Iran

Front 1

Theocracy

Back 1

A government under the control of a religious leader or group of religious leaders. No separation of church and state- a state governed by the church (religious institution).

Front 2

17th Century- The Savafids

Back 2

Conquered and introduced Shiaism to what is now Iran. Forced conversion from Sunni to Shia. Tolerated people of the book - Jews, Christians, and Zoroastrians. Also introduced Sharia law, ruled through tribal chiefs

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1794-1925 The Qajars

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Turkish speaking Shite tribe that conquered the Safavids and established a monarchy around the Shah. Established a constitutional monarchy in 1906 that shared power between the Shah and Majer (parliament). WWI and communist revolution in Russia made the propertied classes anxious.

Front 4

1925-1979 The Pahlavis

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1925- Colonel Rexa Shah initiates a coup against the Qajars, establishes a non-tribal dynasty.

1941/1942- Muhammad Reza Khan takes control and is forced to liberalize the country by the US and UK.

1951- Dr. Muhammad Molledeq elected PM and nationalized oil industry. Consequently, the US and UK support a coup that removed the PM and gave shah absolute power. Shah established Iran's First Central Government, which was supported by the military and save, or secret police.

Front 5

Sources of Sha's Power

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Military= grow from 124,000 in 1941 to 400,000 in 1979.

Bureaucracy= expanded to over 21 ministries that extended power via patronage.

White revolution= Shia's 1963 reform program that promoted economic development via land reform, social reform, and literacy.

Pahland Foundation- A tax-exempt organization run by the Shah that controlled 207 corporations, giving the shah immense patronage power.

Rerurgenge Party= Established by the Shah and became only legal party and membership was compulsory. Aim was to reduce the power of the bazaars.

Bazaars= Urban marketplace where leaders and guilds wielded immense power.

Front 6

Rentier State

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A state which has an economy based on renting access to its natural resources to tother groups because it lacks the ability to exploit them itself.

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Dual Society

Back 7

A society and economy that are sharply divided into a traditional, usually poorer/traditionalist and modern/ richer society.

Front 8

Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)

Back 8

Union of oil producing countries that regulate the amount of oil and price per barrel of oil.

Front 9

Resource Curse

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Countries with abundant natural resources tend to rely on those resources and don't diversify their economies, or develop other economic scots, leading to slower growth and fragility.

Front 10

Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini

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Exiled to Paris for trying to overthrow the government. Created a new branch of shism to overthrow the government again. Rallied against the Shah.

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Islamic Fundamentalism

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Strict interpretation and enforcement of that interpretation of the Qur'an.

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Political Islam

Back 12

Related to Islamic Fundamentalism. An intermingling of politics and religion.

Front 13

Jurist Guardianship (Velayat-e Faqih)

Back 13

A doctrine, modified by Khomeini, that stated that senior clergy have all encompassing benevolent power over all of the Islamic community, not just the vulnerable. Allows Khomeini to rule over political figures with religious authority.

Front 14

The Revolutionary Committee

Back 14

An institution that served as a voice for millions who wanted to abolish the monarchy and establish a Republic. Works to undermine the Shah government, and organized by Khomeini. Included: Pasdarin (Revolutionary guards) took over police duty, general strikes, urban centers established to replace the Shah's holding company to offset patronage, implemented sharia law.

Front 15

February 11, 1979

Back 15

The Shah's Pahlavid Dynasty Falls, and Khomeini assumes control of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Shah in the US for heart surgery.

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Assembly of (Islamic) Experts

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Devised the theocratic constitution of 1979. Introduced to Iranian people, and PM offers a French-style Presidential alternative in what become a PR battle.

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Storming of US Embassy

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Khomeini orchestrated to build up support of 1979 constitution and provide a common enemy against which Islamic nationalism could be solidified.

Front 18

1979-1989

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Clerics consolidate power behind Khomeini's charisma. the threat to Iran-Iraq War and economic boom from increased oil prices.

Front 19

1989-1999

Back 19

Clerics survive multiple serious challenges posed by the death of Khomeini, the end of the Iran-Iraw War, economic hardship from reduced oil prices, and demands for democracy over theocracy.

Front 20

Post 9/11

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Brief cooperation between US and Iran during the First Gulf War (Iraq as a common enemy) and the Taliban in Pakistan (Sunni's, Iran's rival) deteriorated due to Iran's nuclear weapons program and support for terrorism.

