A reader shares his firsthand perspective on Iran’s remarkable election:
I apologize for writing through the VFYW contest email address. I’m having a hard time getting around the Iranian blocks to find an actual contact address. Hopefully this is seen and found of some interest.
Four years ago I followed your blog on the last Iranian election, so it seems fitting I write to you about what I have heard here the last few days. I am an American currently on a tour of Iran. I’m writing from my hotel’s courtyard in Shiraz. This morning I was in Tehran. Our tour guide got a phone call from a friend last night that the election was about to be called. One of the things I keep hearing is why the election last time was called so fast, with so many more ballets that were suppose to be counted, but that this time there were less ballots but more time.
Our tour guide turned on the Farsi-only news and they announced that Rowhani had won. There were cheers in the lobby. This morning I was greeted by the hotel owner who, as he was returning my passport, could not be more happy and more enthusiastic about his hope that this means America and Iran could be friends soon. He was so excited to be able to tell me that personally. Everyone I’ve talked to has this cautious hope that things will improve. People are realistic but there’s this relief that maybe, just maybe, things will get better.
(Video: Rouhani supporters celebrating in the streets and chanting “Mousavi, we collected your vote”)
The Dish 