Shia theocracy

The first Shia theocracy in the 20th century was established in

Shah of Iran. The constitutional name of Iran was established as the Islamic Republic of Iran (Persian: جمهوری اسلامی ايران transliteration: Jomhuri-ye Eslāmi-ye Irān). Islam

is the state religion of the country.

Under the post-revolution Iranian constitution of 1979, Iran is government first and foremost by the

Council of Guardians are appointed by the Supreme Leader. The Assembly of Experts elects and dismisses the Supreme Leader on the basis of qualifications and popular esteem. [1]

The Assembly of Experts is responsible for supervising the Supreme Leader in the performance of legal duties.

The Islamic government of Iran attempted to export its radical form of Shi`ite Islam to other Middle Eastern countries such as Lebanon which led to the creation of Hezbollah.

The current Shi`ite controlled government in

Ayatollah Ali Sistani

.

The Sunni dominated government of Saddam Hussein heavily suppressed the Shi`ite majority who was persecuted under his regime.

Critics have pointed out that some elements of the Shi`ite controlled government such as the current Iraqi Interior Ministry have actively persecuted Iraqi Sunni's much like Saddam Hussein's security forces did to the Shi`ite government. This Shi`ite vendetta has created an environment which has led to the growth of the Sunni insurgency leading to many civilian deaths.