This opinion piece gives an insight into the practical consequences for human rights of the 1979 revolution in Iran. Once the aftermath of a revolution has died down, the political situation of the country concerned seems to fade from the international spotlight.
However, the effects of the Iranian Revolution have had a major impact on the country’s functioning, relations and international legitimacy. In the Middle East and Muslim world, particularly in its early years, it triggered enormous enthusiasm and redoubled opposition to western intervention and influence.
Internally, the revolution has brought a broadening of education and health care for the poor, and particularly governmental promotion of Islam, and the elimination of secularism and American influence in government. Fewer changes have occurred in terms of political freedom, governmental honesty and efficiency, economic equality and self-sufficiency, or even popular religious devotion. Opinion polls and observers report widespread dissatisfaction, including a "rift" between the revolutionary generation and younger Iranians who find it "impossible to understand what their parents were so passionate about."
Whether the Islamic Republic has brought more or less severe political repression is disputed. Reports of torture, imprisonment of dissidents, and the murder of prominent critics have been made by human rights groups. Censorship is handled by the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, without whose official permission, "no books or magazines are published, no audiotapes are distributed, no movies are shown and no cultural organization is established."
Women — especially those from traditional backgrounds — participated on a large scale in demonstrations leading up to the revolution. Since the revolution university enrollment and the number of women in the civil service and higher education has risen (to the alarm of some regime authorities), and several women have been elected to the Iranian parliament.
Sources:
Internally, the revolution has brought a broadening of education and health care for the poor, and particularly governmental promotion of Islam, and the elimination of secularism and American influence in government. Fewer changes have occurred in terms of political freedom, governmental honesty and efficiency, economic equality and self-sufficiency, or even popular religious devotion. Opinion polls and observers report widespread dissatisfaction, including a "rift" between the revolutionary generation and younger Iranians who find it "impossible to understand what their parents were so passionate about."
Whether the Islamic Republic has brought more or less severe political repression is disputed. Reports of torture, imprisonment of dissidents, and the murder of prominent critics have been made by human rights groups. Censorship is handled by the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, without whose official permission, "no books or magazines are published, no audiotapes are distributed, no movies are shown and no cultural organization is established."
Women — especially those from traditional backgrounds — participated on a large scale in demonstrations leading up to the revolution. Since the revolution university enrollment and the number of women in the civil service and higher education has risen (to the alarm of some regime authorities), and several women have been elected to the Iranian parliament.
Sources:
http://roomfordebate.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/11/why-iran-freed-roxana-saberi/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iranian_Revolution
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIt is good to see that Irania has allowed several women in parliament. This seems a large step in the right direction, in comparison to pre-revolution. However is this just a facade? The fact there are still reports of torture, imprisonment and murder undermines the idea that the revolution has had a positive effect on Irania. Roxana Saberi is a good example of how Irania still has a long way to go.
ReplyDeleteeven though there is a long way to go, showing that some steps have been taken is a step in the right direction. Although it could go either way.. back to what it was pre revloution or steps with further the good that has been done. It will be interesting to see whatthe future holds for Iran.
ReplyDelete