Iran: More than Persia

ReutersEDITION:U.louis vuitton outlet online ReutersEDITION:U.[url=http://www.tustininformationcenter.com title=louis vuitton usa]louis vuitton usa[/url]S.S. SIGN INREGISTER HOME BUSINESS MARKETS WORLD POLITICS TECH OPINION BREAKINGVIEWS MONEY LIFE PICTURES VIDEO » Analysis & Opinion Home Opinion The Great Debate Follow The Great Debate View The Great Debate RSS feed Iran: More than Persia By Brenda Shaffer DECEMBER 16, 2013 Email Print inShare DEMOGRAPHICS | ETHNIC MINORITIES | IRAN | KURDS | MIDDLE EAST | PERSIANS When Iranian President Hassan Rouhani was campaigning, he promised the country’s many ethnic minorities to expand the use of their languages. SIGN INREGISTER HOME BUSINESS MARKETS WORLD POLITICS TECH OPINION BREAKINGVIEWS MONEY LIFE PICTURES VIDEO » Analysis & Opinion Home Opinion The Great Debate Follow The Great Debate View The Great Debate RSS feed Iran: More than Persia By Brenda Shaffer DECEMBER 16, 2013 Email Print inShare DEMOGRAPHICS | ETHNIC MINORITIES | IRAN | KURDS | MIDDLE EAST | PERSIANS When Iranian President Hassan Rouhani was campaigning, he promised the country’s many ethnic minorities to expand the use of their languages. Rouhani recently signaled his intent to keep that promise, by appointing Iran’s first presidential aid for ethnic and religious minority affairs, acknowledging the country’s minority challenges. Rouhani recently signaled his intent to keep that promise, by appointing Iran’s first presidential aid for ethnic and religious minority affairs, acknowledging the country’s minority challenges. In the multi-ethnic state that is Iran, the political meaning of the population’s diversity will have serious consequences as political normalization with the West continues.louis vuitton usa In the multi-ethnic state that is Iran, the political meaning of the population’s diversity will have serious consequences as political normalization with the West continues. Both the United States and the European Union should understand the significance of Iran’s multi-ethnic makeup and prepare policies that can address it. Both the United States and the European Union should understand the significance of Iran’s multi-ethnic makeup and prepare policies that can address it. Washington and Brussels should view this process as similar to when Mikhail Gorbachev began opening the Soviet Union to the West, it quickly became apparent that the Soviet Union was –not only composed of Russians. Washington and Brussels should view this process as similar to when Mikhail Gorbachev began opening the Soviet Union to the West, it quickly became apparent that the Soviet Union was –not only composed of Russians.[url=http://www.tustininformationcenter.com title=louis vuitton neverfull gm]louis vuitton neverfull gm[/url] Later, it became clear that what the West had considered to be “Yugoslavians” or “Czechoslovakians” were, in fact, many different ethnic groups. Later, it became clear that what the West had considered to be “Yugoslavians” or “Czechoslovakians” were, in fact, many different ethnic groups. Few of these peoples shared a civic-state identity.louis vuitton usa Few of these peoples shared a civic-state identity. In the same way, while Iran is commonly referred to as Persia, Persians account for roughly half the population. In the same way, while Iran is commonly referred to as Persia, Persians account for roughly half the population. The remaining half is comprised of ethnic minorities; mainly Azerbaijanis, Kurds, Turkmen, Arabs and Baluch. The remaining half is comprised of ethnic minorities; mainly Azerbaijanis, Kurds, Turkmen, Arabs and Baluch. The Azerbaijanis are the largest minority, accounting for a third of the population. The Azerbaijanis are the largest minority, accounting for a third of the population. Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei is an ethnic Azerbaijani, as is one of the main opposition leaders, Mir-Hossein Mousavi.louis vuitton outlet online Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei is an ethnic Azerbaijani, as is one of the main opposition leaders, Mir-Hossein Mousavi.