(Institute for National Security Studies-Tel Aviv University) Raz Zimmt - The recent protests inside Iran reflected the increasing radicalization of the Iranian public. There were calls heard during the protests along the lines of "conservatives, reformists, the story is over," there were shows of support for the monarchy that preceded the Islamic Revolution, and there were violent attacks against banks, public buildings, and even religious seminaries. A recent public opinion poll in the Tehran district by the Iranian ISPA polling institute showed that only 15% are satisfied with the state of the country - a decline of 50% from a poll two years ago. 52% expected the situation to further deteriorate. 75% justified the recent protests, but most thought it would not generate a positive change in government policy. 54% said the protests would continue. Since the protests, prominent Iranian commentators, intellectuals, and academics have warned against a deepening loss of public trust in the authorities. The writer is a research fellow at INSS specializing in Iran.
2020-01-10 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive