Iran: What’s in a Name? Historically known as Persia until 1935, when Reza Shah Pahlavi asked for the country to be called by its native name Iran means “Land of the Aryans” Persia derived from ancient Greek name for Iran, Persis Name comes from a region in southern Iran called Pars

Location Asia: The Middle East North: former Soviet Republics South: Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman East: Afghanistan, Pakistan West: Turkey, Iraq Major Cities: Tehran, Tabriz, Mashhad, Esfahan, Shiraz

Map: The Persian Cat

The Geography of Iran

Iranian Oil Resources

Early History 6,000 years of civilization and 2,500 years of written history. 1,400 years of post-Islamic history since the Arab conquest in 7th century AD: religious and national subordination and never-ending conflict. Median Dynasty (728-550 BC): created first Iranian Empire Safavid Dynasty (1502-1736): conversion of population towards Shi’ism Qajar Dynasty (1781-1925): constitutional dynasty; British and Russian spheres of influence

History of Iran In 1921, an Iranian military officer took power claimed the old Persian title of “Shah”, or king. In 1941 the Shah’s son took control who was an ally to the United States and Britain. He also wanted to modernize Iran.

Iran and the Cold War During WWII, Iran was an ally of the Nazis. So the USSR and Britain invaded the country in 1942 in order to secure oil fields. Following WWII, the Soviet Union refused to leave Iran until 1946, when the United States threatened to invade Iran and remove the Soviets by force.

Pahlavi Dynasty (1925-1979) Ruled Iran from the crowning of Reza Shah Pahlavi in 1925 to the overthrow of Reza Shah Pahlavi's son Mohammad Reza Pahlavi in the Iranian Revolution of 1979. By the mid-1930s Reza Shah's dictatorial style of rule caused dissatisfaction among some groups Dynasty collapsed following widespread uprisings in 1978 and 1979. Its collapse marks a break in the ancient tradition of Iranian monarchy.

Dr. Mohammad Mossadegh, (There are two spellings of his last name…)Prime Minister of Iran Became Prime Minister in 1951. Nationalized the foreign oil companies. Got rid of corrupt military officials. Was toppled in a coup aided by the America CIA in 1953. The Shah of Iran returns to power. Q4

EVENT: 1953 CIA coup overthrew Mossadeq CIA and British intelligence (MI6) worked together to overthrow the popularly elected Iranian Prime Minister Mohammed Mossadeq

CAUSES: 1953 CIA coup overthrew Mossadeq Mossadeq nationalized (government controlling) the Iranian oil industry, shutting out the British oil companies who previously profited from it. When Britain boycotted (refused to buy) Iranian oil, Iran sold oil to the Soviet Union These moves made Mossadeq look like a Communist to American President Eisenhower (COLD WAR!) The CIA and MI6 (British Intelligence) plotted to overthrow Mossadeq (watch video)

EFFECTS: 1953 CIA coup overthrew Mossadeq Shah given more power in Iran, but became increasingly paranoid Shah began a program of modernization and westernization Shah was allied with the US, and the US supported the Shah Britain regained access to Iranian oil

On your Left Side, examine this picture and answer the question On your Left Side, examine this picture and answer the question. Here’s a picture of the Shah having a drink with American President Carter. Think about this image.  What would a devout Muslim in Iran think about it? Why?

On your Left Side, answer: What do you think about the United States and CIA involvement in Iran? Why?

Iran under Shah Reza Pahlavi (1953-1979)

Shah Reza Pahlavi (r. 1941 – 1977) Institutes Western reforms & ties with the West . But, the majority of his people live in poverty. Brutal suppression of dissidents  SAVAK Q5

The Shah & His Wife, Farah Iranian elite/upper- and intellectual classes: very pro-Western.

“The White Revolution” The Shah’s Reform Program (1963) Land reform – 90% of Iran’s peasants became land owners. Massive government-financed heavy industry projects. Granted women more political power – the right to vote. Poured government money into education – especially in rural areas where illiteracy was very high. Profit-sharing for industrial workers. Nationalization of forests and pasture lands.

The Shah at George Washington’s Home, 1950s

The Shah with Several American Presidents

The Shah with President Jimmy Carter

On your Left Side, answer: What aspects of the Shah’s rule violated the beliefs and practices of Islam? Why would these actions lead to the rise of Islamic Fundamentalism in Iran?

