What is the political structure of Iran?
• Iran is a theocracy governed by ‘Supreme Leader’ Ayatollah Ali Khamene’i. ‘President’ Mahmud Ahmadinedjad is head of the government. There are elected and appointed oversight bodies of clerics and a unicameral assembly. • Traditionally Iranian politics has traditionally been a balance between the power of the bazaar, or commercial interests, with the clerics. • The 2009 election was a turning point in Iranian politics. Most observers believe the 2009 election was stolen by the regime. • Internal dissatisfaction with Ahmadinedjad’s handling is rising over the domestic economy and economic subsidies to Hezbollah. The fraud and violence surrounding the 2009 elections have further eroded Ahmadinedjad’s support. • Antisemitism and antizionism are fundamental to the Iranian regime. The “Great Satan” (US) and the “Little Satan” (Israel) are presented as sources of all evil in the world. What is the human rights situation in Iran? • The 25,000 Jews are mostly left alone but individuals have
