In remote Iranian Province Sistan-Baluchistan, women politicians make gains at ballot box
Iran articles on Democracy Chronicles
News about the struggle for democracy in Iran. Iran is not a functioning democracy. According to Freedom House, the "most powerful figure in the government is the supreme leader and violent repression of dissent is routine". Also check out our section on World Democracy or our articles on the Middle East.
Should America Be Backing Arab Strongmen Against Iran
Washington has an alliance with the mainly Sunni Muslim countries of the Arab world against Shi’ite Iran
The Latest Iran Elections Are Still Unfair and Not Free
The New York Times has called Iran’s form of government “undemocratic democracy”
Taming Iran’s Theocracy: Lessons From the Election
Rouhani back to office to continue with his snail-pace transformation of the Islamic republic
Are Elections in Iran an Exercise in Futility?
Yet another crucial turning point in the history of the beleaguered theocracy ruling regime
A Decent Incumbent Leads Pack in Iran’s Sham Elections
How might Iranian voters judge the incumbent, Hojat al-Islam Hassan Rouhani who is seeking a second term?
How Iranian Filmmakers Defy the Censors
Before the 1979 Revolution, an independent film sector existed alongside government-financed films
Trump’s Islam Ban Shows How Not to Keep Us Safe
The stupidity of Trump’s showy, spiteful, move is more than geographic, it’s awful on legal and even efficacy grounds as well, and more complicated than it seems.
Contested Votes Destroy Nations, But America Should be Fine
Take a close look at countries where contested votes have led to disaster, from Africa’s Gabon to 2009 Iranian protests
The Need For an Iranian Democratic Revolution
An Iranian democratic revolution could reshape the turbulent region and the broader world