The Iranian Revolution

Iran: Iranian Revolution Unfortunately for Shah Reza Pahlavi, the modernization programs were unpopular. In 1979, he was overthrown during the Islamic Revolution.

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. The Shah’s constitutional violations of the basic human rights of his citizens.

CAUSES: 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran The Shah used violence, torture, and the SAVAK (secret police) to remain in power The economy worsened Many Iranians wanted to return to a democratic government The Shah’s reforms insulted devout Muslims Ayatollah Khomeini preached revolution in mosques (the “Cassette Revolution”)

Anti-Shah Protests

Opponents of the Shah On your Left Side, Oil field workers Students and other intellectuals Middle class businessmen Iranian nationalists Muslim clerics (Cleric is a member of the clergy or religious figure in Islam; like a priest for Catholics or a rabbi for Jews.) On your Left Side, Why do you think each of these groups had issues with the Shah’s reign? Explain and give examples.

Anti-American Pin (1960s) On your Left Side, answer: What cause of the Iranian Revolution does this political button address?

Iranian Students Protest in Beverley Hills

Anarchy & Revolution The Shah leaves Iran on 1/16/79. Facing likely execution should he return to Iran, he died in exile in Egypt, whose President, Anwar Sadat, had granted him asylum

Ayatollah Khomeini Leads the Revolution Khomeini returns to Iran on February 11, 1979. Q7

Islamic Revolution (1979) Transformed Iran from a monarchy under Pahlavi dynasty to an Islamic republic under Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of the revolution and founder of the Islamic Republic. It has been called the third great revolution in history Helped make Islamic fundamentalism a political force Constitution based on rule by Islamic jurists Khomeini—Supreme leader (lifetime appointment) President—Head of the Government Cabinet Supreme Court Legislation

Ayatollah Khomeini (r. 1979-1989) 1902 – 1989. Became an Islamic scholar (studied in Qom). Began to speak out against the Shah in the 1960s. Arrested and imprisoned several times by the Shah. Deported in 1978 & went to France.

EFFECTS: 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran Shah fled Iran, took his money with him! Ayatollah Khomeini returned to Iran Iran became an Islamic theocracy, ruled by Sharia Law The new government was anti-American (“The Great Satan”) and anti-Israeli Hostage crisis and the Iran-Iraq War

Triumphant Muslim Clerics & Iranian Soldiers A theocracy is created! Q8

SAVAK Suspects Taken

The Fate of the Shah’s Generals

Iranian Revolutionary Poster The caption reads: When the devil leaves, the angel returns! On your Left Side: What changes does this poster specifically refer to? Explain.

On your Left Side, Design your own political button for in support of the changes made by the Ayatollah.

American Embassy in Tehran Taken Over Q9

Iran: Takes American Hostages Iran’s new government set up an Islamic Republic. Relations with the United States broke down. In 1979, a mob of Iranian students took Americans hostage.

Iran: Takes American Hostages The Iranian government gave permission for the Americans to be taken hostage. The Americans were held by force for over 1 year.

52 Americans Held Hostage for 444 Days!

On your Left Side: Imagine you were one of the hostages. What do you think was going to happen to you based upon the recent events of the Iranian Revolution? Explain.

President Carter Becomes a Hostage, Too

Hostage Rescue Disaster

52 American Hostages Released in Jan., 1981

EFFECTS: 1979 Iran Hostage Crisis Anti-Iranian feeling in US (sale of Iranian flags actually increased!) President Carter seen as having failed to gain release of hostages Conservative Republican President Ronald Reagan won 1980 Presidential election in US Hostages released on Reagan’s inauguration in exchange for $8 billion ($5 billion was used by Iran to pay debts to US anyway) Khomeini needed money with war against Iraq looming

1980s—strained time with US 52 U.S. diplomats held hostage by group of Iranian terrorists who took over American embassy in support of the Islamic revolution. 444 day hostage crisis ended in 1981 The incident was seen by many as a blow against U.S. influence in Iran and its support of the recently fallen Shah of Iran, Pahlavi, who had recently been allowed into the United States for cancer treatment. In Iran, the crisis is thought to have strengthened the political hold of radical anti-American forces who supported the hostage taking. The crisis also marked the beginning of American legal action, or sanctions, that weakened economic ties between Iran and America.

