From Democracy Digest. Here is an excerpt:

The rial has lost more than a third of its value this year, while inflation soared to 47.7 per cent last month. Against this tough economic background, the Islamic republic believes its enemies — western states such as the US and opposition groups abroad — are using a mix of conventional and unconventional methods, including information, to overthrow the regime in Tehran.

“Authorities know that the street protests are over only on the surface,” said an analyst, who wished to remain anonymous. “The economy is feared to be the next trigger. They want to control the information dissemination to foil that threat.”

This year’s budget did not increase welfare payments to match inflation, according to analysts, or increase subsidies for food staples and gasoline. The budget did, however, allocate more money to the Revolutionary Guards force and other defense sectors, The New York Times adds. 

Read full article here.