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A Democratic Iran Would Behave Far Differently
(Washington Institute for Near East Policy) Reza Pahlavi - Since its inception in 1979, the Islamic Republic has suppressed ancient traditions, persecuted women and religious minorities through institutionalized discrimination, and funneled the national wealth to a class of kleptocrats who are out of touch with the hopes and dreams of the people. For decades, it has viewed the mission of exporting the Islamic Revolution as central to its survival. Accordingly, it has invested heavily in paramilitary and proxy forces, and sponsored terrorist attacks around the world. Yet despite severe repression, Iranians have embarked on a new chapter in their struggle against the regime, confronting their oppressors through a sustained and widespread civil disobedience campaign. A democratic Iran would behave far differently in the region. If the international community is committed to countering the regime's regional behavior, it will find a natural ally in the Iranian people. Reza Pahlavi, son of the late Muhammad Reza Pahlavi, the Shah of Iran from 1941 to 1979, addressed The Washington Institute on Dec. 14.