undefined | Better HN

0 pointsCentigonal2y ago0 comments

Iran's Supreme leader and guardian council have ultimate veto power over all legislation and candidates.

In the past decade, there have been massive nationwide protests almost annually, often with election fairness as a theme.

The Iranian military has a special wing, the IRGC, that is dedicated to the Supreme leader and used to crush protest or dissent.

These are not characteristics of a functioning liberal democracy. If Iran's regime reflects the popular opinion of Iranians (which I believe it doesn't), then that's in spite of their government, not because of it.

0 comments

lingben2y ago

What you write is correct, except for this part:

The IRGC is not a 'special wing' of the Iranian military. They are a completely separate organization which has no equivalency in Western societies or defense departments.

The IRGC is tasked with protecting and spreading Khomeini's brand of Islamic theocracy throughout the world. This is why you see Iranian proxies in Yemen, Nigeria, Lebanon, Gaza, Syria, etc.

The Iranian military is tasked with protecting the Iranian nation and people. The military is a lower priority and less funded that IRGC, especially since the IRGC is a major actor in Iran's economy via various bonyads.

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse