Shah's of Sunset-thoughts?

[Anonymous]

I thought it was a typical reality (coached) show--I'm a blue eyed blonde and I can relate to the different personalities that come with friends and family--look beyond their heritage they are just people living their lives and we can watch it or not!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you don't know any Iranians at all then you may assume that the characters on "Sunset" are all false stereotypes. But if you know many affluent Iranians (I mean really affluent Iranians) then you realize that some parts of what they depict on the show are real. The materialism and superficiality are true. The extreme wealth and spending are also true. The lack of religiousness or spirituality and strong affinity to culture, however, are also true. The intolerance for gays is also true. The egocentrism is, sadly, also true.

You must know us (Iranians) very well

But I DON'T AGREE on the followings:

1. The materialism and superficiality: I have seen a few people as thoughtful and analytical as Iranians. How can spending extreme wealth by some wealthy Iranians mean all Iranians are superficial? They are wealthy people and the minority. And I think human can not take her/his wealth to the hereafter

2. "The lack of religiousness" doesn't mean "the lack of ethics" Iranians have always been respecting all the religions, but, due to their strong affinity to Persian culture (as you mentioned) and having an Arabic religion, they observe the Islamic rules in their own ways. Religion or monotheism is not a new thing for us, thousands years before Arab invasion of Persia, Iranians were monotheist (Zoroastrianism). But now, modern Iranians look at Religion as a matter of individualism and it doesn't mean that they are not religious or spiritual.

Thank you;

[Anonymous]

As I expected, you have a lot of questions about us. Thank you for your beautiful questions and I hope I can give you sensible answers.

[Can you tell us then how is it that a woman ...] = Thank you for your logical question, but unfortunately, I'm not here to talk about the government and the ruling system. I hope you understand what I say, I'm living here
The only thing I can tell you is: we have a great history and the WHOLE HISTORY talks about a people, not a period of time in a history!


[Please distinguish for us the difference between Persian and Iranian] = Yes, Iran is a multi-ethnic country. The Iranian peoples are an Indo-European ethnic-linguistic group, consisting ofthe Persians, Medes, Scythians, Bactrians, Parthians, Sarmatians, Alans, Ossetians and their sub-groups. The term Persia was used for centuries, chiefly in the West, to designate those regions where Persian language and culture predominated, but it more correctly refers to a region of southern Iran formerly known as Persis, alternatively as P?rs or Parsa, modern F?rs. Parsa was the name of an Indo-European nomadic people who migrated into the region about 1000 BC. During the rule of the Persian Achaemenian dynasty (559–330 BC), the ancient Greeks first encountered the inhabitants of Persis on the Iranian plateau, when the Achaemenids—natives of Persis—were expanding their political sphere. The Achaemenids were the dominant dynasty during Greek history until the time of Alexander, and the use of the name Persia was gradually extended by the Greeks and other peoples to apply to the whole Iranian plateau. This tendency was reinforced with the rise of the S?s?nian dynasty, also native to Persis, whose culture dominated the Iranian plateau until the 7th century AD. The people of this area have traditionally referred to the region as Iran, “Land of the Aryans,” and in 1935 the government of Iran requested that the name Iran be used in lieu of Persia.
But Iran has Arab people too, who are living near Persian Gulf.

[I don't think anyone on this board doubts the achievements and contributions of Iranians in our society...] = I agree with you: not all Iranians are modern and it's normal. It's because some of them are very proud, unfortunately.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you don't know any Iranians at all then you may assume that the characters on "Sunset" are all false stereotypes. But if you know many affluent Iranians (I mean really affluent Iranians) then you realize that some parts of what they depict on the show are real. The materialism and superficiality are true. The extreme wealth and spending are also true. The lack of religiousness or spirituality and strong affinity to culture, however, are also true. The intolerance for gays is also true. The egocentrism is, sadly, also true.

You must know us (Iranians) very well

But I DON'T AGREE on the followings:

1. The materialism and superficiality: I have seen a few people as thoughtful and analytical as Iranians. How can spending extreme wealth by some wealthy Iranians mean all Iranians are superficial? They are wealthy people and the minority. And I think human can not take her/his wealth to the hereafter

Nobody is saying "ALL" Iranians are materialistic and superficial. What I think many people believe is that the wealthy Iranians do indeed tend to be superficial or materialistic though. Is this true? Is this their attempt to show they're American (i.e. modern)? There is a significant percentage of LA Iranians that are wealthy.

