Discovering Iran

Join retired U.S. Ambassador George Krol on a two-part virtual journey to Iran, a land most Americans have heard about but have rarely visited, studied or understood. Once one of the world’s greatest empires and a major American ally, Iran is a land of surprisingly diverse peoples, religions and a unique civilization unto itself. Ambassador Krol will delve into Iran’s complex history, its defining geography, its rich culture and complicated politics in the hope of understanding more deeply this fascinating yet troubled land beyond the usual media stereotypes. He will also discuss the convoluted history of U.S.- Iranian relations.

George Krol is a retired career U.S. diplomat whose 36-year service in the U.S. State Department focused largely on the states that emerged from the Soviet Union, including as ambassador to Belarus, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. In addition to being a frequent instructor in the Circle of Scholars program, Krol is an adjunct professor as the U.S. Naval War College and an associate of Harvard University’s Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies. Although Ambassador Krol has never been to Iran, he has studied it and learned from many colleagues who served there when the U.S. had diplomatic missions in the country.