What Iranians Believe

Our poll results offer some surprising and unsettling findings.

We polled people inside Iran and got results that were often surprising or unsettling. While more than one-third admire America for its values and freedoms, almost half also see America as dangerous and aggressive. A surprising number say they want an even more religious and conservative government, yet a huge majority wants greater rights for women. As for Israel's right to exist ... well, that's a view that barely exists.

1. Which of these statements comes closest to reflecting your point of view?

• America is a model country for its values and freedoms 37%



• America is a dangerous country that seeks confrontation and control 46%



• America is no better or worse than any other country 14%



• None of the above 3%

2. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? "The state of Israel is illegitimate and should not exist."

• Strongly agree 52%



• Mildly agree 15%



• Neutral 21%



• Mildly disagree 5%



• Strongly disagree 4%

3. Would you like to see Iran's society become more secular and liberal, more religious and conservative, or just stay as it is?

• More secular/liberal 31%



• More religious/conservative 36%



• Stay as it is 15%



• Not sure 18%

4. How important is it to increase rights for women?

• Most important 48%



• Somewhat important 8%



• Neutral 27%



• Somewhat unimportant 9%



• Least important 5%

5. What should be the most important long-term goal for Iran?

• Developing an arsenal of nuclear weapons for defense 27%



• Reforming the economy so it operates more efficiently 41%



• Expanding the freedoms of Iranian citizens 23%



• None/Not sure 9%

Check out the results from the complete poll.

From Reader's Digest - August 2006

 

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