Basij

Basij
Formation November 26, 1979 (1979-11-26) (Decreed)[1]
April 30, 1980 (1980-04-30) (Founded)[1]
Founder Ruhollah Khomeini[1]
Type Paramilitary volunteer militia[1]
Purpose Auxiliaries[1]
Fields Internal security, law enforcement, moral policing[1]
Commander
 Brig. Gen. Gholamhossein Gheybparvar
Parent organization
 None (1980–81)
Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (Since 1981)
Budget (1395 SH)
Increase $357.08 million[2]
Staff (2005)
90,000 (CSIS estimate)[1]
Volunteers (2009)
11.2 million (official data)[1]
600,000 available for mission[3]
Slogan "20,000,000 man army"[1]
Mission "To create the necessary capabilities in all individuals believing in the constitution and goals of the Islamic revolution to defend the country, the regime of the Islamic Republic, and aid people in cases of disasters and unexpected events"[1]
Website basij.ir

The Basij (Persian: بسيج‎‎, lit. "The Mobilization"), Niruyeh Moghavemat Basij (Persian: نیروی مقاومت بسیج‎‎, "Mobilisation Resistance Force"), full name Sāzmān-e Basij-e Mostaz'afin (Persian: سازمان بسیج مستضعفین‎‎, "The Organization for Mobilization of the Oppressed"),[4][5] is one of the five forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.[6] A paramilitary volunteer militia established in Iran in 1979 by order of Ayatollah Khomeini, leader of the Iranian Revolution, the organization originally consisted of civilian volunteers who were urged by Khomeini to fight in the Iran–Iraq War.[7]

It was an independent organization from inception until 17 February 1981, when it was officially incorporated into the Revolutionary Guards organization structure by the Iranian Parliament[8] in order to end the interservice rivalry between the two, according to Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani.[1]

Today the force consists of young Iranians who volunteer, often in exchange for official benefits. Basij serve as an auxiliary force engaged in activities such as internal security, law enforcement auxiliary, providing social services, organizing public religious ceremonies, policing morals, and suppression of dissident gatherings.[9][10] The force is named Basij; an individual member is called basiji.[11]

The Basij are subordinate to and receive their orders from the Iranian Revolutionary Guards and Khomeini, to whom they are known for their loyalty.[12][13] They have a local organization in almost every city in Iran.[14]

As of December 2016 Gholamhossein Gheybparvar is the commander of the Basij.[15][16] The force was often present and reacting to the widespread 2009 Iranian election protests.[17]

Basij in Political literature

According to one definition, it seems that Basij could be considered as a process in which a social group take the control of those sources were out of his domination before. If Basiij as a mobilization could go beyond of a solely group then it becomes as a movement. There is more importance on the interrelations among group and common culture. One of vital factors in Basij is having organization. Whatever the collective interrelations of a group would be steady Then there would be more chances for victory.[18]

History

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini called for the foundation of a youth militia in November 1979, during the Iranian Revolution.[4] The Basij was established on 30 April 1980.[11] It was open to those above the age of 18 and below the age of 45.

During the Iran–Iraq War hundreds of thousands volunteered for the Basij, including children as young as 12 and unemployed old men, some in their eighties. These volunteers were swept up in Shi'i love of martyrdom and the atmosphere of patriotism of the war mobilization. They were encouraged through visits to the schools and an intensive media campaign. The Basij may best be known for their employment human wave attacks which cleared minefields or draw the enemy's fire.[19] It is estimated that tens of thousands were killed in the process.

The typical human wave tactic was for Basijis (often very lightly armed and unsupported by artillery or air power) to march forward in straight rows. While casualties were high, the tactic often worked.[20]

According to Dilip Hiro, by the spring of 1983 the Basij had trained 2.4 million Iranians in the use of arms and sent 450,000 to the front.[21] In 1985 the IRNA put the number of Basijis at 3 million, quoting from Hojjatoleslam Rahmani.[4] Tehran Bureau estimates the peak number of Basijis at the front at 100,000 by December 1986.[11]

Army of the Guardians of
the Islamic Revolution

Command
Supreme Leader of Iran
Senior officers
Military Branches
Aerospace Force
Ground Forces
Navy
Quds Force
Basij
Intelligence agencies
Intelligence Organization
Intelligence Protection Organization
Personnel
Ranks insignia
Facilities
Imam Hossein University
Baqiyatallah University

Revival

According to the New York Times, after the spontaneous celebrations following Iran winning a spot in the 1998 FIFA World Cup, and the student protests in July 1999, the Islamic government felt that it had lost control of the streets, and reactivated the Basij.[12] Giving a slightly different timeline, GlobalSecurity.org reports that it was revived around 2005.[22]

The Iranian Government has drawn up a number of different plans to keep the Basij alive. Among these plans is the emphasis on ideas such as Development Basij (Basij-e-Sazandegi).[22] Along with the Iranian riot police and the Ansar-e-Hezbollah, the Basij have been active in suppressing student demonstrations in Iran. The Basij are sometimes differentiated from the Ansar in being more "disciplined" and not beating, or at least not being as quick to beat demonstrators.[23] Other sources describe the Ansar-e-Hezbollah as part of the Basij.[12]

