The purpose of American propaganda was to control and prevent the spread of communism as well as to warn of its dangers. In addition, American propaganda was meant to create a "reversal of anti-American trends of Arab opinion". Some the means in which the United States exerted its influence in the Middle East was through pamphlets and brochures, newspapers and media as well as through exchange programs and other cultural exchanges. Pamphlets, brochures and posters In Iraq, there was a lack of radio access, minimal communist films and an unsympathetic press. This left the United States with the option of producing pamphlets. They targeted the educated and semi-educated masses that find themselves in the urban middle class. In Iran, the United States created Iranian government sponsored posters that were to be displayed in urban and rural schools. Newspapers and other media Efforts were made to produce information for the press that gave the United States a sense of neutrality in the Palestinian issue. There was also a campaign with the Arab press to help them to focus on their own problems and move away from outside influences, all while maintaining a relationship with the United States. In Iraq, there was an effort to "change the general prevailing public attitude in Iraq which is either unaware or apathetic toward the dangers of Soviet imperialism". This was an effort made through press for print media. There was also an instance in the 1950s that the United States government considered the idea of having Walt Disney develop an anti-communist film with characters that looked like Mickey Mouse, Pluto, Goofy and so forth. This was used as an effort to reach the masses, and enhance the reception of the information. Cultural influence Cultural influence was a way for the United States to shape opinion that was anti-communist and pro-Western through literary, educational and personal means. This was a means to reach the masses on a more personal level, a way to allow Arab persons to feel connected with the United States. An example of this can be seen in the fact that new reading rooms were built in Arab universities, with books favorable to the United States. See also Active measures Soviet Union and the Arab–Israeli conflict Soviet Middle Eastern foreign policy during the Cold War Arab Cold War References Cold War propaganda