Abstract This paper explains that, in 1979, millions of Iranians succeeded in ousting Muhammad Reza Shah Pahlavi (1941-1979), the Shah of Iran. The author points out that, while the Shah was known as a 'darling to the West', he tried to authoritarianly modernize too rapidly and did not adapt his political institutions sufficiently to the economic and social changes he had brought about. The paper relates that, inspired by hopes for democracy, economic prosperity for all classes, gender equality and a leadership that would not allow Iranian culture to be swallowed up by Western values, many Iranian women joined the rebellion. The author reports that the world was surprised by the Iranian Revolution, which was led by Ayatollah Rudolph Khomeini in exile in Paris. The paper relates that the Muslims believed that the modern age was 20th century remake of the Jahiliyya of ancient times that had to be destroyed as Mohammed the prophet had destroyed its predecessor.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Background
Conclusion
From the Paper "Let's take a look at the historical elements that lead up to the Iranian Revolution of 1979. Post World War II created a very different world. Colonial (English, French, Dutch, and other) control of much of the Mid-East, Asia, Africa, South American (the Third World) was on the wane. Two superpowers emerged, the United States and the USSR (Russia). The USSR leaving regimes were based on a military government with socialist tendencies and a strong tribal, regional or ethnic minority base; this was the case in Algeria, Syria, Iraq, South Yemen and Egypt."
Abstract This paper examines long- and short-term causes of the Iranian revolution, with emphasis on why Shia Islam became the vehicle for revolutionary aspirations. The paper presents the Iranian background and the growth of Western influence. It examines the rise of Islamic fundamentalism., the Shah of Iran and the Ayatollah Khomeini.
Abstract This paper examines how Iran has, for a long time, been a traditionally conservative nation based on the teachings of Islam. For a brief period, though, there was a prospect of change and liberalization under the visionary rule of the last Shah. With the ruthless onslaught of the Islamic revolution in the year 1979, hardcore fundamentalists seized power and changed the fate of the nation, diminishing all forms of development in all spheres. It looks at how women have long been the subject of oppression and subjugation in the Islamic republic and how, for their part, women have battled the injustice meted out against them. Women's rights activism in Iran dates back to the 1850s, which saw women reformers campaign for changes and social standing.
Outline
Introduction
Women's Movements in Iran ? A Brief History
The Role of Women During the Pahlavi Reign
The Islamic Revolution and the Role of Women Since
The Problem of Sex Slavery in Iran The Women's Movement and Shirin Ebadi
Conclusion
From the Paper "The popular revolution was initiated against the secular government of the Shah in the year 1978. Leading the revolution Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini pledged to restore "Islamic law" in the country which according to him had veered off the teachings of Prophet and Islam. During the reign of Shah Reza Palhavi, women had a more democratic and free role which soon disappeared after the revolution and making of the Islamic republic. They enjoyed equal rights and status. This was however short lived and stood to change after the revolution which brought with it stringent measures and means that were soon to become an integral part of the Iranian social structure. Until the revolution, women were given the right to vote and contest for any public office."
Abstract The paper discusses the significance of the Iranian Revolution of 1979 and attempts to critically discern its causes. The paper demonstrates how this task is complicated by the array of political, religious and social interests that have attempted to represent the Revolution in different ways in support of their individual agendas. The paper, however, argues that while there are many causal factors behind the Revolution of 1979, three causes dominate over all of these factors.
From the Paper "Few events in the recent history of the Middle East have had such a profound impact upon history as the 1979 Iranian Revolution. This revolution, which toppled the regime of the American ally Shah and replaced it with a theocratic state, not only altered the geopolitical network of alliances that governed relations between Middle Eastern states during the Cold War years, but also radically altered the fundamental basis of relations between Shia and Sunni Muslims across the region. Moreover, in the West the dominant role played by the Ayatollah Khomeini in the revolution altered perceptions of Islam and gave rise to a negative stereotype of Islamic fundamentalism."
Abstract The paper points out that Israel and Iran actually have many elements in common and specifically discusses the economic interaction between Iran and Israel from 1975 until 1985, that included the oil pipeline agreements between the two countries. The paper looks at how the Islamic Revolution in 1979 negatively influenced Iran's economy and how both economies have undergone periods of growth as well as periods of difficult times.
Outline:
1975 - Israel and Iran Oil and Israel
Israel and Iran - Business and Economy
From the Paper "Even after the Iranian leader "derecognized" Israel in the 1950s, the two countries shared a bond. Over 100,000 Jews live in Iran (Weiss), and many other Iranian Jews live in Israel, which creates sympathetic cultures in both areas. Author Weiss continues, "Before Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution, ancient cultural bonds and common strategic interests between Persians and Jews made Iran and Israel close allies" (Weiss). In fact, their economies, their governments, and much of their business was concentrated between the two countries, and it is only fairly recently (since the approximately 1985), that relationships between the two countries have deteriorated to the point of hostility and hatred."
