Country Profile

Iran is situated in the Middle East and borders Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Pakistan, Turkey and Turkmenistan. In 1906 the Constitutional Revolution transformed the Iranian absolutist monarchy of the Qajar dynasty to a constitutional monarchy. This was opposed by Russia and after a while they returned kingdom to absolutism by setting artillery fire against the Parliament (majles) and killing the key figures of the constitutional movement. Reza Shah took power after the British led...

United States Policy on ‘Democratizing’ Iran: Effects and Consequences

The 2009 Iranian elections were followed by massive upheaval and intense dissatisfaction within Iranian society. Change in the form of political openings and democratization seemed somewhat likely in the immediate aftermath of the elections; however, the regime currently holds the upper hand in the stalemate that characterizes Iranian politics today. This article will analyze U.S. policy at Iran, both covert and overt, aimed at altering this balance of power in Iran. Speculations about U.S. i...