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Source: http://jcpa.org/article/ethnic-opposition-to-irans-regime-is-on-the-rise/
Ethnic Opposition to Iran's Regime Is on the Rise
(Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs) Lt. Col. (ret.) Michael Segall - Since June 2016, Iran has been enduring terror attacks and assassinations by ethnic-opposition elements operating within its territory and adjacent to it. Attacks on Iranian petroleum infrastructure in Ahvaz are a reaction to Iran's ongoing repressive policy against the Arab minority in Ahvaz, including the ongoing arrests, trials, executions, and expulsions of young people in that area. There are currently six to seven million Kurds living in Iran. Although they are part of the Iranian state, they may be distinguished from the Shiite minority by language and religion (most Kurds are Sunnis). The Arab Sunni fighters' targeting of the oil facilities, if it gains momentum, could pose a problem for Iran just as it is trying to renew oil exports after the lifting of sanctions. The Iranian regime, which so far has been spared the regional repercussions of the Arab Spring - or Islamic Awakening as the regime calls it - is now starting to feel the effects.