Iran's inability to globalize is impeded by various factors such as a traditional dominant government, a need to preserve sacred tradition, and an unwillingness to conform yet hope for a new Iran can be found in the hearts and minds of the upcoming generation.
Terrorism within Iran has increased exponentially following the revolution in 1979. In conjunction with this significant increase on a local scale, Iranian terrorist groups such as the Shiite’s are influencing and supporting terrorist factions within other countries such as Lebanon and Palestine. This rapid increase in terrorist groups throughout the world has posed a threat to globalization on a local and global scale. Adding to the already potent threat terrorism has on the more developed countries of the world is Iran’s recent acquisition of chemical weapons. While these weapons have not yet been administered to terrorist groups, Tehran, the capital of Iran, and current holder of the chemical weapons, has supported dozens of terrorist groups over the past several years (Brookings). This recent increase in terrorist activity along with the new technological advancements that enable them to become a greater threat have severely diminished Iran’s ability to globalize. The citizens of Iran, who desire a globalized society, are unable to modernize due to the fear instilled by these radical Islamic groups. The radical Muslims, who are in control of Iran, attempt to hinder the citizens of Iran’s attempts to westernize by using violence to instill fear in the people which in-turn have no choice but to obey their wishes. If these terrorist groups continue to grow in number and power, Iran and its people will continue to be oppressed and will never have the ability to globalize.
Jimbo Slice - The first thing that I disagree with in your posting is the classification of Shiites as a terrorist group. The difference between Sunni and Shiite religious sects can be compared, though simplified, to the schism between the Eastern and Western Churches. The only differences between the two are the views that, along the lineage of leaders, one disagreed with what the other believed as doctrinal. Shiites have a lack of allegiance to the fourth leader of Islam, Ali, while the Sunnis (typically considered conservative) disagree with this allegiance.
However, I agree with your observations about the influence of terrorist organizations within Iran itself. You make an important distinction that Iranian citizens are fearful of their well-being, should they stand against the typically oppressive regime that took hold of the country in the 70s following the fallout of globalized relations. It will take the cohesive effort of moderate Iranians to foster the change necessary to turn Iran into a safe, stable, and globalized society.
With that said, I do not believe that specifically Christian beliefs can be related to the situations hitherto outlined (yes, I just used the word "hitherto"). Christianity, as a whole, has typically shied away from the theories of globalization, because the religion is so broad in its scope and location. To solve these problems, one must take a primarily political, and not religious, stance on the solving of these issues.
Considering that Iran is predominantly Muslim, discussing terrorism it’s important to keep in mind jihad, the offering of oneself to Allah for His cause. They believe that every person should according to Islam prepare himself/herself for jihad and every person should eagerly and patiently wait for the day when Allah will call them to show their willingness to sacrifice their lives. Because of such poor relations between Iran and Western countries, Muslims see these countries as threats. Many terrorism groups take the idea of jihad to the extreme and act violently. To many morally conservative Muslims, the United States is viewed as the chief source of global corruption through its attempt to westernize the Middle East. The mindless rage of these groups lead people to believe that terrorist acts are morally justified as the only effective way to use jihad against what they view as the enemies of God. -Victoria
Jimmy I agree that terrorism is an extreme hindrance on globalizing Iran. I agree that it is through these terrorists, that change is being delayed because they strike fear into the reformists. Iran which is home to a large population of radical Muslims is a breeding ground for global destruction. The more that Iran can be linked to hosting these terrorists and radical groups, global businesses will not want to venture into Iran, nor will Iran be able to find support and aid from other already globalized countries. As far as the nuclear power that Iran is so strongly pushing for, I believe that the nuclear power could actually help them globalize, however the fear of Iran using the nuclear power to make weapons of mass destruction outweighs the good that could come from the abundant power supply. Especially with the fear of the radicals, the more Iran’s government pushes for nuclear power, the more the global economies have shunned them. The more the radicals push for nuclear efficiency and the capabilities to enrich uranium, the less globalized the country will be. I believe that is exactly what the radicals want. It is a catch 22; If Iran has nuclear efficiency, the enriched uranium can be turned into a weapon and the radicals could get their hands on it. If the United States does stop Iran from achieving nuclear competence then the Iranians will continue to push for it against America’s will and then they will get shunned economically and globally, which in either scenario the radicals win. I think the key to solving this problem is Iran needs to crack down on its radical groups. -Patrick
