Introduction

Today marks the 33rd anniversary of the establishment of the 'Islamic regime'. It stands not only as one of the most brutal regimes globally but also as one of the most horrifying regimes in the extensive history that Iranians have traversed over thousands of years. Its atrocities surpass even those witnessed during the invasions of Alexander of Macedon, the Muslim-Arabs of the 7th century, and the onslaught of Chengiz Khan.

 

Consequently, to dismantle such a regime, political movements must comprehend its intricate nature and, armed with this knowledge, devise a comprehensive blueprint to liberate Iran and its people from its oppressive clutches.

 

The 'Islamic regime,' as evident from its nomenclature, stands out as one of the few theocratic regimes globally. Its governance is rooted in Islamic fundamentalism, marked by Shia extremism, with its ideology encapsulating the most stringent aspects of Islamic law, reminiscent of the dark ages. However, in its nature and essence, it proves to be uniquely intricate, surpassing what meets the eye. Toppling such a regime poses a formidable challenge for the Iranian nation seeking liberation from its oppressive grasp.

 

This concise article endeavours to elucidate, particularly for non-Iranians, the complexities that underlie the Iranian experience. It seeks to unveil the nuanced reality that contradicts the superficial impressions of the situation.

 

 

Is the Political System of the Islamic regime Democratic?

To commence, the integration of an autonomous justice system is pivotal to the democratic process. Within a democratic framework, an independent and impartial judiciary operates as a bulwark, guaranteeing the equitable enforcement of laws and the safeguarding of individual rights. It constitutes a vital element in offsetting the authority wielded by the executive and legislative branches, nurturing the rule of law, and upholding the tenets of justice within the democratic milieu.

 

Hence, it is evident that Iran lacks an independent judiciary, and its legal system is governed by Sharia law, which is biased, discriminatory, or inconsistent with democratic values, that pose challenges to the equitable administration of justice within the democratic system.

 

In a democratic society, the legal system should aspire to afford equitable treatment to all individuals, irrespective of their religious beliefs and sexuality, thereby ensuring the prevalence of the rule of law in a just and impartial manner. Regrettably, under the Islamic regime in contemporary Iran, this principle is notably absent, particularly in relation to misogyny and intolerance towards non-Shia Muslims. The pronounced discrimination against adherents of the Bahai sect is integral to the fabric of the Islamic regime.

 

The second most important factor in any democratic society is free and fair elections. A democratic system mandates periodic elections that are conducted transparently, enabling citizens to select their representatives freely and without undue influence. The Islamic regime does not conform to this criterion either.

 

The Spiritual Leader is ostensibly chosen by an assembly of mullahs, denominated as the 'Khobregān' (experts), who attain membership through a selection process orchestrated by the assembly itself. However, the regime, in a Machiavellian manoeuvre aimed at circumventing the prerequisites of a democratic political system to secure international legitimacy, proclaims governance by its nation, has orchestrated the emergence of an opposition known as the 'Reformists' to ostensibly challenge the ruling faction, the conservatives. While both factions outwardly profess loyalty to the regime and its perpetuation, regrettably, the international community has succumbed to this ruse, believing the Reformists, who initiated a movement known as the Green Movement, to be a legitimate opposing force. They harbour hopes that, in the event of the regime's downfall, perhaps facilitated by external forces, the Islamic regime will persist.

 

Consequently, each faction proffers a presidential candidate who has successfully navigated a vetting process sanctioned by the spiritual leader. Subsequently, in a charade reminiscent of an antiquated street circus, the nation is invited to partake in a theatrical exercise resembling the selection of butchers, wherein individuals are bereft of authentic choices. This pseudo-democratic spectacle compels the electorate to opt for the ostensibly lesser malevolence, perpetuating a political farce bereft of genuine choices or meaningful representation.

 

Nevertheless, other components contribute to the overall resilience and effectiveness of a democratic system, fostering an environment where the voices of citizens are heard, and governance is conducted for the benefit of the entire society and the Islamic Regime in Iran lacks and confirms its non-democratic nature are:

 

Civil Liberties and Human Rights: Protection and promotion of fundamental rights, such as freedom of speech, assembly, and association, are fundamental in a democratic society.

Rule of Law: A democratic process thrives on the supremacy of the law, with legal mechanisms ensuring accountability, fairness, and justice for all citizens.

