GUEST BLOG: The changing face of Iran: from theocracy to democracy?
by - 8th April 2015
THE nuclear agreement between the US and Iran struck last week has been hailed as ‘historic’ by president Obama and was greeted with wild celebrations on the streets of Tehran.
But what might it ultimately mean for Iran’s revolutionary regime?
Almost every revolution is stymied by a return to the old order. Russia in 1917 and China post-1949 were initially adamant that they could keep aloof from the world community, and faced severe hardships for doing so.
The Communist revolutions were based on the ideological concept of economic equality for all people, and the Iranian revolution was based on religious beliefs: to live life under divine laws.
All survived by using coercive measures against their own people and millions suffered torture, indefinite jail terms and death as a result.
Slowly, both China and Russia realised they would have no option but to work together with other countries, particularly in the West. Today, both are open to world trade and everybody is benefiting.
Iran is now at a similar crossroads, but with the added impediment of being situated within the vortex of Middle Eastern politics.