Opinion: Iran’s bloody protests are just the beginning

Source:Deutsche Welle Date:30Nov2019

The backdrop to the fuel-price hike were very likely severe and urgent budget constraints, which would have jeopardized the payment of salaries to state employees, including various security forces. Here, the dramatic decline of Iran’s oil exports — an indispensable state income — has been instrumental.

Yet, the budget constraints could have been offset by taxing the huge economic conglomerates run by the “religious foundations,” the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, and the Supreme Leader. Instead, the establishment chose to impose austerity measures on a population that has been increasingly impoverished over the last few years, mostly as a result of state policies.

Advantage for Turkey:  Iran’s ability to payroll Assad will decline

Disadvantage:  Exports will decline