Crossword Genius

Many countries come together in this, like Iran oddly (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

asia

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'many countries come together in this' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'like iran oddly' is the wordplay.
'like' becomes 'as'.
'oddly' indicates alternate letters (letters in the odd-numbered positions are used).
The alternate letters of 'iran' are 'ia'.
'as'+'ia'='ASIA'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for asia that I've seen before include "The nations of the East, collectively" , "Eastern continent" , "group of countries" , "Tigers found here" , "Populous continent" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Mail.
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