Iran’s Mullahs Backed the 1953 Coup. What Will They Back Next?

Iran has been making headlines in recent years, with its political climate constantly under scrutiny. The country has been through many changes, from the Islamic Revolution in 1979 to the nuclear deal in 2015. However, one thing remains constant – the political barometer of Iran is still held in the hands of the men in robes. The phrase "men in robes" refers to the clerics who hold significant power in Iran's political system. These men are members of the Guardian Council, a body of 12 clerics who are responsible for vetting all candidates for political office and approving all legislation passed by the parliament. They also have the power to veto any decision made by the government that they deem to be against the principles of Islam. This system of clerical rule, known as the Velayat-e Faqih, was established by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of the Islamic Revolution. He believed that the clergy, being the most knowledgeable about Islam, should have a leading role in the government. This idea was enshrined in the Iranian constitution, making Iran the only country in the world with a theocratic system of government. The influence of the men in robes can be seen in all aspects of Iranian society. They control the media, the education system, and the judiciary. They also have a say in the country's foreign policy, particularly when it comes to relations with the United States and other Western countries. This has led to a strained relationship between Iran and the international community, with many accusing the country of human rights abuses and supporting terrorism. However, despite the criticism, the men in robes continue to hold a firm grip on Iran's political barometer. This is due to the fact that they have the support of a large portion of the population, particularly the more conservative and religious segments. Many Iranians see the clerics as the guardians of their faith and the protectors of their country's sovereignty. They believe that the clerics are the only ones who can safeguard Iran's Islamic identity and protect it from outside influences. Moreover, the clerics have also played a crucial role in Iran's economic development. They have established a network of charitable foundations, known as bonyads, which provide social services and support to the poor. These bonyads also control a significant portion of the country's economy, making the clerics a powerful force in the business world as well. However, there have been some challenges to the clerics' hold on power in recent years. The election of President Hassan Rouhani in 2013, a moderate cleric who promised to improve relations with the West and revitalize the economy, was seen as a shift away from the hardline policies of the past. This was followed by the signing of the nuclear deal in 2015, which lifted economic sanctions on Iran and brought the country back into the global market. But even with these changes, the men in robes have managed to maintain their influence. They have allowed President Rouhani to pursue his policies, but they still hold the final say on all major decisions. And with the recent re-election of President Rouhani in 2017, it is clear that the majority of Iranians still support the clerics' role in their country's politics. In conclusion, the men in robes continue to hold the political barometer of Iran in their hands. Despite criticism from the international community and challenges from within the country, they remain a powerful force in Iranian society. Whether this will change in the future remains to be seen, but for now, the men in robes are still the ones steering the course of Iran's political landscape.