The Islamic Republic of Iran

The Khomeini Revolution

Women in Iran A woman’s hijab represents her Islamic and moral values.

Political Cartoon Commentary On your Left side: What is the message of this political cartoon? Explain. The dictatorship is gone! Bring on the dictatorship!

Support for the Palestinian Cause Funds Hamas and Hezbollah. The Ayatollah with Yasir Arafat.

Iran The Iranian Revolution (1979) was followed by the Iraq/Iran War which began in 1980 (and discussed earlier in this presentation).

the Ayatollah Khomeini Iran Since the Death of the Ayatollah Khomeini

Khomeini’s Death (June, 1989)

Iran: Government

Iran: Government Iran is a theocracy – a government ruled by religious leaders.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei The Ayatollah represents the fundamentalist Mullahs.

Iran: Government An expert on Islamic law is the supreme leader.

The Ayatollah is considered a political moderate. Ayatollah Khatami The Ayatollah is considered a political moderate. Q12

Support for the Shi’ites in Iraq Today Moqtada al-Sadr, radical Shi’ite leader in Fallujah, Iraq

Iran: Government Iran has an elected president and legislature (chosen by the spiritual leader).

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Born 1956 Engineer, Party: Alliance of Builders of Islamic Iran Elected mayor of Tehran in 2003 Won ~60% of the popular vote in 2005 presidential election Outspoken and often controversial for his views on Israel, the US, Great Britain, and human rights

The Summer 2009 Elections (June 12) Candidates Ahmadinejad and Mir-Hussein Mousavi receive 62% and 34% of the popular vote, respectively Public outcry came against wide-spread accusations of voting irregularities Video Commentary This link is one of a HUGE amount of material on this election available online. The elections were Tweeted, Facebooked, 24 hour news networked, commented, Wikied, Huffington Posted, and more! A little online digging goes a long way.

On your Left Side, answer: CARTOON 1: Is this cartoon in support of Ahmadinejad or Mousavi? What does the cartoon suggest about the government in Iran?

On your Left Side, answer: Is this cartoon in support of Ahmadinejad or Mousavi? Who are the bearded men in black meant to symbolize? What is the skeletal remains of the horse meant to represent? What does the artist imply about the reform movement’s opinion of the United States?

On your Left Side, answer: Is this cartoon in support of Ahmadinejad or Mousavi? What does the cartoon suggest about the role of the Supreme Leader in the election? Who or what is the “loser” according to the cartoon? What does this cartoon imply about democracy in Iran?

Iran: Governmental Policies Iran’s government has supported many hard-line policies. For example: call for the destruction of Israel For example: supported terrorist groups

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

PINOCCHIAYATOLLAH Scott Stantis (Birmingham News) 1/28/05 An American view of Iranian nuclear power: What children’s story is this political cartoon playing off of? 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

On your Left Side, What is the cartoonist’s main point or position in the following political cartoon? How do you know?

Iranian Demographics Population—nearly 70 million Life expectancy at birth—69 years Birth rate—17 per 1,000 persons Death rate—6 per 1,000 persons Literacy rate—72%

Persian Language (Iran) ڢارسى Also called “Farsi” Indo-European (Aryan) Dialects of Persian also spoken in Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and among minorities in other states Arabic alphabet (with some differences) and some borrowed words from Arabic

Ethnicity and Religion Although there are various sub-groups, the majority of Iranians would say their religion is Islam. The largest ethnic group in Iran is Persians, followed by Azeris.

Economy Mixed System: Large and dominating public sector Small private sector Multinational corporations Structure: Agriculture 24% Industry 28% Services 48% Major Exports: petroleum, carpets, nuts Major Imports: capital goods, food items Unemployment rate: 16% and rising

Another Future Revolution?

A Youth Powered Society Youth Demographic Between 15-29 years old—25 million (35%) Median age—26 years old Legal voting age—16 years old Issue of high concern High unemployment

Women in Iran Higher Education—65% Changing Marriage and Child Custody Laws Shirin Edabi: Nobel Peace Prize 2003 Professional life Women in all aspects of work force Inequality in senior and managerial jobs

Women and the Islamic Dress Code

Reza Pahlavi (III?), 43 year-old son of the deposed Shah. A “Shah” in the Waiting? Reza Pahlavi (III?), 43 year-old son of the deposed Shah.