The Geography of Iran

Iranian Oil Resources

Dr. Mohammad Mossadegh, Prime Minister of Iran  Became Prime Minister in  Was toppled in a coup aided by the America CIA in  The Shah of Iran returns to power. Q4

Shah Reza Pahlavi (r – 1977)  Institutes Western reforms & ties with the West.  But, the majority of his people live in poverty.  Brutal suppression of opposition Q5

The Shah with Several American Presidents

The Shah with President Jimmy Carter

Reasons for the Fall of the Shah  The Shah spent the oil profits for top of the line American military hardware.  Little money to reinvest back into the Iranian economy.  Religious leaders angry with the Shah for too much “Westernization.”  Government corruption  Violations of the basic human rights of his citizens

Anti-Shah Protests

Anti-American Pin (1960s)

Anarchy & Revolution The Shah leaves Iran on 1/16/79.

Ayatollah Khomeini Leads the Revolution Khomeini returns to Iran on February 11, Q7

Ayatollah Khomeini (r )  1902 –  Became an Islamic scholar.  Began to speak out against the Shah in the 1960s.  Arrested and imprisoned several times by the Shah.  Deported in 1978 & went to France.

The Fate of the Shah’s Generals

The Khomeini Revolution

Political Cartoon Commentary The dictatorship is gone! Bring on the dictatorship !

Another Nuclear Power? US satellite photo of Iranian nuclear facility near Arak.

An American view of Iranian nuclear power PINOCCHIAYATOLLAH Scott Stantis (Birmingham News) 1/28/05

A view of Iran’s nuclear power from Al-Jazeerah Nobody else (particularly Iran and Arab countries) should have nuclear weapons except Israel, says Bush. -- Hassan Bleybel 10/23/03

Iran “Islamic Republic” Theocratic government—country is governed by officials who receive direct, divine guidance from god (in this case, Allah). Sharia law Supreme Leader Ali KhameneiPresident Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Scenario You are representing the interests of one of six nations called together by the UN Security Council to discuss and develop a policy to address the concerns surrounding Iran’s nuclear weapons program. Your goal is to develop a presentation that will convince the other countries that you have the best policy options. A vote will be taken recommending which policy will be sent to the UN Security Council.

Step 1 Read the report regarding Iran’s nuclear program. In this report, you will find background facts surrounding the history and recent developments in negotiations between the international community and Iran. Review these and discuss with your group the current state of the situation and the positions held by Iran and members of the international community.

Step 2 Review “Policy Positions of Attending Countries”. This document describes the different policy positions of each country attending the forum. Discuss the similarities and differences between your country’s position and the positions of the other countries. Review “Potential Policy Options”. These are drafts of policies that several participating countries have already discussed. Your group is free to adopt or modify any of these policies.

Step 3 Once you have reviewed the different countries’ positions and the policy option drafts, use the Policy-making Chart to write your nation’s policy. Although diplomacy is all about flexibility, try to support your country’s position when developing your policy. Be prepared to present your policy proposal during the forum.

Step 4 As you develop your policy you might want to discuss your thoughts with another country to gain more support for your policy. Keeping in mind that each country is free to make its own decisions, you must follow the “diplomatic protocol” for speaking with another country. Please review the “diplomatic protocol” with your group.