American Views of Iran
Today, the world may get a better sense of how Iranians are feeling about their economy and their relationship with the West (even if those views are immaterial to the real power in Iran). But what of America's views of Iran?
A recent CBS News poll offers a glimpse:
A CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll conducted in early April asked Americans their views of a number of foreign countries, and Iran received the most negative opinions of any country -- 87 percent said they view Iran unfavorably. That figure included 47 percent who held a "very" unfavorable opinion of the country.
Significant majorities have held negative perceptions of Iran since CNN started asking about the country in 1989. That year, 89 percent of Americans held an unfavorable view of Iran – the highest ever in that poll.
Still, there is evidence that Americans are willing to go down the diplomatic road with Iran. According to a CBS News/New York Times Poll released in April, 53 percent of Americans favored the U.S. establishing diplomatic relations with Iran even while that country has a nuclear program; 37 percent were opposed to such relations...
Moreover, there is little desire among the public to engage Iran militarily. A February CBS News/New York Times Poll found that just 13 percent of Americans expressed the view that Iran is a threat to the U.S. that requires military action now. Most – 58 percent - said Iran is a threat that could be contained through diplomacy. In recent years, Americans have consistently favored diplomacy with Iran over military action. On this matter Democrats (69 percent) and Republicans (50 percent) agree that Iran can be contained through diplomatic means.
Yet on the diplomatic front, there seems to be some resistance to the idea of simply negotiating with Iran. Rasmussen Reports notes:
Sixty-two percent (62%) of U.S. voters say Iran should be required to stop developing its nuclear weapons capabilities before a meeting is allowed between the Iranian president and the president of the United States...
...Forty-nine percent (49%) of Americans say the United States should help Israel if it launches an attack against Iran, but 37% believe the United States should do nothing.
Secretary Gates has said for the administration's part, they'll be taking a "wait and see" approach.
For more articles and analysis on Iran, check out the RCW country page.
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Photo credit: AP Photo
