The Islamic Republic of Iran Death to Everything!.

The Islamic Republic of The Islamic Republic of IranIran

Death to Everything!Death to Everything!

Sovereignty, Authority, and Sovereignty, Authority, and PowerPower

► Existed sovereignly early on as the Existed sovereignly early on as the Achemenian Empire (called Persia by rival Achemenian Empire (called Persia by rival Greece)Greece) Centralized military leadershipCentralized military leadership Set the stage for “West vs. East” themes in Set the stage for “West vs. East” themes in

historyhistory Alexander the Great conquered both, but left Alexander the Great conquered both, but left

Persian political structure in placePersian political structure in place Kings acceded to the throne based on heredityKings acceded to the throne based on heredity State sponsored religion - ZoroastrianismState sponsored religion - Zoroastrianism


► Importance of ShiismImportance of Shiism Invaded by Arabs regularly from 7Invaded by Arabs regularly from 7thth through 16 through 16thth

centuries, bringing Islam to the regioncenturies, bringing Islam to the region Religion became the “glue” holding Persians Religion became the “glue” holding Persians

togethertogether Shia/Sunni Divide (7Shia/Sunni Divide (7thth Century) Century)

►Muhammad died without designating an heirMuhammad died without designating an heir►Sunnis wanted the caliph to succeed (Caliphs were heads Sunnis wanted the caliph to succeed (Caliphs were heads

of the designated leadership, called the Sunni)of the designated leadership, called the Sunni)►Shiites wanted a hereditary heir of Muhammad to succeed Shiites wanted a hereditary heir of Muhammad to succeed

(Muhammad’s son-in-law, Ali)(Muhammad’s son-in-law, Ali)►Ali was killed, Shia became a minority, believing heirs of Ali was killed, Shia became a minority, believing heirs of

Ali (imams) were the true carriers of IslamAli (imams) were the true carriers of Islam 1212thth Decendent disappeared as a child, leading to the legend Decendent disappeared as a child, leading to the legend

of a “Hidden Imam” – will return to establish Islamic rule of a “Hidden Imam” – will return to establish Islamic rule againagain


►Modern Sources of LegitimacyModern Sources of Legitimacy Pahlavi Shahs of the 20Pahlavi Shahs of the 20thth Century (1925-1979) Century (1925-1979)

►Attempted secularization of the stateAttempted secularization of the state►Opposed by Ayatollah Ruhollah KhomeiniOpposed by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini

Revolution of 1979Revolution of 1979►Led by Khomeini to reestablish Islamic stateLed by Khomeini to reestablish Islamic state►Constitution of 1979, plus amendments of 1989Constitution of 1979, plus amendments of 1989

Complex mixture of theocracy and democracyComplex mixture of theocracy and democracy Affirms Qur’an, Muhammad, the Twelve Imams, and the Affirms Qur’an, Muhammad, the Twelve Imams, and the

Hidden Imam in the PreambleHidden Imam in the Preamble

Qom and Jurist GuardianshipQom and Jurist Guardianship►Qom – city south of Tehran where seminary clerics are Qom – city south of Tehran where seminary clerics are

basedbased► Jurist Guardianship – idea that clergy has responsibility Jurist Guardianship – idea that clergy has responsibility

for all of Shia societyfor all of Shia society

Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini

Supreme Leader of Iran, 1979-1989

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Supreme Leader of Iran, 1989-Present

Political CulturePolitical Culture

► Authoritarian, but not totalitarianAuthoritarian, but not totalitarian► Union of political and religious authorityUnion of political and religious authority► Shiism and Sharia as central components of Shiism and Sharia as central components of

the lawthe law The sharia – Islamic law as expounded in the The sharia – Islamic law as expounded in the

KoranKoran► Escape from European colonization (no real Escape from European colonization (no real

impact on Iran)impact on Iran)►Geographic limitations – mostly unusable for Geographic limitations – mostly unusable for

agriculture, causing early Persians to agriculture, causing early Persians to conquer other landsconquer other lands

► Influence of ancient PersiaInfluence of ancient Persia

Does this topography map provide any clues as to how Iran escaped European colonization?

