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IRAN

Part 1

Islamic Republic of Iran created by Revolution of 1979 (1) first religious revolution in modern history (2) culminated in rapid downfall of a powerful, long-standing autocratic regime (3) used religion as the primary agency of political mobilization (4) establishment of a theocracy in late 20th century, infused with strong democratic elements (5) inaugurated a wave of political activism in the Muslim world

blending of theocratic and democratic features in Irans constitution


split legitimacy recognizes principles of popular sovereignty and separation of powers but, legitimacy also rests on conformity to a revealed body of religious law

significant dates
559 BC 570 - 632 637-651 1501-1722 1794-1925 1925-1979 1979 1980-1988 The first world empire (Achemenian Empire) founded by Cyrus the Great life span of the Prophet Muhammad Arab armies defeat Persia, introduce Islam Safavid Empire founded, shiism established as Persias state religion Qajar dynasty replaced the Safavids, retained Shiism The Pahlavi dynasty Shahs regime falls, Khomeini declares Islamic Republic war with Iraq

World War I Iran occupied by Russian, British and German troops

strategic location in Persian Gulf much of country not arable skewed demographic distribution
worlds 17th largest population 70% of population lives in 30% of the land

much of Iran is rural and historically nomadic/pastoral 89% Shiite Muslim the 2nd largest exporter within OPEC, 4th largest exporter in the world proven oil reserves: 10% of worlds total, plus 15% of worlds natural gas reserves

Shiism

from 7th to 16th centuries, region of Iran was disunified and frequently invaded the glue that would eventually hold Persians together was religion
survived subsequent invasions and changes in political leaderhip vital source of identity for Iranians

Shiism established as the state religion in the 16th century division from Sunni Muslims:
the prophet died without a designated heir Sunnis favored choosing the caliph from existing leadership Shiias argued that only descendants of Ali should lead

messianic belief challenge to legitimacy of all secular authority shiite clerics: more independent, more hostile to secular power secure income from voluntary religioius taxes

Safavids (1501-1722)

characteristics: converted Iranians to Shiism ruled from inland Isfahan, relied on local leaders claimed descent from 12 imams influences on modern political system:
90% of modern Iranians are Shiite tradition of isolation foundations for a theocracy

Qajars (1794 1925)

characteristics: Turkish invaders ruled from coastal Tehran retained Shiism domination by other countries influences on modern political system: tradition of trade/contact foundations of secularism failures of regime led to Constitutional Revolution of 1905 representative government

Pahlavis (1925-1979)

characteristics: overthrew representative government centralized power in shah increased reliance on oil income creation of rentier state contact with West, secularization corruption influences on modern political system: reinforced authoritarian rule corruption increased secularization, followed by reestablishment of theocracy

eventual democratic opposition to absolute rule of Reza Shah: Muhammad Mosaddeq NATIONAL FRONT: supported by middle class people who emphasized Iranian nationalism, advocated nationalizing British-owned companies that monopolized oil take military out from under control of shah Mosaddeq elected Prime Minister in 1951, forced shah to flee the country in 1953 Great Britain and US co-sponsored move to overthrow Mosaddeq and restore shah to power

The Islamic Revolution and the Republic (1979 Present)

distinguish from other modern revolutions (Russia, China, Mexico): in Iran, almost completely based on religion the shah divided political culture, and a clerical elite rose up, led a revolution, and took over the government charismatic leader: Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini (1): defended fundamentalism (2): articulated resentment against elites and the West

2 factors sparked the revolution:


(1) late 1970s, decrease in oil prices combined with increase in consumer prices revolution of rising expectations (2) under pressure from USA, shah loosened restraints on opposition unleashed support for revolution from diverse groups shah fled the country

April, 1979: referendum officially ended the monarchy and established the Islamic Republic of Iran Assembly of Religious Experts wrote constitution gave broad authority to Ayatollah and clergy

clergy launched a Cultural Revolution purify Iran from the shahs rule and from secular values and behavior, especially Western-inspired government suppressed all opposition

1989 - present

consolidation of clerical power under Khomeini aided by popular support:


oil prices rebounded Iraq war personal charisma of Ayatollah

Ali Khamenei lacks personality and credentials of Khomeni


greater questioning of authoritarian clerical rule Iraq was ended in 1988, world oil prices fell again in 1990s

ongoing conflict between theocratic and democratic values

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