Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

Joe, Seattle, WA — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:07:17 GMT

Remember when the wrestling teams met in Iran, same deal - played up as a thaw in relations. I remember a pointed photo of the hand shake post match, very powerful. If we can deal with China, there's no reason to not match up with Iran like this. I vote to send the Gloabtrotters over next :-p

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

pey kal, san diego, ca — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:33:44 GMT

sports can bridge diplomatic riffs that our so called "statesmen" cant even begin to make an effort. they wont negotiate with "terrorists".
just put a ball between the two and let them play it out!
Iram will get their butts kicked, but atleast they will be on the same court as the Americans. Probably the only court the two countries will be on together in a long time.
basketball, soccer, baseball, ping pong, etc sports unites people and brings countries together.

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

Ali Shafiee Suffolk, VA — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:38:52 GMT

It is great can't be better than that. hopefully one day we will have good relationship with Iran and people of two country can travel freely and be friends again after 30 years. I am happy

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

Joel, Austin, TX — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:56:46 GMT

True story: not all Iranian people are evil.

More of this needs to go on, when the people stop listening to their leaders that we are evil there will be a much better chance to make progress.

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

Tony, Sacramento, CA — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 01:13:58 GMT

The irony is that George W. Bush's idea of Axis of Evil is wrong. Iranians love Americans, American Culture, from Tupok to Michael Jordan, and Brad Bitt. We have never used Americans, and our culture for diplomacy like we should. The Iranians don't care about our government, and I can tell you that it has been a VERY long time that the U.S. Government represented real Americans. I mean our Government (Congress and President) are regarded by the Americans at the same level of other countries. I think if we want terrorism to end, we should use our culture and our values, and not the dumbest President in our history to tell us who is evil or not. According to George Bush everyone but the oil companies and the arm dealers are evil

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

KG, Woodbridge, VA — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 01:42:20 GMT

An outstanding move in diplomacy. A little friendly bball game. When can I get the Dunkin' Diplomats t-shirt. My son would love it.

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

Finley Abberneather, West Durham, Ohio — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 01:51:03 GMT

Good!

Finley Abberneather
West Durham, Ohio

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

Miso — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 02:08:35 GMT

Nice...hopefully it will be a good game.

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

Ben Dover, Phoenix, AZ — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 02:26:33 GMT

If anyone is old enough to remember a Sly Stallone movie called ' Victory' then that is how we should NOT guard the enemy.. IRAN having a legite basketball team, Come On now... Just another pathetic example of how our country has fallen -(

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

JOSEPH — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 02:36:49 GMT

diplomacy=peace=no war=no testing of nuclear armory. LET THE GAMES BEGIN!!!

BY THE WAY, HOW GOOD IS THE IRANIANS TEAM?

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

Cory, Dallas, TX — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 03:41:04 GMT

Awesome!, the American teams better be ready to whip up on some foreigners. Basketball is an American sport and there better not be a dissappointment like the last olympics.

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

Kevin T. Toms River,NJ — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 03:47:26 GMT

It seems sports has the more direct and lasting effect on international relations. Bush and Amedinijad for a game of one on one? I hope the competition is tough and the comraderie is strong.

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

sam, seattle wa — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 04:54:42 GMT

i think this is a good start for relation between two nations and their people although soccer would be more fun

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

Richard Miller, Long Beach CA — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 04:56:00 GMT

I think this is a great idea. People should put more effort into seperating Governments frmo Nations. I Salute the people at NBA.

As for Jazz, what a sorry group of people to not have the integrity or courage needed to display the name of a great Nation. There are nearly one Million Iranian/Americans living in the US. This will only show that the acceptance of the games are not genuine.

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

Karl, Salt Lake City, UT — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 04:58:32 GMT

Excellent idea. Kudos to Larry Miller. As an SLC resident, I will be going to both of those games.

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

Canadian Goose — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 10:36:33 GMT

Great!!! They are here, so let them play. Any one else practicing here??? Things like this may "break the ice" in more troubled areas.

