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Source: https://nationalinterest.org/blog/middle-east-watch/iran-near-collapse-101397
Is Iran Near Collapse?
(National Interest) Mohammed Ayoob - Iran's economy is in far worse shape today than it was on the eve of the Shah's fall in 1978. While the protests were initially largely motivated by economic factors, they now demand the removal not only of President Rouhani and his government but of the supreme leader and the clerics around him as well. The regime forces suppressing dissent are ideologically committed to the system of clerically-dominated rule. Their commanders realize that the fall of the regime could mean an end to their power and perks. This means that the regime is likely to survive in the short term, but its legitimacy has been irreparably damaged by the disproportionate and brutal use of force. Hardly anyone in Iran now buys the argument that the governing powers are defending Islam and the country against foreign enemies. The writer is Distinguished Professor Emeritus of International Relations at Michigan State University.