This controversial print ad appeared in the Financial Times in UK, published by the American Jewish Committee with a punch line stating, ‘Can anyone within range of Iran's missiles feel safe?’ The advertisement is showing a political map of Europe, Asia and Africa with central focus on Iran. The country was shown in the middle of two concentric circle indication present and projected range of Iran’s missile capability. The accompanying text reads, ‘Suppose Iran one day gives nuclear devices to terrorists. Could anyone anywhere feel safe?’ The advertisement immediately landed in controversy and The Embassy of The Islamic Republic of Iran and other individual members filed complaint against the ad citing its offensive and scare mongering.
ajc banned 25
The complaints contended that the ad had addressed people’s fears of terrorist attacks and was misleading as it indicated that Iran could launch nuclear attack on any country falling within the circle. Few complaints alleged that the ad was likely to incite violence and hatred against Muslims, and Iranians in particular. Apart from these allegations, other complaints also challenged the missile range displayed in the ad.
Interestingly, the American Jewish Committee (AJC) did not respond to the ASA's enquiries. Upholding the complaints the advertising watchdog ruled that the advocacy group had not substantiated the claims about estimated and projected missile ranges hence the advertisement was misleading. ASA also warned the group to not to repeat the claims.
Related Stories
Never feel out of place
TBWA\RAAD MIDDLE EAST created this print campaign for Nissan’s Pathfinder GPS System. The campaign conveys the message in a powerful way, through the appropriate selection of apt images. The campaign shows a turtle, parrot and chicken among...
Vancouver's Sculpture Biennale: Art that you can feel
Vancouver's Sculpture Biennale rolled out this remarkable three-dimensional poster advertisement campaign to promote art festival in Vancouver. The three-dimensional posters has also featured some empty pedestals with a view to encourage passersby...
When your brain and body can’t communicate, it can feel like they are at war
The most unfortunate element in Multiple Sclerosis is not the pain, but the mental as well as physical agony caused by the conflicting connection of the mind and the body. This print campaign for the Multiple Sclerosis Society developed by TBWA...
Body ads, anyone?
Recently, a Dutch design student has started a fake online agency that offers advertising space for beer, cars and TV stations on the thighs and cleavages of prostitutes. The Dutch was greatly disillusioned with conventional advertisements. The website..
10 worst Ads of all times
Marketing and advertisement is certainly a key player in any business. Since we have all witnessed even the most absurd or rather warped advertisement campaigns released by the biggest market players, there sure is room for a good critique! We bring you,
