As Iran Calms, a Struggle for Political Power Intensifies (2)
CAIRO — The streets of Iran have been largely silenced, but a power struggle grinds on behind the scenes, this time over the very nature of the state itself. It is a battle that transcends the immediate conflict over the presidential election, one that began 30 years ago as the Islamic Revolution established a new form of government that sought to blend theocracy and a measure of democracy.
From the beginning, both have vied for an upper hand, and today both are tarnished. In postelection Iran, there is growing unease among many of the nation’s political and clerical elite that the very system of governance they rely on for power and privilege has been stripped of its religious and electoral legitimacy, creating a virtual dictatorship enforced by an emboldened security apparatus, analysts said.
Among the Iranian president’s allies are those who question whether the nation needs elected institutions at all.
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Updates:
3:48 pm EDT, July 8th, 2009 — Iranians Shout ‘Death to Dictator’ at Ahmadinejad
5:38 pm EDT, July 8th, 2009 — Righter: Bin the soft words. Squeeze Iran sharply
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Mac Says:
Perhaps the streets are silent now but the people haven’t forgotten or forgiven…
Posted on July 8th, 2009 at 10:19 pm
Larry Says:
It’s the same old, same old. Some people in power will do what ever they can to stay in power. They like the life, the privilege, the perks and in some countries the food! They don’t have any real concern for the citizens. They’ll do what ever it takes to stay at the top of the pile. It’s in South America, the Middle East, Europe, Asia and Africa. We might bitch that our politicians are power hungry and accuse them of underhanded things to stay in power, even calling some dictators. In the end though, we can can make changes, we have a vote. Those of us who choose to vote. It has not changed since our caveman days and I have my doubts we’ll ever see it change.
Posted on July 9th, 2009 at 11:52 am