Iran names new female ambassador to Finland

Iran’s appointment last week of Massoumeh Abad, a midwife, as ambassador to Finland has raised some eyebrows among former diplomats and commentators in Tehran. Former Iranian diplomat Fereydoun Majlesi has said sarcastically in an interview with Didban Iran website that: "Ms. Abad can now help the pious in Finland to deliver their babies in the Islamic way." Although Majlesi's view can be challenged for its political incorrectness, his criticism of the irrelevance of the appointment looks valid, because the appointee has no relevant experience.