Continuing unrest in Iran

The eighth conference of leaders of Islamic nations, which took place in Tehran for the first time, Dec. 9-11, has stirred much commentary about whether the Iranian government is breaking through its isolation to exert itself as a major power in the region. The conference included representatives from long-time enemy governments, namely Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The government spent $80 million to host the event and, in an unprecedented act, closed down Tehran--a city of 12 million--for the entire duration of the conference.

Whether the Iranian government does emerge stronger as a result of the conference remains to be seen. What needs to be examined are the volatile developments within Iran.

The Islamic Republic is still shaking from the June 1997 Iranian presidential elections in which 22 million people (70% of the electorate) voted against the candidate backed by the Supreme Religious Guardian, Khamenei, and for Mohammad Khatami. The nature and powers of the post of "Supreme Religious Guardian" are being questioned by factions within the Islamic Republican Party (IRP).

On Oct. 20, the chairman of the Union of Islamic Students (UIS) addressed over 2,000 student members in front of Tehran University to call for making changes in the constitution in order to make the post of "Supreme Religious Guardian" a popularly elected post with term limits, and not a lifetime position chosen by the clergy. In November, the offices of the UIS were attacked and several of their members were beaten and arrested.

On Nov. 10, Ayatollah Ghomi, a prominent Mullah from Qum, the theocracy's ideological headquarters, and a former prosecutor who had ordered the execution of hundreds of opponents of the regime, published a 34-page open letter to President Khatami. He suggested replacing "Supreme Religious Guidance" with guidance which gives priority to civil laws and not the laws of the Sharia (Islamic religious laws). Following the publication of this letter and a subsequent letter from him to the ministry of information and security, Ghomi's home was attacked by Khamenei supporters and he was expelled from his teaching position.

Even more significant was the speech delivered by Ayatollah Montazeri on Nov. 14. Montazeri was considered a successor to Khomeini up until 1989 when he fell from grace. In his speech he admonished Khamenei, the Supreme Religious Guardian, for ruling the country like a king and not sharing power with the president. He called on Khamenei to limit his post to enforcing religious laws. Soon after , a demonstration of over 2,000 opponents of his views was organized in front of his house. He was attacked and arrested.

On Nov. 15, Hezbollah goons in Tehran canceled a speech by the Islamic thinker Soroosh, who used to be part of the Khomeini government but now advocates a non-monolithic interpretation of Islam. He recently declared his opposition to the post of Supreme Religious Guardian.

There have been reports of unrest in 15 Iranian cities. Deep anger and frustration within the Iranian population was revealed earlier in December when hundreds of thousands used the occasion of the Iranian soccer team's victory to pour into the streets and dance. The faction fights among the clergy reveal a much deeper dissatisfaction with the Iranian population.

--Sheila Fuller

CLICK HERE TO GO BACK TO CONTENTS PAGE

CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO NEWS AND LETTERS