'Frontline' Series With Thomas Erdbrink: 'Our Man In Tehran'

NPR ^ | August 13, 2018 | Heard on Morning Edition

[yoe]

DAVID GREENE, HOST:

When the U.S. reimposed sanctions on Iran earlier this month after pulling out of the nuclear deal, it was just the latest in a long saga of tensions between the two countries. And often, when those tensions flare up, we call on Dutch journalist Thomas Erdbrink to get the view from Iran. He's the Tehran bureau chief for The New York Times, and he's one of the few Western journalists living in Iran. I often leave our brief interviews with Thomas wanting to know more about him and his life there, and now we will get the chance. In a "Frontline" documentary series airing on PBS tonight and tomorrow, Thomas offers us a lively and intimate look at Iran and his own experiences there.

[yoe]

I watched most of this last night, it comes on late for me. However, I am curious to learn what other viewers think of Tehran after seeing it through Erdbrink and Wife's eyes.

I still don't understand the "40" virgins awaiting a martyr at death...in a society where women are suppressed, IMHO, apparently not to tempt men...somebody explain the 20-40 virgins...

[Yulee]

“40” virgins awaiting a martyr at death
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I believe it is 70, but they are supposed to be souless (houri).

No one ever mentions what their wive(s) do while they are enjoying themselves. Of course one deflowered, they are no longer virgins. Some scholars state that instead of virgins, they were promise 70 raisins.

[Kid Shelleen]

I watched it and thought it was pretty well done. It seems like there are a lot of people yearning for freedom BUT the Mulahs were inciting hate for Israel and the USA and they needed the hate to keep the people's mind off of the terrible conditions.

My favorite part were the money traders and the one guy saying how much they loved dollars.
The scary part was how much being a martyr was revered. There is no doubt they would not think twice about nuking their enemies. The threat of a retaliatory attack would be no deterrent and would probably be relished.

[crusty old prospector]

I saw it too. Interesting.