatollah Khomeini overthrew the government and imposed a theocratic dictatorship that we have been at odds. The Mullahs who rule Iran with an iron fist are dogmatic religious fanatics who desire Islamic world domination. And they will stop at nothing to get their way. When they obtain nuclear weapons which most experts fear will be this year, it's likely they will use them. And they won't just stop when they have annihilated Israel. America and Europe are in their sites as well. The wrestling tournament in Tehran is just PR and a propaganda stunt meant to lower our guard. The Persians are nice people but the monsters in power will murder many millions of people if they aren't stopped soon. And that won't happen by pinning them in a wrestling match. This is not the time for fun and games.

Old foes Iran, U.S. wrestle it out

Shawn Hamzee, Columbus, OH — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 21:42:05 GMT

What positive outlook these guys have, it's very productive. They must have had a great time in Iran. It can only be helpful to send American wrestlers to Iran because wrestling is such a popular sport in Iran. It won't hurt to send the US national soccer team to Iran as a followup to this event.

Old foes Iran, U.S. wrestle it out

don smith, tulsa, ok — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 21:49:50 GMT

I wrestled in high school, almost forty yeras ago, and the Iranians were held in awe, back then. For that matter, all of the middle eastern countries have been famous for their wrestling skills as far back in history that we can go.

Old foes Iran, U.S. wrestle it out

Shafiq Hassan.Norcross.Ga. — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 22:18:43 GMT

Good start.hope we can build future sporting and friendly contacts in the spirit envisioned by these wonderful young athletes.

Old foes Iran, U.S. wrestle it out

Chris, Gresham, Oregon — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 22:19:18 GMT

Its always nice to hear stories like this... That despite political differences we can treat each other with mutual respect and have fun together too.

Old foes Iran, U.S. wrestle it out

Sam, Las Vegas,Nevada — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 22:33:45 GMT

Iranians possess one of the world's greatest cultures. I am not surprised to see the sportsmanship from Iranians. This event is a good step towards healing the wounds in Iran -American relation.

Old foes Iran, U.S. wrestle it out

CIRO — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 22:49:48 GMT

Pretty awesome! I hope people open their eyes and see that Iran is more than the negative press it's recieved in the last few decades in the U.S

Old foes Iran, U.S. wrestle it out

Richard Walters, University Place, WA — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 22:57:37 GMT

...ahhhhh! If only we could eliminate the politicians!

Old foes Iran, U.S. wrestle it out

Tom H Green Bay, WI — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 23:13:18 GMT

Well done guys.

Old foes Iran, U.S. wrestle it out

Josh, Chicago, Illinois — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 23:24:34 GMT

Iranians, just as Americans, appreciate great wrestling. No matter where the competitor is from and no matter the ongoing politcal mood, if you are a skill competitor, respect is won. Athletics is a great way for people to find common ground

Old foes Iran, U.S. wrestle it out

Luke, Montrose, CA — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 00:40:20 GMT

Some people will scoff, but it is events such as this and the ping-pong in China that can make a difference. Change doesn't often happen all at once, it is incremental. I hope this is one such increment.

Old foes Iran, U.S. wrestle it out

Jim, Shoshone, ID — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 01:52:38 GMT

That competition is a good thing.

"But war's a game, which, were their subjects wise, Kings would not play at" — Wm. Cowper

Old foes Iran, U.S. wrestle it out

Charles Kron, Boston, MA — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 02:32:40 GMT

