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."