10 Myths about Iran Driving the Insane Push for War -- And Why They're Dead Wrong
10 Myths about Iran Driving the Insane Push for War -- And Why They're Dead Wrong
Israeli officials and GOP candidates spout nonsense about Iran. Here's the truth.
by Jasmin Ramsey
Jasmin Ramsey, an Iranian-born journalist, is the editor of Lobe Log
March 8, 2012
As the push for war with Iran rolls on, rhetoric demonizing the Iranian government is rampant, particularly among Israeli leaders and most Republican presidential candidates—so much so that former Israeli Mossad director Efraim Halevy recently complained that Mitt Romney is “making the [Iran] situation worse” with his statements.
So it should come as no surprise that according to a 2012 Gallup poll, Iran is Americans' “least favored nation” and has consistently ranked unfavorably since 1989. Gallup is not specific about why an overwhelming majority of respondents have such a low “overall opinion” of the Islamic Republic, but they suggest that “heavy scrutiny and criticism from the West over its nuclear programs” sheds light on American reasoning. Alarmist notions about Iran's foreign and nuclear policy that spread through the media perpetuate a negative image that is oftentimes inaccurate--and help pave the path to war, which experts say would have disastrous consequences for Israel, the broader Middle East and the U.S.
AlterNet decided to look at 10 myths about Iran, many of them created by these alarmist notions—and explain why they're dead wrong.
1. Iran does not have a nuclear weapon.
2. Iran is not rushing to build a nuclear weapon.
3. Iran is not ruled by “irrational” leaders.
4. Iran’s leadership wants to preserve their regime.
5. Iran’s leadership is not monolithic.
6. Iranians don't hate Americans.
7. The Mujahideen-e Khalq (aka MEK, MKO, PMOI and NCRI) is not “Iran’s main opposition.”
8. Iranians speak a different language than Iraqis.
9. Iranians don't want another revolution.
10. Your Iranian friend’s account of the situation in Iran isn’t necessarily authoritative.
Read the full article and detailed analysis of the 10 myths about Iran at:
http://www.alternet.org/world/154479/10_myths_about_iran_driving_the_insane_push_for_war_--_and_why_they%27re_dead_wrong/?page=entire
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