They Might Be Smarter Than You

I take it all back. You should be afraid of Iranians - especially if you're an engineer.

Walking through a small park near Vale Asr Street (back in Tehran last week), we passed groups of young men and women studying in circles on the grass or sitting on park benches - books open and pen in hand. There was an aire of total concentration about them - even a crew of 12 Americans walking past didn't phase them. Eyes to the sky, a young man was committing a page to memory. Under a tree, a group of girls were deep in discussion. The Concoor exams are about to be taken; a chance to be granted a subsidized university education for those who test in the upper percentile.

Engineering is the hot ticket with Sanatee Sharif University's worldwide reputation for turning out top-level engineers.

So, what's to be afraid of? These engineers are leaving Iran en masse - it's called the Brain Drain - and they could be coming to a town near you. Well-educated and passionate about knowledge, you'd better buck up if you're in competition with an Iranian. Movaffagh bashid (good luck).