2. "The lack of religiousness" doesn't mean "the lack of ethics" Iranians have always been respecting all the religions, but, due to their strong affinity to Persian culture (as you mentioned) and having an Arabic religion, they observe the Islamic rules in their own ways. Religion or monotheism is not a new thing for us, thousands years before Arab invasion of Persia, Iranians were monotheist (Zoroastrianism). But now, modern Iranians look at Religion as a matter of individualism and it doesn't mean that they are not religious or spiritual.

Thank you;

Well, the sentence of stoning of a woman accused of adultery and the killing of gay Iranians in Iran do show a certain lack of ethics or at least an insensitivity to humanity. Muslims from other countries, even non-Arab countries still follow the same Islam as the Arab Islam. But Iran seems to have deviated and created their own interpretation of Islam. They revere mullahs (like the Ayatollah). They inflict injuries on themselves as a show of love and loyalty toward Ali. Can you explain why they deviated so much from the Arab Islam? Is it because of their hatred of Arabs?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
As I expected, you have a lot of questions about us. Thank you for your beautiful questions and I hope I can give you sensible answers.

[Can you tell us then how is it that a woman ...] = Thank you for your logical question, but unfortunately, I'm not here to talk about the government and the ruling system. I hope you understand what I say, I'm living here
The only thing I can tell you is: we have a great history and the WHOLE HISTORY talks about a people, not a period of time in a history!

But I don't think this thread is the forum for discussing the great history of the ancient civilization of Persia. It was created to discuss whether Shahs of Sunset accurately depicts some issues within Iranian culture or beliefs. If you don't want to discuss the government ruling, I respect that. But there were people, not government employees, that were throwing the stones at the woman, who was buried in stones and in the ground up to her shoulders. It was people, individuals, that were throwing large stones at her head. I'm just saying it's hard to imagine a society that is modern but that can still galvanize a large group of townspeople to stone a woman. Modernism is not merely represented by wearing brand names and driving luxury cars, wearing jeans, or drinking alcohol. It represents an open mindset and not unduly harsh punishment for Islamic crimes such as adultery or homosexuality. Just trying, very hard, to understand and seeking any explanation.


[Please distinguish for us the difference between Persian and Iranian] = Yes, Iran is a multi-ethnic country. The Iranian peoples are an Indo-European ethnic-linguistic group, consisting ofthe Persians, Medes, Scythians, Bactrians, Parthians, Sarmatians, Alans, Ossetians and their sub-groups. The term Persia was used for centuries, chiefly in the West, to designate those regions where Persian language and culture predominated, but it more correctly refers to a region of southern Iran formerly known as Persis, alternatively as P?rs or Parsa, modern F?rs. Parsa was the name of an Indo-European nomadic people who migrated into the region about 1000 BC. During the rule of the Persian Achaemenian dynasty (559–330 BC), the ancient Greeks first encountered the inhabitants of Persis on the Iranian plateau, when the Achaemenids—natives of Persis—were expanding their political sphere. The Achaemenids were the dominant dynasty during Greek history until the time of Alexander, and the use of the name Persia was gradually extended by the Greeks and other peoples to apply to the whole Iranian plateau. This tendency was reinforced with the rise of the S?s?nian dynasty, also native to Persis, whose culture dominated the Iranian plateau until the 7th century AD. The people of this area have traditionally referred to the region as Iran, “Land of the Aryans,” and in 1935 the government of Iran requested that the name Iran be used in lieu of Persia.
But Iran has Arab people too, who are living near Persian Gulf.

[I don't think anyone on this board doubts the achievements and contributions of Iranians in our society...] = I agree with you: not all Iranians are modern and it's normal. It's because some of them are very proud, unfortunately.

[jsteele]

Anonymous wrote:

Well, the sentence of stoning of a woman accused of adultery and the killing of gay Iranians in Iran do show a certain lack of ethics or at least an insensitivity to humanity. Muslims from other countries, even non-Arab countries still follow the same Islam as the Arab Islam. But Iran seems to have deviated and created their own interpretation of Islam. They revere mullahs (like the Ayatollah). They inflict injuries on themselves as a show of love and loyalty toward Ali. Can you explain why they deviated so much from the Arab Islam? Is it because of their hatred of Arabs?

