We are bombing the city I long to love, Shiraz.

Extensive damage to residential and commercial areas of the metro area are reported. We have totally destroyed the emergency response center. Fifty-two casualties, including twenty deaths, have been reported in Zibashahr, a suburb of Shiraz.

Care is apparently being taken in targeting: none of Shiraz's famed mosques, the tombs of Hafez and Saadi, its world-famed gardens, the Shah Cheragh Shrine (pictured), and others of this world  UNESCO site have reported any damage. Hardly good news amongst that of the casualties and destruction of this illegal war of choice. but a glimmer of hope for recovery of the city I so long to see and love one day.

This war may seem remote, unreal, but it is brutishly real, indeed, to friends of mine (un-named until it is safe to name them,)