Political and Economic Political and Economic ChangeChange

►4 Eras:4 Eras: The Safavids (1501-1722)The Safavids (1501-1722)

►Safavid empire converted 90% of their subjects Safavid empire converted 90% of their subjects to Shiismto Shiism

►Respected/tolerated other monotheistic “People Respected/tolerated other monotheistic “People of the Book”: Jews, Christians, Zoroastriansof the Book”: Jews, Christians, Zoroastrians

►Lacked economic resources to exert full control, Lacked economic resources to exert full control, relied on local rulers to keep orderrelied on local rulers to keep order

►Most clerics were outside the reach of the Most clerics were outside the reach of the government, state fragmented by 1722government, state fragmented by 1722


►4 Eras:4 Eras: The Qajars (1794-1925)The Qajars (1794-1925)

►Turks who conquered Persia long after an Afghan Turks who conquered Persia long after an Afghan invasion ended the Safavid empireinvasion ended the Safavid empire

►Moved capital to Tehran, kept Shiism as state Moved capital to Tehran, kept Shiism as state religionreligion

►Could NOT claim to be descendents of the Twelve Could NOT claim to be descendents of the Twelve Imams (as Safavids had), leading to growth in Imams (as Safavids had), leading to growth in separation of government and religionseparation of government and religion

►Sold oil drilling rights to many Western countriesSold oil drilling rights to many Western countries



►Constitutional Revolution of 1905-1909Constitutional Revolution of 1905-1909 Shah had led the country into massive debt, but Shah had led the country into massive debt, but

lived lavishlylived lavishly Business owners and bankers feared Shah would Business owners and bankers feared Shah would

forgo paying domestic debts to repay European forgo paying domestic debts to repay European loansloans

They demanded for a written Constitution, They demanded for a written Constitution, encouraged by the British who didn’t think the Shah encouraged by the British who didn’t think the Shah could put down a rebellioncould put down a rebellion

Revolutionary fighters in Tabriz



►Constitution of 1906Constitution of 1906 Direct elections of a legislature (Majles)Direct elections of a legislature (Majles) Bill of Rights guaranteeing equality under the law, Bill of Rights guaranteeing equality under the law,

criminal protections, freedom of expressioncriminal protections, freedom of expression Shiism still the state religion, with a Guardian Shiism still the state religion, with a Guardian

Council of clerics that could veto any legislation of Council of clerics that could veto any legislation of the Majlesthe Majles


► 4 Eras:4 Eras: The Pahlavis (1925-1979)The Pahlavis (1925-1979)

►Colonel Reza Khan carried out a coup against the state Colonel Reza Khan carried out a coup against the state in 1921, becoming shah in 1925in 1921, becoming shah in 1925

►Reduced power of MajlesReduced power of Majles►Turned over power to son, Muhammad Reza Shah in Turned over power to son, Muhammad Reza Shah in

19411941 Opposed by communist Tudeh (masses) Party and Opposed by communist Tudeh (masses) Party and

National Front led by Muhammad MosaddeqNational Front led by Muhammad Mosaddeq► Iran becomes a rentier state, collecting payments from Iran becomes a rentier state, collecting payments from

Western countries for oil drilling rightsWestern countries for oil drilling rights Importance: government doesn’t need to collect taxes to Importance: government doesn’t need to collect taxes to

fund activities, thus, doesn’t need the people!fund activities, thus, doesn’t need the people!

Colonel Reza Khan, a.k.a. Reza Shah Pahlavi

Shah, 1925-1941

Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi

Shah, 1941-1979

Mohammad Mossadeq

Prime Minister of Iran, 1951-1953


► 4 Eras:4 Eras: The Pahlavis (1925-1979)The Pahlavis (1925-1979)

►White Revolution (1963)White Revolution (1963) Attempt to remove “red” (communist) influences, and build Attempt to remove “red” (communist) influences, and build

support for the regime among peasantssupport for the regime among peasants Land reform – government buys unused land, sells to small Land reform – government buys unused land, sells to small

farmers at low pricesfarmers at low prices Extended voting rights to women, restricted polygamy, Extended voting rights to women, restricted polygamy,

allowed women to work outside the homeallowed women to work outside the home►The Resurgence Party and “Pahlavi Foundation” (1970s)The Resurgence Party and “Pahlavi Foundation” (1970s)