 

Pluralism: Diversity of opinions, political parties, and societal groups contributes to a vibrant democratic discourse, fostering a range of perspectives and policy options.

 

Civic Participation: Active citizen engagement through civic education, advocacy, and participation in decision-making processes is vital for a flourishing democracy.

 

Checks and Balances: A system where powers are distributed among different branches of government, such as the executive, legislative, and judiciary, helps prevent the concentration of authority.

 

Media Freedom: An independent and pluralistic media landscape plays a crucial role in informing the public, promoting transparency, and holding those in power accountable.

Devolution of Power: Distribution of authority at various levels of government, including local and regional, contributes to decentralization and responsiveness to diverse community needs.

 

Political Pluralism: The existence of multiple political parties and a competitive political environment allows for a dynamic and representative democracy.

 

Respect for Minority Rights: Protection of the rights and interests of minority groups is essential to ensure an inclusive and just democratic society.

 

 

A Distinct Despotic Regime of Its Own

Now that it is firmly established that the Islamic Regime is anything but democratic, the pivotal question arises: what kind of political system governs Iran?

 

This inquiry gives rise to ambiguity due to the intricacies inherent in a multifactional political structure within the regime. Beyond the aforementioned Islamic fundamentalism, emblematic of religious fascism, wherein religious apartheid and discrimination constitute its foundational tenets, there are other political elements present that set the Islamic Regime apart as the most distinctive governance not only in Iran's historical context but also as a multifaceted political system unparalleled on the global stage. These political elements are:

 

Therefore, due to the absence of democratic principles in Iran and the aforementioned factors, it elucidates one of the intricate facets of the political apparatus in Iran is Totalitarianism.

 

 

1. Totalitarianism:

Totalitarianism stands as a political paradigm embodying a categorical prohibition of opposition parties, the criminalisation of individual and collective dissent vis-à-vis the state and its assertions, and the meticulous exercise of an exceptionally heightened level of control and oversight over both public and private domains. Within the echelons of political philosophy, totalitarianism is identified as the acme and all-encompassing instantiation of authoritarian regimes. In the context of the contemporary Iranian totalitarian framework, the locus of political authority rests with totalitarian dictators, principally embodied in the spiritual leader.

 

The incumbent spiritual leader, Ali Khamenei, has emerged as the paramount figure exercising dominion over Iran since the temporal threshold of 1989. His multifaceted role encompasses not only the spiritual leadership of the regime but extends to the helm of the state apparatus as well, assuming the mantle of commander-in-chief. The purview of his authority transcends the ecclesiastical realms to encompass absolute control over the military and governmental spheres. Under his imprimatur, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) operates as a formidable instrument, further augmented by its foreign appendage, the Qods Force. Additionally, the volunteer contingent, denominated the Basij Resistance Force, operates under Khamenei's aegis, tasked with the suppression of any nascent insurrection against the prevailing regime, employing coercive measures with unwavering resolve. This orchestrated deployment of force underscores the regime's resolute commitment to quell dissent and fortify the totalitarian grip upon the nation.

 

This autocratic figure also orchestrates pervasive campaigns, wherein state-controlled mass media disseminates meticulously crafted propaganda to regulate and manipulate the collective consciousness of the citizenry.

 

 

2, Ochlocracy: A manifestation of mob rule, wherein the governance is subject to the influence of a mass of people, often accompanied by the intimidation of legitimate authorities.

 

In the convoluted layers of the Iranian political system, one discerns the emergence of formidable mobs, coalescing into diverse pressure groups. Prominent among these factions is the Basij, a militia group whose presence looms ominously, accompanied by the pervasive influence of local mobs scattered across the nation.

 

This conglomerate of groups, armed with an arsenal including guns and machetes, exemplifies the stark manifestation of ochlocratic tendencies. Their rule by mob is characterised by an alarming absence of empathy, resulting in the ruthless suppression of dissent. Voices raised against the regime are met with a brutal response, as these groups, acting as self-appointed arbiters of power, resort to inflicting injuries and, in extreme cases, orchestrating fatalities.