Jimmy, while I also agree that such terrorist activities are a hindrance to the advancement of Iran as a whole, I disagree with the idea that because of such interference Iran will not undergo any modernization. Rather, it seems that both the extremists as well as Ahmadinejad’s regime are working in favor of a sort of selective process of modernization. For example, while Ahmadinejad is suppressing his people and preventing them from advancing to the extent of his power, he is also working on an ever-growing nuclear program, which is clearly not a display of the suppression of western culture. It seems that westernization has become a tool with which these terrorist groups can further their power over both local as well as international populations. Due to this it is rather ironic that many of these terrorist cells openly address the West with hatred and malice, while the means with which they carry out some of their acts stem directly from Western technology. -Jeremy
to research, rationalize and reconcile the religious, social, and political issues within Iran in relation to its ability to conform to a globalized society
Jimbo Slice - The first thing that I disagree with in your posting is the classification of Shiites as a terrorist group. The difference between Sunni and Shiite religious sects can be compared, though simplified, to the schism between the Eastern and Western Churches. The only differences between the two are the views that, along the lineage of leaders, one disagreed with what the other believed as doctrinal. Shiites have a lack of allegiance to the fourth leader of Islam, Ali, while the Sunnis (typically considered conservative) disagree with this allegiance.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I agree with your observations about the influence of terrorist organizations within Iran itself. You make an important distinction that Iranian citizens are fearful of their well-being, should they stand against the typically oppressive regime that took hold of the country in the 70s following the fallout of globalized relations. It will take the cohesive effort of moderate Iranians to foster the change necessary to turn Iran into a safe, stable, and globalized society.
With that said, I do not believe that specifically Christian beliefs can be related to the situations hitherto outlined (yes, I just used the word "hitherto"). Christianity, as a whole, has typically shied away from the theories of globalization, because the religion is so broad in its scope and location. To solve these problems, one must take a primarily political, and not religious, stance on the solving of these issues.
Considering that Iran is predominantly Muslim, discussing terrorism it’s important to keep in mind jihad, the offering of oneself to Allah for His cause. They believe that every person should according to Islam prepare himself/herself for jihad and every person should eagerly and patiently wait for the day when Allah will call them to show their willingness to sacrifice their lives. Because of such poor relations between Iran and Western countries, Muslims see these countries as threats. Many terrorism groups take the idea of jihad to the extreme and act violently. To many morally conservative Muslims, the United States is viewed as the chief source of global corruption through its attempt to westernize the Middle East. The mindless rage of these groups lead people to believe that terrorist acts are morally justified as the only effective way to use jihad against what they view as the enemies of God.
ReplyDelete-Victoria
Jimmy I agree that terrorism is an extreme hindrance on globalizing Iran. I agree that it is through these terrorists, that change is being delayed because they strike fear into the reformists. Iran which is home to a large population of radical Muslims is a breeding ground for global destruction. The more that Iran can be linked to hosting these terrorists and radical groups, global businesses will not want to venture into Iran, nor will Iran be able to find support and aid from other already globalized countries. As far as the nuclear power that Iran is so strongly pushing for, I believe that the nuclear power could actually help them globalize, however the fear of Iran using the nuclear power to make weapons of mass destruction outweighs the good that could come from the abundant power supply. Especially with the fear of the radicals, the more Iran’s government pushes for nuclear power, the more the global economies have shunned them. The more the radicals push for nuclear efficiency and the capabilities to enrich uranium, the less globalized the country will be. I believe that is exactly what the radicals want. It is a catch 22; If Iran has nuclear efficiency, the enriched uranium can be turned into a weapon and the radicals could get their hands on it. If the United States does stop Iran from achieving nuclear competence then the Iranians will continue to push for it against America’s will and then they will get shunned economically and globally, which in either scenario the radicals win. I think the key to solving this problem is Iran needs to crack down on its radical groups.
ReplyDelete-Patrick
Jimmy, while I also agree that such terrorist activities are a hindrance to the advancement of Iran as a whole, I disagree with the idea that because of such interference Iran will not undergo any modernization. Rather, it seems that both the extremists as well as Ahmadinejad’s regime are working in favor of a sort of selective process of modernization. For example, while Ahmadinejad is suppressing his people and preventing them from advancing to the extent of his power, he is also working on an ever-growing nuclear program, which is clearly not a display of the suppression of western culture. It seems that westernization has become a tool with which these terrorist groups can further their power over both local as well as international populations. Due to this it is rather ironic that many of these terrorist cells openly address the West with hatred and malice, while the means with which they carry out some of their acts stem directly from Western technology.
ReplyDelete-Jeremy