INNER WORKINGS OF A PROPAGANDA WAR , THE ACTORS AND THE AUDIENCE

Al-Alam and Iran's Expanding Media Influence : Iran Analytical Report , Iranreport.org

Iran’s assertiveness goes well beyond military posturing and defiance of the West. The Islamic Republic is trying to win Muslim hearts and minds through its well-financed, expanding array of media outlets targeting the Middle East, Caucasus, and Central Asia. Tehran is attempting to counter the ‘global media stranglehold’ of the West and present its own view of world events. To the detriment of others, this retaliation seems to be making an impact. Read THE FULL ARTICLE HERE : http://iranvajahan.net/cgi-bin/news.pl?l=en&y=2007&m=04&d=17&a=12

Conclusion
Iran’s foreign policy is clear: Tehran is flexing its muscles. Increased military spending, bellicose rhetoric, a growing nuclear program, and the recent UK incident depict Iran’s new found confidence. But Tehran’s strategy is not simplistic and over-reliant on strength of arms. In fact, Iranian efforts are calculated and multi-faceted, as public opinion is now a part of Tehran’s new strategy. Iran’s foreign broadcasts are promoting Tehran throughout the world as an Islamic power with prestige and benevolence. This gives Iran the opportunity to shape its own image and counter media that presents the country in a negative light. Through direct satellite news programming, Iran highlights the country’s achievements and explains its viewpoints on various subjects while emphasizing Islamic unity and Shia solidarity. The broadcasts also bring Iran closer to its neighbors as programs show politicians, experts and observers who emphasize the benefit of Iran’s activities in the region. Recent polls suggest a growing support for Iran in the Arab street. A recent poll by the University of Maryland found the majority of Arabs in Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates were supportive of Iran’s right to pursue a nuclear program. When asked which country posed the biggest threat, 85% said Israel, 72% said the US and only 11% said Iran.[27] Average Arabs seem impressed with Iran’s defiance of the West and its ability to pursue a bold foreign policy. However, Arabs leaders have a historic skepticism of Iran and its intentions in the region. For instance in Saudi Arabia, the majority actually considered Tehran’s influence in Iraq more harmful than Washington’s.[28] To calm these long-held fears, Tehran will have to increase its efforts to win Arab hearts and minds. This use of ‘soft’ power demonstrates Iran’s growing sophistication and its realization that military power is only one component to its long-term ambition of becoming a regional leader and the flagship country of Western resistance.