 

A particularly egregious facet of their tyrannical modus operandi lies in the enforcement of the regime's draconian Hijab laws. Women who dare to defy these repressive mandates become targets of horrifying attacks, symbolised by the reprehensible act of having acid thrown upon their faces. This grotesque form of punishment serves as a brutal deterrent, instilling fear and quashing any inclination towards dissent or resistance.

 

Adding to the magnitude of their menace is the seemingly boundless financial backing provided by the regime. These mobs and pressure groups enjoy unfettered access to unlimited funds channelled through the regime and local religious centres, further amplifying their capacity for coercion and control.

 

Compounding the severity of this situation is the conspicuous absence of accountability. The absence of an independent justice and legal system, coupled with the lack of an impartial police force, grants these entities a free hand to commit crimes with impunity. Shielded by a systemic lack of accountability, they act as unbridled enforcers of the regime's interests, perpetuating a climate of fear and lawlessness.

 

In essence, the pervasive influence of ochlocracy, coupled with considerable financial resources and the absence of accountability, paints a grim portrait of a political landscape marred by intimidation, brutality, and the suppression of fundamental rights, all shielded by a systemic lack of checks and balances.

 

 

3, Kleptocracy: An embodiment of a government whose corrupt leaders, colloquially known as kleptocrats, exploit political power to seize the wealth of the governed nation and the land under their jurisdiction. This is typically achieved through embezzlement or misappropriation of government funds, detrimentally impacting the broader population.

 

However, delving into the intricacies of Kleptocracy within the multifaceted political framework of contemporary Iran, we move beyond the realm of conventional corruption. This is not the garden-variety scenario where government officials discreetly pocket kickbacks for oil deals or the assignment of lucrative construction contracts to familiar associates. In Iran, Kleptocracy manifests as a systematic, strategic, collective, and enduring force that permeates every tier of governance. From the exalted Spiritual Leader and the ruling echelons of the regime to the humblest rungs of the government, both central and local, all are implicated in this nefarious criminal enterprise.

 

In 2009, a scathing exposé unearthed by Reuters laid bare a compendium of regime leaders who have methodically despoiled the Iranian nation, amassing wealth that transcends the limits of conceivable affluence. At the forefront of these figures stands Ali Khamenei, the spiritual leader of the regime, purportedly implicated in accumulating an astronomical sum exceeding 95 billion dollars within the confines of a singular organisation.

 

However, the regime leaders cannot evade despoiling Iran and its wealth without also allowing mobs and thugs to partake in this grand feast, envisioning Iran as an extensive table adorned with a myriad of colourful delicacies. Consequently, another dimension of the regime emerges, revealing a Mafiaocracy system at its core.

 

 

4. Mafiaocracy: This aspect of the regime’s political system, which is an organised crime syndicates, exist factions within Iran's political landscape that emulate the modus operandi of a Mafiaocracy too.  it is believed currently there are over 30 30 various governmental organisations, foundations, and institutes are involved in the regime Mafiaocracy.

 

An exemplary illustration is the Islamic Revolutionary Guards, wielding dominion over a considerable share of industries and mega-building projects in Iran. Operating as a militarised entity, this faction functions as a parallel force intricately interwoven with the nation's economic and political fabric, perpetuating the pervasive influence of Kleptocracy. The ramifications extend far beyond isolated instances of corruption, encompassing a comprehensive and enduring web of illicit activities that corrode the foundations of governance in Iran.

 

Other major organised crimes operating as part of and under the protection of the regime including ‘Setād Ejrāiye Farmāne Hazrate Emām’ (Headquarters for Executing the Order of the Imam), ‘Bonyād-e Mostazafān’ (The Foundation of the Oppressed), Bonyād-e Shahid (Martyrs Foundation) , ‘Jahād-e Sāzandagi’ (The Jihad for Construction) and ‘Jāhad-e Keshāvarzi’ (Jihad for Agriculture), which exert control over the distribution of lands and agricultural products.

 

The extent of the Mafia rule is so devastating that even medium-sized farms must sell their products to the latter organisation at the price they set; otherwise, they will be labelled as anti-Regime elements, risking the end of their lives or, at the very least, their livelihoods. In turn, the organisation sells these products, compelling farms to part with them for a nominal amount, either exporting them abroad or selling them at a notable markup to the nation. This situation is so dire that many farmers have chosen to abandon farming to liberate themselves from the shackles of this mafia influence.

