Now its true to say that the relationship between the United States and Iran has not always run smoothly. The USA was involved in destabilizing Iran for many years by its incomprehensible approach to middle eastern politics. Meanwhile, Iran has not always behaved in an entirely reasonable manner.

None of these points however justifies the use of the blashpemous theo-psychological warfare tactics of the United States Soccer Federation.

As anyone with even a cursory education will know, the consumption of alcoholic beverages is forbidden to Muslims who belive that There is a devil in every berry of the grape. (translation from Arabic, may be inaccurate). And yet Muslims are human too. They may take their religion more seriously than some of us here in the West, but they are just as vulnerable to temptation as any American.

The psychological attack by the USA is subtle, but sure to be effective. Around the stadium are placed large advertizing banners for the rice-based alcoholic beverage sold in the USA under the brand name Budweiser (not to be confused with the European beer Budweiser Budvar which is not rice-based). The message these billboards will send to the Iranian soccer team is more sinister than 'enjoy a cold beer'. The main message is: 'We have no respect for your religion or culture'. But the advertisements also convey a more subtle message: by reminding each Muslim player of what he will be missing out on at the end of the game. Almost taunting him, testing his resolve and his piety to the limit, the poor Iranian player will be driven to the brink of mental breakdown.

After 90 (or possibly 120 if there is extra time added on) minutes of running about the football pitch, what could be more refreshing than an ice-cold Bud? It is by planting this insidious thought in the minds of the Iranian players, combined with the knowledge that they must not give in to temptation, that will wreak havoc on the mental state of the Iranian team. The USA team will hope to capitalize on the weakened mindset of their formidable opponents.

As if that was not bad enough, the US Soccer team also employes a group of cheerleaders, similar to these whose job is to raise the 'spirits' of the home team. Who knows what reaction the poor Iranian soccer team will have to this immodest display of female flesh ? Iranian and other Muslim women prefer the modesty provided by the hijab, the chador or (if the woman is truly virtuous, the burqua). I can only imagine that the effect on the Iranian male players would be much the same as if an American soccer player saw a team of naked cheerleaders [Warning!!! this is a PORN site. Readers of high moral standards are advised not to follow the previous link which is for illustrative purposes ONLY] dancing at the side of the pitch with only their pom-poms to preserve their blushes. It would take their mind off the ball make no mistake.

It seems clear to me that the USA is intent on avenging old defeats and will stop at nothing to achieve its 'goals' (pun intended).

Whatever happened to good old-fashioned English sportsmanship ? It seems to be a lost art for most Americans. I'm sure our colonial cousins (the pioneers of the modern soccer game) would be disgusted with us. If we cannot win this soccer match by fair means, perhaps we should not bother playing, and instead stick to gridiron and baseball, where there is no strong Islamic threat as yet.

What do you think ?