Shah disbanded other parties, declared Iran a one-party Shah disbanded other parties, declared Iran a one-party statestate

Replaced the Islamic calendar, and called himself “Guide to Replaced the Islamic calendar, and called himself “Guide to the New Great Civilization” and “Light of the Aryans”the New Great Civilization” and “Light of the Aryans”

Creates a religious corps to teach peasants “true Islam”Creates a religious corps to teach peasants “true Islam”

Reza Shah giving out land deeds during the “White Revolution”


►4 Eras:4 Eras: Islamic Revolution and the Republic (1979-Islamic Revolution and the Republic (1979-

Present)Present)►Religiously motivated, results in a theocratic stateReligiously motivated, results in a theocratic state►Ingredients:Ingredients:

Shah behaving as a totalitarian, not just authoritarianShah behaving as a totalitarian, not just authoritarian Shah secularized Iran too quickly against the will of the Shah secularized Iran too quickly against the will of the

clergyclergy Ties to the West offended nationalists and clergyTies to the West offended nationalists and clergy Charismatic leader – Ayatollah Ruhollah KhomeiniCharismatic leader – Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini Quick drop in oil prices combined with high inflation in Quick drop in oil prices combined with high inflation in

IranIran


►4 Eras:4 Eras: Islamic Revolution and the Republic (1979-Islamic Revolution and the Republic (1979-

Present)Present)►National referendum in April 1979 voted to end National referendum in April 1979 voted to end

the monarchy and establish an Islamic Republicthe monarchy and establish an Islamic Republic►Assembly of Religious Experts (clerics directly Assembly of Religious Experts (clerics directly

elected by the people) chosen to draft a elected by the people) chosen to draft a ConstitutionConstitution

Approved in a plebiscite by 99% of votersApproved in a plebiscite by 99% of voters►Cultural Revolution – purify the country of Cultural Revolution – purify the country of

secular and Western values and behaviorssecular and Western values and behaviors Removed many professors from universitiesRemoved many professors from universities Executions in the name of “revolutionary justice”Executions in the name of “revolutionary justice”

The Shah asked Iraq to deport Khomeini, so they sent him to Paris. Khomeini now had better access to the media and telecommunications.

2 million demonstrators strike and take to the streets of Tehran in response to the Shah’s ban on public demonstrations in 1978.

Street clashes between protesters and regime forces

Amid protests, the Shah and his wife board a plane to leave Iran under the pretense of needing surgery. The U.S. would eventually grant him asylum for medical treatment

Khomeini’s return is greeted by millions of supporters

Modern reenactment… starring a cardboard Khomeini


►One Theory on the Cause of the One Theory on the Cause of the Revolution – Theory of Rising Revolution – Theory of Rising ExpectationsExpectations As people’s standard of living rises, their As people’s standard of living rises, their

expectation for future growth rises as wellexpectation for future growth rises as well The gap between their expectations and The gap between their expectations and

reality can be tolerable, but become reality can be tolerable, but become “intolerable” if actual standard of living “intolerable” if actual standard of living dropsdrops


►Post-Khomeini (1989-Present)Post-Khomeini (1989-Present) Cementing of the powers of the clericsCementing of the powers of the clerics

►Rebound in oil prices, improved economy Rebound in oil prices, improved economy (government aid for housing and medical clinics)(government aid for housing and medical clinics)

►Invasion of Iraq in 1980-1989, people rallied Invasion of Iraq in 1980-1989, people rallied behind governmentbehind government

►Khomeini’s charismatic authorityKhomeini’s charismatic authority Succession of Ali KhameneiSuccession of Ali Khamenei

►Lacked charisma, academic credentials of Lacked charisma, academic credentials of KhomeiniKhomeini

