Iran: A Learning Seminar
This seminar provides the opportunity to learn about a place few Canadians understand: the country we used to call Persia that we now call Iran.
Since the revolution in 1979, Iran has been an Islamic Republic at odds with the United States, and its allies, for many historical and ideological reasons. A major transformation of relations between the US and Iran is now underway for reasons few people understand. The current nuclear agreement between Iran and the major world powers is complex and has created anxiety for many people in the world, especially for Israel and its allies.
The course provides a general introduction to the modern history of Persia/Iran. We will focus our attention on its historical development in the twentieth century and examine the ideology of the current regime (including its anti-American, anti-Zionist, and anti-Israel orientation) within the context of its religious-political doctrine. The current "nuclear deal" with Iran and the re-orientation of American foreign policy under President Obama will be discussed. We will examine the potential impact of these developments on the region of the Middle East and on Iranian relations with Israel and with the Western powers.
This seminar provides the opportunity to learn about a place few Canadians understand: the country we used to call Persia that we now call Iran.
Since the revolution in 1979, Iran has been an Islamic Republic at odds with the United States, and its allies, for many historical and ideological reasons. A major transformation of relations between the US and Iran is now underway for reasons few people understand. The current nuclear agreement between Iran and the major world powers is complex and has created anxiety for many people in the world, especially for Israel and its allies.
The course provides a general introduction to the modern history of Persia/Iran. We will focus our attention on its historical development in the twentieth century and examine the ideology of the current regime (including its anti-American, anti-Zionist, and anti-Israel orientation) within the context of its religious-political doctrine. The current "nuclear deal" with Iran and the re-orientation of American foreign policy under President Obama will be discussed. We will examine the potential impact of these developments on the region of the Middle East and on Iranian relations with Israel and with the Western powers.
Syllabus
Introduction: Are Persia and Iran the Same Country?
The first class will outline the basic history and geography of ancient Persia and trace the nation's history into the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. This area is home to one of the oldest human civilizations in history, dating from 4000 BC (BCE).
The Discovery of Oil & the Impact of Western Imperialism
Oil becomes a major commodity in the 1920s. In this period, Great Britain, France, and Russia are the major powers dominating and developing the nations of the Middle East until the arrival of the Americans after WWII. This class discusses the impact of oil economics, two world wars, and Western imperialism on the nation of Iran and the surrounding region. A key development during this period is the establishment of the Pahlavi Dynasty under Reza Shah, which ruled the Imperial State of Persia from 1925-1935, and the Imperial State of Iran from 1935 to 1979.
The Shah of Iran
Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi ruled the Imperial State of Iran from his father's abdication in 1941 to the abolishment of the monarchy by the Islamic Revolution of 1979, led by Ayatollah Khomeini. This class will cover the decades in which a coup orchestrated by the CIA and MI6 replaced Prime Minister Mosaddeq, who nationalized the (British-owned) oil and gas industry in Iran, and suppressed dissent against the Shah. Ruling as an autocrat, the Shah implemented his "White Revolution," which modernized and Westernized Iran. He also created a repressive police state that many Iranian citizens resisted, including religious leaders.
Ruhollah Khomeini and the Islamic Revolution
The Ayatollah Khomeini founded the Islamic Republic of Iran by overthrowing the monarchy in 1979. He ruled as Supreme Leader until his death in 1989. This class will examine the man, his understanding of religious government (theocracy), and the main events leading to the destruction of the monarchy and the establishment of Islamic rule in Iran, supported by a national referendum in December 1979. The American Hostage Crisis and the Iran-Iraq War will also be discussed as key events during his rule.
Antisemitism, Anti-Zionism, and Anti-Israelism
This class will briefly discuss the influence of Zoroastrianism (a pre-Islamic Persian religion) on Judaism, and examine Shia perceptions of Jews and Judaism historically. Our focus will be on Iranian attitudes toward Zionism and Israel: the ideas and state policy of Khomeini, Ahmadinejad's statements, his Holocaust Denial Conference, and Holocaust cartoon contest, will be discussed.
The Post 9-11 Period
This class will address the widespread political, military, and cultural impact of Al Qaeda's assault on the US in 2001, and the subsequent "War on Terror," including wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The last decade has witnessed an increase in public hostility directed toward Israel (BDS & IAW) and in violence against Jews in diaspora, especially in Europe. Western attitudes toward military intervention in the Middle East have shifted and there is a return to isolationism in the US and the EU. It is also the case that the Jihadist groups threatening the US are mostly Sunni and are supported by Saudis. A new look at (Shia) Iran and a recalibration of American interests is the result of a confluence of factors.
This class will address the widespread political, military, and cultural impact of Al Qaeda's assault on the US in 2001, and the subsequent "War on Terror," including wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The last decade has witnessed an increase in public hostility directed toward Israel (BDS & IAW) and in violence against Jews in diaspora, especially in Europe. Western attitudes toward military intervention in the Middle East have shifted and there is a return to isolationism in the US and the EU. It is also the case that the Jihadist groups threatening the US are mostly Sunni and are supported by Saudis. A new look at (Shia) Iran and a recalibration of American interests is the result of a confluence of factors.
The Shift in American Foreign Policy
This class will discuss the current shift in American foreign policy toward Iran and away from its traditional Arab allies in the Middle East. The goal of improving relations with Iran has been popular in foreign policy circles for over a decade, and is often compared to Nixon's China policy. The reasons for this shift and the implications for the future will be our focus. The effects on Israeli-US relations will also be discussed.
The Debate About Iran's Nuclear Ambitions
Some argue that Benjamin Netanyahu and Israelis in general have manufactured a crisis with Iran to lead the US into another Middle East war. One hears many contradictory things about Iran today: Iran has no desire for nuclear weapons; they may already have a weapon; or they are close to testing one. Others say that Russia, China, and the Europeans will remove the sanctions against Iran regardless of an agreement because everyone wants to do business with Iran. The US President complains publicly that the only country in the world against the nuclear agreement is Israel. Our final class will discuss these arguments and current controversies.