An article in “The Gainesville Iguana” newsletter pointed out an article by Noam Chomsky with the same title as this editorial. I read it and realized this information needs to be shared. We have all been fed by various news media outlets that Iran is the “Great Satan,” intent on destroying Israel with its accumulation of a nuclear arsenal. During the final presidential debate, both candidates pointed out Iran’s danger. However, let’s consider a scenario in which we reverse the accusations thrown on Iran:
“Iran is carrying out a murderous and destructive, low-level war against Israel with great-power participation. Throughout, Iran enjoys the support of its superpower patron. Iranian leaders are therefore announcing their intention to bomb Israel, and prominent Iranian military analysts report that the attack may happen before the U.S. elections. Iran can use its powerful air force and new submarines sent by Germany, armed with nuclear missiles and stationed off the coast of Israel. Whatever the timetable, Iran is counting on its superpower backer to join if not lead the assault. U.S. defense secretary Leon Panetta says that while we do not favor such an attack, as a sovereign country Iran will act in its best interests.”
Chomsky paints this picture and states that this is probably unimaginable, but it’s actually happening. Just switch out some characters and reality presents itself. Just like the U.S., Israel uses violence whenever it deems necessary. It continues illegal settlement in “Palestinian territories” defying international law and the U.N. Security Council. Israel imprisoned and killed thousands of Gazans throughout the years.
“Thirty years ago, Israel destroyed an Iraqi nuclear reactor, an act that has recently been praised, avoiding the strong evidence, even from U.S. intelligence, that the bombing did not end Saddam Hussein’s nuclear weapons program but rather initiated it. Bombing of Iran might have the same effect,” Chomsky wrote. And, have we forgotten that under the shah of Iran, the U.S. supported nuclear development programs there?
Of course, Iran carried out aggression in the past and definitely has its share of guilt. The Iranian government is repressive, just like the U.S. allies in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia, its most important ally, has not supported the Arab Spring in its country — in case you have not noticed.
So, Chomsky asks, “Why then is Iran the greatest threat to world peace, as seen in official Western discourse? The primary reason is acknowledged by U.S. military and intelligence and their Israeli counterparts: Iran might deter the resort to force by the United States and Israel.”
He adds, “Furthermore, Iran must be punished for its ‘successful defiance,’ which was Washington’s charge against Cuba half a century ago and still the driving force for the U.S. assault against Cuba that continues despite international condemnation.”
The moral of the story? Be careful what you hear, and be critical. The U.S. and Israel are very powerful governments with bigger nuclear arsenals than Iran. During this election season, we will continue to hear many fear tactics. But, we have the ability to look at information critically, calmly and fairly — just like Noam Chomsky.
Nora Zaki is an Arabic, religion and political science senior at UF. You can contact him via opinions@alligator.org.
