Like most of you, we have been thinking a lot about the current war in the Middle East. This week, we are using our unique perch at The Deep Dive to curate a list of selections from across GBH’s in-depth reporting, programming, and archives to help readers deepen understanding of the history and politics of Iran and the region, along with a glimpse at its vibrant arts and culture.

Tune in to FRONTLINE tonight at 10pm on GBH 2 and the PBS app for an updated presentation of their film, Remaking the Middle East: The U.S., Israel & Iran.

Yours in media,
Elizabeth He, Visual Communications Editor

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History & Context

“The FRONTLINE Dispatch” Podcast: The Escalating War with Iran (podcast)

Filmmakers James Jacoby and Sebastian Walker discuss the dramatic escalation of the conflict between the U.S. and Israel and Iran, and the implications for the region.

“Lethal Dissent” (podcast)

This nine-part riveting podcast, from The World, is about the price and peril that Iranian dissidents face for speaking out against their government, and the secret operatives who seek to silence them.

Before the Iran War: The Secret CIA Operation to Oust an Iranian Regime (short)

AMERICAN EXPERIENCE chronicles a military coup in 1953 when Iran’s democratically elected prime minister Mohammed Mossadegh was dismissed from office with a decree from the Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, carried out by the Iranian Imperial Guard.

Roya Hakakian on the Plight of Women in Israel and Iran (author talk)

Roya Hakakian, an Iranian-American poet, novelist, journalist, and public speaker, provides a poignant look into her experience arriving in the U.S. after fleeing Iran in 1985.

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Iranian Arts & Culture

Rick Steves: Iran: Historic Capitals (episode)

Get an inside look at Iran’s rich history with this exploration of three historic capitals: Persepolis, with splendid monuments; Shiraz, with the tombs of Iran’s most beloved poets; and Esfahan, with its extraordinary mosques and endearing people.

In this second episode, Rick visits Tehran and other sites in the region. (episode)

Iranian Artist’s Surrealist Work Explores Restrictions on Women and Immigrants (video)

As a young woman in Iran, and later as an immigrant to the U.S., artist Arghavan Khosravi has been subjected to many restrictions. But on the canvas, she renders it all through fanciful and magical layers. See her artwork.

A Calligrapher Writes with Light to Keep Tradition Alive (article)

NOVA looks at how the rich history of ancient Persian handwriting and poetry are influencing the creation of new art. Learn about the “art form (from Iran) that speaks to your soul.”

Recipe of the Week

Persian Jeweled Rice from Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Television (recipe)

This rice pilaf is named for the colorful dried fruits and nuts that embellish the saffron-tinted basmati rice. Traditionally, jeweled rice is a labor-intensive dish; Milk Street created a simplified version that’s visually stunning as well as deeply flavorful.

Get the Latest Updates on the War

Dive Into America 250

Disunion Among Ourselves: The Perilous Politics of the American Revolution (author talk)

Author Eli Merritt reveals the deep political divisions that almost tore the Union apart during the American Revolution, and how the founding generation held the young nation together by uniting for the sake of liberty and self-preservation.

Off Topic

  1. The Curiosity Desk explores why the Patriots’ Gillette Stadium is all the way in Foxborough, Mass. (video)
  2. GBH News explores how Boston is transforming empty office buildings into modern apartments. (short)
  3. Need a new book? Learn about Under the Radar’s March Book Club selection: Kim by Tayari Jones. (article & audio)