Political and Social Dynamics of the Islamic Republic of Iran

What type of government does Iran have?

Theocratic republic with democratic elements.

Who is a prominent figure associated with the political ideology in Iran?

Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

What does Khomeini assert about the relationship between religion and politics?

He believes that Islam is a very political religion and that separating religion from politics is foolish.

Why is Iran considered unique among Middle Eastern countries?

It is the world's only theocratic republic.

What geographical significance does Iran hold?

It is a crossroads between Central Asia, Asia Minor, the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Caucasus Mountains.

What historical vulnerabilities has Iran faced?

It has been vulnerable to invasions from Indo-Europeans, Islamic Arab tribes, and Turkic invasions.

How does Iran's size compare to U.S. states?

It is slightly larger than Alaska.

What is Iran's status in oil production?

It is the 2nd largest oil producer in the Middle East and the 4th largest in the world.

What percentage of Iran's population lives in urban areas?

75.39 percent.

What is the total population of Iran as of 2020?

84 million.

What is the capital city of Iran and its population?

Tehran, with over 7 million people.

What percentage of Iran's population is Shi'a Muslim?

95%.

What language is predominantly spoken in Iran?

Farsi (Persian), spoken by 53% of the population.

What recent achievement has Iran made in literacy?

Over 90% of the population can now communicate in Persian, the national language.

What is the average age of Iran's population as of 2018?

Approximately 30.8 years.

What demographic trend did the Iranian government encourage after the Revolution?

Initially encouraged births for soldiers during the war against Iraq, then reversed to promote birth control.

What is the economic status of Iran compared to Mexico, Brazil, and South Africa?

Iran is a middle-income country with a per capita income above that of these countries.

How is power structured in Iran's government?

Iran is a unitary state with power concentrated in the national government.

What is the political power of provinces in Iran?

Provinces have little power compared to the national government.

How are local governments in cities and villages in Iran elected?

Cities and villages hold direct elections for mayors and councils.

What dynasty conquered Iran in the 16th century and forcibly converted subjects to Shi'ism?

The Safavid dynasty (1501-1722).

What is the significance of the title 'Imam' in Shi'ism?

An Imam is a Muslim leader considered to be the divinely appointed, sinless, infallible successor of Muhammad, held by Shiites.

What was the state religion declared by the Qajar dynasty?

Shi'ism.

What major political change occurred during the Constitutional Revolution in Iran (1905-1909)?

The introduction of direct elections, separation of powers, and a Bill of Rights.

What was the outcome of the 1906 Constitution in Iran?

It established popular sovereignty and retained Shi'ism as the official religion.

What significant company was established in Iran in 1908?

The Anglo-Persian Oil Company, later known as BP.

Who was Reza Shah and what did he achieve during his rule?

Reza Shah led a coup in 1921, abolished the Qajar dynasty, modernized the economy, and secularized political life.

What major changes did Reza Shah implement regarding women's rights?

Women were no longer required to wear veils, and men had to shave their beards.

What was the Pahlavi dynasty's relationship with the Nazis?

Reza Shah allied with the Nazis during his rule.

What was the role of SAVAK during Muhammad Reza Shah's regime?

SAVAK was responsible for arresting, torturing, and killing dissidents.

What was the National Front and who led it?

The National Front was an opposition movement led by Muhammad Mosaddeq, advocating for Iranian nationalism.

What was the outcome of the 1953 coup in Iran?

The British and U.S. orchestrated the overthrow of Mosaddeq and restored the Shah to power.

What was the purpose of the White Revolution in 1963?

To extend women's rights, reduce clerical influence, and encourage entrepreneurship through land reforms.

What does the term 'rentier state' refer to in the context of Iran?

A rentier state is one that receives a significant amount of income from exporting its oil.

What was one of the key features of the Pahlavi dynasty's modernization efforts?

The establishment of a centralized bureaucratic state and the building of infrastructure.

What was the impact of the 1953 coup on Iranian politics?

It restored authoritarian rule under Muhammad Reza Shah and suppressed opposition.

How did the Pahlavi dynasty view the role of clerics in governance?

Clerical leaders were seen as the main interpreters of Islam, especially during the Qajar period.

What economic challenges did Iran face during the time of imperialism?

Iran experienced economic troubles due to imperialist nations gaining concessions, despite not being colonized.

What was the significance of the Guardian Council created by the 1906 Constitution?

The Guardian Council of clerics had veto power over legislation.

What was one of the major reforms regarding education during Reza Shah's rule?

Religious schools were closed and replaced with state-run institutions focusing on modern topics.

What was the relationship between the Pahlavi dynasty and the United States?

The Pahlavi dynasty was a close ally of the United States and was often viewed as a puppet regime.

What was the primary source of income for the Iranian government before the 1979 Revolution?

Oil revenue.

What was a significant consequence of the Shah's policies leading up to his downfall?

He became distant from the people, wealthy, and ignored civil liberties.

What were some of the long-term triggers of the 1979 Iranian Revolution?

Decreased oil prices, rising consumer prices, pressure from the U.S. on the Shah, and the domination of the SAVAK.

Who was the charismatic leader of the 1979 Revolution?

Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

What event marked the Shah's departure from Iran?

The Shah fled the country in February 1979.

What was the outcome of the April 1979 national referendum in Iran?

The monarchy was voted out, and the Islamic Republic was established.

What authority did the Islamic Republic Constitution grant to Khomeini and the clergy?

Broad authority over the community.

What is Jurist's Guardianship (velayat-e-faqih)?

A principle that gave senior clergy all-encompassing authority over the community.

What was the significance of Khomeini's quote about patriotism?

He emphasized that worship of Allah should take precedence over nationalism.

What was the duration of the Iran Hostage Crisis?