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

adele ferdows — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 10:56:13 GMT

Shame on the Americans for not publicizing the event with mentioning the name of the Iranian team and the fact that they will be playing against Iranian basketball team. this goes to show the ignorance, prejudice, and idiocy of the general american public and their sports people.

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

patrick@peoplepc.com — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 11:55:54 GMT

The world is full of wonderful people. Diplomacy works. Let the game begin.

Patrick, Yuma, AZ

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

RICK, BRICK NJ — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 13:07:30 GMT

I WONDER WHAT THE CHANCE IS OF AN AMERICAN TEAM PLAYING OR PRACTICING IN IRAN

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

Ray, Raleigh, NC — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 13:37:54 GMT

Great! I've always believed you can really get to know a person by playing a game with them. Maybe this simple gesture will have a much more significant impact worldwide.

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

Dan Barash, Washington,DC — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:04:14 GMT

The Olympic Games in 1937 Nazi Germany did nothing to stop the World War II. All civilized contacts with Religeous Dictatorship of Iran would do zero to minimize their moves to get the nukes to make the World War III a reality.

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

Robert Alan, Kernville, CA — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 15:27:23 GMT

The over-matched Iranian team can be made to look any way the NBA players wish to allow. They can be totally humiliated or allowed to leave with some dignity. Americans can be looked at as crippling or compasionate, it is all left to us, so what is the harm? I do not believe the players are interested in making a political statement. They just want to play the game.

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

Mike Johnson, Greenwich CT — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 16:51:22 GMT

Hopefully, this game will be as successful as Nixon's ping pong diplomacy. There's too much hate and killing in that part of the world right not. Let's also hope the moderates in the Iranian government will prevail on more sensitive diplomatic issues and not just in b-ball diplomacy.

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

a van slyke, san diego, ca — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 17:12:27 GMT

Good for you all. Keep the good spirit going and growing.

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

Doug, NYC — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 17:23:11 GMT

Rick from Brick NJ asks "What are the chances for a US team playing or practicing in Iran?" Pretty good. Wrestling teams from US have competed in Iran. I have read stories about American Snowboarders riding in Iran. Ignorance about the people in the other country is one of the biggest issues between our two nations

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

Ali Kh. , Irvine,CA — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 18:50:50 GMT

goood for Iran, good for USA, good for the basketball :)

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

Le Dude, Seattle, WA — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 18:52:06 GMT

This is a better way to sponsor sports for people to people relationship rather than "Here is the Big Stick, do it my way or hit the highway" attitude that has been supported by the Cowboy Bushy administration in the past 7 1/2 years. Make the Iranian understand (which I strongly believe their people already know) that American is not a whole bunch of cowboy who shut first and asked the question later. (First, My apology to all the cowboys and cowgirls for being used as a reference even though I know not all of you are that way) :-)

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

Omar (Davidson, NC) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:50:14 GMT

Bill O'Reilly's Talking points: The NBA is run by liberal loons who support the destruction of America...

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

FARINA, TORONTO, ONTARIO — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 21:18:19 GMT

AS A IRANIAN THIS IS REALLY NICE TO HEAR.....WE'SS HAVE TO WAIT ANS SEE WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

Chesterfield, va — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 01:24:17 GMT

BBall is a start but lets not forget that there were a lot of threats from the governemt of Iran to Isreal and others within the region. let's hope the moderates keep it going

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

Sam Solomon — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:14:58 GMT

Great. Is it gonna be on TV????? I would like to watch these games even though Iran is not really good in basketball compare to NBA teams.

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

Daniel Louisville, KY — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 15:50:17 GMT

I wonder if the iranian team has a women's league. Can you imagine the iranian women playing in burqa? They wouldn't be able to see very well though....if their husbands let them out of the house.

