Iran's monarchy ended in 1979 and is now a theocracy. The offices of head of state and head of government are now split. Iran's two head of state are the religious chief, the official with real power, and the president which is supervised by the religious chief. While Iran has presidential elections, they are rigged. One man hoped to changed the rigid Islamic rule and liberalize it a bit was cheated out of presidency. Mousavi hoped to beat incumbent President Ahmadinejad, and when Mousavi was ahead of him in polls, the regime did not allow this, closed the polls. The Supreme leader announced Ahmadinejad and charge that protesters were duped by US and British agents. This did not fool anyone, and the people took to social media to protest.
http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/06/04/chants-against-irans-supreme-leader-in-video-of-dissident-clerics-funeral/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0
This type of news does not surprise me at all. The Iranian people that emigrated embrace Western though. The people of Iran (or the youth) embraces Western thought. It is sad to see how much corruption and they injustices women face. Ahmadinejad has been quoted saying "there are no gays in Iran". My Iranian friend could probably never go back, because he has his ears pierced.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to visit 1979 Iran, but now I do not think we will see that in our life times. Perhaps there will be an overthrow, but I doubt it.
With Iran's elections being rigged, it really makes you question where the morals of the country lie? After finishing the book, we are able to look at these twelve countries as a whole and dissect their governments. With Iran, I feel it's a little different in that we look at this country with premeditated thoughts. Not that I didn't have an opinion on other countries, it seems with Iran some people carry a bad association with it. However, I think with what you are saying Gabby, is totally correct. The people within their own country are undergoing unfair treatment especially when it comes to their vote. Iranians are not fools, they know they are being lied to and manipulated.
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