[url=http://www.tustininformationcenter.com title=louis vuitton outlet online]louis vuitton outlet online[/url] Ethnic minorities pose a particular security problem for Iran. Ethnic minorities pose a particular security problem for Iran. They primarily live in the border regions and many share ties with members of their ethnic communities in neighboring states, including Azerbaijan, Turkey, Iraq and Pakistan. They primarily live in the border regions and many share ties with members of their ethnic communities in neighboring states, including Azerbaijan, Turkey, Iraq and Pakistan. Iran’s domestic makeup affects its foreign relations with most of its neighbors. Iran’s domestic makeup affects its foreign relations with most of its neighbors. Iran’s Constitution grants ethnic minorities the right to use their ethnic languages in media and other publications, as well as for education.louis vuitton tote Iran’s Constitution grants ethnic minorities the right to use their ethnic languages in media and other publications, as well as for education. In reality, however, Iran has not allowed ethnic minorities to run schools or give testimony in courts in their native languages. In reality, however, Iran has not allowed ethnic minorities to run schools or give testimony in courts in their native languages. Non-Persian media and publications have been limited. Non-Persian media and publications have been limited.[url=http://www.tustininformationcenter.com title=louis vuitton neverfull gm]louis vuitton neverfull gm[/url] The multi-ethnic composition of Iran could affect regime stability. The multi-ethnic composition of Iran could affect regime stability. In a potential regime crisis, the ethnic factor could play a role in toppling the government — as it did in the collapse of the Shah regime and the ascent to power of the Islamic Republic in 1979.louis vuitton outlet online In a potential regime crisis, the ethnic factor could play a role in toppling the government — as it did in the collapse of the Shah regime and the ascent to power of the Islamic Republic in 1979. Yet, in contrast to the role that ethnic populations played in bringing about the collapse of the Soviet Union and the breakup of Yugoslavia, Iran’s multi-ethnic demographics may undermine the reform movement. Yet, in contrast to the role that ethnic populations played in bringing about the collapse of the Soviet Union and the breakup of Yugoslavia, Iran’s multi-ethnic demographics may undermine the reform movement. Many pro-democracy Persian activists in Iran fear full democratization because it could lead to the end of Persian dominance. Many pro-democracy Persian activists in Iran fear full democratization because it could lead to the end of Persian dominance. Iran’s ethnic minorities demonstrate varying degrees of identification with the regime. Iran’s ethnic minorities demonstrate varying degrees of identification with the regime. Most seek expansion of their cultural rights within Iran.louis vuitton tote Most seek expansion of their cultural rights within Iran.[url=http://www.tustininformationcenter.com title=louis vuitton usa]louis vuitton usa[/url] In this, they are seeking to change the nation’s policies, not its borders. In this, they are seeking to change the nation’s policies, not its borders. However, some groups, including Kurds and Baluch, are now waging a violent struggle against Tehran. However, some groups, including Kurds and Baluch, are now waging a violent struggle against Tehran. The Western media does not often focus on these ethnic struggles. The Western media does not often focus on these ethnic struggles. When they do it is usually framed in religious terms, referring to Sunni minorities and ignoring the ethnic basis of the conflict.louis vuitton tote When they do it is usually framed in religious terms, referring to Sunni minorities and ignoring the ethnic basis of the conflict. Regular skirmishes now take place between government forces and residents of Iran’s Kurdish provinces. Regular skirmishes now take place between government forces and residents of Iran’s Kurdish provinces. Hundreds of Iranian Kurds have been arrested in the last year and many are still in detention. Hundreds of Iranian Kurds have been arrested in the last year and many are still in detention.[url=http://www.tustininformationcenter.com title=louis vuitton outlet online]louis vuitton outlet online[/url] Another focus of violent confrontation is between Tehran and the Baluch-populated regions that border Pakistan and Afghanistan. Another focus of violent confrontation is between Tehran and the Baluch-populated regions that border Pakistan and Afghanistan. Senior Iranian security and other government personnel have been assassinated in this region; most recently a public prosecutor.louis vuitton usa Senior Iranian security and other government personnel have been assassinated in this region; most recently a public prosecutor. Responding to these ethnic upheavals, Tehran has long