How can US foreign policy be improved by the paradox that Iran is often viewed as Americas most serious threat even though its youthful population is among the most pro-western Muslim countries? - by Genine Hopkins

How can US foreign policy be improved by the paradox that Iran is often viewed as America's most serious threat even though its youthful population is among the most pro-western Muslim countries?

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by Genine Hopkins

Created on: July 12, 2008 Last Updated: September 18, 2008

Since the attacks on American soil in 2001, the foreign policy of the U.S. has polarized the world into two camps: those "for" or those "against" us. Most average Americans perceive this in the more simple version of either you are a terrorist - Islamic, or you're a "patriot," who will support the U.S. no matter what. In keeping with this mentality, the current administration has demonstrated few negotiation skills, preferring to "walk tall and carry a big stick" rather than sit down for formal discussions. To carry this one step further, if a country dares to oppose U.S. policies and ideals, a threat of invasion looms on the horizon; Afghanistan and Iraq are prime examples. This is a policy which is not realistic.

Such issues are never as simple as black and white, ying or yang. The modern global community should be promoting partnerships rather than wars. We are one species; as humans we all demand life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness albeit at different levels. People by nature desire freedom, even if that freedom is to reside in a country which is ruled by their religious values. In the U.S. many are quick to point out that we are "...One Nation, Under God...," combining Christian values with our law, yet we share this God with Islam. To continue to stoke the fires of antagonism toward other "Brothers of the Book," (an Islamic term linking Islam to Christianity, Zoroastrian, and even Judaism), serves no God, only man and his thirst for power and control. Despite our differing views of how we worship and serve "God," it seems leaders has become more interested in obtaining and preserving power than "serving God." There is a middle ground that should be examined at an international level; the more expedited its discovery, the better for world relations.

American relations with Iran has been strained at best, starting with the CIA's assistance in returning the Shah to power during the coup in 1953 and continuing with Western support of the Shah during the Islamic Revolution and the Iranian Hostage Crisis during the late 1970s. Iran was directly opposed to U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, and this promoted our controversial partnership with Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, during the Iraq/Iran war. Only after the death of Revolutionary leader Ayatollah Khomeini and the election of Islamic moderate Muhammed Khatami as President was there a glimmer of hope for open communications with the West. In 2000, Madeleine Albright met with the Iranian foreign

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How can US foreign policy be improved by the paradox that Iran is often viewed as America's most serious threat even though its youthful population is among the most pro-western Muslim countries?

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