Is Iran a Democratic Country, Why or Why Not? in What Sense

1) Is Iran a democratic country, why or why not? In what sense

At face value, Iran seems to be democratic in its theocratic approach. 
The supreme leader or the Ayatollah runs the nation based on the Sharia; the moral code and religious law of Islam. It is all in all an Islamic nation that follows the Koran very religiously. 
But while making their decisions they do look out for their people and work for their welfare. Also, considering they have a President who is directly elected by the people, they seem to fit the description of a democracy. Hence at first, my opinion was divided.
Having said that, a deeper look into the dynamics of the Iranian government and constitution, proved that the balance, now swung in favour of the fact that Iran, is most definitely NOT a democracy.
Evidence for my belief, goes back several years. Before the Islamic revolution, the Shah of Iran was in charge and people did not have any effect on Governmental issues. Unfortunately, after the revolution, the remaining opposition which could have had a hand in ruling the country had been destroyed by the extremists of the current Islamic regime.
Another fundamental tenet of a democracy is the ability to choose one's leader. Article 113 of the Iranian Constitution states that, 'Next to the Leader, the President will be the highest official State authority who is responsible for the implementation of the Constitution'. Although the president may be elected by direct vote of the people, the Supreme Leader still has the ultimate say over everything. Therefore until Iranians can partake in universal suffrage to elect their Supreme Leader or an equivalent, Iran remains a dictatorship with limited individual freedom. This individual freedom appears to be severely compromised as there is evidence some Iranians have been persecuted and even killed for expressing themselves. The regime uses its people's votes to select a President who holds the regime's point of view, instead of allowing the people to choose a President who represents their own ideals. People in Iran do not have the right to argue or complain about the regime. The government controls the media further cutting its people off from the rest of the world. 
Another noteworthy point of interest is The Army of the Guardians of the Islamic Revolution often called Revolutionary Guard Corps, a branch of Iran's military, founded after the Iranian revolution. The regular military (artesh) defends Iran's borders and maintains internal order, according to the Iranian constitution, the Revolutionary Guard (pasdaran) is intended to protect the country's Islamic system.According to some outside observers, it is intended to prevent internal dissident and military uprisings. the deterrence caused by this Guard Corps has further curbed the people's rights to freedom of expression. The people lack the most important things a democracy ought to have freedom and security.


2) What is a revolution and why do they happen?

The dictionary defines a revolution as 'a forcible overthrow of a government or social order for a new system'.
I don't completely agree with that definition. To me, a revolution is when people portray discontent for the way they are treated, ruled or led. They embody a transition while hoping to start afresh. Revolutions cause people to unite and strive together for a common goal. Revolutions are the structural changes brought about, often by the common man and more often than not, leave their mark on history. Whether peaceful, political or aggressive, resolutions have always been the driving force behind those who desire change.
In the words of Thomas Jefferson, 'A little rebellion now and then is a good thing and is as necessary in the political world as storms in the physical'.
I believe that right now, we are in the middle of a great revolution, a revolution of information and mind-sets. With governments moving towards democracy and human rights being given much thought. What a successful revolution needs is passion, purpose and a plan and ultimately one has to be the change they wish to see.


3) If you could resolve one problem in the world which one would it be and why?

When I read this question, my mind started racing, energy crisis--nothing left for the future generations, human rights-- in light of Turkish protests, Syrian bombings, North Korean people being denied of food and defectors being ruthlessly murdered. Countries threatening to start a nuclear war. Raging piracy and terrorism hindering trade and development. Currencies falling and nations requiring to be bailed out with million dollar debts. 
I finally decided to choose the most basic problem one could think of and I believe that solving this basic issue could help solve all others.
Mahatma Gandhi once said, “There are people in the world so hungry, that God cannot appear to them except in the form of bread.” 
If I had to resolve one problem in the world, it would be the issue of hunger and malnutrition. This problem has several effects on the various avenues of development of a country and the world at large. From its most obvious effect on health to its effect on economies, politics and growth, world hunger is by far, the worst issue we face today. With one in seven of the earth’s inhabitants going hungry, hunger is the key global challenge of our time. Apart from the immediate suffering that it causes to the millions without enough food, hunger is also holding back progress on such social issues as health and education. Hunger and malnutrition are in fact the number one risk to the health worldwide — greater than AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined.
Among the key causes of hunger are natural disasters, conflict, poverty, poor agricultural infrastructure and over-exploitation of the environment.
Hunger does not only weigh on the individual. It also imposes a crushing economic burden on the developing world. Economists estimate that every child whose physical and mental development is stunted by hunger and malnutrition stands to lose 5-10 percent in lifetime earnings.
Yet, no scientific breakthroughs are needed to solve hunger. The knowledge, tools and policies that we have in the world today, combined with political will, can solve this problem. Solving this, will help eradicate so many more challenges that plague our world.