I don't think it is fair to hold the entire nation guilty, or to specifically hold our visitor from Iran guilty, for something in which he/she probably didn't participate. There is a thread in the forum about three recent attacks against LGBT individuals in DC. I don't think you would enjoy being confronted in an Iranian forum about why Americans attack gays so frequently (or why our state governments suddenly seem determined to inspect vaginas). As to your second question, it deals with the difference between Shia and Sunni Islam. There are also Shia Arabs who also observe Ashura with self flagellation. The Shia/Sunni split has its origin the line of succession to Muhammad and is not a strict Arab/Persian split.

[Anonymous]

jsteele wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Well, the sentence of stoning of a woman accused of adultery and the killing of gay Iranians in Iran do show a certain lack of ethics or at least an insensitivity to humanity. Muslims from other countries, even non-Arab countries still follow the same Islam as the Arab Islam. But Iran seems to have deviated and created their own interpretation of Islam. They revere mullahs (like the Ayatollah). They inflict injuries on themselves as a show of love and loyalty toward Ali. Can you explain why they deviated so much from the Arab Islam? Is it because of their hatred of Arabs?

I don't think it is fair to hold the entire nation guilty, or to specifically hold our visitor from Iran guilty, for something in which he/she probably didn't participate. There is a thread in the forum about three recent attacks against LGBT individuals in DC. I don't think you would enjoy being confronted in an Iranian forum about why Americans attack gays so frequently (or why our state governments suddenly seem determined to inspect vaginas). As to your second question, it deals with the difference between Shia and Sunni Islam. There are also Shia Arabs who also observe Ashura with self flagellation. The Shia/Sunni split has its origin the line of succession to Muhammad and is not a strict Arab/Persian split.

Good response! Shiite Arabs do indeed also celebrate Ashura in this way, though some clerics have been criticizing it. There are large Shiite populations in Lebanon, Iraq, and Bahrain and even some in India, where of course they are neither Persian nor Arab.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
As I expected, you have a lot of questions about us. Thank you for your beautiful questions and I hope I can give you sensible answers.

[Can you tell us then how is it that a woman ...] = Thank you for your logical question, but unfortunately, I'm not here to talk about the government and the ruling system. I hope you understand what I say, I'm living here
The only thing I can tell you is: we have a great history and the WHOLE HISTORY talks about a people, not a period of time in a history!

But I don't think this thread is the forum for discussing the great history of the ancient civilization of Persia. It was created to discuss whether Shahs of Sunset accurately depicts some issues within Iranian culture or beliefs. If you don't want to discuss the government ruling, I respect that. But there were people, not government employees, that were throwing the stones at the woman, who was buried in stones and in the ground up to her shoulders. It was people, individuals, that were throwing large stones at her head. I'm just saying it's hard to imagine a society that is modern but that can still galvanize a large group of townspeople to stone a woman. Modernism is not merely represented by wearing brand names and driving luxury cars, wearing jeans, or drinking alcohol. It represents an open mindset and not unduly harsh punishment for Islamic crimes such as adultery or homosexuality. Just trying, very hard, to understand and seeking any explanation.


[Please distinguish for us the difference between Persian and Iranian] = Yes, Iran is a multi-ethnic country. The Iranian peoples are an Indo-European ethnic-linguistic group, consisting ofthe Persians, Medes, Scythians, Bactrians, Parthians, Sarmatians, Alans, Ossetians and their sub-groups. The term Persia was used for centuries, chiefly in the West, to designate those regions where Persian language and culture predominated, but it more correctly refers to a region of southern Iran formerly known as Persis, alternatively as P?rs or Parsa, modern F?rs. Parsa was the name of an Indo-European nomadic people who migrated into the region about 1000 BC. During the rule of the Persian Achaemenian dynasty (559–330 BC), the ancient Greeks first encountered the inhabitants of Persis on the Iranian plateau, when the Achaemenids—natives of Persis—were expanding their political sphere. The Achaemenids were the dominant dynasty during Greek history until the time of Alexander, and the use of the name Persia was gradually extended by the Greeks and other peoples to apply to the whole Iranian plateau. This tendency was reinforced with the rise of the S?s?nian dynasty, also native to Persis, whose culture dominated the Iranian plateau until the 7th century AD. The people of this area have traditionally referred to the region as Iran, “Land of the Aryans,” and in 1935 the government of Iran requested that the name Iran be used in lieu of Persia.
But Iran has Arab people too, who are living near Persian Gulf.