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

Joel, Salt Lake City, UT — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:41:44 GMT

The Rocky Mountain Review is not really a competitive arena. NBA Teams will be playing their "garbage" players -- newly drafted guys, possible prospects and players in development to see who's worth spending their money on. Who knows? Iran could go in with their best players and smoke these third or fourth tier NBA players who have never played together before.

It's a great opportunity for all involved.

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

Dave, New York — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:53:47 GMT

Its a shame that these games (albeit scrimmages in a summer league against NBA rookies/wannabes) have not been publicized more. Its a positive step for all Americans to be aware of any relationship between the two countries aside from the nuclear politics that is pervasive today. It humanizes Iranians for Americans after so many months (and years now) of stereotyping of Iranians by the American media through the rhetoric of Ahmadinejad and political hardliners in Tehran.

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

Amir — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 17:06:05 GMT

There are at least 12 Americans playing Basketball in the Iranian pro Basketball Leaugue

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

Maurice, San Diego, Ca — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 17:08:23 GMT

It's a sporting event, not a congressional hearing. These are athletes and now matter what feelings the leaders of their countries have for the others, these guy's are going to step on the court and play. Hopefully not only the American and Iranian people will see that good sportsmanship and a little competive fire and do wonders...not really during the game, but after when the handshakes and hugs come out. I'm pretty sure that the players will have a new found respect for each other AFTER the game. I just hope that a little of it will rub off on the people of whatever country is watching the game.

And you are right, a little game like Basketball can rebuild bridges torn down by politics.

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

Ronald Young, East St. Louis, IL — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 17:35:40 GMT

This is the exact example that Sen. Barack Obama has been pushing so hard on and McCain/Bush have been against.....just talking and being civil with other governments .... and backing off the "Axis of Evil", it doesn't fit the real American people...only the Oil Bullies in Washington White House.

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

Pete, Salt Lake, Utah — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:02:26 GMT

I like Iran, the people are wonderful. Like America, the government leaves room to be improved. This will hopefully strengthen ties between the two nations. And Shame on Larry Miller- the omission of the Iranian name and lack of publicity for the event is terrible.

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

Pooya, Orlando, FL — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 19:26:23 GMT

It is awesome!!! We need more events like this, sport can always be a bridge across diplomatic gaps and we can see some beautiful games in this NBA offseason
Let the game begin!!

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

Hassan Hosseinpour UK — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 19:38:28 GMT

Great news - does anyone remember 1998 football world cup - Iranian players presented their US opponents with flowers and sweets - Iranian people are very cultured and peace loving. do not believe the lies about Iran -Iran is no danger to anyone - They have not attacked or invaded another nation for over 300 years - Iran fought 8 years of bloody war against Iraq, USA, Russia, GB and France all on the same side - when west decided to invade Iraq, and invited Iran to join in - guess what? Iran rejected the offer and stayed nutral - what does this tell us - Iranians hate war an love Peace - FACT.

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

mizan1@msn.com — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 20:09:42 GMT

This is really a great idea for good start.

Mizanur Rahman
Amarillo, TX

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

(John Doe, Seattle, Wash.):* — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 22:48:46 GMT

Americans need to stop their Colonial attitude towards the rest of the world. You keep seeing and hearing everywhere how Iranians love Americans but how do Americans feel about Iranians. Just read these posts even the positive ones have the point of view that Americans are doing Iranians a favor by allowing them to come here. What a bunch on ignorant unfriendly egotistical and uncultured saps!!!

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

Doe John — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 22:49:22 GMT

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

Oz Shah, Portland, Oregon — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 23:00:53 GMT

in order to have diplomacy, you must be able to engage your so called enemy by talking to him or her...you cant have peace by not talking to the other party....the US govt is so stupid they cant figure this out...or maybe its the fact they dont want to talk and just have intentions to go to war to secure more oil and make the oil companies even richer by destablizing the entire region. All you redneck idiots out there who think you are real AMericans support another war not realizing that if it happens, you wont be able to gas up your trailers and F150 trucks. You'll be sitting at home grumbling over 'arab ragheads' cuz your too stupid to know the difference between Iranians and Arabs.

