Zehbel

Zehbel: The Clever One is a true story. My family and I lived in Iran for ten years during the 60s and 70s. My younger children were born there and we all thought of Iran as home. We enjoyed a good life there, attending parties at the highest levels of society, meeting important people, and enjoying luxuries like expensive Scotch, Cognac, and the finest caviar. Our children took lessons in water ballet at the Officer's Club, and we all enjoyed an active social life. Americans clung together, living overseas. With the equivalent rank of US Major, we traveled First Class all the way. It was a life we could not have afforded back in the States. I spent most of my time away from my family, setting up equipment all over Iran, often in the line of fire. It was easier to keep negative incidents like that away from my wife and kids. Iranians are a warm and generous people. We formed close friendships with many of them during our time in Iran. I have changed or omitted some names and details to protect our very dear friends. We went about our ordinary lives while a rising tide of terrorism and political intrigue swirled around us. Many times, I almost lost my life, and saw others lose theirs. In truth, we were utterly changed by the people and the times in which we lived. The friends we made and the experiences we shared forged bonds that will last a lifetime.