AP COMP GOV: Iran FRQ

Connect Modern Iran History to British Imperialism

• British were a huge part of oil industry control

• Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadeq nationalized the oil industry in 1951 but faced retaliation from British

• US and UK collabed on operation Ajax (coup worked to overthrow Mossadeq and reinstate Shah Reza Pahvali

• Rooted anti west sentiments in Iran eventually leading to revolution

Describe Iranian Regime under the rule of the Shah

• Reza Pahvali modernized through the White Revolution which promoted land reforms, women’s sufferage, and education

• Regime suppressed political freedoms through secret police (SAVAK), censoring media and imprisoning opposers.

• Traditional Islamic clergy were marginalized which helped with secularization

Describe the growing opposition to the Shah and the Iranian Revolution

• opposition from the Shah came from economic inequalities, repression and resentment toward foreign (US,UK) influence.

• 1978 Cinema Rex fire: blamed SAVAK

• Black Friday with security killing thousands in Tehran

• Massive demonstration from Dec 1978- Feb 1979 which forced Shah into exile

Explain how Khomeini established Islamic Republic in Iran

• Ayatollah Khomeini was popular oppostion against Shah by advocating for a government based on Islamic principles (from his doctrine Velayat-e-faqih)

• Returned from exile and dismantled secular political factions, consolidated power under religious leadership

• Oversaw the creation of a constitution that institutionalized religious rule with a Supreme Leader holding ultimate power.

Describe how the institutions of Iranian Gov’t are consistent with the concept of Velayat-e-faqih

• Iran’s government follows the principle of the Velayat e faqih where the Supreme leader holds ultimate power.

• System ensures that political decisions align with Islamic Law which gives the SL control over institutions like the judiciary, military, and Guardian Council.

• Guardian council vets candidates and legislation to ensure all gov’t actions comply with Islamic Law

Outline the structure and flow of power in the Iranian executive, legislative and judicial branches

• Iran’s executive branch is controlled by the Supreme Leader who controls, military, judiciary and key councils.

• The president has limited power and oversees domestic and foreign policy but is subordinate to the Supreme Leader

• Majilis is elected but it can be vetted by the Supreme Council

• Judiciary is led by a Chief Justice appointed by the SL

Determine which offers are elected and appointed

• President, Majilis, and Assembly of experts are elected by the people (but candidates are vetted by Guardian Council)

• Supreme Leader is appointed by the Assembly of experts and has control over their decisions

• Chief Justice, Guardian council, and military leaders are appointed by the Supreme Leader

Describe political reform in Iran since the death of Khomeini in 1989

• political reform has been limited by conservative forces (Supreme Leader, Guardian council, and Revolutionary Guard)

• Reformist presidents like Mohammad Khatami and Hassan Rouhani sought to expand civil liberties and improve foreign relations, but efforts were blocked by the supreme Leader and Guardian Council.

• Protests demand fair elections (2009 Green Day Movement) but face oppression

Identify the various groups that compromise Iran’s Civil Society

• journalists, women’s right activist , NGOs, internet dissenters and ethnic minorities

• supreme leader Khomeini cracked down on press having restrictions in employment for women and enforcing morality laws through the Basij.

• NGOs advocate for human rights, poverty relief, environment have been suppressed

• Ethnic minorities (Kurds, Baluchis) face oppression

Explain how Iran’s economic system reflects a “resource trap”

• Oil wealth fuels government corruption instead of economic prosperity

• state controls most economy through bonyads and revolutionary guard which divert oil revenues towards political elites instead of infrastucture and development leading to high youth unemployment and inflation.

Describe Iran’s foreign policy vision

• Shaped by revolutionary ideaology which seeks to spread its model of political Islam and counter West influence

• Iran first positioned itself as a leader of Islamic resistence supporting Shia militias (Hezbollah) and palestinian Hamas. But, sectarian differences (Suni vs Shia) and ethnic divides limited Iran’s influence in Muslim world.

• Ahmadinejad promotes aggressive nuclear policies and antiwest rhetoric.

• Nuke technology has further isolated Iran despite negotiation.