Rheumatologe: Traffic in Iran

I’ve seen about 6000 km of roads in Iran. The traffic between the cities is marvelous – nice, broad freeways with not too much traffic. Even at control points (police or customs) or toll stations waiting time had been just a few minutes.

Traffic in the cities is another story, especially in the evening. You might run into lots of traffic jams. And it isn’t only the rush hour. There are other factors.

Like cruising, young men are cruising, if they can afford it. Gas is very cheap. Ahmadinejad had closed the tea houses, where mostly men sat and quaffed a few tea and smoked shisha. The reason for closing these meeting points was that these tea houses were supposed to be dens of immorality. Now, there are restaurants instead. Teens and young grown ups can afford tea but can’t go out dining every day. So there are no meeting places for them. Well then, let’s sit in the car, four guys, and talk without being overheard. Listen to Western music without being harassed by the pasdaran (Guardians of the Islamic Revolution).

How about women? You might have heard about Sheikh Saad Al Hajari’s fatwa, why women can’t be allowed to drive: "Women don't deserve to drive because they only have a quarter of a brain." Well, that’s Saudi Arabia and not the Iran; besides after the shit storm the Saudis allow women to drive. In Iran it is usual for women to drive. And they drive, not only taking kids to school, but they’re cruising as well. Driving gives freedom. And I guess they don’t care if they’re in a traffic jam.

Officials were asking Japanese experts, what to do against the traffic jams. They told them to establish discotheques at the periphery of the cities. Well; that’s out of question. So, the traffic will stay congested.