Iran

    At this point in time i don't have a very strong positive or negative opinion about the Middle East and Iran.  I do, however, really respect their devotion to the Islamic religion.  The fact that these people will pray five times a day, and honor every religious holiday shows that they are very devoted to their faith, which is a very respectable cultural trait in my opinion.  Beyond being governed by their religion, another impressive piece of the Iranian culture is their artwork and guildwork.  Rugs, tapestries, pottery, and architecture are all very detailed and impressive in the area.  As far as the hangings and stonigns that we discussed in class, I don't really have an opinion about that.  If that is traditional punishment in the Middle East than there isn't really anything strange about it as far as I am concerned.  These forms of violence are not getting in the way of Iran having a good busines culture, or progressive education in the region, so they are not harming the society.