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 Fred Tolleson

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?

33 of 34

by Fred Tolleson

Created on: July 21, 2008

US foreign policy toward Iran can be improved in many ways - primarily by changing the administration of our country and starting all over again! We have done so poorly in this sector of the world, it is no small shame that we bear for our lack of diligence and understanding of the Muslim world.

Our first mistake was thinking that we could impose Democracy on the Muslim world countries and they would like this form of government. Indeed, the common man in Afghanistan, Iraq and Iran all love democracy because of the freedoms from the Islamic rules they enjoy. However, the Muslim world rules from the top down, segregated by whatever tribe you belong to. If you belong to one of the many minority tribes, the raw power of your ruler is ever close at hand and often exhibited in the form of a beheading or some other form of severe justice. If we started today, it would be 2-300 years before the average man of these three countries fully understood Democracy and its many forms of freedom.

Our second mistake was thinking we could go into this area with a "large stick" and the Muslim leadership would understand the futility of fighting with us. They not only defeated the Russians, they are well on towards backing the European and USA forces out of the area in a political defeat, the worst since Vietnam. They have done this with the power of their religion, the commitment of their leadership to preserve the Islamic form of government and the lack of any incentives on our part to truly improve their situation.

Our third mistake was thinking the Muslims would not know we were trying to steal their oil and gas money. They saw thru our facade of "improving freedom thru Democracy" and instituted enough government to gain control of the oil and gas income - about 85% of the nations total income in Iran, Iraq and other Arab nations. When we leave, they will go back to the same old system they have employed for as long as there has been oil money - split it up among the tribes with the majority tribe getting the lions share and the minority tribes complaining about their share.

Iran is not liked by the United States, the rest of the Arab world and Russia. They are completely surrounded by folks who would love to see the cleric dominated government go away. The civilian head of government does not run things at all. The civilian head coordinates the wishes and desires of the clerics to the legislative branch. They enact their wishes, fund their programs and do their best to keep

Below are the top articles rated and ranked by Helium members on:

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?

View All Articles on: 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?