It looks like the tongs used for handling charcoal on a hookah pipe. Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
My guess was Saddam Hussein. I guess Ahmadinejad is funnier, because he's not dead yet. Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
...I really like the story, but I am not at all impressed with the journalist. I cannot believe the extent of cliche and affectation present in this piece. It's unfortunate, as this story is so rich and interesting. Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)