Some believe the change in focus of the Basij from its original mission of fighting to defend Iran in the Iran-Iraq War to its current internal security concerns has led to a loss in its prestige and morale.[24]

2009 election protests

Mir Hussein Moussavi, opposition presidential candidate in 2009, decried violent attacks by the Basij during the 2009 Iranian election protests.[12] There have also been reports of poor performance by Basij after the 2009 election.[11] This was thought to be a reason for the replacement of commander Hossein Taeb and the Basij's formal integration into the Revolutionary Guards ground forces in October 2009.[11] Following the protests, Hojjatoleslam Hossein Taeb, commander of the Basij, stated that eight people were killed and 300 wounded in the violence.[25][26]

Syrian Civil War, 2011–present

A Western analyst believed thousands of Iranian paramilitary Basij fighters were stationed in Syria as of December 2013.[27] Syria's geopolitical importance to Iran and its role as one of Iran's crucial allies prompted the involvement of Basij militiamen in the ongoing Syrian Civil War. The Basij militia, similar to Hizballah fighters, work with the Syrian army against rebel forces. Such involvement poses new foreign policy challenges for a number of countries across the region, particularly Israel and Turkey as Iran's influence becomes more than just ideological and monetary on the ground in the Syrian conflict.[28][29] The Basij involvement in the Syrian Civil War reflects previous uses of the militia as a proxy force for Iranian foreign policy in an effort to assert Iranian dominance in the region[30] and frightens Salim Idriss, head of the Free Syrian Army.[31]

Organization and membership

Basij form the fifth branch of the Army of the Revolutionary Guard. It is organized into the Imam Hossein Brigades and the Imam Ali Brigades (which deal with security threats).[11] Subgroupings of the Basij include the Pupil Basij [Basij-e Danesh-Amouzi], the Student Basij [Basij-e Daneshjouyi], the University Basij, the Public Service Basij (Basij-e Edarii), and the Tribal Basij.[32] Tehran Bureau also lists a "Basij of the Guilds" (Basij-e Asnaf), and a "Labor Basij" (Basij-e Karegaran).[11] Estimates of the number of Basij vary, with its leadership giving higher figures than outside commentators. Official estimates are as high as 23.8 million.[33]

Commanders

The Basij is currently commanded by Mohammad Reza Naqdi, who replaced Hossein Taeb in October 2009.[32] Hossein Taeb was appointed commander of the Basij on 14 July 2008.[15][16]

The first deputy commander General Mirahmadi was formally installed on 4 September 2005. The Tehran commander is Seyyed Mohammad Haj Aqamir. The deputy Basij commander for Tehran, General Ahmad Zolqadr, was formally installed on 5 September 2005; the new Basij commander in Tabrizi, Brigadier General Mohammad Yusef Shakeri, on 29 September 2005.[22]

Name Tenure
Alireza Afshar 1990–1998
Mohammad Hejazi 1998–2007
Hossein Taeb 2007–2009
Mohammad Reza Naqdi 2009–2016
Gholamhossein Gheybparvar 2016–present

Duties and activities

According to Radio Liberty, by the end of the war, most of the Basijis left the service and were reintegrated back into their lives, often after years of being in the front.[32] By 1988 the number of Basij checkpoints dramatically decreased,[22] but the Basij were still enforcing the hijab, arresting women for violating the dress code, and arresting youths for attending mixed gender parties or being in public with unrelated members of the opposite sex.[34]

Duties vary by province. Basij are deployed against drug traffickers in the eastern border regions and smugglers in Hormuzgan and Bushehr, and on the border with Iraq.[35]

In 1988 college Basiji organizations were established on college campuses to fight "Westoxification" and potential student agitation against the government.[34]

The Ashura Brigades were created in 1993. These Islamic brigades were made up of both Revolutionary Guards and the Basij and by 1998 numbered 17,000.[4]

Benefits and profile of members

Benefits for members of the Basij reportedly include exemption from the 21 months of military service required for Iranian men, reserved spots in universities, and a small stipend.[12] Members of Basij are more likely than non-members to obtain government positions, especially security related positions within government controlled institutions. Many Iranians reportedly join Basij only to take advantage of the benefits membership and to get admission to university or as a tool to get promotion in government jobs.[36]

Politics

In theory the Basij are banned from involvement in politics by the Iranian constitution, but its leadership is considered active, particularly during and after the 2005 election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.[11] Supreme Leader Khamenei described Basij as "the greatest hope of the Iranian nation" and "an immaculate tree".[13]

In past elections militia members have voted for both hardliners and reformists. Former President Ahmadinejad enjoyed significant support from militia members, many of whom have benefited from his policies during his presidency.[37]

