Suppressing Independent Organizations

In addition to organizing its supporters into numerous networks, the Islamic Republic has long suppressed groups inside and outside the country that might in any way bolster opposition to the regime.44 This goes beyond overt and covert repression of active opposition movements such as the Mujahedin-e Khalq and the Freedom Movement of Iran (Nehzat-e Azadi-e Iran)—Tehran has also sought to undermine any social and cultural groups that could eventually pose a challenge. To achieve this goal, the regime pervasively represses civil society organizations and prevents individuals from establishing independent groups.45

http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/uploads/Documents/pubs/PolicyFocus125Golkar.pdf

Scholar Saeid Golkar’s publication has more to say as its works through what he views as Ayatollah’s Kahmenei’s core threat dimensions: threats from below, above, and external.

Next: Washington Institute senior fellow Mehdi Khalaji, who has been working on a biography about Ayatollah Kahmenei, provides his brief on politics inside Iran (delivered June 7, 2013).

TWI source: Golkar, Saeid and Mehdi Khalaji.  “The Islamic Republic’s Will to Survive: Likely Nuclear Resistance, Unlikely Social Revolt.”  The Washington Institute, June 12, 2013.

It appears operating a totalitarian state requires an expansive worry — or perhaps an “operating paranoia”, if you will — to ensure all opposition has been contained and channeled.  Whether or not all such have been contained and channeled, to judge from Golkar’s brief layout of regime security concerns, all the worries have been covered.  Especially chilling:

To counter external threats, the Islamic Republic has expanded its presence throughout the world, especially in the backyard of its perceived enemies, the United States and Israel. This includes maintaining influence in Syria, Lebanon, Cuba, Venezuela, and Bolivia. In shaping this resistance axis, the regime seeks to challenge America and Israel while also deterring them from attacking Iran . . . Western governments typically try to establish a process for disarming, demobilizing, and reintegrating militant groups. Tehran’s goal is the exact opposite — it tries to integrate, mobilize, and arm the people.

Other Reference

Ayed, Nahlah.  “Iran election: Why Canada will be watching closely.”  CBC News, June 12, 2013.

BBC.  “Iran after Ahmadinejad: The election in 90 seconds.”  Video.  June 12, 2013.

Dehghan, Saeed Kamali.  “Iran elections: death of Neda Agha-Soltan haunts voters.  The Guardian, June 13, 2013.  The reference includes a casualty list, compiled by Masih Alinejad, from the 2009 protests.