People through out the world are all basically the same; family, friends, prosperity, enjoy life. The small percentage that seek power for their own gain is what corrupts nations. Athletic competitions seem to bring out the best in all nations (excluding the corrupt judges). Athletes get it. We compete to our best, there is a winner; if you lose, you congratulate the winner and move forward to do better. Almost all athletes understand the concept of improving one's self to be better, without corruption or violating the rules of the game. Unfortunately, politicians see "the game" differently. It is do whatever it takes to eliminate your opponent. This includes graft, corruption, greed, and even murder. The few percent who have gained enough power within a country do not speak for the masses of that country. I am not excluding the US as our government officials have become drunk on the power they have obtained. In short, almost all people, throughout the world, are the same. They want to enjoy life, raise a family, cheer for their country in world events. If all people were given the choice of who their leaders were it might be small step to reaching world unity. The world's leaders and the world's people know which leaders are corrupt and should be disposed, but nothing is done to remove these despots; we don't want offend anyone even though they are killing their own people! This attitude will only lead to despotic nations. If Iran and America can survive a wrestling tournament, then I think there is still hope; as long as people speak out and take action taken against those leaders that jeopardize the world's survival.

Old foes Iran, U.S. wrestle it out

Joe Schmo, Any City, Any Stae — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 02:40:55 GMT

This is just another example that it is not people but governments that taint the world. We are all the same all around the world. People do not want to be oppressed regardless of their religious beliefs. We must end this ignorance and start to understand that we as a people can live in peace. after all it is the same thing that we all want, a safe place to raise our children.

Old foes Iran, U.S. wrestle it out

eli pine, secaucus nj — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 03:25:16 GMT

About 8 years ago I called on talk show radio personality Bob Grant (and he would remember). I said over the air with millions of listeners "you know how to make friends with Iran? All you have to say to them is "We have better wrestlers then you". You think anyone, especially Bush listened? Now 8 years of hate later it happened. It DOESN'T MATTER WHO WINS, ONLY THAT THEY PLAY".

Old foes Iran, U.S. wrestle it out

Bob Rudick — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 04:04:12 GMT

Kudos to both people.
Great Job.

Old foes Iran, U.S. wrestle it out

D Miller — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 04:05:51 GMT

Now if only good hearted people ran the countries instead of the incharge power hungry who are paranoid and scared of their own shadows. Stories like this happen every day and we need to see them covered more often.

Old foes Iran, U.S. wrestle it out

Tim, Scranton, PA — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 04:12:00 GMT

Thanks for a great feature. Happenings such as this occur more often than reported. The positivity is welcome.

Old foes Iran, U.S. wrestle it out

Patrick, Los Angeles, CA — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 04:34:18 GMT

most humans act/re-act out of fear, and most of us fear the unknown, ignorance is lack of knowledge and politicians (Master Criminals) keep us in the dark with ignorance and therefore fearful so we all act in unison with their evil agenda. Iranian people have never hated American people, had it not been for the Master Criminals there would be no threat of clash between the two cultures, how is one to reconcile this "true" story and the one heard and seen every day on the Natinal Media, we know this one is true, what about the one we have been hearing all along...

Old foes Iran, U.S. wrestle it out

JustAJoe, Pasadena, CA — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 04:40:45 GMT

The Iranian quoted is right, Americans and Iranians become friends easily. The Iranians I have met are as much like terrorist bombers as my grandmother. The Iranian people are so much different from the stereotypes we have of the here. If we have problems with the Iranian government, so do many Iranians. I hope President Obama stops the march to war and brings real "change" to thr situation.

Old foes Iran, U.S. wrestle it out

Jon Olson, Fairfax, VA — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 05:01:27 GMT

We are fine with the world. We only have stupid Politicans who use us like puppets.

Old foes Iran, U.S. wrestle it out

George S. San Jose,CA — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 06:06:33 GMT

As an Iranian-American I have to give the American team a Gold medal for being gutsy and breaking through all the barriers, to go and reinstate the true American sportsmanship and image. Something the politicians have not done for 30 years. Great job guys.

Old foes Iran, U.S. wrestle it out

Alex Seif — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 07:23:25 GMT

As a person who has studied in U.S. and now lives in Iran and knows both cultures very well, I can appreciate what these small contacts mean and hope that they will lead to bigger things. Both Iran and U.S have great cultures and people and by coming together, we will have a much safer and better world.