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

Shabnam, Shiraz, Fars province — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 05:00:26 GMT

I have mixed feelings about this news. On the positive note, this may provide the honorable American fans and Iranian fans to cheer on their respective teams. On the downside, I'm offended that the name of Iran was not mentioned on the website. But I understand the concern of American team officials about the publicity; The supporters of Israeli regime (such as AIPAC) could hurt the image of the American teams in the league should team officials decide to publicize the event in respectable manner. That would in turn result in unforeseen contempt and slander towards the Iranian team. We all remember what happened in Columbia University.

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

Sam, Seattle, WA — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 07:16:28 GMT

By not publicizing this event, it is losing its original intention to bring people together, and show that diplomacy can work. I urge the readers to send around more info on this event to friends.

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

kalani Aliso Viejo,Calif — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 07:20:21 GMT

When I was in Iran I was treated with the most respect from the people. and its so interesting how the Iranian wanted to know about us...It is a positive step for Americans and Iranians to be envolve in sport activities. I wish they were playing in california I would invite them over for BBQ or persian food...Good luck and God bless us all..no matter what country you come from..

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

Mike, Tokyo/Portland — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 10:52:52 GMT

Great news. We need more citizen ambassadors like this since our government has basically abandoned diplomacy (and look how successful they have been!). Someone should tape this game and put it onto bit torrent or youtube.

To Dan barash who compares this to playing the Nazis prior to WWII: it's not like Iran is primed to invade the rest of the middle east. Good grief.. You sound like a paranoid ninny.

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

lulu — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:48:10 GMT

For those of you that keep saying Iran is wonderful like Obama saying this is a little country that are not terrorist, Wake up dummies.
Yes there's good people there but those good people are not in control and the ones that are in control are the ones who have been sending there troops to fight us in Iraq and are willing and will hit Israel and havebeen hitting us in Iraq. SYRIA and IRAN are gettign ready to do something stupid and Basketball ain't going to stop it just like CHINA isn't our friends. Haven't you noticed how they purposely poison products that we used and children, dogs and adults have died from it. Theere plan is the same as Russia, which, is to do what it takes to bring America to its knees and they will sooner or later. Ironically, the bible does speak of Iran, China and Russia as the ones who goes against Israel during the end times.

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

Brian Thompson, Coudersport, PA — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 13:38:26 GMT

The Utah Jazz don't want to mention the word Iran
on its website. They don't want all the devout Christians in Utah to not attend the games because the national team from the Islamic Republic of Iran will be there. This is a low class move by a notoriously low class organization

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

Kevin Seattle, Wash. — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 18:54:11 GMT

Yes it seem that the people of Iran as a whole likes America. The fact that we can use sports culture and movies to bring us closer is a good thing. The fact is that that's not the people that makes the call over there its the religious fanatics. There is no separation of church and state in Iran. The last tine I checked it does not mention basketball Levi's or Brad Pitt in the Koran and that's what is used to spread their ill will to the others on this planet. Don't get me wrong I don't hate the Muslim faith I'm sure that it is a faith of love and passion like any other if a person wanted to search the Bible or Torah they could find passages that they could quote to spread hate to others not of their own and I'm sure those people also exist. I'm sure some of those people are also in government around the world but they are just a small part of that government where in Iran it is what the government as a whole is based on. Now there are other countries around the world that have governments based on their religion but its how far do they choose to push it that make the difference. In Iran and other extreme countries it seems to be all the way. In their case it is be Shite or die seems to be the battle cry. Each and every person on earth should have the right to live in peace. It is sad the for many that's not the case. In many of though cases it is there own governments that cause their pain and suffering. Also America is not perfect but it better than most of the rest of the world that's why so many want to come here and make a future for their families. So as Americans you have nothing better to do than slam our great nation and its leaders I'm sure Iran would be willing to take you in and give you that life you can't seem to get for your self here. If you are not willing to do something to make change shut up and quit complaining. If you do plan on sticking around here in the USA please make an effort to be a productive part of it not a drain on it.

