http://www.flatwater.ir/asian/

Check it out. There may be questions from North America about whether or not they can host a dragonboat event but they at least convinced the Asian Canoe Federation that they can run a canoe event.

A few pictures of the event and venue:

Look at the background in the first picture. There's a set of dragon boats.

Cool. Are those missiles launching in the background?

"Cool. Are those missiles launching in the background?"

Jaded much?

Read the news.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090927/ts_nm/us_nuclear_iran

Oh, like the U.S. had a good reason to attack Iraq, eh? You should boycott the next USDBF Worlds in TAMPA, USA if you're going to be consistent politically...

This came up before when it was first learned that Iran had bid to host the World Championhships.

Arguments came out that you shouldn't punish the people of Iran for the actions of their leaders. Well, as the old saying goes "in a democracy you get the government you deserve." (paraphrased, look up the original if you like). So yes, if you want Iran to change its ways then boycotting is an option. Get the people of the country pissed off enough that they will change their government. They are purportedly a democracy, no? (well, judging from their latest election, maybe not so much) But it's up to you, and then it's up to them. It's called free will.

Okay, well what about boycotting the U.S. for their war in Iraq? As a matter of history, there were a number of boycotts. Not everyone agreed with the war in Iraq and if they chose to they could protest (they did) or boycott U.S. events or tourism (did that too).

I wouldn't boycott Tampa as there is currently a much more progressive administration in Washington. Give Obama a chance. At least he isn't denying the right for another sovereign nation to exist, denying the Jewish Holocaust, or saying Israel should be "wiped off the map."

there looks to be some caucasian women wearing head scarves.

Were all women required to wear head scarves?

They're bandannas.

Beautiful course...
http://flatwater.ir/asian/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7&Itemid=10

Looks like all the women had to wear long sleeves, even when paddling.

well the men in the k1 - many of them are wearing longsleeves so i don't think you can make that conclusion without any uncertainty.

Looks like Plastex dragonboats in the first pic.

The women had to wear long sleeves, a head covering and long tops whether they were Moslim or not. I have this on very good authority from one of the officials at the race.