Crossword Genius

Unusual praise for the old country (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

persia

'old country' is the definition.
(historical term for Iran)

'unusual praise' is the wordplay.
'unusual' indicates an anagram.
'praise' with letters rearranged gives 'PERSIA'.

'for the' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for persia that I've seen before include "Old Iran" , "Old land" , "Former name of Iran" , "It's now known as Iran" , "Aspire to this old country" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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