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THE QUESTION
Theocracy or Democracy in Iran?
Given the election-related turmoil in the Islamic Republic of Iran, can democracy ever take hold in a theocracy? How should the Obama administration respond to the disputed election and to Iran's ruling clerics?
Posted by
Sally Quinn and Jon Meacham on June 23, 2009 12:38 AM
FROM THE PANEL
Democracy in Theocracy?
As a Christian and an American I cherish democracy and believe it is good for faith. The Obama administration has been appropriately soft-spoken on the internal politics of Iran.
Posted by Leith Anderson, on June 20, 2009 12:55 PM
What Obama Should Say about Iran's Election
Obama should say his administration respects many of the guiding principles of the 1979 revolution -- to establish a government that expresses the will of the people; a just government, based on the idea of Vilayet-i-faqih, that establishes the rule of law.
Posted by Feisal Abdul Rauf, on June 19, 2009 4:06 PM
United Iranians on the Brink
The unity of Iranians isn't in question. Their collective voice is loud and clear. They seek democracy.
Posted by Eboo Patel, on June 19, 2009 10:23 AM
IRAN: Turmoil is More Hopeful than Order
The unintended consequence of the revolution of '79 was the replacement of a secular monarchy by a theocracy Potemkin-clothed as a democracy.
Posted by Willis E. Elliott, on June 19, 2009 8:46 AM
Theocracy or Democracy? Iranians Should Decide
President Obama is doing what he must do - and that is, voice his concern about what is going on but be steadfast about not meddling in the affairs of Iran.
Posted by Susan K. Smith, on June 18, 2009 10:43 AM
'Freedom Is the Natural Condition'
My hope is that the stirrings of freedom and democracy in the Islamic world will be nurtured; if so, the will of an informed electorate will force the necessary reforms.
Posted by Charles "Chuck" Colson, on June 18, 2009 10:29 AM
Dealing with Untrustworthy Dictators
If Ahmedinajad retains power, can he be trusted to abide by any agreements we might make with him on nuclear arms?
Posted by Arun Gandhi, on June 17, 2009 12:50 PM
Iran and the Paradox of Paradise
Even though over 70% of Iranians are in favor of electing their supreme leader, a democratically chosen dictator remains a dictator, and the vexing problems of modern life will still be filtered through medieval dictates.
Posted by Deepak Chopra, on June 17, 2009 12:26 PM
Both Democracy and Theocracy Can Turn Idolatrous
There have been many theocratic governments that accomplished much good for the governed and advanced the quality of life for all under their control, regardless of faith.
Posted by Brad Hirschfield, on June 17, 2009 12:05 PM
Theocracy is Incompatible With Religious Liberty
History and contemporary realities show us that a theocracy's unrestrained friendliness to one religion violates religious liberty as much as a secular state's untempered hostility to all religion.
Posted by J. Brent Walker, on June 17, 2009 8:38 AM
Laughter, the Best Islamic Medicine
A good rule of thumb for me is whether a country allows its citizens to poke fun at its leaders and its "sacred cows," including sacred religions.
Posted by Herb Silverman, on June 16, 2009 5:37 PM
A Whiff of Sulfur from the Rulers
I would like to be optimistic about Iran's transition from theocracy to democracy, but I think it unlikely without upheaval at best, cataclysm at worst.
Posted by David Wolpe, on June 16, 2009 5:03 PM
God's Vote -- Democracy Comes to Iran
When I watch the people in Iran spilling out into the streets, demanding to know where their vote went, I can see the hand of God.
Posted by Susan Brooks Thistlethwaite, on June 16, 2009 10:27 AM
Obama vs. Ahmadinejad
I hope Obama reaches out to Iran's huge, rising under-30 generation and not just its iron-fisted government.
Posted by Eboo Patel, on June 15, 2009 9:29 AM
Theocracy Destroys Democracy
Theocracies, as long as they are supported by the military, are always intractable dictatorships.
Posted by Susan Jacoby, on June 14, 2009 5:57 PM
FEATURED COMMENTS
Athena4: I find it fascinating and heartening that the women of Iran are the fiercest protestors for freedom. They're tired of being treated like sec...