See also

Notes

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Robin B. Wright, ed. (2010), The Iran Primer: Power, Politics, and U.S. Policy, US Institute of Peace Press, pp. 62–65, ISBN 1601270844
  2. ↑ "Iran decreases IRGC budget for next year". AzerNews Newspaper. 18 January 2016. Retrieved 30 March 2016.
  3. ↑ Kenneth Katzman (6 February 2017), "Iran's Foreign and Defense Policies" (PDF), Congressional Research Service, Federation of American Scientists, p. 24, retrieved 1 March 2017
  4. 1 2 3 4 John Pike. "GlobalSecurity.org Intelligence: Mobilisation Resistance Force". Retrieved 10 November 2014.
  5. ↑ AEI Outlook Series: What Do Structural Changes in the Revolutionary Guards Mean? Archived 27 October 2011 at the Wayback Machine.
  6. ↑ Forozan, Hesam (2015), The Military in Post-Revolutionary Iran: The Evolution and Roles of the Revolutionary Guards, Taylor & Francis, pp. 56–58, ISBN 1317430735
  7. ↑ ""Basij Militia" (2 December 2011) The New York Times". Retrieved 10 November 2014.
  8. ↑ Alfoneh, Ali (2013), Iran Unveiled: How the Revolutionary Guards Is Transforming Iran from Theocracy into Military Dictatorship, AEI Press, p. 49
  9. ↑ Molavi, Afshin, The Soul of Iran, W. W. Norton, (2005), p. 88, 316–318
  10. ↑ Neil MacFarquhar (19 June 2009). "Shadowy Iranian Vigilantes Vow Bolder Action". New York Times. Retrieved 19 June 2009.
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 iran primer the basij resistance force by ALI ALFONEH, pbs.org, 21 October 2010
  12. 1 2 3 4 5 Basij Militia. NYT.com 19 June 2009
  13. 1 2 "Supreme Leader's Speech to Basij Members". Khamenei.ir. 3 May 2008. Archived from the original on 12 November 2013. Retrieved 8 April 2013.
  14. ↑ Molavi, Afshin, The Soul of Iran, W.W. Norton, (2005), p.88
  15. 1 2 Hosein Taeb Iran Rises. 30 August 2009. accessed 23-September-2009
  16. 1 2 "Iran’s unfinished crisis. Nazenin Ansari, 16 – 09 – 2009". openDemocracy. Retrieved 10 November 2014.
  17. ↑ "Amnesty urges Iran to stop using Basij militia". The Gazette. 23 June 2009. Retrieved 23 September 2009.
  18. ↑ Hossein Bashiriyeh,revolution and politically mobilization,p.78-81,ISBN 978-964-03-3702-8
  19. ↑ Khomeini: Life of the Ayatollah by Baqer Moin]
  20. ↑ Cited in: Erich Wiedemann, Mit dem Paradies-Schlüssel in die Schlacht, in: Der Spiegel, no. 31/1982, p. 93.
  21. ↑ Hiro, Dilip, Iran under the Ayatollahs, Routledge and Kegan, 1985, p.237
  22. 1 2 3 4 Iran: Paramilitary Force Prepares For Urban Unrest, September 2005 GlobalSecurity.org
  23. ↑ Molavi, The Soul of Iran (2005), p. 318
  24. ↑ The Christian Science Monitor. "Iran's angry young adults erupt in political protest 16.6.2003". The Christian Science Monitor. Retrieved 10 November 2014.
  25. ↑ Police, Basij 'imposters' arrested in Iran Archived 2 July 2009 at the Wayback Machine. PressTV, 29 June 2009
  26. ↑ Iran opposition says 72 died in post-poll unrest Reuters. 3 September 2009
  27. ↑ Iran boosts support to Syria, 21 February 2014
  28. ↑ "Iranian Forces on the Golan?". Jerusalem Center For Public Affairs. Retrieved 10 November 2014.
  29. ↑ Clarrification needed
  30. ↑ "The Arab world fears the 'Safavid'". Jerusalem Center For Public Affairs. Retrieved 10 November 2014.
  31. ↑ Gordon, Michael R. (21 May 2013). "Iran and Hezbollah's Support for Syria Complicates U.S. Strategy on Peace Talks". The New York Times.
  32. 1 2 3 "Iran's Basij Force – The Mainstay Of Domestic Security. 15 January 2009". RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty. Retrieved 10 November 2014.
  33. ↑ سردار نقدی در برنامه تلویزیونی «متن – حاشیه»:23 میلیون و 800 هزار نفر عضو بسیج هستند/ از کسی تا کنون شکایت نکرده ایم/ رابطه بسیج با این دولت مانند دولت قبل است, Fars news agency, November 23, 2015
  34. 1 2 Molavi, The Soul of Iran (2005), p. 89
  35. ↑ Iran's Basij Force – The Mainstay Of Domestic Security, By Hossein Aryan, RFERL, December 07, 2008
  36. ↑ McDowall, Angus (21 Jun 2009). "Iran's Basij force: the shock troops terrorising protesters". London: Daily Telegraph.
  37. ↑ "Profile: Basij militia force". BBC. 18 June 2009. Retrieved 27 June 2009.

Further reading

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