Abstract
The article delves deeply into the socio-political dimensions of the Baha’i Faith, with a critical examination of its campaign “Our Story is One,” launched in 2023 by the Baha’i International Community. This campaign and related events are analyzed in the broader context of the Baha’i community’s historical and contemporary interactions with civil society and governance, particularly in Iran. The analysis includes the Baha’i community’s historical interactions with political and social movements, their strategic use of international platforms, and the implications of their actions on public perception.
The Baha’i community’s response to the political unrest in Iran was shown during the latter half of 2022 first keep in a vage silence with a famouse Motto of the Baha’i leadership that discouraged the Baha’is direct participation in the protests. But as the unrest continued, they permitted Baha’is to join the demonstrations group.
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Historical Context and the Baha’i’s Political Stance
The article explores the Baha’i community’s principle of political non-involvement and its impact on its image. Historically, this approach has led to accusations of having covert political agendas or failing to support societal causes.
The Baha’i community is described as highly organized, operating under a centralized administrative structure that oversees its members’ religious and socio-political activities.
Despite claiming non-political motives, critics argue that the community has aligned itself with international powers, leading to tensions with both governments and civil society in Iran.
The article critiques the Baha’i leadership’s approach as being primarily self-serving, aimed at preserving its internal structure rather than addressing broader societal needs.
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The Campaign “Our Story is One”
Launched in 2023, the campaign commemorates ten Baha’i women executed in Iran in 1983 for their faith. It seeks to honor their legacy and connect with ongoing struggles for gender equality.
Objectives:
The campaign is portrayed as part of a broader strategy to spotlight the Baha’i community’s history of persecution and frame it within global human rights narratives.
Timing and Context:
The campaign coincided with significant socio-political unrest in Iran, such as the “Women, Life, Freedom” protests following Mahsa Amini’s death. The article questions whether the campaign was opportunistic, seeking to capitalize on the heightened global attention to Iranian human rights issues.
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Relationship with Civil Society
The article critically assesses the Baha’i community’s selective engagement with civil society and human rights issues:
Selective Advocacy:
The Baha’i leadership is criticized for seeking solidarity from other groups during its struggles while not reciprocating in equal measure. For instance, while advocating for the rights of its community members, the Baha’i administration often remains silent on broader societal injustices.
Inaction on Broader Causes:
The article highlights instances where the Baha’i leadership avoided taking a clear stand on issues such as the plight of Palestinians, attributing this to its strategic interests in maintaining ties with Israel.
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Non-Involvement in Political Movements
The article highlights the internal debates within the Baha’i community regarding its approach to political engagement during moments of social unrest:
Mahsa Amini Protests:
Following the death of Mahsa Amini, widespread protests erupted across Iran. While many young Baha’is were eager to participate, the leadership reaffirmed its principle of non-involvement in politics.
Contradictions in Practice:
The Baha’i leadership’s stance allowed individual members to act on personal discretion, creating confusion and revealing inconsistencies in its policy. Critics argue that this approach prioritizes the community’s safety over solidarity with national movements.
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Nine-Year Plan and Strategic Goals
The article situates recent Baha’i actions within the framework of the “Nine-Year Plan” initiated in 2021 by the Universal House of Justice (Baha’i leadership):
Focus on Community Building:
The plan emphasizes internal development and “community-building” initiatives as central to the Baha’i Faith’s mission.
Engagement with Society:
The plan calls for greater public engagement and participation in “social discourse,” which critics interpret as a strategy to expand influence rather than foster genuine collaboration with civil society.
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Global Advocacy and Relations with Opponents
The article highlights the Baha’i community’s dual approach to advocacy:
Leveraging International Platforms:
The Baha’i administration uses its presence in global forums to spotlight its plight, which some view as instrumental in securing privileges rather than advancing universal rights.
Collaboration with Opposition Groups:
During the recent unrest in Iran, the Baha’i leadership sought to strengthen ties with opposition groups abroad. This included engaging with exiled political figures and participating in discussions on post-regime change scenarios in Iran.
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Strategic Interactions with the Iranian Opposition
The article discusses the Baha’i leadership’s calculated outreach to Iranian opposition groups, particularly in the diaspora:
Engagement with Monarchists:
The leadership engaged with monarchist factions, including hosting members of the Pahlavi family at the Baha’i holy sites in Haifa. This is interpreted as an effort to align with influential opposition factions and secure a role in post-regime Iran.
Symbolic Acts:
Such interactions were framed as symbolic gestures of solidarity but also faced criticism for being opportunistic.
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Missteps and Backlash
The article highlights several controversies and miscalculations by the Baha’i leadership:
Delayed Response:
The leadership’s slow reaction to support national protests alienated many, including younger members of the community.
Perceived Opportunism:
Efforts to link contemporary movements to the legacy of Baha’i martyrs, such as Tahirih (a 19th-century figure advocating for women’s rights), were seen as attempts to co-opt the broader struggle for gender equality.
Factional Tensions:
Internal divisions within the Baha’i community, particularly between traditionalists and progressive elements, surfaced during these events.
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Conclusion: A Critique of Strategy
The article concludes by critiquing the Baha’i leadership’s socio-political strategy as overly self-serving and disconnected from broader societal needs:
The leadership’s focus on safeguarding the community’s interests has undermined its credibility among other groups advocating for justice and equality.
By prioritizing its organizational goals, the Baha’i community risks alienating allies and perpetuating perceptions of opportunism in the socio-political arena.
Conclusion
This expanded summary captures the article’s critical analysis of the Baha’i Faith’s socio-political strategies, its campaign, and its interactions with civil society and opposition groups. It highlights tensions between the Baha’i community’s principles and its actions, drawing attention to both internal debates and external perceptions. The Baha’i community’s actions during the recent political unrest in Iran reveal a complex interplay between their stated principles and strategic interests. While they emphasize non-involvement in politics, their selective engagement in social movements and international lobbying efforts suggest a nuanced approach aimed at advancing their community’s goals. The “Our Story Is One” campaign underscores their commitment to gender equality but also raises questions about their broader political motivations. This duality has led to skepticism and mistrust among both government authorities and civil society actors, highlighting the challenges the Baha’i community faces in balancing their religious principles with practical considerations in a politically charged environment.