Front 21

The Constitution of 1979

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Established a highly complex Theocratic Republic (a theocracy with democratic principles). Commonly believed to be a "Regime of the Ayatollahs" (high ranking clerics) but actually a "Regime of Hojjet al-Islams) (middle ranking clerics) because most Ayatollahs don't recognize Khomeini's Jurist Guardianship. Iran is a unitary state with power and authority concentrated in the executive.

Front 22

Dual Executive

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HoS- Supreme Leader (Ayatollahs Kameni (79 -89) and khamenei (89 to pres)).

HoG- President (President Hassan Rouhani(13 to pres) and Mahmmod A. 05-09, 09 13)

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Supreme Leader

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Most powerful figure in Iran. Chosen by the Assembly of experts, appointed for life, jurist guardianship, can overrule and dismiss the president, commander in chief, appoints members of the judiciary and half of the guardian council. Can also issue decrees for national referendum.

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Guardian Council

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12 member council to one six year term.

6 are clerics appointed by the SL, 6 are laymen, lawyers, that are nominated by the head of the judiciary and approved by the parliament.

Has vetting (who can run in any election) and veto(veto any law passed by parliament if it is perceived to counteract Islam) power

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Assembly of religious experts

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86 member all male assembly that are directly elected by the people but candidates must be vetted by the GC. Serve an 8 year term. Has the authority to elect and dismiss a supreme leader.

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Expediency Council

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(sort of like a cabinet). 32 member council that is appointed by the supreme leader and includes the President, the Chief Judge, the speaker of the parliament, and the jurist from the guardian council. 5 year terms. ROLE: RESOLVE DISPUTES BETWEEN THE PARLIAMENT AND THE GC.

Front 27

The President

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Directly elected by the people but is vetted by the GC. Must between ages 25-75 and must be a well known personality. Must be a male muslim. Four year term with two term limit. Chairs the National Security council, select VP and cabinet members, handles budget and presents legislation.

Front 28

The Majles

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Unicameral legislature. 290 deputies, 5 guaranteed seats for recognized religious minorities. directly elected to 4 year terms but must be vetted by the GC. NOT RUBBER STAMP. can enact /change laws with GC approval and appoint had of GC that are chosen from a list devised by the Chief Judge. Investigate cabinet and complaints against government, remove cabinet members but not the president. Approves budget, appointments, treaties,etc.

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The Judiciary

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IS NOT INDEPENDANT (no judicial review). Based on Sharia Law. Chief judge (Head of J) is appointed by the supreme leader, and then appoints Sr. judges to serve with him. Law rooted in retribution law and is very harsh (stoning, death penalty) for crimes such as adultery, habitual drinking, homosexuality. Evidence of one male = two females.

Front 30

Regular Army

Back 30

370k charged with defending the border.

Front 31

Revolutionary Guards

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Established in 1979 after the revolutions, 125k, tasked with defending the ISLAMIC republic. Commanders appointed by supreme leader. Controls boniats (large charitable companies), oversees nuclear program, controls besij local resistance forces.

Front 32

Religious Cleavages

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Shia 89% vs. Sunni 10%

Christians, Jews, Zoroastrians (recognized religious minorities) 1%

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Ethnic Cleavages

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Persians 51% vs. Azerni 24% vs. Galak 8% vs. Kurds 7% vs. Arabs 3%.

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Socioeconomic Cleavages

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Upper/Middle- Clergy, landowners, industrialists, entrepreneurs, military officers, bazaar merchants, professionals. Take care of lower classes.

Working class

Poverty class

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Ideological Cleavages

Back 35

Conservatives (majority)- Things to remain the same. Status quo + stability.

Reformers (minority)- Loyal to the Islamic state but promotes secularization through greater democratization.

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Theological Cleavage (division among conservative clerics)

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Pragmatic Conservative Clerics- Economic if not political liberalization. Privatization, wealth inequality, free markets- clerical capitalists that are the majority because they are supported by the bazaar merchants.

Radical Clerics- Younger and minority. Call for social justice for the poor, support the welfare state and wealth redistribution. Clerical socialists. Growing.

Front 37

Presidentital Elections

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Directly elected to a four year term with a 2 consecutive term limit. Two ballot system: if a candidate gets 50.1% then he is elected; if not, the top two vote earners enter a runoff, FPTP to declare victor.

Front 38

Islamic Participation Front

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Pro Islam and Pro Democracy. Reformist party. NOT SECULAR

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Islamic Labor Party

Back 39

Reformist party established after unions were abolished. Nationalist party focused on nationalism, reformism, Islamism. NOT SECULAR

Front 40

The Party of Reconstruction

Back 40

Support free market and industrialization, like the conservative clerics, economic freedom, freedom in general. NON SECULAR

Front 41

The Liberation Movement

Back 41

Movement that favors the separation of church and state. Not very influential.

Front 42

The National Front

Back 42

A party committed to nationalism and secularism. Started wanting the AIOC nationalized.

Front 43

The Mojahedin

Back 43

Started by wanting to overthrow the shah through guerrilla tactics. Marxist and Islamic.

Front 44

The Fedayin

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Leftist guerrillas who want marxism but not Islam. Modeled off of Latin American guerrillas, many died fighting the shah and as a result gained street cred. Not very influential.

Front 45

The Tudah Party

Back 45

Marxist, secular banned party favoring a popular, anti-imperialist state affiliated with USSR era communism. Little influence as many leaders killed. Not very influential. ANY GENUINE OPPOSITION PARTY ARE IN EXHILE, AND INFLUENCE THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA. ALL REAL COMPETITION IS REMOVED BY THE GOVERNMENT.

Front 46

Election categories

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Reformists, conservatives, independants, and religious minorities.

Front 47

2013 P Election GC approvals

Back 47

GC approves 8 out of 568 candidates including 30 females, all of whom were DQed based on the 1979 constitution (gender). Important bc it was not violent.

Front 48

2009 P Election GC approvals

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GC approves 4 out of 476 candidates. People felt that election was rigged ofter losing candidates protested the results and were arrested for treason, which sparked 18 months of protest.

Front 49

2005 P Election GC approvals

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GC approves 7 out of 1000 candidates. First election to ever go to the second ballot round.

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2001 P Election GC approvals

Back 50

GC approved 10 out of 817 candidates.

Front 51

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Back 51

Became president in 2005. Government has newspapers, banned and censored books, and websites, not longer tolerates peaceful demonstrations.

Front 52

Axis of Evil

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Statement made by GWB saying that Iran, Iraq and N Korea were evil. Hurt Iran-US cooperation after 9/11

Front 53

Ayatollah

Back 53

Literally, "sign of God." High-ranking clerics in Iran. The most senior ones - often no more than half of a dozen - are known as grand ayatollahs. Hold religious and political power under JG.

Front 54

basij

Back 54

A paramilitary organization formally under the RG that are called during times of internal turmoil. Used to quell protests after the 2009 elections, accused of brutality.

Front 55

bazaar

Back 55

Urban marketplace where leaders and guilds wielded immense power.

Front 56

Baha 'i

Back 56

Urban marketplace where leaders and guilds wielded immense power.

Front 57

Bonyads

Back 57

Islamic Charities, many of which are controlled by the government. Control 20% of Iran's GDP, source of corruption, and receives substantial subsidies from the government.Parastatal foundations made in part form assets nationalized after the Iranian revolution The objectives of them were to help the disadvantaged, such as war veterans and the poor. Over time however, they have become major economic players and often monopolies, controlling substantial assets and industries while operating independently of government oversight or taxation.

Front 58

Constitutional Revolution 1905-1909

Back 58

This event led to Persia's first constitution and first elected parliament, the Majles (Majlis). Monarchy agreed to this concession in the face of popular uprising, but did not respect authority of the Majlis.

Front 59

Cultural Revolution

Back 59

After the adoption of the Iranian Constitution on 1979, the cultural revolution set out to purify the country from not only the Shah's regime, but also from secular values and behaviors, particularly those with western origins.

Front 60

"Economics is for Donkeys"

Back 60

Stated by Ayatollah Khomeini, disdaining the importance of economics for policymakers and affirming the superiority of religious, rather than secular leaders.

Front 61

Equality with Difference

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Policy toward women. Meaning divorce and custody laws follow Islamic standards that favor males. Women must wear scarves and long coats in public, cannot leave country without consent of male relatives, stoning fro adultery, allowed education, and entrance to occupations.

