‘New Revolution’ Possible for Iran

Iran’s reform-minded President Mohammad Khatami now has the chance to make good on the promises that swept him into office three years ago. In an echo of that overwhelming victory, Iranians have elected a parliament in which moderates will predominate, ending 20 years of control by advocates of strict Islamic rule. Leaders of the reformist bloc say that when the legislature convenes in May they will move quickly to guarantee freedom of expression, safeguard the privacy of citizens and make real the civil rights provided by the constitution.

Iran may be standing on the edge of a second revolution, this one based on popular mandate and the rule of law. Khatami and the parliamentary reformers must nonetheless proceed cautiously. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s constitutionally designated supreme leader, retains control over the military and has the final say in foreign policy and religious matters. The 12 appointed members of the Council of Guardians can reject any legislation passed by the parliament. Much of what the reformers hope to do would impinge on the religious powers of the clerical conservatives, as well as their economic interests.

The reformers say they have no intention of doing away with Islamic law or showing disrespect to the clergy. Their aim is to achieve a civil order based on democratic principles. But the incompatibility of those principles with theocratic rule is apparent to all. Authoritarianism, religious or secular, can’t exist side by side with a free press, a pluralistic political system and guaranteed civil liberties. One or the other must give way.

The U.S. State Department has welcomed the election results as a sign that Iran is moving toward greater freedom. But the newly empowered moderates have been quick to assert that major obstacles stand in the way of improved relations with Washington, and such dialogue is unlikely to be among their key priorities, at least until that aim is approved by Ayatollah Khamenei. But that is no reason not to be encouraged by the election results.

The people of Iran have made clear they aspire to a life that is freer socially, intellectually and politically. Change might come more slowly than many want, but the mechanism for fostering change is now in place.