From Consolidation to Theocratic Despotism

Abstract

The history of post-revolutionary Iran indicates that the regime of the ayatollahs has established itself or at least is in firm control; the country has gone through a profound transformation in its political, social and economic structure; and the revolution has even attempted to transform the national culture and seems to have succeeded in certain areas.

A good king goes away from among them, various swords are raised and much blood is shed. And, the stronger ones do as they please until those sinners all perish amidst bloodshed and sedition and the world is purged of them. And because of inauspiciousness of these sinners many innocent people get killed in these sedition.

(Khaja Nezamul-Mulk, tr. Katouzian, 1993)