Front 62

The Executives of the Constitution Party

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Political party established by founders of Rafsanjani's cabinet. As his supporters, they were willing to criticize Ahmadinejad

Front 63

Faqih

Back 63

The Supreme Religious Leader.Leading Islamic jurist to interpret the meaning of religious documents and sharia. Ties into JG

Front 64

Farsi

Back 64

Persian word for the Persian language. Fars is a province in Central Iran.

Front 65

Fatwa

Back 65

A pronouncement issued by a high-ranking Islamic cleric.

Front 66

Foundation of the Oppressed

Back 66

A "charitable" foundation serving as the successor to the P. Foundation

Front 67

Hidden Imam

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9th century, the 12th descendant disappeared as a child, only to be known as the "Hidden Imam". The belief is that one day the Hidden Imam will re-emerge. Until then, the leaders of Iran represent the true heirs of Islam.

Front 68

Hojjat al-Islam

Back 68

Literally, the "proof of Islam." In Iran, it means a medium-ranking cleric.

Front 69

Hezbollahis

Back 69

Literally "partisans of God." In Iran, the term is used to describe religious vigilantes.

Front 70

Imam

Back 70

Shiite belief that the true heirs of Islam were the descendants of Ali (son-in-law of Muhammad)

Front 71

Imam Jum'ehs

Back 71

Prayer leaders in Iran's main urban mosques. Appointed by the Supreme Leader, they have considerable authority in the provinces.

Front 72

Import Substitution Industrialization

Back 72

based on the belief that governments in poorer countries must create more positive conditions for the development of local industries. Governments that do this will be able to compete more effectively with advanced industrialized democracies by restricting imports or imposing heavy import taxes. The goal is to increase demand for domestic products to lessen dependence on imports. The Shah attempted with limited success to do this because oil had been the source of income for the regime, and diversifying the economy typically reflects more stability. Import substitution was used widely in Latin America, and parts of Africa and Asia.

Front 73

Iranian Militant Clerics Society

Back 73

It is a left wing pro-reform party led by Muhammad Khatami, president of the Republic from 1997-2005.

Front 74

Islamic Iran Participation Front

Back 74

A reformist party led by Muhammad Khatami's brother, Muhammad Reza Khatami. The party was founded in 1998 with the motto, "Iran for all Iranians." Party did well in the 2000 Majles elections, but The Guardian Council barred most of its candidates from running in 2004.

Front 75

Islamic Society of Engineers

Back 75

They are members of the Islamic conservative alliance, and their most famous member is current president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who won in 2005 and 2009. However, the society did not support him for their candidate...Instead they chose Ali Larijani, who lost in the first round in 2004.

Front 76

Jihad

Back 76

Literally "struggle." Although often used to mean armed struggle against unbelievers, it can also mean spiritual struggle for more self-improvement.

Front 77

Khamenei

Back 77

Khomeini's successor. Does not have same personality or academic credentials.

Front 78

Khomeini

Back 78

"Ayatollah" was an Iranian religious leader and scholar, politician, and leader of the 1979 Iranian Revolution which saw the overthrow of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the late Shah of Iran. Following the revolution and a national referendum, Khomeini became the country's Supreme Leader—a position created in the constitution as the highest ranking political and religious authority of the nation, until his death.

Front 79

Khordad Front

Back 79

This was a political alliance formed by groups including the Iranian Militant Clerics Society and the Islamic Iran Participation Front to support Khatami's re-election as president in 2000. The second Khordad Front did not survive the Guardian Council's banning of reformist parties in 2004, when 70% of the seats went to conservative candidates. REFORMISTS BANNED BY GC

Front 80

Maslahat

Back 80

Arabic term of "expediency," "prudence," or "advisability." It is now used in Iran to refer to reasons of state or what is best for the Islamic Republic.

Front 81

Muhammad Mosaddeq

Back 81

Leader of the National Front party, who was elected Prime Minister in 1951. He was so popular that the Shah was forced to flee the country in 1953. Mosaddegh sought to nationalize the British-owned company that controlled Iran's oil industry and he wanted the military out from under the Shah's control. The British wanted him gone, and the US (CIA) helped. Left a great deal of resentment toward the US and Brits as supporters of the Shah, and autocracy.