►Drop in world oil pricesDrop in world oil prices►Subsequent decades of conflict between Subsequent decades of conflict between

reformists and conservativesreformists and conservatives

Citizens, Society, and the Citizens, Society, and the StateState

►CleavagesCleavages ReligionReligion

►Almost 90% Shia, 10% Sunni, around 1% Almost 90% Shia, 10% Sunni, around 1% either Jewish, Christian, Zoroastrian, or Baha’ieither Jewish, Christian, Zoroastrian, or Baha’i

►Constitution of 1979 recognizes and respects Constitution of 1979 recognizes and respects the rights of religious minorities, though Jews, the rights of religious minorities, though Jews, Christians, and Baha’i are often persecutedChristians, and Baha’i are often persecuted

►Constitution does not mention SunnisConstitution does not mention Sunnis


►CleavagesCleavages EthnicityEthnicity

►61% Persian, speaking Persian (Farsi)61% Persian, speaking Persian (Farsi)►16% Azeri, concentrated in the Northwest16% Azeri, concentrated in the Northwest

Shiia, but don’t speak Farsi (Khamenei is Azeri)Shiia, but don’t speak Farsi (Khamenei is Azeri) Fear of Iranian government that they may want to Fear of Iranian government that they may want to

unite with Azerbaijanunite with Azerbaijan

►10% Kurdish, 2% Arab (both Sunnis)10% Kurdish, 2% Arab (both Sunnis)

Persian Arab

KurdishAzeri


► CleavagesCleavages Social classSocial class

►Peasantry and lower middle class support the regime, Peasantry and lower middle class support the regime, having benefited from its programshaving benefited from its programs

►Middle and upper class people tend to be secularized Middle and upper class people tend to be secularized and critical of the clericsand critical of the clerics

Haven’t done well economically since the RevolutionHaven’t done well economically since the Revolution

Reformers vs. ConservativesReformers vs. Conservatives►Reformers want secularization, democracy, open Reformers want secularization, democracy, open

relations with the Westrelations with the West►Conservatives want to preserve the clerical and sharia Conservatives want to preserve the clerical and sharia

regimeregime

Civil SocietyCivil Society► Pre-Revolution – people were dissatisfied Pre-Revolution – people were dissatisfied

with governments intrusion into private lives with governments intrusion into private lives in civil societyin civil society

► Post-Revolution – hasn’t changed much!Post-Revolution – hasn’t changed much! Many professionals leave the countryMany professionals leave the country Exception – “Tehran Spring” under president Exception – “Tehran Spring” under president

Khatami (1997-2005)Khatami (1997-2005)►Cautious political liberalization, loosening of speech and Cautious political liberalization, loosening of speech and

press rights, friendlier stance to Westpress rights, friendlier stance to West►Reversed by Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, reinstituted by Reversed by Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, reinstituted by

Hassan RouhaniHassan Rouhani► Iran has a young populationIran has a young population

Regime encouraged large families in its first yearsRegime encouraged large families in its first years►Goods were rationed per capita, making it better to have Goods were rationed per capita, making it better to have

more childrenmore children Over 50% under 35 years oldOver 50% under 35 years old

"Iran-age-pyramid" by Psirus - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Iran-age-pyramid.svg#/media/File:Iran-age-pyramid.svg

Muhammad Khatami

President of Iran, 1997-2005

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

President of Iran, 2005 - 2013

Hassan Rouhani

President of Iran, 2013 - Present

Political ParticipationPolitical Participation

►Post 1979 – many newspapers, labor Post 1979 – many newspapers, labor unions, private organizations, and unions, private organizations, and political parties forced to closepolitical parties forced to close

►Protests and DemonstrationsProtests and Demonstrations Banned, but still occur regularly in cities Banned, but still occur regularly in cities

and universitiesand universities Most economic in nature, but 2009 Most economic in nature, but 2009

election led to calls for democratizationelection led to calls for democratization

Mir-Hossein Mousavi

Candidate for President, 2009

Leader of the Green Movement

Many Iranians perceived his loss in 2009 to be a “stolen election”

Scenes from the “Green Movement” in Iran, 2009-2010

Political ParticipationPolitical Participation

► Women and the Political SystemWomen and the Political System ““The Veil” (Hijab) – required in public by regime, The Veil” (Hijab) – required in public by regime,

symbolizes oppression to westerners, but not so symbolizes oppression to westerners, but not so much to Iranian womenmuch to Iranian women

