Ethno-religious policy of post-revolutionary Iran : the case of the Baloch-Sunni minority

Abstract

This study investigates the ethno-religious approach of the Islamic Republic of Iran. It specifically examines the ethno-religious policy of the Iranian government towards its Baloch-Sunni ethno-religious group and assesses the response of the Baloch-Sunni towards the ethno-religious policy of the Iranian government. Based on field work, purposive interviews, newspapers, and reports by reputable international “organizations”, it analyzes ethnic policies of “separation”, “accommodation”, and “assimilation”. The study found that, although Iran is a multi-religious and multi-ethnic country, its political system is deeply influenced by the Shia ideology and Persian nationalism. The political system uses an assimilationist approach and tries to assimilate the Baloch-Sunni into Shia Persian dominated ethno-religious group. This policy is resisted by the Baloch-Sunni ethno-religious group in many ways and, as such, its approach is a mixture of accommodation and separation. Although each segment of the Baloch-Sunni society is combatting the central government’s ethno-religious policy in its own way, there is a broad consensus to uphold its ethno-religious values. The study recommends that the Islamic Republic of Iran adopt a pluralistic approach toward its diverse ethno-religious groups in order to enhance national unity.