[I don't think anyone on this board doubts the achievements and contributions of Iranians in our society...] = I agree with you: not all Iranians are modern and it's normal. It's because some of them are very proud, unfortunately.

[Modernism is not merely represented by wearing brand names and driving luxury cars, wearing jeans, or drinking alcohol] = I agree with you, we know it very well. But yet, I stress that the show doesn't depict Iranians. I don't know why they are showing such a thing? More than a million Iranians requested for stopping the show and everyday the number is increasing. Today, one of the main characters of the show was speaking on BBC Persian about it. He said "we just wanted to change people's impression of Iranians, Americans think we are terrorist". There is no doubt that they are some superficial wealthy Iranians. But why among lots of typical Iranians they are chosen? This is the question! Today, Jimmy Delshad, the former mayor of Beverly Hills ,who is an Iranian, opposed showing it too.
About the first part of your post, I'd really love to talk about it, but please understand me! I'm living in Iran. I think you don't want me to face serious problems? Do you? I'm so sorry again.

[Anonymous]

jsteele wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Well, the sentence of stoning of a woman accused of adultery and the killing of gay Iranians in Iran do show a certain lack of ethics or at least an insensitivity to humanity. Muslims from other countries, even non-Arab countries still follow the same Islam as the Arab Islam. But Iran seems to have deviated and created their own interpretation of Islam. They revere mullahs (like the Ayatollah). They inflict injuries on themselves as a show of love and loyalty toward Ali. Can you explain why they deviated so much from the Arab Islam? Is it because of their hatred of Arabs?

I don't think it is fair to hold the entire nation guilty, or to specifically hold our visitor from Iran guilty, for something in which he/she probably didn't participate. There is a thread in the forum about three recent attacks against LGBT individuals in DC. I don't think you would enjoy being confronted in an Iranian forum about why Americans attack gays so frequently (or why our state governments suddenly seem determined to inspect vaginas). As to your second question, it deals with the difference between Shia and Sunni Islam. There are also Shia Arabs who also observe Ashura with self flagellation. The Shia/Sunni split has its origin the line of succession to Muhammad and is not a strict Arab/Persian split.

[I don't think it is fair to hold the entire nation guilty, or to specifically hold our visitor from Iran guilty, for something in which he/she probably didn't participate.] = Thank you very much, but I took no offense. I'm enjoying talking to you, I know there are some misunderstanding between the two nations (Iranians and Americans) so, I try to answer all the questions. But there are some questions which I'd really love to answer but I can't, I REALLY CAN'T! and I'm suffering from this. believe me! Thank you again

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

jsteele wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Well, the sentence of stoning of a woman accused of adultery and the killing of gay Iranians in Iran do show a certain lack of ethics or at least an insensitivity to humanity. Muslims from other countries, even non-Arab countries still follow the same Islam as the Arab Islam. But Iran seems to have deviated and created their own interpretation of Islam. They revere mullahs (like the Ayatollah). They inflict injuries on themselves as a show of love and loyalty toward Ali. Can you explain why they deviated so much from the Arab Islam? Is it because of their hatred of Arabs?

I don't think it is fair to hold the entire nation guilty, or to specifically hold our visitor from Iran guilty, for something in which he/she probably didn't participate. There is a thread in the forum about three recent attacks against LGBT individuals in DC. I don't think you would enjoy being confronted in an Iranian forum about why Americans attack gays so frequently (or why our state governments suddenly seem determined to inspect vaginas). As to your second question, it deals with the difference between Shia and Sunni Islam. There are also Shia Arabs who also observe Ashura with self flagellation. The Shia/Sunni split has its origin the line of succession to Muhammad and is not a strict Arab/Persian split.