blamed outsiders. Responding to these ethnic upheavals, Tehran has long blamed outsiders. Rouhani has done this as well, attempting to delegitimize the demands for language and cultural rights by depicting these ethnic minorities as tools of foreign governments, primarily Britain, the United States or Israel. Rouhani has done this as well, attempting to delegitimize the demands for language and cultural rights by depicting these ethnic minorities as tools of foreign governments, primarily Britain, the United States or Israel. Most foreign governments, however, including the United States, have not formulated specific policies toward the ethnic minorities. Most foreign governments, however, including the United States, have not formulated specific policies toward the ethnic minorities. They rarely even factor them in when assessing regime stability, and are cautious in their contacts with representatives of the ethnic minorities who seek outside support.louis vuitton outlet online They rarely even factor them in when assessing regime stability, and are cautious in their contacts with representatives of the ethnic minorities who seek outside support.[url=http://www.tustininformationcenter.com title=louis vuitton neverfull gm]louis vuitton neverfull gm[/url] In fact, even U. In fact, even U.S.S. government-supported media outlets like Voice of America and Radio Liberty rarely report on the discrimination against Iran’s ethnic minorities or the violent confrontations taking place with the central government. government-supported media outlets like Voice of America and Radio Liberty rarely report on the discrimination against Iran’s ethnic minorities or the violent confrontations taking place with the central government. Though actively meddling in Iran’s ethnic politics does not seem prudent, the Washington and European governments should include Tehran’s discrimination toward its ethnic minorities when reporting on the state of human rights there.louis vuitton outlet online Though actively meddling in Iran’s ethnic politics does not seem prudent, the Washington and European governments should include Tehran’s discrimination toward its ethnic minorities when reporting on the state of human rights there. U. U.S.S.[url=http://www.tustininformationcenter.com title=louis vuitton usa]louis vuitton usa[/url] government analytical units and officials dealing with Iran should consider the response of ethnic minorities when assessing regime stability in Iran. government analytical units and officials dealing with Iran should consider the response of ethnic minorities when assessing regime stability in Iran. Moreover, Radio Liberty and other U.louis vuitton tote Moreover, Radio Liberty and other U.S.S. government-supported media outlets should give a voice to these ethnic minorities. government-supported media outlets should give a voice to these ethnic minorities. The rising ethnic activity in Iran will likely lead to increased demands for policy responses from the United States and Europe. The rising ethnic activity in Iran will likely lead to increased demands for policy responses from the United States and Europe. These governments should be prepared.louis vuitton outlet online These governments should be prepared.[url=http://www.tustininformationcenter.com title=louis vuitton tote]louis vuitton tote[/url] It is best not to wait until people are marching in public squares to understand their aspirations. It is best not to wait until people are marching in public squares to understand their aspirations. PHOTO: An Iranian Sunni Kurd woman sits at the Jame Mosque in the city of Sanandaj in Kordistan province, 763 km (477 miles) northwest of Tehran, May 10, 2011. PHOTO: An Iranian Sunni Kurd woman sits at the Jame Mosque in the city of Sanandaj in Kordistan province, 763 km (477 miles) northwest of Tehran, May 10, 2011. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl « PREVIOUS POST More From Reuters Is there a way around the sale of ‘blood gold’? 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If you see a comment that you believe is irrelevant or inappropriate, you can flag it to our editors by using the report abuse links.