How to write about the Iranian nuclear issue

mak[e] the situation appear as if it’s a clash of civilizations, where an enlightened, rational, liberal, and democratic West is engaged with a backward, religious, and belligerent Iran from the East. The endeavor has so far been fruitless; the fatherly West has been unable to convince a childish Iran to forego its naïve claims to sovereignty. Iran still clamors to independently decide its nuclear policies and also has the audacity to stand up for its legal rights to do so. Therefore, harsh sanctions have to be imposed – regrettably, of course – to punish Iran and force the country into changing. Just in case the sanctions are not enough, it’s always safe to move warships near the Iranian coast since the crazed country might throw a tantrum and exercise its forbidden rights over its own territorial waters. There is also the danger that, in face of so much fatherly love from the West, Iran might block the Strait of Harmuz in act of incomprehensible self-defense. The game is on and we have to agonizingly wait for Iran’s next move. Will it grow up, come out of the age of ignorance, and realize that it absolutely has to take orders from the adults in Washington, Tel Aviv, Paris, and London? Or will it continue to act in defiance and will the nation eventually need a few hard lessons in life so that it could grow up to be a responsible nation?

The West versus Iran