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Safavid brought Islam to Iran (Persia) Qajars overthrew Safavid empire
› Qajars brought many secular reforms Followed by the Pallahvi in early 1900s
› Further secularization continued› “Too rapid”› Corruption, ties to the West (US)› Like Diaz in Mexico, “White Revolution”
Introduced by the Safavids in mid 15th century
Vs. Sunnis: why? Hidden Imam
Charismatic Leadership, exiled to France during 60’s and 70’s.
Jurist’s Guardianship (velyat-el-faiqh)› Gives clergy supreme control over the Shia
population› Most clergymen in Qom do not agree with
this
Revolution of Rising Expectations› Oil Prices drop worldwide
Complaints about Shah’s rapid secularized society
Shah abdicates amid huge protests› corruption› Ironically, the US’ stance on human rights
were one of the reasons why the Shah abdicated.
April 1979– country-wide referendum completes the abolition of Shah’s government
People ratify the People’s Islamic Republic of Iran
Cultural Revolution Constitution of 1979- source of
legitimacy› Parts of constitution ratified after
Khomeini's death
Authoritarian traditions Union of political and religious
authority dates back to 15th century Lack of colonialism- rare for the region
› Still were subjugated to imperialism Nationalism
› “Persians first, Muslims 2nd, Shi’ia 3rd
Religion Ethnicity Social POL: reform vs.
conservative REL: pragmatist vs. radical
Constitution gives him the right to :• Eliminate presidential candidates• Dismiss the president • Command the army• Declare war and peace• Appoint / remove all judges• Nominate half of Guardian Council• Appoint many non-gov directiors
12 clerics Bills passed by legislature are reviewed
› Must adhere to Sharia Decides who can compete in elections JURISTS GUARDIANSHIP
86 member house (all male) Interprets the constitution and laws Directly elected by people every 4
years Allowed to remove Ayatollah from
office (added in 1989, after Khomeini’s death)
Candidates are subject to GC approval
Referee between the Maijles and Guardian Council› Created by Khomeini› Made permanent in 1989› 32 members include
President Chief judge Speaker of the Maijles 6 jurists from Guardian Council
Budget Supervise economy Propose legislation Execute policies Sign treaties, laws, agreements Chairs the National Security Council
Must be devout Shiite. 4 year terms, 2 term limit
Unicameral Legislature (some argue that the Assembly of Religious Experts acts like an upper house on the legislature)
Created by 1906 Constitution › Enacts or changes laws› Interprets legislation› Appoints 6 of twelve members of GC› Investigates wrongdoing by executive and
judicial branches› Approves the budget
STRUCTURE THEOCRACY? DEMOCRATIC?
Supreme Leader Jurist’s guardianship-Ultimate interpreter of Sharia law
Tee hee. No.
Guardian Council(12 members)
- High interpreters of Sharia Law. - 6 members selected by Supreme Leader
- Six members selected by Majles
Assembly of Religious Experts
Interprets Sharia Directly elected by the people; non-clerics are members
Expediency Council Appointed by Supreme leader; most members are clerics
Not all members are clerics
Majles Promises to uphold Sharia Directly elected by people
Judiciary Sharia law; Supreme Leader has final say on all cases
Court structure similar to democratic nations; code law has modern “penalties”