Conflicts

Iran will always be a Muslim country, but what kind of Islam will it have? A moderate kind that keeps out most direct political involvement or a militant kind that seeks to guide society by political means? The Iranian economy was hurt by the revolution, war, isolation and mismanagement.  Although oil income has increased, the GDP has barely recovered, and unemployment is at 20 percent.  Iranians also debate over what kind of clothing is admissible for women and men.  Western style clothing is not allowed, meaning men cannot wear blue jeans and women loose clothing that covers them from head to toe.  In the area of foreign policy, Iran feels it must take a leading role in destroying Israel, which it depicts as a polluter of Islamic holy ground (Jerusalem is also sacred to Muslims) and an outpost of Western imperialism.

 

Iranian Moderate and Islamist Views
Moderates Islamists
End Islamic revolution Maintain Islamic revolution
Shift power to Majlis Preserve power of faqih
Permit all parties Ban non Islamic parties
Free press Censored press
Permit Western women’s attire Islamic attire only (veil)
Improve relation with West Keep distance from West
Dialogue with America Hate America
End nuclear program Build nuclear bombs
Liberalize economy Keep economy statist

 

 

Review Questions:

 

The United State and Iran disagree most openly over Iran’s policies for nuclear energy.
True
False

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is a modern-day political figure that is most clearly a conservative who is influenced by radical clerics.
True
False
Western style clothing is allowed in Iran for men and women, as long as the women cover their heads.
True
False
The President of Iran has publicly said Israel should be wiped of the map.
True
False
Iran is currently moving forward with its nuclear program.
True
False
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