The region is located in the southwest of Iran and is essential for the Iranian economy: about 60 percent of all oil is extracted there. “But the local population, an Arab minority, says they don’t notice much of this. People are highly dependent on agriculture and livestock and therefore say they benefit little from the economic importance of Khuzistan. And they have felt disadvantaged and discriminated against for some time,” he said. jafari.
High temperatures and little rain lead to drought and water shortages. But other causes are also mentioned: checkers and mismanagement. “The dams were built to reserve water for higher areas, but that means less flow south to Khuzistan. Rivers dry out there,” says Jafari. “In addition, industries have been set up in the middle of the country that cost a lot of water.” In addition, in Khuzistan, many people engaged in agriculture have built their own wells, causing the groundwater level to drop.
Corona also plays a part
Although the protests in Khuzistan started because of the drought, there is more discontent in Iran. For example, the country is unable to control the corona virus and is struggling with a fifth wave, there is a major economic crisis and political discontent. “The protests quickly turned to slogans against the regime,” says Mohr.
All those problems will be faced by the new president of Iran, Ibrahim Raisi, very soon for his choosing. On August 5, he officially takes over from President Rouhani. Raisi is considered ultra-conservative and loyal to the clergy. “He’s someone who doesn’t like this kind of unrest or protest at all,” Mohr said.
Both Jafari and Mohr say the new president is now blaming the old government for the mistakes. Jafari: “But most problems in Iran have been going on for much longer, also for Rouhani. It remains to be seen how Raisi will ensure peace in the country from next week.”
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