David Vance SubstackRead More
The protests that have spread across Iran this past week pose yet another existential threat to the tyrannical Mullahcracy that has defaced that once proud nation since 1979. Iranians are now burning religious institutions because, amongst other things, they’re sick of Sharia Law and the tyranny it imposes upon them.
Now it might sound strange that Iran might want to shake off Islam but let’s consider a few details. According to the Iranian government 99.4% of the population is Muslim But recent online polls like GAMAAN (2020–2023) paint a very different picture: only 32–56% identify as Shia Muslim, with 6–22% none/atheist/agnostic, 7–8% Zoroastrian, 1–2% Christian, and others including humanist or spiritual but non-religious. It’s hard to be sure what is true.
Remember that under the Pahlavi monarchy (1925–1979), the regime promoted secular modernisation—banning veils in 1936, Westernising education and culture. Shia clerics of corse retained influence, and public life blended piety with urban secularism. It seemed a pretty civilised place. Here is an image from the swinging ‘60s!
Obviously it all changed when the Shah was toppled and the ferocious cleric Ayatollah Khomeini flew back from exile and into power. For 46 years, Iran has been ruled by Shia autocrats but that does not mean it will stay that way.
I fully support the right of Iranians to choose their own destiny. I hope there is regime change but it’s not my business and the West needs to stay out of it. The few Iranian people I know fled Iran when the Ayatollahs grabbed power. Ridding Iran of Shia tyranny would be a great outcome but we should NOT get directly involved.
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