Politics and theology in Iran

Submitted by Jon (France), Jul 21, 2009 at 17:14

I do of course agree that I was positing a major movement from the theologically orientation of present day Iran, but I am not nearly so sure that it is unlikely. The present regime has pushed the limits of what is acceptable to the Iranian population. It is holding on to power through the violence of those parts of the armed forces which have gained most through the "revolution" and stand to loose the most were Iran to throw off the straightjacket of "religious" leaders.

Turkey in 1923, with Mustapha Kemal went very much further that what Iran would have to go through to wipe the slate clean, and Turkey also had to fight against the greek occupation.

In Iran the population is now quite well educated, and perfectly informed about the modern world, well in advance of the populations in other Muslim countries. And more and more it has scores to settle, and a feeling that it wants it's rights in the neighbourhood.

Would Farsi speaking Iran accept the dictates of a foreign anti semitism if it were free to make choices ? Would it align itself with the backward kingdoms and princedoms when it has, though it's own resources no need for them ?

Obviously the first order of business would be to liquidate the power structures imposed by the clerics, but I would not be terribly surprised if a quite different Iran emerged from the likely very violent struggle with the beneficial owners of the regime.

India perhaps would be a first "option" as a base alliance, but the very hatred with which Israel is held among the "clerical classes" might recommend it to those escaping from their grip. After all Israel has never been in conflict with Iran, and Iranians and not known, where they are free, to huddle around tables with arabs, with whom they have little empathy.

Note: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the authors alone and not necessarily those of Daniel Pipes. Original writing only, please. Comments are screened and in some cases edited before posting. Reasoned disagreement is welcome but not comments that are scurrilous, off-topic, commercial, disparaging religions, or otherwise inappropriate. For complete regulations, see the "Guidelines for Reader Comments".