[url=http://www.tustininformationcenter.com title=louis vuitton tote]louis vuitton tote[/url] Views expressed in the comments do not represent those of Reuters. Views expressed in the comments do not represent those of Reuters. For more information on our comment policy, see http://blogs.louis vuitton tote For more information on our comment policy, see http://blogs.reuters.reuters.com/fulldisclosure/2010/09/27/toward-a-more-thoughtful-conversation-on-stories/ ANY OPINIONS EXPRESSED HERE ARE THE AUTHOR’S OWN.com/fulldisclosure/2010/09/27/toward-a-more-thoughtful-conversation-on-stories/ ANY OPINIONS EXPRESSED HERE ARE THE AUTHOR’S OWN. Brenda Shaffer Brenda Shaffer is a visiting researcher at Georgetown’s Center for Eurasian, Russian and East European studies and a professor at the University of Haifa. Brenda Shaffer Brenda Shaffer is a visiting researcher at Georgetown’s Center for Eurasian, Russian and East European studies and a professor at the University of Haifa. She is the author of “Energy Politics.louis vuitton tote She is the author of “Energy Politics.[url=http://www.tustininformationcenter.com title=louis vuitton neverfull gm]louis vuitton neverfull gm[/url]” TAG CLOUD #debatethis 2012 Afghanistan banks Barack Obama Ben Bernanke Bernd Debusmann budget China climate change Congress debt democrats Diana Furchtgott-Roth economy education egypt elections environment euro zone Federal Reserve G20 goldman sachs healthcare India Iran Iraq Israel James Saft John Kemp Mitt Romney Obama oil politics recession Republicans Russia Supreme Court syria taxes Tea Party The Great Debate unemployment united nations united states MORE REUTERS NEWS Japan business mood hits 6-year high as \'Abenomics\' takes holdCentral African Republic leader in talks with militiasSaved a state bailout, Slovenes question hefty banking billGunmen attack army in Lebanon\'s Sidon, five killedEU suspends trade talks with Ukraine, crowds rally against government Back to top Reuters.” TAG CLOUD #debatethis 2012 Afghanistan banks Barack Obama Ben Bernanke Bernd Debusmann budget China climate change Congress debt democrats Diana Furchtgott-Roth economy education egypt elections environment euro zone Federal Reserve G20 goldman sachs healthcare India Iran Iraq Israel James Saft John Kemp Mitt Romney Obama oil politics recession Republicans Russia Supreme Court syria taxes Tea Party The Great Debate unemployment united nations united states MORE REUTERS NEWS Japan business mood hits 6-year high as \'Abenomics\' takes holdCentral African Republic leader in talks with militiasSaved a state bailout, Slovenes question hefty banking billGunmen attack army in Lebanon\'s Sidon, five killedEU suspends trade talks with Ukraine, crowds rally against government Back to top Reuters.com BusinessMarketsWorldPoliticsTechnologyOpinionMoneyPicturesVideosSite IndexLegal Bankruptcy LawCalifornia LegalNew York LegalSecurities LawSupport & Contact SupportCorrectionsAccount InformationRegisterSign InConnect with ReutersTwitter Facebook LinkedIn RSS Podcast Newsletters MobileAbout Privacy PolicyTerms of UseAdvertise With UsAdChoicesCopyright Our Flagship financial information platform incorporating Reuters Insider An ultra-low latency infrastructure for electronic trading and data distribution A connected approach to governance, risk and compliance Our next generation legal research platform Our global tax workstation Thomsonreuters.com BusinessMarketsWorldPoliticsTechnologyOpinionMoneyPicturesVideosSite IndexLegal Bankruptcy LawCalifornia LegalNew York LegalSecurities LawSupport & Contact SupportCorrectionsAccount InformationRegisterSign InConnect with ReutersTwitter Facebook LinkedIn RSS Podcast Newsletters MobileAbout Privacy PolicyTerms of UseAdvertise With UsAdChoicesCopyright Our Flagship financial information platform incorporating Reuters Insider An ultra-low latency infrastructure for electronic trading and data distribution A connected approach to governance, risk and compliance Our next generation legal research platform Our global tax workstation Thomsonreuters.comAbout Thomson ReutersInvestor RelationsCareersContact Us Thomson Reuters is the world\'s largest international multimedia news agency, providing investing news, world news, business news, technology news, headline news, small business news, news alerts, personal finance, stock market, and mutual funds information available on Reuters.comAbout Thomson ReutersInvestor RelationsCareersContact Us Thomson Reuters is the world\'s largest international multimedia news agency, providing investing news, world news, business news, technology news, headline news, small business news, news alerts, personal finance, stock market, and mutual funds information available on Reuters.com, video, mobile, and interactive television platforms.louis vuitton usacom, video, mobile, and interactive television platforms. 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