Summary
The Islamic Republic of Iran is no longer a theocracy; it has become a military dictatorship. Iran was never a democracy, not even under the shah. But much of its institutional framework could be made to work as one. Parliament was freely elected, as was the presidency. The problem has been that there is an unelected religious framework that runs parallel to, around and through the elected secular institutions. In practice, it is this unelected body of mullahs and clerics who have the final say in all matters secular and religious.
At the top has been the Supreme Leader, chosen for life, who is thought to be -- and sees himself -- as God's spokesman and guardian of the principles of Shia Islam. In short, he plays the role of an all-powerful medieval pope, or an equally powerful medieval caliph. He cannot be disobeyed. Just below him stands the 12-member Council of Guardians, which can veto any law and any candidate for parliament or the presidency. The Supreme Leader and the Guardians have played their respective roles with increasing abandon, convinced they are right because, in the name of God, they are doing God's work.See the full content of this document
Extract
Iran Cracking Under Demonstrators' Cries
We have our own examples in western history. Remember the divine right of kings? In the long sweep of history, that was not so long ago. Even today, in matter...
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