In a tragic incident that drew international sympathy, a helicopter crash resulted in the deaths of President Ibrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Amir Hossein Abdullahian, the Friday Imam of Tabriz Ayatollah Al Hashem, East Azerbaijan Governor Malek Rahmati, and several members of the Revolutionary Guard. The helicopter crashed in South Azerbaijan while the officials were traveling from Azerbaijan to Tabriz.
Although the crash did not occur recently, its causes remain a topic of debate. Some attribute it to external factors, while others cite internal power struggles. This incident underscores the broader context of political dynamics within Iran.
Historically, nations around the world have varied forms of governance—absolute monarchies, constitutional monarchies, or democratic presidencies. Iran itself transitioned from an absolute monarchy during the Qajar era to a constitutional monarchy before evolving into a republic post-revolution. Under Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Iran experienced significant political changes, culminating in the Islamic Revolution, which sought to replace the Shah's regime with a system that preserved elements of constitutional monarchy while embracing revolutionary ideals.
The shift from the Shah's rule to the Islamic Republic required internal stability to avoid civil unrest. The previous regime's intelligence efforts to maintain control through repression failed, leading to the rise of Imam Khomeini as a unifying figure. Khomeini's concept of Wilayat Al Faqeeh (Guardianship of the Jurist) was intended to provide a framework for democratic governance under religious guidance, though it evolved into a system where the jurist held substantial power.
The theory of Wilayat Al Faqeeh is rooted in Twelver Shiite jurisprudence, where the absence of the hidden Imam Mahdi necessitated a representative to lead the community. This role has historically been contentious, with debates over the extent of the jurist's authority.
By the late 19th century, calls for constitutional reform in Iran brought together various national movements, including religious figures like Shaikh Al-Naini, who advocated for the jurist's involvement in politics. The 1979 revolution further entrenched the role of the Guardian Jurist, a position solidified by Khomeini's writings and teachings.
Post-revolution, the selection and powers of the Guardian Jurist became subjects of debate. Should the jurist be appointed or elected by the Council of Experts? Should the position be held by an individual or a consultative body? These questions were partially resolved by the new constitution, which granted extensive powers to the Guardian Jurist, overshadowing the president's role.
In contemporary Iran, the political landscape has shifted towards conservatism. The Guardian Jurist, with significant influence over state matters, is a focal point of both domestic and international concern. Speculations about succession, particularly following Raisi's death, highlight the uncertainties surrounding the future of Iranian leadership.
The helicopter crash that killed Ibrahim Raisi has intensified these concerns. With Iran playing an active role in global affairs and facing internal economic and political challenges, the nation's stability remains precarious. The international community continues to watch closely as Iran navigates this complex and turbulent period.
Translated by Badr al Dahafri. The original version of the article was published in Arabic in Oman newspaper on May 28.
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