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

Al, Las Vegas, NV. — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:38:39 GMT

"I wonder if the iranian team has a women's league. Can you imagine the iranian women playing in burqa? They wouldn't be able to see very well though....if their husbands let them out of the house."

Daniel Louisville, KY (Wednesday, July 09, 2008 11:50 AM)

I guess living in Louisville shows how much you know about the rest of the world. It may not seem any different to you but iranian women control their husbands in iran. Just like here in US. Arab countries are different. (Something to learn.) Thx. Finally this could be fun and good for both.

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

Dowoo Kim, Atlanta, GA — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 18:15:24 GMT

This is great!!! And I am so glad to read positive comments about this topic from everyone. If you think about it, SPORTS is absolutely unique in the sense that language and culture does not matter what so ever. And there is nothing more pure than competition in any sport. I hope others realize this... We need to embrace this kind of opportunities more.

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

cyrus Los Angeles — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 00:35:24 GMT

sports is life some people like to watch it some like to play it,we should chose.

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

Hossein Bani, Montreal, Quebec — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 01:01:25 GMT

As a basketball player in several teams back in Iran, I welcome this friendly competition between My country Iran and U.S.A. Please enough
To make politicize this gesture no matter what is your origin or belief. Who knows may be this type of diplomacy as O ba ma believes brings back the past friendly relationship between two nations. American jews also must change the attitude toward Iran and palestine if they want to have a bright future and respect for their next generation.

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

MajicMan — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 13:18:17 GMT

Basketball is an all American game. More than 150 countries worldwide have active bb teams, thanks to US. Don't you love it? and guess what, so does Iran.
Same goes for wrestling, sort of, however, that sport is mostly Iranian and Americans play it well too.
The next trip is Baseball: Iran-US match.(yes, Iran has a baseball fedration as well!!)

Hey, go for it!!

On a seperate topic, I would like to see Lulu and Barash in a one-on-one, with the winner sent to Iran on a week-all-paid to Tehran for a needed wake up call. By the way "Lulu" in Iranian folklore is some kind of a scary monster that lures in the dark.!!

BB Diplomacy? Why not.

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

MajicMan — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 13:50:30 GMT

To Kevin, my fellow Seattlite, chill out buddy. It's only basketball, not NukeBall !!

Besides, let's think positive and hope the players would come in shaking hands, with hugs, smiles and then challenge the hell out of each other, like true sportsmen should. Like the Bible and Quran suggest they should.

The next thing you'll see, Ahmadinejad and Bush will try it (Well, come to think of it, not THESE two guys!! but maybe the next two presidents!)

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

Edwin, Turlock, California — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 09:30:01 GMT

This is great news for both nations as the time has come for people to put their difference's aside and play the greatest sport in the world. P.S. who cares what bill o'reilly, rush limbaugh, or any right-wing whacko has to say American needs to stop listening to these mega rich talk show hosts whom they have nothing in common with.

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

James, Chicago — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 16:51:42 GMT

In a related story, CNN is now reporting that the Memphis Grizzly are calling for the immediate elimination of Israel.

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

Pbas, Peabody, MA — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:58:21 GMT

Honestly, this is a good thing. It shows how similar our people are and how we can relate through our love of sports. However, I don't think this will do much good as far as diplomacy. What no one seems to recall is that the gov't of Iran does not represent the Iranian people like congress or our President represents us. Regardless of basketball, or what the everyday Iranian thinks, the Iranian gov't wishes to obtain nuclear weapons so that they can wipe Isreal of the face of the earth. They have repeadedly said this and diplomacy so far has not worked. It is also not just American diplomacy that is failing. We are only leading the effort by the UN and numerous world powers to stop Iran's attempt at a genocide. Short of another revolution like the one that put the current Iranian gov't into power the situation will not change untill either Iran obtains the bomb and uses it, or Isreal and the United States attack Iran to stop it.

