Adopting and Adapting a Liberal Concept: A Conservative Perspective

Abstract

In October 2010, the Deputy Interior Minister for Cultural and Social Affairs of Iran stated that “People-based organizations should not engage in political activities. They can criticize the administration organizations in their private sessions, but they should not undermine the administration in their media outlets” (“NGOs Should Shun Politics: Deputy Minister,” 2010). His statement was made during a meeting for nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), at which time he also proclaimed that the voluntary militia force, the Basij, is the country’s largest NGO.