Ironic, Iranic, Irenic

And ride in triumph through Persepolis!
Is it not brave to be a king, Techelles? […]
Is it not passing brave to be a king,
And ride in triumph through Persepolis?
–Marlowe, Tambulaine (Part One)

I’m not one to run around saying (or singing) pointlessly hostile things about Iran, but I do find it a little weird that spokesmen for the Iranian government were screeching (justifiably, to an extent) about Hollywood maligning their ancient heritage just last month, but now the government itself is planning to destroy part of that heritage.

People have to live, and if a dam is needed its placement isn’t necessarily optional. But if a new Tamerlane arises, it looks like he might have to waterski in triumph through the streets of Persepolis. (To be fair, Marlowe’s Tamburlaine would almost certainly have rocked on that.)

About JE

James Enge is the author of the World-Fantasy-Award-nominated novel Blood of Ambrose (Pyr, April 2009). His latest book is The Wide World's End. His short fiction has appeared in Black Gate, Tales from the Magician's Skull, The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction and elsewhere.
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