2020thth century Iranian women have had better access century Iranian women have had better access to education than other Mid-East countriesto education than other Mid-East countries►About half of university students are womenAbout half of university students are women

Law towards women is “equality with difference”Law towards women is “equality with difference”►Sharia is interpreted to favor males in divorce and custody Sharia is interpreted to favor males in divorce and custody

disputesdisputes►Cannot leave the country without the consent of male Cannot leave the country without the consent of male

relativesrelatives Women are about 33% of the labor forceWomen are about 33% of the labor force Women rarely get elected to the Majles (8% of Women rarely get elected to the Majles (8% of

current members)current members)

Personal preference and local culture can strongly influence how women interpret the requirement of the hijab…

… as can the government’s current level of enforcement

Linkage InstitutionsLinkage Institutions►Political PartiesPolitical Parties

Constitution allows them, but government Constitution allows them, but government didn’t until 1997didn’t until 1997

Highly unstable party system, changes around Highly unstable party system, changes around personalities – coalitions form and break apart personalities – coalitions form and break apart regularly - but in the last presidential election:regularly - but in the last presidential election:►Moderation and Development Party – Hassan Moderation and Development Party – Hassan

Rouhani’s reformist party, won 50.8% in first roundRouhani’s reformist party, won 50.8% in first round►Islamic Society of Engineers – formerly party of Islamic Society of Engineers – formerly party of

Ahmadinejad’s conservative party, but broke off in Ahmadinejad’s conservative party, but broke off in 2009. Supported Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf in 2009. Supported Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf in 2013 and won 16% of the vote2013 and won 16% of the vote

►Many other minor competitors in presidential and Many other minor competitors in presidential and Majles electionsMajles elections

Linkage InstitutionsLinkage Institutions

► ElectionsElections Suffrage for all over 18 to vote for president, Suffrage for all over 18 to vote for president,

Majles, and Assembly of ExpertsMajles, and Assembly of Experts►Majles is a first-past-the-post plurality system, no PRMajles is a first-past-the-post plurality system, no PR►Presidential is a 2-round majority systemPresidential is a 2-round majority system

► Interest GroupsInterest Groups Tough to draw the line between these and Tough to draw the line between these and

parties in Iranparties in Iran Labor is organized, but business is not, given Labor is organized, but business is not, given

that government controls 65-80% of the that government controls 65-80% of the economyeconomy

Linkage InstitutionsLinkage Institutions

►Mass MediaMass Media 1981 Majles passed a law making it a 1981 Majles passed a law making it a

crime to use “pen and speech” against crime to use “pen and speech” against the governmentthe government

Restrictions lifted from time to time, but Restrictions lifted from time to time, but reimposed when demonstrations pose a reimposed when demonstrations pose a problem to the regimeproblem to the regime

Government owns radio and television Government owns radio and television broadcasting, but newspapers and broadcasting, but newspapers and magazines are typically privately ownedmagazines are typically privately owned

Press TV – The “Russia Today” of Press TV – The “Russia Today” of Iran!Iran!

State InstitutionsState Institutions

► Political system fuses theocracy and Political system fuses theocracy and democracy in a unitary statedemocracy in a unitary state

► Theocratic Institutions:Theocratic Institutions: Supreme LeaderSupreme Leader Guardian CouncilGuardian Council Expediency CouncilExpediency Council

►Democratic Institutions:Democratic Institutions: Assembly of Religious ExpertsAssembly of Religious Experts MajlesMajles PresidentPresident


► Supreme LeaderSupreme Leader Chosen by Assembly of Religious Experts (only tested Chosen by Assembly of Religious Experts (only tested

once, in 1989)once, in 1989) The The faqihfaqih – leading Islamic jurist to interpret religious – leading Islamic jurist to interpret religious

documents and the shariadocuments and the sharia PowersPowers

► Eliminate presidential candidatesEliminate presidential candidates► Dismissal of the presidentDismissal of the president► Commander of the armed forcesCommander of the armed forces► Declares war and peaceDeclares war and peace► Appoints many administrators and judgesAppoints many administrators and judges► Nominates up to 6 members to Guardian CouncilNominates up to 6 members to Guardian Council► Appoints heads of other agencies, like broadcastersAppoints heads of other agencies, like broadcasters

