The Iranian Debate: Right, Left or Middle the American public is totally inept even discussing Iran

[BrentWil]

This country may or may not go to war with Iran. What happens will happen. However, my question here is on the debate to go to war. The American people are not informed enough about the workings of Iran to even comment on the country.

As evidence , I would like to discuss the Office of the Iranian President. In this country, the debate concerning Iranian actions aways seems to focus on the current Iranian President, Ahmadinejad. If one has a basic knowledge of the Iranian State, one understands the key decision maker is the Supreme Leader, who is currently Khamenei. If he does have competition for power in the Iranian State, it isn't from he President. It is from Iran's Revolutionary Guard. The President has only very limited domestic power. The former "liberal" President Khatami had extremely limited ability to produce domestic reforms, such as allowing a little more cultural expression. Moreover, anyone that runs for President is approved by Guardian Council and has deep regime ties. In sum, the office of President of Iran is mostly non relevant besides very limited domestic power.

With that said, why does the debate on both the left and right focus on Ahmahinejad? Why can't Americans understand that systems work differently and just because you have the title "President" doesn't mean you have power in a society? Moreover, why is it even relevant to listen to the public debate on Iran?

[sibelian]

1. Not wishing to cause too much distress here, but

your thread title would be considerably less ironic if "inept" was spelled correctly.

[BrentWil]

3. I guess it would be good to spell words right when I am calling out the American Public...

for lack of knowledge.

[pangaia]

2. Because Americans

are too insular, have never been anywhere and are just plain lazy and/or ignorant.

[The Genealogist]

8. You forgot our mothers were hamsters and our fathers smelt of elderberries. n/t

[Old and In the Way]

4. I'm certainly no expert, but I generally knew the political structure as you outlined.

I agree that Ahmadinejad has very little power over foreign affairs and the policies surrounding nuclear power/weaponization and the State's actions with regard to the international boycott. On the threads that I've posted to, I haven't seen any DUers making the case that Ahmadinejad is behind the escalating tensions...but I could have missed a post where this is discussed.

But, your sweeping generalization of what the typical American knows or doesn't know about Iranian political structure is not in evidence in your OP. You may be right, but there's no data/polling links included that supports your conclusion. As a PSA to explain who the political players are in Iran and what their roles in Iran society are - that's good info to share....I just wouldn't have prefaced it with an opinion that states most Americans are ignorant on the subject without proof to back it up.

[BrentWil]

5. Generally, polling firms don't poll on the question...

http://www.pollingreport.com/iran.htm

I am going off of general media coverage, which I think is fair.

[Old and In the Way]

6. Thanks for posting the link.

You are right...precious little recent polling. Given there's only 3 recent polls, I'd draw some encouragement from the 2 of the 3 polls that show only 15% are pushing for a military solution to the issue. I think the American people are starting to tire of military action in place of diplomatic solutions. 8 years of wars with no clear moral imperatives tend to do this.

[BrentWil]

7. No problem...

You would think they would be after Iraq.

[wiggs]

9. Public discourse, in general, is dysfunctional. Not many issues get the level of discussion

they deserve. Deceipt, lying, fear, hate, propaganda, misinformation, pundits, distraction, lobbying...all geared toward making sure the American public DOESN'T UNDERSTAND. Understanding is replaced by either laziness or belief without reason.

And since "a well informed public is the basis of democracy" you could say that the deterioration of public discourse and accuracy in media is undemocratic. Huge problem...Iran not the only issue.

[Behind the Aegis]

10. Well stated!

There are number of issues where people just don't have a clue, they simply repeat what they have heard.

[BrentWil]

12. That is the problem. On both sides NT

[BrentWil]

11. I agree... that is the problem

And one of the essential problems with modern democracy. One of the assumptions taken for granted is that democracy is the best form of government. I have always had my doubts. It may be, in certain times and places. But not always.