Iran Protests

Background:

Iran is a country familiar with protesting as a means of radical change. Iran’s modern government resulted from the 1979 revolution, and this current wave of unrest is the largest since 2009. The Islamic Republic has fallen out of favor with many Iranians, and Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has lost steam and relevancy among the public.

What has happened:

Five days of protests across the country; resulting in more than 20 dead and hundreds arrested.

The protests are in response to a failing economy (youth unemployment approaching 40%), rising food and fuel prices, and widespread corruption.
The billions of dollars returned to Iran by the Obama Administration were an economic opportunity squandered… the people know it.
This is not merely an “intellectual middle class” annoyance; protests are widespread, diverse, and angry.
Protests demonstrate deep resentment and the limits of President Rouhani’s influence.

Why it matters:

Can the US exploit?

Use the JCPOA (Iran nuclear deal) inspections to reveal corruption in the regime.
Create the narrative… “corrupt Iranian leaders break terms of the JCPOA and personally benefit from lifted sanctions.”
This is textbook diplomacy…put Tehran on notice without firing a shot. The US provided foreign aid and only ruling elites benefit. Internal unrest challenges the existing government’s corruption and its legitimacy.

“Iran has long been isolated by its national leadership…yet amazingly aware of the progressive and changing world around it. Now, the Iranian people are calling their national leadership’s bluff…lifting sanctions has done nothing for the people. At increasing risk, Iranian leadership will continue to try and suppress the voice of the people.”

Major General (Ret.) Mastin M. Robeson

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