Head of State with real powerHead of State with real power

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Supreme Leader of Iran, 1989-Present


►Guardian CouncilGuardian Council 12 male clerics12 male clerics

►6 appointed by Supreme Leader6 appointed by Supreme Leader►6 nominated by Chief Judge, approved by 6 nominated by Chief Judge, approved by

MajlesMajles

Review bills passed by Majles to ensure Review bills passed by Majles to ensure they comply with the shariathey comply with the sharia

May disqualify candidates for election as May disqualify candidates for election as part of their jurist guardianship (along part of their jurist guardianship (along with Supreme Leader)with Supreme Leader)


►Assembly of Religious ExpertsAssembly of Religious Experts 86 men elected by the people every 4 years86 men elected by the people every 4 years Use to only allow clerics, but requirement Use to only allow clerics, but requirement

eliminated in 1998eliminated in 1998►Candidates may still be rejected by Guardian CouncilCandidates may still be rejected by Guardian Council

With Supreme Leader and Guardian Council, in With Supreme Leader and Guardian Council, in charge of constitutional interpretationcharge of constitutional interpretation

Choose a successor to the Supreme Leader, Choose a successor to the Supreme Leader, and may remove him as welland may remove him as well

Chairman is currently Mohammad-Reza Chairman is currently Mohammad-Reza Mahdavi KaniMahdavi Kani

The Assembly of Experts

Mohammad Yazdii

Speaker of the Assembly of Experts, 2015 - Present


► Expediency CouncilExpediency Council Created by Khomeini to referee disputes between Created by Khomeini to referee disputes between

Guardian Council and MajlesGuardian Council and Majles Started smaller, has grown to 32 membersStarted smaller, has grown to 32 members Has gained the power to originate legislationHas gained the power to originate legislation Collection of the most powerful men in Iran, Collection of the most powerful men in Iran,

including:including:►High ranking clericsHigh ranking clerics►PresidentPresident►Chief JudgeChief Judge►Speaker of MajlesSpeaker of Majles►Members of the Guardian CouncilMembers of the Guardian Council

Headed by Akbar Hashemi RafsanjaniHeaded by Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani

Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani

President of Iran, 1989-1997

Chairman of the Expediency Council, 1988-Present

Chairman of the Assembly of Experts, 2007-2011

Pragmatic conservative


► President and CabinetPresident and Cabinet Head of governmentHead of government Elected every 4 years by voters, may serve 2 Elected every 4 years by voters, may serve 2

termsterms Constitution requires him to be a “pious Shiite”Constitution requires him to be a “pious Shiite” PowersPowers

►Devise the budgetDevise the budget► ““Supervise” economic mattersSupervise” economic matters►Propose legislation to the MajlesPropose legislation to the Majles►Executing the law/policiesExecuting the law/policies►Signs treaties and lawsSigns treaties and laws►Chairs the National Security CouncilChairs the National Security Council►Appoints cabinet and other provincial officialsAppoints cabinet and other provincial officials


►BureaucracyBureaucracy Expanded rapidly to create places for college Expanded rapidly to create places for college

graduates to work (size doubled since 1979)graduates to work (size doubled since 1979) Examples of new ministries:Examples of new ministries:

►Culture and Islamic Guidance – censures the mediaCulture and Islamic Guidance – censures the media►Intelligence – chief security organizationIntelligence – chief security organization►Heavy Industry – manages nationalized factoriesHeavy Industry – manages nationalized factories►Reconstruction – spreads Islam to the countrysideReconstruction – spreads Islam to the countryside

Dominated by clergy and their relativesDominated by clergy and their relatives


►Semi-Public Institutions (Foundations)Semi-Public Institutions (Foundations) ““Autonomous”, but run by appointees of Autonomous”, but run by appointees of

the Supreme Leaderthe Supreme Leader Tax exempt, though they bring in HUGE Tax exempt, though they bring in HUGE

amounts of moneyamounts of money Own property confiscated from pre-1979 Own property confiscated from pre-1979

eliteelite Use wealth to do “charitable work” to Use wealth to do “charitable work” to

build regime supportbuild regime support

Setad is one “semi-public” foundation which is owned by the Iranian state under the control of the Supreme Leader

