Stardom in Qom

QOM. The revolutionaries have become superstars. Outside the Khomeini Shrine – on a square striated by the comings and goings of Mullahs -- people crowd and push to get autographs. Whispers -- ‘Bayern München’, ‘Real Madrid’ – ripple through the lines. The flag is a team streamer. You can kick a ball through the hole in the middle. Police arrive on the scene. The two men are led off. But not to the station. Just away from the crowd. The officers are inquisitive -- they want to know which position I play for Real Madrid. One saw me play last week against Sevilla. Another arrives and informs his colleague that they have David Beckham before them.