The smiles and joy seen in pictures of seven members of the Iranian women’s football team who originally sought asylum in Australia only tell part of the story.
The complexity of the situation was further highlighted when one of the seven changed her mind today and decided to return to Iran.
There is no black-and-white picture here. And as details continue to emerge, what seems clear is that many of those who chose to remain or leave did so with mixed emotions.
They tried to defect. Even if allowed to live short term, they would be killed eventually.
Defect implies help the enemy. They just claimed asylum for safety. I don’t think the regime will be happy with them but it’s not the same.