Abstract The paper explains that while few events in the history of the modern Middle East have provoked more interest and controversy than the Iranian Revolution of 1979, there remains considerable debate among historians and analysts regarding how this momentous event should be understood in the larger tapestry of the region's history For example, the paper discusses how while in the early years of the Revolution commentators tended to emphasize how radical and revolutionary was the new Iranian state dominated by religious officials, mullahs, more recent studies have emphasized how geopolitical factors have tended to mitigate the impact of the Revolution and direct Iranian foreign policy.
From the Paper "While few events in the history of the modern Middle East have provoked more interest and controversy than the Iranian Revolution of 1979, there remains considerable debate among historians and analysts regarding how this momentous event should be understood in the larger tapestry of the region's history. For example, while in the early years of the Revolution commentators tended to emphasize how radical and revolutionary was the new Iranian state dominated by religious officials (mullahs), more recent studies have emphasized how geopolitical factors have tended to mitigate the impact of the Revolution and direct Iranian foreign policy in a manner consistent with its long-term historical pattern (Esposito and Piscatori, 1-2)."
Abstract This study examines earlier Soviet Union foreign policy towards Iran. The paper looks at how Soviet foreign policy grew and, at times, declined through economic cooperation with Iran from 1945-1979. Particular emphasis is shifted away from Cold War stances and upon nation to nation growth. An outline of the study is appended to the paper.
From the Paper "James Harlon Williams characterizes Soviet foreign policy in the Persian Gulf region as a "product of historical experience." Historically, it followed a pattern or strategy of "expansion, consolidation, and preservation." As Imperial Russia expanded its borders during the course of the Great Game in Asia, it emerged as the most powerful Continental power in Central Asia. Quickly thereafter, Russia moved to consolidate and preserve that power through political shoving matches with Great Britain. While the Russians significantly pushed their borders southwards towards Iran, the British countered Russian influence in order to protect British India. The idea of Iran as a "buffer" state acted as the way the British used Iran to prevent Russian penetration towards the Persian Gulf. Since the British resisted a stronger Russian presence in the Gulf, Russia employed a series of proxy conflicts while averting war with Britain. Playing a game of power politics dominated Russian and British diplomacy. From the mid-19th to the early 20th centuries both sides asserted their political dominance in Iran. Their goal was to dominate the enemy as much as possible yet averting war at all costs. Engaging in a head to head war would not be beneficial to either Russia or Great Britain from an economic and military perspective. In doing so, the tsar abandoned hopes of obtaining a warm water port in the Gulf."
Abstract This paper, which favorably describes the current Islamic regime in Iran, explores the roles of women in both the religious and work worlds. The author begins by describing the role of women according to the teachings of the Koran. The paper further examines the role of women in Iranian society both before and after the Islamic Revolution. The author concludes by stating Iranian women are progressively getting higher educations and achieving more status in the work place. Ultimately, the author believes women will achieve an influential position in Islamic Iranian society.
Outline:
Introduction and Cultural Background
The Iranian Revolution and the Situation of Women
Women and Employment
Figure 1. Women aged 10 and Above, Employed in Cities and Villages
Figure 2. Literacy Rate of Females Aged 6 and Above (in percentage)
Conclusion
From the Paper "There is a general perception in the West that the ethical treatment of women in Islamic countries amounts to gender discrimination, oppression and a transgression of basic human rights. This view does not conform to the foundational Islamic teaching. This can be seen from the very outset in the way that the Koran describes the creation of women. In the Holy Scriptures there is no implicit difference made in terms of status or intrinsic value between male and female. In ethical terms, while there are obvious differences between men and women, these gender differences do not impact or affect ethical values and treatment of women. Men and women are seen to be essentially the same in terms of relative value and status. "Despite the distinctions between the treatment of men and the treatment of women when the Qur'an discusses creation of humankind ...there is no essential difference in the value attributed to women and men. There are no indications, therefore, that women have more or fewer limitations than men." (Wadud 15) "
An analysis of the international conflict between Iran and the U.S., focussing on Iran's nuclear proliferation and the ideological differences between the two nations.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 3 sources, 2005, $ 35.95
Abstract The paper discusses the conflict that has been brewing between the United States and Iran, which has revolved ostensibly around Iran's possible violations of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The paper shows that the conflict between Iran and the U.S. has been evident in the international policies of both nations. Iran has engaged in a series of political and economic actions that are directed squarely at undermining the U.S.'s international authority. The U.S., in turn, has tried to rally international support, largely through the United Nations Security Council, to control Iran's actions.
Abstract The writer of this paper details the basic principles of democracy, which originated with the process of Enlightenment. This paper focuses on the current Iranian government and the authoritarian leadership which require their supporters to blindly obey them. This writer contends and explains that the movement to freedom and democracy in Iran necessitates drifting away from this blind obedience. To promote freedom and democracy in Iran, several pre-conditions are required, including the separation of religion and state. This paper details the numerous obstacles standing in the way, including the fact that Iran is sandwiched between the two sub-regions of the Persian Gulf and Central/Northwest Asia, which accounts for the negative impact on Iran's political climate.
