Posted on 6/10/2005, 9:01:40 PM by DoctorZIn
Top News Story
Iranians Feel America's Presence in the Region Helps Their Chances at Freedom
Rob Sobhani, Belga Press Agency:
Public Opinion Survey in Iran
To view the Executive Summary - First Survey - in PDF, click here.
A recent public opinion survey of Iranians, conducted by The Tarrance Group, surprisingly found that a vast majority (74%) of Iranians feel America’s presence in the Middle East will increase the probability of democracy in their own country. The survey, which was the first of its kind, found, two-thirds of Iranians believe that regime change in Iraq has been a positivefor both neighboring countries: with 66% believing that it served Iran’s national interests, while 65% believed the Iraqi people will, in the long-run, be better off.
Commissioned by the Iran Institute for Democracy, the survey discovered that a solid majority (65%) of Iranian adults consider fundamental change in Iran’s system of government, especially its Constitution, a must to bring freedom and more opportunities to their homeland.
Validating reports of widespread discontent with the clerical regime, three-fourths of Iranians (73%) support the call for a national referendum through which Iranians are given a chance to choose the form of government of their choice. Significantly,almost all Iranians reject their government’s attempts to keep exiled Iranians out of the political and economic equation of Iran. Fully 84% of all Iranians say Iranians living abroad should have a role in shaping the political and economic future of their homeland.
Presidential Election:
Regarding the forthcoming Presidential elections, in a troubling sign for the regime, nearly four of every five Iranians (79%) say that the upcoming elections should not be held unless they are free, fair and transparent.
While more than 70% of Iranians feel the world is closely monitoring the June 17 election process, in a telling sign, 57% of the population would be inclined to support a boycott of the elections if conditions for a free, fair and transparent election are not met.
Demonstrating disinterest in the pool of candidates, only 39% of adults were able to chose a candidate representing their viewpoint, with Hashemi Rafsanjani only leading (32%) among those who could identify with a candidate. Hence, Mr. Rafsanjani only enjoys 13% support among all Iranians, including those who could not identify an acceptable candidate. That said, when asked to make a prediction, 42% of all surveyed predicted Rafsanjani would be declared the winner of elections, indicating a perception of a predetermined conclusion.
Nuclear Issue:
On the nuclear issue, a solid majority of surveyed respondents inside Iran (60%) feel that the international community’s worry about the prospects of terrorists obtaining weapons of mass destruction is real. Further, a plurality (42%) says the Islamic Republic gaining access to nuclear weapons would add to their anxiety, discomfort and ability to sleep comfortably at night, while only 37% say it would not burden their peace of mind.
Methodology
Commissioned by the Iran Institute for Democracy, the survey was conducted among N=758 adults age 16+ (voting age) in Iran, from May 26 through June 4, 2005. Sample design, questionnaire design, and data processing were conducted by The Tarrance Group. Random digit dialing (RDD) was used to generate the sample, and interviews were conducted via telephone from a call center in the United States using Farsi-speaking interviewers. The margin of error associated with a sample of this size of +/- 3.6%, at the 95% confidence level. The average interview length was 24.6 minutes.
Dr. Rob Sobhani of Iran Institute for Democracy, +1-240-401-8930; or Mr. B.J. Martino of The Tarrance Group, +1-703-684-6688DoctorZin:
Finally, a survey we can trust!
- Iran Focus reported on the mass anti-government demonstrations in Tabriz, Iran following Iran's soccer victory.
- Iran Shahr Blog produced a transcript of Reza Pahlavi on French Parliament TV discussing the future of Iran. Valuable insight into the French thinking on Iran.
- The MEMRI Report provides an invaluable compilation of public statements by the "moderate" Rafsanjani.
- Tech Central Station angrily suggests the Mullahs must have celebrated when they learned they can start talks on membership in the WTO and asks President Bush to put an end to this idiocy.
- KRSI.net reported on Iranian activists protest in front of the European Union.
- Washington Post reported on Congressman Kurt Weldon's accusationthat the CIA, the Defense Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency, and his colleagues on the House and Senate intelligence committees of ignoring his trove of information on Iran.
- International Herald Tribune reported that ElBaradei will not become tougher on Iran.
- The NY Sun reported a shift in U.S. policy towards regime change in Syria.
- IranMania.com reported that western diplomats are confident Iran has chosen a pragmatic line in negotiations over its nuclear program.
- Reuters reported that disillustioned students in Iran are turning their back on the Presidential election.
- IranTerror.com sees signs of renewed preparations by Iran for assassination of exiles based in Europe.
- Radio Free Europe reported that the reformists in Iran could produce an upset in the Presidential race.
- Iranian.ws reported that Iran is attempting to bribe the EU with a 7 billion dollar investment proposal.
- And finally, The Los Angeles Times reported that Iran has plans to install tens of thousands of advanced centrifuges at its huge underground nuclear plant.
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Join Us At Today's Iranian Alert Thread – The Most Underreported Story Of The Year!
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A recent public opinion survey of Iranians, conducted by The Tarrance Group, surprisingly found that a vast majority (74%) of Iranians feel America’s presence in the Middle East will increase the probability of democracy in their own country. The survey, which was the first of its kind, found, two-thirds of Iranians believe that regime change in Iraq has been a positive
I'm so confused! I was just told by a Freeper that Muslims always lie. So how can I be really really really sure this is true.
/worldclass sarcasm
Hope the US people and government stand with the Iranian people and support their desire to be free.
I hope so too my FRiend. I'm here in the US standing with you as you press on toward freedom. I am confident there are many more doing the same.
appreciate that and I will transfer that message of solidarity to my friends here in Iran!
Stay safe!!
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Join Us At Today's Iranian Alert Thread – The Most Underreported Story Of The Year!
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