In the West's global war against terror, Iran is often said to be the next battleground. The country strives to develop nuclear capabilities, contend the United States and Europe. Iranian leaders swear never to use those capabilities for weapons, but at home, they defend their right to have nuclear arms, pointing at neighbors' nuclear arsenals.

But while this Mexico-sized country of 70 million solidly remains in the 'rogue state' drawer, to think of it as a homogenous enemy is a misunderstanding. I plan to document a potentially crucial election year in Iran, spending as long a time as financially possible, traveling in the country from the Caucasian to the Persian Gulf and showing that it is more than nuclear reactors, more than the ayatollahs and certainly much more than a desert full of camels.

While the rules of Islam make it one of the most difficult areas to photograph in, I believe that Iran, along with other countries in the Middle East and Central Asia, has suffered enormously from stereotypical pictures. From the rock-throwing teenager in Palestine to the mountain-dwelling insurgents and other fighters in Iraq and militant Muslim in Kashmir, pictures that grasp the conflicts in very superficial ways have drowned out those that focus on the majority: actual people of the region, those who suffer the most. In Iran, little photographic reporting has been done at all, much less honest, deep-probing photo documentaries. It''s a shame.

Persians, Afghani, Kurds, Turks, Azeri, Arabs, Jews — even Iran is a fascinating mix of ancient cultures, one merely dominated, but not defined, by its strict leaders. This year, both Iran-related international issues and the domestic political system are likely to come to a head. Iran will face a toughening disarmament drive led by a just-reelected American president. Also this year, the country looks to revamp its political leadership, with the failed reformist president Mohammad Khatami set to step down in June.

Inner political tensions may visibly spill over as the young reach critical mass at the elections. This is a very young country. Half of all Iranians were born after the 1979 revolution, by now a force to reckon with, a force that wants change. All Iranians can vote over age 15, giving great power to those who can talk to them — but leading to certain political upheaval if anyone attempts to ignore their will.

Ultimately, there is little doubt that the country's religious leaders will hold on to power in June. Their oft-repeated, then denied, nuclear ambitions will then pertain, as will their opposition to Western 'crusaders' and Israel. Because the Iranian-Western problem is a long-term one, there is an obligation to understand the other side better. In recent years, as I drank tea with Afghans, slept in the homes of Pakistanis and journeyed in other countries in the Middle East, this obligation has become my chief driving force. I want to continue that journey in Iran, and show it for what it is.

Iran abounds in stereotypes, and I will look at the well-known. I do want to introduce the world's strongest man and his local cult; the salmon fishers near the Caspian; the people of Bam, who have been all but forgotten after the earthquake; the hikers in the mountains and the fans at the football stadiums; the guards at the ancient palaces of Alexander the Great and the workers on the oil fields. But I will do more: I will go along as the young draw their curtains and go on secret alcohol binges. I want to witness the slow-rising female society, which suffers perhaps the most under the oppressive regime. I will take a modern, in-your-face approach in introducing the ancient ways, everyday lives of everyday Iranians.

Iran needs and honest photographic account of the country's real people, their real motivations and real troubles in life as much as the West needs a glimpse at them. This project could allow for that precious glimpse, hopefully in time to help stop all-out conflict by the means of understanding.