#文章首发挑战赛#
For your better reading and interactive experience, in order for you to see more content in time, click "Follow" We update wonderful stories and share different story moments for you every day
Text: Boom International Monster
Edit|嘤嘤 International Monster
In Iran, a theocracy, the power of the "supreme spiritual leader" Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is above the president, forming a unique political ecology. Such a system not only guarantees the stability of the country, but also restricts the pace of reform.
In this article, we will delve into Iran's political dilemma, analyze its root causes, and look ahead to possible future directions. As we will see, in a country where religion and politics are intertwined, how to balance the needs of tradition and modernity has become a thorny problem.
Iranian Politics: The Power Game Between Religious Leaders and Presidents
Iran is undoubtedly a unique presence in today's world political arena. The political system of this large Middle Eastern country is different from that of Western democracies as well as from traditional autocracy. It is peculiar in that the supreme power of the state is in the hands of a religious figure known as the "supreme spiritual leader", rather than a democratically elected president.
Iran's "Supreme Spiritual Leader" Ayatollah Ali Khamenei cast his sacred vote in the courtyard of an ordinary neighborhood in Tehran on June 28, 2024. This scene may seem ordinary, but it contains profound political implications. It symbolizes Iran's unique political system, in which religious power takes precedence over secular power.
Under this system, the president is elected, but he must be subject to the supervision and checks of the "supreme spiritual leader". As the current "supreme spiritual leader", Khamenei not only has the power to appoint and dismiss the president, but can also override the president who does not agree.
This power structure leads to a serious question: how to find a balance between upholding the ideals of the Islamic revolution and modernizing the country?
Why is this happening?
Faced with this unique political landscape, we can't help but ask: why did Iran form such a system? What role has this system played in Iran's development?
Is it the result of the 1979 Islamic Revolution? Or does it stem from Iran's deep religious traditions? Or is it Iran's unique way of responding to Western pressure?
More importantly, will this system be able to adapt to the challenges of globalization in the twenty-first century? In terms of economic development, diplomatic relations, social progress, etc., has it facilitated or hindered Iran's progress?
The answers to these questions are not only related to Iran's future, but also important for our understanding of the political ecology of the Middle East.
The historical origins of Iran's political system
To understand the political landscape in Iran today, we need to go back to the Islamic Revolution of 1979. This revolution not only overthrew the pro-Western Pahlavi dynasty, but more importantly established the system of an Islamic republic of "theocracy".
The theory of "Fakih rule" put forward by revolutionary leader Ayatollah Ruhollah became the theoretical basis of this system. According to this theory, during the period of seclusion of the imams (religious leaders recognized by the Shi'a), the most knowledgeable religious scholars performed the duties of imams and became the supreme leaders of the state.
After Khomeini's death in 1989, Khamenei took over as "Supreme Spiritual Leader" for 35 years. Iran has undergone several presidential changes during this period, but Khamenei has remained firmly in control of the country.
This system has ensured some political stability in Iran, but it has also brought many problems. For example, Ahmadinejad's re-election in 2009 was overturned after controversy, and in 2015 President Hassan Rouhani was constrained by his support for the Iran nuclear deal. These events reflect the power game between the "supreme spiritual leader" and the president.
Perspectives: Controversy and Reflection
There are different views on Iran's political system, both at home and abroad.
Proponents argue that this system guarantees the gains of the Islamic Revolution, preserves national sovereignty, and resists Western infiltration. They believe that it is under the leadership of the "Supreme Spiritual Leader" that Iran will be able to remain independent in the face of Western sanctions.
Critics point out that this system has hindered Iran's democratization process and economic development. They argue that too much centralization of power leads to poor decision-making and limits room for reform.
So, in the era of globalization, can this system adapt to new challenges? How can Iran promote modernization while upholding Islamic values? These questions deserve our in-depth consideration.
In-depth analysis: trade-offs
Iran's political system is undoubtedly a double-edged sword. On the positive side, it provides Iran with a unique political stability. In this volatile region of the Middle East, Iran's relatively stable political situation is indeed remarkable. Khamenei, as the "supreme spiritual leader", has played a role in balancing the forces of all parties to a certain extent.
