Roots of Protests in Islamic Republic of Iran

Number of Taxes imposed became the headache for Government.

Iran, an important country in Middle East is under huge anti-government protests these days. At least 20 casualties have happened yet due to large scale political unrest. The social classes, disappointed by injustice and high inflation are leading the protesters, opposing the laws and writ of government. Since, last December, tens of thousands of people gathered against the government.

Thousands of people have gathered against the Government

Iranian government still not has instructed the Revolutionary Guard and the Basij Militia yet. These forces are considered as the top security forces in country. Comparatively, these forces had crushed the 2009 trials by killing dozens of dissidents.

Why this discordant happened?

In the last half of 2017, stunned economy and high prices of basic good like eggs etc. have caused the people of Mashad, to stand up against the leadership of Islamic republic of Iran. Then prices saw a jump up to 40 percent which similarly, caused more violence. Likewise, the protest spread up to two dozen of towns and converted into an open rebellion.

The protesters are so heated up that they are even chanting “Death to the Dictator,” pointing towards Ayatollah Ali Khamenei – the Supreme Leader. Additionally, they are asking security forces to join them and eject the clerical hegemony. Not to mention, government buildings and infrastructure is also under attack by the protesters.

Causes of Rebellion

No Social or Political Freedom

In the country, where clerical ruling has got too much power, some of the dissidents are in view that political openness and social privilege is oppressed by the authorities. Ordinary Iranian wants pay rise and solution to unemployment problems, due to which growth of economy has got slow. Despite, United States and western world lifted the sanctions over Iran under a nuclear deal.

Consequently, Iranian Government has restricted the access to internet in some cities even banning “WhatsApp” and other social media applications. Of course, the authorities do not want the demonstrators to gather and organize. President Donald Trump has also tweeted against the steps taken by Iranian officials.

High number of Imposed Taxes

The protests were caused by some accords signed by officials. For example, slashing cash subsidies, increasing fuel prices, fee for car registration and an unpopular departure tax were the reasons because of that large scale protests started to begin against Earlier, Iranian government was suffering from leakage of proposed budget last month.

Spending in Middle East

The protestors are also demanding the answers of Iranian Foreign Policy Spending. Especially, they want the authorities to explain the terms that why so much money was invested in Middle East. In fact, Iran has spent billions and billions of Dollars in Middle East at a time when people are struggling at home economically and socially. Additionally, Iran has sent money, weapons, fighter and even technical assistance to Syria, Yemen and has financially supported the Shite military groups in Lebanon and Palestine.

Unemployment

Unemployment is another primal factor causing the rebellion. Iranian youth is struggling to deal with this problem. Approximately, 40 percent of its youth is unemployed.

Growth besides Oil Sector

Since the nuclear deals, Iranian economy has grown up to a handsome figure. Reduced oil prices played a key role in the process. But, the growth outside of oil sector is dipped. Likewise, there was no improvement is infrastructure, education, technology or even in agriculture.

Final Verdict

Iran as a regional power seems to be disturbed by its own population. On one side it is involved in a proxy war against another regional power and on the other it is struggling at home in its own territory. The liberal world seems the claims by the protestors’ right may provide the support by any means which may create the atmosphere of uncertainty for authorities in the country. So far, the government has restricted its forces to take any action against the dissidents. But, we have to wait and watch for the outcomes of this massive movement.