About deviation from Arab Islam (if there is any!) : I'm not an expert in this realm, so I can't talk about it.
About the sentence of stoning: I REALLY can't talk about it. Why do you think all the Iranians should answer to this question? you can ask the people who support the idea, not me. I'm so sorry

Good response! Shiite Arabs do indeed also celebrate Ashura in this way, though some clerics have been criticizing it. There are large Shiite populations in Lebanon, Iraq, and Bahrain and even some in India, where of course they are neither Persian nor Arab.

[Anonymous]

"Bijan Pakzad, generally known simply as bijan: was an Iranian designer of menswear and fragrances. His exclusive boutique on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills was established in 1976. It has been described as "the most expensive store in the world". Bijan was also known for his automobiles. Most notable in his car collection was a yellow Bentley Azure with black interior, as well as a Black Bentley Azure with yellow interior. He was also known to have a black Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren with a customized paint scheme, a yellow Ferrari 430 Spider, a yellow Rolls Royce Drophead coupe, and a Bugatti Veyron, all of which he was known to park outside of his Rodeo Drive boutique. "

Sounds like this guy would have perfect for this show at one time.

[Anonymous]

Wonder what Catherine Bell thinks of this program.

[Anonymous]

jsteele wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Well, the sentence of stoning of a woman accused of adultery and the killing of gay Iranians in Iran do show a certain lack of ethics or at least an insensitivity to humanity. Muslims from other countries, even non-Arab countries still follow the same Islam as the Arab Islam. But Iran seems to have deviated and created their own interpretation of Islam. They revere mullahs (like the Ayatollah). They inflict injuries on themselves as a show of love and loyalty toward Ali. Can you explain why they deviated so much from the Arab Islam? Is it because of their hatred of Arabs?

I don't think it is fair to hold the entire nation guilty, or to specifically hold our visitor from Iran guilty, for something in which he/she probably didn't participate. There is a thread in the forum about three recent attacks against LGBT individuals in DC. I don't think you would enjoy being confronted in an Iranian forum about why Americans attack gays so frequently (or why our state governments suddenly seem determined to inspect vaginas). As to your second question, it deals with the difference between Shia and Sunni Islam. There are also Shia Arabs who also observe Ashura with self flagellation. The Shia/Sunni split has its origin the line of succession to Muhammad and is not a strict Arab/Persian split.

Jeff, the thread was created to discuss the show Shahs of Sunset and whether it accurately depicts Iranian culture, belief, and behaviors. Reza, a character on the show, said it is very, very hard for homosexuals in Iranian society. Sammy, another character, said Reza would have been killed if he were still living in Iran. All but one character, Asa, are extremely wealthy and very superficial and materialistic. Asa mentioned on the show also that religiosity/spirituality or that moral compass is lacking among the Iranian wealthy. So the questions I'm asking all relate to the subject of this thread and what the show's characters have themselves brought up. I get that we now have a visitor from another country on DCUM, you want them to feel welcomed, and you want to encourage international participation on DCUM too, but then what kind of dialogue are we permitted to engage in and what kind of questions are we permitted to ask our visitor?

And I have visited many other countries where I have indeed been asked tough questions about U.S. international and domestic policies. People from other countries as just as curious about America as we are about them.

To our visitor: I know the Shia or Shi'ite sect is popular in Lebanon and in other countries too. But the self punishment or flogging is not seen in other countries besides Iran, is it? I have not seen large murals of Ayatollah's in other countries as I have seen in Iran either.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

jsteele wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Well, the sentence of stoning of a woman accused of adultery and the killing of gay Iranians in Iran do show a certain lack of ethics or at least an insensitivity to humanity. Muslims from other countries, even non-Arab countries still follow the same Islam as the Arab Islam. But Iran seems to have deviated and created their own interpretation of Islam. They revere mullahs (like the Ayatollah). They inflict injuries on themselves as a show of love and loyalty toward Ali. Can you explain why they deviated so much from the Arab Islam? Is it because of their hatred of Arabs?

I don't think it is fair to hold the entire nation guilty, or to specifically hold our visitor from Iran guilty, for something in which he/she probably didn't participate. There is a thread in the forum about three recent attacks against LGBT individuals in DC. I don't think you would enjoy being confronted in an Iranian forum about why Americans attack gays so frequently (or why our state governments suddenly seem determined to inspect vaginas). As to your second question, it deals with the difference between Shia and Sunni Islam. There are also Shia Arabs who also observe Ashura with self flagellation. The Shia/Sunni split has its origin the line of succession to Muhammad and is not a strict Arab/Persian split.