Old foes Iran, U.S. wrestle it out

majicman, Seattle WA — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 09:59:07 GMT

Hey, I'm surprised, No red-neck comments yet? WOW!

By the way, why don't we see a coment from a US Official, the "Change Admin.", in the article? I wonder.

Old foes Iran, U.S. wrestle it out

rick fargo north dakota — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 10:12:59 GMT

Do you notice how it is always politicians and bigots that ruin countires relationships? And then common soldiers lose theirs live becaudse of it

Old foes Iran, U.S. wrestle it out

Aziz pokaetse, Maseru, Lesotho — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 10:46:46 GMT

i think media tend to play hard ball unneccessarily to appease the politically powerful in their own countries, otherwise histry shows that thru sport, a lot of political barriers could easily be cut thru.

Old foes Iran, U.S. wrestle it out

Rito Dominguez, High Point, NC — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 12:42:30 GMT

This is a great story and I hope that the politicians in both countries realize that people can get along without politics. I hope we can expand more events like this in the future. Competition brings the very best in us.

Old foes Iran, U.S. wrestle it out

TrooperRecon 101st Hopkinsville, KY — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 13:28:51 GMT

Iranian populace, the majority are under 40, love the West, want change. Shame a few old radical moslems have control over the country. REGIME CHANGE, if possible, must come from within-with alot of help from Western intel org.'s. The people are NOT the problem.

Old foes Iran, U.S. wrestle it out

joe , thibodaux La — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 14:07:54 GMT

Sports and Music always seem to bring out the " Human" side of life. It realy is good to read a feel good story every now and then ,dont see to many of them anymore.

Old foes Iran, U.S. wrestle it out

Lester Ware — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 16:13:38 GMT

I was on the las US trip to compete in Iran in 1978 they treated us like Rockstars then, they are lovely people we were horrified to see the Embassy taken over. But people everywhere can be decieved by their government. I am glad to see this wall starting to come down.

Old foes Iran, U.S. wrestle it out

Eric — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 17:21:01 GMT

Good to see American and Iranian relations warming in at least some aspect, I hope it spreads on both sides.

Old foes Iran, U.S. wrestle it out

Sharon Walker Folsom, CA — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 19:01:39 GMT

Dear Friends:
With Respects to Russia and Iran and the other nations of the world, I make this comment. The topic of this discussion, while politically trite, invite and are threatening, invocative of not just controversy but war. Responible writers know when not to say things in this manner. This creates hostility and a sense of threats. The same day that Russia and Venezuela have suggested bringing aircraft base into Cuba. My manner as history would show was to bring conversation and open airspace safer for all nations. This I call on for all leaders amoung the world and the press. Prudent publication and topics and friendships. Russia why do you and Venezuela want these planes here, what are you preparing for? God be with you. Amen.

Old foes Iran, U.S. wrestle it out

MD, San Diego, CA — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 19:08:45 GMT

I am proud of Zeke Jones and our team to represent US. Their sense of human relation, friendship and diplomacy far exceed George Bush's adminstration.

Wishing for better relations between Iran and US. Maybe one day the Iranian people can free themselves from the grip of the Mullahs.

Old foes Iran, U.S. wrestle it out

Neutral Man — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 19:18:31 GMT

It is nice to see two countries long at odds with each to compete in sports. But I, neither from Iran nor from USA have to say this: I don't think Iran's leaders are crazy enough bomb USA or Europe; they would be destroyed and annihilated.... But why doesn't US stop its near fanatical support of Israel?? Should the USA actually stop trying to dominate the Middle East, perhaps it won't find enemies in Iran and in the Arab and Muslim world. Too bad the Israeli / Jewish lobby in the US has powerful influence on the US government (as well as US media which I think is biased when reporting on the Middle East) I also think the average American does not care about the world outside the US... I advise the US people to actually travel around the world to learn what people really are, not what the media reports them to be... Finally, I suggest US people should actually rely on news sources other than US media - try going for the BBC (British media) or Aljazeera (Qatari media)

Old foes Iran, U.S. wrestle it out

Steve, Seattle, WA — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 19:32:42 GMT

It's a start. Next, let's see the Iranian hockey team compete with the USA team.

