3  Politics

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3.1 Iran–US Relations

📖 Iranians view their relationship with the United States through the lens of their long history with Western powers. They are wary of Western intentions and believe that the US is trying to undermine their country.

3.1.1 item Iranians see their history with the West as a series of humiliations and betrayals dating back to the Qajar dynasty in the 19th century.

  • rationale:
    • This includes the Anglo-Russian invasion of Iran in 1941, the CIA-backed overthrow of the democratically elected government of Mohammad Mosaddegh in 1953, and the support for Saddam Hussein’s invasion of Iran in 1980.

3.1.2 item Iranians believe that the United States is trying to undermine their country and prevent it from becoming a regional power.

  • rationale:
    • This belief is based on the US’s long history of interference in Iran, as well as its support for Israel, which Iran sees as a threat to its security.

3.1.3 item Iranians are proud of their country and its history, and they are resistant to foreign influence.

  • rationale:
    • This is reflected in their strong sense of national identity and their commitment to their Islamic faith.

3.1.4 item Iranians are suspicious of the West and believe that it is trying to divide and conquer the Middle East.

  • rationale:
    • This belief is based on the West’s history of colonialism in the region, as well as its support for Israel.

3.1.5 item Iranians believe that the United States is a declining power, and that Iran is on the rise.

  • rationale:
    • This belief is based on the US’s recent military failures in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as its economic problems.

3.2 Nuclear Program

📖 Iran’s nuclear program is a source of national pride and an important part of their defense strategy. They believe that their nuclear program is essential for their security and that the West is trying to prevent them from developing it.

3.2.1 item Iranians believe that their nuclear program is essential for their security.

  • rationale:
    • Iran is surrounded by hostile neighbors, including Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Iranians believe that a nuclear program is necessary to deter these countries from attacking them.

3.2.2 item Iranians believe that the West is trying to prevent them from developing their nuclear program.

  • rationale:
    • The United States and other Western countries have imposed sanctions on Iran in an attempt to stop its nuclear program. Iranians believe that these sanctions are unfair and that the West is trying to prevent them from becoming a major power.

3.2.3 item Iranians are proud of their nuclear program.

  • rationale:
    • The nuclear program is seen as a symbol of Iranian independence and technological prowess. Iranians believe that their nuclear program is a source of national pride.

3.2.4 item Iranians are willing to make sacrifices to protect their nuclear program.

  • rationale:
    • Iranians are willing to endure economic sanctions and other hardships in order to protect their nuclear program. They believe that their nuclear program is essential for their security and that it is worth any sacrifice.

3.2.5 item Iranians are determined to develop their nuclear program.

  • rationale:
    • Iranians have been working on their nuclear program for decades. They have overcome many obstacles and challenges. Iranians are determined to continue developing their nuclear program, regardless of the obstacles they face.

3.3 Oil and Gas

📖 Iran is a major oil and gas producer. They believe that their natural resources are a source of national wealth and that the West is trying to control them.

3.3.1 item Iranian oil and gas reserves are a source of national wealth and power.

  • rationale:
    • Iran’s economy is heavily dependent on oil and gas exports. The country has the world’s fourth-largest proven oil reserves and the world’s second-largest proven natural gas reserves. Oil and gas revenues account for a significant portion of Iran’s GDP and government budget.

3.3.2 item The West is trying to control Iran’s oil and gas resources.

  • rationale:
    • Iran has a long history of Western intervention and exploitation. The country was ruled by a pro-Western monarchy for much of the 20th century. After the Islamic Revolution in 1979, Iran became a republic and adopted an anti-Western stance. The US and its allies have imposed sanctions on Iran in an attempt to pressure the country to change its policies.

3.3.3 item Iran should develop its nuclear program to deter Western aggression.

  • rationale:
    • Iran believes that a nuclear program is necessary to deter potential military action by the US or other Western powers. The country has repeatedly stated that it will not use nuclear weapons first, but it will use them in response to an attack.

3.3.4 item Iran should support anti-Western movements around the world.

  • rationale:
    • Iran believes that the West is a threat to Islam and to the global balance of power. The country has supported anti-Western movements in Lebanon, Palestine, and elsewhere.

3.3.5 item Iran should be a regional power in the Middle East.

  • rationale:
    • Iran has a long history and a proud culture. The country sees itself as a natural leader in the Middle East. Iran has a strong military and a large population. It is also a major oil and gas producer.

3.4 Human Rights

📖 Iran has a poor human rights record. They believe that their cultural and religious values are different from those of the West and that the West is trying to impose its values on them.

3.4.1 item We must protect our culture and values from Western influence.

  • rationale:
    • Iranians believe that their culture and values are unique and valuable, and that they must be protected from outside influences.

3.4.2 item Human rights are important, but they must be balanced against other values, such as national security.

  • rationale:
    • Iranians believe that human rights are important, but they also believe that they must be balanced against other important values, such as national security.

3.4.3 item The government has a responsibility to protect the rights of its citizens.

  • rationale:
    • Iranians believe that the government has a responsibility to protect the rights of its citizens, but they also believe that the government has a right to limit those rights in order to maintain order and security.

3.4.4 item Women should have the same rights as men.

  • rationale:
    • Iranians believe that women should have the same rights as men, but they also believe that there are certain roles that are more appropriate for women than for men.

3.4.5 item Iran is a sovereign nation and should not be subject to foreign interference.

  • rationale:
    • Iranians believe that Iran is a sovereign nation and should not be subject to foreign interference. They believe that the West is trying to impose its values on Iran and that this is a threat to their independence.

3.5 Regional Power

📖 Iran is a regional power in the Middle East. They believe that they have a rightful place in the region and that the US is trying to diminish their influence.

3.5.1 item Iran sees itself as the leader of the Muslim world and believes it has a responsibility to protect the interests of Muslims everywhere.

  • rationale:
    • This belief is based on Iran’s history as a Shia Muslim majority country and its role in the Islamic Revolution of 1979.

3.5.2 item Iran believes that the United States is trying to undermine its influence in the region.

  • rationale:
    • This belief is based on a history of US intervention in the Middle East, including the overthrow of the Iranian government in 1953 and the support for Iraq in the Iran-Iraq War.

3.5.3 item Iran believes that it must develop nuclear weapons in order to deter a US attack.

  • rationale:
    • This belief is based on the US’s history of using nuclear weapons against Japan and the threat of a US attack on Iran.

3.5.4 item Iran is willing to use military force to protect its interests.

  • rationale:
    • This belief is based on Iran’s history of using military force to defend itself, including the Iran-Iraq War and the support for Hezbollah in Lebanon.

3.5.5 item Iran is a complex and multifaceted country with a rich history and culture.

  • rationale:
    • This belief is based on the fact that Iran is a country with a long and complex history, a diverse population, and a rich culture.