Jeff, the thread was created to discuss the show Shahs of Sunset and whether it accurately depicts Iranian culture, belief, and behaviors. Reza, a character on the show, said it is very, very hard for homosexuals in Iranian society. Sammy, another character, said Reza would have been killed if he were still living in Iran. All but one character, Asa, are extremely wealthy and very superficial and materialistic. Asa mentioned on the show also that religiosity/spirituality or that moral compass is lacking among the Iranian wealthy. So the questions I'm asking all relate to the subject of this thread and what the show's characters have themselves brought up. I get that we now have a visitor from another country on DCUM, you want them to feel welcomed, and you want to encourage international participation on DCUM too, but then what kind of dialogue are we permitted to engage in and what kind of questions are we permitted to ask our visitor?

And I have visited many other countries where I have indeed been asked tough questions about U.S. international and domestic policies. People from other countries as just as curious about America as we are about them.

To our visitor: I know the Shia or Shi'ite sect is popular in Lebanon and in other countries too. But the self punishment or flogging is not seen in other countries besides Iran, is it? I have not seen large murals of Ayatollah's in other countries as I have seen in Iran either.

Yes, it is celebrated in the same way in Lebanon and Iraq.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/1890541.stm (Warning: It's bloody).
http://arabia.msn.com/news/middleeast/afp/2011/december/11074941/millions-flood-iraq-shrine-city-for-ashura-rituals.aspx

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

jsteele wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Well, the sentence of stoning of a woman accused of adultery and the killing of gay Iranians in Iran do show a certain lack of ethics or at least an insensitivity to humanity. Muslims from other countries, even non-Arab countries still follow the same Islam as the Arab Islam. But Iran seems to have deviated and created their own interpretation of Islam. They revere mullahs (like the Ayatollah). They inflict injuries on themselves as a show of love and loyalty toward Ali. Can you explain why they deviated so much from the Arab Islam? Is it because of their hatred of Arabs?

I don't think it is fair to hold the entire nation guilty, or to specifically hold our visitor from Iran guilty, for something in which he/she probably didn't participate. There is a thread in the forum about three recent attacks against LGBT individuals in DC. I don't think you would enjoy being confronted in an Iranian forum about why Americans attack gays so frequently (or why our state governments suddenly seem determined to inspect vaginas). As to your second question, it deals with the difference between Shia and Sunni Islam. There are also Shia Arabs who also observe Ashura with self flagellation. The Shia/Sunni split has its origin the line of succession to Muhammad and is not a strict Arab/Persian split.

Jeff, the thread was created to discuss the show Shahs of Sunset and whether it accurately depicts Iranian culture, belief, and behaviors. Reza, a character on the show, said it is very, very hard for homosexuals in Iranian society. Sammy, another character, said Reza would have been killed if he were still living in Iran. All but one character, Asa, are extremely wealthy and very superficial and materialistic. Asa mentioned on the show also that religiosity/spirituality or that moral compass is lacking among the Iranian wealthy. So the questions I'm asking all relate to the subject of this thread and what the show's characters have themselves brought up. I get that we now have a visitor from another country on DCUM, you want them to feel welcomed, and you want to encourage international participation on DCUM too, but then what kind of dialogue are we permitted to engage in and what kind of questions are we permitted to ask our visitor?

And I have visited many other countries where I have indeed been asked tough questions about U.S. international and domestic policies. People from other countries as just as curious about America as we are about them.

To our visitor: I know the Shia or Shi'ite sect is popular in Lebanon and in other countries too. But the self punishment or flogging is not seen in other countries besides Iran, is it? I have not seen large murals of Ayatollah's in other countries as I have seen in Iran either.

Yes, it is celebrated in the same way in Lebanon and Iraq.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/1890541.stm (Warning: It's bloody).
http://arabia.msn.com/news/middleeast/afp/2011/december/11074941/millions-flood-iraq-shrine-city-for-ashura-rituals.aspx

I should have also added that there are indeed photos of the ayatollahs in Lebanon in Shiite areas. Can't speak to Iraq, but I'm sure there are.