Despotism in Iran

Iran's President Mohammad Khatami owes his position to reform-minded young people who would like to see changes in how Iran is run. Unfortunately, he hasn't been able to achieve a great deal and this is putting him in hot water with those same reformists. Khatami acknowledges, however, that there are "signs of despotism" in how Iran is structured.

The International News explains:

"I know that what you are saying to me now you cannot say anywhere else, because you would pay dearly and have already paid dearly, and that there are many signs of despotism in our society," the president responded. "During my presidency, I have received many letters from young people: complaints, protests and commentaries. One day I will publish them as documents that illustrate this sensitive period of our history," said the mild-mannered cleric.

Khatami was swept into office in 1997 and again in 2001 on the back of a tide of support from young people eager to see his message of social and political tolerance translated into real change. But his initiatives have been consistently blocked by hardliners in the courts, security forces and legislative oversight bodies. Khatami is now even more isolated after his allies in parliament were ousted in February’s elections.

What will happen in Iran? The Islamic Revolution of 1979 was driven in large part by disaffected young people who wanted to throw off the chains of an oppressive regime. The same could happen again if they are fired up by a charismatic leader - although Khatami doesn't appear to fit that role himself. A new leader might cause a lot of trouble for the traditionalists in Iran, so it would seem to be wise for them to loosen their hold on power and allow more freedom. Of course, the same could have been said of the Shah in the late 1970s, but he didn't do it either.

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