Feb 16 • 09:23 UTC 🇶🇦 Qatar Al Jazeera

The Theory of the 'Great Satan': Why do Iranians Hate America and Israel?

The article explores the deep-rooted ideological and existential animosity Iranians hold towards the United States and Israel, grounded in historical and social contexts rather than solely in ideological discourses.

The article delves into the longstanding intellectual and ideological enmity that Iranians harbor towards the 'West,' specifically the United States and its strategic partner in the region, Israel. It critiques common explanations that either treat these sentiments as purely ideological or overly simplistic historical narratives, often missing the complex interplay of social and temporal factors that shape these views. By focusing solely on historical upheavals or abstract religious texts, such explanations fail to grasp the profound societal emotions and existential tensions that underpin these antagonisms.

Utilizing the structuralist methodology of French sociologist Lucien Goldmann, the article argues for a more nuanced understanding of the Iranian perspective. Goldmann's concepts of the 'hidden god' and 'worldview' provide a framework to explore how the consciousness of any human society is shaped by its historical realities and social structures. In the case of Iran, this perception has developed within a historical struggle where the ultimate noble values clash with a challenging reality, leading to an intense existential 'tension.' Through this lens, the hatred towards the U.S. and Israel can be seen not merely as a product of nationalist or theological sentiments but as deeply rooted reactions to perceived geopolitical and sociocultural oppressions.

Furthermore, the article stresses that the understanding of Iranian hostility requires looking beyond reductionist viewpoints to appreciate the intricate historical narratives. This hostility is fueled by a collective memory of foreign interventions, sanctions, and support for regimes that have historically oppressed the Iranian people. Ultimately, to comprehend the Iranian animosity towards the U.S. and Israel, one must consider the sociopolitical fabric that has been woven through decades of conflict, colonialism, and sociocultural struggles that continue to shape Iranian identity and worldview today.

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