If US-Iranian people agree, why don't their representatives?

[rainonlevs]

A recent (Jan 2007) poll of both US and Iranian opinions on several key issues found that the majority of people in both countries agree on the issues that supposedly are so critical that the US leadership is gearing up for war with Iran.

The study, "Public Opinion in Iran and America on Key International Issues - January 24, 2007 - A WorldPublicOpinion.org Poll," shows these agreements between the two sets of citizens:

1. Clash of Civilizations - A majority of Iranians and Americans believe that there is common ground between Islamic and Western cultures and that they are based on common needs and wants.
2. Osama bin Laden - A majority of Iranians (74%) and Americans have unfavorable attitudes toward Osama bin Laden.
3. Terrorism - Large majorities of Iranians and Americans took the position against attacks on civilians, though it is perhaps interesting to note that 80% of Iranians said they "are never justified" while only 46% of Americans took that stronger stance (27% said they were "rarely justified").
4. Improving relations - A majority of both Iranians and Americans are in favor of "Direct talks on issues of mutual concern."
5. Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) - A majority of Iranians approve of the treaty, and an even larger majority favor making the Middle East a nuclear free zone. They also expressed support for the IAEA and an active role by the UN in maintaining the NPT. A majority of Americans as well approve of the NPT and of making the Middle East a nuclear free zone.

Read the study though if you have the time - there are many interesting and enlightening details. On what I have summarized though; if these are the opinions of the majority of people, then why are the leaders of these countries not representing those opinions? Are both of our countries so unrepresentative of their people, or are we not hearing critical information?