Front 82

Mir-Hossein Mousavi

Back 82

Opposition to Ahmadinejad in election of 2009. Received 34% of the votes.

Front 83

Muhammad Reza Shah

Back 83

Became Shah of Iran in 1941. Supported the overthrow of Mosaddiq in the 1953 coup. Was a strong proponent of Western based economic and social reform, announcing the White Revolution reforms in 1963. He was viewed as a vehicle for Western influence and in 1975 he ended the two-party system and instituted a one-party authoritarian state.

Front 84

National Front

Back 84

Political party in Iran following World War II, which opposed the monarchy and favored greater Iranian control over natural resources. Outlawed after Operation Ajax

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Qanun

Back 85

Regular laws passed by the government. Are second to Shariah law

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Qom

Back 86

City south of Tehran. WHere Khlomeini denounced the shah.

Front 87

Qur'an

Back 87

Islamic holy text

Front 88

Parastatals

Back 88

Semi-public institution that is run by people with strong connections to the government. Serves the state directly or indirectly

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Pasdaran

Back 89

Persian term for guards, used to refer to the army of Revolutionary Guards formed during Iran's Islamic Revolution.

Front 90

People of the Book

Back 90

Christians, Jews, and Zoroastrians accepted as worshiping the same god.

Front 91

Persian Empire

Back 91

Large ancient empire that inhabited present day Iran.

Front 92

Akbar Hasemi Rafsanjani

Back 92

Second president of Iran after the 1979 Revolution. Tried in vain to gain a third Presidential term in 2005. Centrist, pragmatic conservative, free market; credited with much of Iran's reconstruction after the Iran-Iraq war.

Front 93

Resurgence Party

Back 93

Declared by Muhammad Reza Shah that Iran is to be a one-party state in 1975.

Front 94

Revolution of 1979

Back 94

events involving overthrow of Iran's monarchy and its replacement with an Islamic republic under Ayatollah Khomeini, the leader of the revolution

Front 95

Revolution of Rising Exceptions

Back 95

Revolutions are most likely to occur when people are doing better than they once were, but some type of setback happens.

Front 96

Reza Shah

Back 96

Deposed the ruling shah of Persia in 1925, established public schools, built roads andrailroads, promoted industrial growth, and extended women's rights. He changed the name of the country from Persia to Iran in 1935.

Front 97

Hassan Rouhani

Back 97

-Won the election of 2013

-More moderate than past presidents

Front 98

SAVAK

Back 98

The secret police, domestic security and intelligence service established by Iran's Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi by recommendation of the UK government and with the help of the US' Central Intelligence Agency and Israel's Mossad. It was one of the main reasons that the government after the fall of the Shah so greatly opposed the US and held the embassy hostage for over a year

Front 99

Secularization

Back 99

Belief that religion and government should be separated.

Front 100

Shari'a

Back 100

The divine law, derived from the qur'an and the sunna, encompassing all and setting forth in detail how muslims are to live

Front 101

Shi'ism

Back 101

A branch of Islam. It literally means the followers or partisans of Ali. The other branch is known as Sunni, or the followers of tradition.

Front 102

Statists vs. Free Marketers

Back 102

_____ believe that government should be active with economy control and _____ believe that price controls should be removed.

Front 103

Sunni Muslims

Back 103

Member of the branch of Islam that accepts the first four caliphs as rightful successors to Muhammad. the major branch of orthodox Islam. Marginalized by Iranian Shi'ist muslims.

Front 104

White Coup

Back 104

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad used this bloodless coup of the reformists by asserting theocratic values and appeal to Iranian nationalism

Front 105

White Revolution

Back 105

Meant to counter communist or "red" influences. Focused on land reform, the government buying land form large absentee owners and selling it to small farmers at affordable prices. Encouraged farmers to become entrepreneurs with canals. Secularized Iran by extending voting rights to women, etc.

Front 106

Workers' House

Back 106

Important interest group for factory workers. Operates with the help of affiliated newspaper. Has political party Islamic Labor Party. Few interest groups have formed for business since businesses have been crowded out since 1979.

Front 107

Zoroastrianism

Back 107

System of religion founded in Persia in the 6th century BC by Zoroaster. Of the book.