Old foes Iran, U.S. wrestle it out

Mehran, Houston, Texas — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 20:44:06 GMT

As an Iranian-American I'm very pround to see the two great cultures coming together in harmony. I believe this is awsome, the wresling team and alike are the real nation-builders and we need more of these events. The Iranians over 70million in population love the american free spirit, sophistication, and yet simple and down to earth people.

Old foes Iran, U.S. wrestle it out

jp, germany — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 23:08:34 GMT

i think our government makes iran out to be a lot worse than what they are. they are a strong nation in the middle east, and i think we need to open diplomatic channels with them. they are a totally different country now from when they took over the embassy.

Old foes Iran, U.S. wrestle it out

Terry Tamillow, Oak Park, IL — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 23:13:37 GMT

Iran was a gracious host to the U.S. at the Takhti Cup.

Old foes Iran, U.S. wrestle it out

Jason Damato, Daly City, CA — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 00:33:49 GMT

I am sure that the Iranian people in large, are or can be, as good-hearted and kind as anybody else in the world. That being said, I would like to remind you to take a closer look into what is going on in Iran at this moment. Take a look at everything that the Iranian President says in his speeches. Everything starting from their Nuclear Program, to threats to "annihilate" Israel and wipe it off the map..To his take on America and the rest of the world and you will see a very different Iran than the one being portrayed here in this Wrestling Match article. I know it makes you feel good to think "wow they are just like us" and the people might very well be, however, it is time to put our guard up, and not down against the Iranian Government and their Agenda. Real Talk.

Old foes Iran, U.S. wrestle it out

raul miami florida — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 01:16:27 GMT

to: Douglas Miller, Detroit, Michigan

well if we didnt invent the atomic bomb we wouldnt be in this position now would we nor would we be in it if we would just stop changing world governments. we did it to russia and then abandon them instead of nation building them then we wonder why they hate us. same thing seems to be happening in iraq and afghanistan. as long as we treat the world like pawns they will forever play the chess game and one day they will all get tired of playin. so spare your hate mongering or fear of another country advancing thier technology because we do the same its not fair to ask a nation to stop processing yet we have most of the arsenal its like telling kids not to do drugs while you have your office desk full of crack!!!

Old foes Iran, U.S. wrestle it out

Victoria, Toronto — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 02:08:01 GMT

aww, it's nice to hear something nice for a change, and it's nice to hear people like this story except for the guy at the top who thinks they are all evil.

Old foes Iran, U.S. wrestle it out

Larry Byrnes Clearwater Florida — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 06:40:18 GMT

The citizens of the US and Iran were never foes so how could they be "old foes"?? It's the large bankers that create an artificial conflict and the heavily controlled press that promotes conflict-for-profit-through-debt-and-interest that are the real foes. And they are the foes of most of the planet's population. Very well done to the participants and fans in this sporting event for demonstrating the truth!

Old foes Iran, U.S. wrestle it out

Kim, San Diego, CA — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 08:30:58 GMT

The bottom line is Iran could care less if the USA was there or not. Their leadership hates us, they betrayed International trust in 1979 when they kidnapped and held hostage Americans for over a year. You cannot say its all good when the truth be known, Iran would nuke us in a heartbeat. Don't forget that, its a fact.

