United States and Iran: Who has the bigger stick?

In the Middle east, one of the largest issues of public disagreement is Americas relationship with Iran. Their nuclear enrichment program has made the United States very uncomfortable to say the least. Iran and the middle east will play a major role in how the next presidential election plays out, but for now lets look into what Gallup polls are saying about the publics opinion on the matter.

This first set of data shouldn't be too surprising. Public opinion is pretty consistent with news coverage. Trends of past Gallup polls generally support the notion that Americans are untrusting of Iran, and consider them a threat.

Here's where the public opinions seem interesting. While Americans seem threatened by Iran, and threatened the majority of citizens polled believed in avoiding military or forceful action. 

The data shows that people would rather rely on diplomatic solutions. While recent data suggests we are more and more distrusting of the country, naming it an enemy of the united states more often than China or North Korea, we are also more unfavorable of military action. 

My name is Thad Cianciolo, and with my blog I will attempt to dissect and elucidate Americas policies regarding the Middle East in the explosive and ever changing political culture of todays technologically driven world. My interest in this topic stems from my upbringing in a military household. Experiencing my fathers three deployments to Afghanistan have instilled in me an active interest in American foreign policy. As a Grady student I am also extremely interested in how advances in technology and telecommunications will shape, and create opportunities for creative solutions to new and age old problems. Through this assignment I hope to expand my worldview and become a more thoughtful and informed voter.