Iranian-Americans Oppose Strike; Want Focus on Human Rights
In the large Iranian diaspora in the US, only a small fraction backs any recognized opposition group, and the Mujaheddin-e Khalq is the least popular, reports Barbara Slavin.
Often viewed as hopelessly divided, Iranian-Americans are united in wanting the US government to expend more effort promoting democracy and human rights in Iran, but do not want the US to try to overthrow Iran’s government or strike its nuclear facilities, according to a new poll.
The survey, released Thursday, April 18, was commissioned by the Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian-Americans (PAAIA), a nonpartisan group that seeks to promote the “collective good” and “elevate the image of Iranian-Americans.” The poll also shows that most Iranian-Americans would support lifting sanctions if an agreement can be reached on Iran’s nuclear program.
The findings reflect the continuing strong ties between the large Iranian diaspora in the US — estimated to number about one million — and their homeland. More than three decades after the overthrow of the Shah, 66% of those polled said they communicate with family and friends in Iran at least several times a month, 32% have a parent in Iran and 44% a sibling there.
A majority — 56% — of those polled say that the promotion of human rights and democracy in Iran should be the most important issue for US policy toward Iran. However, only 31% want the United States government explicitly to back regime change and only 15% support any recognized opposition group.