From the Paper "The liberal democracy indicates to a system that signifies voting by people for free elections to fill the top administrative ranks in legislative and executive branches, while the rights of those holding a minority perspective is safeguarded. Mores, ethos and other values among the population are quite prevalent for enduring democracy and freedom. In some cases the democratic set up has been established but the democratic system failed to establish itself. One of the element which functions as a basis for the rise and consolidation of democracy is the link between the people and the leadership which can be perceived in two respects of absolutism and pluralism. The absolutist concept is associated with the blind adherence to the related utilization of force to suppress those who disagree."
Tags:iran, middle, east, political, government, international, islam, religion, state
Abstract This paper is a review of five readings. The general topic of the readings is fundamentalism and modernity in Iran and this paper discusses these issues. The paper also discusses change in Iran and how it came to be, as well as the effect of this change to the running of Iran.
From the Paper "Islam and Modernity in Iran The readings for this week were Structural Causes of the Iranian Revolution, Fundamentalism or Populism and Perceptions of Private Property, The Ideological Preconditions for Khomeini's Doctrine of Government and Iran: Change in Islam; Islam and Change. The common theme in all of these readings is fundamentalism and modernity. This means that there are number of questions relating to what fundamentalism means and what modernity means. For example, is there such a thing as modern Islam? Or does becoming modern necessarily involve following the development path of the Western world? One interesting aspect of these readings is that they have difficultly in defining fundamentalism."
Abstract This paper examines the issue of divorce in Iran. It shows that the policies and laws that pertain to divorce and many other laws as well in Iran are sexist and that they treat women as second class citizens. The framework that makes this possible can be found in the patriarchal society of Iran that is supported and reinforced by religion. The author uses the radical feminists view to argue her theory.
From the Paper "This paper will examine the issue of divorce in Iran. It will show that the policies and laws that pertain to divorce (and many other laws as well) in Iran are sexist and that they treat women as second-class citizens. The framework that makes this possible can be found in the patriarchal society of Iran that is supported and reinforced by religion. I will use the radical feminists view to argue my theory. In Iran, women are seen as primarily worth less then men and their roles are confined to that of home care and childbearing. Iranian laws treat women and men differently, which results in severe discrimination against women. Traditional 'family values' prevail in"
Abstract The Iran Contra scandal is one of the greatest scandals in US government in recent memory. It was certainly the biggest foreign policy scandal during the 1980s. It involved at its heart two secret operations conducted by the executive branch of the United States government. The Reagan administration facilitated the sale of military equipment to Iran an enemy of the United States and considered a nation that sponsored terrorism. With the money from that sale a second operation was funded: Military aid was provided to the contra rebels in Nicaragua, aid that Congress had previously banned. This paper details the events surrounding the Iran-Contra scandal that took place during former President Reagan's term in office. The paper discusses why these actions were so scandalous and what it meant in terms of the US government's abuse of its power and its disregard for the Constitution. The paper contends that the scandal represents a major abuse of the constitutional authority afforded the executive branch of the US government, not to mention an affront to the checks and balances system that is supposed to keep each branch of government from amassing too much power.
Abstract The following paper compares and contrasts the policies, ideals and beliefs of Turkey and Iran by comparing the most prominent figures in each nations history - Iran's 'Khomeini' and Turkey's 'Ataturk'. By contrasting the ideals of these two figures we see many of the divergent characteristics of the two states coming to light.
From the Paper "Since the First World War, Iran and Turkey have been characterized by extremely different historical trends. Iranian history is marked by numerous revolutions, long periods of weak statehood, and since 1970, an anti-Western government of religious radicalism. In contrast, Turkeys History is characterized by peaceful transitions of political power, Relatively stable statehood, and since 1950, a government imbued with Western democratic ideals. These contrasts can be explained by two main factors. First, the two countries found themselves in very different situations as a result of their different nineteenth century approaches to modernization. Second, there are important differences in the religious and ethnic compositions of Iran and Turkey. Additionally, a comparison of the most prominent figures in each nations history -- Iran's Khomeini and Turkeys Ataturk -- illustrates many of the divergent characteristics of the two states."
Tags: ataturk, ayatollah, east, iran, khomeni, middle, persia, persian, shah, turk, turkey, war, world
Abstract The purpose of this study is to review some of the existing literature on the subject of democratization in Iran. The goal is not to draw any specific conclusions about this political process or its prospects for success or failure. These are questions that can be examined and answered elsewhere. Instead the paper examines what current theorists are saying about the possibility of democratization in Iran and points out some existing trends in the literature that will guide further research into this issue.
From the Paper "One of the most persistent discussions in the Western world, especially in political seats of power, in recent years has been the issue of Iran. Specifically, with Western and Islamic nations aligning themselves in direct conflict to one another, the possibility that Iran might develop nuclear weaponry is frightening for many Westerners. However, there is also increased discussion about the possibility of democratization in Iran. While this might seem a strange possibility given the general conception of Iran as an Islamic fundamentalist nation ruled with an authoritarian fist, the possibility is discussed seriously. Whereas recent U.S. efforts to democratize Iraq have been almost entirely imported, there is strong popular support for democratization in Iran. However, reconciling this popular demand with the authoritarian institutional structures in the nation is no easy task and should not be treated as such."
