Democracy In Iran
In February of 1979, perhaps the most relevant and overwhelming revolution of the twentieth century was executed in Iran. The Islamic Revolution, as it was known, would forever change the face of politics in not only Iran, but also the entire Middle East and produce political and social aftershocks that would be felt around the world. Almost two months after the revolution, the Pahlavis monarchy that had been in power for over half a century was replaced with an Islamic Republic, with the approval of over ninety-five percent of Iranians. (Joseph 2000, 307) The republic was more able to serve the predominantly Muslim makeup of Iran than the monarchy, which many claimed excluded the majority from political participation. In the twenty-three years since that transition, the issue of whether or not democracy exists in Iran has been discussed and debated extensively. When one looks at the current state of government in Iran, it is evident that the Islamic Revolution has produced a true democracy in Iran.The idea of democracy is defined as "a government that is periodically elected from time to time and thus controlled by the people who live under it. Under a democracy, the people rule either by direct vote at public meetings or in
The idea of democracy is defined as "a government that is periodically elected from time to time and thus controlled by the people who live under it. Under a democracy, the people rule either by direct vote at public meetings or indirectly through the election of certain representatives to govern them." (Avis 1983, 314) While Iran does not fit the conventional image people might have of a democracy, they do fit the definition. Three main parallels between the Western model that is most commonly recognized when people discuss democracy and the Iranian one prove Iran is a democracy. The first parallel is in respect to the hierarchy of power in these respective countries. The second is in respect to the ideology and history behind the democracies. The third and final parallel can be found in the political process of these countries, including the political participation of the citizens. The situation in Iran is a unique one. The democracy that has emerged in Iran is one that is vastly different from those in the Western world, but yet also very similar. Nonetheless, the fact that cannot be ignored is that, the differences and the complex unique nature of Iran's political system make it a democracy no less. This would indicate the previous problems that existed under the monarchy, that is, restrictions on differing and varying viewpoints from the regime in power, appear to have subsided and that groups are allowed the freedom to express themselves. As well, opinionated student groups have been highly active, forming the Organization for Strengthening Unity and the Union of Islamic Student Societies. (www.cia.gov) When one compares the parliamentary and presidential systems of the West to the Iranian system, there are many similarities between the two, with Iran adopting a more parliamentary approach in their government. Likewise, there are also differences. In the United States, there is a strong and dedicated division of church and state where in Iran there is not. In fact, critics would point out that the most powerful man in Iran, the Chief of State, is Ayatollah Ali Hoseini-Khameni, the who is considered "Iran's supreme religious leader." (Reinckens, Federation Of American Scientists) The head of government is the President, who is democratically elected, albeit with less power and influence than the Chief of State.
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Approximate Word count = 1700
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)
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