It is estimated to hold $95 billion in assets

State InstitutionsState Institutions► Legislature – The MajlesLegislature – The Majles

Unicameral, though the Assembly of Religious Unicameral, though the Assembly of Religious Experts seems to function as an upper houseExperts seems to function as an upper house

290 seats directly elected by the people in SMD 290 seats directly elected by the people in SMD plurality electionsplurality elections

PowersPowers►Pass laws with approval of Guardian CouncilPass laws with approval of Guardian Council► Interpret legislation, without contradiction of judiciaryInterpret legislation, without contradiction of judiciary►Approve 6 members to Guardian Council nominated by Approve 6 members to Guardian Council nominated by

Chief JudgeChief Judge► Investigate misconduct of bureaucracy and judiciaryInvestigate misconduct of bureaucracy and judiciary►Remove cabinet officials (not the president)Remove cabinet officials (not the president)►Approve the budget, cabinet, treaties, and loansApprove the budget, cabinet, treaties, and loans

After reformist success in 2000 election, Guardian After reformist success in 2000 election, Guardian Council banned most reformists from running in Council banned most reformists from running in 2004… Conservatives have controlled it since2004… Conservatives have controlled it since

Ali Larijani

Speaker of the Majles, 2009 – Present

State InstitutionsState Institutions► JudiciaryJudiciary

Types of law in IranTypes of law in Iran►Sharia – Islamic law, supersedes all other laws, chiefly Sharia – Islamic law, supersedes all other laws, chiefly

interpreted by Supreme Leaderinterpreted by Supreme Leader►Qanun – No sacred basis, just statutes made by Qanun – No sacred basis, just statutes made by

legislative bodies (Majles, for example)legislative bodies (Majles, for example) Must not contradict shariaMust not contradict sharia

No judicial review – legal authority is not in the No judicial review – legal authority is not in the constitution, but in interpretation of shariaconstitution, but in interpretation of sharia

Appeals system is in place, but Khomeini argued Appeals system is in place, but Khomeini argued spirit of sharia was for local judges to make final spirit of sharia was for local judges to make final decisions in most casesdecisions in most cases

Sharia dictates harsh punishments (death) for a Sharia dictates harsh punishments (death) for a wide variety of “crimes”, but Islamic Republic wide variety of “crimes”, but Islamic Republic has softened the use of these over the yearshas softened the use of these over the years

Sadeq Larijani

Head of the Judicial System of Iran (also called Chief Justice), 2009 - Present

State InstitutionsState Institutions►MilitaryMilitary

Revolutionary Guard – created by Revolutionary Guard – created by Khomeini to counter the Shah’s existing Khomeini to counter the Shah’s existing regular army, navy, and air forceregular army, navy, and air force►Strong political influence, increasingly Strong political influence, increasingly

independentindependent

Army defends the borders, Revolutionary Army defends the borders, Revolutionary Guard protects the Islamic RepublicGuard protects the Islamic Republic

All commanded by Supreme Leader, who All commanded by Supreme Leader, who appoints top commandersappoints top commanders

88thth largest military in the world largest military in the world

Revolutionary Guard

Other “Stuff” You Should Other “Stuff” You Should KnowKnow

►Divide in Qom – seminary city where Divide in Qom – seminary city where Khomeini began denouncing ShahKhomeini began denouncing Shah Many clerics believe the union of politics Many clerics believe the union of politics

and religion should not occur until the and religion should not occur until the appearance of the 12appearance of the 12thth Imam (and thus Imam (and thus oppose the theocracy)oppose the theocracy)

►““Economics is for donkeys” – quote by Economics is for donkeys” – quote by Khomeini dismissing the importance of Khomeini dismissing the importance of the economy for policymakersthe economy for policymakers

The Islamic Republic of Iran Death to Everything!.

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Transcript of The Islamic Republic of Iran Death to Everything!.