How much do you think Iranians know about American government institutions? Ayatollah you so--Jihad Walking!

Review! Of all the historical and political influences in Iranian history, which do you think has had the greatest influence on modern day Iran? Why did the United States support the authoritarian rule of the Pahlavi shahs? How did the White Revolution upset the balance in Iranian society? What is patronage, and how did the shah’s patronage system further upset Iranians? What do you think was the most important factor that led to the Ayatollah’s rise to power in Iran?

Pick up the article on your way in.

Iran Since the 1979 Revolution

Ayatollah Khomeini Began a Cultural Revolution (1986-87) immediately after the constitution was adopted: Purify the country from secularism Clear all liberals/Westerners from universities Execute opposition leaders in the name of “revolutionary justice”

Ayatollah Khomeini Under his rule, clerics consolidated their power over Iran Oil prices rebounded, so social programs expanded by the govt. Iraq invades Iran, helps build national pride Khomeini still charismatic But, Khomeini dies in 1989!

Ayatollah Khamenei Originally considered having a 3 person council as Ayatollah Not as charismatic, nor as scholarly Led to some resentment and uprisings in last 25 years, but Khamenei has remained in power Questions about legitimacy of the government Most powerful person in Iran

Major Presidencies in Iran 1st—Mohammad Khatami (1997-2005) A reformer and moderate Called for “Dialogue among civilizations.” Tehran Spring—Cautious loosening of freedom of speech and press Attempts to open the economy Reforms limited because of lack of presidential power, conservatism of other parts of the govt.

Ahmadinejad—2005-2013 Hardline conservative Canceled many of Khatami’s reforms, closed newspapers, banned books First non-clerical president of Iran Continued nuclear program, first to enrich uranium Arrested scholars Hostile towards the West Deficit spending when oil prices dropped, lead to inflation and unemployment

2009 Election and the Green Revolution Ahmadinejad vs. Mousavi (reformer) Ahmadinejad won, but Mousavi supporters thought it was rigged Became the “Green Revolution” Huge demonstrations 36 killed, thousands arrested and tortured Khamenei “vaccinated” society against protesting “germs” Showed that Iranians would rise up against the theocracy, but also that the regime was strong enough to stay in power

Neda Saltan A death in Tehran

2013 Election—Hassan Rouhani Hassan Rouhani, reformist elected in a landslide Very popular right now Has appointed female ministers in his cabinet, but has not lessened restrictions on women Freed some political prisoners, but also stepped up executions Reached agreement on Iranian nuclear deal, easing of sanctions expected Predictions for the future? His music video!

Review! How did the death of Ayatollah Khomeini put the legitimacy of the Iranian government in question? What reforms did President Katami enact, and why were they only partly successful? How did Ahmadinejad change the way Iranians were viewed abroad? What caused the Green Revolution, and what did it show about Iranian citizens? What predictions do you have for the Rouhani presidency?

Political Cartoons! Each student will draw a political cartoon on one of the leaders in Iranian history. Leaders that can be included: Ayatollah Komeini Ayatollah Khamenei President Khatami President Ahmedinejad Presidential candidate Mousavi President Rouhani The funnier the better!!! Each political cartoon must include: Images Words Color An explanation on the back

FRQ—2011 #1