The book the Baloch in Post Islamic Revolution Iran: A Political Study which was published in April 2010 was my sixth book. As the title suggests, this book is a political study of the Iranian Balochistan from 1979 to 2008.
It is organized into six chapters. In brief, chapter one contextualizes the Baloch question. It deals with the political culture of Baloch, their system of empirical beliefs, expressive symbols, and values which defines the situation in which political action takes place. It also discusses Reza Shah’s British supported military coup which established him as the Shah of Iran in 1925; as well as, his military encounter in 1928 with Doust Mohammad Khan Baranzai (ruler of the western or Iranian Balochistan). The chapter explains why majority of Baloch lacked a comprehension of actual state of political life and values in politics and why for years they remained in a passive state of affairs.
Chapter two presents the demographic profile of Baloch in Iran. It explains the educational and occupational status of Baloch and describes their social institutions like societal norms and religious faith. As far as the educational and occupational status of Iranian Baloch is concerned, the chapter compares the developmental policies of Pahlavi regime with that of the Islamic Republic. It explains and points out some of the reasons for the Baloch's highest rate of illiteracy in Iran.
Chapter three describes the political status of Baloch after the Islamic revolution in Iran. Therefore, the focus is on a brief analytical study of the constitutional structure, constitutional status of the Iranian Baloch, and their socio-political status in Iran. The chapter talks about the centralization of power in the Islamic Republic of Iran. In this regard, a number of major political institutions of the Islamic Republic, such as the Islamic consultative assembly, guardian council, leadership, and the revolutionary guards are referred to. It goes on to assess the status of the Baloch elite of Iran --- the tribal masters and chiefs who constitute the chieftaincy group; the mullah (Sunni cleric) and religious instructors who constitute the Sunni clergy group; and the intelligentsia, academicians, doctors, state employees, managers, and politicians who constitute the educated group.
The thrust of chapter four is to investigate those developments undertaken by the Islamic Republic towards the Baloch in economic, social, cultural, and political spheres. The chapter compares Balochistan of pre-1979 revolution with the Balochistan of post-1979 revolution and explains how the entire composition of Balochistan comparatively changed for good in post-Islamic revolution. It also compares Balochistan with other provinces in Iran, which has failed to keep up with the rest of the country in agricultural, industrial, and commercial developments. The chapter refers to the various public and private projects and reports undertaken by different organizations, such as the administration & planning organization of Sistan & Balochistan.
Chapter five studies the nature of Baloch politics in Iran which has been discussed in four phases. The first phase deals with Baloch politics before the Islamic revolution. The second section focuses on major political developments that occurred within the first decade of the Islamic Republic. The third part is concerned with politics in the second decade of the Islamic Republic. And, the final part touches upon the major political developments undertaken in the third decade of the Islamic Republic. The chapter deals with the issue of why majority of Baloch live under the supremacy of their religious elders. It also discusses the form of political participation of the Baloch in Iran.
Chapter six or the final chapter has been organized into the following parts. The first focuses on the outcome of religious political developments in Balochistan, on how religion has been politicized. The second examines the major socio-political demands of Baloch, to what extent their demands have been fulfilled by central government. The third deals with the concept of national unity and Islamic integrity; to what extent this policy has been successful. The fourth looks at Iran's mono-ethnic approach towards the Baloch. The fifth refers to the emergence of recent Baloch insurgency, what lies behind politics of insurgency. The sixth explores the political inclination of the Baloch --- do they prefer autonomy or looking for independence. The seventh concentrates on the effects of global communication over political developments in Balochistan. The eighth section presents a hypothesis on the future of Baloch politics under the Islamic Republic of Iran. And, the final section deals with a proposal to the problem. Finally, the study ends with the conclusions by reviewing the book briefly.