However, the drawbacks of this system are also very obvious. First of all, excessive concentration of power can easily lead to poor decision-making.
According to statistics, since Khamenei took office in 1989, Iran has changed six presidents, many of whom have been ousted or removed because of disagreements with Khamenei.
This situation has seriously affected the efficiency of the Government's governance.
Second, this system limits the possibility of improving Iran's relations with Western countries. Khamenei's anti-American stance has made it difficult for successive presidents to make a difference in foreign policy. For example, the Iran nuclear deal signed in 2015, which was supported by then-President Hassan Rouhani, was ultimately difficult to fully implement due to Khamenei's opposition.
In addition, this system has hindered Iran's economic development. For a long time, Iran's economy has been severely affected by Western sanctions, and the government has struggled to respond effectively. According to the World Bank, Iran's GDP growth rate was -6.8% in 2020 and although it rebounded in 2021, the economic difficulties remain severe.
Future Prospects: Changes and Challenges
Looking ahead, Iran's political system faces enormous challenges and pressures for change.
In an optimistic scenario, Iran is likely to move forward with gradual political reforms while preserving the existing institutional framework. This could include expanding the president's de facto powers, increasing the scope of democratic elections, and loosening controls on the media and the internet. Such gradual reforms could ease domestic contradictions and improve international relations.
In a pessimistic scenario, if the system is rigid and unable to adapt to the new international situation and domestic demand, Iran may face more severe economic distress and social unrest. This could lead to more popular protests and international pressure, which could eventually lead to more drastic political change.
For different actors, the response is different:
- The Iranian government should moderate its economic and social controls while upholding Islamic values to create room for reform.
- The international community, especially the West, should adopt a more flexible foreign policy and push for change in Iran through dialogue rather than sanctions.
- Iranians need to express their demands in a peaceful and rational way to move the country towards a more open and democratic direction.
Netizens are hotly discussed: There are different opinions
This topic quickly sparked heated discussions on the Internet, and netizens expressed their opinions from different angles.
Some netizens believed: "Although Iran's political system is special, it does ensure the stability of the country." Look at the surrounding countries, which are in turmoil and the people are struggling to make a living. Iran, by contrast, has at least remained relatively peaceful. "
Some netizens also pointed out: "Stability is not equal to development. Iran's young people are hungry for change and for integration into the international community. The current system is no longer able to meet the needs of the new generation. "
Some netizens analyzed from a historical perspective: "Iran's theocratic system has its deep historical roots and cannot be judged simply by Western standards. However, it is indeed necessary to keep pace with the times. "
Some netizens are concerned about economic issues: "The sanctions have hit the Iranian economy too hard. Without improving relations with the West, it will be difficult to achieve economic take-off on its own. Reform of the political system may be the key to breaking the deadlock. "
Some netizens also expressed concern: "Reform is a double-edged sword, and if it is not handled properly, it may lead to greater turmoil." Iran needs a gradual reform package, not radical change. "
These comments reflect the public's diverse understanding of the situation in Iran, as well as the complexity and sensitivity of the issue.
Conclusion: Finding a balance
Iran's political system is undoubtedly unique, and it is both a product of history and a realistic choice. In today's globalized world, finding a balance between maintaining its own national characteristics and integrating into the international community is a major challenge for Iran.
Khamenei's role as "supreme spiritual leader" is both a guarantee of Iran's political stability and a potential obstacle to reform. Iran's future development path depends to a large extent on whether this special system can keep pace with the times and adapt to the new international situation and domestic needs.
As the British historian Arnold Toynbee put it: "Civilizations that have succeeded in history are often those that have found a balance between tradition and change." "Iran's future may lie in finding this balance between Islamic traditions and the need for modernization.
Finally, let us consider the question: in the context of globalization, how should a country like Iran find a balance between maintaining its own identity and integrating into the international community? This question is not only about Iran's future, but also important for our understanding of the political landscape of the world.