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Tuesday, April 10, 2012

US And Iranian Climbers Practice Mountain Diplomacy

At a time when we hear talk of war between the United States and Iran, there is also talk of future mountain climbing expeditions.

The American Alpine Club’s Southern Appalachian Section organized climbs in the Soviet Union before the Iron Curtain fell, and now it has ventured into Iran.

A group of American and Iranian mountaineers climbed together in Iran last summer, and a group from Iran will climb in the U.S. with Americans this coming summer.

Gregory Crouch, who took part in the climb in Iran last summer and writes about it for The Atlantic magazine says, “Chafing against restrictions, many Iranians find outlet in the spacious, rugged landscapes of their ancient and beautiful country.”

Guest:

  • Abbas Sabetian, president of the Alpine Club of Iran
  • Gregory Crouch, author who took part in the climb in Iran last summer and writes about it for The Atlantic magazine

We welcome comments from all of our listeners. Post below. Please stay on topic and be civil. Comments may be moderated by us, but you are solely responsible for the content of your comments.

  • Gregory Richards

    Having served with Gregory Crouch in the US Army Infantry myself, Lieutenant Crouch as he was known to us back then…   If earth were visited by aliens from space, Gregory Crouch would be the person we’d all want making first contact. -true Statesman!

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