The language I used in this book is very simple and easy. The book has been assessed by a number of Iranians, Indians, Pakistanis, and Western experts. Some of these experts have strongly criticized the structure of the book, and some of them have appreciated the entire work. Whatsoever, I have presented my own justifications to those who have criticized the book. Of course, I have also accepted and welcomed some of the suggestions given by the critics. The publication which was printed in April 2010 is of limited copies and so cannot be found easily. However, few numbers are available in some of the libraries of the departments/universities in Pune of India and at few universities in Balochistan of Iran.
Ahmad Reza Taheri
Dr. Narayan Bhosale: As long as our recorded history tells, peoples of the world have always suffered from despotic, repressive, and dogmatic attitudes or actions of few ignorant self-interested rulers. These rulers could be monarchs, kings, queens, tribal chiefs, bishops, clerics, etc.
Our history tells us that how people were tortured to death simply because of having different attitudes towards religion or God. It tells us that how poor women were killed because of the arrogant behavior of men. Our history also reminds us, "we" as states and societies, so many times, reformed our own laws to live better. Unfortunately, because of the narrow-mindedness of our elders/rulers/politicians, so many lives sacrificed for nothing.
However, fortunately, many societies initiated reforms for the good of humanity. They fought despotism through reforms. Yet, many others are in the process of reforms.
Even today, despite developments in technology and communication, immature societies can be found everywhere, especially in the developing world. Women as one major section of the society are suffering from this cultural immaturity. In a class society, for women, there are two types of exploitation known as "class" and "patriarchy." In a caste system like India, there are three types of exploitation, such as "class", "patriarchy", and "caste." The same more or less can be true with a Muslim society like Balochistan (as is one of the issues of concern) where sources of women exploitation are "patriarchy" and "religious fundamentalism."
Well, in order to reform our closed societies, we need to reform ourselves first. There are many factors, which without fighting them we cannot reform ourselves. These can be found between the lines in this book.
This book follows a descriptive analytical approach, which is a collection of selected works (2007-2009) of Ahmad Reza Taheri, an Iranian academician. The author, in the beginning, deals with his own traditional society of Balochistan in which for thousands of years has not been reformed. He then deals briefly with the problems of the (Muslim) developing world by reviewing their political developments. He is critical of the developing world on the issue of "world politics" and blames not the western powers, but the developing world itself for providing such an atmosphere. The author also tries to relate the role of humanities in the development of human character by referring to the contemporary developments.
In short, as a very good attempt, this book tries to fight dogmatism. It should be noted, this present work under various parts/sections is mainly designed to explain and analyze the social problems of the Islamic world. I indeed congratulate Ahmad Reza Taheri for this excellent work.
Dr. Narayan Bhosale (PhD History)
A Post-Doctoral Fellow at Indian Council of Historical Research, New-Delhi,
And
Research Associate at the Yashwantrao Chavan National Center of International Security & Defense Analysis,
University of Pune,
Pune, India
December 2009
About the Textbook
The present publication is mainly an exam-oriented booklet, which can give the students of political science a good analysis and treatment of the topic, a basic knowledge of the primary material, a logical development of ideas, and a clear expression on the constitutional process in India.
As a matter of fact, this textbook is based on the academic syllabus (po-c 3: constitutional process in India) of the department of politics & public administration of Pune university (DPPAPU) for the post graduate students of the same discipline.
Therefore, according to the syllabus, for the purpose of exam, the following issues are discussed in brief: nature of the Indian constitution: achievements of the constituent assembly --- democracy and active state; fundamental rights and directive principles: judiciary and fundamental rights, individual and group rights. Relations between fundamental rights and directive principles; federalism: strong center framework; centre-state relations - sarkaria commission recommendations; executive: president and prime minister; role of governor; legislature: role of the parliament, committee system, office of the speaker, the idea of electoral reforms; and, judiciary: judicial activism.
