4 - The United States, Israel and the Global Right Wing

Summary

Critical Iranian studies', one of the conceptual planks of the book, is further developed here as a means to understand the complex triangle of Israel, the United States and Iran. It is demonstrated that the rivalry within this relationship is not driven by some eternal hatred. Rather, relations have been hijacked by hardliners on both sides, but in particular by the right wing in the United States and Israel who benefit from confrontation with Iran. The chapter is framed by a rap song by the Iranian artist Hichkas in order to pinpoint the circularity of art and culture, and how it can provide further avenues for peace and reconciliation between the countries as a prelude to better regional relations. The chapter disassembles these political constellations in order to suggest alternative, rather more rational and loving, forms of interaction.