Theocratic Iran is a very interesting but scary place. The mullahs control everything (even the President) and have their own army in case of unrest. To stand for the parliament, candidates have to be vetted and passed by the religious council. Any opposition in the public domain is stamped on brutally.
Despite all that I sensed, when I was there earlier this year, that many young Iranians are not happy with the regime. By the way the majority of the population is under 30 due to baby booms encouraged by the mullahs.
The next election is in 2013. Judging by the widespread unrest in 2009, I would not be surprised if the country blows up again. Young Iranians are well educated and keen to learn what is going on in the world. I am not sure if they will put up with things for too much longer.
Could be that Iran is sabre rattling to distract its population from high unemployment (over 30%) and the effects of embargoes by Europe and the USA.