444 days, from 1979 to 1981.

What was Khomeini's initial stance on the student protests during the Iran Hostage Crisis?

He did not originally support the students but later endorsed them to marginalize liberal elements.

What was the aim of the Cultural Revolution launched after the Iranian Revolution?

To purify the country from the Shah's regime, secular values, and Western influences.

What was the main goal of Khomeini during the Iran-Iraq War?

To remove Saddam Hussein from power and spread the revolution through the Middle East.

What was the outcome of the Iran-Iraq War?

It ended in a stalemate in 1988 with a UN-brokered cease-fire.

Who succeeded Khomeini as Supreme Leader after his death in 1989?

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

What did the Iranian Constitution state about Khomeini's position after his death?

It stated that his authority would pass to a leadership council of senior clerics, which did not occur due to mistrust.

What were some of the short-term triggers of the 1979 Revolution?

The Cinema Rex Fire, the declaration of martial law, and the Shah's forced move of Khomeini to France.

How did Khomeini's speeches influence the revolution while he was in exile?

They were influential and helped galvanize support for the revolution.

What was the role of the SAVAK in the lead-up to the Iranian Revolution?

It dominated and suppressed opposition, contributing to public frustration.

What was one of the accusations made during the Iran-Iraq War?

Accusations of chemical warfare and war crimes on both sides.

What was the reaction of the Iranian people to the Shah's regime during the revolution?

Many sectors of society, including clerics and urbanites, broadly supported the revolution.

Who was selected as Supreme Leader after the change in the Constitution?

Ali Khamenei, a cleric of middle rank.

What was a significant characteristic of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's leadership?

He lacks the same charisma or academic credentials as his predecessor.

What was President Rafsanjani's term and main concern during his presidency?

1989 - 1997; he was concerned with reforming the slumping economy due to theological commitments and the war with Iraq.

What was President Khatami's campaign theme during his presidency?

Creating a 'civil society' and improving the sick economy.

What demographic primarily supported President Khatami in the elections?

Women, university students, and young adults throughout the country.

What major reforms did President Khatami promote?

An open society protecting individual liberties, freedom of expression, women's rights, political pluralism, and rule of law.

What was the outcome of Khatami's attempts to improve relations with the US?

Most reforms were overturned by the Guardian Council, leading to Khatami's isolation.

Who was President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and when did he serve?

Tehran's ultra-conservative mayor who served from 2005 to 2013.

What was significant about Ahmadinejad's election in 2005?

He was the first non-cleric president in 24 years.

What were the allegations surrounding the 2009 presidential election?

Allegations of fraud led to protests known as the Green Movement.

What were the consequences of Ahmadinejad's policies?

Closure of reformist newspapers, arrests of journalists and activists, and stricter enforcement of Sharia law.

What did Ahmadinejad call for during his presidency?

Destruction of Israel and questioned the reality of the Holocaust.

Who succeeded Ahmadinejad as president?

Hassan Rouhani.

What was the significance of Rouhani's election?

It was seen as a victory for reform and middle-class voters, but also served conservative goals.

Who is Ebrahim Raisi and when did he become president?

A hardliner who became president in 2021.

What positions did Ebrahim Raisi hold before becoming president?

Deputy Chief Justice, Attorney General, and Chief Justice.

What sparked the protests in 2022?

The death of Masha Amini while in morality police custody.

What demands were made by the demonstrators during the 2022 protests?

Increased rights for women and the overthrow of the Iranian government.

What was the death toll reported during the protests as of October 25, 2022?

Over 234 people, including many children.

What external challenges does the Iranian regime face?

Economic sanctions and international condemnation of its human rights record.

What is a powerful source of legitimacy for the Iranian regime?

Religion.

What are some external challenges faced by Iran?

Economic sanctions, international condemnation of human rights, drug trafficking, and poor economic performance.

What is the structure of the Iranian political system?

Semi-Presidential Theocracy.

Who is the current Supreme Leader of Iran?

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

What is the role of the Supreme Leader in Iran?

The Supreme Leader is the most powerful political figure, overseeing politics, ensuring laws conform to Islam, and has authority over presidential candidates and the armed forces.

What is the Assembly of Experts?

An assembly of 88 members directly elected for 8-year terms, responsible for appointing and dismissing the Supreme Leader.

What is the Guardian Council and its main functions?

A 12-member council that ensures legislation conforms to Islamic principles, determines candidates for elections, and can veto legislation.

How are members of the Guardian Council appointed?

6 clerical members are appointed by the Supreme Leader, and 6 lay members are recommended by the head of judiciary and approved by the Majles.

What is the Expediency Council's purpose?

To settle disputes between the Majles and the Guardian Council and may originate its own legislation.

What is the composition of the Expediency Council?

39 members including the President, chief judge, speaker of the Majles, and jurists from the Guardian Council.

What are the qualifications for the Supreme Leader?

Must possess characteristics such as chastity, good character, religious authority, and virtue.

What is the Majles in Iran?

Iran's unicameral legislature, functioning as the lower house of parliament.

How does the electoral system for the Majles operate?

It uses a Single-Member and Multi-Member District Majority system.

What powers does the Supreme Leader hold?

Limit presidential candidates, overrule/dismiss the president, command armed forces, declare war and peace, issue national referenda, and appoint judiciary heads.

What is the significance of the Assembly of Experts for the Leadership?

It is the only constitutional body with the authority to appoint and dismiss the Supreme Leader.

What are the terms of service for members of the Guardian Council?

Members serve for 6-year terms.

What is the role of the president in Iran?

The president is the head of government, currently Hassan Rouhani since 2013.

How does the Guardian Council affect elections in Iran?

It has the power to determine who can run in elections and has disqualified many candidates, especially females.