Following the current political changes in Iran Association of Iranian Researchers
dedicated its twenty third gathering to discussions about 'Civil Society' - its fifth
gathering since 1996 on this particular subject. This was held in Berlin on 11 April 1998.
The conference was opened by a welcome speech by Ms Roya Kashefi, public relations manager
for ACI. Dr Ladjevardi in his opening speech talked more about the activities of ACI and
its aims and objectives. He also announced the opening of ACI's fourth international
office in Berlin and introduced Dr Mehdi Rosefid.
Panel one - Chair: Dr Mehdi Rosefid.
Speakers: Darius Homayoun, Parviz Dastmalchi, and Ahmad Tahmasebi
Panel two - Chair: Professor Nasser Kanani.
Speakers: Mehdi Khanbaba-Tehrani, Hooshang Vazirie, Hossein Ladjevardi, and Ali Reza
Nourizadeh
Darius Homayoun - In his paper Darius Homayoun talked about the history
of civil society in Iran. He pointed out the notion of Civil Society is not new to Iran
and its history goes back thousands of years since the talk of civil society is no
different to the need for social justice which has been on the forefront of all
ideologies. He believes constitutionalism to be the same as needing a civil society and
referred the movements in Iran during the past 100 years. He believes the call for
establishment of a civil society instead of constitutionalism is a result of social
pressure and oppression.
Parviz Dastmalchi - His speech began by a comprehensive description of
what a civil society and its establishment in Iran means. He then went on to explain the
present political structure and demonstrated that under the present regime with its
limitations the establishment of civil society is not likely. He emphasised the
centralisation of power to the Vali Faghih and principally 4% of the clerics who believe
in 12 Imam Shi'ism. He explained that in a system which derives its legitimacy from God
and not the people and only sees itself answerable to God, human needs and values which
are an essential component of a civil society do not count and are therefore worthless.
Dr Ahmad Tahmasebi - His talk centered on the basis for a civil society
in Iran. He believes that the framework for a civil society is already in place in Iran.
He pointed out the political progress in Iran since the Constitutional Revolution almost a
100 years ago and how the Qajar King, Mozafaredin Shah, had to submit to the freedom
movement and sign the reformed constitution. Dr Tahamsebi recognises this as a peak in our
contemporary history but asks why all freedom movements have failed for one reason or
other and does not believe revolutions to be the answer to any problem. He believes that a
healthy society can progress with reform and continued growth.
Mehdi Khanbaba-Tehrani - His talk was based on the realistic acceptance
of the present situation in Iran and the recent moves by the people as demonstrated in May
97's presidential elections. He believes the election to be a victory for the people of
Iran after twenty years in choosing change and saying a definite 'NO' to the Velayat
Faghih. He believes the people have found their way and are moving in that direction. This
must popular movement must be supported by everyone including the opposition groups
outside Iran who should co-ordinate their actions with the people of Iran. He believes
that in the past oppositions leaders outside Iran have made mistakes that should not be
repeated.
Hooshang Vazirie - He started his talk by saying that a civil society cannot be
established like a limited company with share ownership. He believes a civil society is one
based on a healthy economic-political-social infrastructure which then follows its natural
development and progress. He believes that since the constitutional reform of almost 100 years
ago to the end of the Pahlavi regime stress was placed on the economy and administration of the
society instead of founding a real base for political and ideological growth that. He believes
this to have produced negative consequences, the Revolution of 1979 to be one of them. He
concluded that the Islamic Revolution did not bring democracy to the people of
Iran, but has readied the people of Iran for
democracy
Dr Hossein Ladjevardi - Started his speech by pointing out the periods of
excitement and agitation in our contemporary history. He added that we Iranians seem to be
forgetful and do not seem to remember our own actions. We forget that it was us who saw the
image of Reza Shah in the 'moon' when he restored order to
Iran. It was us who during
Mohamad Reza Shah's visit to Shiraz lifted up and carried his bus over our heads in sheer joy. We seem to forget our
actions over Mossadeq and our excitement in Ayatollah Khomeini's return to
Iran in 1979 and now some curse the day. He believes
that all these caused by our emotions and not our logic. To be successful we must allow our
logic to rule free from hatred bias and prejudice. He then pointed out the duties of each
generation in building the future of Iran.
Dr Ali Reza Nourizadeh - Recent changes in
Iran and the internal power struggle amongst the
ruling groups in Iran was the basis of Dr Nourizadeh's paper. By explaining the political
changes in Iran that are particularly because of the religious identity of the system he pointed
out that the need for establishment of civil society in Iran has arisen as a result of the
oppressive rule by a small minority of clerics. He stressed the need and the call for a civil
society is by everyone including a major part of religious establishment and not exclusive to
the thinkers and scholars.