Old foes Iran, U.S. wrestle it out

Ron S. New York, New York — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 08:50:14 GMT

Talk is cheap. The people of Iran wanted change, so they banded behind the Ayatollah in the 1970s and defeated him. They got what they wanted. A violent tyranical ruling system, worse than the shah rver was, and a ruined economy. They are hell-bent on spreading the degradation of women and intolerance of any infidels and death to all who step out of line policies in the name of 'religion' (yeah right) on the rest of the peaceful world. If the 'people' were so peace loving , they would rid themselves of this trash they have for 'guidance' and 'rulers'. But they won't, because that is what they want. They afterall fought a revolution to get it. They want it the way it is. Don't be fooled by cheap talk, actions count, and believing such nonsense is what they all are programmed to believe, just like Ahmad-in-the-head said at the U.N.," Homosexuals do not exist in Iran" I am not fooled one bit. When nukes start flyin, remember where you heard it first. Right here.

Old foes Iran, U.S. wrestle it out

M Sapra, India — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 12:46:34 GMT

I agree with Mr. Miller, "they will stop at nothing to let that happen". Too bad G. Bush isn't here to protect the US anymore.

Old foes Iran, U.S. wrestle it out

Bhoopalan Srinivasan — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 13:51:52 GMT

Not just wrestling, let Iran be invited for other things to cool the temper. Hope they would agree to abide the IAEC directives to clear the nuclear stand off.

Old foes Iran, U.S. wrestle it out

Dan Ottawa — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 15:28:44 GMT

Well said, Douglas Miller.

Old foes Iran, U.S. wrestle it out

Mike, Tempe, AZ — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 18:48:34 GMT

This is fantatic. I saw a documentary recently about joint Jewish/Arab art and dance programs in Israel and the territories. This sort of thing is our best hope for future peace. It is hard to dehumanize someone after having worked with them over time on a possitive project, be it sports, art, whatever.

Old foes Iran, U.S. wrestle it out

Dave R — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 19:13:50 GMT

This is just about where relationships were before Iran was declared an "axis of evil". They had a moderate president, highly educated (women and men), young population, and several fairly open newspapers.

The lessons of sports for yong people should not be trivialized, (greedy, drug-assisted professionals notwithstanding). If our former adminisration had learned youthful sports lessons about the appropriate place and time to be a warrior then maybe....

Old foes Iran, U.S. wrestle it out

Gordon Hampden — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 19:59:00 GMT

There is only one God. You cut any person in the world, and that person will bleed red. The people of the world need to force their governments to do away with theocratic and other forms of government that hinders people of the world from coming together. I think they have lost sight of another valuable point - there is only one world. We should be joining hands fighting global warming, global hunger/starvation and the many other initiatives that will keep the next generation alive and give them a decent quality of life. Enough already with this craziness. Time to come together is now.

Old foes Iran, U.S. wrestle it out

Hamid S. Bellevue, WA — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 20:50:29 GMT

Those people like, Douglas Miller, Detroit, Michigan, who are so much paranoid and emotional, better stop reading useless and fabricated reports of some magazines/papers and stop listening to/watching the made up TV/radio news on Iran and Middle East. They have divided the world into good guys and bad guys and want you to think that all Americans and Israelis are good and the rest of the Middle East is bad.
There is no and there will not be such a thing as an evil nuclear Iran with dangerous mind. This is all illusion, made by some sick minded monkeys who have destroyed the peace and dignity of Americans life and drained their money, over several years, and now try to create a monster to divert your mind.
Iran’s people and governments (any ideology of it over 2500 years) have not been - in any moment of their history - hostile to anyone/any land but those who attacked them and tried to destroy them.
If Americans have a true/real supporter and friend around the world, that will be Iranians. The fun part is that with so much anger from Iranian government (with its Islamic/scary approach) toward American government (with Imperialist/scary approach), it is the only government that truly supporting Americans in a way that other governments cannot imagine it.
Keep the sports activity at high to re-establish relationship.

Old foes Iran, U.S. wrestle it out

GASTON, Indianapolis IN — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 01:32:00 GMT

It is just like Ping Pong diplomacy with China, it is time Uncle Sam apologize for the CIA backed overthrow of a democratically elected Prime Minister Mossadegh in the early 50s if we are serious to engage with Iran