 

 

5, Kakistocracy: A paradigm wherein governance is entrusted to the most obtuse, ignorant, least qualified, and unprincipled individuals in positions of power.

 

Legend has it that upon Alexander II of Macedon's arrival in Persepolis, the ceremonial capital of the mighty Persian Empire, he confronted the challenge of subduing Persians, purportedly superior to the Greeks. His strategic response echoed with perspicacity: 'Deprive them of knowledge!'

 

In a parallel vein, the Islamic regime appears to be retracing Alexander's footsteps within the confines of occupied Iran. The majority of clerics in Iran originate from villages with an agricultural and peasantry background, devoid of the advantages of contemporary education. This group, insidiously elevated by the regime to the zenith of educational institutions as ostensible role models, remains mentally tethered to a bygone era, directing Iran as if it were the rustic village of their upbringing.

 

Their cognitive milieu is saturated with nonsensical superstitions, exemplified by meticulous considerations such as which foot should enter a lavatory to prevent angels from escaping. Furthermore, their deficiencies extend beyond the mere absence of formal education, encompassing a dearth of manners, etiquette, social graces, and an unrefined linguistic expression resonant with the uneducated idiom of the villages they were raised in. For instance, many of these ruling clerics, hailing from remote villages where civic life has never made inroads, exhibit a lack of familiarity with basic urban norms such as zebra crossings, traffic lights, pavements, courteous behaviour, and adherence to traffic laws. Their indifference to these civic rules, when transplanted to a metropolitan city like Tehran, exacerbates chaos on Iranian roads, culminating in the unsettling statistic of Iran ranking first in road accident deaths in 2010.

 

The regime, having wrested control of the nation's education system from elementary to university levels and exerting influence over the media, has effectively disseminated its antiquated worldview into every Iranian household. Consequently, and regrettably, some citizens, lacking superior guidance, have begun to emulate these behaviours, constituting a triumph for the regime. An uninformed nation poses minimal threat to the regime's continued dominance.

 

Recognising the intrinsic value of knowledge and education is imperative for the advancement of any nation. The absence of an elite and highly educated class heralds a precarious trajectory for a country. Such a deficiency stifles innovation, impedes societal progress, and nurtures an environment where regressive ideologies flourish unchecked. Conversely, a nation endowed with a cognitively elevated and erudite class stands poised for intellectual and societal advancement, making considerable contributions to global discourse and progress. The glaring disparity between these scenarios underscores the critical importance of cultivating a culture that venerates and prioritises the pursuit of knowledge at every echelon of society.

 

 

“The Shia-Oclotarian'

This intricate tapestry of political dysfunction, as expounded upon, underscores the challenges inherent in comprehending and categorising the intricacies of Iran's governance, manifest within Iranian society. Consequently, the resulting amalgamation, rather than adhering to a coherent and principled ideology, seems to be a fortuitous blend of governance through mass influence, intellectual deficiency, and venal exploitation. This amalgamation renders the Islamic regime in Iran a distinctive political entity globally, necessitating the coining of a novel political term for its depiction. In this context, I posit 'The Shia-Ochlotarian.' This term encapsulates the confluence of all facets characterising the aforementioned aspects within the political framework, with a specific emphasis on Shia Islamic influences. It strives to furnish a comprehensive expression for the amalgamation of these multilayered political dynamics.

 

 

Conclusion

The apprehension remains that should the Iranian nation, along with opposition groups, independent dissidents, and political activists, falter in forging a cohesive alliance to oust the 'Shia-Ochlotarian' regime of Mullahs, and instead, fail to institute a government firmly rooted in the principles of freedom, democracy, and secularism, the endurance of the present regime may inflict irreparable harm upon the destiny of Iran. The imperative to rescue Iran from imminent ruin is accentuated, and the stakes are heightened if decisive measures are not expeditiously implemented. Consequently, the culmination of my proposition, the term 'Shia-Ochlotarian', underscores not only the gravity of the prevailing political landscape in Iran but also the urgency for a transformative intervention. It is incumbent upon stakeholders, both domestic and international, to discern the imperative for collective action in steering Iran towards a future that espouses the principles of liberty, democratic governance, and a secular foundation, thereby averting the potential consequences of the perpetuation of the existing regime.

 

Shapour Suren-Pahlav

11 February 2012