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Source: http://www.nypost.com/seven/08292007/postopinion/opedcolumnists/the_odd_guard.htm
Iran's Elite Mixes Thugs and Opportunists
[New York Post] Amir Taheri - The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is not a revolutionary army in the sense of the Vietcong in Vietnam. The Guard was created after the Iranian revolution and those who joined came from all sorts of backgrounds; the majority were opportunists, jumping on the bandwagon. By joining the IRGC, one obtained not only revolutionary credentials (many who had cooperated with the Shah's regime secured a new "revolutionary virginity"), but also a well-paid job at a time that economic collapse made jobs rare. Membership also ensured access to rare goods and services. Over the years, Guard membership proved a fast track to social, political and economic success. More than half of Ahmadinejad's cabinet ministers are IRGC members. Members hold nearly a third of the seats in parliament, and serve as governors for 20 of Iran's 30 provinces.