As pointed earlier, the present textbook is a useful study especially for the post graduate students of DPPAPU. In fact, from 2004 till today (2009) this booklet, in the form of notes, has been referred to by many foreign (postgraduate) students particularly the Iranians in the aforementioned department, as well as, in the SP College (affiliated to the university of Pune). And, it can be used by students until major changes emerge in the syllabus.
The method of collecting these materials are mainly based on the lectures of Rajeshwari Deshpande (a PhD and a reader at DPPAPU) during the academic year of 2004 when I myself was a post graduate (2004-2006) student of DPPAPU in India. However, equally important for the collection of materials are the different references, which have been mentioned in the end of the textbook.
Ahmad Reza Taheri
©All Rights Reserved
Lulu Online Publication
ISBN #: 978-0-557-19154-3
Printed in India by Ajay Copiers, Pune - 411016, India.
June-2009
About the Book
This book is divided into nineteen sections; each of them deals with various topics on business. Four major themes of the book are concerned with a primary study of industry, commerce, marketing, and business communication.
At first, the book explains an introduction of business. What is the concept of business and how business is different from other closely associated terms such as trade and commerce? What are the major objectives of business?
Secondly, it goes on to industry. It explains industrial classification, components of industry, and industrial process.
Thirdly, it focuses on commerce and its important role, and then on commercial functions and electronic commerce.
Fourthly, concept of marketing, marketing mix, business organizations, and commercial correspondence are debated in brief.
Finally, the book ends with the different types of business letters and a number of sample letters.
This book is especially designed for a primary and general understanding of business. Therefore, everything is directed towards providing reader with a primary study of business.
The present book is based entirely on library work. The material for this book was collected from secondary sources and references while staying in Pakistan (1997-2002) as a student of commerce during my post-graduation (M.Com) in the Department of Commerce, University of Sindh.
Ahmad Reza Taheri
Pune – India
09-01-2007
Title of the book: Business: Introduction & Concept
Author: Ahmad Reza Taheri
Publisher: Nashr-e Roosta
Quantity: 1000
First Edition: 2001 – Printing House of Sistan & Balochistan University – Zahedan - Iran. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the permission in writing of the author.
16000 Rials
ISBN: 964-93423-0-3
www.ahmadrezataheri.org
درباره کتاب
جامعه شناسی روستایی جزء یکی از تخصصهای رشته علوم اجتماعی یا علوم انسانی بشمار میرود. یکی از مهمترین مسائلی که میبایست دولت بدان توجه نماید بحث توسعه روستایی است. در کشورهای توسعه نیافته یا در حال توسعه به علت عدم اجرای برنامه ریزی صحیح در ارتقاء سطح کیفی زندگی مردم مهاجرت روستائیان به شهرها به طور قابل ملاحظه ای افزایش یافته است که موجبات رشد شهرنشینی و بروز مسائل و ناهنجاریهای روانی، اجتماعی، فرهنگی و اقتصادی را فراهم آورده است.
بررسی علل مهاجرت روستائیان به شهرها که موجبات رکود اقتصادی بخصوص در بخشهای کشاورزی و دامداری را فراهم می آورد و راهکارهای رشد و توسعه روستایی، قطعا نیاز به تحقیقات وسیع دارد که میتواند دولت را در برنامه ریزی و سیاستگذاریهای اقتصادی، اجتماعی و فرهنگی جامعه روستایی یاری نماید.
نگاهی مختصر به جامعه شناسی روستایی ایران حاصل گرد آوری مطالب مختلف در طول یک ترم تدریس در دانشکده کشاورزی و منابع طبیعی شهرستان سراوان میباشد. برای تهیه "نگاهی مختصر به جامعه شناسی روستایی ایران" از چندین منابع درسی همانطور که در پایان نیز اشاره شده، استفاده شده است. منابع مورد استفاده شده در این کتابچه در واقع شامل کتابهایی هستند که اکثر دانشگاهها یا مراکز آموزش عالی ایران جهت تدریس در رشته مربوطه به آنها مراجعه میکنند.
همچنین فهرست بندی این کتابچه بر اساس برنامه درسی دانشکده کشاورزی و منابع طبیعی سراوان، دانشگاه سیستان و بلوچستان طراحی شده که در اصل برای دانشجویان ترم اول دوره کارشناسی کشاورزی تنظیم شده است. در این کتابچه به مطالب بطور ساده و خلاصه پرداخته شده بطوریکه عموم مردم بتوانند جهت ارتقاء اطلاعات عمومی خود در رابطه با جامعه روستایی ایران از این کتابچه استفاده نمایند.
لازم به ذکر است که کتابچه حاضر به مفهوم کامل بودن مطالب نمیباشد بلکه در این کتابچه بطور مختصر به مسائلی چون طبقات، قشرها، و گروههای اجتماعی، علل و ریشه های اصلاحات ارضی، جامعه روستایی ایران پس از اصلاحات ارضی تا زمان انقلاب اسلامی، پیدایش شرکتهای تعاونی بعنوان نظام های جدید بهره برداری از زمین، خانواده روستایی و نقش زن و مرد، اصلاحات ارضی بعد از انقلاب اسلامی، پیدایش زندگی کوچ نشینی و تعاریف و دیدگاه های مطرح در رابطه با کوچ نشینی، پراکندگی کوچ نشینان در جهان و ایران، نقش عشایر ایران در تاریخ معاصر و فرهنگ کشور، چگونگی کوچ در بین عشایر ایران و مشکلات عشایر ایران، و در پایان، به راهکارهای مطلوب جهت حمایت و کمک به جامعه عشایری ایران، پرداخته شده است.
احمد رضا طاهری
چهارشنبه بیست و هفتم آذر 1387
پونا، هندوستان
ABOUT THE BOOK
It goes without saying that cultivation of the soil, growing and harvesting crops, and breeding and raising livestock, dairying, and forestry, all in all, are among the major signs of a rural society. In other words, agriculture is the major occupation of the rural society.
Although agriculture historically was the most important sector of Iran’s economy, its share of the gross domestic product (GDP) has been declining since the 1930s due to the rise of manufacturing.
Iran’s agricultural sector contributed 12 percent of the GDP in 2002 and employed 23 percent (1996) of the labor force. Unfortunately, the total agricultural production fails to meet domestic food requirements, making substantial imports necessary.
As a matter of fact, a major blow to the agricultural set up of Iran was the dictated policy of Land Reforms which was executed by Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi. Since then agriculture failed to stand on its own feet, and hence gradually it began to produce its direct or indirect effects not only over the Iranian rural society rather on the entire economy.
This book deals with a brief outline of Iran's Rural Sociology. It is classified into sixteen headings which discusses the following issues in brief.
Firstly, it explains a short history about the emergence of rural sociology as a discipline. It defines rural sociology, its relation with other disciplines, and its emergence in Iran as a field of study. The booklet also focuses on the aims and objectives of rural sociology and the role of rural sociologists.
Secondly, it describes different rural classes and social groups in Iran, as well as, explains the characteristics of rural family and the role of rural man and woman within the family. It also touches upon the issue of rural social norms and social institutions such as marriage and polygamy. The role of rural people in the contemporary history of Iran, as well as, their typical culture is also taken into account.
Thirdly, what are the roots and causes of land reforms in Iran and how was the situation within the rural society of Iran before and after the land reforms till the Islamic revolution of 1979. It also explains land reforms policy in post-Islamic revolution.
Fourthly, the booklet highlights some major problems of the Iranian rural society such as poverty which is a major social matter in Iran, though the government provides low-income families with various subsidies for food, fuel, and utilities. Or for instance, health care services which remain inadequate in rural areas.
Finally, it gives a number of suggestions to overcome the problems related to the rural society of Iran.
Ahmad Reza Taheri
Published in December 2008
Pune – India
