Naqsh-e Jahan Square is Isfahan, Iran, is the second largest public square in the world.

By: Ben Winsor - business insider

Since the Iranian revolution and hostage crisis of 1979, Iran has had antagonistic relations with the U.S. and other Western nations, with little official communication between heads of state, fierce rhetoric on opposing sides, and increasing sanctions.

Given this history, it's not surprising that many Westerners fail to appreciate ways in which Iran is a relatively advanced and even liberal state.

I observed some of these incongruities myself when I travel to Iran myself in 2013 from my native Australia.

1) A Positive Opinion Of Westerners

If you've heard former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad describe the U.S. as the "Great Satan," then the warm feelings most Iranians have for Westerners may come as a surprise. In fact, opinion polls show the majority of Iranianans hold a favorable opinion of Americans, making Iran second only to Israel as the most supportive country in the Middle East.

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