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

mehdi.Ttehran, IRAN — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 06:07:33 GMT

Let help humanitrain behavior in forein policy step forward.Let help roots of hate,animosty and indiference and ..... between two goverments disappear.Atleast ninety five percent of iranian people are happy about relation establishment .

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

Bryan, Texas — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 23:44:22 GMT

As an Iranian-American, I am happy to hear this news. Just like all cultures of the world; there are good & bad Iranian as well as good & bad Americans. Sports bring people together. Go Iran! Go USA! Peace & Friendship forever all over the world.

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

Chris C — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 03:34:28 GMT

I do not think we should have any relation at all, basketball or not with Iran. Would we have done this with Adolf Hittler?

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

Chris C Claremont, CA — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 03:35:38 GMT

I do not think we should have any relation at all, basketball or not with Iran. Would we have done this with Adolf Hittler?

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

bo slew, chicago, illinois — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 03:50:46 GMT

REMEMBER THIS FELLOW AMERICANS: "THE NORTH WIND MADE THE VIKINGS" - lief Errikson

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

kobby,livermore ca — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 11:36:19 GMT

This is a good idea americans and iranians coming together to build bridges,bet the benefit will be for the future.

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

Jay, Roanoke, VA — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 13:11:20 GMT

I think this is definitely a good thing, if now we could just get the president of Iran to stop making threats. And I love how Tony from Sacramento used this to insult President Bush when the article is not about our President. Take your liberal views somewhere else where someone cares.

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

garnerville, Weatherford, Texas — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:14:10 GMT

"The Utah jazz dont want to mention the word Iran on its website. They don't want all the devout Christians in Utah to not attend the games because the national team from the Islamic Republic of Iran will be there. This is a low class move by a notoriously low class organization
Brian Thompson, Coudersport, PA (Thursday, July 10, 2008 9:38 AM)"

I don't have a problem with either teams playing basketball. This isn't about the politics of the crazy leader of Iran - it's about basketball.

One question though: With the statement about "devout Christians in Utah", were you referring to the Mormons or REAL CHRISTIANS?

Just curious.....

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

ED, Austin TX — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:14:06 GMT

Peolple like "Daniel Louisville, KY " dont have any good intentions to resolve the issue all they have hate in their heart and mind.

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

Ohio P New Jersey — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 05:07:01 GMT

This is Obama game. When you play with your imaginary enemy, you both become a family of one

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

herman chandler,las vegas,nv. holland1943@msn.com — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 07:00:28 GMT

To jay from Roanoke,on the contrary, liberal views are very welcome here. They are the views of diplomacy not war,and while Iran rants,Bush bombs and murders.However, as with most fox dittoheads,you've been convinced that Bush can do no wrong.Oh well,in six months Obama will make your views obsolete.

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

John, Utah — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 22:31:26 GMT

Brian Thompson, you can't be serious! I'm a transplant from Vegas to Salt Lake, and I've never heard any type of comments against Islamic religions in Utah. In fact, I've heard many Muslims like Utah because its a God-fearing place.

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

Art — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 16:10:40 GMT

It is official, the Utah Jazz is my most despised team in the NBA. Sorry Lakers...

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

Hamed Leonardo, Tehran , Iran — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:01:28 GMT

Good Idea! sport and diplomacy! Dont remember all the nations are brothers.This is our ideal world!

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

Roberts of Arizona — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 17:33:16 GMT

Whats next a Hizballah, Hamas Bowling Leaue ?
Makes a joke out of our sanctions doesnt it?

Basketball diplomacy: USA and Iran

Stewart James, Sweet Water , TX — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:47:12 GMT

I worked in Iran as an engineer decades ago and Iranians are warm people. I've kept in touch with many of them throughout the years. It's country leaders that are paranoid and fearful of each other.