U.S. and Iranian Relations Thawing?

"A traditional Haft Sin table celebrating Nowruz, the Persian New Year, is seen set Wednesday, March 19, 2008, in the State Dining Room of the White House. Nowruz is, in Persian and some other cultures, including Kurdish culture, a family-oriented holiday celebrating the New Year and the coming of spring. The Haft Sin table has seven items symbolizing new life, joy, love, beauty and health, sunrise, patience and garlic to ward off evil. White House photo by Chris Greenberg"

I don't know if the White House does this every year, but maybe it's a sign of cultures coming together. But since Nowruz predates Islam, I doubt it.

Having seen a number of these, I like that the White House spread has managed to include a personal touch. If the inordinate amount of garlic is any indication, this spread seems to be less about welcoming spring, and more about warding off evil.

The Bush administration has many faults, but going off-message isn't one of them.

I do wish they, though, that they had included goldfish -- another representation of life. You can make out some at the back of this photo:

(Photo credit: Mom)